How to Write a Book About Your Life 10 Easy Steps to Tell Your Story

How to Write a Book About Your Life 10 Easy Steps to Tell Your Story How to Write a Book About Your Life: 10 Easy Steps to Tell Your Story Do you have an amazing life story you want to know how to write your life story, whether its just for you or so others can learn from you?Writing your life story is a bit of a different process from writing a novel or even writing about someone else.This is your story; rather than developing characters for a made-up story, it’s your personal life you are sharing with readers.It’s a very vulnerable- and worthwhile- form of writing.If you have an incredible true story to tell about your life but aren’t sure where to start on how to write your life story, we can help.Here are the steps for writing a book about your life:Start by journaling or free-writingOutline and organize your notesPick a nonfiction genre to write inResearch for accuracyIdentify characters and perspectiveAdd speculationDetermine the settingRemember the dialoguePrepare for negative pushbackCommit to finishingNOTE: If youre ready to start writing about your lifeand publish your influential story, c heck out our VIP Self-Publishing Program where weve helped thousands do the same, successfully. Learn more about it hereWhy Write a Story About Your LifeMany people think they need to do something massive or be famous in order to write about their livesThats not true at all.In fact, more people can relate to regular, non-famous people and their struggles than they can those who have been in the limelight.The reason writing about your life is important is because you have a story. You have something worth sharing that can actually change the lives of others through your trials and tribulations.Even if youre not ready to write a memoir, you still have something valuable to share- knowledge gained through the years or maybe you just experienced a short, influential event in your life that you believe can help other.No matter what that story is, you can and you should tell it. How to Write a Book About Your Life in 10 Simple StepsSo youve discovered you have something to share with the worldbut what you dont know is how the heck to make it happen.Here are our top tips for writing your life story.#1 Journaling and Free-writingTake a few minutes to free write or journal each day, focusing on one memory. A good writing prompt for this free-write session is to write about a significant 24 hours in your life. This is just to help you get started. The memories written down from this significant moment in your life will be use later to build upon to create your nonfiction narrative.Even if you don’t ultimately use this particular memory in your overall narrative, getting into the habit of writing down memories will benefit you as a writer and help keep those memories fresh.Still feeling stuck? Explore using a nonfiction writing prompt to help you get started.#2 Outline and organizeAfter you’ve written down a variety of memories- whether they’re a part of an overall narrative or a collection of essays- they now need to be organized into a coherent s tory in order to actually write it.Since you’re writing your life story, technically the plotline is already there; it just has to be written down and organized in a manner that will speak to your audience.However, if you are the more organized type and not a â€Å"pantster† like other writers, outlining what memories you want to include in your life story may help get the writing juices flowing.Not only can an outline help you get clear on the message and order youll write your book, it can also help you form writing goals that will set up a writing habit. These are two keys to actually finishing your book.Other writers struggle with writing unless they have an outline or book template, even if it’s a book outline of their own life. It all depends on you, the writer.We have a great video detailing how to outline a book you can check out right here to find a method that works best for you: #3 Pick your genreâ€Å"Creative nonï ¬ ction has become the most pop ular genre in the literary and publishing communities.† Lee Gutkind, What is Creative Nonfiction?There are several book genres that fall under the nonfiction genre: memoirs, essay collections, autobiographies, motivational books, and more.Since you are writing a book about your life, it might feel like you have to put it in the memoir genre, but thats not always the case.In fact, it might hurt your book sales to mislabel your book as a memoir when its actually more of a self-help in a specific category.An example of this is While We Slept by our own coach here at Self-Publishing School, Marcy Pusey.While this author does label this book as a memoir, it also fits in several other categories. These Amazon categories will help you 1) reach a wider audience and 2) help you tell the story in a way that will speak to those readers.If youre struggling to decide whether your book about your life is a memoir or autobiography, this can help:The main difference between memoirs and autob iographies are their focus. Memoirs focus primarily on one specific time, or â€Å"memory† of one’s life, like a battle with a disease, traveling to a foreign country, or adopting a special pet.Autobiographies, or â€Å"biographies of oneself,† focus primarily on your entire life from start to finish- from when you were born until you die, or at least until the current moment in your life with details about achievements or notable moments.Autobiographies also tend to be a bit more factual than creative, though there have been some very well written autobiographies published.What if neither of these makes sense for my book about my life?Maybe you don’t have a specific period in you want to focus on, but don’t necessarily want to tell your entire life story from start to finish. This is where a collection of personal and/or lyrical essays may be more of your style.Think Mindy Kaling’s Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? and Why Not Me? Kaling is still telling her life story, or at least memorable moments in her life story, without necessarily being one complete narrative. Collections of personal essays are like the nonfiction version of a collection of short stories.If you are still uncertain about which nonfiction subgenre to write your life story in, this is a major topic covered in the Self-Publishing School VIP course. They take you through choosing your categories that will help your book sell the most.#4 ResearchRegardless of how you begin writing your life story- with free-writing or outlining- research can help you build on memories to create a fuller story and establish you as a credible writer.Memories are fickle, and we don’t always remember things correctly, especially if you are writing about something that happened many years ago.Researching for a book can seem like a daunting task. In fact, out of all the research you’ll end up doing, only a very small percentage will end up in your story. I n order to find that small percentage, however, you need to do your research.Here are some tips for book research when writing a book about your life:List memories or facts youre not 100% certain aboutAsk family members or others close to you for detailsGet quotes from those people if necessaryWhen writing and you come across something you need to research, simply make a note to research and keep writing so you can write faster#5 Identify characters and perspectiveThe people you have met in your life influenced you in some way, and as such, they will influence how you write your life story as well.Here are some tips to organize these characters for your story:Make a list of people, also known as characters in this case, who you want to include in your storyWrite down their description: physical appearance, age, background,Write down their relationship to you (and if youre close or distant to them)Check out this character bio template from Selfpublishing.com to help flesh these deta ils outThis will assist you in describing them in your narrative through the rule of show dont tell, that way readers can visualize them and understand how they affected your life personally.The only thing you may have to alter is a character’s real name, or names. Changing names can protect a person’s true identity in their story. Unless you have permission to use someone’s true name, change it and include a disclaimer at the beginning of your story. Make a note in your character list of names you change, that way you can keep track of who’s who.Also, just because this is your life story- so technically, it’s told from your point-of-view- doesn’t mean you can’t explore the perspectives of the other characters in your story.Keeping other character’s point-of-view in mind will give your story more dimension, and will help you to avoid a one-sided, train-of-thought narrative.#6 Add speculationUse speculation to fill in gaps in y our life story. Not sure if one of your character’s motivations? Is your memory of the event a bit foggy? Using what you already know, combined with the research you’ve conducted, speculate to the best of your ability.Here is an example of writing speculation:I am not sure why my parents chose to end their marriage after 15 years together. They were always private people, and after their brief announcement to me about their separation, neither of them spoke a word to me about it ever again. Perhaps they were trying to spare me the heartache of the ordeal. I often wonder if my fathers time in the service made him distant from mother; that was the case with me. Maybe my mother, like me, became lonely as a result of that.Words and phrases like perhaps, maybe, and I wonder if show your reader that you, the narrator, are speculating.Try to find creative ways to speculate, as well. You are, in a sense, still telling a true story; youre using what you know to create a hypothe sis about something that is still a mystery to you.If you were to claim this hypothesis were true without facts to back it up, you could get end up in trouble.#7 Determine the settingReaders want to know where your life story took place, or the setting. Like fiction, you need to consider how the setting of this story affected you as a person.Here are some questions to help you discover the setting of your book:Where was this place?What did it look like?Did you enjoy living/visiting there?Do you remember any smells from the area?What was the culture like there?Were you a spectator of that culture or immersed in it?How did the setting contribute to your experience?What mood did that setting elicit?Details like these affected your life tremendously- maybe more than you realize- and therefore must be included in your narrative, just as they would be if this was a fictional story.Not only that, but this helps paint a much clearer picture for your readers and creates a more entertaining experience.#8 Remember the dialogueEven if youre writing a nonfiction book, the dialogue is still crucial.When you forget to write dialoguethe book can end up reading like a very boring textbook.Dialogue is what gives the writing- and the story itself- life.But that leaves the challenge of writing accurate dialogue. Unless you used a tape recorder or video to record a conversation, chances are you’re not going to recall previous conversations word-for-word.Just write down what you remember to the best of your ability, and paraphrase if you must. If you are still on good terms with the person you’re speaking within your memory, try contacting them to be sure that their memory of the conversation is similar to yours. You can even ask them to approve any written dialogue thats in quotes if its not 100% accurate to what was really said.Write dialogue the same way it would be used in a fiction book and remember to use correct dialogue formatting and tags.#9 Prepare for ne gative pushbackNot all of us have sweet stories with cute pets. Sometimes our memories and experiences are on the dark side- for example, The Kiss by Kathryn Harrison.This memoir focuses on the time in the author’s life where she has a sexual (and incestuous) relationship with her father. She received a huge amount of negative reactions to her story.If you are going to write and publish a personal and scandalous true story about your life, steel yourself for these kinds of negative reactions, particularly from those in your life unhappy with you telling the story to begin with.Something this is just a part of becoming an author.Nonfiction writing that isn’t dark in nature is still liable of receiving negative feedback from those who appear in the story, even if their names are changed.Some people may react simply because they were written in the story at all.#10 Commit to finishing your book!Your story can only get out into the world if you commit to not only finishin g your first draft, but publishing your book.If youre ready to commit right now, we have a FREE training to help you through the next (and often most difficult) steps.

USS Arizona (BB-39) at Pearl Harbor

USS Arizona (BB-39) at Pearl Harbor USS Arizona (BB-39) Overview: Nation: United States Type: Battleship Shipyard: Brooklyn Navy Yard Laid Down: March 16, 1914 Launched: June 19, 1915 Commissioned: October 17, 1916 Fate: Sunk December 7, 1941 USS Arizona (BB-39) Specifications: Displacement: 31,400 tons Length: 608 ft. Beam: 106 ft. Draft: 30 ft. Propulsion: 4 propellers driven by Parson steam turbines Speed: 21 knots Range: 9,200 miles at 12 knots Complement: 1,385 men Armament (September 1940) Guns 12 Ãâ€" 14 in. (360 mm)/45 cal guns (4 triple turrets)12 Ãâ€" 5 in./51 cal. guns12 Ãâ€" 5 in./25 cal. anti-aircraft guns Aircraft 2 x aircraft USS Arizona (BB-39) - Design Construction: Approved by Congress on March 4, 1913, USS Arizona was designed as a super-dreadnought battleship. The second and final ship of the Pennsylvania-class, Arizona was laid down at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on March 16, 1914. With World War I raging overseas, work continued on the ship and it was ready for launching the following June. Slipping down the ways on June 19, 1915, Arizona was sponsored by Miss Esther Ross of Prescott, AZ. Over the next year, work progressed as the ships new Parson turbine engines were installed and the rest of its machinery brought on board. An improvement on the earlier Nevada-class, the Pennsylvania-class featured a heavier main armament of twelve 14 guns mounted in four triple turrets as well as a slightly higher speed. The class also saw the US Navys abandonment of vertical triple expansion steam engines in favor of steam turbine technology. More economical, this propulsion system used less fuel oil than its predecessor. In addition, the Pennsylvanias introduced the four engine, four propeller layout that would become standard on all future American battleships. For protection, the two ships of the Pennsylvania-class possessed an advanced four-layer system of armor. This consisted of thin plating, air space, thin plate, oil space, thin plate, air space, followed with a thicker layer of armor nearly ten feet inboard. The theory behind this layout was that the air and oil space would aid in dissipating shell or torpedo explosions. In testing, this arrangement withstood an explosion of 300 lbs. of dynamite. Work on Arizona was completed in late 1916 and the ship was commissioned on October 17 with Captain John D. McDonald in command. USS Arizona (BB-39) - Operations During World War I: Departing New York the following month, Arizona conducted its shakedown cruise off the Virginia Capes and Newport, RI before proceeding south to Guantnamo Bay. Returning to the Chesapeake in December, it conducted torpedo and firing exercises in Tangier Sound. These complete, Arizona sailed for Brooklyn where post-shakedown alterations were made to the ship. With these issues addressed, the new battleship was assigned to Battleship Division 8 (BatDiv 8) at Norfolk. It arrived there on April 4, 1917, only days before the US entered World War I. During the war, Arizona, along with the other oil-fired battleships of the US Navy, remained assigned to the East Coast due to a shortage of fuel oil in Britain. Patrolling the waters between Norfolk and New York, Arizona also served as a gunnery training ship. With the wars conclusion on November 11, 1918, Arizona and BatDiv 8 sailed for Britain. Arriving on November 30, it sortied on December 12 to aid in escorting President Woodrow Wilson, aboard the liner George Washington, into Brest, France for the Paris Peace Conference. This done, it embarked American troops for the voyage home two days later. USS Arizona (BB-39) - The Interwar Years: Arriving off New York on Christmas Eve, Arizona led a naval review into the harbor the next day. After participating in maneuvers in the Caribbean during the spring of 1919, the battleship crossed the Atlantic and reached Brest on May 3. Sailing into the Mediterranean, it arrived off Smyrna (Izmir) on May 11 where it provided protection to American citizens during the Greek occupation of the port. Going ashore, Arizonas Marine detachment aided in guarding the American consulate. Returning to New York in late June, the ship underwent alterations at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. For much of the 1920s, Arizona served in a variety of peacetime roles and moved through assignments with BatDivs 7, 2, 3, and 4. Having been operating in the Pacific, the ship transited the Panama Canal on February 7, 1929 en route to Norfolk for modernization. Entering the yard, it was placed in reduced commission on July 15 as work began. As part of the modernization, Arizonas cage masts were placed with tripod masts topped by three-level fire control tops, alterations were made to its 5 in. guns, and additional armor was added. While in the yard, the ship also received new boilers and turbines. Returning to full commission on March 1, 1931, the ship embarked President Herbert Hoover on the 19th for a cruise to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Following this assignment, post-modernization trials were conducted off the coast of Maine. With this completed, it was assigned to BatDiv 3 at San Pedro, CA. For much of the next decade, the ship operated with the Battle Fleet in the Pacific. On September 17, 1938, it became the flagship of Rear Admiral Chester Nimitzs BatDiv 1. Nimitz remained on board until passing command to Rear Admiral Russell Willson the following year. USS Arizona (BB-39) - Pearl Harbor: Following Fleet Problem XXI in April 1940, the US Pacific Fleet was retained at Pearl Harbor due to increasing tensions with Japan. The ship operated around Hawaii until late summer when it sailed for Long Beach, CA en route to an overhaul at the Puget Sound Navy Yard. Among the work completed were improvements to Arizonas anti-aircraft battery. On January 23, 1941, Willson was relieved by Rear Admiral Isaac C. Kidd. Returning to Pearl Harbor, the battleship took part in a series of training exercises during 1941 before undergoing a brief overhaul in October. Arizona sailed for the final time on December 4 to take part in firing exercises. Returning the next day, it took the repair ship USS Vestal alongside on December 6. The next morning, the Japanese commenced their surprise attack on Pearl Harbor shortly before 8:00 AM. Sounding general quarters at 7:55, Kidd and Captain Franklin van Valkenburgh raced to the bridge. Shortly after 8:00, a bomb dropped by a Nakajima B5N Kate glanced off #4 turret starting a small fire. This was followed by another bomb hit at 8:06. Striking between and to the port of #1 and #2 turrets, this hit ignited a fire which detonated Arizonas forward magazine. This resulted in a massive explosion which destroyed the forward part of the ship and started fires which burned for two days. The explosion killed Kidd and van Valkenburgh, both of whom received the Medal of Honor for their actions. The ships damage control officer, Lieutenant Commander Samuel G. Fuqua, also was awarded the Medal of Honor for his role in fighting the fires and attempting to rescue survivors. As a result of the explosion, fires, and sinking, 1,177 of Arizonas 1,400-man crew were killed. As salvage work began after the attack, it was determined that the ship was a total loss. While the majority of its surviving guns were removed for future use, its superstructure was largely cut down to the waterline. A powerful symbol of the attack, the ships remains was bridged by the USS Arizona Memorial which was dedicated in 1962. The remains of Arizona, which still bleed oil, were designated a National Historic Landmark on May 5, 1989. Selected Sources Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships: USS ArizonaUniversity of Arizona: USS ArizonaNational Park Service: Valor in the Pacific

Contemporary Issues in Consumer Bahaviour Essay

Contemporary Issues in Consumer Bahaviour - Essay Example Within the broader framework of globalisation and market capitalism, consumption choices give special meanings and symbols to individuals that make it attractive to consumers and help develop consumer culture that thrives on consumption. Aldridge’s ‘classification of images of consumers in Western discourses’ therefore indicates restructuring of the social identity based on evolving consumer culture. The notion of consumer discourse is broadly social and refers to consumers’ social practices that are influenced by myriad socio-psychological compulsions which influence his/her consumption pattern. Consumption has emerged as a concept which is market driven and highlights complex relationships between interrelated elements of the market that are intrinsically linked to consumer behaviour. It is distinct in its social identity, social activity and cause. The consumption of commercial goods becomes important because of the role of external environment that tends to impact consumers through rhetorical communication used by producers of goods and services. The various discourses adopted by the market give it a unique perspective that promotes consumer culture defined by new values and based on consumption of goods. Aldridge (2003: 7) analyses the discourse on growing consumption compulsions and investigates the way people are redefining not only their values but also the way they see themselves as consumers in contemporary society. He emphasizes that the images of consumers are need driven but at the same time, those needs are continuously being manipulated by external environment of personal and professional rivalry. Thus, consumers have becomes more conscious of the way they are likely to view themselves and also the way others look at them. He also says that modes of communication like advertisements greatly influence their behavioural pattern and consumption habits.

Homosexuality- Same sex child adoption Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Homosexuality- Same sex child adoption - Essay Example Homosexuals consider it their right to live with the partner of their choice according to their will. But on the other hand, their choice is met with much criticism by religious and social groups who consider this aspect of human nature to be unethical. Homosexuals consider it their right to lead normal lives like other couples and they wish to opt for the completion of their family by adoption. But this issue is also criticized because it is argued that the homosexual parents will not be able to cater the needs of the children and will lay a negative impact on them. The subject of adoption by homosexual groups has been a challenge but these same sex couples have fought for the legalization of their rights and consider a stop on this adoption as an encroachment on their civil liberties and personal lives. The number of children who are being raised in homosexual families has increased to a great level and it has been reported that approximately 270,000 children are living with homosexual parents. There are many methods that are employed by the homosexuals for the purpose of raising children. They opt for methodologies which include artificial insemination for lesbian mothers, surrogate mothers for gay couples or adoption. It is not an easy option for them as it is for heterosexuals owing to the arrangements that they need to make before the process of adoption. Furthermore, they have to go through legal proceedings which also do not guarantee of the fact that whether they would be allowed to adopt the child or not (National Center for Lesbian Rights (U.S.). 2004; Perrin 2002). The raising of children by homosexuals is an issue of stereotyping. A woman in the United Kingdom who had to lose custody of her children owing to her addiction was shocked when she heard that her children were being adopted by gays. The grandparents of the children as well as other relatives were not very happy with this decision. They

Advantages of television Essay Example for Free

Advantages of television Essay Television is as much a part of everyday life as eating and drinking. It is in fact a very natural part of daily life. 94 percent of European households own a television and make TV viewing an integral part of their day (*). Whether it is together with friends and family, in between and parallel to other activities (while cooking, while ironing etc. ) or as part of a moment alone while relaxing, TV plays a central role in most people’s lives. As such TV advertising is a powerful communication tool and as much a part of television viewing, as the programmes themselves. Television is as much a part of everyday life as eating and drinking. It is in fact a very natural part of daily life. 94 percent of European households own a television and make TV viewing an integral part of their day (*). Whether it is together with friends and family, in between and parallel to other activities (while cooking, while ironing etc. ) or as part of a moment alone while relaxing, TV plays a central role in most people’s lives. As such TV advertising is a powerful communication tool and as much a part of television viewing, as the programmes themselves. Television is as much a part of everyday life as eating and drinking. It is in fact a very natural part of daily life. 94 percent of European households own a television and make TV viewing an integral part of their day (*). Whether it is together with friends and family, in between and parallel to other activities (while cooking, while ironing etc. ) or as part of a moment alone while relaxing, TV plays a central role in most people’s lives. As such TV advertising is a powerful communication tool and as much a part of television viewing, as the programmes themselves. Television is as much a part of everyday life as eating and drinking. It is in fact a very natural part of daily life. 94 percent of European households own a television and make TV viewing an integral part of their day (*). Whether it is together with friends and family, in between and parallel to other activities (while cooking, while ironing etc. ) or as part of a moment alone while relaxing, TV plays a central role in most people’s lives. As such TV advertising is a powerful communication tool and as much a part of television viewing, as the programmes themselves. Television is as much a part of everyday life as eating and drinking. It is in fact a very natural part of daily life. 94 percent of European households own a television and make TV viewing an integral part of their day (*). Whether it is together with friends and family, in between and parallel to other activities (while cooking, while ironing etc. ) or as part of a moment alone while relaxing, TV plays a central role in most people’s lives. As such TV advertising is a powerful communication tool and as much a part of television viewing, as the programmes themselves. Television is as much a part of everyday life as eating and drinking. It is in fact a very natural part of daily life. 94 percent of European households own a television and make TV viewing an integral part of their day (*). Whether it is together with friends and family, in between and parallel to other activities (while cooking, while ironing etc. ) or as part of a moment alone while relaxing, TV plays a central role in most people’s lives. As such TV advertising is a powerful communication tool and as much a part of television viewing, as the programmes themselves.

The Develoment of the Horror Genre Essay -- essays research papers fc

The term Gothic is significant for the understanding of the origins and development of the horror genre. Both of these genres differ, whilst Gothic literature is the text that explores the frightening extremes in mankind, horror focuses more on the unknown. The Gothic horror genre has changed over time and retains importance because it is the antecedent of the horror genre. Factors such as the definition of the word Gothic, the archetypes of the genre, and its social and historical contexts, have altered considerably as time progressed. The value and popularity given to the gothic horror genre has also varied during the past few centuries. As a result, in order to understand the horror genre’s foundations, it is important to observe the Gothic novel’s modifications. Horror stories have existed for thousands of years, initially in the form of verbal communication. The themes of ruthless enemies and supernatural beings were common themes in myths in an attempt to set morals. However, at present, the true horror literature in its written form mostly aims to entertain. Its forerunner, the Gothic novel, rose in the eighteenth century and was extremely popular until the nineteenth century in England. The meaning of ‘gothic’ varies exceedingly. The word initially refers to German tribes that took part in overthrowing Rome. This word can be perceived as a synonymous for barbarous and dreadful. Similarly, the horror genre also has factors of monstrosity and dread. The â€Å"Gothic† style of architecture was famous in the middle ages and has been found on many cathedrals such as Notre Dame. Historians would describe this style as â€Å"gothic† to suggest their negative opinion of the architecture, that it was tasteless and dry. Instead of conforming to this perception, people were only led to believe the word to mean â€Å"dark and ominous†. Gothic architecture, with the foreboding atmosphere posed around it, correlates with the Gothic novel because it has been a prevalent backdrop to gothic novels in the 19th century, such as Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. These Gothic horror stories were some of the first examples of the horror genre, and are therefore vital for the understanding this field. In its historical context, the gothic horror genre is believed to have emerged as a response to a time of rational thought, the Enlightenment or the Age of Reason. This intellectual movement a... ...tablished in the modern horror genre, thus it is practical to observe the archetypes of the Gothic novel as well. This allows the responders to grasp a better understanding of the origins of horror elements. It is therefore evident that the Gothic horror genre has evolved a great deal over the past two hundred years or so. The Gothic novel has affected the horror genre because of the intrigue created with the intense emotions and aspects of human nature. This as a result creates Gothic horror, similar to the horror genre but instead plays on the horrifying attributes of the radical human mind rather than the dread of the unknown and the irregular. In order to become more aware regarding the origins of the horror genre, it is important to understand the progress of the Gothic. It is notable to recognise the meaning of the term, its changing values, historical context and the varying archetypes of the Gothic novel in order to become acquainted with the horror genre’s development. Bibliography: http://academic.brooklyn.cuny.edu/english/melani/gothic/history.html http://www.wwnorton.com/nael/romantic/topic_2/welcome.htm http://cai.ucdavis.edu/waters-sites/gothicnovel/155breport.html

Blood Diamond Essay

The realization that there is always something bad mixed with good hit her like a tornado as she watched the movie Blood Diamond. Unconsciously she fingered the stone on her finger and wished she had not worn it. She had to blink back the tears stinging her eyes as she saw children being put to work at alluvial mines, and other workers being amputated and killed for sport. I almost choked with guilt when I remembered how I had gaily remarked, ‘Diamonds are forever,’ when my friend showed me the diamond ring her boyfriend had gotten her. We were not giggling anymore when we saw a World Vision quote†¦ ‘amputation is forever. ’ On seeing the movie, we decided that we had to do something about the conflict diamond issue. We felt so bad about not getting information concerning the origin off the diamond my friend wore, we would never know for sure whether it was a conflict diamond or not. Blood diamond and conflict diamonds are more or less synonymous terms. The UN defines a conflict diamond as a â€Å"diamond whose origin is an area which is controlled by forces that are opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments. The diamonds are used to finance military action to oppose the government of the day or to contravene the decisions of security council (UN,www. un. org/peace/Africa/Diamond html) Most of these diamonds have their origin in Africa with countries like Sierra leone, Liberia, Angola and DR Congo being among those most affected. Though diamonds are mined in Liberia, it offers more of a marketing and ‘supporting point’ role for the Blood Diamond trade. Civil wars in Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone are funded with diamonds that have been smuggled into Liberia which are later sold and the cash is used to purchase ammunition, guns and other weapons. Liberia has imposed some violence of its own lasting 8 years killing around 200,000and displaying thousands more (Stop Blood Diamond Organization, 2007). Reports by Amnesty International and Global Witness show that there are areas in Liberia where diamond are still mined and traded which are controlled by rebels. Worse, these have been report of links between the infamous alqaida and Liberia (Amnesty USA,2007). The 9/11 attacks have been linked to funds and weapons associated with the diamond mines of Sierra Leone. The diamonds are usually mined by civilians who are used as slaves after being caught as prisoners. The civilians, children included, work in poor conditions and are punished brutally for the slightest error. Killing for sport and amputation are regular occurrences. (Stop Blood Diamonds Organization, 2007). Some of the abducted children eventually become child soldiers. John Lahia, a 15 year old child soldier was among the victims of the war that has led to starvation, disease and war wounds for many refugees. He was wounded by an exploding rocket-propelled geradeand died of a tetanus infection, far away from medical aid that would have otherwise saved his life. The Revolutionary United Front(RUF) medics left him lying in a backwater hospital with his wounds taped for lack of better medical means to treat him. This too will be the likely fate of other combatants and all this because of the greed for diamond (Campbell,2007). A sure way to eradicate conflict diamond is to end conflict areas. Peacekeeping that aims at apprehension and removal of rebels without violation of human rights of civilians can be used to achieve this. Inernational agencies need to focus on ending hostilities so diamond production can return to the hands of the government; this will enable the countries in question to benefit from rather than be torn apart by their diamond mines. In 1999, the UN deployed a mission to deal with the problem of conflict diamonds. The Kimberly cerrtification scheme requires provision of a certificate of origin for diamonds. The aim is to cut off flow of diamonds from illegitimate sources. This process however has several shortcomings. The certificates can be forged, many diamonds can be smuggled into a dean country and even when certificates are real the officials may have been bribed. This is a reality especially because in most of the war torn countries poverty and suffering are rife. Most people will only be too glad to line their pockets with the bribes offered. Sensitizing the American Public on issues to do with conflict diamonds is another strategy. This has already began especially in the entertainment industry with such movies as Dicaprios Blood Dianond and James Bond Die another Day and Kanye West’s song, ‘Diamond are Forever’. Further flooding of the public with more information through as many avenues as possible will ensure that people are aware of the origin and human terror and suffering that comes with some diamonds. This will in turn create a low market for the diamonds, slowing down the flux of diamonds into the country. In the present situation, supply of diamond and human suffering in the country of origin have a direct correlation, decreasing supply from illegitimate sources will consequently lead to a decrease in suffering of the Africa children and civilians affected. US contributes 70%of the worlds diamond trade making it a leading customer of diamond. (VOA News, 2007). The US therefore has a role in spearheading the fight against conflict diamond. The government should insist on strengthening the Kimberley process and the Clean Diamond Trade Act. By providing more forceful support, technical aid and financial aid. African countries can be assisted to develop the Kimbeley process such that its effect is felt by the corrupt officials and rebels overseeing mining of blood diamond. The Government Accountability office has had several proposal which include spot checks of diamond companies and tracking of rough diamonds inside and outside the country of origin. (Globalwitness, 2007). These need application and immediate application. Regular checking of the progress of US wagh diamond trade statistics Is an important evaluation tool for the effect of blood diamond and assessment of how the problem is being combated. Though my friend and I are not sure of the origins of the diamond she wears on her finger we are more knowledgeable about conflict diamonds. As a result our circle of friends also know more and now most of our college is no longer ignorant about the issue. Through our campaigns we encourage people to ask about the origin of the diaomonds they are just about to buy. This means that as a nation we are thinking about and doing something in consideration of the people whose lives have been lost in the diamond trade. REFERENCES Amnesty USA Conflict Diamond retrived from www. amnestyusa. org/new/doc/diamonds-survey-text. pdf Campbell G. Blood Diamonds, Amnesty Magazine retrieved from www. amnestyusa. org/amnestynw/diamond s. html Conflict Diamond retrieved from Www. un. org/peace/Africa/Diamond. html Globalwitness, Combating conflict Diamonds,retrieved Sep 1 2007 from http://www. globalwitness. orga/pages/en/conflictdiamonds. html Stop Blood Diamond Organization, Stop Blood Diamond, conflict Diamond in Africa retrieved from www. stopblooddiamonds. org/children-of-Africa. asp VOA News US cogress Tackle Blood Diamond trade retrieved sep 1, 2007 from www. voanews. can/english/archive/2002-02/a-2002-02-4-2-us. cfm. World vision, Stop the Trade in Blood Diamond, retrieved sep 1 2007 from Worldvision. org/worldvision/stable/globalissues-conflictdiamond.

Chapter Paper

Chapter III – Methodology A. Materials Materials| Quantity| Amount| Talbos ng Kamote (Ipomoea batatas) leaves| 5 – 10| -| Rubbing Alcohol| 1 bottle| P 15| Okra| 5| P 10| Lemon| 1| P 12| Recycled Bottle| 1| -| Bowl and spoon| 1| -| water| 1 glass| -| Container| 1| -| -| -| Total: P 37| B. Procedure Slice two Okras into 4 pieces. Put a glass of water and the okra into an empty container. Leave it for a day. After a day, squeeze the Okras and get its extract. Put it on the bowl. Get the seeds of the Okra using the spoon.After that, get the extract of the leaves by chopping the Talbos ng Kamote (Ipomoea batatas) leaves into smaller pieces and squeezing it. Mix it with the gel. Put a spoonful of Alcohol. And squeeze the lemon fruit for fragrance. Put all the mixed ingredients in to a bottle. Chapter V – Conclusion and Recommendations A. Conclusion The researchers established different facts that Antibacterial Herbal Hand Sanitizer can be an alternative for water and s oap in killing bacteria or germs in our hands.It is very effective in cleaning our hand. The researchers concluded that Talbos ng Kamote (Ipomoea batatas) can be used as the main ingredient in making an antibacterial herbal sanitizer, lemon fruit add fragrance in our output and with the help of rubbing alcohol. The researchers are very confident that the product became successful. B. Recommendations The researchers recommend you to make this hand sanitizer. This hand sanitizer is very useful to each one of us. This can help you to fight germs in your hands.The hand sanitizer is not hard to make. It is very handy and it can be an accessory to your bag. In analyzing the result that the researchers made, the researchers recommend you some instructions to come up with a better result. Lessen the rubbing alcohol and put more okra extract to make your sanitizer jelly. Make sure that the recycled bottles have been thoroughly cleaned in soapy water so that the other dirt are gone. This just looks better to have no mixture with old and new ones.

Competitive Advantage of Jollibee Essay Example

Competitive Advantage of Jollibee Essay Example Competitive Advantage of Jollibee Essay Competitive Advantage of Jollibee Essay 1. ) How was Jollibee able to build its dominant position in fast food in the Philippines? What sources of competitive advantage it was able to develop against McDonald’s in its home market? Ans. ) Jollibee was able to coup up very well during the oil crisis in 1977 with their innovative ideas. They have forecasted that the surge in oil price will have direct and adverse effect on the ice cream sector since the production costs are much higher for Ice cream business, thus they have migrated to Burgers. This idea of moving to a new segment has clearly shown the ability of the decisive management team to act sharp at times of market crisis. The way in which the strategic decisions are carried out during this period was remarkable. It has defeated the existing cut-throat competitor Mc Donald’s and leading foreign investors at that time by producing more at a cheaper available price in the market. They have invested their cash flow much on the production and delivered products that are delicious to the major customer base. The sales has grown tremendously which led to claim the dominance in the market and has become a leading brand passing ahead of McDonald’s. They took over Greenwich Pizza to enhance their market strengths by a way of consolidation and had a JV with DeliFrance. The approach was rational in the beginning days and they have studied the pulse of the American customer by introducing big burgers to counter Big Mac’s. The credit is to be awarded to the expert management team who has done intense R D of the market and planned their finances accordingly. Even though a new brand in the market in has stood firm to the rough waves of its competitor without giving any chance of tarnishing their brand value and market share. Sources of Competitive advantage: The major source was being the new and first of its kind competitor to the existing big brands in Philippines and attracting the customers with their products in delivering customer specific requirements, tastes and preferences. One interesting learning here is that Jollibee being a new entrant in the market has attracted the customers by understanding their tastes, which McDonald’s was unable to get hold of. It’s small in number and has hit the right button of â€Å"Customer Satisfaction† as per the region preferences. It was so flexible that a big brand like McDonald’s couldn’t withstand the variety of items Filipinos prefer in their menu list attracting the locals with reasonable prices. The timeliness and strategic analysis of the market is the key to its huge success in Philippines. 2. ) How would you evaluate Tony Kitchner’s effectiveness as the first head of Jollibee’s international division? Does his broad strategic thrust make sense? How effectively did he develop the organization to implement his priorities? Ans. ) As the first head of Jollibee kitchner has a vivid and vibrant focus on generating a huge brand value culminating in to a world class company, he has the attention to detail at all minor aspects of the business ranging from the dress code, vision, research of individual markets, local markets, plans for strategic menus at different segments of the markets as per the local preferences are well planned. Opening of Franchise service Managers was a fantastic design, it has helped organizing the operational activities in a better and easy way in which proper control and management takes place centrally leading to commotion among the teams. Regular updates from regional level managers has boosted this system to overcome the negative feedbacks and rectify the same with immediate effect. Kitchner’s thinking of fast-mover advantages in the industry was very much adaptable that needs immediate attention and wide spread expansion. In terms of marketing this idea has helped attract wide range of customers as the system believes that advertisement and promotion plays crucial role in brand recognition and awareness among the people about the brand. The plan was so dynamic that it gets flexible as per the market segment and the targeted audience which led to the success of this strategy due to its progressive outlay. He developed strategies and that were implemented efficiently and effectively to make an international brand by forming international division. There were many criterion upon which it has reached to the existing volumes viz. dress code, catchy slogans, store ambience, packing, labelling and marketing. Administering right decisions at the right time was the key to the success of this business by hiring efficient managers who are experts in their respective fields and areas, and has made sure that it won’t hit the mistakes doe by its competitor. 3. ) As Noli Tingzon, how would you deal with the three options described at the end of the case? How would you implement your decision? Ans. Papua new Guinea, Hongkong and California were the 2 new regions given to the new international manager for further expanding Jollibee. The best option in my view for Tingzon is to have franchise in California rather than the other two, reason being CA has better market condition vis-a-vis other 2 regions. Daly city has very less foreign fast food chain competition which can be a value addition to the franchise to get hold of the base market opportunity. Moreover CA has more Filipino population compared to the other 2 regions as per the data available and most of the immigrants from Phillipines are working professionals. Thus they are economically rich and are suitable for purchasing their products of JFC, which was learnt from the previous experiences in the Middle east region. The menu may be designed as per the Filipino preferences and there will be reduced last minute changes to the order unlike ME experiences. Since, the CA option looks greener from the initial research perspective but at the same time we should undermine the other two options at this point of time. IF the franchise wants to attract a wider customer base of various cultures and nationalities the JFC should change the menu accordingly to fit into the vast culturally diverse regions like HK and PNG, if it has the plans to open stores in these regions. Tingzon should also focus on creating awareness among the customer about their products through a well-structured promotion plan through local digital media houses to print media. This will give the needed information about the new launch of the franchise to the wider customer needs.

Red-Eyed Tree Frog Facts

Red-Eyed Tree Frog Facts The red-eyed tree frog (Agalychnis callidrayas) is a small, non-poisonous tropical frog. The scientific name of the frog derives from the Greek words kalos (beautiful) and dryas (wood nymph). The name refers to the frogs vibrant coloration. Fast Facts: Red-Eyed Tree Frog Scientific Name: Agalychnis callidryasCommon Name: Red-eyed tree frogBasic Animal Group: AmphibianSize: 2-3 inchesWeight: 0.2-0.5 ouncesLifespan: 5 yearsDiet: CarnivoreHabitat: Central AmericaPopulation: AbundantConservation Status: Least Concern Description The red-eyed tree frog is a small arboreal species. Adult males are smaller (2 inches) than adult females (3 inches). Adults have orange-red eyes with verticals slits. The frogs body is bright green with blue and yellow stripes on the sides. The species has webbed feet with orange or red toes. The toes have sticky pads that help the animals stick to leaves and branches. Habitat and Distribution Red-eyed tree frogs live in humid climates in trees near ponds and rivers in southern Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. They occur from Veracruz and Oaxaca in Mexico to Panama and northern Columbia. The frogs have a relatively narrow temperature range requirement, so they only live in the rain forests and lowlands. Ideally, they require a daytime temperature from 75 to 85  °F (24 to 29  Ã‚ °C) and nighttime temperature from 66 to 77  Ã‚ °F (19 to 25  Ã‚ °C). Red-eyed tree frog distribution. Darekk2 Diet Tree frogs are insectivores that mainly hunt at night. They feed upon flies, crickets, grasshoppers, moths, and other insects. They are preyed upon by dragonflies, fish, snakes, monkeys, birds, and a variety of other predators. They are also susceptible to fungal infections. Behavior The frogs red eyes are used for a startle display called deimatic behavior. During the day, the frog camouflages itself by flattening its body against a leaf bottom so only its green back is exposed. If the frog is disturbed it flashes its red eyes and reveals its colored flanks and feet. The coloring may surprise a predator long enough for the frog to escape. While some other tropical species are poisonous, camouflage and the startle display are the red-eyed tree frogs only defense. Tree frogs use vibration to communicate. Males quiver and shake leaves to mark territory and attract females. During the day, the frog folds its colored legs beneath it. If disturbed, it opens its eyes to startle predators. Ferdinando valverde / Getty Images Reproduction and Offspring Mating occurs from autumn to early spring, during the peak rainfall period. Males gather around a body of water and make a chack call to attract a mate. The egg-laying process is called amplexus. During amplexus, the female carries one or more males on her back. She draws water into her body to use to lay a clutch of around 40 gel-like eggs on a leaf overhanging water. The best-positioned male fertilizes the eggs externally. If the eggs are not disturbed, they hatch within six to seven days, dropping the tadpoles into the water. However, red-eyed tree frog eggs exhibit a strategy called phenotypic plasticity, in which eggs hatch early if their survival is threatened. Tree frogs lay their eggs on leaves over water. The tadpoles fall into the water when they hatch.  ©Juan Carlos Vindas / Getty Images The yellow-eyed, brown tadpoles remain in the water for a few weeks to months, depending on environmental conditions. They change to adult colors after metamorphosis. The red-eyed tree frog lives about five years in the wild. The species will breed in captivity in a high-humidity environment with tropical plants, controlled lighting (11-12 hours daylight), and controlled temperature (26 to 28  Ã‚ °C day and 22 to 35  Ã‚ °C night). Breeding is initiated by simulating a rainy season. Captive-bred frogs often live longer than five years. Conservation Status Due to its large habitat range and protected status in some areas, the IUCN classifies the species as Least Concern. Red-eyed tree frogs are also abundant in captivity. However, the species does face challenges from deforestation, pollution, and pet trade collection. In the wild, the frogs population is decreasing. Sources Badger, David P. Frogs. Stillwater (Minn.): Voyageur Press, 1995. ISBN 9781610603911.Caldwell, Michael S.; Johnston, Gregory R.; McDaniel, J. Gregory; Warkentin, Karen M. Vibrational Signaling in the Agonistic Interactions of Red-Eyed Treefrogs. Current Biology. 20 (11): 1012–1017, 2010. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2010.03.069Savage, Jay M. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Costa Rica: A Herpetofauna Between Two Continents, Between Two Seas. University of Chicago Press, 2002. ISBN 0-226-73537-0.Solà ­s, Frank; Ibà ±ez, Roberto; Santos-Barrera, Georgina; Jungfer, Karl-Heinz; Renjifo, Juan Manuel; Bolaà ±os, Frederico. Agalychnis callidryas. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN. 2008: e.T55290A11274916. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2008.RLTS.T55290A11274916.enWarkentin, Karen M. The development of behavioral defenses: a mechanistic analysis of vulnerability in red-eyed treefrog hatchlings. Behavioral Ecology. 10 (3): 251–262. 1998. doi:10.1093/beheco/10.3.251

What are the effects in the job market when women are less educated Research Paper

What are the effects in the job market when women are less educated than man - Research Paper Example As a result, these women, should they be forced by need to work, will be confined to low productivity and income jobs. Women, up to now, are still vastly overrepresented among unpaid workers or in the informal sector. As education and experience are valuable inputs to productivity and earnings, non-diversification of the human capital deeply impacts the rate of economic development. Education is widely recognized as the prerequisite to economic security and opportunity. In analysis, the state of diversification in the job market presupposes the condition that there is no enhanced creativity in limited viewpoints as women is often not in the equation. This creates a narrow selection in the existing talent pool that often stagnates growth. The job market will negate a picture of strength as there would be less demand for labor without diversified aptitudes and abilities in its workforce. It will also have less ability to demand higher absolute and relative wages as job specialization would be diminished. A relatively weak job market ultimately prevents the increase in employment which would be accompanied by slow economic growth and perpetuates further market and institutional failures (World Bank, 2012). World Bank. (2012). Gender Difference in Employment and Why They Matter. Retrieved October 15, 2012, from World Development Report 2012: Gender Equality and Development:

Review of the movie full metal jacket and relate it to the book The Essay

Review of the movie full metal jacket and relate it to the book The Vietnam war 1945 - 1990 by marilyn young - Essay Example The film is set in the 1967 Vietnamese war. It is structured in two parts. The first part of the movie is in a boot camp at Parris Island. A group of new US marine corps arrive at the boot camp for basic training. When they arrive at the camp, they are first made to shave their heads before they proceed to meeting Gunnery Sergeant Hartman, who is their senior drill instructor. The main agenda of sending the new recruits to the boot camp is to prepare them for the war. Hartman therefore uses extremely harsh tactics to train the marine corps. The draconian, or harsh tactics are aimed at turning the marines in to hardened soldiers that are ready and fit for combat. The three main marines from the new recruits group are privates â€Å"Cowboy†, â€Å"Joker†, and â€Å"Gomer Pyle†. Private ‘Gomer Pyle† earns the nickname after the wrath of sergeant Hartman befalls on him. Hartman’s continued efforts to discipline Pyle are not fruitful. He therefore o pts for pairing the private with Joker. After the two are paired, Pyle’s performance at the boot camp begins to improve. However, Hartman finds a contraband jelly doughnut in Pyle’s foot locker. It is against the rules of the camp to have such paraphernalia. What happens next is that Hartman advances his punishment towards Pyle because he believes that his peers are not helping him reform as much as the Sergeant would want. From that particular moment, the whole platoon is punished for the mistakes that Pyle does. The drill master makes it worse by passing that Pyle himself will not be punished for his mistakes. The platoon realizes that they will be constantly punished if they do not help in reforming their fellow marine. They throw a blanket party for the lad; they restrain him to his bunk,and give him a beating using bars of soap that have been wrapped up with towels. The torture is their way of retaliating to the suggestion of Hartman. This torture tactic works and Pyle reforms to a model marine. However, he exemplifies withdrawal symptoms as a result of the beating that he receives because he begins to make conversation with his riffle. The marine corps finally graduate and are given their Military Occupational Specialty. During their last night at the camp, Joker finds Pyle in the bathroom loading his riffle and reciting the Rifleman’s creed. Joker tries to calm him down but the commotion wakes up the whole platoon together with Hartman. Unfortunately, Pyle kills Hartman after he tries to confront him to surrender and then commits suicide. In the first part of the movie, Kubrick puts the viewer in the place where they feel like they are part of the whole training process. He highlights how the naive marines are slowly transformed through the rigorous training process. Kubrick also maintains a certain athleticism in the film through the obstacle courses and the chants the sergeant makes the marines to repeat. It also highlights the ps ychological effects that the whole training process can have on a marine, as exemplified by the eventualities of Pyle’s discipline from both Hartman and the other marines. The second part of the movie is in the rubble that was Hue. The Marine Corps kids-turned-killers are now in the battle ground. It is in January of 1968; Joker is now a sergeant and is a marine war correspondent for stars and stripes. At the base where Joker is a correspondent, there is a Private first class marine, Rafterman, who is a combat