How a Gamble Paid Off

How a Gamble Paid Off Several years ago, I spent ten days in Las Vegas on business. I allowed myself only twenty dollars to gamble with and am proud to say I broke even. After my home state approved the lottery, people lined up to buy the prized tickets. Not I. I can probably count on one hand the number of lottery tickets Ive bought. Im just not that much of a gambler. But the one time I did gamble, it paid off in a big way. A very big way. I had this completed manuscript titled Wink of an Eye gathering dust in my file drawer when I saw a notice in FundsForWriters for the St. Martins Press/Private Eye Writers of America Best 1st PI Novel competition. The manuscript met all the criteria for submission so I stuffed it in an envelope, scraped together the thirty dollar entry fee and mailed them off. To others, thirty dollars may not seem like a lot, but at that time I was unemployed and on the last weeks of collecting unemployment. It was a weeks worth of groceries. But I took a chance, crossed my fingers and said a prayer. Time went Then one day many weeks later, there in my inbox was an email from St. Martins Press. They were pleased to advise me Wink of an Eye had been chosen as a finalist for the competition. I remember being super excited that it could garner a publishing contract or some other kind of notice as a second place, third place, or honorable mention submission, because surely it wouldnt win. A week later, I received another email from St. Martins advising me my manuscript, Wink of and Eye, had won the competition. The prize was a ten thousand-dollar advance and publishing contract. Not a bad return on a thirty-dollar investment. Im still not much of a gambler, but I will take a second look at contests with big prizes now. If you consider entering your work in a contest, there are a few things to consider. First, is the entry fee fair in relation to the prizes? I saw a recent call for submissions where the entry fee was forty dollars with a hundred-dollar prize. You do the math. Secondly, winning a contest does not mean your winning entry will be published, unless the prize is publication. In that case, you still must read the contest rules and regulations, and contract if offered, thoroughly, to determine if the rights taken and means published fit your preferences. And lastly, entering your unpublished work in a contest should carry the same polish as if you were submitting to a publisher. Revise, edit, proofread. Repeat. The process should be the same whether its going to a contest, small press, or big house. Not all contests are equal, but there are some really good ones out there. And they can be an excellent way of getting your foot in the door and reaching an audience, if youre willing to take the gamble.

Proconsul Facts and Figures

Proconsul Facts and Figures Name: Proconsul (Greek for before Consul, a well-known circus ape); pronounced pro-CON-sul Habitat: Jungles of Africa Historical Epoch: Early Miocene (23-17 million years ago) Size and Weight: About 3-5 feet long and 25-100 pounds Diet: Omnivorous Distinguishing Characteristics: Monkey-like posture; flexible hands and feet; lack of tail About Proconsul As far as paleontologists can tell, Proconsul marks the time in primate evolution when the old world monkeys and apes diverged from a common ancestor - which means, in laymans terms, that Proconsul may (or may not) have been the first true ape. In fact, this ancient primate combined various characteristics of monkeys and apes; its hands and feet were more flexible than those of contemporary monkeys, but it still walked in a monkey-like way, on all fours and parallel to the ground. Perhaps most tellingly, the various species of Proconsul (which ranged from a smallish 30 pounds or so to a largish 100) lacked tails, a distinctly ape-like trait. If Proconsul was, in fact, an ape, that would make it distantly ancestral to humans, and perhaps even a true hominid, though its brain size indicates that it wasnt much smarter than the average monkey. However it winds up being classified, Proconsul holds a special place in hominid paleontology. When its remains were first discovered, back in 1909, Proconsul was not only the oldest ape yet identified, but the first prehistoric mammal ever to be unearthed in sub-Saharan Africa. The name Proconsul is a story in itself: this early Miocene primate wasnt named after the revered proconsuls (provincial governors) of ancient Rome, but after a pair of popular circus chimpanzees, both named Consul, one of which performed in England and the other in France. Before Consul, as the Greek name translates, may not seem very dignified for such a remote human ancestor, but thats the moniker that has stuck! Many people mistakenly believe that Proconsul was one of the immediate predecessors of Homo sapiens. In fact, though, this ancient primate lived during the Miocene epoch, from about 23 to 17 million years ago, at least 15 million years before the first recognizable human ancestors (like Australopithecus and Paranthropus) evolved in Africa. Its not even a sure thing that Proconsul spawned the line of hominids that led to modern humans; this primate may have belonged to a sister taxon, which would make it more of a great-great-great uncle a thousand times removed.

You can decide the topic whatever you want by those requirements I Essay - 1

You can decide the topic whatever you want by those requirements I pasted - Essay Example In order to create his plot and setting, Marquez uses an uncommon literary technique. For instance, he does not have a true main character. Garcia Marquez explored how capitalism can be used to rob contemporary societies using deeper human values. The main characters in the story show how capitalism can use human nature to exploit contemporary societies. Pelayo was among the first people to notice the old man. Though he was kind to the old man, he was not charitable or compassionate. His neighbors suggested that they should club the old man to death. This shows that people in this community are uncompassionate. Instead, he decided to keep the old man in his chicken house and charge admission fees to onlookers and the curious crowd. The main concerns for Pelayo are his sick child and family (Marquez 1). He was content to leave the theological and theoretical speculations to Father Gonzaga. Elisenda is Pelayo’s wife and she was concerned with practical matters. She suggested to her husband that they should charge an admission fee to anybody who wanted to see the old man. Though the old man brought numerous material advantages to the family, Elisenda portrayed an attitude of exasperation and annoyance. Elisenda is an exam ple of how capitalism exploits contemporary societies using human nature. Garcia Marquez used the conflicting actions of characters to unfold the story as a comical tragedy. After the old man’s usefulness dwindled, Elisenda began to see him as a nuisance. The old man became troublesome to Elisenda that she referred her new home as â€Å"hell full of angels† (Marquez 3). The new house was brought from the proceeds the family received from exhibiting the old man. The author’s statement that, â€Å"the angel was the only one who took no part in his own act. His only supernatural virtue seemed to be patience† shows how capitalism exploits contemporary societies (Marquez 2). This statement explains the situation in which the old

Tourism policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Tourism policy - Essay Example Tourism is a valuable industry for every nation. It not only creates new businesses but also can create jobs, income and can enhance quality of life. For years, tourism industry developed almost fluently and now it has become a chief economic segment. For many countries in the developing world, tourism is a significant basis of income creation and therefore, a key element of economic improvement. A good positive state related to tourism can improve the relationship and it rewards nations. But the consequences of negative conditions such as terrorism are massive on a countries’ financial system. Tourism contributes about 10 percent of global GDP. Tourism industry needs to predict customer requirements, recreate its business strategy, and relocate on providing good services because in recent years customers have become more demanding and a good tourism system can improve the image of the nation. Therefore, the terrorist attacks can play a massively derogatory role in a countryâ €™s economy and thus, the tourism sector similar to other sectors can bear the brunt of such scenario (Wharton University of Pennsylvania, 2010). Importance of Tourism Tourism has become a key economic activity in the 20th Century. The World Travel & Tourism Council had generated income of US $ 655 billion from tourism industry in the year 1995 and had created 212 million jobs. Global employment growth was estimated at 21 percent in the year 2007. This increase was primarily due to increase in capital investment and it contributed to 610,000 people globally being engaged to the tourism industry. The employment increase was from complimentary services such as entertainment and restaurants. The result of amplified travelling has led to rise in government income and gross output; it has multiplier consequence on global economies (Dunn, 1999). The following table shows the growth of tourism till 1992: Figure 1: Growth of tourism till 1992 (Thompson, 2008). Effect on Tourism Industry due to Terrorist Attacks Terrorist attack has an adverse affect on the tourism industry. It can lead to joblessness, homelessness, deflation, crime and other economic crisis. Several factors associated with tourism such as airlines, hotels, restaurants and catering sectors that are used by any firm or industry and their employees are all affected to a greater or lesser extent. Terrorism can unravel a country’s tourism industry. It affects directly to the tourists’ decision making. The role of tourism in emerging countries is currently so enormous that some downturn in the tourism sector is a serious concern. In general, tourism is one of the best performing economic sectors in the developing countries and can have various dimensional effects (Essner, 2003). Several such instances of the affect of terrorist attacks on the tourism industry will be evaluated in the following sections. Terrorism in Maldives Tourism Industry Maldives is a developing nation and is depended on their tourism industry as a source of income. Maldives is a holiday destination for the tourists due to its famous heavenly as well as

Evolution of the Radio from 1920’s to 1940s Essay Example for Free

Evolution of the Radio from 1920’s to 1940s Essay As one of the most important means of communication, radio has undergone significant changes to better suit the needs of people from the basic up to the most sophisticated technology. It was during the 1920s when radio broadcasting has reached full scale. This development generated significant changes in the way people live their daily lives. The crystal radio of this period functioned without batteries but can only be heard with the aid of earphones. It then developed into radios electrically powered which come with loudspeakers resembling a trumpet. Detroit based WWJ radio station as well as Pittsburg’s KDKA became the pioneers of commercial broadcasts. The first regular broadcast license was issued by the federal government to Springfield’s WBZ radio station on the 15th day of September 1921. Other radio stations began to emerge around the country. It was on October 1922 when network broadcasting signaled its debut. In 1926, the NBC established the Radio Corporation of America, becoming the premier national network (Godfrey and Leigh 28). The generation of FM broadcast was discovered by Edwin H. Armstrong in 1933 (Godfrey and Leigh 30). Radio then became a versatile medium of communication. Military personnel, police, as well as airplane pilots made use of the tool for fast exchange of communication. In 1947, the transistor was developed at the Bell Telephone Laboratories. The year 1925 to the beginning of the 1950’s was considered to be the Golden Age of Broadcasting (Godfrey and Leigh 31). It was around this time when radio became a constant fixture in the American household. Work Cited Page Godfrey, Donald G. , and Frederic A. Leigh. Historical Dictionary of American Radio. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Publishing Group, 1998.

The Dangers of Conformity in Bartleby, the Scrivener and A Very Old Man

The Dangers of Conformity in Bartleby, the Scrivener and A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings   Ã‚  Ã‚   Authors can use various concepts to enhance or dictate the progression of their work. Ambiguity is one such tool that has the power to influence a story. In "Bartleby, the Scrivener" and "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings," Melville and Marquez utilize ambiguity to develop their story's theme. Both authors focus ambiguity around the main characters in the stories to criticize the rigid rules of systems in society.    Melville's use of ambiguity in "Bartleby" is extreme and prevalent throughout the story. He introduces the reader to the narrator's office before Bartleby's arrival to explain the functional system that exists before Bartleby. The reader gains knowledge of the narrator's two copyists and is able to see that despite problems that each man poses, the narrator is able to control these idiosyncrasies.    Nevertheless, as he (Turkey) was in many ways a most valuable person to me, and all the time before twelve o'clock, meridian, was the quickest, steadiest creature, too, accomplishing a great deal of work in a style not easily to be matched - for these reasons, I was willing to overlook his eccentricities, though, indeed, occasionally, I remonstrated with him (545).    "But, with all his failings, and the annoyances he caused me, Nippers, like his compatriot, Turkey, was a very useful man to me; wrote a neat, swift hand; and when he chose, was not deficient in a gentlemanly sort of deportment" (546). Throughout the text, Melville is very verbose in describing each man's peculiarities and we can recognize that the narrator is tolerant of such quirks. The narrator is understanding o... ...re able to comment on the harmful effects that a closed system can pose. Though each author's ambiguity centers on the main characters, the characters serve different roles in the stories. Bartleby exists in the rigid system that Melville criticizes, but then rejects the system to demonstrate the dangers of conformity. The old man with enormous wings, however, is never a part of the closed system that society belongs to. He merely serves to exemplify the inconsistencies in people's faith. Both stories encourage the reader to challenge the restrictions of rigid rules. Works Cited: Garcia Marquez, Gabriel. "A Very Old Man With Enormous Wings." The Norton Introduction Literature. Ed. Jerome Beaty.N.Y. : W.W. Norton and Company, 1996.525-529. Melville, Herman. Bartleby and Benito Cereno. Dover Publications, Inc. New York. 1993. Pgs. 1-34      

Management and Acceptance Theory

PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF MANAGEMENT SUBJECT CODE –B-101 PART ONE Multiple Choice Questions with Single Response: Q1. A Plan is a trip laid to capture the ___________________ a. Future b. Past c. Policy d. Procedure Q2. It is the function of employing suitable person for the enterprise: a. Organizing b. Staffing c. Directing d. Controlling Q3. _________________ means â€Å"group of activities & employees into departments. † a. Orientation b. Standardization c. Process d. Departmentation Q4. This theory states that authority is the power that is accepted by others: a. Acceptance theory b. Competence theory c. Formal authority theory d. Informal authority theory Q5. It means dispersal of decision-making power to the lower levels of the organization: a. Decentralization b. Centralization c. Deispersion d. Delegation Q6. This chart is the basic document of the organizational structure: a. Functional chart b. Posts chart c. Master chart d. Departmental chart Q7. Communications which flow from superiors to subordinates with the help of scalar chain is known as: a. Informal communication b. Downward communication c. Upward communication d. Oral communication Q8. Needs for belongingness, friendship, love, affection, attention & social acceptance are: a. Physiological needs b. Safety needs c. Ego needs d. Social needs Q9. A management function which ensures â€Å"jobs to be filled with the right people, with the right knowledge, skill & attitudes†: a. Staffing defined b. Job analysis c. Manpower planning d. Recruitment Q10. It is a process that enables a person to sort out issues and reach to a decisions affecting their life: a. Selection b. Raining c. Reward d. Counseling PART TWO Short Notes Type Questions: Q1. Differentiate between ‘Administration’ and ‘Management’. Q2. What were the common drawbacks in classical and Neo classical theories of management? Q3. Write a short note on â€Å"Line Organization†. Q4. Write a short note on ‘Acceptance theory’. Answer 2: Classical theories of management relate to the earliest theories of management, that really led to recognition of management as and independent discipline of work and study. These included the ideas of pioneers like Fredrick W. Taylor, Frank Gilbreth. Max Weber, and Henry Fayol. These theories came into being beginning from late nineteenth century and were considered the core of management theory till about 1930's. Neo-classical theories of management developed during 1920's and later. These can be broadly divides in two groups – theories related to human aspects of management, and quantitative management techniques. Each of the theories under classical and neo-classical groups have their own values and limitations. But when we come to the common drawbacks of these theories, i can think of only one. All these theories concentrated on some limited aspect of management, and treated is as if it is the sole or most important aspect of management. Also, as would be natural to any developing discipline of management. Thus while people like Taylor concentrated too much on physical aspects of work, people connected with Hawthorne Studies, erroneously believed that they have discovered truths about shop-floor practices of workmen till then totally unknown to others, and concluded that the key to management lies only in promoting appropriate group behavior. Answer 3: Line organization is the most oldest and simplest method of administrative organization. According to this type of organization, the authority flows from top to bottom in a concern. The line of command is carried out from top to bottom. This is the reason for calling this organization as scalar organization which means scalar chain of command is a part and parcel of this type of administrative organization. In this type of organization, the line of command flows on an even basis without any gaps in communication and co- ordination taking place. Features of Line Organization 1. It is the simplest form of organization. 2. Line of authority flows from top to bottom. 3. Specialized and supportive services do not take place in these organizations. 4. Unified control by the line officers can be maintained since they can independently take decisions in their areas and spheres. This kind of organization always helps in bringing efficiency in communication and bringing stability to a concern. Merits of line Organization: 1. Simplest- It is the most simple and oldest method of administration. 2. Unity of Command: In these organizations, superioir-subordiante relationship is maintained and scalar chain of command flows from top to bottom. 3. Better Discipline: The control is unified and concentrates on one person and therefore, he can independently make decision of his own. Unified control ensures better discipline. 4. Flexibility: There is a co-ordination between the top most authority and bottom line authority. 5. Prompt decision: Due to the factors of fixed responsibility and unity of command, the officials can take prompt decision. Demerits of Line Organization: 1. Over reliance: The line executive’s decisions are implemented to the bottom. This results in over-relying on the line officials. 2. Lack of specialization: A line organization flows from a scalar chain from top to bottom and there is no scope for specialized functions. 3. Inadequate communication: The policies and strategies which are framed by the top authority are carried out in the same way. This leaves no scope for communication from the other end. The complaints and suggestions of lower authority are not communicated back to the top authority. So there is one way communications. 4. Lack of co- ordination: Whatever decisions are taken by the line officials, in certain situations wrong decisions, are carried down and implemented in the same way. Therefore, the degree of effective co-ordination is less. 5. Authority leadership: The line officials have tendency to misuse their authority positions. This leads to autocratic leadership and monopoly in the concern. Answer4: The â€Å"acceptance theory† is a philosophy which argues that â€Å"authority does not depend as much on ‘persons of authority' who give orders as on the willingness of those who receive the orders to comply with them. This idea combines both the traditional approach to management of a â€Å"top- down† structure where subordinates are to comply with the decisions of management. Yet, it is also embracing a more modern understanding of management, where this compliance is not blind and done without some level of questioning. If one were to buy the â€Å"acceptance theory† of management, then one also has to accept that subordinates do possess some level of intrinsic power that requires explanation, articulation, and clear definition of company policies and initiatives. In the â€Å"acceptance theory† model of management, the company's superiors must have a rapport with their subordinates so that this communication is evident, for their understanding and willingness to accept decisions, comply with policy, and fulfill management vision is essential. To accept â€Å"acceptance theory,† management must â€Å"accept† the premise that their workers have to be â€Å"accepted† as beings with their own sense of autonomy, freedom, and reasonability, as opposed to drones who will blindly follow where the company leads.

Martin Luther King I Have a Dream Essay

2. In Martin Luther King Jr’s speech he uses a variety of vivid phrases that paint a picture for the audience. For example: â€Å"crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination† † the negro is still languishing in the corners of society and finds himself an exile in his own land† â€Å"let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.† These phrases attribute to gaining his audience’s attention and emotion. 3. Primary points in his speech: African American individuals are being discriminated against in society, even though the emancipation proclamation granted all slaves citizenship. America will not be tranquil as long as there is segregation. MLK and his followers will only be a part of a peaceful protest. If America is to be a great nation freedom is imperative among all people. 4. It is clear that MLK is very passionate about what he says in his speech. While staying passionate, he understands that he will not win the war against segregation by being bitter and angry. My interpretation is that he is in a way confident that this issue will be resolved, and he knows that this ongoing issue will not be resolved immediately. 5. The audience in this case would be pretty much everybody in the United States at the time as well as us today. MLK probably didn’t know that his speech would make such a big impact in our world today, but his speech was aimed toward American society as a whole. 6. Without hesitation I will say that MLK does succeed with his message. Our country today has minimal racial injustice and people can be judged by their character. I think that the reason he has succeeded is attributed to his attitude and poise that he demonstrates during the speech. His message  would not have been accepted if he was to lash out in anger and criticize the white man.

Becoming a Waitor essays

Becoming a Waitor essays Becoming a waiter is quite difficult. Becoming a good waiter is even a lot harder. Customers are the name of the game, but they are also the downfall. You have good ones that treat you nice and tip well all the way to the bossy ones that want something for free then stiff you. Turning out to be that good waitress requires mastering your daily chores, dealing with customers, and accomplishing multiple tasks at one time. Your main goal is to gain the customers respect. A career as a waiter has its benefits: You can mane tons of money on tips, your schedules can be flexible, allowing you to attack other projects, and you get the chance to talk to people all day long. Landing all of these benefits is not easy. To get the job, the flexible schedules, and the high tips, you need to be good at it, and being a good waiter can be incredibly tough. So before tying those aprons, you might want to look into some tips and listen to some stories to help for your journey into the hospitality industry. Not only does a career as a waiter have its perks, but it also has its downfalls. Being a waiter is work. You will be on your feet for hours, carrying heavy items, and managing many requests at once. While doing all of this, you need to have a smile on your face as if you are happy doing it. This is not a good job for people with high-strung personalities. You have to be able to multi-task. As you walk down as aisle of tables, people will be calling out for more coffee, a clean spoon, pepper, ketchup, a toothpick, and the tail of a Brazilian Mooney bird. You have to be able to remember and accomplish these tiny things without getting panicked or stressed out. You may have to memorize the menu and prices too, as well as daily specials. You should master your list of daily chores as soon as possible for two reasons. The first reason is that your chores will be relatively easy to do - albeit gros ...

Prometheus - Profile of the Greek Titan

Prometheus - Profile of the Greek Titan Prometheus DetailsPrometheus Profile Who Is Prometheus?: Prometheus is one of the Titans from Greek mythology. He helped create (and then befriend) mankind. He gave humans the gift of fire even though he knew Zeus would not approve. As a result of this gift, Prometheus was punished as only an immortal could be. Family of Origin: Iapetus the Titan was the father of Prometheus and Clymene the Oceanid was his mother. The Titans Roman Equivalent: Prometheus was also called Prometheus by the Romans. Attributes: Prometheus is often shown chained, with an eagle plucking out his liver or his heart. This was the punishment he suffered as a result of defying Zeus. Since Prometheus was immortal, his liver grew back every day, so the eagle could have feasted on it daily for eternity. Powers: Prometheus had the power of forethought. His brother, Epimetheus, had the gift of afterthought. Prometheus created man from water and earth. He stole skills and fire from the gods to give to man. Sources: Ancient sources for Prometheus include: Aeschylus, Apollodorus, Dionysius of Halicarnassus, Hesiod, Hyginus, Nonnius, Plato, and Strabo.

Social Media, and how dose it effect the community Research Paper

Social Media, and how dose it effect the community - Research Paper Example Social media have made significant and changes in communication or interactions in the community, among the individuals and organizations. This study examines ways in which social media has influenced the community both negatively and positively. Social media differ from traditional media in the terms of usage, quality, accessibility, permanency, etc. (Piskorski 42). In the modern world people from all diversity spend more time on social media sited such as twitter, Google plus, Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, etc. Studies have established an increased usage of social media in terms of time spent on the social media sites as well as increasing number of users (Dijck 57). The increasing use of portable internet enabled devices such as smartphones are the main contributing factors to increasing use of social media. For example, in 2011 the total time spent on social media by US residents amounted to 66 billion minutes depicting a 99% increase in social media usage to 121 billion minutes in 2012 (Jones 1). Therefore, social media have resulted to the establishment virtual community in which people exchange information more often and are to control content of information that they share. Social media have increased business development and expansion (Piskorski 24). Most companies have set their presence in the social media to enable the clients to comment about the products. Sometimes companies reward customers by awarding points to customers for commenting on their products or referring new customers (Dijck 83). An example of a company that has used social media to reward customers is McDonalds, which issued $5 and $10 gift cards randomly to 100 clients who checked-in one of their restaurants (Dijck 84). The offer increased check-ins from 2,146 to 2,865. The company received several new blog posts, articles and comments from new clients. The Social media have become one of the most effective means on obtaining customer feedback that has helped