THIS IS AMAZAING!!!

I came across a very interesting site that I think everyone will appreciate. I sure do!!! Did you ever want to access your computer files that are on your hard drive from other computers or even your phone anywhere in the world??? Well, GOOD NEWS! Now you can and the best thing about it is that it’s free! It’s so simple and so useful. This site is amazing. You can view your pictures, see your movies, hear all your music, read all your documents, and so much more from anywhere in the world. You can now take your computer anywhere in the world without physically taking it with you! All you have to do is go on the website and download the software on your computer. If you have Internet access anywhere in the world then you have access to all your files anywhere in the world. It is that easy. I love this program. I have a PDA and I have access to all my computer files right on my phone. Today I felt like watching a movie, but was away from a TV. So, what exactly did I do? I simply logged on the website on my phone and accessed all my movies that were on my hard drive right on my phone. I still can’t get over it. OK, I am pretty sure you want to know the website by now, so here it is……….by the way…j/k…..the website is http://www.orb.com/

“Creating a Global Product”

The film “Creating a Global Product” illustrates how British Petroleum became an extremely successful conglomerate by merging with companies: Amoco, Castrol, and Aral. This tactic of merging with other companies, which was a wise move-in my opinion-by BP managers, is extremely common when international markets in other regions are unknown. Amoco and Castrol are well recognized in the United States, which Americans trust in consuming. Thus, allowing British Petroleum to penetrate the U.S market by using brands that are already well known. British Petroleum also successfully penetrated the Germany market by utilizing the well known brand Castrol and Aral. It’s evident that by merging with these companies BP was able to be successful and adapt to other foreign countries with out investing large amounts of money on in-depth market research and marketing an unknown brand in a foreign market, despite the quality and objective of BP. Companies’ that merge with other companies in order to tap into the foreign market and don’t take the initiative to re brand and develop values usually are unsuccessful because of the differences in culture and political and social uncertainties that come with going international.

However, I found it very interesting that after the merger BP took the initiative to re-brand and develop a foundation of values including performance, progressive, innovation, and green, which later led them to be accepted globally. By encouraging new ideas from employees of all the different companies, BP new how important it was to accept the insights of those already familiar with market. Every time I see a BP commercial it makes me want to buy its stock and invest in the company. You might ask, why? BP’s objective is to provide cleaner fuels in a world where a cleaner environment is becoming more and more of a concern, especially for the younger generation. That’s where the green aspect of their main values comes into play. British Petroleum has dominated the market because of its approach and its strategic international tactics and policies.

Lead, lag, or match the market?

The market is at a constant change, while most employers analyze their pay strategies once or twice a year. So how exactly do employers deal with this very important issue? Employers have to establish a pay policy. A pay policy’s main purpose is to illustrate in detail how an organization intends to react to the expected market changes and pressures. An organization has three pay policies that can be implemented to deal with expected market changes, which include: whether to lead, match, or lag the market.

When a company chooses to lead the market, the pay level should be above the market at the beginning of the year and equal to the market ant the end of the year. Leading the market usually results in the retention and/or attraction of top candidates for the specific position offered or/and secured. The match policy puts the pay level above the market for the first half of the year and below the market level during the second half of the year. The lag pay policy puts the pay level below the market all year round. Employers might have to take the lag approach because they simply cannot afford to pay above or match the market; might be able to pay below the market due to an abundance of labor; or, they are willing to tolerate the cost of paying below the market. The process of originally establishing pay levels involves balancing internal equity; what the job is worth to the organization; and, the external competitiveness of an organization’s pay compared to the pay of other organization in the same industry. In my opinion, I never realized how much emphases and analysis on pay strategies and structures was needed in order to make an organization succeed. Now that I think about it, pay is probably the highest operating cost of an organization.

Helpful websites for entrepreneurs/business owners

Marketing Basics

http://marketing.about.com/ is an excellent website that provides individuals with great tips on how to approach marketing when you are on a strict budget. The websites focuses on Blog marketing, provides an individual with a step by step brand strategy guide, a cold call success formula, and a formula to help you with your marketing efforts.

http://www.marketingprofs.com/marketing/library/articles is a wonderful site for those who are more advanced in marketing. This site gives an individual access to thousands of marketing resources. These resources are mainly marketing articles that give an individual many different proven marketing strategies. The site also allows one to choose from numerous marketing topics; for example, brand mgt, email marketing, general marketing, market research, non-profit, pricing, public relations, etc.

http://www.businesstown.com/marketing/index.asp is a fantastic website that allows one to learn new marketing strategies. The topics that are covered are basic marketing; direct mail; internet marketing; marketing plans; marketing strategy; publicity; trade shows; and, distribution. For each topic, the website provides an individual with additional vital information and also provides the individual with additional web marketing resources.

Risk MGT

http://www.rmahq.org/RMA/ is a site that is ran by the Risk Management Association (RMA) and focuses on making its members “identify, asses, and manage the impacts of credit risk, operational risk, and market risk on their business and customers. In order to be a member all that is needed is a valid email address.

http://www.rma.usda.gov/aboutrma/ is a website that was produced by the government in order to help “producers manage their business risks through effective, market based risk management solutions.

THE FEDERAL RESERVE

The Federal Reserve, which was established in 1913 by President Woodrow Wilson and his financial advisors, holds such power and responsibilities including: “Conducting the nations monetary policy by influencing the monetary and credit conditions in the economy in pursuit of maximum employment, stable prices, and moderate long-term interest rates; supervising and regulating banking institutions to ensure the safety and soundness of the nations banking and financial system and to protect the credit rights of consumers; maintaining stability of the economy and containing systemic risk that may arise in financial markets; and providing financial services to depository institutions, the U.S. government, and foreign official institutions, including playing a major role in operating the nation’s payments system.”


Although the Federal Reserve has many responsibilities, what is it about the Feds that has many individuals, ranging from fed watchers-to-economist-to ordinary intellectual investors listening very carefully, analyzing words and phrases expressed by the Federal Reserve? That can only be one thing, which is monetary policy and interest rates. One would probably ask, why listen and examine so carefully at every word and phrase by the Fed when the topic of short-term interest rates arises? This is mainly because a decrease or increase in short-term interest rates affects all aspects of the economy including: employment, inflation, investments, loans, mortgages, the stock market, etc. Taking into account the Federal Reserve’s power of monetary policy, it is unquestionable that the Feds adjust short-term interest rates for the betterment of the economy and to achieve economic growth as seen from June 2004 to June 2006 where the feds have adjusted interest rates 17 times.

GLOBALIZATION

As soon as I bought the book, The Amoral Elephant, the first thing that caught my attention was the title. Tabb defines his notion of what an amoral elephant means, which made a lot of sense to me. The elephant is capitalism. One individual puts his arms around a leg and says it is a tree trunk. Another leans against his body and says, “the wall of this old fortress is strong and thick.” Another grabs the tail and considers it a strong rope. Another feels, the ear and recognizes it as a “giant leaf of a jungle plant.” “Each of them is confident that he understands the totality from the local experiential information they have obtained. However, the one riding on top of the elephant has a different experience and of course mentality from those who are beneath. “The elephant itself is amoral.

IT IS TRUE…the RICH KEEPS GETTING RICHER and THE POOR KEEPS GETTING POORER. When factors create the increasing markets, the need for exploitation is unquestionable in order to stay in this race of success and dominance by using cheap labor. Those individuals working in sweat shops have no sense of investments or financial upward mobility considering their wages. Those in charge and those making the rules are the ones benefiting from the whole thing. And those in the middle are almost obligated to deal with the changes in our global market economy. According the book, “the riches 10 percent of American families received 85 percent of the three trillion-plus dollars increase in stock market valuation between 1989 and 1997.” That was back then. Do you still think that 10 percent is still receiving most of the wealth? Of course, according factual evidence most of the world lives on $2 dollars a day and it takes MONEY to MAKE MONEY! SO yes that same 10 percent is still getting more and more; a result of GLOBALIZATION!

McCain for president??? I DONT THINK SO!

I am neither a Republican or a democrat and more of an independent. I believe one should hear and analyze all propositions made by the candidates running for the presidency first before making a decision. I am aware that the majority will vote for the candidate that is associated with their party, but is this always the right move?!!


I’ll be honest; I don’t think McCain is suitable to be president. In regards to Sen. McCain, number one he is too old. In fact, if elected he will be the oldest individual to be elected president in U.S. history. Number two, McCain says his expertise is foreign policy and that he knows very little about the economy. It’s bad enough that Sen. McCain admitted he knows very little about the economy and is willing to take a no hands approach-just like the previous administration-in current terrible economic times; but, he confused Al-Qaeda with Iran throughout the whole speech. I don’t know about you guys, but if this is his way of expressing that he is an expert on foreign policy we have a problem Washington D.C.!!! Joe Lieberman had to whisper in his ear to correct himself, which is embarrassing enough. I honestly thought I was going to hear a very detailed explanation in regards to this ridiculous error. Boy was I wrong!!! He simply said, ‘I’m sorry. I meant Iranian extremist. Do you know what I am thinking? McCain is justifying a war with Iran, something that we do not need right now!

International Business Machines

In 1924 when CTR became IBM the intentions of going international was evident. You might ask, why do you think that? The name International Business machines says it all. The 1950’s and 1960’s changed how IBM’s objective was thought. Now more businesses needed computers and that’s when IBM became a multinational corporation. IBM’s decision to go international was a wise move because trade brings new innovations and a market for growth. The objective of becoming a world economic leader was now a reality and IBM was able to be globally dominant. However, when doing business on a global scale many forces can affect trade and serve as obstacles such as social cultural, financial, legal, physical, and environmental forces. This is exactly was happened to IBM. The late 1800’s and early 1990’s were difficult times for the company. I thought IBM did the right move when they appointed a new CEO in 1993 in order to examine their global strategy. Louis V. Gerstner was a CEO that understood how to perform in foreign markets and who followed tradition.

Many experiences were needed in order to be successful in this emerging global community. Many different economic, political, and cultural forces affect how an MNC conducts business in foreign markets. IBM has gone through its share of positive and negative experiences. However, in good or bad times, it is up to the leader of the organization to implement strategic changes that would benefit the organization in the long run. Samuel J. Palmisano, current IBM Chairman of the boards of directors and CEO, is a prime example of a leader that went against tradition in order to compete in this global market by utilizing different managerial strategies. Samuel J. Palmisano states, “we’re moving beyond "international" business to something that is more like ‘transnational.’ For instance, IBM has 30 software labs around the world. We have research labs in six countries, including China and India. We're global by definition and have been for a long time, which creates tremendous advantages for our customers and shareholders, and tremendous opportunities for the top talent in markets all over the world, ” according to an article in Online news week.

43 quintillion combinations

I have finally mastered it! It takes me less than one minute to complete. What I am referring to is the infamous Rubik’s Cube. The Rubik’s was invented by Erno Rubik and launched in 1980. The Rubik’s cube, which cost approximately $10 dollars, is considered the fastest selling puzzle with over 250 million cubes sold. At first, I thought I would never be able to do it. However, it was easier than I thought. The Rubik’s cube is basically a big math problem. There are 43 quintillion combinations and can only be solved by using specific algorithms or like I like to call it, specific math solutions. An algorithm, for those who don’t know, is “A step-by-step problem-solving procedure, especially an established, recursive computational procedure for solving a problem in a finite number of steps,” according to dictionary.com

So how exactly do you solve it? Well, there are seven steps you have to engage in and eight algorithms in order to put the same colors together. Most people try to solve the cube and in reality have no progress what so ever simply because the steps and algorithms are unknown. A basic concept of how the cube functions is very important in order to understand the algorithms. Unfortunately, I will not be able to describe how the cube works, but will briefly describe the seven steps involved. The good thing is, once you purchase the original Rubik’s cube it comes with a specific analogy of how the cube and algorithm functions.

The first step is to get the green cross. The second step is to solve the green corners. The third step is to solve the middle layers. The fourth step is to solve the blue cross. The fifth step is to solve the top edges. The sixth step is to place all blue corner pieces in the right place and the seventh step is to solve the upper blue corners.

Many people ask me; don’t you get tired of solving it constantly considering it’s the same steps over and over again? I usually respond, not really, every singe solve is different and the more I complete it the faster and more accurate I get. Practice makes permanent!

Healthcare for all?

The United States of America is the only wealthy developed nation that does not have a universal healthcare system available to its citizens. The result, “factoring in costs borne by government, the private sector, and individuals, the U.S. spends over 1.9 trillion dollars annually on healthcare expenses,” (Lee) which far exceeds the health expenses of any other developed industrialized nation. Ironically, the percentage of the uninsured is extremely high and medical expenses are very overbearing for those who do not have medical insurance offered by their employer or can’t afford medical insurance on their own.
According to the OnlineNewsHour, “nearly one in five Americans under the age of 65 was without health insurance in 2005, a number that has continued to grow for the past decade.”

Most shocking, however, are small business owners who are trying to stay afloat by competing with Multinational Corporations. Multinational Corporations cut cost by taking advantage of offshore outsourcing, while the small business owners has yet another cost they have to deal with in order to retain their employees: the cost of healthcare premiums, which is rising much faster than the general inflation rate or employee wages. “Health insurance premiums have increased rapidly over the recent past, growing 78% between 2001 and 2007 and far outpacing cumulative wage growth of 19% over the same period,” (Employer Health) according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, an independent benevolent organization dedicated to healthcare issues.

The issue of healthcare is one of the main concerns addressed in the political campaigns. It is going to be very interesting to find out what nee solution is going to be implemented in order to reduce healthcare premiums or offer healthcare to all citizens.

Change

A recent talk about a possible recession is scary! The dollar decreasing in value is crazy! The sudden increase in the foreclosure rate is insane! Government corruption is totally unacceptable!

The United States is a country who should progress rapidly and efficiently and not be detested by many foreign countries. But the more I read and see the animosity is still present. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and some might agree or disagree with mine; but, the facts are evident. The Bush administration has done a horrible job. For example, every time I think about the war in Iraq I get extremely angry and upset. How can we change another country when there is hunger and poverty in our own backyards? I understand we want to fix Iraq, but don’t you think we need to fix ourselves first. Approximately 490 billion dollars have been spent on the war in Iraq. War on terror or war for oil? Do you know what 490 billion dollars can do for our country? Perhaps, better the school systems; help towards the development of environment friendly sources of energy; healthcare for all…I can go on and on; but you get the point. Did you know that Halliburton’s Iraq contracts; a major oil company once operated by Dick Cheney is worth about 9.6 billion dollars? Ironic??? I’ll let you decide! This is just one example out of many that points towards the need for change.

So, is it time for change??? That is what the democratic candidates are emphasizing and I totally agree with them. “I’m asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington…I’m asking you to believe,” expressed Senator Obama at one of his campaigns. Hillary Clinton is also utilizing the same concept in her campaigns. Her New Hampshire campaign was titled, “Change we need,” and in her speech she expressed, “I will bring my experience to the white house starting on day one. That’s right: Change our country.” I am not saying who to vote for because both candidates have good policies for change; but, what I am saying is go out there and vote. We need change in this country…its evident!

Clear and simple writing style

Many individuals tend to use big words and phrases to express the smallest and simplest idea. Some do it to sound very educated and others do it because its second nature. During class discussions, KISS-keep it simple stupid-is constantly emphasized because when writing for the mass media clarity is extremely important. According to Stovall, simplicity is the key to clarity, which is something that I have to learn. Henry Fowler wrote in Modern English usage, “that short words are not only handier to use but more powerful in effect; extra syllables reduce, not increase, vigour.”

So I now think back, this whole time I have been trying to impress readers by using big and complicated words. Do I feel stupid for not using simple words? Not at all! Stovall makes it very clear. A clear and simple writing style is something that has to be achieved through hard work and dedication. “Almost every writer uses too many words on occasion. Even the best writer needs to be edited.” I finally understand why brevity is one of the most important concepts of media writing. To be honest, I’m probably not even keeping it simple writing this blog-too many words here and there; but, you know what? This is something I am going to work at as time goes on. To master this style is on the top of my list. “I never write metropolis for seven cents because I can get the same price for city. I never write policemen because I can get the same money for cop,” said Mark Twain in regards to using simple words. Do you have a clear and simple writing style? If so, were you born with this gift or did you have to work at it?

Objectivity; journalism; controversy

It is evident that the concept of objectivity is a controversial one in the field of Journalism. Why is this so? Accuracy and clarity! In today’s society people look at the media as a reliable source to find accurate information and that is why accuracy is extremely important, perhaps the most important out of the two. In journalism people want the true story based on external reality and not written based on internal emotions. Is that why most newspapers have an opinion section? Maybe! Clarity is also important and must be a goal that a writer of mass media shouldn’t take lightly. According to Stovall, “facts that are unclearly presented are of little use to the reader,” a thought I definitely agree with. One who takes an initiative to write for the mass media should understand that they should not only be experts in the English language; but, understand the proper way of structuring a story.

In journalism and the mass media a strong sense of professionalism has increased. In this professionalism one must know what conventions and rules are acceptable for this specific medium, for example the inverted pyramid. If you read an article in any newspaper most likely the journalist wrote it using the inverted pyramid technique. I have learned that subjectivity is very rare in this form of writing. The most important information comes first and then you can get into specifics, which leaves little room for subjectivity and plenty of room for objectivity. When reading a news article I always want to read the facts. If I want to read any opinions I simply turn to the opinion section.

Style and Writing for the mass media

The meaning of the term style and its use in writing for the media is something I really didn’t think about until I had an interesting discussion with my class mates and professor. The professor went around the room and asked each and every one us what was our particular style in respects to writing. Many said they like to express themselves through poems; some through essays; others through music lyrics. I myself wasn’t too sure of what to say and said my particular style of writing is the persuasive type.

Yes, we all have our own unique style of writing, which is perfectly fine and acceptable. However, even though all of us have our own style of writing or still developing our own unique style, after the discussion, one main point was embedded in my mind: when writing for the media there are certain styles and rules that are appropriate for different forms of writing. Who can say it better than James Glen Stovall, who teaches mass communication at Emory and Henry College who expressed and illustrated in his book, Writing for the Mass Media, that “in media writing, style is the general orientation a writer has toward his or her work. Style is the set of conventions and assumptions underlying the writing and the generally accepted rules of writing and usage for a particular medium.” So, there you have it, words from a professional. Its ok to have your own style of writing, but remember two things: when writing for a particular medium there are specific conventions and rules that must be followed; and, the three most important rules in writing for the mass media are; “accuracy, brevity, and clarity!”

"Writing is thinking"

Many teachers and philosophers believe the following: "Writing is thinking." I completely agree with this quote because it basically explains the main, fundamental aspect of writing in a simple and understandable manner. However, when analyzing this quote, how can we prove the quote is fact? In my opinion, this quote is true because writing is a form of art that allows one to express and illustrate their ideas; ideas derive from one's thoughts. Do you think writing novels, poems, and masterpieces are easily written? Well, for those talented authors and writers it might be second nature; but, for most people writing something of quality in a well organized manner with nice transitions takes some in depth thinking. I'm actually thinking right now, lol.

To put it plain and simple, what do all pieces of writing have in common? They were written by individuals who thought! So, is writing thinking? Of course it is. Even though everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I amazed that this quote is even questioned by some. I understand that this is a broad quote, but the facts are evident. In order express one's ideas, thoughts, feelings, or/and opinions in writing they first have to originate from one's mind. This is certainly true for me anyways. For example, I thought creating a non-profit organization wouldn’t be so difficult. Was I wrong? Yes. It is extremely hard. Not only do I have to understand all rules and regulations pertaining to non-profit organizations that were written by someone who thought those policies thoroughly through. I also have to think about all the rules and regulations that are going to be written in the by laws of the organization, which is going to be the key foundation towards the organization’s success.

“Writing is thinking.” What do you think?

Academic background; future plans; writing for the media

I am currently a senior at Manhattanville College and graduate in May 2008. My major is business management and my minors are communication and sociology. Presently, I work as a teller at a financial institution. I am also in the process of incorporating a non-profit organization, which encourages and supports minority students to obtain a higher education in order to accomplish their goals quicker and more effectively. I am also in the process of incorporating a for profit company, which specializes in the distribution of high-tech electronics and gadgets to small businesses, entrepreneurs, and ordinary individuals at wholesale price.



Writing for the media is an excellent class that will enable me to reach my goals effectively. Not only do I need this course in order to fulfill the requirements needed to obtain my communications minor degree; the course will allow me to "improve and solidify my expertise in theory and practice of the various types of copywriting used in mass media today; to conform my writing to various current industry codes, standards, and practices; and to effectively understand the role of copywriting in the communication process and its ability to influence audiences." Serving as the CEO (president) and chairman of the board of directors for both organizations that will be Incorporated in a few months, being a better writer will better assist me in expressing and illustrating my ideas, opinions, promotions, rules and regulations effectively in order to influence and make a tremendous impression to investors, companies, and the ordinary individual.