Book Review: Me to We

Me to We-Finding Meaning in a Material World by Craig and Marc Kielburger discusses the nature of transcendence from the Me mentality to that of We. It is a process of mini-enlightenments about the nature of oneself, the nature of the world, and the ideologies that limit greater civilizations. This awareness opens a greater perspective to the possibilities that come from thinking beyond oneself. 

The story starts in childhood where a few simple thoughts of why some suffer and why poor choices are made enter consciousness. As the child grows into adulthood this awareness becomes clearer and action is taken to improve upon the world. Eventually, one comes to the conclusion that we cannot change the world in one swoop and we resign ourselves to those little things that count. We learn how to enjoy our lives and do the best we can to improve the world around us. 

A great portion of people live in the Me mentality. These approaches to life means that choices are made that are primarily self-consuming and selfish by nature. People make choices that benefit them the most with little concern for others. The end result is a world of people pushing, impacting and damaging each other. No one wins!

The We mentality is obtained by those who think beyond themselves. It is a process of understanding that one is in the world with other people and has responsibilities to make choices that not only help themselves but also help others. The We approach is a process of understanding that when we work together and have empathy for one another we have the potential to transform our environments. 

The book is written in personal testimonial form based within the experiences and understandings of the authors. They are involved in saving the children from the blight of this world and contribute to various newspapers (1). Their experiences and knowledge led them to helping children around the world and starting educational programs to improve lives.  If we learn anything from this book is that by working together 2014 can be better than 2013. Where would we be in 2040 if we work together?

“It was just a day like any other day. The only thing that made it significant was that the masses of people joined in”-Rosa Parks. 

Kielburger, C. & Kielburger , M. (2013) Me to We-Finding Meaning in a Material World. NY: Simon & Schuster.

San Diego's Fiesta Bay and Island

Fiesta Bay contains a number of parks and other recreational activities for families.  The island has large beaches and places to put a bonfire. Boating, walking, biking, swimming, Frisbee, volleyball and lots of other activities are occurring there every day.  If you are seeking a place to relax and enjoy the sun this may be one you want to include on your list.

 Parks Department

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Leading Through Downsizing: Effective Layoff Notification and Survivor Communication Strategies

Leading Through Downsizing:  Effective Layoff Notification and Survivor Communication Strategies

Session Highlights:

• Critical leadership concerns leading up to, during and following layoff notifications
• Important managerial roles in layoff notification and survivor communication
• Keys to effective, respectful position elimination conversations
• Expectations for affected worker response, questions and emotions
• Leading through downsizing, taking into consideration impact on survivor emotions, morale, productivity and team structure

  You’ll learn crucial strategies, such as:

• Keys to effective leadership in layoff circumstances
• Sample “best practice” notification communication
• Additional considerations for notification conversations
• Additional practical, helpful information for dealing with layoff notifications and survivor communication
• Timing and content considerations for effective group and individual communication with layoff survivors
• Considerations for taking care of yourself as you manage and lead through turbulent times
• And lot more!!

Exclusive Q&A session following the live event to get advice unique to your situation, directly from our expert speaker.

If interested, please click the following link to register and get your early bird discount : -

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER 

Please apply discount code "SAVE20" at checkout to get  $20 discount on registration.

Call 800-223-8720 for special discount on group pricing.
 

Why is Wikipedia not a Strong Source for Papers?

By Dr. Andree Swanson

Wikipedia is not considered a valid and reliable reference.  Most professors will not accept citation or reference from Wikipedia.  First, it is most likely copied and pasted from the web.  Second, the information may not be accurate.

In April 2006, when I first wrote this article, this paragraph looked like this:

The content of Wikipedia is free, written collaboratively by people from all around the world. This website is a wiki, which means that anyone with access to an Internet-connected computer can edit, correct, or improve information throughout the encyclopedia, simply by clicking the edit this page link (with a few minor exceptions such as protected articles)...On Wikipedia...you are welcome to...edit articles yourself, contributing knowledge as you see fit in a collaborative way.

Today, the anonymous authors have been busy and changed the content.  Here is how the above paragraph looks today in December 2013:

Wikipedia is written collaboratively by largely anonymous Internet volunteers who write without pay. Anyone with Internet access can write and make changes to Wikipedia articles, except in limited cases where editing is restricted to prevent disruption or vandalism. Users can contribute anonymously, under a pseudonym, or, if they choose to, with their real identity.

The content on Wikipedia is not verified and may contain more opinions and errors than other, more academic, sources.  Students are better off to use the expert(s) that are readily available, the author(s) of their textbooks.

Websites presenting original material can readily serve as references/sources.  Additional articles, which you might find through search engines such as Google Scholar or databases such as Proquest or Ebscohost are much better.

For example, the New York Times tells a tale of deception in “Snared in the Web of a Wikipedia Liar” Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/04/weekinreview/04seelye.html?ex=1291352400&en=6a97402d6595c6f1&ei=5090

Read more about it at the New York Times “Growing Wikipedia Refines Its 'Anyone Can Edit' Policy” Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/17/technology/17wiki.html?ei=5088&en=646c3d018ce68f36&ex=1308196800

All sources used in a paper must, of course, be properly cited and referenced to avoid any instances of plagiarism. Whether writing for a course or creating handouts for a presentation, avoid the temptation to use Wikipedia as a source.

Academic-Capital’s Best 2013 San Diego Restaurants

If you are a food lover it is often beneficial to reflect on your dining experiences over 2013. The categories of best atmosphere, best quality, best view, and the best overall choice for 2013. Each has their own benefits and detractors. The best overall choice category indicates that the restaurant has that little extra as a combined experience.  Enjoy your dining experience. 

Best Atmosphere:

The Red Tracton is a full service steakhouse with 1950’s old world charm. Immediately upon leaving valet you will notice that history with the plaques, pictures, and horse racing paraphernalia through time dotting the walls. When compared to many of the restaurants in the area Red Tracton is a meat lover’s heaven. The meat is so fresh and marbled that you swear you can hear a cowbell just a few minutes before the food is served.  With hefty proportions and a nostalgic old world servicescape you are not likely to be disappointed with your experience. More Information.  

Best Quality:

Station Sushi in Solana Beach offers a full menu of sushi at a price that you can afford. Compared too many other restaurants their sushi is top quality. They have a full bar with sporting events and casual seating. There is a large patio for those who wish to dine outside. It is located off of N HWY 101 which offers street side parking. More Information. 

Best View: 

 

Poseidon Restaurant in Del Mar provides a California beach atmosphere in an upscale environment. Visitors stroll along the oceanfront and stop in for lunch or cocktails. Watch the waves crawling up the sand as you dine in style.  A full service establishment with a spacious bar area, indoor dining, and open patio seating. More Information.

Best Overall Choice for 2013:

Piatti Restaurant and Bar is a fine dining Italian restaurant that focuses on high quality food and a huge selection of barrel wine. They offer extras such as the vegetarian plates, gluten free food, and children’s menu. They are located in the unique La Jolla Shores neighborhood blocks from the beach. With tree covered patios and tablecloth dining they provide an excellent atmosphere for many occasions. More Information.