4 Business Writing Lessons from Steve Jobs

4 Business Writing Lessons from Steve Jobs Visionary Steve Jobs passed away yesterday from the same illness that took my father. I've long admired Steve Jobs' vision and passion and creativity, and already today I've used my iPhone and iPad, and I'm writing this with my MacBook. He allowed mere mortals, like me, to embrace the amazing daily integration and freedom of accessible technology, and in the process changed the way we all work and communicate. Because of my father's battle with pancreatic cancer, I've known what Steve Jobs was battling these past few years, and my admiration for him grew. He clearly focused his creativity even more intensely during this precious time. And, when it was time to let go of Apple, he did. To me, Steve has demonstrated the four most important aspects for social and business growth, and for good business writing: Understanding of goals and purposeApple created products that improved productivity and connection in work and life, by simplifying and integrating. And, that goal continued to burn, with passion, as possibilities and technologies evolved. The focus was on the end-user, always. Good writing mirrors this. A document needs to meet your reader's needs. The creative process of writing belongs to the writer, but ultimately, the goal is always to enable the reader to know or do something better. UsefulnessApple has such devotees (me included) because the products integrate so beautifully, making communication flow better.Too often in writing, we create murky communication flows and over-complicate structures. A report, an email, a proposal all need to serve a real and clear purpose. ClarityApple's designs are simple and clean and functional. I learned only last night that this inspiration came from caligraphy classes early on in Steve Job's education.One of my favorite quotes about writing is from Blaise Pascal:"I'm sorry for the length of this letter. I did not have time to make it shorter." Clarity requires work and sharp honing. Integrity Steve Jobs was notoriously demanding. But, this was fueled by the desire to create something of excellence.Business writing is the most interesting form of rhetoric to me, because it is constantly evolving. I am so heartened by the evolution towards clarity and authenticity in business writing. Business-speak, and inscrutability, is fading. We now should "write to express, not to impress." Human to human connection awareness is increasing in business writing. Thank you, Steve Jobs, for making my work and communication flow better, and for the inspiration. I love your products, and admired your creativity and passion. Rest in peace.

Alcohol impact on family life Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Alcohol impact on family life - Essay Example This is combined with alterations that are associated with key life events that lead to more dependency and negative turns associated within their lives. The events, both individually and within the family, are known to continue to affect individuals and families negatively through the dependence on alcohol (Dawson et al, 5: 2006). There are two ways in which alcohol begins to affect the family life of others in a negative manner. The first comes from teaching other families about the dependence on alcohol. In a recent survey (Seljamo et al, 984: 2006), it was found that there was a subsequent use of alcohol dependency on children who were consistently associated with dependency on alcohol. Those that had parents who were dependent on alcohol were found to have high rates in using the alcohol consistently. At 15 years of age, 83% of girls and 79% of boys began using alcohol, specifically with association of parents who were dependent on alcohol. The best predictors were a combination of drinking by parents when children were young and heavy drinking from the father of the household (Seljamo et al, 984: 2006). The addiction that was noted among children from the example is also a hindrance to the family because of cycles of abuse on other levels that begin to occur. The alcohol that is used from a state of dependency is one which is considered abusive and which can lead to responses which differ because of cognitive changes as well as emotional responses from the alcohol. This can lead to other forms of abuse in the household, ranging from altering behaviors, mental and physical abuse to others in the home. This impacts those who are directly impacted by the abuse as well as those who are in the environment and which are subjected to the impact which comes from the alcohol use. The result is changing cognitive responses from the household, specifically because of the way in which the abuse begins to rise in the household (Groh et al, 49: 2007). Examining Alcohol Abuse The complexities of alcohol abuse and the known changes which alter in the family lead to more questions about how alcohol abuse may affect behaviors. To further explain this, a survey can be conducted that relates to the use of alcohol, specifically which comes from relations in the family. The survey includes an impact of how alcoholic behaviors are determined through generations and the family. The understanding of abusive behaviors, such as how often one drinks, who one drinks with, situations one is in and relationships with family will be examined. There will then be an understanding of how this may influence others negatively and with the behaviors within families. Conclusion By examining alcohol abuse in the family, there is the ability to understand how the dynamics of individuals change, specifically because of the use of alcohol. While it is known that alcohol dependency leads to abuse in the family, as well as children using alcohol from the use of their parents, there are other areas which can be examined to determine how alcohol affects different individuals. Understanding what triggers one to drink, specifically which may arise from the conditions one is in, to creating an understanding of the events which occur to lead one to drink and to respond to those that are influenced by the alcohol can create an understanding of the patterns of behaviors that influence those who are involved with

Native Americans and US Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Native Americans and US - Term Paper Example This paper illustrates that like the African Americans, the American natives were black. When the African slaves escaped from the European colonist, the American natives would hide them. In the year 1622, Native Americans overruled the European colonialist in James town. They killed the Europeans and took the slaves captives. They gradually integrated them into their society, and the interracial relationship started to develop between African Americans and the American natives. Colonists in the fear of mixed African native and American race due to the runaways passed a law to penalize anyone bringing slaves into their communities. In the year, 1726 the British governor signed a contract with American natives to bring back the slaves but, they did not comply despite the agreement. They continued to provide refuge to the African American. They were reported to have killed whites in the protection of the African Americans. Runaway slaves were adopted into the tribe and intermarried. The Native American system of adoption was not discriminative in terms of color. Native Americans sometimes became enslaved together with the African Americans. Africans and Native Americans often worked together, lived together, and had collective food recipes, herbal medicines, shared myths, and legends. Though some Native Americans resented these African slaves like in 1752, Catawba discriminated them. Interracial marriages still increased some tribes became divided because of the intermarriage between the white men and their women increased. European cultures become adopted as well as the racial discrimination.

Music - Rock and Roll Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Music - Rock and Roll - Essay Example This principle helps them to look and differentiate between ordinary and underground music. Modern Garage movement tries to show people how they are engrossed in their own doings and how individuals can reform themselves within the normal capitalist. The movement tries to prevent the idea of capitalist manipulation over individuals. This idea was mostly practiced by the traditional and underground music (Abbey, 2006, Pg 50). Garage movement has addressed the importance of people practicing uniqueness and avoiding indulges in normal actions. The movement has come up with a way to teach individuals on ways to become engrossed in the normal actions of the society. This is because of how the group has provided a longing of music for times and periods. The engrossment to mainstream society activities has given people an option to how people should become biased to capitalist involvement of individuals. When Garage rock was starting its movement, they received unexpected responses from peo ple at the market places. This is a normal encounter to any emerging music movement because it has not yet established itself properly. The movement found this uncertainty to be helpful to them since they were able to show people the difference between ordinary music and the way to perform real music. The movement enjoyed the mixing of the music people longed for and the changing of the past with severity and sarcasm of the current America. Modern Garage movement started with the aim of supporting an American society and still has the goal of addressing the importance of uniqueness. The first Garage group that was successful incorporated both characteristics of the past, and connected them in the modern background. This was a challenge for the underground music because they thought that Garage style was not going to be successful. This was not hard-core or confrontation music, but it brought actual rock music. The underground music became the concern with those involved with Garage music, but they also offered a chance for new music to come up. Modern Garage shows interest to go back to periods when revolt was taken lightly (Fox & Chings, 2008, Pg 44). This is demonstrated by how they play their music and the attitude presented in the performance. Modern Garage music is related to self-longing version within people’s culture. These versions started from Britain and the backgrounds of the 1960 Greek culture. It is also noted that Hollywood films have demonstrated these versions of rebellion, which are acceptable in the societal customs. Some participants claim that these actions are intrusive, and can result to violent actions while others suggests that the music is a set of music that force people to the principles of music standards. There are people who are fond of the mainstreaming music while others have a negative feeling about the music and they are interested in the underground music (Fox & Ching, 2008, Pg 57). There are certain times that indivi duals are given an opportunity to come up with modern Garage music within certain periods of longing rebellion. The periods that are demonstrated are those that show times in which revolt were realized in the societies and made people be shocked because of certain happenings. The current world has denied people a chance to revolt. This is the reason as to why people get involved into Garage rock so that they can demonstrate some rebellion as they are

What is sub-prime lending and how has it affected the housing crisis Essay

What is sub-prime lending and how has it affected the housing crisis - Essay Example nd the nature of subprime lending, this paper also provides a background of the subprime lending which gained popularity in the 1990’s, and also a comparison with other forms of mortgages like the prime lending. Subprime lending is a type of granting loans in which the client’s ability to pay is questionable. Kenneth Temkin et. al (2002) add that subprime lending mortgage originations are more inclined to risky borrowers. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, subprime loans are given to individuals with limited credit histories. One reason for this is the lack of background check on the borrower. In order to compensate for the higher credit risk, the loans that are given have higher interest rates.1 The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development presents three (3) truths about the subprime lenders: (1) the increased shares of subprime lenders’ overall origination as compared to the prime lenders’ originations are due to home refinance loans; (2) they occupy a bigger percentage in total originations in black-predominated communities than prime lenders; and (3) terms like â€Å"consumer, finance, and acceptance† are seen more in their lender names.2 Temkin et al. (2002) find out that subprime borrowers have lower incomes or belong to minority groups than their primary counterparts. They have less information financially on the bank mechanisms. They are also less sophisticated and less comfortable in dealing with banks. Danielle DiMartino and John Duca (2007) add that the prime or the traditional mortgages are offered to borrowers with good credit histories and can make down payments and document their income entirely. Whereas the subprime or the nontrad itional mortgages, are extended to borrower applicants who are less credit-worthy as reflected by their low credit scores and unsure income forecasts which â€Å"reflect the highest default risk and warrant the highest interest rates†. They also introduce the near-prime

International Economics and Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

International Economics and Law - Essay Example 100. One individual claimed to have caught flu even after using the medication; however, the company refused to pay him claiming that the offer had been made worldwide; therefore, it ceased to be an offer. Nevertheless, this offer was valid and the manufacturer owed the patient ?100 (formation of a contract, S8). Another characteristic of a contract is that it must be specific, in that, vagueness is not acceptable. In the United Kingdom, contracts are part of life. Contracts are inclusive of a promise and there is a legal duty that arises from such a promise. For instance, in the sale of property, a buyer has the obligation of paying the agreed amount whilst the seller’s obligation lies in transferring the title of the property sold to a buyer. The third element involving a contract is the remedy for breach of duty; an offer, consideration, and acceptance are considered as part of any contract. In case one party breaches his/duty in the contract, the other party or the aggriev ed party has the right for remedy. In addition, there must be an offer accompanied by a reasonable consideration, which must be accepted or rejected by the offeree of the contract. According to Ross (2009), in the United Kingdom, contract formation can be made on paper and online. ... The seller may accept that offer by selling the item to the customer; however, he may reject the offer if an agreement is not reached. Nevertheless, due to technological advancement, most contracts in the United Kingdom are done online; however, the elements of a contact must be involved. In Switzerland, formation of a contract does not require formalities of any kind. A contract can be concluded orally by showing the will to enter into a contract. The Swiss law however requires an individual to be above the age of 18years and above in order to engage in a contract; that is, any party to the contract must be at the age of majority and must have the legitimate capacity to enter into a contract. However, making a void contract in Swiss has the consequences of impossibility, such that, such a contract that defies the rule of contract formation cannot be executed or they can never be legally binding. Illegality is also an element of void contracts, whereby, contacts are declared null by the courts, hence forcing the partnerships to be dissolved (Dessemontet, 2004, p.111). According to Bucher (N.d, p.105), Swiss law recognizes the freedom of contracts, such as, an individual has the freedom to conclude a contract with a partner of his choice, and the freedom to establish the conditions of a contract. The similarity between UK and Swiss in terms of contract formation lies in the fact that the contract elements of consensus, offer, and acceptance apply in both countries. The contract formed must be valid; however, when some terms are acceptable, then the contract will be declared void. In addition, there is no limitation when choosing a contract partner. Question 2: The WTO Doha Round: Describe the agenda and status as well as the

What is sub-prime lending and how has it affected the housing crisis Essay

What is sub-prime lending and how has it affected the housing crisis - Essay Example nd the nature of subprime lending, this paper also provides a background of the subprime lending which gained popularity in the 1990’s, and also a comparison with other forms of mortgages like the prime lending. Subprime lending is a type of granting loans in which the client’s ability to pay is questionable. Kenneth Temkin et. al (2002) add that subprime lending mortgage originations are more inclined to risky borrowers. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, subprime loans are given to individuals with limited credit histories. One reason for this is the lack of background check on the borrower. In order to compensate for the higher credit risk, the loans that are given have higher interest rates.1 The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development presents three (3) truths about the subprime lenders: (1) the increased shares of subprime lenders’ overall origination as compared to the prime lenders’ originations are due to home refinance loans; (2) they occupy a bigger percentage in total originations in black-predominated communities than prime lenders; and (3) terms like â€Å"consumer, finance, and acceptance† are seen more in their lender names.2 Temkin et al. (2002) find out that subprime borrowers have lower incomes or belong to minority groups than their primary counterparts. They have less information financially on the bank mechanisms. They are also less sophisticated and less comfortable in dealing with banks. Danielle DiMartino and John Duca (2007) add that the prime or the traditional mortgages are offered to borrowers with good credit histories and can make down payments and document their income entirely. Whereas the subprime or the nontrad itional mortgages, are extended to borrower applicants who are less credit-worthy as reflected by their low credit scores and unsure income forecasts which â€Å"reflect the highest default risk and warrant the highest interest rates†. They also introduce the near-prime