History of the Panama Canal and its long-range consequences of Research Paper

History of the Panama Canal and its long-range consequences of American acquisition and ownership of the canal on Panama - Research Paper Example This paper purports to analyze the history of the Panama Canal and implications of its construction and ownership by the USA. The author believes that the construction of the Panama Canal was driven mainly by the greater geopolitical considerations of the Roosevelt Administration. The further analysis will aim at expounding and broadening exactly this point. 2. General Body a. Early History Even though the existence of narrow isthmus between the Atlantic and the Pacific had been known since 1513, when the expedition of Vasco Nunez de Balboa saw the Pacific for the first time1, no serious attempts to dig a permanent waterway through the isthmus were made by the Spanish authorities. Nevertheless, the use of the Panama Isthmus for the transportation of the loads of gold by land from the Spanish colonies of South America to the Atlantic coast foreshadowed the future role of the place as an important transportation hub2. i) The Scottish Attempt The unlikely competitors to the Spanish pred ominance in the region were actually the first to conceive the possibility of using the Isthmus of Panama for the purposes of interoceanic trade. The desperation of the Scottish traders at their country’s inability to compete efficiently with the greater maritime powers led them to contemplate the prospects of establishing trade colony near the Isthmus in order to engage in lucrative transit trade with the countries of Far East, shipping their goods from one ocean to another3. Unfortunately, this so-called ‘Darien scheme’, which consisted of brief attempt at establishing a settlement a two additional failed expeditions in 1698-1699 was doomed to failure from the very outset: not only were the merchants that provided initial capital for this venture unable to sustain long-term expenses4, but also the harsh natural conditions of the place led to the virtual epidemic among the settlers, and in the end this colonial adventure turned out to be a manifest failure. For the next century, there were no comparable ambitious projects for exploiting the narrow Isthmus of Panama in interoceanic trade. The first scientifically grounded proposal for the construction of the Canal that was to unite two oceans was expounded by famous scientist and traveler Alexander Humboldt5. From his travels in Central America, he came to believe that it was possible to start the construction of permanent waterway in nine locations, including Panama, though he evidently thought that the territory of Nicaragua was more suitable for such an endeavor6. Humboldt’s judgment on the feasibility of interoceanic canal project marked the beginning of ‘Panama fever’ that was to reach its peak in the second half of the nineteenth century. ii) The Panama Railway The first involvement of the USA in the affairs of Panama and its attempts to secure the territory there for its commercial purposes dates back to this period as well. While it was Thomas Jefferson who first among American statesmen envisaged the possibility of inter-Isthmus canal as early as 17887, the USA was for the first time involved in the canal project in 1826, when the government of Grand Colombia asked both the USA and Great Britain to

Educating Youth in Developing Countries

Educating Youth in Developing Countries John W. Gardner, former United States Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare stated: Much education today is monumentally ineffective. All too often we are giving young people cut flowers when we should be teaching them to grow their own plants (http://thinkexist.com/quotes/john_w._gardner/). Gardners statement expresses the necessity to educate children thoroughly by providing them with skills to harvest their own self-improvement. These skills include leadership, teamwork, confidence and responsibility. Many worldwide organizations focus on youth development through education. Children are the generation most capable of carrying out positive changes such as peace, development, and equity, due to time and materials being in their favor. When youth are given the means to educate themselves and acquire leadership skills, they are provided with an opportunity to make a positive contribution to their global society. Programs that focus on youth education and development through organized activity are popular in developed and developing countries. Organizations range from summer camps to after school programs to international teaching initiatives. I work for an organization called Youth Leadership Camps Canada that specializes in working with children ages 5-18 in an outdoor recreational environment to aid in their leadership development. Our staff is trained in various recreation techniques including games facilitation, high ropes and waterfront activities, teamwork initiative tasks, and reflection in order to effectively convey important leadership and self-improvement techniques to children and teens. Through working at YLCC, I have discovered that play is an effective way to teach leadership skills in a practical and engaging manner. Children absorb concepts quickly through experience, and active learning helps them gain the confidence to lead among their peers when given the opportunity. I have seen positive results and growth in children and teens that are vision impaired, children with mental development issues, children who are labeled at risk and children who are labeled average and above average in their development. My experience working at YLCC has fueled my curiosity to discover similar programs and research their methods and levels of success. This research paper will explore factors influencing the need for development among third-world youth; recreational education as a proven method of equipping youth with essential skills; programs that educate youth through activity, and criticisms of such programs. Factors Influencing the Need for Youth Development When discussing the importance of rehabilitating and teaching youth, it is necessary to evaluate their living conditions and the factors that influence their need for development. Many children in developing countries live in undesirable conditions, suffering poverty and starvation, low success in school, and negligence from parents. Michael Justesen and Dorte Verners book titled Factors Impacting Youth Development in Haiti discusses the state of matters among Haitian youth: A series of factors predisposes a large proportion of youth to poverty, school dropout, 3 unemployment, early sexual initiation, teen pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, sexual and physical abuse, crime and violence, substance abuse and drug dealing, and social exclusion (Justesen, M; Verner, D. 2007:3). Determining the factors that propel youth to unhealthy and unfulfilling conditions allows one to begin to develop a solution to the problem. According to Justesen and Verner, the sources of youth development hindrances are rooted in several aspects: In many households absence of the father or both parents, drug abuse, pressure for female adolescents to bear children, and domestic violence contribute to the challenges young people face on a daily basis (2007:3). Addressing and understanding these factors and their sources is necessary if one has the intention to work with youth and help them to work toward self-improvement. The World Banks Country Study titled Caribbean Youth Development discusses three factors contributing to the need for youth development: individual characteristics, microenvironment, and macro environment. (The World Bank. 2003: 28-42) Individual characteristics refer to the character and qualities of the person in question. For example, the study refers to the levels of self-esteem and feelings of rage among youth in the Caribbean (2003: 28). Youth who experience rage are more likely to engage in crime and violence, or use drugs, alcohol and tobacco. (2003: 28) More than half of children who display rage-like behavior in the Caribbean have been either sexually or physically abused (2003: 29). Microenvironment and macro environment refer to factors such as parental and 4 community influence, and economic situations and position in society, respectively. (2003: 30, 37) Institutions and individuals with whom youth make contact are very powerful influences in their lives (2003: 35). Direct connection with members of their microenvironment can play a role in a youths development, and the individual demeanor they will adopt. Macro environment concerns itself with factors that determine a persons circumstance, such as gender or economic situation (2003: 37). The three aforementioned factors cover varying aspects of a youths life, addressing elements both within and beyond an individuals control. Despite records that certain factors lead to disagreeable living conditions, hope remains that Haitian youth, and others to follow, will rise above their troubles and work as leaders, if given the proper direction: Haitis history, combined with the countrys social and poverty indicators, show that youth should be seen not as a problem, but as a product of the family and community environment and therefore should be treated as a potential solution to Haitis development challenges (2007: 3), This statement advocates the idea of developing youth through education and leadership, allowing them to be agents of change in their own lives and in their communities. Recreation and Youth: Connections and Results People have participated in sport and recreation for hundreds of years, from simple game play in the schoolyard, to worldwide Olympic events. According to Martha Ewings article, The Role of Sports in Youth Development, Children learn 5 moral behaviour from engaging with others, watching the behaviour of others, and/or being taught ethical behaviour (Ewing, M.E et al. 2002:37). In this sense, ethical behaviour can be acquired through active learning in an interactive team environment. Ewings article suggests that youth can learn moral behaviour and build character through participation in sport. Specifically, Ewing mentions that in studying children and their participation in physical education, it has been proposed that children (a) develop physical skillsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦(b) improve fitness; (c) learn social and emotional skills; (d) develop moral values; and (e) acquire a better sense of self through increased perceived competence, self-esteem and self-confidence (2002: 31). The essential skills gained from participation in sport work as an agent toward youth development and provide a solution from troublesome conditions. Through sports and team activities, children learn self-sufficiency, co-operation, and begin t o believe that they are capable of being leaders. Recreational programs are sometimes government funded and provided within schools, while others are non-governmental and extra-curricular, such as summer camp. Camp is often presented in the media as simply a place for children to have fun in the outdoors. However, summer camp provides youth with an opportunity to extend their personal boundaries, be active, make connections, and gain confidence through learning new skills and interacting with others. Christopher Thurbers study Youth Development Outcomes of the Camp Experience: Evidence for 6 Multidimensional Growth discusses the technique for youth development used by summer camps: Promoting the healthy development of young people adheres to two complementary theoretical orientations. Prevention Science (e.g., Greenberg et al., 2003; Nation et al., 2003) aims to identify at-risk populations and alter individual characteristics that are precursors to unhealthy behaviors, such as school failure, drug use, and violence. Positive Youth Development (e.g., Catalano, Berglund, Ryan, Lonczak, and Hawkins, 2002; Larson, 2000) also seeks to reduce unhealthy behaviors, but by fostering the individual, social, and environmental characteristics-such as positive identity, social competence, and independence-that promote healthy development. Viewing young people as assets rather than liabilities also reflects the trend toward studying positive psychology and resiliency (e.g., Seligman, 2003; Werner and Smith, 2001), rather than focusing narrowly on pathology and risk (Thurber, C.A, et al. 2006: 241). According to this study, summer camps break their education methods down into two categories. They evaluate not only the factors contributing to the need for development, but focus on methods of fostering healthy development in a positive manner. The harmony of discovering the origins of the problem with the process of intently working toward improvement and learning has proven to be successful: (Researchers have) focused on children with identified problems, including emotional disturbances (Byers, 1979; Durkin, 1988, 1993), learning disabilities and social skills deficits 7 (see Mishna, Michalski, and Cummings, 2001, for a review), family dysfunction (Lewicki, Goyett, and Marr, 1996), chronic medical conditions (e.g., Zimmerman, Carter, Sears, and Lawson, 1987), delinquency (e.g., Castellano and Soderstrom, 1992), and gang involvement (Harris, Fried, and Arana, 1995). Results of these studies all support the conclusion that camp promotes childrens health and development and reduces the recurrence of referral problems. Summer camps and physical education are proven methods of guidance for youth in an active environment. The techniques used to increase a childs mental and physical health through activity can be used effectively to aid youth in developing countries to gain confidence and leadership skills. Programs Specializing in Recreational Education in Developing Countries Many organizations have taken notice of the positive results that come from youth participation in organized activity. Programs such a Right to Play and OA Projects focus on providing children with essential skills through engagement in team sports such as soccer. UNICEFs Peace Education program facilitates various workshops for school-aged youth, intending to teach qualities such as empathy, tolerance, communication, and co-operation (Fountain, S. 1999: 17). Susan Fountains article discussing training methods by UNICEF describes peace education among the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values required to live and work in dignity (1999:1). Specifically, sport and physical education have been used in Rwandan schools as a vehicle for developing skills and attitudes of peace 8 (1999:17). Training youth to work together as members of a team is a common goal among activity based NGOs like Right to Play and OA Projects. Right to Play is based on the guiding principle of inclusion, hoping to promote the involvement and acceptance of youth who are marginalized for various reasons, including gender, disability, and background (At a Glance, 2009: 1). Right to Play also focuses on reintegrating youth affected by conflict into society; health promotion and disease prevention education; basic cognitive development and partnership with local community leaders and coaches to ensure individual as well as community development (At a Glance, 2009: 1) Similarly, OA Projects partners with local programs focused on promoting peace and rebuilding communities (www.oaprojects.org. About.) Interaction with the project country contributes to the organizations authenticity. The Outcome: Results and Critiques Nearly every effort to aid in developing countries provokes critiques questioning its integrity and authenticity. One might question whether a child can actually grow and receive essential skills from play. While leadership skills are important, do these programs provide youth with the opportunities to exercise them fully, and enough to make changes in their lives and in their communities? Cora Burnetts Sports-for-Development Approaches in the South African Context: A Case Study Analysis looks at sports in the school, community clubs, and South Africas Youth Development through Football (YDF) program. In her conclusion she suggests, the emphasis of 9 traditional male sports such as rugby, cricket and football, inevitably limited the opportunities for equitable gender participation (YEAR: 38). While Burnetts critique states that inclusion of members of the community created mass participation at the school level and afforded many rural learners the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports (year: 39), focus lacked in addressing contextual priorities and appropriate needs-based education and training toà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ creat(e) career pathways or enhanc(e) the employability status (with reference to the school sport assistants and contract workers) of vulnerable populations (year: 39). Burnetts critiques address concerns that many inevitably share, questioning whether the outcome of activity-based programs is worth the means to present them. Conclusion It goes without saying that every child deserves to enjoy life and feel the joy that comes with playing and being active. Programs that offer children an opportunity to grow through activity not only intend to expose war-affected youth to an experience of fun, but through the fun experience, show children how to work together, lead and take initiative. Whether in Canada or in the third-world, physical activity is proven to increase fitness, confidence, and teamwork and communication skills. It is questionable whether sports and activity-based programs have a consistently favorable outcome as providers of better opportunities for youth. However, it is undeniable that the end result of joy and confidence for a child is worthwhile. Children in developing countries deserve a childhood just as much as children in 10 developed countries do. Through organized activity and sport, children are given the opportunity to play and laugh, while learning valuable team and leadership skills. Sports-based programs are not designed to pave the pathway of a better future for third-world youth, but rather to provide them with the confidence and skills to consider their pathways, and equip themselves to think critically about the pathways they are on.

Skill in Presenting Information Both Orally and in Writing :: essays research papers

Skill in presenting information both orally and in writing. During my tenure with the National Cancer Institute (NCI), and especially in my current position, a substantial part of my duties has required strong skills in presenting information both orally and in writing. As an example of my oral communication skills, I was selected by the office Director to be a presenter at an NCI symposium on the documentation of cancer research. This symposium was designed to inform cancer researchers about the new methods of cancer documentation within the NCI guidelines. This symposium was attended by 100+ participants consisting of researchers, scientists and support staff. I spoke on the history of the NCI, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on documentation, and the relationship between NCI and the National Institutes of Health. In my former position as Executive Assistant to the Office of the Director (OD), I served as the liaison between the support staff of the OD, the NIH executive support staff, and companies in the private sector. I was responsible for keeping all parties informed about assignments and tasks due to the OD. My ability to communicate this information clearly and succinctly was very important in ensuring that the assigned tasks were fully understood and completed in a timely manner. Effective written communication skills are also critical in my current position. I have taken over a number of writing assignments previously completed by my supervisor. For instance, I draft monthly reports that update Division Directors and Institute Administrators on changes in procedures and regulations and their impact on operations. These written reports are concise yet detailed, and they are routinely approved by my supervisor without corrections.

In Cold Blood: Creative Writing Essay

My coursework is a short story which includes a diary entry. The diary entry revolves around Lowell Lee Andrews whereas the short story which is in third person deals with Gordon Dale Chappell, the County Sheriff at the time when Andrews killed his family. I have based my coursework on the character of Lowell Lee Andrews who is one of the minor characters in â€Å"In Cold Blood†. Lowell Lee Andrews was on death row with Perry and Dick for murdering his family. I have decided to imagine Andrew’s fantasies of being a crime-lord with the realities of the murders which he commits to his family. Lowell Lee Andrews was zoology major and in the eyes of society, he was a harmless, well mannered, studious and exceptional young boy. He was also cited as being â€Å"the nicest boy in Wolcott†. It can be argued that his life seemed to be complete and content and the murders was a wastage of the lives of himself and his family whereas it can also be argued that he had wasted his entire life in the chains of conformity and delusion. I have tried to explore his psychological state which was believed to have led him to the murders. I also included a third person character that would provide a different perspective to Andrews other than the ones in the novel. â€Å"Entry 73: I dreamt again†¦ Jet-black starry night, the Chevy speeding through the everlasting Chicago skyline, adrenaline escalating throughout my veins as I feel the cold revolver concealed in my pocket. I am seated at the back seat in a dark suit, my hat tilted, my eyes staring dead into the merciless rain. The city belongs to me, as I belong to her. I look into the lights that give life to her, the lights that shine for her, that shine for who we are. People forget who they really should be but they always remember who they are. The Chevy suddenly screeches and slides vigorously on the wet and jagged road till it comes to an abrupt halt in front of the house where I catch a glimpse of them watching a local broadcast in the darkness of the unlit room. I signal the thug to get me the .22 caliber with a nod, and he immediately gets me the rifle as I walk towards them, my hands reaching out to the revolver. The entirety of my body is rigid, my blood rises, I feel exasperated by the heat and I loosen my tie from the choking grip it has on my neck. As I take the rifle from the hands of my thug, I understand this is my way out, my only way out. I am approaching them, my steps slow and constant, and the voices of the monochrome television travel around the room. My neck pulsates, it hinders my breath, my mind corroded with voices, ones which I cannot comprehend but seem to understand. In what feels like a lifetime, the revolver is enfolded in my hands. The room is now lit by fluorescents and I am standing above them waiting, waiting so impatiently to do the deed. As I catch a glimpse of her looking into me, I shoot her point blank and falls ever so gracefully to the floor, lifeless. As time stands still, they rise in horror; I gradually set my aim towards them as they reach out to me, her weak hands trembling, her fingers pointing out to me. I fire towards her, watching her as the bullets pierce through her futile body. She mumbles shattered words to me, I tell her to keep quiet and continue shooting till she can’t mumble anymore. He is now crawling on the floor, heading towards the kitchen. As I rearm, cocking and loading the rifle he tries to hold onto the door, I take my aim and I keep on shooting. I can see the bullets fragments being collected on the wooden floor like drops of rain, smoke coming out of them rising to the cold air disappearing with it. There is no life left in him, but I cannot let myself stop till I am out of ammunition and breath. I head towards the door, stepping over the bodies that lay on the floor and the red stream of the blood that runs throughout the room. I then find myself bound in cold steel handcuffs looking over the Kansas river as the sky cries for me and the crimson tears cleanse what I have done and yet I am left undone. â€Å" As Gordon Dale Chappell closed the diary, he remembered Lowell Lee Andrews, the heavy young kid whose appearance suggested that he wouldn’t even imagine stealing from a drugstore let alone slaughter his own family. It saddened him that Andrew had decided to get rid of his own family and life for something that felt so unreal and out of reach. Andrew’s solemn and exaggerated character made him a topic of constant debate, â€Å"That Andrews kid lost his melons reading all them books. You can’t blame him, a nice boy like him could never do this, wasting his life and the ones whose lives depended on him† It was never really clear on why he did it, and it never would be. After all these years in the department, Gordon Dale Chappell had never been so lost in translation in the complexity and perplexity of human emotion and intention through an inmate. Unlike Andrews who was always so polite and reading his books, Hickock and Smith would sit in the courtroom and joke and look out the window at the pretty girls and act like they didn’t have a care in the world. Gordon found it hard to believe that such a soul could commit such a crime. He could not stop thinking about Andrews and his family, he wondered why, what seemed as such good grace and intentions turn out to be so dangerous that it lead to the wastage of his family’s own lives. When Gordon heard about the execution, he could not stay in the premises as it was too unreal for him to believe that Andrews was to be executed. There stood Andrews, before the hangman’s noose as the falling rain echoed throughout the deafening silence of the hall. He was unmoved and unbothered to what was inevitable. However, just before his final moments of life, he managed to gather a smile. Chappell was told that Lowell Lee Andrews had no last words.

Banana Peeling as an Alternative Shoe Polish Essay

ii.Abstract We all know that our country today is suffering from crisis. That was the reason why we want to launch this study, since shoe polish now a days is very needed and is costly, we want to produce a more cheaper and efficient shoe polish to use. This project determines the possibility of the variety of banana peelings as shoe polish cream. Then it was compared to the commercial shoe polish in terms of effectiveness using the acceptability test. And this test resulted that banana peelings had no significant difference to commercial shoe polish. We therefore conclude that banana peelings showed potential to be an alternative shoe polish. iii. Acknowledgement This investigatory project would never been realized without the financial support, effort and unselfish assistance of the people who willingly helped the researchers .In due recognition of all those who contributed to the success of this study, the researchers extend their deep gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to the following: First of all, our almighty God, the creator and savior who give life, good health, wisdom and guidance to finish this investigatory project. Ms. Roneth Edullantes, our subject teacher and Ms. Rhea Niere, who gives support and guidance to make this study successful. Lastly, to our parents for the financial assistance and guidance to the researchers to make this project successful. I. Title: Banana Peeling as an Alternative Shoe Polish II. Rationale: We all know that our country today is suffering from crisis. That was the reason why we want to launch this study, since shoe polish now a days is very needed and is costly, we want to produce a more cheaper and efficient shoe polish to use. Shoe polish is used to shine, to maintain the appearance and to sustain the quality of the shoes. Various substances have been used as shoe polish for hundreds of years, starting with natural substances such as wax and tallow. Modern polish formulate were introduced early in the 20th century and some products from that era are still in use today. Today, shoe polish is usually made from a mix of natural and synthetic materials, including naphtha, turpentine, dyes, and gum Arabic, using straightforward chemical engineering processes. Shoe polish can be toxic, and, if misused, can stain skin. Based on the information in the written articles, banana peels can be used to shine shoes so we researchers decided to come up with the study of making a shoe polish out of banana peelings. Banana is the common name for a fruit and also the herbaceous plants of the genus Musa which produce the commonly eaten fruit. They are cultivated primarily for their fruit, and to a lesser extent for the production of fibre and as ornamental plants. Statement of the Problem: The researchers would like to know if the peelings of the banana can be made as a shoe polish and have the same result as the synthetic shoe polish. Hypothesis: We will use the peelings of the banana as shoe polish since bananas contain a key ingredient found in commercial shoe polishes – potassium. Significance of the study: This study is significant because it is a great way to reduce waste and you can have polished shoes without damaging your health or the environment, leaving behind zero packaging waste. III. Review of Related Literature and Studies: Since medieval times, dubbin, a waxy product, was used to soften and waterproof leather; however, it did not impart shine. It was made from natural wax, oil, soda ash and tallow. As leather with a high natural veneer became popular in the eighteenth century, a high glossy finish became important, particularly on shoes and boots. In most cases, a variety of homemade polishes were used to provide this finish, often with lanolin or beeswax as a base. In the nineteenth century, many forms of shoe polish became available, yet were rarely referred to as shoe polish or boot polish. Instead, they were often called blacking (especially when mixed with lampblack), or simply continued to be referred to as dubbin. Tallow, an animal by-product, was used to manufacture a simple form of shoe polish at this time. Chicago, Illinois, where 82% of the meat consumed in the United States was processed in the stock yards, became a major shoe polish producing area for this reason. (Sajulan, 2008) Shoe polish can be toxic. In Los Angeles and most other places, shoe polish is disallowed in the regular trash. It must be disposed of as a hazardous material, because it often contains materials like naphtha and turpentine. V. Procedure For the shoe without the kiwi; this is what we will do: First, we will peel the banana. We will take the fruit out and eat it, but we must make sure we keep the skin. Secondly, using the inner lining of the banana skin, we will begin to rub it all over the shoe, just as we would if we were using polish. Lastly, buff it. Once we have wiped the banana skin over the shoe, we will buff it up with a soft cloth. As for the other pair with Kiwi; this is what we will do: First, we will brush the shoe good, cleaning it of any dust or dirt. With the rag wrapped tightly around the first two fingers, we will apply the polish in small, tight swirls. After applying it all over the shoe, wait for it to dry. When the shoe polish have already dried, buff it with a soft cloth. VI. Time Table We will make our project this Saturday since it’s a weekend and it’s the perfect time to do the project. The schedule in making the project is attainable since the task of making it is quite simple, so it won’t take up too much of our time. VII. Budget VIII. Proponents The people who proposed this project is Hannah Gabrielle Doncillo and Anne Mariae Dalocanog from Gr.8 Counsel

The compromise of 1850

The compromise of 1850 The compromise of 1850 was passed in 1850 and was a collection of five bills. The compromise helped to stop confrontation between slave states in the South and Free States in the North that had lasted for four years. The confrontation was a result of disagreement over the status of territories that had been acquired during the Mexican-American war of 1846 to 1848.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The compromise of 1850 specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The compromise was drafted by Henry Clay a member of the Whig party and he brokered it with the help of Stephen Douglas to avoid civil war and secession. The compromise of 1850 also helped avoid sectional conflict between states for four years (Miller Vandome, 2009). The compromise was praised welcomed by both sides though each had reservations about specific provisions. Texas received debt relief and retained control of El Paso in return for it surrendering its claim t o New Mexico. California was also allowed to join the Union as a Free State and averted it from being split at the Missouri Compromise Line (Rozwenc, 1957). For the South, Wilmot Proviso was avoided and as compensation, the South was allowed to have slave states, which was to be determined by popular Sovereignty in the new territories of Utah and New Mexico. The compromise also allowed slave owners to follow fugitive slaves even in states that were free. The fourth statute or the Fugitive Slave law required federal judicial officials in both Free States and slave states to assist in returning slaves who had escaped (Henretta, Edwards Self, 2011). According to Michael F. Holt, the compromise of 1850 was a forecast of disaster rather than an effective political action. The compromise destroyed the Second American Party System and Michael states that, â€Å"men had placed their loyalty to their own party and defeat of the opposing party within their own section ahead of sectional loy alty; neither the North nor the South could be united into a phalanx against the other† (Michael, 1983 p.139). This acted as a catalyst in throwing the country into civil war in 1861. Kansas-Nebraska Act The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 helped create the territories of Kansas and Nebraska. The Act helped to open new lands for settlement and repealed the Missouri Compromise of 1820. The act was designed and brokered by Stephen Douglas who was the senator for Illinois. He designed the act to open thousands of new farms and allow a transcontinental railroad to be built. The problem of the Kansas-Nebraska act started when in the popular sovereignty was included in the act. According to popular sovereignty, voters in the region were to decide whether they would allow slavery in the territory or not. The result of this was a bloody civil war between pro and anti- slavery activists (Franklin, 1956).Advertising Looking for essay on history? Let's see if we can help you! Get you r first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Many pro-slavery settlers from Missouri came to Kansas with the intention of voting in the ballots. They formed groups that were known as Blue Lodge who wanted the territory to allow slaves. Abolitionists from the East known as Jayhawkers moved into Kansas with the view of making the new territory a Free State and this led to bloody confrontations with the Blue Lodges. Hostility between the two factions and there were reports of intimidation and ballot rigging from both sides. The Kansas-Nebraska Act split the country and this is the root cause of the 1861 civil war. The Act went against the earlier Missouri Compromise of 1820 and the Compromise of 1850 and this irked many citizens. The turmoil that ensued gave rise to the Republican Party after the Democratic and Whig parties split. It also split the control into two major political camps that is Northern part, which was sympathetic to Republican Party and the South, which sympa thized with Democratic Party. Eventually the anti-slavery state constitution was created and on January 29 1861, Kansas joined the Union as a Free State. It was not until the civil ended did Nebraska join the Union as a Free State (Henretta, Edwards, Self, 2011). Conclusion Both the Compromise of 1850 and Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 failed and were ineffective in creating peace in the country. References Franklin, R. N. (1956). The Kansas-Nebraska act: a century of historiography. Indianapolis : Bobbs-Merrill. Henretta, A., Edwards, R., Self, O. (2011). Americas History. New York: Bedford Martins Michael, F. H. (1983). The Political Crisis of the 1850’s. New York:   W. W. Norton and CompanyAdvertising We will write a custom essay sample on The compromise of 1850 specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Miller, F. P., Vandome, A. F. (2009). Compromise of 1850. New York: Bedford Martins Rozwenc, E. C. (1957). The Compromise of 1850 , Volume 27Problems in American civilization. Boston: Heath.

Lawrence Sports, Capital Management Analysis and Methodology Overhaul

Lawrence Sports, Capital Management Analysis and Methodology Overhaul Free Online Research Papers Liquidity must become a primary focus for any business hoping to create sustainable growth. Lawrence Sports, a fictional company, is presently in need of capital management analysis and methodology overhaul. Included in this paper is a discussion of the issues, opportunities, values and solutions that the firm should be considering. The 9 step problem solution model is the format used to take the reader through critical identification, evaluation and implementation of elements that will transform a problem into new growth opportunity. Lawrence Sports is a $20 million dollar revenue company that assembles and distributes sporting goods. The focus of the scenario is to provide the opportunity for the student to develop solutions to trade off issues, thus establishing stability for the firm. Mayo, who is a retailer responsible for 95% of sales, is hindering Lawrence from paying raw materials suppliers. Unfortunately, this cash positioning problem is direct result of the Lawrence credit policy and the Mayo request to delay payment until the week of April 14-20. Borrowing money to deal with supplier payables is not an option, due to the $1.2 million dollar maximized bank limit. Therefore, this paper will strategize from the perspective of a financial manager who will turn a working capital problem into the chance to design a new credit policy, implement cash management models and introduce risk mitigation techniques. A credit policy that is too liberal will continue to cause damage to Lawrence Sports. Presently both receivables and payables are unsynchronized, which is putting undue financial distress on the firm, as well threatening supplier relationships that have helped build the company. Considering the dominant sales role that Mayo plays in the supply chain, Lawrence will have to be very careful in pressuring the payment of receivables. The terms of a new credit policy will be further discussed later in the paper. Usually a firm will extend credit if the choice to do so is at lower cost; however, Lawrence is not in a bargaining position. â€Å"In general, a firm will extend trade credit if it has a comparative advantage in doing so† (Ross et al., 2005). Issues and Opportunities Lawrence does not have leverage to build the business due to unpredictable cash flows. Though this situation is limiting growth, redefining the cash management strategy will open new opportunities within the current supply chain system. Focusing on realistic inventory turnover that creates a positive cash balance will shift the failing policies towards a fresh perspective. This will only happen as a result of new financial planning linked to targeted goal. â€Å"Most financial managers regard a planned cash balance of zero as driving too close to the edge of a cliff. They establish a minimum operating cash balance to absorb unexpected cash inflows and outflows† (Brealey et al., 2005) Instead of the present unpredictable receivables turnover, the new credit policy will allow the basis to calculate a minimum cash balance to increase liquidity. Additionally, previous survival trade off decisions will fade as carrying costs and shortage costs become the opportunity costs of foreg one investments and having enough cash to invest in securities holdings. Another issue that Lawrence Sports is dealing with is the over reliance on Mayo to complete 95% of sales. Allowing Mayo to stretch payments creates a problem for the vendors, thus de-stabilizing the supply chain. Therefore, this paper will discuss the possibility of outsourcing raw materials. If this becomes an alternative, International currency fluctuations will have an effect on earnings and will have to be prepared for. The Lawrence outsourcing team will have to monitor the exposure co-efficient and decompose the dollar variability to optimize cost advantages. Stakeholders Perspectives Stakeholders are essential to the life of any organization. Without a clear understanding of the key entities/people affected by processes, the strategic goal will not be aligned. Suppliers, retailer and the employees are the primary stakeholders for the Lawrence scenario. Murray and Gartner supplied the materials for manufacturing and sales to take place, which surfaces ethical dilemmas. These vendors need to become a priority in order for sporting goods to continue to reach the consumer. A supply chain will function only when active parties are sufficiently compensated for work completed. If Lawrence Sports does not establish a new credit policy with Mayo, the outsourcing option may be necessary to meet future payables restrictions. Selling the receivables to a collection firm is also a way to liquidate current receivables. The employees at all points of the supply chain are also affected by the lack of cash flow control. The new strategic plan should be designed by Lawrence, and respectfully communicated to encourage commitment orientation and boost morale. This will potentially affect both the vendors and Mayo by establishing a leadership role in the supply chain. Problem Statement The Lawrence Sports cash positioning problem exists because of an out of control credit policy. Liquidity problems will continue to challenge the firm unless strategy/efficiency becomes the goal. Though Mayo is a global retailer, Lawrence Sports must professionally communicate credit guidelines. Additionally, as Ann Wu (director, vendor relationships) believes, one or more of the vendors will experience financial distress if Lawrence delays payments. Currently, Lawrence lacks the needed systemic capital management structuring to deal with the uncertain cash flows. The postponement of the $1,360 million dollar invoice payment may ensure a substantial order for the week of April 21-27; however, Lawrence may be without a vendor for finished leather products. The trade off decisions that the company must make does not create the opportunity for growth. Accordingly, the firm will have to take control of any future supplier payment uncertainty, while also addressing potential raw materials variability. Using the course simulation as a means for trial and error examples produced an interesting predicament. Attempting immediately to improve the working capital position, by pressuring Mayo to pay, upset the retailer. Unfortunately, the choice to collect the outstanding receivables affected the sales for the week of April 21-27. This was the expected reaction considering the lack of preparation and agreement. Not having a predetermined contract had an adverse affect on sales, and jeopardized the vendor relationship that Lawrence relies on. End State Vision â€Å"Value creation depends on cash flows† (Ross et al., 2005) A new cash positioning will exist for Lawrence Sports when receipts and disbursements create positive net working capital, supported by a sustainable infrastructure of processes. Following the new cash yielding trade off decisions, the company should start experiencing growth opportunities. Additionally, awareness of necessary balance between choices regarding profit margin vs. turnover, and tax subsidies vs. financial distress will define the firm’s direction. Once these concepts are of frequent discussion within management, positive net working capital may be turn to a reality. Lawrence has developed into a $20 million dollar revenues company, however, must over-come the unsynchronized cash flow problem. Unfortunately, the Mayo sales have not happened in time to pay the vendors for raw materials. Therefore, the excessive pressure to close the cash flow gap will breathe new life into the firm. Taking advantage of this opportunity will allow Lawrence to become the internally financed entity that the owners hope it to be. â€Å"Profitable firms generate cash internally, implying less need for outside financing†¦the greater the cash flow of more profitable firms creates greater debt capacity† (Ross et al., 2005). Though it may seem that Lawrence is in a difficult situation that could potentially threaten future sales, the implementation plan will establish the correct direction. The external financing limitation is a blessing in disguise by forcing better policies. Following the transition into more synchronized cash flows, the firm will find bills paid and net working capital. Successful companies eventually learn that organizations must have survival strategies built into the system. This is the focus of the next section of this paper. To link policies, and processes with value creation. Alternative Solutions Primary alternatives for Lawrence Sports are based on significant company benchmarking that provide approaches to develop a programmed solution. Dell Computers, Honeywell and Coca-Cola are three firms that sustain relative competitive advantage in their respective industries. Decisions for Lawrence alternatives included analysis of the annual reports, which yielded valuable lessons on how to transform a financially challenged organization. Dell Computers has found a way to balance cash flow and create net working capital. In 2008 the company reported $9.2 billion dollars in cash and cash equivalents. Dell has consistently held a cash balance by communicating directly with the customer, reducing inventory risk and maintaining a conservative credit policy. â€Å"We use cash generated by operations as our primary source of liquidity and believe that internally generated cash flows are sufficient to support business operations† (Dell Annual Report, Financing Receivables). Lower level trades off decisions are challenging Lawrence Sports. For Dell, higher level decisions for carrying costs and shortage costs include net working capital decisions such as optimizing investment alternatives. This was accomplished by ensuring that receivables are collected before issuing disbursements. If Lawrence adopts this policy, the firm will be able to use the cash from operations as the source of liquidity. Improving the perception of how to accomplish this type of financial growth is necessary. The company will either choose to struggle with receipts/disbursements or take control of the trade credit policy. Another choice of alternatives for Lawrence is to calculate a targeted cash balance, using the Miller-Or model, while seeking potential suppliers that will accommodate the firm’s policy needs. Though Mayo is responsible for the majority of sales for the firm, without a more conservative policy, payables will surely continue to be restrained. Honeywell, â€Å"continues to manage its businesses to maximize operating cash flows as the primary source of liquidity† as Dell does (Honeywell 2007 Annual Report, Liquidity and Capital Resources). Additionally, the firm is not solely dependent on one or two suppliers. Honeywell chooses to use long-term price agreements for raw materials, and claims minimal concern for the supply of raw materials. With the possibility that Lawrence may lose a vendor, (as a reaction to granting Mayo the right to delay receivables payments) lower cost may be achieved by outsourcing. If dependence on Mayo is the choice, then the firm should investigate how International suppliers will be able to help the firm maintain the liberal credit policy. In this case, Lawrence will need to consult foreign currency experts. Coca-Cola has to deal foreign currency fluctuations, and uses derivatives to reduce economic exposure. The firm â€Å"enters into forward exchange contracts and purchases currency options (principally Euro, Japanese Yen, and dollars to hedge certain portions of forecasted cash flows denominated in foreign currencies† (Coca-Cola 2007 Annual Report, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk). Discussion on forward contracts is included in the risk mitigation section of this paper. If outsourcing is management’s decision, then a plan must be designed to deal with foreign currency fluctuations. Analysis of Alternative Solutions Lawrence Sports will be able to correct the cash flow problem with a conservative credit policy. This alternative receives the highest rating because, without balanced receipts and disbursements, optimal trade off choices will not exist. When the CEO realizes that the liberal credit policy is a hindrance, the path to liquidity will surface. The second alternative to expand the supplier base is also important, however, not as critical as the credit policy implementation. As relations improve within the supply chain, Lawrence will find more time to consider new supplier options. The final alternative is a contingency plan for the loss of a vendor. When Murray and Gartner begin to receive reliable payments, outsourcing options can be considered as a cost advantage strategy. Risk Assessment and Mitigation Deciding to implement a new credit policy is the best way to ensure sustainability. Mayo’s response will hopefully be accepting. If not, a reliable mitigation plan must be in place. Factoring receivables will help ensure that Murray and Gartner are paid for raw materials. â€Å"Factoring refers to the sale of a firm’s accounts receivable to a financial institution known as a factor† (Ross et al., 2005). Instead of endangering the relationship with vendors, factoring will relieve the payables problem by relinquishing approximately 4% of the invoice amount to the factor. Considering the global reach of Mayo, factoring may be the viable solution for the short term. As mentioned in the benchmarking section of this paper, Coca-cola has found a way to use derivatives to hedge foreign currency fluctuations. If Murray and Gartner end the relationship with Lawrence Sports, and outsourcing becomes a cost saving alternative, the firm will turn to international suppliers for raw materials. Lawrence will have the choice of either entering into a bilateral forward contract with a commodity resource or using an exchange to establish forward prices. Depending on how well the Lawrence staff plans for the outsourcing agreement, the project could become very advantageous. Optimal Solution Three common elements for success in any company are strategy, financial and corporate governance. Lawrence Sports has a responsibility to initiate cash control to increase profitability in the supply chain system. This means that future competitive advantage will exist as the response to contracted policies and formalized cash management techniques. The following section is a justification of the optimal solution to help save Lawrence Sports. When the firm manufactures the raw materials and relies on a retailer, a tremendous obligation is created. The vendor offered credit to Lawrence, which then extended credit to Mayo. An inability to pay for accounts receivables in the supply chain has endangered every link in the process. Therefore, the goal is to make sure that a fresh policy is implemented to improve the average collection period. Sustainability will rely upon this. The example from Dell Computers earlier is a good example of how to deal with receivables. Collecting before disbursements will ensure that bills will be paid. Ongoing cycles of successful net working capital outcomes will begin to change the inertia of the firm. Ultimately this process will increase value within the supply chain system, while allowing Lawrence to focus more on strategic goals. The ability to change an organization is relative to which activities require the most attention. If Lawrence is inundated with cash management issues, the time is always limited by functional dilemmas. For example, if a human does not have enough food, they cannot think about progress. This is similar to the premise of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. When cash flows are created and established properly, net worth can increase. A decision to grant credit to Mayo is not as much of an issue due to the 3,000 stores and international reach. The economies of scale should not be the deciding factor. Mayo will stay in business, even if it means liquidity problems for manufacturers. Therefore, with the new guidelines to deal with receipts/disbursements, Lawrence will survive the next time Mayo (or any other retailer) decides to stretch payments. Focusing on an optimal credit relationship is essential. â€Å"At the optimal amount of credit, the incremental cash flows from increased sales are exactly equal to the carrying costs from the increase in accounts receivable† (Ross et al., 2005). Unless a major disagreement happens with the vendors, an outsoucing of raw materials does not to be considered. Educating the company’s change agents to act according to the strategic plan might avoid this situation. Using financial data to calculate the targeted cash balance will happen as a result of efficient cash flow balancing. Essentials of proper management include the marriage of efficiency and strategy. When short term financial decision making becomes the emphasis for value creation, Lawrence will have less difficulty dealing with liquidity. The fundamentals of converting raw materials into cash are the primary puzzle, because unsynchronized cash cycles have damaged the firm. A realistic credit policy leads to gap minimization of cash flows and the potential to expand or invest. Proper management of operations will help Lawrence turn a time of despair into one of profitability. â€Å"The need for short term decision making is suggested by the gap between cash inflows and outflows† (Ross et al., 2005). Borrowing money from the bank is not an option for Lawrence. Zero liquidity reserve is available, and cash flows are uncertain. The only solution is the overhaul the credit policy. As fore mentioned, a factoring company will have to be used to survive the short term cash dilemma. Implementation Plan Implementing the new trade credit policy and cash management process will happen according to the following guidelines. After deciding on agreeable terms of sale with Mayo, management will outline the next profitable horizon. Future retailers will be bound by a policy contract that includes the terms of sale, credit analysis and a collection policy. The credit team should have the new policy terms established within one week. This will be negotiated with Mayo, considering the need of immediate action. When the trade credit guidelines are set, the finance team will be able to calculate the targeted cash balance, which should be assessed every two weeks. From this, the capital management outlay will be created. After the policy and cash flow plan is established, management can then begin investigating alternative retailers and suppliers. Evaluation of Results Part of project implementation is guaranteeing a way to measure results. Unfortunately, Lawrence must design a new policy immediately. â€Å"Change occurs, as it must, but it does so in an atmosphere of crisis and confusion. Substantial loss may result before the needed design is complete† (Pyzdek, 2003). Lawrence Sports does not have the flexibility of Dell, Honeywell and Coca-cola. Therefore, management will be advised to enroll in online Six Sigma courses, as well instructed to immediately update techniques for financial/operational analysis. The evaluation schedule is as follows. Credit policy reviews will happen once a month, supplier payables correspondence on a weekly basis, operations will be assessed daily, financial investments analysis reports will occur and retailer analysis memos will be delivered bi-weekly. Conclusion â€Å"Focus comes from two perspectives: down from the top-level goals and up from problems and opportunities† (Pyzdek, 2003). Lawrence Sports will be able to leverage professional policy terms into positive net worth. The past uncertainties can be used as an historical example on the importance of cash flow responsibility. Future reports will include successful cash balances and new growth opportunities. Table 1 Issue and Opportunity Identification Issue Opportunity Reference to Specific Course Concept (Include citation) Concept Lawrence needs to establish a better control over the credit policy to enable the possibility of closing the gap between cash inflows and outflows. This is the only way to create working capital. With all due respect to Mayo, this is the time for Lawrence Sports to prepare for a bright future in sporting goods manufacturing. â€Å"At the optimal amount of credit, the incremental cash flows from increased sales are exactly equal to the carrying costs from the increase in accounts receivable† (Ross et al., 2005). Optimal Credit Policy Balancing cash flows between receivables and payables is causing financial and professional distress to Lawrence. After the new credit policy is created, Lawrence will have to seek new retailers and calculate the expected profit formula to make credit decisions. Mayo is still the main retailer, because the firm is a large volume customer. â€Å"In other words, you have fixed your terms of sale; you have decided on the contract that customers must sign; and you have established a procedure for estimating the probability that they will pay up† (Brealey et al., 2005) Expected Profit Formula and Credit Decisions Once the struggle between receivables and disbursements are solved for Lawrence Sports, a minimum cash balance will have to be established in order to accommodate uncertainties. Now is the time for Lawrence Sports to get control of asset liquidity, and re-assess the capital management infrastructure. For fluctuating cash flows, the Miller-Or model is preferred to calculating a target/minimum cash balance. â€Å"Most financial managers regard a planned cash balance of zero as driving too close to the edge of the cliff. They establish a minimum operating cash balance to absorb unexpected cash inflows and outflows† (Brealey et al., 2005). Target/Minimum Cash balance A short term financing predicament has occurred as a result of the Lawrence Sports liberal credit policy with Mayo. When the firm gets control of working capital (through new policies), excess cash management will need to be dealt with. A positive cash balance will begin to open doors of opportunity for Lawrence Sports. Eventually, earlier critical trade off decisions regarding credit will evolve into investment maximization. â€Å"†¦study focuses only on liquid assets (i.e., cash, and market securities), so that carrying costs are the opportunity costs of holding liquid assets and shortage costs are the risks of not having cash when investment opportunities are good†(Ross et al., 2005). Improved Cash Management Trade Off Decisions The current capital conflict is keeping Lawrence Sports from establishing a sustainable cash balance. With the bank limit at $1.2 million already, the firm should assess the possibility of new retailers or vendors. If this is the case, International companies will be considered options as well. An improved credit policy and cash positioning team will potentially find a new retailer or vendors (depending on the relationship with Mayo). If a change occurs that involves International companies, hedging techniques will be used. â€Å"For many firm’s the wide fluctuations in interest rates and exchange rates have become at least as important as a source of risk as changes in commodity prices. Financial futures are similar to commodity futures, but instead†¦you place an order to buy or sell a financial asset at a future date† (Brealey et al., 2005). Futures Hedging Table 2 Stakeholder Perspectives Stakeholder Perspectives Stakeholder Groups The Interests, Rights, and Values of Each Group Suppliers Murray and Gartner have the right to be paid for the raw materials supplied to Lawrence Sports. The present credit policy is pressuring the business relationship. Retailer Mayo has to delay payment to Lawrence sports until the week of 4/14 to 4/20. A new credit policy will have to be put into effect, which must be respectfully communicated. Employees Implementing new policies and cash management techniques will affect the career paths of all employees. When Lawrence re-designs the organizational credit/finance infrastructure, the employees will be able to function more comfortably. Table 3 Risk Assessment and Mitigation Techniques Risk Assessment and Mitigation Techniques Alternative Solution Risks and Probability Consequence and Severity Mitigation Techniques New Credit Policy (Dell) High Medium Communicate the necessity of the credit policy (respectfully). New Suppliers/ Target Cash Balance (Honeywell) Low Low The minimum cash balance is a part of the new Lawrence plan to increase liquidity. Credit policy is the risk mitigation technique. Outsourcing (Coca-cola) High High Hedging techniques can be used to avoid currency fluctuations. Table 4 Optimal Solution Implementation Plan Deliverable Timeline Who is Responsible Decide on Credit Terms 1 week Credit Team Implement Credit Policy 2 weeks Management Determine Target Cash Balance Bi-weekly Finance Team Outline Capital Management 1 week Finance Team Delegation of Duties 1 week Management Re-assess policies 2 months Financial Analyst Team Investigate Retailer Alternatives 2 weeks Domestic/International Table 5 Evaluation of Results End-State Goals Metrics Target Balanced Cash Flows Credit policy reviews One per month Collected Receivables Before Payables Supplier payables correspondence Weekly conference calls Perfect orders Management assessments Daily (operations) Investments Finance reviews Weekly Retailer flexibility Management research and analysis Bi-weekly analysis References Brealey, Richard A., Myers, Stewart C., Allen, Franklin., (2005) Principals of Corporate Finance, The Mc Graw-Hill Companies, New York. Coca-Cola Company Annual Report 2007, Foreign Currency Hedging to Protect the Competitive Position. Retrieved November 24, 2008 from the World Wide Web: thecoca-colacompany.com/investors/annual_other_reports.html Honeywell 2007 annual report, Retrieved from the World Wide Web December 29, 2008 http://library.corporateir.net/library/94/947/94774/items/282921/HON07AR1.pdf Keeir, Dan. Peetz, Karen. (Nov. 2002) Cash Management Takes Center Stage. New York. Vol. 16, Iss. 11; pg. 48, 5 pgs. Pyzdek, Thomas. (2003) The Six Sigma Handbook. McGraw-Hill Companies. New York. References Ross, S.A., Westerfield, R.W., Jaffe, J. (2005). Corporate Finance, 7e. Ch. 2: Accounting Statements and Cash Flow. [University of Phoenix Custom Edition e-text]. The McGraw Hill Companies. Retrieved November 8, 2008, from the University of Phoenix, rEsource Web site: https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/content/eBookLibrary, MBA/540 – Maximizing Shareholder Wealth. Whole Foods-Credit Risk Management Retrieved from the World Wide Web on December 29, 2008 wholefoodsmarket.com/company/pdfs/ar07.pdf Research Papers on Lawrence Sports, Capital Management Analysis and Methodology OverhaulIncorporating Risk and Uncertainty Factor in CapitalLifes What IfsThe Project Managment Office SystemRiordan Manufacturing Production PlanTwilight of the UAWDefinition of Export QuotasAnalysis of Ebay Expanding into AsiaOpen Architechture a white paperRelationship between Media Coverage and Social andPETSTEL analysis of India

Keep Going - An Interview With Two #1 Amazon Bestsellers

Keep Going - An Interview With Two #1 Amazon Bestsellers "Keep Going" - An Interview with #1 Amazon Bestsellers Mark Edwards and Louise Voss Success doesn’t happen overnight. It is often the result of hard work put in over the years. And Mark Edwards and Louise Voss’ success story tells us as much. They are known for being the first indie authors to ever reach #1 on Amazon.co.uk back in 2011. Now with Amazon Publishing, their latest book is From The Cradle (and the best one, they tell me). Their story begins much sooner, though. They have been through the ups and downs that characterize a writer’s life, but they have been through them together and always determined to keep going.Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing both of them. They share their whole story (not only the success part) and their advice for starting indie authors. They also debunk a metadata-myth, analyze why Amazon Publishing is so powerful and explain how to co-write a book using Dropbox.So sit down with a nice cup of tea/coffee, and hit play. Or alternatively, read through the whole transcript below (courtesy of the Reedsy team). REEDSY: Hi Mark and Louise, I’m really pleased to have you here. You are known for being the first indie authors to have reached the top of the charts on Amazon.co.uk, a few years ago, with two books that you had co-written. But your collaboration started long before that, right Louise?LOUISE: Sure, it’s a good story, though it can make me sound a bit like a stalker. It started years ago, around 1998-99, and Mark was on this TV documentary about â€Å"wannabe writers†. I was in the exact same situation as him: I had an agent but she wasn’t very enthusiastic. We were both getting lots of rejections but they were really positive rejections. So I just sent him a little email via his agent, basically saying â€Å"I really liked your interview†.He wrote back, and we started corresponding via email about books and writing for around 18 months before we finally met in person. And then we thought: rather than just critiquing each other’s stuff, why d on’t we write something together? That’s when we started writing Killing Cupid. We did it all by email, because at that time Mark was in Japan.MARK: Yes, I was in Tokyo, and Louise was in London. We wrote an entire novel without even speaking to each other, literally. This was back in 2001, and Killing Cupid was optioned by the BBC but we didn’t manage to get a publishing deal for it.Then, a few years after, I came back from Japan and we decided to write another one together: Catch Your Death. Back then, however, we didn’t have an agent, we still couldn’t get a publisher, we were really back to square one, so we pretty much gave up at that point, didn’t we?LOUISE: Yes, I think the problem with Killing Cupid was a genre one. When we sent it to publishers, they said â€Å"well, it’s not really enough of a thriller to be a thriller; and it’s a comedy as well, we don’t know what to do with it†¦Ã¢â‚¬  And that’s why we decided to write Catch Your Death, because that was unquestionably a thriller.MARK: Yes, so we both more or less gave up. I came back to the UK, got a good job, and thought: it’s really not worth the pain of trying to find a publishing deal.Then, 2010 when was I first heard about KDP. And I got a Kindle for my 40th birthday. So I said to Louise: why don’t we take our two old novels, spruce them up a bit, self-publish them and see what happens? And she was very reluctant.LOUISE: Yes, I thought â€Å"oh, no, it will be humiliating, we’ll sell 4 copies†¦Ã¢â‚¬ MARK: So we spent a few months rewriting and reworking them, because they were really out of date. There were no mobile phones, social media, etc.We put Killing Cupid out in February 2011, and as Louise predicted we sold around 4 copies on our first day, to people that we knew†¦ But then I became completely obsessed about trying to sell it. I had a full-time job, my girlfriend was pregnant, and she still talks about how I neglected her during that time! And Louise did promotion stuff too.LOUISE: Yes, we had a list of all the bloggers that accepted unpublished books - there weren’t that many of them but we put together this list and divided it up. Mark started at A and I started at Z and we worked our way to the middle, contacting all of them. It was a lot of work.REEDSY: And Mark, you did a very good job on the metadata too, right? I read about it on Joanna Penn’s blog, but maybe you can tell us what in your metadata helped make your book successful?MARK: Yes, we used subtitles. On Killing Cupid, I think it was pretty simple: â€Å"Killing Cupid, a psychological thriller†: nothing fancy, really. But we kept rewriting the blurb (book description). Back then, you used to be able to see what percentage of people who viewed your book had bought it, which was fantastic, you could see your conversion rate from browser to reader. So I kept looking at th e books in the top 10, especially the self-published thrillers and the ones that had the highest conversion rates, and tried to figure out what it was about those books that incited more people to buy them after they looked at them.So I was continually tweaking the description and I think that at one point I got it right, because it suddenly doubled our sales in just an hour. I had made the description shorter, more straightforward about the book while also making it sound more intriguing.We did something much more interesting for the second book, Catch Your Death. We called it: â€Å"Catch Your Death (For fans of Dan Brown Stieg Larsson)†. This quickly became a controversial point, with people starting to talk about it in The Bookseller magazine.But I actually believe, to this day, that it didn’t make any difference to the sales, because I think we put off as many people as we attracted. If you searched for Dan Brown at the time (and I did it quite a few times), our book didn’t come up, not even on page 30. It didn’t make any difference to the search results.What really made a difference, and this is a lesson for all indie authors, is that we were patient and hardworking in building a readership. We hand-sold every copy of Killing Cupid in the first 3-4 months: every single sale was hard work. And as we did that, we built a momentum and started climbing up the charts, which made our book more visible. And because it was good, word-of-mouth really worked in our advantage and more people started to buy it.We released Catch Your Death around 3-4 months after Killing Cupid, as Killing Cupid was climbing into the top 100. And Amazon then sent out an email advertising Catch Your Death to all the people who had previously purchased Killing Cupid.And it was the day that this email went out - even though we only realized this quite a long time afterwards - that more and more readers started buying both books and we shot up into the top 1 0. A couple of days later, Amazon removed the Dan Brown subtitle, and it didn’t make any difference at all.So there was a lot of hype about our metadata at that time, but I really don’t think it made any difference in the end. It was all about slowly building that readership.REEDSY: I think that’s a great lesson indeed for indie authors. But if we go back to the writing process, Louise, how does that technically work? What tools do you use: Google Drive, Dropbox, †¦?LOUISE: Dropbox, we have everything in Dropbox. It works really well for us, you can see the last things people have worked on and when. Though sometimes it happened that we were both working on the same document at the same time, so when we saved it created conflicted copies, which are a nightmare to sort out. But we don’t do that so much now, we’ve got better at it.We also email a lot, and text, when it’s particularly urgent, but we don’t actually talk that much, un less there is a problem, or in the beginning and the end, when there are things to figure out.MARK: For Dropbox, we have a â€Å"master document† - we do it all in Word - and we write separate chapters in separate Word documents, save them into Dropbox for the other person to make comments. The original author then goes back to that chapter to amend it and when we’re both happy with it we add it to the master document!We also have other Word documents and spreadsheets for our chapter plans. I think that, ideally, we’d use Scrivener, because that’s what we both write on for our solo novels, but you can’t really use it for collaborative work, as far as I’ve been able to work out.REEDSY: Now, with the success of Killing Cupid and Catch Your Death, you were prompted to partner with an agent, who got you into traditional publishing. How was that experience?LOUISE: It’s quite ironic, because we spent years trying to get a publishing deal for both books. But we didn’t have an agent at all until we were #1 on Amazon. I was talking with an author friend of mine and he suggested me to contact his agent. I said â€Å"well, he turned us down a few years ago so I don’t think he’ll be interested†. He answered â€Å"oh, it’s different now, you’re #1†. So we contacted his agent and he quickly got us a deal with HarperCollins, which was fantastic! I don’t regret it, really, because it was just so lovely to finally have this public validation through a traditional publishing deal, and the idea to have our books in shops, the advance, etc.I often wonder, with the benefit of hindsight, whether we would do it differently if we had to do it again, and I don’t think we would change much, other than to get more involved in the marketing and publicity of these traditionally published books. We were thinking that the publisher would do most of the marketing and promotion, a nd it didn’t happen. So I think our mistake wasn’t taking the deal, it was not pushing the books as much as we had when we were self-publishing.MARK: Louise literally just took the words out of my mouth. I definitely don’t regret it either, it was â€Å"a dream come true†. Louise had already had a traditional publishing deal in the past, but for me it was something I’d wanted for years.LOUISE: Yes, I guess I was a bit more cynical about it, because I already had had an experience with a publisher who dropped me after not promoting the books - and that was back in the day when you could do little yourself. But I still don’t regret it, we had a lovely editor, who did an excellent editorial work, really improving the books. It’s just that not many people got to see them.MARK: Yes, that was the frustrating thing. What happened is that after the first and second books didn’t do as well as they hoped, the third and fourth ones were pretty much dead in the water.LOUISE: It basically took the exact same trajectory as my first publishing deal: sales got smaller and smaller and the publisher’s interest got smaller and smaller. Also, one thing to take into account is that two of the four books had already been self-published before and picked up by a lot of people. So I think that didn’t help us as much as we thought it would.MARK: That was the problem, really. Catch Your Death and Killing Cupid came out a year after we first self-published them, which means the sequel to Catch Your Death came a year and a half after the first book, and by then, everyone had lost interest. And it wasn’t pushed at all, it wasn’t in any shops, it had no visibility.I actually think that we were a little bit like guinea pigs, because we were the first â€Å"indies† to go through that process over here in the UK. The publishers learned from what happened with us for some of the following indie success stories that they picked up.REEDSY: So you were with a publisher that didn’t do as much as you hoped on the marketing side of things. But now you’re with Amazon, right? Which is almost the opposite.MARK: Yes, but there is a stage in between. In January 2013, we were in a dark place. We’d had a very disappointing 2012 with the two paperbacks, and when the third one came out in January it just disappeared without a trace. Literally without trace, it left nothing.I had gambled by quitting my job to be a full-time writer, and I was in a very difficult financial position, with massive tax and credit card bills, plus my wife and I had another baby on the way. So I really was in a state of constant panic, thinking â€Å"what am I going to do?† I can laugh about it now, but it was terrible at that time. Every now and again I think â€Å"I can’t believe I managed to get myself out of that dark pit that I was in†.I remember Louise and I had this meeti ng with our agent in London and he - now, he would probably deny it - but he had lost a bit of interest in us as well. But we were determined to make it work so we decided we would not give up, and start a new series of books instead.Now, I had this book â€Å"The Magpies† that I had had sitting in my bottom drawer for years, and I’d been tinkering with it, on and off. Louise said: â€Å"why don’t you just do it, just self-publish it?† So I went home that day, read through it, and thought â€Å"actually, this is quite good†. So I self-published The Magpies via my agent (it’s called â€Å"agent-assisted self-publishing†) and it basically completely transformed everything, because The Magpies ended up selling (in its self-published version) 170,000 copies. It simply changed my life, and it’s what led to the deal with Amazon.Amazon Publishing bought the rights for it and for another solo novel from me. And when Louise and I fini shed our new co-written one, it did go out in submission to various publishers, but Amazon pre-empted it and our commissioning editor there read it in a few days. They made an offer, and because I’d had such a great experience with them already, Louise thought: â€Å"why not?†Everything so far with Amazon Publishing has been fantastic. I mean, I’d like to sell more books in the US, but in the UK it couldn’t have gone any better I think.REEDSY: Yes, and we actually interviewed another Amazon-published author, Bob Mayer, a few weeks ago who highlighted the â€Å"marketing reach† of Amazon publishing imprints. What does that mean exactly? What do these imprints do in terms of marketing that makes it worth it signing away royalties to them?MARK: Well, they’ve got the most amazing database in the world. They’ve got anyone who has ever bought anything, including anyone who has ever read a psychological thriller! That’s what sets them apart from all the other publishers. Plus, they’ve got the platform of their website, and they also do a lot of on-device marketing. So if you’ve got a Kindle Fire, you’ll see that whenever you turn it on, an advert will appear on the home screen, and they rotate, but they’re often books.That visibility that you get with Amazon publishing is just fantastic. The restriction of being with them is that you’re pretty much only on the Amazon platform, although they do print books and they are making efforts to get them into the shops. But they’re not on any of the other digital stores, so you’re in kind of a walled garden, like a luxury gated development!When somebody from a big publisher said to us: â€Å"well, wouldn’t you rather be with a traditional publisher and have your books in the shops?†, my answer was that that all sounds great, but when we did have that opportunity, our books were barely in the shops anyway†¦REEDSY: So, do you now still produce some marketing effort yourselves or is it all Amazon?LOUISE: We’ve worked very hard on building up our Facebook page. It’s not like we have tens of thousands of followers, but the ones we do have are so loyal that it’s really helping us get the word of mouth thing going, which is the holy grail of marketing anyway. But we still do work very hard, especially when we do online launches.REEDSY: To finish on an encouraging note for other authors out there: you’ve been through everything, both of you, in a writer’s career; the ups, the downs, so what would be your advice for an author who’d be in a â€Å"dark year† like you had in 2012?MARK: I think it’s certainly nurturing your existing fans and readers. That is what goes through in our Facebook group, where we have really loyal readers as Louise pointed out. They were really really helpful and acting as cheerleaders to keep us going. And then when we did start selling well, they were there and helped spread the word.REEDSY: And Louise, what would be your advice?LOUISE: Keep going!We lost the rest of Louise’s advice due to recording problems, but feel free to ask her (or Mark) anything in the comments below!Sharing is caring, so here are our Twitter handles: @ReedsyHQ, @mredwards and @LouiseVoss1

Cultural Diversity in the Workplace Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Cultural Diversity in the Workplace - Essay Example Managing cultural diversity in workplace is one of the key objectives of the organization among other concern areas of sustaining productivity as well as quality, total quality management and customer satisfaction. The diversity in the workforce is mainly due to presence of people coming from varying set of backgrounds. They differ in their value systems, culture, beliefs, attitude and behaviour, habits and customs (Henderson, 1994). Thus to bring the entire workforce together on the same platform is extremely significant in terms of bringing them to a common tune of work. The integration of a workforce which is culturally diversified lies at the beneath of the long term success of the organization. The issues to be considered for managing people from an environment of cross-culture are training and development of the employees, organizational dynamics aimed at optimizing the performance of the global managers. The building of confidence to bring out the professionalism of manager ar riving from an international scenario is important. The adaptability to the home environment is required to work in harmony with the organization policies which could be achieved through managing the cultural diversity of the workforce. ... The strategies adopted by organizations are solely based on the data collected by the organizations on the personal trends, labour segments and customer segments. The analysis of the collected data helps the management to understand about the thought process of the diversified set of employees on the developments and progress of the organization. The attitude of the workforce towards their business opportunities and growth could be analyzed from the information collected by the organizations. For international operations, a diversified set of employees in the workforce could prove to be advantageous. The alignment to the different set of cultures, understanding the needs of customers from varying cultural backgrounds and addressing those needs with the help of employees from specific cultural backgrounds help the organizations to attain expansion in the world markets and also to get a competitive advantage. The strategies for managing cultural diversity of the workforce in an organiz ation vary with respect to the ethno-centric, region centric as well as geocentric approaches (Walton, 1994). The ethnocentric approach considers people from different ethnic backgrounds. The region-centric approach considers the members of the workforce from different regional backgrounds. The geocentric approach takes the people from all over the world into consideration for managing the diversity of people from cross-cultural backgrounds. In the present scenario of business expansions, the integration of the host with the international markets and culture is extremely important for the good interest of the organization. The attainment of cultural diversity in business operations is obvious under such situations. Thus the management of cultural diversity is also

Hobbes and Rousseau's Depiction of the state of nature and human Essay

Hobbes and Rousseau's Depiction of the state of nature and human nature - Essay Example The state ought to protect the lives of its citizens. The people who elected them into power should not live in fear of their lives. They should enjoy peace and stability. With these, the law of conservation of motion Hobbes tries to tell us that human beings are constantly looking for something in life. â€Å"Life itself is but Motion, and can never be without Desire† (129-130). What he is saying is that human beings are never satisfied; they always want more and more each moment ( Rousseau and. Their search for felicity is what causes human beings to be at war with each other. When death becomes a fear, there is creation of the state. Furthermore, Hobbes argues that human beings are equal in respect to the nature. They have equal skills and power. Moreover, according to Hobbes, human beings are by nature made equal, in a sense that the human’s possess are equal in terms of skills and power. â€Å"The weakest has strength enough to kill the strongest, either by secret machination or confederacy with others† (Hobbes and Helena 183). According to Hobbes theory morality has no room because, in a state of nature there are no unjust acts. He goes ahead to say that human beings rational behavior causes them to attack others and make them obey the law of nature only when surrounded by others and sure that they are obeying the law too. By this he means that human beings are self-centered in nature and fear is what makes them to reason (Hobbes and Helena 5) In Rousseau’s state of nature, human beings are like savages, their dealings are first dogged by instant and basic requirements food, sexual satisfaction, and sleep and fear only hunger and pain. The force of self-preservation and pity drives the savage man. To him human beings are naturally affected by others’ human beings’ sufferance, in other words they have â€Å"an innate repugnance a fellow creature suffers†

Sleeping disorders Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Sleeping disorders - Research Paper Example On identifying, the causes of sleeping disorders can help you find solutions and enhance your sleeping patterns (Mayo Foundation par. 1). This is the most common sleep disorder experienced by most people. A person suffering from insomnia does not get the right amount of sleep necessary to keep rested or refreshed. A number of factors including stress, nervousness, depression or any health problem can cause insomnia. In addition, it can also occur because of lack of exercises, lifestyle choices and jet lack or consumption of a given food or drink such as increase in coffee intake (Kalimoet al. 65). A person suffering from insomnia may have difficulty in sleeping during the night or upon waking up during the night he or she will have trouble in resuming back to sleep. The person may also have the problem of waking up very recurrently during the night as well as having a very light sleep. The person may also require something to fall sleep and during the day, he can feel sleepiness and low body strength (Ford and Lisa 3). This causes an irresistible desire to move legs when sleeping. It occurs because of lack of comfort, tingling, ache and creeping sensation (Chervin 1185). The affected person will thus experience scratchy sensations cavernous within the legs and a strong desire to move. The movement of the legs tends to relieve the person from the sensations and the person will be repetitively jerking his legs when asleep (Walterset al. 634). Excessive, unmanned sleepiness during daytime are the common characteristics of this sleep disorder. It comes because of malfunction of the part of the brain that determines sleeping and waking. A person with narcolepsy sees things when starting dream and often feels weak and loses control of his muscles when laughing. He may also experience easy dreams even when he just starts sleeping and

3. Discuss the trends in terrorism that you envision for the upcoming Essay

3. Discuss the trends in terrorism that you envision for the upcoming decade - Essay Example It is not a recent issue but a common debate today. The use of technology in such acts has exploited all the means of communication (the internet, telephone etc). These organizations plan to kill a larger number of people in a minimum time period. The ratio of natural deaths has decreased as compared to mob killings due to bomb blasts and terrorism. One can define it as â€Å"Terrorism is a term used to describe the method or the theory behind the method whereby an organized group or party seeks to achieve its avowed aims chiefly through the systematic use of violence. Terrorist acts are directly against persons who as individuals, agents or representatives of authority interfere with the communication of objectives of such groups† (Engene, 2004, p. 6) It would not be wrong if one states that terrorism evolved from the 9/11 attacks on the World trade center. Not merely the south East Asian region but the rest of the World as well is highly affected by the terrorist activities. The advancement in the past decade would leave a far more powerful effect of the decade to come. ("Conference on terrorism," 2008) The vast use of technology, fewer incidents and larger killings, use of weapons of destructions all these changing trends n terrorism must be carefully examined by the government as well as other organizations. Close check upon such activities would help in calculating future trends, identify and target the anarchist. These trends in terrorism lead to different government policies to control and reduce terrorism. (Levy, 2007, p. 125) Engene, J. (2004).  Terrorism in western europe: Explaining the trends since 1950. (p. 6). Edward Elgar Publishing. Retrieved from http://books.google.com.pk/books?id=8VR765amvzAC&printsec=frontcover&dq=trends in terrorism&hl=en&sa=X&ei=mBjIUJXwMOrI0QWt-oHoDg&redir_esc=y Conference on terrorism in south & southeast asia in the coming decade. (2008). In  CONFERENCE ON TERRORISM IN SOUTH & SOUTHEAST ASIA IN THE COMING

Religion and Faith as Instrument of Hope Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Religion and Faith as Instrument of Hope - Essay Example I will make your load easier to carry. Come near me and you shall have rest (The Holy Bible, New International Version, p.539). Truly the heavy load gets lighter, out of the blue, a solution to a problem just appears and help from friends keep on coming. But those are possible only when you have faith. Because the solution that came isn’t the one you’re asking. With faith, you’ll realize that there’s One who knows what’s better for you. This happens not more of a Divine cooperation but usually with God’s intervention answering your prayers. But that holds true only when you pray, because prayer indicates the presence of faith. Faith can grow through constant prayers. We must have faith to keeps us strong. Through faith, we can easily understand and hurdle life’s difficulties. When we cannot anymore comprehend what is going on, there should be something aside from the intellect that will explain. And that’s faith. Where reason ends, faith begins. ... Tolerating Grossbart would be a way of going against the principle of being a defender of faith. Even Jesus Christ became furious when he entered the temple and saw the place becoming a venue for businesses. He upturned the tables being used by the moneychangers and the places of dove sellers and He drove the traders. He claimed "The Scripture says that this temple should be used for praying, but you are using it as "place for thieves"(The Holy Bible, New International Version, p.546). A defender of faith naturally possesses a very strong faith that is acquired and develops through years of practicing the religion. Religion doesn't promise an easy life, a bed of roses so to speak. But no matter how difficult life is, a person with real faith will not be overwhelmed by it. He knows the Lord up there helps him carry the load. He is too much aware that God will not give him a problem that is too difficult that he cannot bear. In every problem that God gives, there is always a corresponding solution. Every problem that is solved greatly contributes to the growth of faith. To be a defender of faith, one can learn many lessons from the Bible. Of course, Bible is a Christians' Book of Life. A Model of Christian Charity People in different countries and places have different status in life. There is a widening gap between the rich and the poor. Some people belong to very influential and well-to-do families while others live an average life and are obedient to the powers that be. What could be the reason for this Perhaps it is God's wisdom that different people live differently. The Model of Christianity has the following reasons: So that beauty can be appreciated more by seeing the opposite and so that man can be grateful to his

Emerging Technology -Facebook's Timeline Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Emerging Technology -Facebook's Timeline - Essay Example Ever since this emerging technology was introduced, Facebook has made some significant improvements in its market orientation, which is largely focused on advertisement and marketing. Currently, the corporation attributes 85% of its revenues to advertisements, a situation that has shot the company’s revenues to an all time high in the high in the past five years. Facebook’s Timeline continues to bring the company profits because of the level of dedication that the company has for research and development, which makes it possible for it to provide user-centered service that accounts for the ever growing number of users of Facebook. Currently, there is a massive monthly active user base of 85 million people worldwide. This number, with the data collected through the Timeline makes the company the holder of most personal data than any other ad seller online can have access to. Keywords – advertisements; revenue; marketing; timeline; number game; Timeline; metadata; updates; information mining; research and development; cloud; social media network I. INTRODUCTION As technology advances and the internet become more and more useful, entrepreneurs, especially those whose business orientation is directed at information technology continues to take advantage, depending on their business strategies. More specifically, social media network has come to add up an entirely new paradigm to the concept of internet surfing (Arnould, Albert and Schau, 2009). Bickart, and Robert (2011) note that the total number of internet users have quadrupled since the introduction of social media networking. Clearly Facebook dominates when it comes to the concept of social media networking. But even so, the corporation continues to introduce very ideas and emerging technologies that ensures that it does not only become a global leader in the provision of social networking services but also well tailored advertising services to marketing departments of various multinationa l corporations. In its early days, no one really understood why Facebook will be so much committed to offering free social networking service that brought everyone on board from all over the world but now that the corporation has access to over 625,000 terabytes of compressed data on a daily basis and working hard as online ad sellers, much more sense is being made of the initial moves of the company to be committed to the provision of high quality social media networking service (Brown, Amanda and Nick, 2007). In this paper, there is a critical scrutiny at Facebook’s emerging technology in the form of Timeline to see how this emerging technology makes the corporation more competitive as an online ad seller. II. SURVEY FINDINGS A. Facebook’s Motivation No corporation undertakes a major business strategic program such as what Facebook did without having a core motivation that pushes it to do so (Shirky, 2008). In the case of the Facebook timeline, the motivation has bee n found as the need to have a better focus on advertisement as adverts account for as much as 85% of the corporation’s annual revenue (Surowiecki, 2012). In line with the need for companies to build competitive advantage for themselves in line with their market exposure and the search for customers, a lot more companies are putting emphasis on the 5P marketing mix (Terranova, 2000). But within the 5 strategic scenarios under the 5Ps, promotion has been found to be a very vital component because it has the power of directly targeting consumers or customers to get them to do business with

Religion and Faith as Instrument of Hope Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Religion and Faith as Instrument of Hope - Essay Example I will make your load easier to carry. Come near me and you shall have rest (The Holy Bible, New International Version, p.539). Truly the heavy load gets lighter, out of the blue, a solution to a problem just appears and help from friends keep on coming. But those are possible only when you have faith. Because the solution that came isn’t the one you’re asking. With faith, you’ll realize that there’s One who knows what’s better for you. This happens not more of a Divine cooperation but usually with God’s intervention answering your prayers. But that holds true only when you pray, because prayer indicates the presence of faith. Faith can grow through constant prayers. We must have faith to keeps us strong. Through faith, we can easily understand and hurdle life’s difficulties. When we cannot anymore comprehend what is going on, there should be something aside from the intellect that will explain. And that’s faith. Where reason ends, faith begins. ... Tolerating Grossbart would be a way of going against the principle of being a defender of faith. Even Jesus Christ became furious when he entered the temple and saw the place becoming a venue for businesses. He upturned the tables being used by the moneychangers and the places of dove sellers and He drove the traders. He claimed "The Scripture says that this temple should be used for praying, but you are using it as "place for thieves"(The Holy Bible, New International Version, p.546). A defender of faith naturally possesses a very strong faith that is acquired and develops through years of practicing the religion. Religion doesn't promise an easy life, a bed of roses so to speak. But no matter how difficult life is, a person with real faith will not be overwhelmed by it. He knows the Lord up there helps him carry the load. He is too much aware that God will not give him a problem that is too difficult that he cannot bear. In every problem that God gives, there is always a corresponding solution. Every problem that is solved greatly contributes to the growth of faith. To be a defender of faith, one can learn many lessons from the Bible. Of course, Bible is a Christians' Book of Life. A Model of Christian Charity People in different countries and places have different status in life. There is a widening gap between the rich and the poor. Some people belong to very influential and well-to-do families while others live an average life and are obedient to the powers that be. What could be the reason for this Perhaps it is God's wisdom that different people live differently. The Model of Christianity has the following reasons: So that beauty can be appreciated more by seeing the opposite and so that man can be grateful to his