Monday, September 16, 2019

A Fortune

Well at least according to his mother, the lady with a black gig, using most of her time crying, because she fears the narrator will grow up and be like his father. Growing up in a trailer park, the family didn't have a lot of money. This is one of the reasons for his father teaching him pick pocketing in the age of five. This pick pocketing is still a part of his life, even after his old man left town without leaving a note or a phone call. The reason for him still pick pocketing lies in the hope he has, of his father someday returning: â€Å"One day Pop will show up again.I'll hand him the boxful of money, he will throw me some bills, and then Ill Just stow them way without counting them. That's what I think. † (Line 31) It's not that he needs the money. In fact he has a Job. But he Is longing for the recognition from his father. As he says himself, when arguing why he didn't ever count the money his dad gave him: â€Å"l Just didn't want to know how much Pop thought I was worth. † (Line 13) When working his Job, he earns enough money to take Sundays of. It's not to go to church, but to recharge his batteries.Not being religious is something he learned in his childhood. His uncle Barney used to come around dressed like Santa, only to lose his eared and ask for at stiff drink. That taught him to be realistic, only to believe in what you can see yourself. Though not having had the most love full childhood, he still loves his mother: â€Å"l have to give her credit for trying to make me an honest boy. † (Line 1 5) He still visits her at the trailer park, reading the notes from fortune cookies aloud to her. When speaking of the fortune cookies, these play a big part In his life.He always saves them, after eating a low-price dinner at the Chinese restaurant. As he says: â€Å"I love those stupid fortune cookies. † (Line 38) When using â€Å"love† and â€Å"stupid† in the same line, he contradicts himself. The fortune notes inside the cookie are stupid, it's such a small thing, and the fortune usually doesn't come true. But he loves them, because when they tell him things like â€Å"love and happiness will be yours in abundance† it's something he has never heard before, it's something he hopes will come true.These fortune notes tell him everything he has longed hearing from his parents, the loving things they never told him. When seeing the little boy at the market, he reminds him of himself. The boy is about seven ears old, following his father, Just like the narrator at the age of five used to follow his father when they would go pick pocketing. When he sees the boy standing all alone In the street, he feels forced to take care of him: â€Å"l don't know what compelled me, but my feet Just sort of walked over to him before I told them to. Kid, you lost? â€Å"Do you want to come with me? † I heard myself talking and I swear I sounded Like a stinking Clapper. Eve never Ana a problem wi lt stealing wallets, D stealing lost kids is out of my territory. It's Just that, it must be nice, you know, to be mound† (Line 75) He feels a connection to the boy, which express itself in the last line. When saying it must be nice to be found, the narrator is no longer talking about the boy. He is talking about himself, and how he is longing to be found by his father. To be found, and being told that he is loved.When taking the boy to his house, the similarity between the two gets stronger. At first the narrator doesn't quite know what to do with the boy. But because of his loneliness, it's nice to have some company. He chooses to show his collection of fortune notes to the boy, and the two of them are paving a blast. The narrator never cries. But this boy touches something in him. When looking at his lop-sided smile, he gets all emotional. He has already given the boy a fortune note saying â€Å"time is of the essence, use it wisely,† when choosing to give all his fo rtune notes to the boy.Why? Here's why: mean it, kid. I want you to have my fortunes. You know why? You deserve it, kid, you earned it. † â€Å"Here it says, ‘Long life will be yours. ‘ I want you to have that one especially, because you deserve a long life† (Line 116) The narrator puts on the role of fatherhood, making sure that this id, opposite to himself, knows what he is worth and that he is deserves to have a good, long life. He is telling the boy the things that the father is supposed to tell him.By telling the boy what he is worth, he states the fact, that the boy is a fortune in himself – hence the title. His father is a lucky man, and he doesn't appreciate it. If he did, he wouldn't have yelled harshly at the kid when they were at the market. The text is build up as a flashback at first. The narrator is looking back at when he first saw the boy, then going on telling about his old childhood. When he's done telling about myself, he returns to the story: â€Å"Like I said, it was a Sunday when I saw this man and his son†¦ (Line 34) It goes on chronologically from here on, and the story ends sudden when the narrator has dropped the boy of at his house. The narrator is a 1. Person narrator, not knowing how other people know or think. By this kind of narrator, we focus on the narrator himself, although the main event of the story is the little boy. As fortunes being the main theme of the text, there's no talk about fortunes as a materialistic thing, but the fact that everyone is a fortune in themselves.But people aren't told, and it hurts the most when not hearing it from one's parents: â€Å"That guy didn't need his credit cards or cash or oilskin wallet. He didn't know what a fortune he had 159) Before meeting the boy, the narrator got a fortune cookie that said: â€Å"A change in your daily routine will lead you to treasure. † When telling the boy what he is worth, he immediately feels better with himself. The message of the text comes as a result of this: It's important to tell people what they're worth, no matter if they are rich or poor, leaving them happy and leaving you as feeling like a good person.

Sunday, September 15, 2019

Critical Literacy

â€Å"Read the word to read the world. † (Freire) Being critically literate is not just about being able to understand words. It is about reading, listening, or hearing texts and coming up with your own thoughts on them. Being able to discuss your thoughts between many different people using your life and knowledge as a baseline. Critically literate citizens challenge thoughts by advocating as well as being active in their government. An activist uses literacy to critically understand and challenge social and political power.Activist's enjoy collaborating with other groups to change attitudes, policies, and laws. They use and interpret language to challenge and shape themselves and institutions. Illegal immigrant supporters are a good example of critical literacy. How you perceive what you read will enforce if you are on the pro- or anti- side of the debate. Asking a simple question about The United States jobs you will receive many different answers based on the knowledge and understanding of the particular person you are asking.Some activist's believe that illegal immigrants help the economy by working for low costs. Others believe they take U. S jobs that citizens could benefit from regardless of wage. Using the knowledge they have obtained from news casters, articles, and other people they dissect the information to come up with their stance. Activist's then are able to knowledgeably speak out about the changes they want to achieve. The Communists Manifesto, by Karl Marx, is a critically literate book that brings to light what Marx believes as class struggles and problems of capitalism.The book gives readers an understanding of Marx's theories about society and politics. Bell Hooks, a feminist, feels that literacy is essential to the future of the feminist movement because the lack of reading, writing, and critical skills serves to exclude many women and men from feminist consciousness. Not only that, it excludes many from the political process and t he labour market. (infed. org) Thomas Jefferson felt that â€Å"Information is the currency of democracy. † Cutting apart the information will give you a better sense of the government and your rights.Jefferson believed there was a correlation between literacy, citizenship and successful self-government. (Sparagana) When you are well-informed then you could be trusted with your own government. Using media outlets and websites people have the opportunity to critique news articles, get people to notice their problems, and ask government officials the questions they have. Do a search for a news outlet's website and article after article will have a spot to post your opinion as well as question the writer's point of view and the opinions of others who have posted.Having the internet easily accessible makes it even easier to keep tabs on the government. Having open options to ask or write your president or any other elected official questions from the information you have obtained will make it easier to have a discussion and either change their minds or have your own changed. Being able to critically look at the texts you are able to challenge government in a way to make your own voice heard. Critical literacy is important knowledge to have.Without it you would not be able to form your own opinions and not be able to understand the opinions of others. Having freedom of speech is a precious thing that we all should take advantage of. We are given a voice to to speak what we feel regarding every aspect of our lives. A critically literate citizen is necessary for a meaningful participation in society. Whether it is to have an in-depth discussion with your friends, writing and reading books, or watching a movie critical literacy brings meaning to your life.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

Satan and Evil in the Quran

It is interesting to read the seventh chapter of Major Themes of the Quran. There is an abundance of information explaining the traditions and fundamentality of this argument. It is really interesting to see the common threads that run through the three major religions. When evil and satan is discussed in the Quran it is often referred to along with the jinn. The jinn are the metaphorical representation of the humans. They are often imbued with names such as satans or the Devil. There is much made from the repeated statements that satans stealthily attempt to snatch news from the heavens but are driven away. (Major Themes of the Koran 121) It then goes on to say that the jinn were given the opportunity to listen to the Quran, and then choose the path of good or evil. It is important to note that the information is given to Mohammed from God, and that it is not recorded that the Prophet Mohammed had an contact with the jinn. In the Quran, Satan or evil is not seen as the enemy of God, but rather the rival and enemy of men and women. Satan cannot touch God, is not an equal, so satan preys upon men and women to rebel against God’s command. In the Bible there is the similar belief that Satan is there to tempt men and women to break God’s commandments. A parallel could be drawn between the Quran’s warnings and the Bible’s warning to be vigilant against the activities of Satan. â€Å"O people! Enter all of you into peace and do not follow the footsteps of Satan, for he is your manifest enemy. †(2:208) Satan’s power is derived from the weakness of men and women. In the Quran the devil appears more cunning and artful than strong. . . (Major Themes of the Quran 125) The devil simply invites people to make an error, people still have the ability to say no. The story of Adam and Eve is a common theme through both the Bible and the Quran, and it illustrates this point well. The apple was simply offered, perhaps cajoled, but never forced. Again the common thread, all people must guard against the influence of evil, because it is insidious. The Quran often parallels jinn to mankind, the struggle between evil tendencies and good are in both. It details why it is easy for people to deceive themselves into believing what they are doing is just, ut in reality is just self-serving behavior. Satan is often referred to in the plural satans in the Quran, illustrating its use for both mankind and jinns. There is no satan independent of these two types of beings according to the Quran, one must exist for the other to exist. Satans is also used to for disbelievers. It is said that they take in satans at the exclusion of God. It is believed that as God sends messages to his prophets, so satan sends messages to his wicked followers. Major Themes of the Quran 130). The theme of satan and evil is interesting as it appears in the Quran. There are many parallels with the Bible, such as the story of Adam and Eve. The struggles of men and women against the temptation of evil, is another parallel in the Quran and Bible. The Quran does talk about jinns, which is different than anything mentioned in the Bible. Another large divide is the bel ief that all disbelievers are evil. Consequently I believe there are more similarities than differences.

Friday, September 13, 2019

HRM- Report - As HR Manager at Kenworth Hotels Essay

HRM- Report - As HR Manager at Kenworth Hotels - Essay Example The increase in expansion of businesses into multinational companies has led to great competition that has necessitated rise in demand for high tech and competitive managers. To become an effective manager, an individual needs to have broad knowledge about international affairs and different global cultures especially of the target market. This report is going to provide guidance on the appropriate selection process, training, remuneration, reward and promotion of manager to work for Kenworth Hotels in Spain. In so doing, the report will guide the audience into understanding various concepts of international labours, ethical practices; integration of businesses into international status. In the process, the report will highlight challenges and solutions for international companies. The report will also inform the executive of Kenworth Hotels about issues to give significant focus and concentration to ensure success of the intended foreign investment. However good, globalization came and has grown in magnitude and scope with particular problems and challenges that requires fixing or addressing for companies or businesses intending to expand internationally to achieve success. Some issues related to globalization tend to be serious to overwhelm the abilities of managers and individual companies to exercise control and regulation (Dewhirst 2012). The most common issues related to globalization or internationalization of companies include cultural incompatibilities, price wars, compliance to rules and regulations governing businesses operations and transfer of knowledge among others. To survive and emerge successful in the process of globalization, businesses need to identify and understand the challenges related to internationalization. International companies need to comply with the labour laws set and established by the governments of the parent and host countries. Usually, international companies especially those involved with

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Diverse Families Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Diverse Families - Movie Review Example Extended family includes, Karen and Jack. Karen Walker is Grace’s receptionist who is bisexual. Jack is a gay struggling actor and friend of Will. It is a situational comedy with homosexuality as the main theme. But what I love about the serial is its human relationship that transcends sexual orientation, cultural and racial paradigms. Karen with her bitchiness and Jack with his flamboyant character and who has tried his hand on all types of job, excel in their characters. Jack’s relationship with Will and Karen’s attraction to Jack all add up to hilarious anecdotes. A family with parents and 2 siblings who would welcome, love and support an 18 years old smart long haired guy, who loves to dress in feminine clothes. Preference would be given to the family where mother is black and both siblings are girls as I want sisters who would adore me and lend me their dresses when I go to parties with my

Wednesday, September 11, 2019

Customer Relationship Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Customer Relationship Management - Essay Example According to the research findings learning relations should mature for positive results to be achieved; the use of IDIC enables customization of customer relationship. According to Peppers & Rodgers, IDIC involves several tasks, which can assist an organization to build learning relationship. Identifying customers is very important for a company, since it is easier to know the preferences of that specific customer. Differentiating customers involves identify customers of different levels, and their different needs; indeed, interacting with customers is vital. Therefore, organizations must improve their interaction, which enables the company to identify the needs of customers. Customizing customer treatment involves engaging the customer in a learning relationship, which includes adjusting the company’s behavior to meet the needs of a customer. In addition, use of ICTs enables an organization to research on effective CRM tools, which can foster learning relationships, and as a result, attracting and retaining customers. An organizational chart clearly shows the structure of an organization. As a result, these charts aid in organizing the place of work, by providing managers with departmental information. Therefore, a well-organized structure will definitely boost the customer relationship management through prioritizing on customer needs and fostering healthy interaction with such customers. Below is the Imperial Limited’s organizational chart; this organization interacts with customers daily, as it provides decoration services for weddings and other events. Figure 1: imperial decoration company, organizational chart How should that chart be changed in order to facilitate customer management and to make sure people are evaluated, measured, and compensated for building the value of the customer base? Currently, the company comprises of the chief executive officer, a vice president, and managers in all the respective departments. Generally, managers ’ responsibility involves co-coordinating activities in their respective departments and reporting to the vice president, who reports to the chief executive officer. However, in order for the organization to foster customer value through managing relationships, it must be ready to identify, differentiate, and interact with customers. According to Day (N.d, p.2), organization structures include coordinating mechanisms; however, they should be more customer-focused. Imperial Decoration Company is a service rendering company, where the human resources department deals with employees’ welfare, which includes training, salaries, and annual leaves among others. The marketing department markets the company through advertising, good customer services, and promotion. The accounts department handles all the returns of the company. Competition is increasing and the company needs to

Tuesday, September 10, 2019

The Economy and it's Effect on Politics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Economy and it's Effect on Politics - Essay Example The existence of the EU is the result of desire to create a European common market, where trade barriers are removed and hence promote economic activities between political member states whilst becoming a united political entity on the world stage. Five economic tests were set out to determine whether the UK's economy was ready for such a change, 1) Convergence with the Euro zone; 2) Flexibility to adapt; 3) Impact on jobs and economic growth; 4) Impact on the financial services sector; and 5) Impact on investment (BBC, 2003). Two of these tests will be discussed in this essay. The Bank of England currently sets the interest rate for the UK but convergence means that power will be transferred to the European Central Bank (ECB). The UK's economy would have to be in sync with the rest of the Euro zone to avoid stresses on the domestic economy, for example The UK's mortgages are unlike the majority of Euro mortgages as they are in general variable rate mortgages, the UK has the highest property owner occupation than any other European country so is sensitive to interest rate changes. There are political and economic consequences to this sensitivity for example mortgage borrowers show unenthusiastic attitude to their political pee rs concerning joining the Euro zone precisely because of this and convergence would bear consequence on the economy as there would be a reduced spending power of these borrowers. Joining a single