Graduation Speech -- Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

I did not get to know many of you. So, I cannot be certain of how you feel, but, as for me, this year has been, by far, the most enjoyable and eye opening one of my high school career. Enjoyable because of the new, interesting friends I've made and of the fun times I've had, and eye opening because of my being forced to look towards the future. Not just day dreaming and imagining about the rest of my life, but finally having to sit down and make some definite decisions concerning it. For me and many of you, colleges have had to be applied for and decided on and scholarships filled out. Some of you have been looking into vocational schools or the military, while others will be going straight into the work force. Whatever your case may be, we've all had one thing in common in that we've been planning for our futures. Since the decisions we make now or soon will impact the rest of our lives, I'd like to take this time to share some advice with you all. The most important advice I believe I can share is to do what you want to do. Don't be pressured into some life career because it's the most respectable or because it would make your family the proudest. Happiness is the greatest goal in life and is self-contained. The happiness of others will not satisfy you in the long run. If your fondest wish is to become an Atlantic Puffin breeder in northern Maine, then go for it. Don't allow anyone or anything to stop you. Also, many of you must fully realize how much time of your life a job will take up. Not just working, but preparing for it and the thought that will go towards it daily. In fact, for most of you, your life will revolve around your job. Where you live, who you see everyday, will mostly be dependent upon the job you choose... ... So, don't think that just because you're not starting college right away or not going to college at all, that you're bound to not get what you want out of life. It takes work, but, if you're determined enough, you can usually achieve your goals. Though you cannot expect to achieve all the goals you set for yourself, don't ever be afraid to at least try. Failure is one of the greatest ways to learn in that although you have failed, the new experiences you have gained while trying to achieve your goal will make you aware of new possibilities and allow you to form new goals for yourself. So remember, don't conform into exactly what society wants you to be. Do what you want to do. And if you don't know what that is already, find out. Don't be afraid to try different things. Be a risk taker. Live your lives for all they're worth because they won't last forever!

HR †Selection Process Essay

Today, the human resource selection process plays a vital role in the production and performance value business receive by making good hires and the high costs of replacing employees following bad hires. This is especially true for small business. Now the human resource department takes on a more strategic role with hiring and selection. What is selection? Selection is the process of selecting a qualified person who can successfully do a job and deliver valuable contributions to the organization. The selection process is the strategically planned procedural approach created and implemented by organizations when recruiting and hiring new employees. This begins when jobs are posted internally and externally however in some cases recruiting tools are used to draw top-qualified candidates for important jobs. Screening tools, such as applications, tests, interviews, background investigations and reference checks are all used during this process. One area of the selection process that is significant and sometimes under-valued is the development of screening tools. The goal of selection is to employ the applicant who is the best possible match for the job duties which makes using the right selection tools and developing them effectively crucial. Thorough job analysis assists HR professionals better align selection tools with the job. In addition to locating the best hire, cost efficiency and legal concerns are two main reasons why the HR selection process is so important. When companies make a bad hire, they pay to train and orient a person who ultimately may cause more harm than good if he performs poorly and negatively affects the workplace. The costs to replace a bad hire are astronomical in many industries. A Society Human Resource Management study showed that even an $8 an hour retail employee can cost up to $3,500 to replace because of the hiring, administrative and training costs involved. When hiring an employee it is important to find the right person because this will reduce turnover rates and save time and money in the long run. Many employers seek skills and characteristics in the applicant before they qualify for an interview. Some of these include: †¢ Self motivated individuals †¢ High tolerance for stress †¢ Positive attitude †¢ Good communication skills †¢ Ability to work as an individual and in a group †¢ Good problem solving skills These skills and characteristics are highly important because working in a call center is extremely stressful and routine. In addition, you are on the frontline representing the company yet you are unable to see the customer. You must keep a positive attitude and for that reason, your presentation over the phone is vital. Since the job is based on communication through the phone, a good recruitment practice in the call center would include pre-screening telephone interviews to test out the applicants phone skills. Once a group of applicants are selected, they are scheduled for an interview with two call center managers or supervisors and Raj, the Human Resource Recruiter. During the first interview process, they are asked about their interests and career goals to get a general idea if they are fit for the job. During the second interview, questions are more in-depth regarding experience, what they can contribute to the company, and their skills. The third and final interview tests their problem-solving skills by giving them scenario questions regarding their job and their ability to share the same corporate culture with other staff members. In addition, a lot of call centers also use behavioural based tests and interviews that match skills and interests to the unique mix of products and services provided by the company. Another effective selection and recruitment method they use is the Employee Referral Program. The Employee Referral program offers a costeffective means of attracting applicants, avoiding the need for advertising or agency fees. Also, new recruits who have been recommended by existing employees often come to the company with more realistic expectations and can provide a better cultural fit. At Bodog.com, under an employee referral program, existing staff are offered a cash incentive ($1000) to recommend friends or former colleagues for vacancies within the company. The bonus payments are  only made if the recommended candidate is successful in his or her application. The payments are also typically dependent on a number of other conditions being met. There is a three month probation period which new recruits must complete satisfactorily before the employees who recommended them are paid a bonus. However, there are a number of potential drawbacks. One of the greatest concerns tends to be that relying too heavily on employee referrals could limit diversity in the workplace, with new staff recruited in the likeness of existing employees. But, provided that there is already a diverse workforce in place this ceases to be such an issue. It is a good idea to keep track your hiring methods to see if they are actually working in hiring the right person. If methods start to become ineffective, you can test out some new recruiting methods that may work for your call center.

The Royal Proclamation Of 1763 - 1398 Words

Following the end of the Seven Year War, the Royal Proclamation of 1763 was released (Schouls, 2011). This was document that was given by King George II to give details of how the French territories in North Americas would be divided. The royal proclamation was a follow up document of the treaty of Paris, which is what brought the seven year war to an end. The war ended with the cessation of France of its territories in North America which were to be taken over by the British government. This paper looks at the various boundaries that took effect with the implementation of the royal proclamation, along with the rules that were accompanied. Background The seven year took place from the year 1756 to 1763. The participants were the main superpowers in Europe that existed at that time. In North America, the main struggle was between Britain and France over the areas that they considered their territories. One of the most notable contents of the royal proclamation was how the aboriginal Canadians were to be treated following the division of their land. Its main aim was to ensure that the rights of the aboriginals were to be upheld (Hubbard, 2008). Their concentrations were in the areas where there was a lot of fur trade. The area that at that time was known as the New France extended from the great Lakes to the St Lawrence River, to the Mississippi river. The center of this battle came to be Quebec, where Britain finally defeated France. The generals that led both sides in theShow MoreRelatedThe Royal Proclamation Of 1763 Essay1730 Words   |  7 PagesThe Royal Proclamation of 1763 was issued October 7, 1763, by King George III following Great Britain s acquisition of French territory in North America after the end of the French and Indian War/Seven Years War, which forbade all settlement past a line drawn along the Appalachian Mountains.[1] The Royal Proclamation continues to be of legal importance to First Nations in Canada and is significant for the variation of indigenous status in the United States. The Royal Proclamation may have playedRead MoreThe Royal Proclamation Of 17631336 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Following the end of the Seven Year War, the Royal Proclamation of 1763 was released (Schouls, 2011). This was document that was given by King George II to give details of how the French territories in North Americas would be divided. The royal proclamation was a follow up document of the treaty of Paris, which is what brought the seven year war to an end. The war ended with the cessation of France of its territories in North America which were to be taken over by the British governmentRead MoreThe Treaty Of The Treaties With The First Nations Post Royal Proclamation Of 17631259 Words   |  6 PagesThe government began signing the treaties with the First Nations post-Royal Proclamation of 1763. The numbered treaties, however, came into play around the 1870s, after the buffalo population declined drastically and many bands were depopulated because of disease. During 1871-77, seven treaties were signed and four more were signed between 1899 and 1921. The treaties were negotiated oral ly, but when they were being documented by government negotiators many oral promises were missed. Basically, theRead MoreColonial Life Essay1007 Words   |  5 Pagescountry to the boiling point? It seemed to be a serious of pushes from England that led to the eventual split of the colonies and the U.K. Circa 1763, England. Parliament wrights up the proclamation of 1763 and sends it too America. No more western expansion, no more land surveying, no more land purchasing. Those are some of the laws that the proclamation stated, laws that only enraged the colonies. But with this social rage and hatred a union was born, the United States of America blossomed outRead MoreAboriginal Rights in Canada 800 Words   |  3 Pagespeoples of Canada (UBC Law, 2009). Contention on law began early into the colonization period. Originally the Royal Proclamation of 1763, set by the British Crown, was in place to protect the land rights of Canadian Aboriginals (UBC Law, 2009). The Royal Proclamation recognized Aboriginal title, and sought to establish relations with the Aboriginals (UBC Law, 2009). Ultimately, the proclamation meant that there was Crown recognition of land ownership, and that Aboriginal authority would continue underRead MoreThe Economic, Military And Civil Grievances And The Declaration Of Independence1099 Words   |  5 PagesThe economic, military and civil grievances were essential in drafting the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration is one of the most admired and eloquent proclamations in American history. The document’s goal was to announce the independence of the original thirteen colonies by listing grievances concerning the tyranny of King George III of Great Britain. These original colonies were the first to come together to form the United States. It was adopted in its final form on July 4, 1776. TheRead MoreThe American Revolution : A Significant Part Of American History1399 Words   |  6 Pagesthe the United States of America. By 1763 the crisis had begun to develop. John Adams was right when he wrote; â€Å"The revolution was in the minds of the people, and the union of of the colonies, before hostilities commenced. The revolution and union were gradually forming from the years 1760 to 1776.† The minds of the people were storehouses not only of a list of grievances but of democratic sentiments and ideas stored during the many years of resistance to royal and clerical absolutism. FollowingRead MoreThe American Revolution1472 Words   |  6 Pagesand individuals of power in the colonies. Although many factors after the French and Indian War effected the American revolution: The Treaty of Paris in 1763, proclamation line, and a staggering war debt accumulated throughout the long seven-year war all equated to declining relations due to differentiating ideologies. The Treaty of Paris in 1763 ended the long grueling seven-year war with the French. The impact of this treaty should have had a massive boost to the British economy. The British wonRead More Evolution of British Policy in the Colonies: 1750 to 1776 Essay1428 Words   |  6 Pages(Davidson p.104) These policies changes reenergized the war efforts and turned the tide in the war. Forming new alliances and opening diplomatic relations with native Indians was an imperative element for British victory. The Treaty of Paris signed in 1763, signified the end of the war and granted British title to all French Territory East of the Mississippi. The French lost all territory claims in North America, which was a significant victory for England and the British North American colonies. AfterRead MoreRoyal Proclamation Essay1514 Words   |  7 PagesThe Royal Proclamation of 1763 The Royal Proclamation of 1763 was issued by King George III after the gain of French territory resulting from the French and Indian war. The proclamation prohibited the settlement of the land beyond the appalachian mountains in order to maintain peace with Indians and to prevent further casualties. Although the proclamation was made with the intention of protection the colonists, the colonists viewed it as oppression. It angered the colonists who wished to expand into

Making A Coffee Shop At A Dutch Bros - 1167 Words

When you first arrive at a Dutch Bros. Coffee Company location, it is usually slightly overwhelming, especially if you are used to the typical coffee shop atmosphere; a cozy indoor place to sit in peace and quiet while you sip your preferred drink. The line of cars at the drive-thru only coffee shop is typically long, since it is such a popular place, and the initial thought is that you will encounter a long wait, annoyed employees, and thoughtlessly made drinks. What else could you expect with such a small building and a multitude of customers waiting in line? Dutch Bros. is anything but your typical coffee shop, so all of these assumptions, while accurate for some places, are completely off base for this particular company. If you are looking for a coffee shop that is convenient, offers a high level of customer service, and has specialty items such as White Coffee, you need look no further than your local Dutch Bros coffee shop. Brothers Dane and Travis Boersma opened their first Dutch Bros. coffee shop as a travelling temporary location in Grants Pass, Oregon in 1992. The pair sold their espresso from a push cart throughout Grants Pass until they were able to open their first permanent location. Over the years the company has spread across the Western United States, and now has over 250 franchise locations in Oregon, California, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Colorado, and Arizona (Reid). Now the company commits itself to helping the communities that they are partShow MoreRelatedIs Bloomington A Traditional Democratic College Town?1721 Words   |  7 PagesBloomington is a traditional Democratic college town. The city limits are filled with farming cooperatives, community bike shops, farmers markets, and non-franchised coffee shops. It’s shops like these that help define Bloomington from any other city in America. But what do these coffee shops mean in other parts of the United States? Within the past few years, cities have been classified as â€Å"hip:† fun cities for the average twenty-something. Some hipster cities are San Francisco, California;Read MoreOpportunities23827 Words   |  96 PagesFor the exclusive use of D. DE ALEJANDRO 9-801-361 REV: SEPTEMBER 30, 2005 NANCY F. KOEHN Howard Schultz and Starbucks Coffee Company Prologue: International Expansion On August 2, 1996, Starbucks Coffee Company opened its first store outside North America. Like many of its U.S. and Canadian outlets, the new store was located in a busy district of a prominent city—Tokyo. Starbucks managers had devoted much time to selecting the site, designing the store’s layout and fixtures, trainingRead Morethe main cities of the usa4461 Words   |  18 Pagesis geographically the largest borough and the most ethnically diverse county in the United States and may overtake Brooklyn as the city s most populous borough due to its growth. Historically a collection of small towns and villages founded by the Dutch, today the borough is predominantly residential and middle class. Queens County is the only large county in the United States where the median income among African Americans, approximately $52,000 a year, is higher than that of White Americans. QueensRead MoreHollywood History5698 Words   |  23 Pagesgrowing in the area are incorrect. The name in fact was coined by Daeida Wilcox (1861–1914) who travelled by train to her old home in the east. On the train, Mrs. Wilcox met a woman who described her summer home in Ohio named after a settlement of Dutch immigrants from Zwolle called Hollywood†. Daeida was so elated with the name tha t she borrowed it for her ranch in the Cahuenga Valley; when she returned home she prevailed on her husband to name their property Hollywood. With that simple exchangeRead MoreEdexcel Igcse Economics Answer49663 Words   |  199 Pagesphotographs may be described as markets. Question 1: (a) The prices of CDs in Tamer’s shop have been falling recently. He has not been able to sell the CDs because people do not want to buy them. This is because many people prefer to download music from the internet and listen to it using an iPod. Tamer has lowered prices to encourage his customers to buy CDs. However, he has been unsuccessful and the shop is being closed down. Answers: Section A: The Market System Getting started: (b)Read MoreMarketing and Financial Markets41809 Words   |  168 Pagesand Controlling Marketing Strategies 30 Sustainable Marketing: Wii Wins the Battle for new Customers 18 Marketing in Transition: Box title 29 empowerment and employee Participation in the Corporate Multi-National Conglomerate decision Making Process 19 Financial Career opportunities 6 Basic Requirements of an effective Financial System and an example of a two Line entry 7 Financial Functions in our System 8 responsible Marketing: Partnerships and Sustainability Strategies 20 Read MoreMonsanto: Better Living Through Genetic Engineering96204 Words   |  385 Pagesyour involvement with a personal learning experience. Some of the potential consequences of using the case method are summarised in Exhibit 1. EXHIBIT 1 1 Case analysis requires students to practise important managerial skills – diagnosing, making decisions, observing, listening and persuading – while preparing for a case discussion. 2 Cases require students to relate analysis and action, to develop realistic and concrete actions despite the complexity and partial knowledge characterising theRead MoreExploring Corporate Strategy - Case164366 Words   |  658 Pagesfurniture giant News Corporation – corporate logic and corporate management in a worldwide media business. CRH – impressive international growth of an Irish company driven from a ‘lean’ corporate centre. Numico – difficulties with diversification for a Dutch nutritional products company. AIB – competing in the global banking industry: the challenges for a mid-size bank. SABMiller – an African brewer takes on the world: learning to thrive in difficult circumstances. MacPac – from a New Zealand start-upRead MoreFundamentals of Hrm263904 Words   |  1056 PagesYOU KNOW?: EEOC Reaches Out to Young Workers 76 HRM in a Global Environment 78 Summary 79 Linking Concepts to Practice: Discussion Questions 52 Developing Diagnostic and Analytical Skills 52 Case 2: Nine-to-Five No More 52 Working with a Team: Making a Layoff Decision 52 Learning an HRM Skill: HR Certification 53 Enhancing Your Communication Skills 54 PART 2 THE LEGAL AND ETHICAL CONTEXT OF HRM Chapter 3 Equal Employment Opportunity 56 Learning Outcomes 56 Introduction 58 Laws Affecting DiscriminatoryRead MoreDamodaran Book on Investment Valuation, 2nd Edition398423 Words   |  1594 Pagesfuture of the company and the economy. It is unrealistic to expect or demand absolute certainty in valuation, since cash flows and discount rates are estimated with error. This also means that you have to give yourself a reasonable margin for error in making recommendations on the basis of valuations. The degree of precision in valuations is likely to vary widely across investments. The valuation of a large and mature company, with a long financial history, will usually be much more precise than the valuation

The Healing Power of Music Essay - 3135 Words

In December of 1992, David Ott’s father was dying of cancer. On Christmas Eve morning he went into a coma. The family gathered in the small hospital room knowing that their beloved husband and father would not be with them long. Since it was Christmas Eve, carolers were going through the hospital quietly singing. As they walked past the room singing â€Å"Silent Night†, a single tear fell across the comatose man’s cheek. His family stated that after seeing him just lay there all day without moving, that the single tear was his way of telling them goodbye. Ott stated that â€Å"music can go where words cannot† (Griffen). Research shows that music is to the brain as physical exercise is to the human body. Some form of exercise is necessary for a†¦show more content†¦While there are medications that can be taken to help relieve depression, it may not be the best option. Medication does not always work for everyone. One thing that can cure depression is music. The greatest things about music is that to â€Å"take advantage of musics healing power, you dont need to take a prescription to your local music store† (Harrar). There is not a specific song that can be â€Å"prescribed† to help relieve depression. Music that creates happy memories and positive emotions is what are needed, which means the music used will be different depending on the person. Stress and anxiety are also very common emotions that can easily be relieved through music. In a study at the University of Limerick, pregnant women listened to, or were taught lullabies that had a tempo between 60 and 80 beats per measure. The purpose of this exercise was to help relieve stress since â€Å"medical treatment is not always suitable because of concerns that taking medication may harm the baby† (Hayes). The purpose of the slow tempo is to help calm the mind. One woman who participated stated that when she was going through labor she focused on some of the lullabies that she had learned in the classes. She felt that focusing on those songs really helped her stay calm through the birthing process and she did not feel as stressed as she could have felt (Hayes). Even though music can relieve stress, it can also be a causing factor. A majorityShow MoreRelatedThe Healing Power Of Music1612 Words   |  7 PagesThe Healing Power of Music The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, defines Alzheimer’s as being the most common form of dementia, occurring in 60% to 80% of people suffering from symptoms of dementia (Clair Tomaino, 2016). The foundation also states that it is an irreversible disease that progresses over time, destroying cognitive functions such as: memory, learning, and language skills. Furthermore it may alter behaviors and mood, cause disorientation, as well as agitation (Clair TomainoRead MoreThe Healing Power Of Music1863 Words   |  8 PagesThe Healing Power Of Music Music has survived throughout the course of human history because it has always been such a huge part of the human life. Music allows us to feel joy, sadness and fear. It can bring us pleasure, express what we cannot express in words. In fact, no matter what culture, race, or ethnicity you will find music is always present and contains an important role in society. Not only does music affect your mind but it effects our bodies as well. Music can aid in recallingRead MoreThe Healing Power of Music Essay960 Words   |  4 PagesHowever, the cure to these and many other infirmities may be found within your own ipod. Music, in its many forms, can and should be used as a healing instrument. While it may not completely alleviate the need for drugs, its possible that music therapy could accompany medical drug use in order to lessen the amount of potentially harmful medications often consumed by patients. In order to understand how music can affect the body and mind, one needs to understand the composition of sound itselfRead MoreThe Healing Power of Music Essay1350 Words   |  6 PagesIn definition, music therapy is, â€Å"the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals† (American Music Therapy). Music has been an element of the human psyche since early ancestors fell asleep to the rhythmic sounds of waves lapping against the shore and awoke to singing birds at daybreak. Theories on music therapy trace back to ancient Egypt where it was called the â€Å"physic of soul† in other words, a healing power (Podolsky). It gained resurgence during WorldRead MoreGreek God Apollo Research Paper1689 Words   |  7 Pagestrust who excelled and supported all of the fine arts of the Greek civilization such as music, art, and poetry (God Apollo). One of the most underestimated traits of Apollo was his healing powers, in which he helped out many Greeks in desperate times, like the Trojan War (Cartwright). The Greek God Apollo was the most influential among Greek people because of his recognition for music, the truth, and healing powers. Apollo was born on the Greek island of Delios, from his parents Zeus and Leto (Regula)Read More†¢ Dance, whether it’s publicly or privately. †¢ Listen to music that the patients loved listening1200 Words   |  5 Pages†¢ Dance, whether it’s publicly or privately. †¢ Listen to music that the patients loved listening to before. Even if the therapist doesn’t think it’s the best music choice for the goal that day, it most certainly could be because of the familiar memories it brings back to the client. Know that perceptual modifications can change the way patients hear music. If they say it sounds terrible, listen to their judgment and turn it off. †¢ Attend different types of concerts and venues, giving contemplationRead MoreGratitude And Gratitude1708 Words   |  7 PagesIn this essay will highlight all the areas of study and practice learned in the topics; gratitude, forgiveness, laughter, humor, guided imagery, meditation music with and without lyrics, rhythm, tone, color, chakras, synchronicity, integrative health and integrative healing group sessions. Gratitude can be defined as being grateful about an aspect or several aspects of life. Gratitude is a character that should rather be practiced on a daily routine. It can be very easy to request gratitude theoreticallyRead MoreThe Effect of Music in Students775 Words   |  3 Pagesâ€Å"Music is an important and extremely useful tool in the way we learn and to deny its power is a waste of a truly wonderful resource† (Kristian David Olson). Many researches have shown that music can have an affect on a variety of different conditions, including; ones’ education, social connection, and mental healing. Educationally, music can prepare your brain for superior achievements. In effect, this can cause a better understanding of mathematics and language skills or abilities. Socially, musicRead MoreEffects of Music on the Mind1350 Words   |  6 PagesEffects of Music on the Mind The study of how music affects the mind has been a subject of interest for many. The interconnection between music and the physical and mental health of human beings has been researched on since long. Research has concluded that music does have positive effects on our mind. It has the power of healing certain ailments. Indian classical music has been found to have the strongest healing powers. Music has a calming effect on the mind. It is known to speed the recoveryRead MoreEssay about Alternative Methods of Healing: Music Therapy1561 Words   |  7 PagesAlternative methods of healing have been utilized by non-western medicine for generations. The use of acupuncture to heal everything from seasickness to muscle soreness is well documented and widely used. Physical therapy is often a precursor to surgery and many times will prevent the need to undergo a more invasive procedure. A lesser-known form of alternative healing but becoming more popular is music therapy. In the late 18t h century, scientists began to investigate the effects of music on the human

Characterization of George Milton free essay sample

George Milton is a protagonist from the book Of Mice and Men. George Milton is a quick-witted man who is Lennies guardian, best friend and protector. George’s physical description is described as â€Å"quick of face with restless eyes and sharp strong features†. Through the main character George Milton, John demonstrates his naturalistic ideals and belief in Determinism. He is illustrated by being a rational, caring and trustworthy person whose static characterization throughout the novel. George symbolizes the migrant worker’s way of life. He leads a nomadic existence, moving from ranch to ranch to find work. The only thing that keeps him going is his dream of owning his own ranch, although deep down he knows it is only an illusion and will never actually happen. He represents a responsible common man who takes care of another common man that has disabled with living life and reaches their dream together. We will write a custom essay sample on Characterization of George Milton or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Like most caregivers, George was extremely nice and caring to Lennie, most of the time. Miltons rationality and concern for Lennie urges him to compel Lennie to remove the aged mouse from his pocket only because he knows that it is not healthy for him to be carrying it around. He would lose patience at times and ramble about what a hardship it was to drag Lennie everywhere. He needs Lennie’s friendship to stave off his major fear, which is loneliness. He is loyal to Lennie because he knows that he is an innocent but outwardly his attitude is one of intolerance. George has a strong understanding of the possibilities in a situation and, as Lennie’s self-appointed protector, he has to think and plan for him too. But deep down it was clear that their relationship was something they both needed. Georges personality often reflects both anger and understanding. He is the one who thinks things through and considers how their goals can be reached. George’s distinguishing personality traits, which he displays in the book, are compassion, cleverness and idealism. George faces various challenges throughout the novel, and Steinbeck’s vivid descriptions made his character come to life. George’s compassion played a major role in helping him overcome his challenges.

The Beginning Of The End For The Postal Monopoly Essays

The Beginning of the End for the Postal Monopoly The Beginning of the End for the Postal Monopoly The Postal Service has been a government agency since 1775, and since 1872 it has been illegal for anyone but government employees to deliver a letter. Because of this and many other reasons, the USPS is a prevalent example of a government-controlled monopoly. The United States Postal Service is the largest postal service in the world. With over 800,000 employees (778,171 being part-time lobbyists), it is the US's largest employer. In the past few years, the Postal Service's profits have risen and productivity has declined. This essay will discuss why this is happening, and look deeper into the government-controlled monster that is the Postal Service. In the 1980's, few scholars focused on the Postal Service, and today there are many. This is because of all of the controversial issues that have been discovered regarding it. The USPS handles over 43% of the world's mail volume, and Japan is in second with 6%. The USPS is also the largest airline shipper in the United States. The USPS delivers about 102 billion pieces of first class mail every year, and 20% of these letters arrive late. The average household gets 24 pieces of first-class mail every week, so almost 5 of these every week arrive late. In New York City in 1998, only 52% of the mail were delivered on time. Swimming champion Mary Meager had her parents send her the 2 gold medals that she won in the Olympics; the medals vanished when her parents sent them via USPS Express Mail. Why are these facts so appalling? Most of it can be blamed on the unproductive postal workers. Postal workers, who are considered unskilled, make over $35,000 a year, and that number keeps increasing. These are very high wages for an unskilled worker. The workers also waste a considerable amount of time. A survey by the Postal Inspection service discovered that the average letter carrier wasted 1 hours every day. Basically, 23% of all postal workers time is unproductive. A GAO study found that the average worker takes 50 days of paid leave every year. And sometimes, mail sent with the USPS doesn't even get delivered. There are numerous stories of Postal employees stealing mail. For instance, in Chicago, 2,300 lbs. of undelivered mail were discovered at a postal worker's home. Once in Rhode Island, 94,000 letters were found buried at a letter carrier's home. A Colorado carrier was arrested after 3 tons of undelivered mail was found at his home. These are just a few of the stories of the workers keeping mail as their own. And some undelivered mail isn't even because of employees stealing mail. During the 1970's, the CIA opened mail routinely. The reason behind this is because of the spying going on at this time between the U.S. and Russia, but this is still unnecessary. A Postal Inspection Service audit found properly addressed mail dumped in the trash at 76% of the Post Offices visited. This number is completely unnecessary and uncalled-for. At USPS headquarters, there are 11 members of the board and 50 economists, accountants, and lawyers on the commission. With all of these workers, you would think that the service wouldn't be having problems like this. The Postmaster General is the head of the service. The current Postmaster General is Marvin T. Runyon. Former Postmaster General William Henderson had this to say about the Postal monopoly: "...I believe that the Postal monopoly will not last forever." Hopefully, he is right. According to Henderson, one in every 200 letters is delayed or missorted. In 1970, the USPS created the Postal Reorganization Act, trying to be redeemed. This was when the service officially became the United States Postal Service. Before that, it was just the Post Office. This Act had limited accomplishments. When the service was losing vast amounts of money in 1979, there was talk of privatizing it, but nothing pulled through. Many people hope that the service would once again consider privatization. If the Postal Service did privatize, it would be the tenth largest company in the U.S. The USPS attempted reorganization again in 1983, and once more in 1993. Both attempted reorganizations failed miserably. The Zone Improvement Plan (ZIP) codes were introduced 1990's; this code added 4 non-required digits, for 9 in all. Since 1958, the price of a postage stamp has increased in 1963. In the early by 825%, and in the last 20 years, that price has increased by 18 cents. On January 10, 1999, postage rates for non-profit organizations increased by