How a Car Wash Led to a Grammar Lesson †and a Valentine’s Day Life Lesson

How a Car Wash Led to a Grammar Lesson – and a Valentine’s Day Life Lesson A Car Washing Adventure From time to time it is necessary, living in a snowy city, to give my car a respite from the salt that eats away at it for much of the winter.   During my last visit to Octopus Car Wash, as I waited for my car to get spit out the other end of the car wash, I discovered a wall full of greeting cards, many of them by a local Wisconsin greeting card company, Byrne Schmidt Greetings. What a great idea!   I love browsing humorous and clever greeting cards and went to work picking out cards to give to my friends and family for upcoming holidays. Leave it to me to find a grammar issue in one of the birthday cards. Squirrely Grammar Lesson Squirrely Grammar On the front of one card, I found a picture of a squirrel holding an oversized acorn under each arm. The title:   A Squirrel Birthday Poem.   The first three lines of the poem: Happy Birthday to you, You can bet your sweet butt To insure you a great birthday I opened the card to find the last two lines of the poem: I’d give my left nut. I laughed.   And I also got inspired to write about the difference between â€Å"ensure† and â€Å"insure.†Ã‚   My first reaction was that â€Å"insure† had been used incorrectly here and that the correct verb was â€Å"ensure.†Ã‚   As I did my research, I learned that I was only partially right about that assessment. The Essay Expert Gets a Grammar Lesson:   Assure, Insure, Ensure Associated Press style does indeed dictate that â€Å"ensure† means to make sure something happens and that â€Å"insure† means to issue a life insurance policy.   Other authorities, however, state that it is acceptable to use the two interchangeably, though â€Å"insure† does more often relate to monetary insurance and â€Å"ensure† more often relates to a non-monetary guarantee. About.com has a great article about these distinctions, and covers the word â€Å"assure† as well.   See Assure, Ensure, and Insure:   Commonly Confused Words by Richard Nordquist. I’m not going to go into detail about the difference between all these words.   I do want to point out that regardless of his or her proper word choice, the greeting card writer took artistic license in omitting the verb in the sentence.   A correct sentence would have read, â€Å"To insure that you have a great birthday†¦.†Ã‚   The way it read, â€Å"To insure you a great birthday† doesn’t make sense.   We can insure a car or a house, or insure *that* something happens, but we can’t ensure a person something. And Now for the Valentines Day Life Lesson Nevertheless, I am more interested in the fact that I was so sure the word choice in the card was incorrect that I almost wrote a blog article about the difference between insure and ensure without doing my research.   What a great lesson in being willing to be wrong! I often think I’m right about a lot of things, not just grammatical issues.   Things like how clean a kitchen should be, or what habits are healthy and not, or what is the best way to do just about anything.   Sometimes being right is not the best way to sustain healthy relationships.   And sometimes I’m just plain wrong.   I can assure you of that. It’s Valentine’s Day.   Is there anything you’re sure you’re right about with your loved ones?   Are you willing to consider the possibility that there’s another right answer out there in the world besides yours? Please share your thoughts on grammar and on being right.   I’d love to hear your comments! Category:Grammar Writing TipsBy Brenda BernsteinFebruary 14, 2011 9 Comments judyb says: February 15, 2011 at 12:06 pm But its just a card!!! Found your website from the Linkedin Blogger Group. Log in to Reply The Essay Expert says: February 15, 2011 at 1:08 pm Thanks for your comment Judy. In the world of The Essay Expert, everything is fodder for a grammar lesson and sometimes a life lesson too! Log in to Reply Kerri Randall says: February 16, 2011 at 7:36 pm Found you through LinkedIn, too. =) And yes, its just a card but (and I totally dont mean this in a mean or harsh tone) but it baffles me that on the whole, spelling and grammar just arent important to a vast majority of people, it seems, and even more annoying is the fact that its rude to correct people. Yargh, lol. Thats just me, though. I was a writing major in college and still write often, so I have those stereotypical grammar and spelling pet peeves. =) Log in to Reply Jackie Grande says: February 15, 2011 at 8:14 pm I love the card, but even more so love the lesson learned! Nice article Brenda. Log in to Reply Sherry Zander says: February 16, 2011 at 7:39 pm Hi, Brenda. This bugged me, so I do what I do every time I have a question about a word(s) I looked all three of them up in Websters. Interestingly enough, all three words are synonymous of each other. This boggles my mind, since I was always taught that insure was related to insurance products only. I would never have guessed this changed had you not posted this on your blog. Log in to Reply Mari-Lyn says: February 16, 2011 at 10:23 pm Wheres the flash cards? Its cute that you used a greeting card for your post. Thanks for the lesson of grammar. Bet you could re-write my comment. Log in to Reply Hajra says: February 17, 2011 at 3:52 pm Hey Brenda, I am visiting after such a long time and boy I had so much fun with this post! This Valentiness I assured myself that I wouldnt feel miserable on being single but that didnt happen. Log in to Reply The Essay Expert says: February 17, 2011 at 4:22 pm Welcome back Hajra! Glad you enjoyed. And may Valentines Day be a joy for you in the future no matter your relationship status! Log in to Reply Penelope J. says: February 17, 2011 at 8:20 pm Hi Brenda, Id have had exactly the same reaction as you did to that card. Its sad how we can overlook something funny or enjoyable because of incorrect grammar or punctuation. I also find that many cant distinguish between insure and ensure and misuse of the two words is common in what should be well-written documents and even articles. Id like to subscribe to your blog but the button doesnt work. What should I do? Log in to Reply

Rich Media, Poor Democracy essays

Rich Media, Poor Democracy essays The increasing control of the U.S. media by corporations and wealthy private owners is a threat to the principles of democracy, particularly free speech and access to information. According to Gore Vidal (11), this concentration of media ownership by the wealthy makes information and education so tightly controlled that very little news about the actual U.S. situation ever gets through to consumers. Such a condition allows a handful of wealthy individuals to shape and control mass opinion in the U.S. One example is Rupert Murdochs FOX Network, which has been reluctant to disseminate any negative information about the Bush Administration or Iraq War. In his book Rich Media, Poor Democracy, Robert W. McChesney argues that this power to shape and control information and education has also led to other phenomena, like more campaign spending for negative TV ads in the face of a sharp decline in news coverage of political issues and campaigns. In his review of McChesneys book, Greg Thompson notes that the right to vote provides little actual control over the course of government. According to Thompson (14), This thin reed of democracy is all that separates the U.S. from being a political oligarchy. The control of the U.S. media by an increasingly concentrated group of wealthy individuals is a negative development for democracy. Future legislators need to impose controls on media ownership in order to give the right to unrestricted and comprehensive information and education back to U.S. citizens. If not, the media will lose all of its power as a check and balance on government. ...

Motivation; Human Resource Management in the Public Sector Essay

Motivation; Human Resource Management in the Public Sector - Essay Example These needs vary from the public to the private sector and therefore different theories have to be implemented to recognize them (David, 1985). Needs that have been satisfied don’t work as motivators thus the organization has to consistently study the employees using different theories to recognize the next level of need for a motivated workforce. Theorists today have analyzed that the content and process approaches of motivation are congruent to public organizations (Robins, 2000). This method of motivation focuses on the theory that motivation in individuals is caused by the desire to fulfill inner needs. This approach concentrates on the needs that motivate individuals. Identifying the needs of employees using Maslow’s hierarchy of needs that identifies five need levels. At level one are the physiological needs which include food, water and comfort. A public organization can satisfy this need by giving a paycheck to the employee (David, 1985). At level two is safety needs which are feeling secure and stable. These can be satiated with the benefits that accompany the salary like medical coverage etc. social needs are third on the hierarchy which are desires for friendly relationships between employees and a sense of belonging. This is essential in public organizations as good relations and coordination are crucial to the organization as once this is developed the employees would be motivated to work better (Porter, 2000). The next level is the esteem n eeds which are needed for self respect and respect from coworkers. This can be attained by matching the skill of employees with their job assignment. The esteem can be satiated by appreciation of the employee’s work by the public organization. Lastly, self actualization needs of self content and recognition of the employee’s absolute capabilities can be satisfied by giving the employee challenging tasks that utilizes the employee’s

Communication, Conflict, Negotiation and Leadership in Germany Research Paper

Communication, Conflict, Negotiation and Leadership in Germany - Research Paper Example The Hofstede Model identifies cultures based on five dimensions: power distance, masculinity/femininity, uncertainty avoidance, individualism/collectivism, and long-term/short-term orientation (Hofstede, 2001). The models' scores countries on a scale of 0 to 100 and there are comparisons made between and among countries. Hofstede initially made the scores during the 1970s but succeeding grades provided in recent years have proved that the grades are still valid. Additional 200 studies were further made to validate the indexes done by Hofstede. The model could be used in dealing with communication, negotiation, management, business, and marketing in the global scene (Hofstede, 2001). 2.1. Power Distance Power distance dimension refers to the belief of individuals in the lower echelon of the society that power is unequally distributed. Hofstede suggests that inequality is endorsed by the members instead of the leaders. Countries that scored high in power distance maintain all individua ls’ role in the society. In cultures with low power distance, roles have to be defined. Germany has a score of 35 in Hofstede’s power distance which is 36% below the world average and 14% below the U.S. score. The score shows Germany’s decentralized societies and flat organization structures. Most important, Germans are loyal to their employers and would not disclose company-related data to unauthorized groups or people (Workman, 2008). 2.2. Masculinity/Femininity In masculine societies, the important aspects are achievements and success while feminine societies focus on caring for other individuals. Masculine societies do not promote sharing of households between males and females. Also, feminine cultures show men’s involvement in shopping activities (Eurostat, 2002). Germany scored 66 points on masculinity, which is 32% higher than the world average and 6% higher than the U.S. Based on Hofstede’s scores; Germans do value earnings, advancement, mo ney, and recognition. Most Germans value success and their current state as the global performer have been sustained. 2.3. Uncertainty Avoidance The concept of uncertainty avoidance pertains to the reaction of people when dealing with ambiguities. Countries with high scores of uncertainty avoidance require established rules and structures. People in this culture are not open to changes and have low flexibility. Meanwhile, cultures with low uncertainty avoidance operate with few rules and are more open to opinions. Germany’s score in this dimension is 65 points which are 2% higher than the world average and 41% higher than the U.S. This indicates that Germans are less open to risks and are more concerned with security. Most important, Germans are disciplined and insists on strict conduct codes. 2.4. Individualism/Collectivism Individualistic cultures show individuals who focus on their own welfare and their immediate family members.

Organization behavior of Frontier Airlines Research Paper

Organization behavior of Frontier Airlines - Research Paper Example This research will begin with the statement that for an organization to succeed in the realization of its goals and objectives, it must have a clear vision, mission, and proper strategies. Furthermore, all members of the organization must pursue to achieve a better state than its current situation. The underlying factor is improving future returns of the organization through consistent evaluation of a positive trend.   The southwest airline, therefore, has laid down appropriate measures that it perceived vital to operation and success in the industry.   Having worked to this company for 3years it is worth clarifying that Frontier Airlines operational success has been supported by consistent organizational transformation and motivation towards the leading airline in the United States and globally. The company has diversified from the usual simple concepts of hospitality and reservations to an institution that recognizes the effort of employees as a crucial component of an organiza tion. Moreover, southwest Airline values employees’ role in diversity. The organization values the need for change embraces the technology and believes that good leadership enhances productivity. The original southwest airline was founded in 1971 by two pioneers Rollin King and Herb Kelleher to plying the route through Dallas to San Antonio.   It gained popularity in the  1980s as the first airline that offered low-cost carriage by giving an  opportunity to the passengers’ discounts in their cost of freight per mile distance.

The Views of Adam Smith Essay Example for Free

The Views of Adam Smith Essay The views of Adam Smith, the Declaration of the Rights of Women, Declaration of Independence, and the Declaration of the Rights of Men have a few similarities and some differences. The similarities were difficult to find based on most of what Smith thinking was centered on economics. However, the works of Adam Smith and these three declarations all share a common theme on rights of human beings. For instance, Adam Smith was against slavery and his views were that he wanted it to be abolished. The thinking was on the same level thinking as was the three declaration views toward how men and women should be treated. The thoughts of all the authors were geared to place the individual before all; including profit. Adam Smith and the three declarations were quite different in many ways. One major difference among them were that the declaration were mainly concerning how individual should be treated. The declaration sought the government to be fair and just towards the treatment of both men and women. Whereas Adam Smith was in the infant stage of early economics and how capitalism could and would be fueled by human self-interest. Smith placed a lot of emphasis on what he termed as laws of the market; specifically addressing issues pertaining to goods that are produced for society. The declarations are pleading to the government for equal treatment in all phases of society, however the importance of the market is not the main concern in the declarations. Adam Smith is simply interested in how society managed to sustain itself through mechanism that are somewhat â€Å"invisible hand.† As Heilbroner 1999 questions, â€Å"How is it possible for a community in which everyone is busily following his self-interest not fly apart from sheer centrifugal force?† From these questions Smith was able to construct the laws of the market. Smith interest was in relation to how the individual interest and passion of men are in line with what society is in agreement with. The laws of the market is what Smith believes is the most influential part of society and its success or failure is based and dependent upon it. Smith see how an individual that is driven by self-interest in society coupled with similar motivated individuals will consequently end in competition. This competition directly leads to goods and quantities that society wants and desires. His intellect along years of studies and debating with some of the most gifted scholars of his time has granted to the conclusion that the self-interest and motivation of man solely for profit has to have a regulator to control the greed of profiteers. The regulator to which he defers to is called competition. Smith is able to see that for each man that wants to do the best for himself and reap maximum profits, will always be met the a similar individual with the same motives in mind. Smith views confirms with the views and demands of the authors of the three declarations. Smith was not in agreement with all the practices in his day as he displayed his understanding of the market and pre-capitalism. Even his day there those who would cheat the markets by rigging prices. He understood the exploitation of children for labor in the cotton mills were wrong. These practices was not his ideal way that the market and the future of should proceed but he knew that this the approach and the path in which it was following. It also confirm that even with the negatives that accompanied the market, these activities continued because society including felt that they were necessary evils attached to the overall progression of society. The Declaration of Man best describes the world as we know it today. This is based on the articles that are attached to this document. Although this declaration was drafted and written in 1789, some if not most of the pleas and demands are still being sought in today’s society. One of articles states, â€Å"That men are born and remain free and equal in rights.† However, this particle article was evident in society as late as the 1960s. During this time the Civil Rights struggle was need to simply grant Black (Negros) the right to vote, attend integrated schools, sit at the same lunch tables, or simply sit in the front of a public bus. The seventeenth article of the Declaration of Man states, â€Å"Since property is inviolable and sacred right, no one should be deprived thereof except where public necessity†¦..† This article also was not enforced until almost a one hundred years later and even then people of color ran into many obstacles when approaching property ownership. Even Smith time there was the rich who sole goal was to accumulate more wealth. Smith himself did not approve of giving to the needy or donation to charities. However Smith was not vain to believe in the accumulation of wealth simply to have more; Smith felt that capital was better suited to be invested into machinery to further the progress of the society.

Cultural Differences in Nonverbal Communication Essay -- Communication

When communicating, only a small percent of the exchange is verbal. The larger part of the message is made up of body language or movements, known as nonverbal communication. The reason for people using nonverbal communication is to enhance the message they are sending to the receiver. One way nonverbal communication differs is through cultural differences. Cultural differences have a significant impact on nonverbal communication as cultures differ greatly in their nonverbal interpretations and responses. Firstly, this essay will prove how kinesics can create barriers between people as types of nonverbal cues differ amongst cultures. It will then show that paralinguistics can be based on cultural expectations and this can create stereotyping in cross-cultural communication. Turning to haptics, it will then show that different perspectives on haptics can cause problems in a cross-cultural context. Finally, it will prove that because of different cultural norms, the use of proxemics can be misinterpreted, therefore proving that cultural differences have a significant impact on nonverbal communication. Kinesics refers to the study of body movements; an understanding of kinesics across culture requires a close look at posture, movement, facial expression, eye contact, and gestures (Tyler, Kossen & Ryan 2005). Particular kinesics do not signify the same meaning for all cultures, the meaning of any kinesics depends on the culture of the expresser and the observer. Kinesics varies from culture to culture; these differences can cause barriers between people from different cultures, it can also create barriers between two countries. For example, Bill Richardson tells of a time when he went to Iraq to negotiate the release of two U.S... ...Cited Delgado, R & Kobayashi, T 2011. Proceedings of the Paralinguistic Information and its Integration in Spoken Dialogue Systems Workshop. 1st ed. Springer. Richmond, V & McCroskey, J 2011. Nonverbal Behavior in Interpersonal Relations. 7th ed. Allyn & Bacon. Knapp, M & Hall, J 2009. Communication in Human Interaction. 7th ed. Wadsworth Publishing. Laver, J, 1994. Principles of Phonetics . Cambridge University Press. Remland, M, 2008. Nonverbal Communication in Everyday Life . 3rd ed. Allyn & Bacon. Hall, E, 1990. The Hidden Dimension. Anchor. Tyler, S, Kossen, C & Ryan, C 2002, Communication: A foundation Course, Prentice Hall, Sydney. Hall, E, 1990. Understanding cultural Differences: Germans, French and Americans. Nicholas Brealey Publishing . Harper, R, 1978. Nonverbal communication: The State of the Art. New York: John Wiley & Sons.