The Thematic Trifecta Of The Scarlet Letter - 1429 Words

The Thematic Trifecta of The Scarlet Letter The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, narrates the experiences of Hester Prynne, a beautiful young woman in Puritan times, after committing the sin of adultery with the local Reverend, Mr. Arthur Dimmesdale. Because she became pregnant, she bears the public scorn of her sin, while the town does not uncover Mr. Dimmesdale’s participation in the act until the very end of the novel. Using the Puritan society as the setting, and the development of both Hester Prynne and Arthur Dimmesdale, Hawthorne explores the concepts of individuality, identity, and isolation. Through Hester and Dimmesdale, he presents two scenarios: one in which the character is isolated and freed from society,†¦show more content†¦So great was this emotional control that in one of their happiest days, the Election Procession, they â€Å"appeared scarcely more grave than most other communities at a period of general affliction.† (Page 210) Using the Puritans as a backdrop for the n ovel, a society notorious for its Spartan, emotionless nature and punishment of those who are different, unique, and in any way stray from the expected, was a conscious choice by Hawthorne that allows the themes of identity and individuality to display themselves clearly in Hester and Dimmesdale. Hester, one of the principal characters of the novel, must wear a scarlet letter on her chest as a symbol of her sin and a punishment for her adultery. However, in a powerful act of defiance, Hester makes the scarlet letter a metaphorical part of her and a part of her identity, changing its symbolism to represent her experiences, despite society’s initial intent of the letter as a punishment. Hester believes that it â€Å"lies not in the pleasure of the magistrates to take off this badge,† when she discovers the officials had discussed ridding her of it. (Page 153) In Hester’s mind, the letter has become a part of her identity. Allowing society to remove it would only p rove their control over her, and even nullify any growth and

Our Kind of People Essay Example For Students

Our Kind of People Essay LAWRENCE OTIS GRAHAM: Our Kind of PeopleI: Inside Americas Black Upper Class (5 .5 pp) Through six years of interviews with more than three hundred prominent families and individuals, journalist and commentator Lawrence Otis Graham weaves together the revealing stories and fascinating experiences of upper-class blacks who grew up with privilege and power. Previously known for his provocative New York magazine expos of elite golf clubs, when he left his law firm and went undercover as a busboy at an all-white Connecticut country club, Graham now turns his attention to the black elite. Bibliography lists 2 sources. BBblkeli.doc LAWRENCE OTIS GRAHAM: Our Kind of PeopleInside Americas Black Upper Class Written by Barbara Babcock for the Paperstore, Inc., July 2000Debutante cotillions. Arranged marriages. Summer trips to Marthas Vineyard. All-black boarding schools. Memberships in the Links, Deltas, Boul, or Jack and Jill. Million-dollar homes. An obsession with good hair, light complexio ns, top credentials, and colleges like Howard, Spelman, and Harvard. This is the world of the black upper class, exclusive, mostly hidden group that lives awkwardly between white America and mainstream black America. Through six years of interviews with more than three hundred prominent families and individuals, journalist and commentator Lawrence Otis Graham weaves together the revealing stories and fascinating experiences of upper-class blacks who grew upwith privilege and power. Previously known for his provocative New York magazine expos of elite golf clubs, when he left his law firm and went undercover as a busboy at an all-white Connecticut country club, Graham now turns his attention to the black elite. Simply looking at the table of contents gives an overview of this quiet class of privilege: The Origins of the Black Upper Class; Jack and Jill: Where Elite Black Kids Are Separated from the Rest; The Black Child Experience: The Right Cotillions, Camps, and Private Schools; Howard, Spelman, and Morehouse: Three Colleges That Count;and The Right Fraternities and Sororities. As well as The Links and the Girl Friends: For Black Women Who Govern Society ; The Boule, the Guardsmen, and Other Groups for Elite Black Men; and Vacation Spots for the Black Elite. We also become acquainted with the Black Elite in Chicago,Washington, D.C., New York City; Memphis, Detroit, Atlanta, and receiving honorable mention: Nashville, New Orleans, Tuskegee, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. And finally:Passing for White: When the Brown Paper Bag Test Isnt Enough. According to Kirkus Reviews (1998), this non-fiction work is a record of the pleasures and the follies of an elevated black society. According to Gr aham, all racial, ethnic, and religious groups lay claim to their own privileged class that group which,either because of family name, wealth, title, education, or other circumstance fashions itself a cut above the rest. This class sets itself apart with their clubs, their fraternities, and their sororities,while looking skeptically at any outsiders who can never make the grade. The reasons for forming such exclusive groups are often perfectly honorable, most commonly because members have been denied access to other organizations in the larger population. But matters can get out of hand, as Graham (Member of the Club: Reflections on Life in a Racially Polarized World, 1995) perhaps unwittingly demonstrates in his examination of what he calls the black elite. His is less of a critical examination and more of a glossary of people, places, and things constituting the black upper class. And as one might expect, this realm of the right colleges and degrees and pedigrees is downright ince stuous, a world where cotillions and coming-out parties still matter. Graham, an insider and attorney,knows it well. Yet his contemporary savvy matters less, in the end, than does his appetite for historical detail. Graham insights into the story of blacks in vacation spots like Marthas Vineyard in Massachusetts and Sag Harbor on Long Island, N.Y., for instance, are fascinating. Nevertheless, the ongoing claustrophobia of privilege (with many of the same people andtheir cliques cycling and recycling) can weary a reader. One walks away with the impression that Grahams effort could have been cut in half and all one would have missed is an extra afternoon of ceaseless croquet, followed by cucumber sandwiches down by the gazebo. Diversity of Hawthorne's Writings in Young Goodma EssayCorrespondingly, I also know that, I would not read or recommend books about the Kennedys or Princess Diana. I know that there are others who do not live as I do, but there is a part of me that doesnt care. I do not need to feel guilty about that decision, and have chosen instead to save basic guilt issues for my relationship with my mother. I know that there are class divisions in society, and readily admit I would rather have money than do without it; but I really do not care to read about the elite, since I feel that all of us have elitist tendencies, some base them around money, some around race, and some around knowledge or experience. I suppose that if I were really honest, there is a part of me that would wonderohyou are in that personal space now. That is all right.With experience and maturity, you will soon be out of it and set your sights on new horizons. And at the same time always striving for balance, I found the following personal review of Our Kind of People from someone who knew Graham in high school: I DO believe that this author is living his transformation within the pages of his books. Notthat this is BAD or WRONG, I actually think it has been helpful to all the color lines in America because he has walked the tight rope that splits the hard truths about racism on BOTH sides (Black ;White).I tip my hat to this writer for being able to present his HARD TRUTHS in a provocative way to spark so much success and interest. Two sides of the same coin? Certainly good art is anything that makes us think. ____. 1998, December 15. Our Kind of People : Inside Americas BlackGraham, Lawrence Otis. 1999, January 1. Our Kind of People : Inside Americas Black Upper Class. Bibliography:

Planning and Goal Setting Essay Example

Planning and Goal Setting Essay S. Small Business Administration MP-6 PLANNING AND GOAL SETTING FOR SMALL BUSINESS Management and Planning Series ____________________________________________________________ __________________ While we consider the contents of this publication to be of general merit, its sponsorship by the U. S. Small Business Administration does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of the views and opinions of the authors or the products and services of the companies with which they are affiliated. All of SBAs programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. ___________________________________________________________ __________________ TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1 MANAGEMENT BY OBJECTIVES 1 PREPARING FOR THE MBO PROGRAM Understanding the Requirements of an MBO Program 1 Defining Your Business 2 Setting Goals 2 Devising a Work Plan 2 Reporting Progress 3 Evaluating Performance 4 INSTALLING THE MBO PROGRAM 6 THREATS TO AN MBO PROGRAM 6 SUMMARY 6 APPENDIX: INFORM ATION RESOURCES 7 ____________________________________________________________ __________________ INTRODUCTION Many authorities on business management identify the five major functions of management as ! ! ! ! Planning. Organizing. Directing. Controlling. Coordinating. The planning and controlling functions of management often receive less attention from the small business owner-manager than they should. One way to more effectively fulfill these two functions is through effective goal setting. The success of a business will depend on its long-range goals for sales, profits, competitive position, development of personnel and industrial relations. To accomplish these goals, the company will need to identify intermediate goals that it can work toward each year. ____________________________________________________________ _________________ MANAGEMENT BY OBJECTIVES Traditionally, people have worked according to descriptions that list the activities or functions of the job. The management by objectives (MBO) approach, on the other hand, stresses results. Lets look at two examples. ! Suppose a credit managers job description states that he or she will supervise the credit operations of the company. This description simply lists the functions of the credit manager. Under the MBO approach, the owner-manager and the credit manager would identify five or six goals covering important aspects of the managers work. For example, one goal might be to increase credit sales enough to support the 15 percent increase in sales expected by the sales department. The traditional job description for a personnel specialist may include conducting a recruiting program for the company. Under the MBO approach, the personnel specialist would identify five or six appropriate goals, one of which could be, Recruit ten new employees in specified categories by July 1. ! With MBO, jobs are viewed in terms of achievements rather than simply functions. Activity alone is not enough; each activity must bring the worker closer to achieving his or her goals. ___________________________________________________________ __________________ PREPARING FOR THE MBO PROGRAM Understanding the Requirements of an MBO Program Management by objectives has been used by all kinds of organizations, but not every business has had the same degree of success. From examining MBO programs that have worked, it is clear that all met the following minimum requirements: ! ! ! Goals were expressed in specific and measurable terms. Each employee proposed 5 to 10 goals to cover those aspects of his or her job crucial to successful performance. We will write a custom essay sample on Planning and Goal Setting specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Planning and Goal Setting specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Planning and Goal Setting specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer A final written statement of each goal was prepared, including a statement of the goal, method of evaluating the goal, work steps needed to complete the goal and an estimated time needed to complete the steps. Progress was evaluated at regular intervals (at least quarterly) and compared with the original goals. Problems that hindered progress were identified and corrected. Goals were related to each level of management, both those above and those below. ! ! ! Defining Your Business The first step in developing an effective MBO program is to define your business. Ask yourself the following questions: ! ! ! What business am I in? Is my definition right for todays market? Do I need to change my business to meet emerging customer needs? A clear vision of your business is crucial for planning your marketing, product development, buildings and equipment, and financial and staff needs. For example, a drop in sales caused a small business manufacturer of metal trash cans to reexamine its product. To regain lost sales, the owner decided to redefine the product as metal containers and to develop a new marketing plan. Setting Goals Long-range business goals will be the cornerstone of your companys MBO program. To achieve these goals, you must have a method to communicate them to your managers and employees. One way is to bring managers and employees into the process by asking them to help formulate the companys short- and long-range goals. If they have a role in establishing the goals, they will be more committed to achieving them. All goals should relate to and support the long-range objectives for the company. In this way, you can ensure that the goals of all levels of management are consistent. If goals are incompatible, you may find that employees feel like the middle manager of a research and development company who exclaimed in a seminar, How can I set my goals when I dont know where top management wants to go? Types of Goals What areas of your managers work are suitable for goal setting? Ask managers to identify the most important aspects of their work. In each area, they should set both short- and long-term goals. Carefully developed goals, if attained, should give the manager better control of the job. Each manager should define one or two goals in each of the following categories: ! ! ! Regular work goals. Problem-solving goals. Innovative goals. Development goals. By asking your managers to set at least one goal in each of these four areas, you may open their eyes to new possibilities they had not seen before. The goal-setting process can be a very useful educational step. Regular Work Goals These include the major part of the managers responsibilities. For example, the head of production should focus on the quantity, quality and efficiency of production and the head of marketing should concentrate on developing and conducting the market research and sales programs. In defining their regular work goals, employees should include ways of ! ! ! Operating more efficiently. Improving the quality of the product or service. Expanding the total amount produced or marketed. Problem-Solving Goals These provide managers an opportunity to define their major problems and to set a goal to solve each one. There is no danger of ever running out of problems; new problems or new versions of old problems are always present. Innovative Goals Because of the push for new products and new methods in todays marketplace, innovation now gets much attention in seminars and publications for top managers. Managers and workers should seek new and better production methods, explore better ways to serve customers and propose new products for the company. Managers will need to use innovative approaches to make the company competitive in a fast-changing national and international economic environment. Development Goals In setting development goals, you and your managers recognize the importance of acquiring new skills. Managers should plan for the continued growth of each employee, both in technical areas and in work relations with fellow employees. Devising a Work Plan You and your managers should use a miniature work plan to develop goals that are complete and useful (see Exhibit 1). In developing the plan, the following five areas should be addressed: ! ! ! ! ! Goal Be specific and concise. Measurement What benchmarks will you use to measure whether you have achieved your goals? These usually can be expressed in quantitative terms. Major problems anticipated. Work steps List three or four of the most essential steps. Give completion dates for each. Supervisors goals Employees should identify which of their managers goals relate to their own goals. On the work plan, managers can show each of the major work steps (subgoals) necessary to reach a goal. If the work steps are completed by the indicated date, the goal is reached. Use the form in Exhibit 1 to discuss goals with your managers. By looking at the form, you can see not only the goal but also the plan for reaching that goal. This will allow you to (1) ask questions about the work steps and any potential problems; (2) decide the best way to evaluate progress on the goals and (3) help each of your managers understand how his or her goals relate to those of the company. All problems listed on the work plan should include a solution. For example, suppose the head of a supply department sets a goal to deliver all packages within one day after they are received. Because employees may have difficulty meeting the new deadlines, the work plan should include necessary steps to teach them the new procedures before the program goes into effect. _______________________________________________________ Exhibit 1 Plan to Achieve Objectives SUPERVISOR: ____________________________________ OBJECTIVE #1: Increase gross sales margin of my area by 12 percent by 9-1-92 and maintain at that level for remainder of 1992. ______________________________________________________ Major Action Steps January December J F M A M J J A S O N D 1. Decrease cost of serving small accounts. X a. Identify all customers not purchasing $5000 per month. X b. Determine sales potential of each target customer. X c. If potential is less than $5000,, transfer to jobber. X d. Inform customer and schedule jobber visit with customer. X e. If potential is $5000, develop cooperative sales promotion program. X f. Implement program. X g. Evaluate report results. X 2. Increase minimum calls per salesperson to 10 per day. X a. Analyze work methods of high call salespersons. X b. Identify salespersons with fewer than 10 calls placed. X c. Analyze territory and order of calls. X d. Determine best routing of calls. X e. Determine most effective realigning of all territories. X f. Implement plans. X g. Evaluate report results. X _______________________________________________________ Reporting Progress An MBO program must include a provision for regular progress reports. For this reason, the MBO concept is sometimes called MBO/R, where the R refers to results. You and your managers will only accomplish your goals or objectives if the MBO program calls for a regular review of progress. For example, one large organization issued nearly 100 pages of well-developed goals prepared by many of its managers. The document was very impressive, but it lacked a reporting system of any kind. You can imagine the skeptical reaction of those who set goals for the first year when they were asked the following year to draw up new goals. A monthly or quarterly review of progress toward goals will help you determine where progress is below expectations. For example, suppose that one of your goals is to reduce overtime work by 50 percent in one year, but you only reduce it by 15 percent in the first quarter. Based on this information, you can exert a special effort in the succeeding quarters to regain the lost ground. When progress is below expectations, you should identify the problems holding back progress and assign someone to resolve them. Failure to reach goals can result from ! ! ! The wrong objectives being established at the outset. Organizational restrictions being overlooked. Personal failure or a combination of factors. In order to solve problems and meet a goal, managers may have to adjust their time line or change the goal itself. All changes should be written as new goals and included in the MBO files. Evaluating Performance In contrast to traditional methods, which evaluate performance based on personal qualities such as leadership ability, the MBO method evaluates performance based on objective results. Such evaluation is a complex task that must be undertaken with care by someone who fully understands MBO. (See Exhibit 2 for a comparison of traditional and MBO evaluation methods. _______________________________________________________ Exhibit 2 Comparison of Traditional and MBO Evaluation Methods _____________________________________ Characteristic Traditional method MBO method _______________________________________________________ Frequency Emphasis Usually annually (if at all). Traits. Usually quarterly. Results versus objectives. Subordinates frame of mind Mental block. (doesnt know how tr aits will be evaluated). Poor receptivity (much has been based on employees traits). Rewards usually not directly tied in. Positive (feedback has told employee how well he or she is doing). Positive (much has been based on employees job performance). Rewards usually tied directly to results. Suggestions for improvement Tie in to rewards Summary Little connection Results oriented. to results. _______________________________________________________ Under the MBO program, you evaluate your managers performance based on whether they have achieved their five to eight goals. You also must determine how well they have performed the secondary duties that do not fall under goals. (See Exhibits 3 and 4 for examples of traditional and MBO performance evaluation forms, respectively. _______________________________________________________ Exhibit 3 Example of Traditional Performance Evaluation Form Factor Excellent Above Average Below Poor average average Degree of costconsciousness X Grasp of function X Initiative X Decision-making ability X Application X Judgment X Health X Appearance X Loyalty X Relationship with people X Ability to develop subordinates X Work habits X Contributi on to companys progress X Potential for advancement X ___________________________ Employee:_________________ Rated by: __________________ Date:_____________ Reviewed by: _______________________ _____________________ Acknowledgment: I acknowledge this performance appraisal has been discussed with me. This acknowledgment does not constitute agreement with the findings. Signed:____________________ Date: __________ ____________________________________________________________ _____ Exhibit 4 Results-Oriented Evaluation Form Results achieved Quarters Total year 1st 2nd 3rd O T Achieved in 97 percent of cases. Objectives 1. Improve by 10% number of qualified applicants referred for job openings. 2. Increase by 12% number of qualified welders during 19xx. Measure 1. At least T three qualified candidates referred for each job opening. 2. Number of O persons completing basic welding course #5. T T 17 completed course. Note: T = On target. No action necessary. O = Off target. Action necessary. ____________________________________________________________ _____ INSTALLING THE MBO PROGRAM When installing an MBO program, start by asking your managers to define their jobs, including their major responsibilities. Then, for each responsibility, you and your managers must decide the most effective way to measure performance in terms of results. The outcome of this exercise may surprise you. You and your managers may not agree on the major responsibilities of a certain position. Also, you may find that no one is performing some functions that you consider important. If the MBO system is to succeed, you must show interest from the beginning and set the example for your subordinate managers. The education of your managers may be a formidable task. Until this time, they have thought in terms of specific functions managing a sales department, directing a credit office, etc. rather than in terms of goals that contribute to the organization. One way to introduce the MBO system to your managers is in a seminar conducted by you or a consultant. However, if you choose a consultant, be sure that you are present for the entire seminar. In this way, you will communicate to your managers that the MBO system is a management priority. During the seminar, ask each participant to prepare an actual goal. Also, in small group sessions, have your managers review each others work plans and offer suggestions to improve them. The experience of setting and reviewing goals makes MBO a learning experience for all employees. Encourage your managers to express their doubts, reservations or opposition to MBO. They should get their feelings out in the open as soon as possible. You, the consultant or other participants can help to ease their concerns. In the beginning of your MBO program, your managers will have to learn to measure their own performance accurately, anticipate real problems that will thwart their progress and take steps to solve delays and other problems. During this learning period, your managers should set fewer goals than would usually be expected, perhaps three or four. After they develop and achieve these goals, they can extend the number and area covered by each goal. MBO may look simple on the surface, but it requires experience and skill to make it work effectively. If managers set annual goals, it may take three to four years before good results from this new system appear. ____________________________________________________________ __________________ THREATS TO AN MBO PROGRAM Not all MBO programs are successful. Some of the reasons why programs fail to reach their potential are ! ! ! Top management does not become involved. Corporate objectives are inadequate. MBO is installed as a crash program. ! It is difficult to learn the system because the nature of MBO is not taught. ____________________________________________________________ __________________ SUMMARY It is hard to get people to think in terms of results rather than the functions of their job; however, it can be done. The sequence of steps you use may not work for someone else. It is often an individual matter. No matter what steps you use, the final results are what count. If you feel that you are ready to introduce MBO to your company, why not set it as a goal for yourself? Turn back and follow through with the work plan. List your goals, method of measurement, anticipated problems and the work steps necessary to get your company managing by objectives. ____________________________________________________________ __________________ APPENDIX: INFORMATION RESOURCES U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) The SBA offers an extensive selection of information on most business management topics, from how to start a business to exporting your products. This information is listed in The Small Business Directory. For a free copy contact your nearest SBA office. SBA has offices throughout the country. Consult the U. S. Government section in your telephone directory for the office nearest you. SBA offers a number of programs and services, including training and educational programs, counseling services, financial programs and contract assistance. Ask about ! Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), a national organization sponsored by SBA of over 13,000 volunteer business executives who provide free counseling, workshops and seminars to prospective and existing small business people. Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), sponsored by the SBA in partnership with state and local governments, the educational community and the private sector. They provide assistance, counseling and training to prospective and existing business people. Small Business Institutes (SBIs), organized through SBA on more than 500 college campuses nationwide. The institutes provide counseling by students and faculty to small business clients. ! ! For more information about SBA business development programs and services call the SBA Small Business Answer Desk at 1-800-U-ASK-SBA (827-5722). Other U. S. Government Resources Many publications on business management and other related topics are available from the Government Printing Office (GPO). GPO bookstores are located in 24 major cities and are listed in the Yellow Pages under the bookstore heading. You can request a Subject Bibliography by writing to Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, Washington, DC 20402-9328. Many federal agencies offer publications of interest to small businesses. There is a nominal fee for some, but most are free. Below is a selected list of government agencies that provide publications and other services targeted to small businesses. To get their publications, contact the regional offices listed in the telephone directory or write to the addresses below: Consumer Information Center (CIO) P. O. Box 100 Pueblo, CO 81002 The CIO offers a consumer information catalog of federal publications. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Publications Request Washington, DC 20207 The CPSC offers guidelines for product safety requirements. U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) 12th Street and Independence Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20250 The USDA offers publications on selling to the USDA. Publications and programs on entrepreneurship are also available through county extension offices nationwide. U. S. Department of Commerce (DOC) Office of Business Liaison 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW Room 5898C Washington, DC 20230 DOCs Business Assistance Center provides listings of business opportunities available in the federal government. This service also will refer businesses to different programs and services in the DOC and other federal agencies. U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Public Health Service Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration 5600 Fishers Lane Rockville, MD 20857 Drug Free Workplace Helpline: 1-800-843-4971. Provides information on Employee Assistance Programs. National Institute for Drug Abuse Hotline: 1-800-662-4357. Provides information on preventing substance abuse in the workplace. The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information: 1-800-729-6686 toll-free. Provides pamphlets and resource materials on substance abuse. U. S. Department of Labor (DOL) Employment Standards Administration 200 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20210 The DOL offers publications on compliance with labor laws. U. S. Department of Treasury Internal Revenue Service (IRS) P. O. Box 25866 Richmond, VA 23260 1-800-424-3676 The IRS offers information on tax requirements for small businesses. U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Small Business Ombudsman 401 M Street, SW (A-149C) Washington, DC 20460 1-800-368-5888 except DC and VA 703-557-1938 in DC and VA The EPA offers more than 100 publications designed to help small businesses understand how they can comply with EPA regulations. U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition 200 Charles Street, SW Washington, DC 20402 The FDA offers information on packaging and labeling requirements for food and food-related products. For More Information A librarian can help you locate the specific information you need in reference books. Most libraries have a variety of directories, indexes and encyclopedias that cover many business topics. They also have other resources, such as ! Trade association information Ask the librarian to show you a directory of trade associations. Associations provide a valuable network of resources to their members through publications and services such as newsletters, conferences and seminars. Books Many guidebooks, textbooks and manuals on small business are published annually. To find the names of books not in your local library check Books In Print, a directory of books currently available from publishers. Magazine and newspaper articles Business and professional magazines provide information that is more current than that found in books and textbooks. There are a number of indexes to help you find specific articles in periodicals. ! ! In addition to books and magazines, many libraries offer free workshops, lend skill-building tapes and have catalogues and brochures describing continuing education opportunities.

Great second jobs for Baby Boomers

Great second jobs for Baby Boomers If you’re one of the huge wave of Baby Boomers reaching (or already past) retirement age, you may be thinking a lot about the next phase of your life. For many, continuing to work is a financial necessity. For others, it’s about staying professionally active without the same 9-to-5 grind. If you’re looking for ways to stay active and stay earning, here are some second-stage careers to consider. 5 great second jobs for Baby BoomersTeach what you knowOne of the perks of coming to the end of your first career is that you have lots of expertise and experience built up. What better to do than share that expertise and get paid for it? Many local community colleges, continuing education programs, or online schools can always use qualified teachers who have flexible schedules. Or you could consider substitute teaching. Check with your local school district to see what their requirements are, but many states don’t require substitute teachers to have a specific teac hing degree.Be a consultantIf you’ve got decades of experience in a particular field, consulting can be a way to transition from the full-time working world to one where you set your own schedule and salary. Many Baby Boomers find themselves in a position to do work for their former companies, and others expand their business to take on new clients. One of the biggest upsides of consulting is that it lets you take the skills and experience you have and use it to create a new business for yourself.Build a business out of a hobbyIf you find yourself with more time after retirement, you may find that what used to be a hobby can now be a profitable side hustle. Now more than ever, people are seeking out unique or artisan goods, so it may be time to ramp up that home woodworking shop or set up that Etsy store. Â  With a variety of ways to sell goods and services online, something you’ve always done for fun can make for a fulfilling and profitable next wave of your career.M ake the world a better placeAfter all, the Baby Boomers are the generation of Woodstock and ’60s social justice. Working for a nonprofit can be a way to keep that social idealism going, while staying professionally active. Nonprofits come in all shapes and sizes, so there’s likely one in your area that fits with your worldview and your priorities.Many Baby Boomers also find that volunteering and giving back to the community is a way to create a new wave of productivity. Like consulting, volunteering capitalizes on your skills, experience, and time to help others.Find a franchiseOwning a ready-made franchise can be a great way to build a business without building it from the ground up. Franchisees can often be as involved or hands-on as they want to be, directly managing the business or being the boss from a distance. It’s also a way to learn new sides of a business, whether it’s food service, a retail store, or other venture. The existing branding and mar ketplace can ease the transition into a new field, making it ideal for someone looking for a next stage instead of a start-over.Whatever your interests and strengths, there are plenty of options and opportunities for building a second income, developing skills, or filling the time after you’ve transitioned away from your first career.

History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 47

History - Essay Example In over four hundred years ago, some of the settlers and Europeans coexisted peacefully, while others fought each other. Even today, many people are still migrating to America to seek a better life. Although slave trade is outdated, there is a high rise of illegal immigrants. Immigration is relevant in today’s world; it has a great impact on the economy. People who run factories, restaurants and farms, find immigrants helpful in their businesses. Immigrants are a cheap source of labor. Therefore, this means low operating costs, high profits, and low prices for commodities produced. For some Americans, immigrants are a hurt to the economy, for instance, high school drop outs who are seeking jobs say immigrants are interfering with the job entry level to take lower wages. Other groups in the society believe immigrants provide a great source of labor, which result to high yield. Immigrants spending on necessities like food, shelter and clothing leads to an increase in domestic gross product. Immigration has resulted to an increase in population, with an estimate of 82% increase from the immigrants. The immigrants come with a positive attitude to excel; they are known to be creative, industrious and adventurous. Many of the immigrants start their businesses that contribute to revenue. In social circles, racism is experienced towards the immigrants, especially the minority groups. For instance, racism exists between the Africa Americans and the non-white Latino immigrants. Attacks and fights have also been experienced between African immigrants and Africa Americans. Because of migration, religion has great diverse in America. For instance, increase in Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism. Politically, most of the immigrants associate with groups that address immigration issues. The issue of shared amenities is believed to strain a state with time. For instance, if water sources are not increased, then people will

Large-Scale Biomass Combustion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Large-Scale Biomass Combustion - Essay Example It possesses a significant need in everyday life. For instance, energy is being used for various activities that include the execution of cars for moving one place to another and televisions for the purpose of entertainment among others. Moreover, energy is also used for producing electricity and heat for different purposes. It has been apparently observed that a large percentage of energy is obtained from the combustion of biomass (Need, 2012). Â  In this paper, a critical discussion about the use of sustainable energy will be taken into concern. Moreover, the determination of large-scale business combustion as one of the sustainable options for energy generation will also be discussed in this paper. Â  Biomass Combustion is principally described as the method of burning through which 90% of the world’s energy is released to supply heat and energy services like material processing that includes food preparation, electricity, and transportation. It has been viewed as the process through which fuels are burnt with the help of oxygen (Overend, 2004). Â  Biomass combustion is considered as the oldest type of combustion that largely exploited by human beings. It is also regarded as one of the most complicated forms of the combustion system. This process of combustion entails the use of solid fuels in a multi-phase reaction system interacting with different mass fluxes. The prime understanding of the solid fuel combustion system reveals with reference to the fact that only fuel can burn and release heat. It has also been viewed that solids and liquids do not burn by themselves but consume heat in the process of drying which is required to be chemically transformed into fuel gas. There are several different materials that can be considered as biomass. These materials include solid wood, fats, and proteins (Overend, 2004).

The Great Society Essay Example for Free

The Great Society Essay What is the Great Society? Lyndon Johnson came up with the Great Society of the 1960s. It helps with education and people in poverty. Medicaid and Medicare are also two big parts of the Great Society during the 1960s. Lyndon Baines Johnson was born on August 27, 1908. Johnson graduated from high school, at the age of 15, as a valedictorian, in 1924. When Johnson finally went to college, his tuition was only forty-five dollars per year. He went to South West Texas State Teachers College. He graduated at age 21, on August 17, 1930 (Morgan Reynolds Inc. ). Once Johnson graduated, he taught at the school. He was the principal and coach of the Debate Team. Johnson was offered a job as a US Representative and he accepted. Sadly, December 7, 1931, Johnson walked out of Union State in Washington D. C. He married Lady Bird three years later on November 24, 1934 (Morgan Reynolds Inc. ). What started Johnson to help society is when he saw his seventh and eighth graders digging in the trash, looking for something to eat. He decided to start a school’s lunch program after seeing that. He also came up with the idea of building â€Å"Roadside Parks† (Morgan Reynolds Inc. ). Johnson combined Civil Rights Act of 1964 and federal programs into a vision and that is how â€Å"The Great Society† all started. Johnson asked students to fight for four battles: Civil Rights, against poverty, and finally for the Great Society, which seeks a â€Å"richer life of mind and spirit† (LBJ Launches 1). July 30, 1965, one of the 90 laws for his Great Society, that was passed was Medicare (Devaney 100). Medicare became as much a part of America as Social Security (Devaney 116). President Truman said, â€Å"I’ve wanted the Medicare Act you’ll sign today for a long time. † when Johnson passed the law. Medicare Act will help pay medical bills for Americans of the age 65 or older (Wilmore 15). The Medicare program was a first step toward creating the system of national insurance. It provided federal funding for many of the medical cost of older Americans. It also overcame the bitter resistance to the idea of socialized medicine (Brinkley 471). Medicare did not carry the stigma that was attached to Medicaid, to some people (Naples). In 1963, most elderly Americans had no health insurance. Since 1965, 79 million Americans have signed up for Medicare. Democrats tried to preserve and expand Great Society programs such as Medicare. Medicare has had a defining impact on American families (Califano, Jr. ). Since 1966, Medicaid has served more than 200 million needy Americans (Califano, Jr. ). Medicaid is one of the largest Great Society programs (Brinkley 472). This healthcare system was said to be in crisis. This led people to fear that poverty might ne one severe illness or accident away (Sherrow 10). Health care payments come from public providers such as Medicaid (Sherrow 18). Congress approved the Medicaid program in 1967, to finance health care for the poor (Sherrow 39). People who qualified for Medicaid could choose among private services as well as public clinics and university outpatient departments. Medicaid gave millions of people more access to care although many physicians and providers chose not to accept Medicaid patients. Some administered their own Medicaid programs (Sherrow 39). By the 1970s, both Medicare and Medicaid provided coverage for all ages, poor, disabled, unemployed, blind, those who were unable to work, and dependent children with one parent (Sherrow 44). The Great Society is the latest stage in the evolution of Woodrow Wilson’s progressivism and Franklin Roosevelt’s Second Bill of Rights liberalism (LBJ Launches 1). The Great Society rests on abundance and liberty for all. It demands to end poverty and racial in justice. The Great Society is a place where every child can find knowledge to enrich his/her mind and to enlarge his/her talents (Johnson 3). It is a challenge constantly renewed beckoning us toward a destiny where the meaning of our lives matches the marvelous products of our labor. The Great Society was built to prove that our material progress is only the foundation (Lyndon 4). The Great Society was so we can build a richer life of mind and spirit. Woodrow Wilson once wrote: â€Å"Every man sent out from his university should be a man of his nation as well as a man of his time† (Lyndon 4). The Great Society is a term used to describe antipoverty legislation. The Great Society legislation targeted poor communities and individuals living in poverty as well as educational and employment practices (Naples). Education was another one of the Great Society’s main programs (LBJ Launches 1). Johnson’s Great Society articulates the vision of the students for a democratic society (LBJ Launches 2). The Great Society’s higher education legislation with scholarships, and etc. , is opened to any American with the necessary brains and ambition. The Great Society had a bilingual education designed to teach Hispanics subjects like math and history. These special educational programs have helped millions of children with learning disabilities (Califano, Jr. ). Expanding educational opportunities was one of the goals for the Great Society. 1965 Health Professions Educational Assistance Act provided resources to double the number of doctors graduating from medical schools. Educational programs such as Sesame Street, has also given the nation countless bows of fine arts (Califano, Jr. ). Parents send their children to college often with assistance with the Great Society higher programs like the Educational Act. It was announced at Ohio University that new majors spending programs that addressed education, medical care, urban problems, and transportation were launched during this period of the Great Society. Education was central to opening up the promise of American life to all. With the 1965 Secondary Education Act, the Great Society, for the first time, committed the federal government to helping local school districts (Califano, Jr. ). The goal of the Democratic Party under the leadership of President Johnson, is chiefly to enact domestic programs to improve education, provide medical care for the aged and to eliminate poverty. Johnson had so many goals for the society, in which many people took heed to. People may not know, but the Great Society is actually still going on today. Medicaid and Medicare, Educational Programs such as Job Corp, and many other programs of Johnson, has helped people lives until this day.