A Life Almost Lost

As I approached the tower for my first day as an Ocean Rescue lifeguard I thought I knew it all. Fresh out of recruit training and graduating in the top of my recruit class, I had the vision that I was invincible as a lifeguard. I climbed the freshly painted wooden tower, unpacked my gear, and settled into the somewhat uncomfortable plywood seat that I would be sitting on for the next eight hours. At first the water was relatively empty, with the occasional family or two entering to wade around. But by noon, the beach had started to become progressively busier, with well over one hundred bathers within the quarter mile of beach I was responsible for. It was at this exact moment that the confidence I had held earlier that same morning fell right through the cracks, and all the training I had persevered through in the previous weeks became completely useless. It started out with a single bather to my north that appeared to be out past the point where they could touch, but were still comfortable and not in any need of my help. I figured I would just keep a close eye on them through my binoculars. About fifteen minutes later two more bathers swam out past the point of touching, one straight out in front of me and one to my south. By this point I was apprehensive and unsure of what to do. I looked at the bather to my north through my binoculars, and got what is known as tunnel vision. I became so fixated on watching this one individual and making sure that he was all right that I completely disregarded the other bathers. Seconds later, the dispatcher came on the radio frantically telling me to go on a rescue for the bather to my south. Caught up in the situation, I lost my sense of location, could not find where the bather was, and ended up missing the rescue. Fortunately the person made it back to shore, but this was a mistake that could h ave cost a life. Looking back on my first day as a lifeguard, the mistake I made by missing a rescue is one of the greatest regrets of my life. But at the same time, being able to overcome this obstacle and return to the tower the next day has given me a great sense of confidence. I have learned that with hard work and the right attitude, it is possible to work through and overcome the most difficult of situations in life. Now as a senior in high school, earning a low grade on a quiz or losing one varsity tennis match does not bring me down, because I know that these things are small bumps in an unimaginably long and exciting road.

Singapore's Unique Tripartite Model for Balancing Employers' Corporate Essay

Singapore's Unique Tripartite Model for Balancing Employers' Corporate Goals - Essay Example They are further capable of meeting the needs of the government to bring stability in the economy as well as prosperity. This is possible because of the five pillar approach followed by the firms in Singapore. The study tries to discuss the ways through which the National Trade Union Congress’ 5 Pillars is capable of addressing the issues faced by the firms. Table of Contents Executive Summary 2 Introduction to Industrial Relation 4 Objective of the Paper 4 Industrial Relations in Singapore 4 Issues in Employee Relation in Singapore 6 The Tripartite Approach 7 Unique Tripartite Features of Singapore 10 Conclusion 11 References 12 Bibliography 14 Introduction to Industrial Relation Industrial relation has been categorized as one of the fragile as well as complex issues of contemporary industrial society. It is to be remembered that a business is considered to be successful if there is purposeful cooperation between the labor and the management. The main objective of the sound i ndustrial relations is not only finding the ways for resolving the conflicts but also to maintain cooperation among the employees within the industry. It is to be remembered that it is not at all an easy task to maintain good industrial relations. ... f the study is to identify the industrial relations of Singapore and to identify the ways through which the country has been capable of maintaining efficient industrial relations in the firms. Five Pillars approach will be studied in depth and the study will try to examine the issues that can be effectively solved by five pillar approach. Industrial Relations in Singapore ‘Industrial relations’ in Singapore has been modeled after the West Australian model, offering a system of collective bargaining along with conciliation and arbitration. The two significant pieces of legislation administered the industrial relations of Singapore. They are Trade Union Act, the key role of which has been to grant acknowledgement to the trade unions as well as employers who are registered. The other piece of legislation has been Industrial Relation Act whose principle activities have been the identification of the rules in order to carry out the negotiation and development of the Industria l Arbitration Court (IAC) for the purpose of investigating the disputes and certifying agreements. The system was being operated in a fair way. The bargaining demands made were fulfilled by the unions upon the employer in case the negotiation started. After the completion of the agreement successfully, the agreements were passed on the IAC for the purpose of selection and certification. In case the agreement was not realized, the matter was forwarded for the purpose of conciliation. If the conciliation was not effective enough, matter was referred to the IAC for the purpose of arbitration. Whatever decision the IAC would have arrived at, would be considered as final. The workers were paid with ex gratia bonuses by the employers. The bonus payments were quite unconditional and were rarely attached

THE GREATER MIDDLE EAST Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

THE GREATER MIDDLE EAST - Essay Example th Zionist congress in Jerusalem in 1968.† It also plays a role in transforming Israel into a western state during World War I and II (Goldschmidt & Davidson, 2013). Gartner (1996) argues that, the ideology of Jews returning to their homeland is evident from biblical precedents where Moses leads the exodus of Israelite from Egypt to their promised homeland. In addition, the immigration of Israelite comes again in 641 BCE when Babylonians conquer Judea. However, in 1897 Theodor Herzl establishes the Zionist movement with the aim of creating a Jewish state. This state provides an opportunity for Jews to escape from anti-Semitism and join the family of nations. The world Zionist organizations are established and together with Birnbaum, there is establishment of Zionist congress to increase the effect of Zionism. Gottheil (1899) argues that, the 28th Zionist Congress of 1968 in Jerusalem adopts 5 principles as aims of the contemporary Zionism. These principles include: protecting the Jewish rights everywhere; returning the Jewish people into historic homeland; preserving the Jewish identity through fostering Hebrew, Jewish and Zionist education; strengthening the state of Israel; and centralizing and unifying the Jewish people. According to Goldschmidt & Davidson (2013), after Herzl’s death Zionism separates with Orthodox Judaism and shifts to Communism. This is as a result of cultural and language diversity which makes orthodox religious organizations opposes the Zionism. In addition, this opposition is influenced by Zionism’s secularism and the fact that Jewish rule will only be re-established in Israel by Messiah. However, after the Jewish separates with the Judaism they immigrate to Palestine to form a communism. The Jewish citizens are led by Zionist leader Jabotinsky and form a new revival for the Hebrew language. The Jewish organizations and migrants begin making vast land purchases. For instance, they purchase malarial swamps and drain them to create

Mass media and communication in International Management Essay

Mass media and communication in International Management - Essay Example Some amount of imagery is associated in a language and communication and complex thoughts are communicated. According to Whorf (2011), language tends to create real and imaginary plurals and conjures up mental patterns. When an image is created or presented, some associations tend to form in the mind and create patterns of objectification. Kramsch (1998) argues that language is the main method where social lives and relations are carried out. It is used for different communication contexts and people express facts, events, ideas that are communicated through words and images. These reflect the culture, attitude and beliefs of the authors and hence language is used to express cultural reality. Therefore, language is a system of signs with a cultural value that is symbolised by social appropriateness norms and social conventions. Language, culture and social norms help people to identify themselves as members of a social group where common ways of viewing the world are acquired. In lig ht of analysing the Ad by Jamie Oliver, these associations become relevant since he is attempting to use the language of cooking to sell products to people. According to Agar (1994), words can have words have multiple meanings and these are connotative or denotative. Denotation refers to the explicit meaning and translation of the word as mentioned in a dictionary.3. DESCRIPTION OF THE ADPlease refer to figure 1.1, where the celebrity cook Jamie Oliver is showing adding vegetables and cooking a dish of chicken. Prominent in the Ad is the ad copy with the words 'Chicken. Jamie Style' and these words are expected to have multiple implications for the audience. He is shown adding leafy vegetables to a large platter containing potatoes and chicken. Another similar dish filled with chicken pieces and potatoes is placed on the right side. In the background, a cupboard is shown and the top is filled with leafy vegetables, potatoes and

Civil Religion in Israel Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Civil Religion in Israel - Essay Example Indeed, De Lange argues that, â€Å"Jews today are more deeply divided than at any time in the past on the theory and practice of their religion. The divisions are visible in the existence of a multiplicity of synagogues in some towns, all proclaiming that they hold the key to true Judaism† (De Lange, pg. 67). In recent history one of the crucial periods of the Judaic tradition was the time immediately surrounding the pre-state and post-state periods. During this period in Jewish history the religion experienced tremendous internal strife and influence from political elements within Judaism that sought that co-opt the traditional Jewish religion for a civil religion that would promote and eventually realize the development of a Jewish state, Israel. This essay argues that during this period the Jewish religion, later civil religion, went through a series of evolutionary patterns in terms of influence and change. The essay explores this evolutionary development from the pre-sta te period, wherein Zionist elements shifted elements of the religious structure to emphasize statehood; it then considers the statism period wherein Judaism was fully co-opted by the state; and finally, the post-statism period where in a struggle for legitimacy the civil religion was forced to shift back to more traditional values. Throughout this examination of the shifting nature of the civil religion, a number of observations are made, with the overarching contention being that Jewish leaders consciously re-interpreted scripture in accord with political aims. Background One of the primary elements in the evolution of the Jewish religion considers it in relation to the emancipatory movements of the 18th and 19th centuries. In these regards, it’s been indicated that these movements presented a great amount of pressure of Jewish collective identity, having a corresponding effect on Jewish religious practices. In these regards, emphasis on balaka changed considerably, with the emancipation process deemphasizing many of these aspects of Jewish law (Dowty 2001). The main point in these concerns regards was the extent that the Jewish religion in Israel should conform to Western culture and values. In terms of altering Jewish religious practices, the main changes proposed related to whether the Jewish religion should be changed to conform to national standards, or if Judaism should continue to follow its standard tradition. While this had been a long-standing element of concern within Judaism the emancipation movement constituted a pivotal element in this regard. In consider essential elements related to Judaism in the 20th century, this essay argues that one of the primary thematic elements is the dynamic relation between political concerns and religious identity, resulting in philosophic fluctuations regarding Jewish spiritual practices. Early thinkers considered the questions that would later play pivotal roles in terms of the Jewish religion in Israel. I n these regards, it’s noted that Haim Yosef Brenner, â€Å"denied that Judaism was defined by specific patterns of life or values, or that the Jewish people had any special mission. He refused to recognize secular nationalism as a legitimate transformation of the Jewish traditional and eschewed ‘any ideology offering itself as equivalent to religious belief† (Liebman, pg. 27). This is a view of Judaism that ran counter to Zionist beliefs in a sort of secular nationalism. One must consider the intentions of the Zionist movement in regards to that of traditional Judaism when understanding the divergent patterns. It’s argued that the Zionist concern with attracting supporters and adherents

New Product Launch Marketing Plan Part I Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

New Product Launch Marketing Plan Part I - Essay Example Most critical customer demands that current operators assume are cost efficiency, quality picture, long battery life and durability of the gadgets. It is in this line that Samsung Corporation introduces a new smartphone into the market to address the divergent needs of both local and international markets. Samsung Galaxy s6 is stylish, customer friendly, energy efficient and easy to operate cell phone. Although the market is flooded, most products lack precision evidenced by this product. This provides Samsung with an incredible prospect for market growth. Several of Samsung developed merchandise attract immense admiration worldwide. In this regard, Galaxy s6 will register a fast, momentous market infiltration through a firm business model. In addition, company’s diverse and strong management team, strategic and long-range planning approach shall efficiently help to execute this exciting opportunity (Mohr, Sengupta & Slater, 2010). Other notable strategies that shall improve the cell phones success encompass strong bond with customers and elaborate market research. By the close of the year, Samsung will also have achieved mergers and established strong relationships with different cell phone competitors like Apple and HTC. Samsung phones meet specific market demands. Thus, Samsung Galaxy s6 retail will be a success. The marketing stratagems of Samsung is foundational to its business realization. The marketing strategy of Samsung Galaxy shall be customized fit under the banner of One Samsung (Mohr & Slater 2010). Once Samsung generates innovative electronic appliances and equipment. The strategy encompasses conducting a market analysis to establish the high-tech needs of the customers. Then addressing the needs through effective telecommunication gadgets like the product in line (Samsung Galaxy s6) that is comparatively affordable in the market with sophisticated technological involvement. To have an advanced competitive lead, the

Mexican Trade and Exports Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Mexican Trade and Exports - Research Paper Example To offer a better thought of what this business associations means to the two nations, US exports to Mexico are bigger than the total US sales to the BRIC nations; that is Brazil, Russia, India, and Canada altogether, including integrated exports to Great Britain , Belgium Netherlands, , and the France. Twenty-two nations term Mexico as their first or second sales market, and it is a top-five export center for fourteen different nations. American customers and businesses buy huge amounts of bilateral manufactured items and services from Mexico like produce, automobiles, and petroleum among others. Yet, for each dollar Mexico makes from selling to the US, it shall in turn use 50 cents on US items or services that are a substantial gain to their economy and illustrates the really extra ordinary quality of this trade or bilateral manufacturing association (Mesia, 2008, 14). Mexico is much greater than a nation with which US simply goes on to share a 2,000-mile length land boundary. It i s significant for US to notice that Mexico is among their major important commercial associates in the sphere. ... It has a high-developed higher learning system, which is just next to Chile in Latin America. Despite being a dominant petroleum manufacturer, Mexico attains 20% of its power from recycled sources. It is the second biggest manufacturer of silver in the sphere and the biggest manufacturer of the Blackberry smart mobile, and several different products (Weaver, 2012, 45). Fig.1 Available from: 30 November 2013. Mexico is an affiliate of the Group of 20 (G-20) and of the Organization for Co-operation and Economic Development (OCED). It possesses the second largest number of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) in the hemisphere that develops an inspiring business system that encompasses 43 nations on three continents. This forms a new chance for global trade and foreign direct venture because it offers the nation and its business associates; specifically the US, tactical availability of a prospective market of more than one billion customers that represents about 60% of the globe’s GDP. An important section of Mexico’s business prosperity in the global field comes in huge portion from its attempts to get rid of commercial and trading rules that prevented its capacity to fight in the international market and attract overseas direct venture. Mexico has lowered its import tariffs through a standard of 13% to 15% in the past one year. It is presently much simpler to market items into the Mexican market, provided that just four import protocols are required for a home or overseas enterprise to purchase items or services abroad and bring them into the nation to worth increase or to sell. This positions Mexico in a better place than the United States, India, China, and Brazil (Hamnett, 2009,