Personal YL (1)

My Family

Families are an integral part of one’s life. It does not matter if you have a small or big family, as long as you have one. A family serves as the first school to the child where one learns about various things. The basic knowledge about one’s culture and identity comes from their family only. In other words, you are a reflection of your family. All the good habits and manners one has incorporated are from their family only. I feel very lucky to be born in a family which has made me a better person. In my opinion, families are an essential part of one’s being. In this essay on my family, I will tell you why family is important.

Why are families important?

Families are a blessing not everyone is fortunate enough to have. However, those who do, sometimes do not value this blessing. Some people spend time away from the family in order to become independent.

However, they do not realize its importance. Families are essential as they help in our growth. They develop us into becoming a complete person with an individual identity. Moreover, they give us a sense of security and a safe environment to flourish in.

We learn to socialize through our families only and develop our intellect. Studies show that people who live with their families tend to be happier than ones living alone. They act as your rock in times of trouble.

Families are the only ones who believe in you when the whole world doubts you. Similarly, when you are down and out, they are the first ones to cheer you up. Certainly, it is a true blessing to have a positive family by your side.

Pillars of strength

My family has been always by my side in ups and downs. They have taught me how to be a better person. My family consists of four siblings and my parents. We also have a pet dog that is no less than our family.

Within each family member, lies my strength. My mother is my strength as I can always count on her when I need a shoulder to cry on. She believes in me more than any other person. She is the backbone of our family. My father is someone who will always hide away his troubles for the sake of his family.

He has taught me the real meaning of strength. My siblings are my best friends on whom I can always fall back on. Even my pet dog has taught me the meaning of loyalty. He always cheers me up whenever I don’t feel good. My family is my power that keeps pushing me to achieve newer heights.

In short, I will forever be indebted to my family for all they have done for me. I cannot imagine my life without them. They are my first teachers and my first friends.

They are responsible for creating a safe and secure environment for me at home. I can share everything with my family as they never judge one another. We believe in the power of love above everything and that drives us to help each other to become better human beings.

Source: https://www.toppr.com/guides/essays/essay-on-my-family/

Objects YL (1)

Today's Teens: More Materialistic, Less Willing to Work

Researchers led by SDSU psychology professor Jean Twenge released a new study comparing the materialism and work ethic of three generations.

By Beth Chee

Are today’s youth really more materialistic and less motivated than past generations, or do adults tend to perceive moral weakness in the next generation?

San Diego State University psychology professor Jean M. Twenge — along with co-author Tim Kasser, professor of psychology at Knox College — has set out to answer that question.

In a study published today by Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, Twenge and Kasser show that there is in fact a growing gap for today's young adults between materialism and the desire to work hard.

“Compared to previous generations, recent high school graduates are more likely to want lots of money and nice things, but less likely to say they’re willing to work hard to earn them,” said Twenge, author of the book “Generation Me.”

“That type of 'fantasy gap' is consistent with other studies showing a generational increase in narcissism and entitlement,” Twenge said.

Twenge and Kasser drew from a nationally representative survey of 355,000 U.S. high school seniors conducted from 1976 to 2007. The survey examines the materialistic values of three generations with questions focused on the perceived importance of having a lot of money and material goods, as well as the willingness to work hard.

The fantasy gap

Compared to Baby Boomers graduating from high school in the 1970s, recent high school students are more materialistic — 62 percent of students surveyed in 2005-07 think it’s important to have a lot of money, while just 48 percent had the same belief in 1976-78.

Sixty-nine percent of recent high school graduates thought it was important to own a home, compared to just 55 percent in 1976-78. Materialism peaked in the 80s and 90s with Generation X and has continued to stay high.

As for work ethic, 39 percent of students surveyed in 2005-07 admitted they didn’t want to work hard, compared to only 25 percent in 1976-78.

The researchers also found that adolescents’ materialism was highest when advertising spending made up a greater percentage of the U.S. economy.

“This suggests that advertising may play a crucial role in the development of youth materialism,” said Twenge. “It also might explain the gap between materialism and the work ethic, as advertising rarely shows the work necessary to earn the money necessary to pay for the advertised products.”

Why it matters

Understanding generational trends in materialism among youth is important because placing a strong priority on money and possessions is associated with a variety of problems, including depression and anxiety, according to earlier research performed by Kasser.

“This study shows how the social environment shapes adolescents attitudes,” said Twenge. “When family life and economic conditions are unstable, youth may turn to material things for comfort. And when our society funds large amounts of advertising, youth are more likely to believe that 'the good life' is 'the goods life.'”

The researchers

Twenge is author of “Generation Me: Why Today's Young Americans are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled — and More Miserable than Ever Before” and "The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement.” She has authored more than 100 scientific publications.

Kasser has been a professor at Knox College (in Galesburg, Illinois) since 1995 and is the author of the book, “The High Price of Materialsm” and the editor of the book “Psychology and Consumer Culture: The Struggle for a Good Life in a Materialistic World.” He has authored more than 80 scientific publications.

Source: https://newscenter.sdsu.edu/sdsu_newscenter/news_story.aspx?sid=74179

Art (2)

Innovation and Creativity in Business Practices

Bharti Venkatesh, Shazia Qureshi

“Great things in business are never done by one person; they're done by a team of people.” By Steve Jobs, 2003. As define by Linda Naiam - Creativity is the act of turning new and imaginative ideas into reality. Creativity involves two processes: thinking, then producing. Innovation is the production or implementation of an idea. If you have ideas, but don't act on them, you are imaginative but not creative. So in order to maintain the pace with the changing business scenario and coping with the competition Innovation and Creativity is considered a mandatory tool for a business to exist and grow in market. Whether a company is Employee centric or Business centric Innovation and creativity has to have its space in order to keep a business ahead of others in the Market. 

Also it’s not just the competition which has led to the Innovation and Creativity in Business practices it’s also the demanding chunk of consumers and customers who are aware and prefer maximum choices before making a final deal. Another reason as to why there is a change in business practices is the globalization of businesses where you need to rope in the Innovative ideas to launch and sustain in new market.

There had been tremendous shift in business practices but to give a room to innovative ideas and implement that creativity need ample to space and vision along with an attitude where in you can resist for getting an immediate results from innovative business practices.

Corporate Creativity is characterized by the ability to perceive the world in new ways, to find hidden patterns, to make connections between seemingly unrelated phenomena, and to generate solutions. Generating fresh solutions to problems, and the ability to create new products, processes or services for a changing market, are part of the intellectual capital that give a company its competitive edge. Creativity is a crucial part of the innovation equation.

The innovation and creativity is not limited to any area of business, it can start from your waiting lounge to your board room meeting depending upon how the things are perceived and implemented for the betterment of people and business. The purpose of this research is to understand the latest creative business approaches and practices that organizations are following to be different from their competitors. Also this shift from generic business practices to the Innovative and Creative approach seems to take the business into new world.

This approaches means starting from the bottom of the Pyramid and finally touching the pinnacles in Innovation and creativity. The paper will discuss on the various areas of business where in innovative approaches can be roped in and sets new bench mark altogether in the business arena.

Keywords : Creativity, Innovation, Corporate creativity, Process of Creativity and Pyramids of Creativity 

Source: https://koreascience.kr/article/JAKO201217160667503.pdf

Workplace (1)

My First Job

Everyone remembers their first job. It’s a definitive time in your life: it’s a step up from childhood, and a preview of adulthood. It’s a proud moment when you are old enough to earn your own money. First-job experiences are also formative. Not only do they teach you the value of hard work and money — but they also shape your understanding of the world. They increase your self-confidence and self-sufficiency. And a good first job will get you started on the path to future success.

I had my first job because I wanted to have spare money to spend. It was the scariest thing that had happened to me as a young adult. I heard about the job from my friend who worked there. I applied online for the position now all I had to do was wait for a phone call.

I was very nervous waiting at home impatiently on the phone. When I was just about to hang out with several friends, the telephone started ringing and I picked it up very quickly. A man’s voice said Hello, I am calling from Santikos Embassy. Can I talk to Kiana Castillo? Did I reply politely Kiana? Sure, this is Kiana. The man assured me who I am and continued to ask. When will you have time to come in for an interview? Any time will just be fine. I answered excitedly. It was the phone call that I had been expecting for the whole day and I could not believe what I heard. Our phone conversation ended in less than two minutes. At the same time, my mom was standing around and waiting for my response. Suddenly, I shouted out, I got an interview! I was so excited for myself and possibly for my very first job.

It was Monday afternoon and I was ready for my first interview. Being nervous and excited is something that everyone goes through before an interview. I was definitely not an exception. I began to ask my awkward self if I was ok to be a guest experience specialist, and I was wondering if I would even get the job. However, I didn’t want to be a wimp, so I took my first step toward the door and walked in. Then, a new reality entered my mind. What if I froze? Or embarrassed me? Surprisingly the interview was easy and quick the manager was amazing. He told me I got the job and to wait for an email about my orientation.

My first day of orientation was weird. I didn’t expect my orientation to take place in a storage room. Instead of learning what my job was, I learned how to spot fake ids and cash, and how to tell the bar to cut a person’s alcohol. It was my second day of orientation and I was excited to start actually working and not sit in a room watching slides. I wanted to actually get hands-on experience. My day of cleaning theaters and restrooms soon came and I found out it was a very stressful job, unlike the simplicity it looked to be. We had less than 15 minutes to clean the theater and move on to the next one. I had to make sure that as I was moving along, I had checked the restrooms and the counters to make sure they were clean. I had to make sure the trash was taken out; the dishes were done and the coke machine and slushy machine were all functioning well.

Source: https://edubirdie.com/examples/essay-about-my-first-job/

Media YL (1).

Teens and social media use: What's the impact?

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Social media is a big part of many teens' lives. A 2018 Pew Research Center survey of nearly 750 13- to 17-year-olds found that 45% are online almost constantly and 97% use a social media platform, such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat.

But what impact does social media use have on teens?

Social media benefits

Social media allows teens to create online identities, communicate with others and build social networks. These networks can provide teens with valuable support, especially helping those who experience exclusion or have disabilities or chronic illnesses.

Teens also use social media for entertainment and self-expression. And the platforms can expose teens to current events, allow them to interact across geographic barriers and teach them about a variety of subjects, including healthy behaviors. Social media that's humorous or distracting or provides a meaningful connection to peers and a wide social network might even help teens avoid depression.

Social media harms

However, social media use can also negatively affect teens, distracting them, disrupting their sleep, and exposing them to bullying, rumor spreading, unrealistic views of other people's lives and peer pressure.

The risks might be related to how much social media teens use. A 2019 study of more than 6,500 12- to 15-year-olds in the U.S. found that those who spent more than three hours a day using social media might be at heightened risk for mental health problems. Another 2019 study of more than 12,000 13- to 16-year-olds in England found that using social media more than three times a day predicted poor mental health and well-being in teens.

Other studies also have observed links between high levels of social media use and depression or anxiety symptoms. A 2016 study of more than 450 teens found that greater social media use, nighttime social media use and emotional investment in social media — such as feeling upset when prevented from logging on — were each linked with worse sleep quality and higher levels of anxiety and depression.

How teens use social media also might determine its impact. A 2015 study found that social comparison and feedback seeking by teens using social media and cellphones was linked with depressive symptoms. In addition, a small 2013 study found that older adolescents who used social media passively, such as by just viewing others' photos, reported declines in life satisfaction. Those who used social media to interact with others or post their own content didn't experience these declines.

And an older study on the impact of social media on undergraduate college students showed that the longer they used Facebook, the stronger was their belief that others were happier than they were. But the more time the students spent going out with their friends, the less they felt this way.

Because of teens' impulsive natures, experts suggest that teens who post content on social media are at risk of sharing intimate photos or highly personal stories. This can result in teens being bullied, harassed or even blackmailed. Teens often create posts without considering these consequences or privacy concerns.

Protecting your teen

There are steps you can take to encourage responsible use of social media and limit some of its negative effects. Consider these tips:

1. Set reasonable limits. Talk to your teen about how to avoid letting social media interfere with his or her activities, sleep, meals or homework. Encourage a bedtime routine that avoids electronic media use, and keep cellphones and tablets out of teens' bedrooms. Set an example by following these rules yourself.

2. Monitor your teen's accounts. Let your teen know that you'll be regularly checking his or her social media accounts. You might aim to do so once a week or more. Make sure you follow through.

3. Explain what's not OK. Discourage your teen from gossiping, spreading rumors, bullying or damaging someone's reputation — online or otherwise. Talk to your teen about what is appropriate and safe to share on social media.

4. Encourage face-to-face contact with friends. This is particularly important for teens vulnerable to social anxiety disorder.

5. Talk about social media. Talk about your own social media habits. Ask your teen how he or she is using social media and how it makes him or her feel. Remind your teen that social media is full of unrealistic images.

If you think your teen is experiencing signs or symptoms of anxiety or depression related to social media use, talk to your child's health care provider.

Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/tween-and-teen-health/in-depth/teens-and-social-media-use/art-20474437

Language and communication YL (1) .

The Importance of Learning English.

Discover the reasons why learning English is important for your career and profil.

In today’s world, multilingualism is becoming more and more important. In addition to opening up employment opportunities, being able to speak a foreign language helps to make a real connection with people and to know more about diverse cultures, places and lifestyles. The more proficient you are, the better you can express yourself.

Out of the 6 500 spoken languages in the world today, why choose to learn English? As the third most widely spoken language in the world, English is widely spoken and taught in over 118 countries and is commonly used around the world as a trade language or diplomatic language. It is the language of science, aviation, computers, diplomacy and tourism. Last but not least, it is the language of international communication, the media and the internet.

Whether it is for professional or personal reasons, understanding the importance of English will help you reach your goals. Here are a few reasons why you should keep learning and practising your English language skills.

1. English is the Language of International Communication

Although English is not the most spoken language in the world, it is the official language in 53 countries and is spoken as a first language by around 400 million people worldwide. But that’s not all, it is also the most common second language in the world. According to the British Council, by 2020 about two billion people in the world will be studying English.

Therefore, it is highly likely that if you meet someone from another country, you will both be able to speak English. It gives you an open door to the world and helps you communicate with global citizens.

2. English gives access to more entertainment and more access to the Internet

Nowadays, many films, TV shows, books and music are published and produced in English. By understanding English, you won’t need to rely on translations and subtitles anymore. By accessing these media, you will also continuously improve your English listening and reading skills.

English is currently the language of the internet. An estimated of 565 million people use the internet every day and about 52% of the world’s most visited websites are displayed in English. Therefore, learning this language gives access to over half the content of the internet, which might not be available otherwise. Whether it is for fun or for work, if you understand English, you will be able to exchange information with more people online and use many more materials.

3. English makes it easier to travel

As highlighted before, since English is spoken as a first language in 53 countries and as a second language in over 118 countries, learning the language makes it much easier to travel anywhere. Indeed, airport announcements, train timetables, emergency information and street signs are often available in English, including in countries where the native language uses a different type of alphabet. It goes without saying that, when travelling to a country where you don’t speak the language, you are practically guaranteed to find someone who understands at least some English.

4. English can make you ‘smarter’

Learning a foreign language enhances your cognitive and analytical abilities. Learning a new language can be difficult and it involves a lot of mental exercises. Research from a 2012 Swiss Study shows that learning a new language changes the brain structures, impacting the parts of the brain responsible for memory, conscious thought and it can make you more creative. In the long term, bilingualism can keep the brain strong and healthy into old age and supports concentration and memory skills. On an individual level, it improves personality and increases sense of self-worth. In simple words, learning a foreign language makes the brain stronger and more versatile.

Learning English is not only useful, but it also gives a lot of satisfaction and making progress will make you feel great. Why not make it even more tangible by taking a standardised test to certify your proficiency!

If you feel sufficiently confident and if you want to evaluate your English language proficiency, just register for a TOEIC® test.

Source: https://www.etsglobal.org/pl/en/blog/news/importance-of-learning-english#:~:text=It%20is%20the%20language%20of,help%20you%20reach%20your%20goals.

Transportation (1)

What is extreme tourism?

Traveling to dangerous places and participating in extremely daring life-threatening activities fall under extreme tourism. It is also termed as Shock Tourism as it is associated with shocking levels of danger. The element of motivation for extreme tourism comes from a quest for dangerous thrills. A kick of adrenaline is what the tourist looks for and is bent on exploring places where a normal tourist will not have the guts to venture.

Setting boundaries

However, there is a distinct line of divide between extreme tourism and foolhardiness. Daring to swim for example in the crock infested River Nile without any protective measure would be insane.

Taking a leisurely stroll amid the treacherous Sunderbans, India mangrove through its core area would be just another foolish dare and not an extreme adventure. The Sunderbans tiger is perhaps the most vicious and cunning predator on earth. It is a classic terrifying beast designed to kill and eat!

Places and tourist spots associated with extreme tourism is a bit way apart from the usual pleasant getaways in terms of the nature of the place, the terrain, the quality of tour and the degree of risk involved. The sun scorched deserts, ocean depths, dangerous cliffs and mountain peaks, deepest of the forests and sheer drops down a thousand meters that would leave your head spinning and your gut all stuck up at your throat in a tight knot of fear would be the classic examples of extreme tourism.

Should you go for extreme tourism?

But extreme tourism would call for a lot of deliberation before actually going for one. There are specialized extreme adventure clubs with considerable exposure to the threats waiting ahead and the ways to combat them. Proper medical care for the victims of extreme tourism should be made available. First aid measures, safety gears and techniques to handle potent risks also come as a part of the entire package.

Efficient guides and extreme tour operators make these tips handy with their clients who are inspired by the perils and the ecstasy of a dodgy endeavor. Alternately referred to as shock tourism, extreme tourism includes participation in dangerous events as well.

Popular extreme tourism dares would involve risky sports like Bungee jumping, ice diving in the White Sea, observing lion behavior from close quarters in the African savanna within the confines of well armored shell modules or diving deep in the blue with a hope to watch the great white shark, the angel of death in action! Well of course you have a secured durable steel cage around you and can even touch the Leviathan monster with a prod! But are you too sure the cage could withstand the mammoth bite pressure and there lies the buzz of it.

Extreme tourism is catching up in popularity in the Latin American nations and the countries of earlier Soviet blocks. Some of the other extreme tourism attractions would be a trip around Chernobyl reactor infamous for its terrifying nuclear disaster. Walking along the plank of Mt Hua in China and the death tour road of Bolivia would certainly feature as hotspots of extreme tourism.

Do you have enough courage to take a dip and wade across the devil’s pool in the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia? An assortment of dangerous sports features under extreme tourism such as sky diving, paragliding, speed riding and twister storm chasing. These are too dangerous a passion to run for but nevertheless highly exciting.

But extreme tourism is sometimes thought detrimental to the planet as it leaves prints of negative impacts by the tourists which are not a very healthy sign for the future of tourism industry. There has been a more and more inclination among tourists to explore the Antarctica with its biting cold temperature practically chilling to the bones. This place is a model example of extreme tourism destination in terms of endurance against relentless nature.

However, a considerable degree of concern is put forward by the environmentalists for the diseases brought in this unspoilt icy landmass by the over enthusiastic throng of extreme adventure seekers. The effect of global warming would be disastrous for this pristine locale, and this issue must be given a serious thought before planning extreme tourism in this difficult and yet exotic destination.

Extreme tourism sees holidays and destinations as an opportunity to indulge in dares. The location itself may be dangerous like depths of primitive Amazon for example. An activity in a civilized location may well be dangerous like paragliding off a New York high-rise terrace. It could also be a combination of both. However extreme tourism is a relatively novel concept gaining acceptance by leaps. The surge of adrenaline pushes the extreme tourist to the remotest and most difficult corners of the globe. It seems the ecstatic kick of the venture more than offsets the perils and hardships.

Our earth is a bizarre cosmic piece, and it shelters even stranger souls. People with enormous wealth at their command feel restless until and unless their thirst for risky adventure is quenched by some matching dare supplied by extreme tourism!

In extreme tourism, the psychological drive has its source in the fact that life is a unique gift from God. So there is every reason to live life to the fullest exploring the most dangerous corners of the earth, and draw enough kick to sustain the desire as long as the flesh would take on the endurance test.

Prior to launching an extreme tourism, the tourist thoroughly analyses the risk profile of the trip to design means to mitigate the peril ensuing from it. A wrong evaluation of the scenario may mean one thing death. Therefore, utmost precautionary steps are essential. There are cases where people have died meddling with the auto unfolding system of a parachute through a vertical drop. So before indulging in such dares, the tourist should be 100% aware of what he is supposed to do.

Source: https://drprem.com/travel/extreme-tourism-guide/