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Wishing I Found The Courage Sooner Professor Ramos Blog

Wishing I Found The Courage Sooner â€Å"Do you feel any older?† my father said as he was giving me my yearly birthday discou...

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Drivers Ed essays

Drivers Ed essays The book I am reading is called Drivers Ed. It is about a girl named Remy, her friend Lark, and her other friend Morgan. The first 25 pages of the book starts off by describing Remys family, which includes her mom, dad, younger brother Mac, and younger brother Henry. Then it talks about Morgans family. It consists of his mom, dad, and little sister Starr. His dad is going to run for governor, and it pretty much says how perfect his family and life is. It also lets you know that Remy has a crush on Morgan, and Morgan has a crush on Remy. Anyway, in this class, the teacher has a lot of trouble with names. He announces three names to go drive, and Remy, Lark, and Morgan drive most of the time. He calls out Remy, Christine, and Morgan. Lark then switches with Christine. Remy is driving, and she accidentally drives over the median and leaves some of the muffler behind. Then Lark drives and runs a red light. It doesnt let you know how Morgan did, but when they get back from driving, they get an idea that they should all steal road signs for their room. In the next 25 pages, Remy, Lark, and Morgan plan to go out to steal their signs. Lark is sick though, so she doesnt go. None of them have their licenses, so Nicky Buddy drives. He is one year older than all of them, and he lives by Morgan so he is friends with him. Remy decides that she want a Morgan Road sign, they get a Thickly Settled sign for Lark, and Morgan takes a Stop sign. Also, Remy and Morgan kiss when they are in the car. When Remy comes home, Mac starts to question her and she has to hide the Morgan Road sign in the bushes to make sure that Mac doesnt tell their mom what she did. In the next 25 pages, Morgan begins to think about the fact that he is going out with Remy now. He is worried about what is going to happen in school the next day. In concert choir, he doesnt even look at her, or talk to her. H...

Friday, November 22, 2019

How to Write the Best About Us Page (50 Examples and a Template)

How to Write the Best About Us Page (50 Examples and a Template) What’s the first page you read when you find a new company and want to learn their story? If you’re like a lot of folks, it’s the  company’s about us page. Those pages, usually found in the footer navigation on most business sites, are powerful pieces of an effective website content strategy. However, they’re sometimes overlooked, too. When they’re written well, they can help your company show off its personality, differentiate itself from the competition, and leave a positive impression on potential customers. So, why ignore those potential benefits when you can do it right and reap the rewards? That’s exactly what this post will show you how to do. Here’s a quick summary of what you’ll find: What separates quality About pages from ones that are uninspired. Tons of real-life examples. A step-by-step process for writing a page of your own. Plus, you’ll get a free template to expedite your process. About : Is your marketing team struggling to get organized? Learn how to fire makeshift marketing with , the industrys leading marketing management platform. How to Write the Best About Us Page With 50 Examples and a Free Template via @ Table of Contents About Us Page Template What is an About Us Page? Page Placement Why Are These Pages Important? Five Pages That Got It Right 45 Reals Writing an About Us Page in 7 Steps Figure Out What Your Page Will Include Create a Project Checklist Write Your Mission Statement Explain What You Do Map Out Your Company History Incorporate Your Values Include Visual Elements Download Your Free About Us Page Template Writing your page will most likely start with a simple Word doc. So, rather than create one from scratch, why not snag this free template instead? It lays out fields for everything you’ll need to hand over to a developer to get your page created. Download it now, then learn how to put it to use in this post. Awesome news! Youre invited to a 1on1 marketing demo of ! In 30 mins or less, you can see howtoWhat is an About Us Page? In simplest terms, it’s a page on your website that explains what your business does. That sounds straightforward enough, right? Sure, it does. But, because of this, they’re occasionally treated like nondescript pieces of content, created to fulfill a requirement on a checklist. That’s selling those pages short, though. Get it right, and they go from a line item no one looks at, to an essential element of telling your company’s story. Approached this way, they’re: Useful pieces of your site. Essential pages for establishing who you are and what you’re about. Worth spending time on to get right.Where Should These Pages Be Located? Generally, they’re found in website footers: Why Are These Pages Important? Every company claims to have core values and some kind of differentiator that makes them different than other companies out there. But, no other company on Earth shares your exact story, or your specific reason for being in business in the first place. Conveying that difference and giving people a reason to care about you more than your competition can make the difference between someone making a one-time purchase and forgetting who you are, to becoming a loyal brand advocate. Certainly, that’s a lot of weight to put on one website page, and it takes more than just one page to become a beloved brand (like having a good product and an actual mission, things no amount of content can cover up). But, they do help, and they’re great because they let you put that story front and center. Taking a Look at Five About Pages That Got it Right So, what exactly do these pages look like when they’re done well? To give you some ideas, here are some samples to check out. There are all different types of companies represented too, from simple-yet-effective designs, to more complex examples. Home Depot Hardware store chain Home Depot’s example here is straightforward, yet infuses strong imagery and the brand’s voice and tone well to rise above being generic. For example, rather than a basic â€Å"About Home Depot† headline, it works in language that appeals to their brand (being built from â€Å"right materials,† an appropriate allusion for a hardware store). Toyota One small touch to take away from Toyota is considering putting people front and center, rather than products, on these pages (they’re about the people that make up your company, as much as they’re about what you make or sell, after all). Plus, the simple navigation bar works well to make it easy to move around the page, too: Dashlane Password manager and security solutions provider Dashlane uses their page to not only talk about what they do, but to actually demonstrate their impact using hard data: Saucony Shoe and apparel manufacturer Saucony steps things up a notch with some striking design work and powerful visuals: As you scroll down the page, it animates between chapters with different pieces of the brand’s story and history (note the chapter navigation tabs at the bottom): If you have access to a skilled web development team with the time and resources to build something like this, the extra effort is well worth it. Penguin Random House When you first visit this page from Penguin Random House, you’ll find a tiled layout linking to multiple pages: This works well because it makes it easy for readers to find exactly what they’re looking for (which might include anything from their company story to open job listings). Recommended Reading: How to Write a Powerful Case Study That Converts Leads Into Customers With 50 Examples and 7 Templates 45 More Reals of the Best About Us Pages Around If you’d like to scope out even more samples, browse through the list below and click on any brand names that sound interesting. There’s a wide range of industries, companies, and websites. Nike Google Microsoft Threadless The New York Times Adobe Amazon Twitter IKEA Spotify Sweetwater BMW Slack Sony Samsung Mod Cloth Stitcher Capital One Canonical   (hey, that’s us!) Vox Zappos G2 Crowd Zazzle Redbubble UCLA Knock Knock Museum of Modern Art Intel HP Intuit Electronic Arts MailChimp Funko SEGA Revlon Wikipedia Mozilla Automattic Toggl Target Evernote New York and Company GAP Pinterest What do effective about us pages look like? Check out these 45 examples, curated by @ Writing Your Own About Us Page in 7 Steps So, how do you make your own story stand out? Start by following this simple process from start to finish. What your ultimately able to create may be contingent upon your available design and development resources. But, one thing that’s totally in your control as a marketer is to make sure your written content is on point. Step 1: Figure Out Everything Your Page Will Include It’s easy to start writing before you have a clear plan, thinking you can wing it, and still get it done efficiently. This is a mistake. Working without some sort of plan or outline means you’ll be liable to miss details, waste time, and create a lower-quality page. So, figure out the following first: Which sections will your page require? Some common pieces include your mission statement, a brief company description, corporate history, and core values. Who might you need to talk to for more information?  Track down subject matter experts and anyone with a long tenure at your company who might be able to help fill in information you’ll need. Set up some meeting times on your company calendar. How will you create graphics?  If you have a design team, this question is answered for you. If you’re on your own, you may need to figure out what you can do on your own. Recommended Reading: Website Content Template: How to Get Content Right the First Time, Every Time Step 2: Create a Project Checklist The team at never starts a project without a checklist. They’re the best way to make sure nothing gets missed on any project or piece of content. Before moving forward, list all the steps you’ll need to complete when creating your page. Some things to consider include: Research time. Gathering existing copy (like documented mission statements and core values, if you have them already). Writing an outline. Crafting on-page copy. Designing graphics. Proofing and editing. Publishing the page. One way to create a simple checklist is to use Google Sheets, Excel, or Evernote. customers can also create them using Tasks and Task Templates. These make it possible to create reusable project checklists, built right into your team’s marketing management platform. Start by creating a new project on the calendar and select your desired content type (such as a WordPress page, article, or other label of your choosing): Next, start listing your required tasks: Click +Schedule  to specify deadlines for each one: Now, when each item is checked off, you’ll see the progress percentage bar tick up: When looking at the full calendar, you’ll see this reflected there as well: This makes it easy to track your progress (and see how your concurrent projects are progressing too, all in one place). Recommended Reading: How to Easily Plan Copy for an Entire Website the Best Way Step 3: Start With Your Mission Statement More and more these days, people want to buy from companies they believe in. It’s not always enough to just churn out a product and put it in front of people. Rather, in many industries (particularly things like apparel and food), customers want to feel like they’re buying into a movement that says something about themselves. For an example, think of a company like Toms of Maine. They make things like toothpaste and deodorant, products where there’s no shortage of competition, and plenty of options available for price-conscious consumers. But, unlike most of those alternatives, Tom’s of Maine has a unique mission: to create products that are safe to use without potentially harmful side effects to the environment or yourself. In fact, they were founded explicitly because co-founders Tom and Kate Chappell wanted natural hygiene products for their family, and weren’t satisfied with what was on the market. Here’s a look at their exact mission statement today: Your company might not have such a grandiose mission. But, you almost certainly have a reason for existing, even if you’re selling something as otherwise ordinary as toothpaste. Recommended Reading: How to Create a Marketing Strategy That Will Skyrocket Your Results By 9,360% Step 4: Explain What You Do and Offer in More Detail Beyond why you do what you do, people need to know in clear terms what you actually create or sell. Some points to consider including: What exactly do you sell? How do your values and mission contribute to better quality products? How does that impact your customer’s day-to-day life using your stuff? Then, write to make people care. Even though this page is about you, it’s more about why people should buy from you. So, figure out the â€Å"why† behind your â€Å"what.† Follow these two points to do this: Instead of talking about selling products, talk about the solutions those products solve. Instead of focusing on your company, focus on how you help your customers. It’s as simple as that. Stick to those guiding rules and you’ll be well on your way to writing a page people will actually stop and read. Recommended Reading: How to Build the Best Editorial Style Guide in 10 Steps (Free Template) Step 5: Map Out Your Company History Sometimes to know where you’re going, it helps to know where you’ve been. One way to show this to your audience is to map out your company’s history. Not only does this help customers get to know your company better, it can help reinforce your brand authority if you’ve been around for some time. Here’s a simple example from Marshall Amplification: And here is an illustrated example from : To get started, follow these steps: Figure out your company’s key historical milestones. Set up interviews with internal stakeholders who might be able to help (CMOs, founders, and executives may be good contacts). Create an outline. Open up a doc and list them in chronological order. Write a quick blurb for each one. If you’ll be creating a company history graphic, keep each point punchy to keep the visual flow moving. For tools that can help you create visual timelines without (much) design or development assistance, check out the following: Timeline.js: Free and open-source tool for building interactive timelines. Piktochart: This freemium infographic design tool can be used to create timelines. Canva: Similar to Piktochart. Easy to use and offers tons of flexibility. Another option is to create a standalone company history page, and then link to it prominently from your About Us page. Recommended Reading: The Best Social Media Image Sizes Guide For Marketers Step 6: Incorporate Your Values Most companies have some sort of core values or principles. These are usually five or six points that guide your culture and business philosophy. These are often treated like something that’s pinned on the wall and forgotten, existing only because someone decided they needed to one day. But, when they’re thoughtfully crafted and ingrained into how your company operates, they can be powerful guideposts for how employees should approach their work, and your customers. For example, look at Ben and Jerry’s. Their values are core to everything they do, and they make them clear on their website: The page also includes an embedded YouTube video that helps communicate their mission and values: Note that not all of these values are directly related to making ice cream. But, they help people who buy their ice cream know their supporting a company that reflects their values too. That can be powerful for persuading people to buy and building long-term loyalty. Your values don’t necessarily need to be overtly political or world-changing in nature. And, if your company doesn’t have documented core values, this portion may need to be a project for another day. But, as long as you have some sort of purpose behind why you’re in business, you can incorporate that into your page. Recommended Reading: How to Overcome Makeshift Marketing: The Buyer's Guide Step 7: Include Visual Elements Finally, add in your visual design elements. This might include: Company photos. Designed graphics. Slide decks. Videos. If it’s visual, and it can help tell your story, why not include it? If you’ll need a designer to create graphics, be sure to give them clear direction. In the document you use to write your page, include notes formatted something like this: IMAGE TITLE: HEADLINE: DESCRIPTION: ON-IMAGE TEXT: This should give them enough to bring your idea to life. Go Rock Your About Us Page You’ve got examples to follow, an entire process and workflow laid out, and a template to get it all done. All that’s left is to do now is get down to work. Best of luck writing your page, and if you have questions or comments, please do share them below.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Disaster Recovery Planning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Disaster Recovery Planning - Essay Example The changing situation of the world and the realities which we live in a post 9/11 world has made sure that essential services such as police and hospitals continue to function in situations where the disaster is created rather than imposed. While the organization has plans on how to deal with storms, weather disasters and other calamities, the focus of the body is more on providing assistance to others rather than understanding how it can continue to function even if the building becomes inaccessible. However, it seems that the people at the organization understand that a continuity plan is simply essential for handling situations when our greatest fears are turned into reality. For these situations we have a continuity plan which comes into play when internal or external factors make it necessary for us to resort to emergency actions in order to continue providing services. In our case, the level of the threat and the level of the disaster will engage our continuity plan to the level required. For example, if our database integrity is damaged or information security is compromised we can use backups which are stored on location or restore from an earlier point in the week from our offsite data backup location. This process is in line with the suggestions made by Britt (2005) who recommends a modular stepwise plan for disaster recovery as being the most effective. That is how our continuity plan functions once an assessment about the disaster has been made.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Changes in Family and Personal Finances in the Last Generations Essay

Changes in Family and Personal Finances in the Last Generations - Essay Example Political factors such as the Cold War and political tensions globally also affected their productivity and participation in economic activities, which in turn affected their financial status. These people benefited from the social and political stability witnessed from 1970-2000. Personal and family finances of people of generation Y have changed because of changes in government policies, information technology and globalization. Most generation X families relied on one paycheck. This means that only one spouse engaged in economic activities. Though these families relied on one paycheck, they spent 54 percent of their income. Spending was mainly concentrated on fixed expenses such as insurance, mortgage, food and loans. Conversely, most generation Y families have both families working. These families spend 75 percent of their earning on fixed expenses (Warren and Tyagi 20). The spending trends of generation X and generation Y are important because they show that generation Y is more financially vulnerable than their counterparts of generation X. In case of uncertainties such as illnesses and job loss, people of generation X could easily cut back on their spending. These families used 54 percent of their income on fixed expenses and 46 percent on discretionary spending such as fashion and vacation. They could easily cut back on these spending in order to ensure that they overcome the uncertainty. A generation ago, families could address setbacks such as illnesses and job loss by cutting back on their spending. 54 percent of the income of these families was used on fixed expenses.

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Psychology of Color Essay Example for Free

Psychology of Color Essay The brain receives signals from three different color channels: red, blue, and green. When the brain receives a mix of these signals, we perceive colors that are mixtures of these three primary colors through a process called color addition (Think Quest â€Å"Color Psychology†). All colored visible light can be expressed as either mixtures or consistencies of red, blue, or green, which by perception between the eyes and the brain, produces the vast spectrum of color that exists to humans and other organisms alike. With the ability to alter our moods and bodily functions, color has more of an impact on us than we may realize. Each color produces different effects on humans, bringing about numerous physiological and psychological changes as unique as the color itself. Its presence everywhere in our daily lives makes these effects inevitable, no matter how unaware we are of them. Colors not only alter the state of our mind and body but can also reveal a lot about ourselves, including our personality, experiences, and ability to evoke memories. Colors can be categorized into two groups, warm colors and cool colors. Warm colors consist of any shade of red, orange, yellow, and pink. They can evoke emotions ranging from feelings of warmth and comfort to feelings of anger and hostility. Cool colors consist of greens, blues, and purples. Although they generally create a calming, soothing effect, they can also bring feelings of sadness or indifference (Kendra Cherry â€Å"Color Psychology: How Colors Impact Moods, Feelings, and Behaviors†). Although each of the colors within these two groups produces altercations somewhat similar to those of its group members, they create their own objective, one-of-a-kind effects on the human body and mind. Red is one of the three primary colors, as well as one of three different color channels the brain receives signals from. It represents blood, heat, passion, love, intensity, danger, and is often associated with Christmas and Valentine’s Day (Nicholson, Mary, Dr. â€Å"Colors and Moods†). Being a very stimulating color, whenever the sight of it is picked up and signaled to the brain, red activates the adrenal glands. Physiologically, red can increase heart rate, respiration, appetite, and blood pressure. It can also raise stamina and improve the functioning of the central nervous system (Kate Smith, â€Å"Color: Meaning, Symbolism, and Psychology†). The psychological effects of red include feelings of anger, vitality, and a sense of protection from fears and anxieties. Red can also increase enthusiasm, irritability, and sensuality. With its ability to dispel negative thoughts, it encourages confidence, action, and ambition (Think Quest). In a study by professor of psychology Andrew Elliot and researcher Daniela Niesta, it has been demonstrated that the color red makes men â€Å"feel more amorous towards women† (Science Daily â€Å"Red Enhances Men’s Attraction to Women, Psychological Study Reveals†). Even before the experiment, research provided both empirical and biological support to Elliot and Niesta’s claim. Empirically, red has been associated with romantic love and passions across cultures and the millennia. Biologically, they found faith in humans’ deep evolutionary roots to primates. Research has shown that â€Å"nonhuman male primates are particularly attracted to females displaying red. Female baboons and chimpanzees, for example, redden conspicuously when nearing ovulation, sending a clear sexual signal designed to attract males† (Science Daily). The study looked at men’s responses to photographs of women under various color presentations. In one experiment, subjects were shown a photograph of a woman framed by a border of red and either white, gray, green or blue. The men were then asked questions about how attractive they found the women to be. Another experiment consisted of two photos of the same woman in which the woman’s shirt was digitally colored either red or blue. Along with questions concerning attraction, they were also asked about their intentions about dating, such as â€Å"Imagine that you are going on a date with this person and have $100 in your wallet. How much money would you be willing to spend on your date? (Science Daily). The results of the experiment showed that under all conditions, the women wearing or framed by red were rated significantly higher in attractiveness and sexual desirability than the exact same woman shown with any other color. Those whose favorite color is red are typically outgoing, impulsive, aggressive, and restless in personality. Red is a color chosen by those who carry an open nature and a zest for life (Annie B. Bond, â€Å"Your Favorite Color: What it Says About You†). Orange is a color that commands much attention. It represents warmth, enthusiasm, exuberance, liveliness and is also associated with Thanksgiving and Halloween (Nicholson). Physiologically, orange can stimulate the sexual organs, benefit the digestive system, and strengthen the immune system. It incites activity, socialization, and due to its hate-it-or-love-it quality, it also sparks controversy (Smith). Psychologically, orange relieves feelings of self-pity, lack of self worth, and unwillingness to forgive. It can also open emotions, increase energy, and even serve as a perceptual antidepressant (Think Quest). Due to its association with arrogance, danger, and over-emotion, a survey proves that orange has been labeled as â€Å"America’s Least Favorite Color† (Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen â€Å"The Subconscious Psychology of Color†). People who prefer the color orange are often flamboyant, fun-loving, and enjoy living a social life. They can be somewhat histrionic and fickle, but are generally good-natured, agreeable, and popular (Bond). Yellow is an uplifting color that is most associated with optimism, intellectuality, enlightenment, happiness, and signs of a bright future. Yellow can increase alertness and decisiveness, encourage communication, and stimulate the muscles and lymph system. Yellow can also activate the brain, spark clear, creative and intelligent thoughts, encourage memory, and stimulate mental processes (Smith). In a psychological sense, yellow brings feelings of happiness and increases perceptiveness, self-confidence, and optimism. It aids in discernment, good judgment, organization, and understanding (Think Quest). However, a dull yellow can bring feelings of fear. Those who favor yellow generally tend to be adventurous, shrewd, and carry a strong sense of humor. They can often shun responsibility due to their freedom-loving personalities, but are usually clear and precise thinkers who have a good outlook on life (Bond). As one of the three color channels, green occupies more space in the spectrum visible to the human eye than most colors. Green represents nature, health, abundance, wealth, good luck, growth, peace, and clarity. Green can help acquire physical equilibrium and relaxation, and has been shown to be beneficial to the heart. It also relaxes muscles and induces slower, deeper breathing (Smith). Psychologically, green has a tranquilizing and balancing effect. It brings about comfort, laziness, relaxation, and harmony. It can also alleviate nervousness and anxiety, and offer a sense of renewal and self-control (Think Quest). Surveys show that Green is America’s second favorite color (Pawlik-Kienlen). It usually a color liked by those who are gentle, sincere, and reputable. However, their tendency to be too modest and patient can lead to their exploitation. They are generally community-minded people who prefer peace at any price (Bond). Blue is the last of the three color channels. It is closely associated with spirituality, melancholy, cleanliness, wisdom, sadness, trustworthiness, and commitment (Nicholson). Being at far ends of the color spectrum, the color blue has almost entirely opposite effects of the color red. Blue decreases appetite, breathing, heart rate and blood pressure. It also regulates sleep patterns, keeps bone marrow healthy, and stimulates the pituitary and thyroid glands and causes the production of calming chemicals. Blue brings feelings of calmness and relaxation. It can also eliminate insomnia, aid intuition, and increase mental clarity and control (Smith). However, an excessive amount of blue can be depressing and saddening (ThinkQuest). Surveys prove that the color blue, being the least gender specific, is labeled as â€Å"America’s Favorite Color† (Pawlik-Kienlen). People whose favorite color is blue are typically preserving, sensitive, and self-controlled. Even though they can be worriers who are often cautious, they are faithful and have steady character (Bond). Purple is the majestic color of mystery, creativity, unrest, and royalty (Nicholson). Being the mixture of red and blue, the effects of the color purple contain elements from those of both red and blue. Physiologically, purple can alleviate skin conditions; suppress hunger, balance metabolism, and calm the mind and nerves. It can also be perceived as an antiseptic and a narcotic (Smith). Psychologically, purple increases creativity, intuition, imagination, and sensitivity to beauty, high ideals, spirituality, and compassion. It can balance the mind, cleanse emotional disturbances, and combat states of shock and fear (Think Quest). Purple is the favorite color of adolescent girls. Those who prefer purple over all the other colors tend to be artistic, individualistic, fastidious, and witty. They can become aloof and sarcastic when misunderstood, but are generally unconventional, tolerant, and dignified (Bond). Pink is associated with youth, romance, free spirit, lightheartedness, love (Nicholson). Being a lighter tint of red, many aspects of red are evident in the color pink. Pink can stimulate energy and help muscles relax. Like red, it also increases blood pressure, respiration, heartbeat, and pulse rate. Pink offers feelings of calmness, protection, and a sense of nurture. It encourages action, reduces erratic behavior, and sparks a desire to be carefree (Smith). Embodying the gentler qualities of red, pink represents unaggressive sensuality and unselfish love. People whose favorite color is pink are often charming, maternal, and gentle. However, they tend to desire a sheltered life and require affection, â€Å"perhaps wanting to appear delicate and fragile† (Bond). Brown is an organic color that represents reliability, approachability, the natural world, and connections with the Earth (Nicholson). It provides a sense of orderliness, security, stability, and wholesomeness. It also conveys withholding emotion and feelings of retreating from the world (Smith). Those who like the color brown are generally steady, conservative, conscientious, and dependable. They may be tactless and inflexible, but they are responsible and kind (Bond). Black, white, and gray are not considered colors, but are shades. Although they elicit no physiological effects, they still bring about psychological changes. Black represents authority, power, emptiness, sophistication, silence, and death (Nicholson). It evokes strong emotions and sense of potential and possibility. Black produces feelings of passiveness, emptiness, and being inconspicuous (Smith). Those who like black want to give a mysterious appearance, which indicates a suggestion of hidden depths and inner longings (Bond). White represents purity, neutrality, and safety (Nicholson). It aids mental clarity, encourages the elimination of clutter, purifies thoughts and actions, enables fresh beginnings, and offers a feeling of freedom and openness (Smith). However, an overabundance of white can bring feelings of separation, coldness, and isolation. People who like white indicate a desire for perfection, simplicity, and a recapture of lost youth and freshness (Bond). Gray is the shade in-between black and white. It is associated with dignity, conservativeness, control, independence, and authority (Nicholson). Gray increases independence, self-reliance, evasion, non-commitment, and lack of involvement (Smith). It is unsettling and creates a sense of high expectations, separation, and loneliness. Those who like gray are hard-working and often search for composure and a steady life with few ups and downs (Bond). The effects and associations of a color vary from person to person subjectively. Changes in the general effect of a color depend on some one’s personality, experiences, culture, and memories. Through a subjective perspective of color, a negative association with a color could cause undesirable effects and stir distaste towards that color. For example, if you receive a heartbreaking letter sealed in a green envelope, green may now be your least favorite color due to a new subconscious association with heartbreak and sorrow. In Elliot and Niesta’s study on the relationship between attraction and the color red, they also concluded that â€Å"Although red enhances positive feelings in this study, earlier research suggests the meaning of a color depends on its context. For example, Elliot and others have shown that seeing red in competition situations, such as written examinations or sporting events, leads to worse performance† (Science Daily). In a study conducted by UC Berkley, researchers found that people’s color preferences were linked to their experiences. â€Å"To conduct their studies, the researchers had four different groups perform four different tasks rating their color preferences, recording the objects they associated with each color, rating how they felt about each object or matching an object to a color† (Rachel Banning-Lover â€Å"Study Links Color Preference to Experiences†). They found that color preference was highly shaped by experience. For example, one subject stated that their favorite color was pink, and then later admitted to having fond memories in her sister’s pink bedroom, which would produce a positive association with the color pink. The researchers also discovered a link between school spirit and color preferences. Those who attended Berkley generally preferred their own school colors, blue and gold, over red, Stanford’s school color. There has also been cross-cultural evidence that creates varying effects of color. â€Å"Cross-cultural differences can occur in two ways different cultures may have different objects that influence individuals perceptions of certain colors, or two cultures may have the same object but may associate different feelings with that object† (Banning-Lover). For example, somebody from France may feel energized around navy blue—although blues are typically calming—due to the widespread use of the color in their country. Personality is a big, if not the biggest, impact on somebody’s preference and perception of a color. In general, extroverts or those with energetic personalities are drawn to richer, warmer colors, while introverts or those with relaxed personalities prefer cooler, more subtle colors (Bond). Colors that are found in certain areas of our everyday lives have a reason for being there. Understanding the objective effects of colors, many places have used certain colors to subconsciously manipulate the public into feeling or acting a desirable way, most of the time without them even realizing it. Red is commonly used in restaurants, both fast food and sit-downs, due to its ability to increase the appetites of its customers and therefore increasing their likelihood of buying more food. Orange is the color of most traffic cones and construction signs. Used to grab drivers’ attention, orange increases their awareness to prevent accidents. Green lights are often used in forensics due to its ability to incite a confession from criminals more than any other color of light. With its strong connection with the Earth, green is also used to promote environmentalism. Blue is commonly used in hospitals to calm patients. Research also shows that people are more productive in blue rooms, for example, weightlifters are able to lift heavier weights in blue gyms (David Johnson â€Å"Color Psychology†). Pink is proven to reduce erratic behavior, and is therefore used in many prison holding cells (Think Quest). Due to its ability to tranquilize, sports teams sometimes paint the locker room of the opposing team pinks so their opponents will lose energy. White symbolizes neutrality and is used for truce flags. It is also worn by doctors and nurses to imply sterility (Johnson). The roots of studying the effects of color can be traced back to ancient cultures, such as the Chinese and Egyptians. They practiced â€Å"chromotherapy, or using colors to heal. † For example, â€Å"blue was believed to soothe illness and treat pain,† while â€Å"yellow was thought to stimulate the body† (Cherry). Just like color psychology received much skepticism in ancient times; it still receives much skepticism today. No matter how unaware we are of the physiological and psychological effects of color, there is no doubt that color has a huge impact on our lives, playing a role in moods, decisions, sensations, and much more.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Analysis of Privacy in the Information Age :: Exploratory Essays Research Papers

Privacy in the Information Age    This is the Information Age, the age of gathering information. People are introduced to all types of information from print and broadcast media, and they themselves are the object of information collected on an increasing scale. Computers have be come so entrenched in people's lives that they have come to take computers for granted, and usually stop to complain on occasions when these machines fail them. Computers collect our paychecks, pay our bills, dispense our cash, send our orders, and save our data. While computers may only contain bits and pieces of our personal information, collectively computers know us better than many of our friends and relatives. The use of the information highway by marketing firms, law enforcement agencies, the me dia, financial and educational institutions to collect and compile personal information is making may consumer advocates and privacy experts uneasy. However, many Americans, even though concerned about privacy invasions, simply acc ept the loss of their p rivacy as a consequency of the Information Age and are not willing to give up the benefits and conveniences which information technology has provided them (Long 19).    British novelist, George Orwell, may have been accurate in his novel, 1984, envisioning a future where citizens are constantly monitored, but he never imagined how or to what degree this would be done. Today, a citizen's personal informatio n is everywhere: processed, manipulated, stored, and sold. In the last 10 years, data collection has escalated (Mossberg B1). There is nothing that doesn't create a pool of data that can be used in creative ways. Computers can collect personal data t o find patterns that reveal a citizen's habits, preferences, and personality. What is particularly surprising is the extent in current years to which this personal data about citizens can be obtained and made available to many interested parties. The is sue, therefore, affects everyone. Privacy and the consumer, privacy and the workplace, and privacy and medical records in the Information Age are all issues of privacy that people must deal with today.    In the 1990's, the Internet has virtually changed the lifestyle of the consumer. One-to-one marketing and advertising has become very popular on the Internet, and the personal service it gives a consumer can save him time and effort.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Audit Program Essay

The purpose of this part of the audit process for Apollo Shoes is to design tests of controls, substantive tests of transactions, and analytical procedures for the sales, collection, payroll, personnel, acquisition, and payment cycles. These test and procedures are with intent to attest operating effectiveness of internal controls of Apollo Shoes on the basis of documentation provided. It is with the understanding that with the performing of test and procedures an opinion can be formed but management of Apollo shoes is responsible for the maintenance and assessment internal controls of over financial reporting. The design of test of controls of the sales and collection cycle follows. Sales and Collection Cycle Tests of Controls Sales Cycle: The review of the revenue and collection cycle manual of Apollo Shoes provides the improper record keeping of sales orders and that sales orders are not numbered which may affect the accuracy of pricing on invoices so steps. The test of controls for sale cycle to determine accuracy will be: 1. Examine sample 1004345 for Anglonesia Rehabilitation and Reprogramming Institute invoice to review unit prices of merchandise listed. Compare unit prices on invoice for merchandise to these shoe types from inventory status report of 2007. 3. Verify unit prices on invoices are correct. Collection Cycle: A review of balance confirmation from customers provides a customer of Apollo Shoes Neutralizer’s account balance was understated by $ 1,388. 75, which prompts testing of existence of collections. With that information, the test of controls of existence of collections will be: 1. Determine if bank reconciliation has been performed. . Request bank deposit slips and for end of year for 2007 and bank statement with information for deposit for end of year 2007. 3. Review accounts receivable aged trial balance. 4. Compare deposit amount listed on bank statement to deposit slips. 5. Review balance on reconciliation. 6. Compare payments customers indicate on balance confirmations to those listed on deposit slips for end of year 2007 and payments indicated on accounts receivable aged trial balance. Verify the amounts of reconciliation, bank statement, deposit slips, and accounts receivable aged trial balance align. Substantive Tests of Transactions Sales Cycle: With the same rationale of attesting to accuracy of recorded sales with the test of controls notation of a customer indicating receipt of merchandise not requested, the steps of substantive test of transactions are: 1. Examine sample 1004345 for Anglonesia Rehabilitation Trace invoice back to shipping documents, sales and customer order. 2. Verify shipping amount is correct. . Verify if what is listed is sales order was shipped. 4. Verify if what listed on sales or is what Anglonesia Rehabilitation requested Collection Cycle: In regards to collections, the same rationale for test of controls proving existence with the basis of Neutralizer having an understated balance, the substantive test for collections would be: 1. Review cash receipts journal for the amount of the cash receipt indicated by customers. 2. Review bank s tatement for deposits indicated. 3. Review deposit slips for list of deposits. 4. Verify amount customers indicate they payment is listed on deposit slips and are included on deposits listed on bank statement. Analytical Procedures Sales Cycle: From the basis of negative press that Larry Lancaster addresses in the letter to shareholders the assumption is that sales will decrease. The analytical procedures to confirm expectations for the sales cycle will be: 1. Review the sales trial balances from end of year 2006 and 2007. 2. Divide the sales trial balances for 2007 by the 2006 trial balance. 3. Determine the percentage change and if it is positive to confirm expectation. Collection Cycle: From the same basis for the analytical procedure for the Sales cycle and questions of collectability from Mall-Wart, it is the expectation that AR will balance will be larger than last year so the analytical procedure will be: 1. Review audited balance of AR for 2006 and the unaudited balance of 2007. 2. Determine if the AR balance has increase as expected. Payroll and Personnel Cycle The payroll and personnel cycle have a high level of internal control to ensure that employees are paid accurately and on time. This also ensures that the company files accurate and timely payroll returns with the government. Tests of Controls 1. Review time cards for hourly employees to ensure that the time clock was used to record all hours worked. 2. Review time cards for hourly employees to confirm that the supervisor has approved them. 3. Examine the last payroll or employees listing which supervisors checked and compare it with personnel files to confirm that all paid employees are current employees. Review personnel files to confirm that all current pay rates have been properly authorized by supervisors and properly documented. . Review personnel files to confirm authorized pay rates match the paychecks from the last pay cycle. 6. Review personnel files for current and updated W-4 and I-9 forms. 7. Observe the segregation of duties in the payroll department and confirm that payroll forms are reviewed before checks are issued. 8. Confirm that the correct payroll forms are sent to accounts payable. 9. Confirm that there is a segregation of duties in the treasurer’s office. 10. Confirm with supervisors that all paychecks are distributed or turned back in to the treasurer’s office. Verify that all paychecks are signed for when picked up or dispersed. 12. Confirm that all payroll checks are numbered and accounted for. 13. Review payroll tax liability accounts and ensure they are properly recorded. 14. Review payroll tax expense and tax liability accounts and confirm amounts against the quarterly payroll tax returns. 15. Review the bank statements for the payroll account to verify that deposits are transferred every two weeks and payroll checks are the only withdrawals. Substantive Tests of Transactions 1. Review the payroll journal for adjusting entries or unusual entries. . Compare cancelled checks against payroll journal and verify that the information matches and is correct. Examine the endorsement on the cancelled checks to ensure that they were endorsed correctly. 4. Compare cancelled checks against the list of current employees. 5. Reconcile the distributions in the payroll journal with the checks cleared on the bank statement. 6. Confirm and review bank reconciliations for the payroll account. 7. Select 100 hourly employees and recomputed their hours worked from the time cards for three separate pay cycles. Select 100 hourly employees and recomputed their gross pay based on their time cards for three separate pay cycles. 9. Select 200 employees and confirm that withholding amounts are accurate based on W-4 and current tax tables. 10. Use the same 200 employees in the previous test and recalculate net pay based on verified gross pay and withholding calculations. 11. Examine the payroll transactions to ensure that expenses are being allocated to the correct expense account. 12. Examine cleared check dates and compare them with the pay cycle pay dates. Compare the payroll expense account balances with the previous year payroll expense account balance (adjust for increases in pay or new hires). 2. Compare direct labor costs as a percentage of sales and compare with prior years’ percentage. 3. Compare payroll tax expense as a percentage of salaries and wages with prior years’ percentage (adjust for increases in tax rates). 4. Compare accrued payroll tax accounts with prior years. 5. Compare accrued vacation, sick pay, and other benefits as a percentage of salaries and wages with prior years’ percentage (adjust for any policy changes and new hires). 6. Verify accrued payroll taxes with the subsequent period’s payroll tax returns to determine the amount of the liability at the balance sheet date. Acquisition and Payment Cycle The acquisition of goods and services is important to ensure proper internal controls are in place and being followed because these include purchases of raw materials, equipment, supplies, maintenance, and research and development. In reviewing Apollo Shoes acquisition and payment cycles, and developing the audit plan, tests of controls must be reviewed, followed by substantive tests of transactions, and finally analytical procedures. Tests of Controls 1. Complete a walk-through of five judgmentally selected receipts of inventory. a. Verify the procedures in the client’s memo by interviewing the workers. b. Is the segregation of duties still being observed? 2. Complete a walk-thorough of five judgmentally selected payments. c. Verify the procedures in the client’s memo by interviewing the workers. d. Is the segregation of duties still being observed? 3. In order to test if the process for authorizing payments is working, judgmentally select ten payments and check each for: e. Is it canceled? f. Is the purchase requisition attached? g. Is the receiving report attached and showing the same quantity invoiced and ordered? h. Is the receiving report signed by the receiving clerk? i. Does the quantity paid and the price paid, match the invoice and the purchase requisition and purchase order? j. Did the vendor offer a cash discount? If so, was the discount taken? k. Was the invoice paid on time? 4. In order to test if the process for receiving goods is working, judgmentally select ten receipts from last month and check each for: l. Was it supported by a valid purchase requisition and purchase order? m. Was the receipt signed by the receiving clerk? n. Was the quantity received the same as the quantity ordered? o. Was the shipment paid in the right quantity and prices (as ordered)? 5. In order to test if the process for purchasing capital assets is working, judgmentally select two capitalized assets from the general ledger and check each for: p. Was it authorized? q. Is the depreciation taken correct each month and started with asset being put into service? r. Observe the asset. 6. Review any old receiving, requisition, or purchase orders that are not matched. Review any old invoices that are not matched. Inquire about their status. Substantive Tests of Transactions 1. Observe the client’s year-end inventory count. a. Judgmentally select ten count tags and make copy. b. Note any slow moving or damaged items. c. Resolve any differences between inventory records and counts. d. Get copy of full count when complete. 2. Verify count is recorded in the GL (and subsidiary ledger agrees with GL): e. Trace selected items from inventory count into general ledger detail. Select several items from GL and trace to count sheet. g. Verify that slow-moving and damage inventory is valued at salvage estimates (odd sized shoes). h. Test foot (verify math) of inventory valuation. i. Test pricing of inventory by tracing to purchase invoice. j. Test cut-off by reviewing receipts two weeks before and after year-end and determine that they were recorded in the correct period and counted or excluded from inventory as appropriate. k. Review inventory adjustment for reasonableness based on differences found during count. Review costing method (LIFO/FIFO) journal entries. l. Review reserves for obsolescence. 4. Review payments since year end that are over 10% of materiality. Verify that if they were incurred prior to year end that they are accrued in year-end payables. 5. Obtain a letter from legal counsel about contingent liabilities. 6. Read minutes of the board of directors for contingent liabilities or subsequent events. 7. Ask management about any incurred but not paid amounts. m. Review any old receiving, requisition, or purchase orders that are not matched with invoices. Review any old invoices that are not matched with purchasing documentation. 8. Inquire about the status of the large shipment of odd sized shoes at year end. Was this paid? Analytical Procedures 1. Compare current transactions with previous year’s statements. a. Similar expenses should not have significant variances period to period. b. Any significant variances should be examined to determine the reason. 2. Accounts payable transactions should be reviewed to ensure no unusual vendors or companies received payment when they shouldn’t have. Ratios should be calculated and compared from period to period. Any significant variances should be examined to determine the reason. c. Average Accounts Payable Trade Balance d. Accounts Payable Turnover e. Days in Accounts Payable 4. Compute inventory turnover and compare to prior years to see if trend is reasonable. 5. Compute a three year trend for inventory, payables, cost of goods sold, and operating expenses. 6. Calculate inventory and payables as a percent of assets and expenses as a percent of sales. f. Ask the client to explain fluctuations that are large or unusual.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Pill Bug Lab Essay

Introduction The study of animal behavior is ethology. There are two basic categories of animal behavior: learned behavior and innate, or inherited, behavior. Learned behavior is when animals acquire knowledge about their behavior through experience. Unlike learned behaviors, innate behavior exists naturally in animals, meaning that animals are born with some behaviors. In order to find a suitable environment, animals use orientation behaviors. The two types of orientation behaviors are taxis and kinesis. Taxis is an animal’s natural ability to know whether a stimulus is suitable or unsuitable. Kinesis is defined as random movement that is not exhibited in response to a stimulus (Lab #12). Isopods, otherwise known as pill bugs, are scavengers that feed on dead and decaying plants and animals. Pill bugs vary in color from dark grey to dark brown and are easily recognized by their oval, segmented bodies. They are the only crustaceans that have adapted to living their entire life on land (Potter). However, pill bugs still breathe through gills; therefore, they are restricted to live in environments with high humidity (â€Å"Isopod, Pillbug, Sow Bug Information†). Isopods tend to remain under objects during the day and are most active at night. They thrive in moist shaded places: under rocks, large fallen trees, and flower pots and in moist leaf litter and damp basements. Experimental Hypothesis If pill bugs are generally found in dark environments such as under flower pots, under logs, under welcome mats, and in piles of leaves, then they will prefer the dark side of the choice chamber rather than the light side of the chamber. Experimental Design Materials -2 sheets of filter paper -choice chamber -2 lids -paintbrush -10 pill bugs -box -timer Procedures Collect filter paper, a choice chamber, 2 lids, a paintbrush, 10 pill bugs, a box, and a stopwatch. Set the materials up. First, place the choice chamber on the table. Next, position the filter in the bottom of the chamber. Then, place 5 pill bugs on each side of the chamber. Lastly, place the lids on top of each side. In order to create a dark atmosphere, place the box over one side of the choice chamber. This lab will be completed over the course of ten minutes. The main task is to observe the position of the pill bugs in two minute intervals using the stopwatch. Use the paintbrush to lead any stray pill bugs back into the choice chamber. Write down any observations and/or comments.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

How Ethernet Works essays

How Ethernet Works essays What Is Ethernet and How Is It Used? A gentlemen by the name of Bob Metcalfe realized that he could improve on a system called the Aloha System which arbitrated access to a shared communications channel. He developed a new system that included a mechanism that detects when a collision occurs (collision detect). The system also includes "listen before talk," in which stations listen for activity (carrier sense) before transmitting, and supports access to a shared channel by multiple stations (multiple access). Put all these components together, and you can see why the Ethernet channel access protocol is called Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detect (CSMA/CD). Metcalfe also developed a much more sophisticated backoff algorithm, which, in combination with the CSMA/CD protocol, allows the Ethernet system to function all the way up to 100 percent load. In late 1972, Metcalfe and his Xerox PARC colleagues developed the first experimental Ethernet system to interconnect the Xerox Alto. The Alto was a personal workstation with a graphical user interface, and experimental Ethernet was used to link Altos to one another, and to servers and laser printers. The signal clock for the experimental Ethernet interfaces was derived from the Alto's system clock, which resulted in a data transmission rate on the experimental Ethernet of 2.94 Mbps. Metcalfe's first experimental net was called the "Alto Aloha Network." In 1973 Metcalfe changed the name to "Ethernet," to make it clear that the system could support any computer, and not just Altos, and to point out that his new network mechanisms had evolved well beyond the Aloha system. He chose to base the name on the word "ether" as a way of describing an essential feature of the system: the physical medium (cable) carries bits to all stations, much the same way that the old "luminiferous ether" was once thought to propagate electromagnetic waves through space. Physicists Michelson an...

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Definition and Examples of Zeugma

Definition and Examples of Zeugma Zeugma is a  rhetorical term for the use of a word to modify or govern two or more words although its use may be grammatically or logically correct with only one. Adjective: zeugmatic. Rhetorician Edward P.J. Corbett offers this distinction between zeugma and syllepsis: in zeugma, unlike syllepsis, the single word does not fit grammatically or idiomatically with one member of the pair. Thus, in Corbetts view, the first example below would be syllepsis, the second zeugma: You are free to execute your laws, and your citizens, as you see fit.(Star Trek: The Next Generation)Kill the boys and the luggage!​(Fluellen in William Shakespeares Henry V) However, as Bernard Dupriez points out in A Dictionary of Literary Devices (1991), There is little agreement among rhetoricians on the difference between syllepsis and zeugma, and Brian Vickers notes that even the Oxford English Dictionary confuses syllepsis and zeugma (Classical Rhetoric in English Poetry, 1989). In contemporary rhetoric, the two terms are commonly used interchangeably to refer to a figure of speech in which the same word is applied to two others in different senses. Etymology From the Greek, a yoking, a bond Examples and Observations Zeugma is when a word applies to two others in different ways; or to two words when it only semantically suits one. An example of the former quotes Alanis Morissette: You held your breath and the door for me. How chivalrous and zeugmatic. An example of the latter is with wailing mouths and hearts- but dont blame Morissette for this doggerel.(Gary Nunn, Move Over, George Orwell- This Is How to Sound Really Clever. The Guardian, October 11, 2013)He carried a strobe light and the responsibility for the lives of his men.(Tim OBrien, The Things They Carried. McClelland Stewart, 1990)She arrived in a taxi and a flaming rage.(John Lyons, Semantics. Cambridge University  Press, 1977)We were partners, not soul mates, two separate people who happened to be sharing a menu and a life.(Amy Tan, The Hundred Secret Senses. Ivy Books, 1995)[H]e was alternately cudgelling his brains and his donkey when, passing the workhouse, his eyes encountered the bill on the gate.(Charles Dickens, Oliver Twist , 1839) I just blew my nose, a fuse, and three circuit breakers.(The Jim Henson Hour, 1989)I was in no sort of nick for this encounter, I admit, full of fear and afternoon scotch and the homeward tug.(Marin Amis, Money. Jonathan Cape, 1984)Whether the nymph shall break Dianas law,Or some frail China-jar receive a flaw,Or stain her honour, or her new brocade.(Alexander Pope, The Rape of the Lock, 1717)She lowered her standards by raising her glass,Her courage, her eyes and his hopes.(Flanders and Swann, Have Some Madeira, MDear)The theme of the Egg Hunt is learning is delightful and delicious- as, by the way, am I.(Allison Janney as C.J. Cregg in The West Wing) Zeugma as a Writing Fault Like syllepsis, the figure known as zeugma uses a single word to link two thoughts, but in syllepsis the relationship of the linking word to both ideas is correct, whereas in zeugma the relationship is correct for one idea but not for the other. A fabricated example of zeugma might be, He sat munching his sandwich and his beer. An actual example from fiction is, Something odd in the behavior of the pair held his attention and his curiosity. The term zeugma is often used to refer to syllepsis, but as here distinguished it obviously is a writing fault, which syllepsis is not. (Theodore Bernstein, The Careful Writer: A Modern Guide to English Usage. Simon Schuster, 1965)Zeugma is often accidental, as in She wore a rusty black dress, a feather boa, and an alligator handbag; since wore has no legitimate application to handbag, this zeugma is an error. (Edward D. Johnson, The Handbook of Good English. Washington Square, 1991)Confusing and Contradictory Distinctions Between Zeugma and Syll epsisAlthough commentators have historically tried to distinguish between zeugma and syllepsis, the distinctions have been confusing and contradictory: even today agreement on definitions in the rhetorical handbooks is virtually nil (The New Princeton Encyclopedia of Poetry and Poetics, 1993).  Were better off using zeugma in its broadest sense and not confusing matters by introducing syllepsis, a little-known term the meaning of which even the experts cant agree on.  (Bryan A. Garner, The Oxford Dictionary of American Usage and Style, 4th ed. Oxford University Press, 2016) Pronunciation: ZOOG-muh

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Essential factors for personal development and success in the United Essay

Essential factors for personal development and success in the United States of America - Essay Example This essay will describe the factors that attribute to success within the American setting as reflected by Yang in his article. According to Yang, Asian Americans are having a difficult time within the American setting. Asian Americans grow up with Asian intrinsic values that prove very different from what the American culture upholds. Children born of Asian families in America have a unique set of values that defines the personality that they adopt. It is evident that culture plays a critical part in personality development, explaining why Yang describes how the Asian culture has molded them into individuals that exhibit significant differences from the Americans within the class setting, workplace and in relationships (Barrios, 2013). . However, Yang (2011) highlights that the impact of the Asian culture in their personality development has served them little good. In real sense, he laments that the Asian culture has led to the development of multiple stereotypes that serve as setb acks for people of Asian descent to succeed. Yang highlights that most of the Asian American score good grades and secure position in prestigious institutions within America. He highlights that the Asian culture of hard work and devotion makes them successful in school. However, multiple stereotypes associated with the Asian Americas have served to deny them chances in the workplace that conform to their academic achievement, making them, ‘paper tigers’ with impressive certificates but lacking opportunities. He highlights that such stereotypes have only served as a ‘black ceiling’ preventing many Asian Americans that they rightly deserve from their academic qualifications. He present nine examples and profiles of Asian Americans, and reveals how Asian attributes and stereotypes associated with the Asian American have denied them chances in the workplace and in relationships. Yang describes Asian Americans as ‘bananas’, highlighting that they ar e Asian on the outside and white in the inside, but is keen to mention that the two sets of cultures are incompatible. However, if circumstances are to prove different for any of the Asian Americans, they have to follow the advice that the author presents of having the willingness to do things differently. A change of attitude for the Asians, and their determination to overcome the stereotypes that pull them can serve help them become outstanding individuals. It is possible that the strength of ties described by Malcolm will be of critical importance to Asian Americans (Yang, 2011). Yang’s critique has given rise to a heated debate in the society. It becomes questionable what Asian Americans should do different in order to succeed. Apparently, they are doing well in academics, but are not securing jobs as expected despite their qualifications. Should Asian Americans abandon Asian values and adopt attributes defined by then dominant American culture? Gladwell Malcolm mentions in his essay ‘small changes’ that one should try to be different. Asian Americans are yet to experience full integration into the American culture. Although they live and school in America, their Asian aspects have remained evident. Evidently, Asian Americans can work together towards developing ‘strong ties’ as defined by Gladwell. Such strong ties will help them overcome the black ceiling established by the lack of complete integration into