My Best Friend essays

My Best Friend essays We have been friends for quite a while now, and I just want to say thank you for being there when times got tough. I know you more than I know anybody and I'm so glad that we started hanging out together. Lately I've been thinking about the way that we always compete with each other and it's really starting to get to me. I know that it's not always intentional, but it just seems like you enjoy getting into those little arguements that we seem to almost always come across. You and I have alot of the same personality traits, yet we also seem like total opposites at times. You are a really funny/crazy guy and that's why I like to hang out with you, but sometimes you really get to me and you push my buttons. Darin, you argue with me about the stupidest things and you always have to get the last word in. Sometimes I know that I'm really the one who's right, but I let you win just so that you'll shut up. Don't take this letter personal, I'm not trying to put you down, I just thought I'd bring it to your attention before it starts to affect our friendship. I don't want to keep my feelings and thoughts all bottled up inside me and I know you've been really busy lately, so I figured it wouldn't hurt to write it all down on paper. We have a really cool friendship and I don't want to continue to have these stupid competitions with you. You are probably one of the coolest, most unique guys I've ever met and I want to keep hanging out and doing normal guy stuff, but you have to be willing to make the effort too. Please try to bite your tongue when you think that you're about to disagree with my opinions and I'll do the same with you. I hope that you don't take this the wrong way, but I just thought it should be put out in the open so that we can cut down on the arguements that we've been having. I won't get mad if you think a girl you like is prettier than a girl that I like, and you shouldn't try to say that you can l ...

Top 5 Jobs in the Southwest

Top 5 Jobs in the Southwest If you’re looking for a career change (or a change of scenery!),   here are some of the fastest-growing jobs for 2016 in the southwestern part of the united states, a region  that  according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas. Home to a number of vibrant and diverse cultures from Santa Fe to Houston to New Orleans, the Southwestern part of the country is also a hotbed of growth and renewal in a number of industries. if you have a taste for the spicy (steaming tex-mex plates or New Mexico’s famous hatch chili peppers, anyone?) and are looking for a career jumpstart, definitely consider this region.1. Java DeveloperAustin, TX, is one of the growing tech start-up hubs putting the southwest on the map. it also has some old-school tech flavor as well: IBM, Dell, Google, and Facebook all have outposts in the region. one of the fastest-growing positions in the region is for java developers, who develop an d refine code specifically for the java programming language across different platforms.Developers have a median salary of $97,990, and the field is likely to expand by at least 17% per the BLS.2. Health Services ManagerLike everywhere else in the nation, the Southwest is seeing a booming healthcare industry as the population ages and insurance coverage gets more complex. and while you might think of medical professionals like nurses and physician assistants as the primary career path in the industry, there’s also the administrative arm, as well. Health services managers are not directly involved in patient medical care, but they work with the patients and families to plan, direct, and coordinate health services. They can advise on insurance coverage issues, and ensure that patients and medical facilities are up to date on changes in healthcare regulations and technology.The median salary for this role is $92,810 per year, with 17% growth expected in the near future.3. Oil/Ga s Truck DriverThe Southwestern part of the U.S. is home to much of the country’s energy industry, which includes some of the largest oil reserves and refineries. this calls for specialized truck drivers to transport oil and related materials. Truck driving in general requires on-the-job experience rather than specific degrees, but oil and gas driving jobs may require additional hazardous material licensing.The median salary for truck drivers is $38,200, and the field is expected to grow by at least 11% in the coming years. These specialized drivers will continue to be in high demand as the nation’s energy needs continue to grow and change.4. Medical AssistantIn a hectic medical office or hospital, the medical assistants are often the busiest people around. medical assistants may be called on to help with administrative tasks (processing patient records, receiving patients) or clinical ones (taking vital signs, preparing equipment, handling samples for testing). In addi tion to a high school diploma, this role often calls for additional certification, depending on the state.The median salary is $29,960, and the field is expected to grow by at least 23% in the near future.5. Personal Financial AdvisorWith the realities of housing, student loans, and healthcare coverage growing more complex all the time, the need for personal financial advisors is definitely expanding. Financial advisors work with clients to create personal financial plans for investments, insurance, mortgages, education, taxes, and retirement planning.One of the quickest-growing industries in the southwest, overall demand for these advisors is expected to grow by an astounding 30% by 2022. This position typically requires a bachelor’s degree, and the median salary is $81,060.So what do you think? Is a career change with a Southwestern flair on deck for you?

Summary of Images of Women in Early Buddhism and Christian Gnosticism Essay

Summary of Images of Women in Early Buddhism and Christian Gnosticism - Essay Example 95 problem The main problem addressed by the paper is: the paper seeks to obtain reasons why these negative attitudes towards women exist while it is known that they take an active role in their religious lives. This paragraph is important since it tries to show that women also take an active role in religious activities regardless of the perceptions held by men about them. Research question Why should these negative attitudes towards women persist when we know that women actively supported and participated in the religious life of both Buddhist and Gnostic communities? This is essential since it shows that the author has a point to advance to the readers as well as to get the answers why women are treated that way. Paragraph 3, p. 95 Both scriptures show that women are capable of seducing men to engage in sexual intercourse. This paragraph seeks to support the argument raised by the author that women are evil people. Paragraph 1, p.96 thesis -Both religions assume the wrong doing of women disrupted an otherwise perfect world. This thesis statement seeks to show that the author is of the view that women are responsible for human kind’s disgrace on earth. Paragraph 2, p.96 claims -The Buddhist myth posits to the effect that men’s disgrace came after he tasted food from the earth -this mainly contributed to the fall of humanity. This paragraph is very important since it highlights the source of sin among human kind. Paragraph 3, p. 96 evidence -The Christians on the other hand also attribute this myth of women’s evilness to the issue of Adam and Eve who tasted the forbidden fruit in Eden which led to sexual intercourse. -this paragraph is also important since it tries to show the evidence to prove that women were the causes of sin on earth Paragraph 1, p. 97 (Note- starts with this sentence: Other tractates, The Book of Thomas .... Eating the forbidden fruit led to the fall of humankind as shown by the actions of Eve. This section also seeks to advance the author’s argument with regards to perceptions held by men about women. Paragraph 2, p.97 evidence continues Both religions attribute the fallout of men to the deliberate act of consuming the earthly fruits that were not allowed by God. This led to sexual desire which could be satisfied through sexual intercourse. This paragraph again supports the thesis of the paper. Paragraph 3, p. 97 The Buddhists view the body of a woman as a symbol for desire and the Christian writings which also have same views for women. This paragraph is meant to support the view being presented by the author. Paragraph 1, p. 98 (note, it begins with this sentence ‘These intemperate attacks on the impurity of women's bodies and sexual...’ Womanisers are just like dogs. This paragraph is important since it helps to show that women play a major role in seducing men. Paragraph 2 p.98 Sexual intercourse is related to child bearing it is viewed as an impediment to full participat ion in religious lives. Men are encouraged to live solitary lives as an example shown by Buddha himself. This paragraph supports the thesis. Paragraph 3 p. 98 claims Christian doctrine also has negative attitude towards sexual intercourse and child bearing. These are related to suffering and Jesus even pointed out that people should destroy the works of femaleness. -both religions share the same view against sexual intercourse which leads to child birth. This is very important in the paper since the author tries to elaborate the

Do the facial features of a child with Down Syndrome impact on their Assignment

Do the facial features of a child with Down Syndrome impact on their inclusion in society - Assignment Example For many years, disabled people have faced stigma and discrimination. Shildrick (2009) denotes that during the ancient eras, a child born with any defect was either killed, or left in the wild. Shildrick observes that the Down syndrome phenomenon causes disability among children (2009). This problem makes children to feel inferior and this result to their exclusion from the various social affairs within the community (Shildrick, 2009). DePoy et al (2011) denotes that the Down syndrome phenomenon disfigures the face of a child. This condition has a direct influence on a child’s perception in the society (DePoy et al, 2011).This condition leads to the notion of social identity, which is a perception or attitude an individual or a group has towards another person or group. On this note, children with this condition place themselves within a specific social group that identifies with their needs and problems (DePoy et al, 2011). The social identity theory, developed by John Turner and Henri Tajfel best explains this problem (Tajfel, 1982). The social identity theory denotes that socialization is a process, and social identity is a process within socialization (Frances, 2004).According to Frances, for an individual to gain acceptance by a particular group, the same individual must portray similar characteristics with the particular group (2004). Frances further denotes that these shared characteristics provide a legitimate reason for the individual to gain acceptance within the particular group under consideration (2004). The social identity theory, as advocated by Henri Tajfel and John Turner denotes that a disabled person withdraws from the various activities within a society, because of the social environment in which they operate on. According to Giddens (2009), this withdrawal emanates from their inability to engage effectively with other social groups that operate within a community. Giddens introduces an aspect of the gaze theory in explaining the prob lems of the disabled within a community. Giddens (2009) denotes that the gaze theory measures the level of interaction between a child with disability, and a normal child. He further observes that the theory provides a solution that will address the various difficulties that disabled children suffer from, but this depends on the acceptance by the disabled person that he or she needs the help of a society (2009). The social identity theory emphasizes on limiting certain freedoms of these people, such as of movement and association (Oliver, 1990). Bluhm (2009) observes that the theory groups these people into a social group, this for purposes of identifying their needs and effectively satisfying them. This precipitates the construction of a social group, because the disabled are grouped according to their characteristics. This construed identity increases the level of discrimination and stigma in the society (Tremain, 2006). Raiser denotes that the social identity theory places people into groups, basing on their physical and social characteristics (1995). Bluhm et al (2009) introduces the notion of the gaze theory. He denotes that the theory observes the image of a person, and makes its comparison with a visual text (Bluhm et al, 2009). After analyzing the results of the comparisons, an individual is placed within a

Graduation Speech: The Importance of Loving God :: Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

I've had a great time these past four years of high school. I've had a lot of fun with my class. We have many memories together. The basketball games, the parties, and all the fund-raisers for worthy causes. And, we've all been really busy with our own individual lives, and I know that will never change. But, on top of my busy schedule, I've learned something. And right now I want to tell you the most important I've learned. I've learned it doesn't matter what our day to day lives entail. Whether it's doing homework or studying, working or singing, being the Strawberry Queen, playing tennis or playing piano, or even doing karate. What's most important is loving God! Because, you see, the memories fade away and the friends move away, we all know that, but God is always constant. Psalm 90 verse 2 says, "Even from everlasting to everlasting, He is God." I know I haven't experienced as much as many of you have and I know I have a lot to learn. But, nothing I learn matters as much as my relationship with God. And a lot of you might say, "Michelle, you do a lot for God. You've been on mission trips and you're on the leadership team at your church." You could even say that the Senior Class has done a lot for God. Some teach Sunday school at their church, a few help lead worship with music, and some run sound. These are all wonderful. But that doesn't matter. What matters is what's in here. What's in your heart. All the other things are additions. I once read a quote that says, "The man who views the world at 50 the same as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life." You know that may be true. But let me give you an even greater truth. The man who lives his live without Christ has wasted eternity. And that is a deadly and dangerous game to play. But you know what? Those who live for God have the hope of eternity to look forward to. Because God has given us a free gift. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Class of 2006, I want to challenge you. The ultimate truth is that our focus should be on God and not on this world. And always make sure that people can see God through you.

Student Version of Decleration of Independence

When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for students to break off with their parents and teachers and to become independent; they must explain why they deserve to be independent to the rest of the world. This requires us, as students to write our own Declaration of Independence for the rest of the world to see and comprehend why we should be and will be independent to show our oppression against our teachers. To begin with, it is obvious that all students are created equal and are given by their creator the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of whatever makes them happy.To get these rights, teachers should allow students do as they wish. However, when teachers begin a long train of mistreatment and machination against students with their communistic ways and Pearl Harbor sneak attacks with discipline it shows they only want to control every aspect of our lives. Do we not deserve respect? It is the duty and right of us sapient students to get rid of the control o ur fastidious teachers have over the students and our school.Furthermore, students have been very patient with the teachers and faculty of South Gwinnett High School, but with such a long history of mistreatment, headache and constant nagging from the staff it is only right that the rest of the world finds out what has been happening. It has rained so long, it seems as though it has rained for 40 days and nights. They give us repeated pointless referrals; they give us way too much work with no time to finish. Staff are constantly questioning students in the hallways and telling us what to wear.They tell us when we can or cannot use the restroom; they tell us that we only have six minutes to get to each class, which is not enough time. Our lockers are too small and our lunches are inedible. They refuse to let us go off campus for lunch, and they refuse to let us self-checkout anymore. They punish us if we do not make it to class on time by going to the tardy room, and they punish us for gratuitous reasons that were unfair and not our fault. Even after all of this mistreatment, the students including myself have expressed how we felt to our teachers.However, our complaints have fallen flat. And as usual we have been shunned and ignored. We have even brought our situation to the ears of administrators, teachers from different schools and parents, but we have been muted. A petition to ease the dictatorship of our teachers was refused by many. Some even attempted to post posters illustrating how the students felt. Students even tried going on strike, refusing to go to classes. Meetings to try and sit down with the faculty of South Gwinnett to discuss the matter were ignored as well.The betrayal was stern. Do we not deserve respect? Though, now we must announce that we are accommodating in this debauchery and separating ourselves from the school as a whole to become more independent and liberated. We, therefore the students and representative of South Gwinnett High School in Snellville Georgia present these facts to the rest of the country and the world for freedom. And with this, the students of South Gwinnett write and declare that we are now independent from South Gwinnett High School.

Strategic Issues in Entreprenuerial Ventures - 1565 Words

Chapter 13 STRATEGIC ISSUES IN ENTREPRENEURIAL VENTURES AND SMALL BUSINESSES The Importance of Small-Business and Entrepreneurial Ventures A. Definition of Small-Business Firms and Entrepreneurial Ventures The most commonly accepted definition of a small business firm is one that employs fewer than 500 people and that generates sales of less than $20 million annually. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, â€Å"A small business is one which is independently owned and operated, and which is not dominant in its field of operation.† Although there is considerable overlap between what is meant by the terms small business and entrepreneurship. The concepts are different. The small-business firm is independently owned and†¦show more content†¦Herb Goldstein, a partner with BDO Seidman, commented that older entrepreneur were more likely to â€Å"manage by the set of their pants.†Of those firms with strategic plan 89% indicated that the plan had been effective. Reasons given for its effectiveness were that it had specific goals (64%), gave staff unified vision (25%), and set up a time frame for achievements (11%). Reasons given for an ineffective strategic plan were that it was too vague (43%), lacked a time frame for goals (29%), did not identify goals (17%), and lacked staff input (11%). Degree of formality Researchers generally conclude that the strategic planning process should be far less formal in small companies than it is in large corporations. Some studies have even found that too formal a process may actually hurt performance. A heavy emphasis on structured, written plans may be dysfunctional to small entrepreneurial firms because it reduces the flexibility that is crucial to their success. The process of strategic planning, not the plan itself, is probably the key to improving business performance. The observations suggest that an entrepreneurial venture begins in Henry Mintsberg’s entrepreneurial mode of strategy formulation (see Chapter 2) and moves toward the planning mode as the company becomes established and the entrepreneur wants its growth to continue. However, if the entrepreneur choose stability over growth, the venture moves toward the adaptive mode common to