Mastering The Short Story :: essays research papers

Mastering The Short Story Although I perceive Paul Darcy Boles to be an uppity, egotistic, and somewhat euphorically rambling old man from his style of writing, there is some beneficial information for someone wishing to create a commercially viable short story. However, I feel that creating a story with the goal of marketability is a grave mistake that ruins countless numbers of otherwise perfectly enjoyable works of literature. It is no surprise that this style of writing is being taught to the new generation, which promises to be far more creative than it's predecessors. Boles' first advice is to follow Chekhov's observation: "The art of writing is the art of abbreviation." A story of 3000 words or less has no need for excessive 1 paragraph descriptions. "Today's reader" (whoever that is) has no need for the descriptive style found in older works. So much for Alistair MacLeod. A lot of importance is put on not stringing random sentences together. Each sentence should be aimed towards a specific goal. The sum total of these sentences is your story. Boles' views a sentence as a factor in a mathematical equation. He also gets almost romantic about the sentence as a living, sentient being. Once you shovel the pop-lit drivel where it belongs, you are free to apply his suggestions to your own work. It is a good idea to check your story for too much obvious meaning. Not only will this make the story shorter and clearer, the hidden meanings imbedded in the story will have a chance to be probed and discovered. As well, avoid "signpost" sentences that could easily be replaced by more legitimate conversations or actions. A lot of emphasis is put on simulating a sense of "in-ness"; that is, giving your work a believable lived in feeling. When reading the story, one should have a clear picture of the environment around it's characters, and it is of imperial importance that it is realistic. In conclusion, Boles discusses the important of a strong beginning and

Web – Based Library System

Overview of the Current State of Technology 1. 2. Local Literature De La Salle University Library System Migration: A Strategic Decision Library automation at DLSU-Manila had undergone a gradual but steady development. It started in 1985 when it implemented the MINISIS software/Hewlett Packard 3000 hardware package. The system was able to create 11,000 bibliographic records for Filipiniana and Reference collections. The massive hardware maintenance problem led to a management decision to phase out the system in 1988. At the later part of the same year MINISIS was replaced by its micro version known as CDS-ISIS.The software with one stand-alone XT computer facility automated the indexing of articles from more than 100 locally published periodicals including newspapers, magazines, and journals. Additional databases were created as the number of computers increased. The index became searchable simultaneously by several users when the computer facilities were networked in 1992. In the sa me year the CD-ROM technology was introduced for information retrieval of selected indexes and abstracts.Perla T. Garcia, Director of DLSU Library (2004) states the reasons for changes: * Technical Development and Vendor Stability Networking * Expansion of Databases â€Å"Despite the struggle the DLSU Library encountered in running the system during the first two years the circulation module was successfully implemented in February 1997. Toward the end of the decade the system was upgraded incorporating the suggestions made by the participating libraries. The new version was renamed T-Series which enhanced the loan process and improved the other information management functions of the earlier edition. † [1] The upgraded version of the system has become an inevitable feature at DLSU Library.However, when it was established that the vendor of the system has closed shop and has merged with another company, the University Library started to work on the future of the library syste m that can be considered to replace T-Series. These reasons are provided for the new system that will replace the T-series. Ateneo De Manila University Professional Library Information System The Library Information System uses a Local Area Network (LAN) for data retrieval handled by five file servers housed in the Intermediate Distribution Function Room (IDFR).Its resources can be accessed thru 24 client stations strategically distributed within the Library and other stations located in different offices in APS such as AHRC, CLE and the Dean of the Law School. In-house databases and commercial databases on CD-ROMs can be accessed by pressing the key letter guide displayed alongside each menu. In the Reference Services, the reference librarian also provides reference assistance to library clients in the most effective use of the library resources and services, aside from conducting guidance to legal bibliography for law students.To provide a plentiful supply of good and useful books in support of its academic curricula is the main goal of the library. Teresita C. Moran, APS Chief Librarian (2004) states the APS Library system features: Online Public Access Catalog This is a catalog where library books, theses, computer files, law materials housed at the Teehankee Library inclusive of uncatalogued but accessioned materials such as serials, law and business periodicals, cases decided by the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, and Philippine laws. Features: Search limits to format (any,books, maps, computer files, etc. ) – Search limits to field (any title,author, subject, etc. ) – Use both simple and complex algorithm using Boolean logic (AND, OR, NOT, etc. ) -It provides user-controlled sort (by title,author,publisher, etc. ) – Work in conjunction with other modules – Provide safe environment to deal with potentially malicious users – Easily update for users convenience and accommodate their library needs – It provides sel ection and print options – Browse matches found in brief and full detail OPAC users are able to benefit greatly from up-to-date information – Patron can see actual Circulation status whether the item is on shelf, on loan, etc. – Password protected [2] WebPAC The Web Public Access Catalog is a guide to all the information sources to all the information sources of the library: books, compact discs, educational video tapes, theses, journals/serials, laws, legal cases and journal articles through simple search by author, title and subject.Features: – It enables the user to search any author, subject, title and publisher – Specify year from-to Get current information from the library’s local database – Includes matches found in your query – Full MARC record display – Applies to any standard internet browser (e. g. Netscape and Microsoft Internet Explorer) [3] The APS Library operates in an open stack set up. It adapted two ma jor systems of classifying book collections: first is the Library of Congress (LC) Classification system. This system is applied to Business and Information Technology holdings; second is the Los Angeles County Law Library Classifications (LACCLLC) scheme, which applies to the law holdings.Business and law journals are not classified as such but simply arranged alphabetically by title. The â€Å"The† code is the general classification used for both business and law theses. University of the Philippines iLib (Integrated Library System) â€Å"Technically, iLib is implemented in client-server architecture. In this configuration, all application programs run in the server (except for JavaScripts) and the user communicates with the server using a web browser, called the â€Å"thin client† in this architecture. No application is required to be installed in the user’s workstation other than the web browser to be able to use the system.All software updates, bug fixes, and enhancements are implemented in the server which can take effect immediately without requiring any updates or adjustments from the user’s end. † [4] Just like any common web-based systems, users can interact with the iLib system using a keyboard and mouse. Most interfaces in iLib require the user to key-in information in HTML forms using the keyboard and submit form data by clicking the â€Å"submit† buttons with a mouse. In most cases, hitting the â€Å"Enter† key (carriage return) from the keyboard can also trigger form submission.Arellano University Library System â€Å"The University Library comprises the following collections and services: Circulation Unit (foreign books on all fields of interest); Filipiniana Unit (books locally published in the Philippines, books written by Filipino author and books about the Philippines); Periodicals Unit (collection includes journals and magazines in various fields of interest); Reference Unit (collection of reference materials such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbook, almanac, geographical sources, etc. ; Audio-Visual Unit (a collection of audio-visual materials such as CD-ROM, VHS tapes & cassette tapes) and the Graduate School Unit (collection of books for post graduate level together with the thesis collection for reference purposes). As part of the library system, the adoption of computerized version of card catalog commonly known as OPAC (On-line Public Access Catalog) is used by the patrons as a medium of searching the library collection. † Arellano University library system offers different amenities and learning tools in comfortable environments which is intended for the greater benefit and convenience of its students.That is why they have improved their library with the use of OPAC to provide the users easiness and swiftly find what they are looking for. Far Eastern University Library System â€Å"The University Library is an indispensable educational and cultu ral repository. Refurbished and inaugurated on February 16, 1991 it has a book collection of more than 96,988 volumes and subscription to thousands of titles of magazines and journals in hard copies and in electronic format accessible through the EBSCO host Research Databases.The collection of books and other information resources fall under the following areas (easily accessible through the Online Public Access Catalog. † The FEU University Library aspires to be a leading academic information resource center and to be a dynamic partner in the University’s vision to develop responsible and well informed professionals who can contribute to the advancement of the global society. As usual nowadays, they provide an OPAC for easier researching of information from their libraries. 1. Foreign Literature Proposal for a University of Tennessee Digital Library Center James B. Lloyd (Special Collections Librarian and Chair, Digital Library Committee) and Bill Britten (Head of Libr ary Systems, John C. Hodges Library) (2001) states: â€Å"All students, faculty, and researchers would benefit in a variety of ways because the digital format broadens and deepens access exponentially. All of the digital library content would be available to any number of authorized users at one time, no matter their location.Materials would be available for distance research and distance education. Access to digital content could be provided in ways that are simply not possible in the traditional environment. Text can be available fully searchable through natural language, multimedia can be nested, references can be linked to other references, reference tools can be digitized and used to organize digital collections, etc. A digital library serves all of the constituents of the University in new and better ways by enhancing the research potential ofUniversity faculty on all campuses while also serving the needs of distance education. † [3] The DLC will be a catalyst for chang e by creating the organizational and technical building blocks that allow the campus to conceive of new ways of creating, accessing, and applying information resources to research and teaching. It will select, produce, and maintain a wide range of networked resources for scholars and students at UT and elsewhere.It will collaborate with University information technology professionals and research faculty to capitalize on institutional capabilities by focusing University resources on digital library projects that support the teaching and research of UT faculty, support the learning and research of UT students, and foster research about the digital library. An Intelligent Digital Library System for Biological Data Jeffrey E. Stone et al (2005) To make personalized service possible, a â€Å"user profile† representing the preferences of an individual user is constructed based upon past activities, goals indicated by the user, and options. Utilizing these user profiles, our system will make relevant information available to the user in an appropriate form, amount, and level of detail, and especially with minimal user effort. † [4] Due to the goal to serve the users better, a â€Å"user profile† is provided in the system. The user can personalized it and will have the ability to explore the system without much effort.It also allows the user to make feedbacks about the system, so that the system will know about the user’s areas of interest. The system is designed to act as a helper for the user who visits the digital library to find relevant information, with particular attention to the newly developed and modified documents in it. State University of New York Library System The Office of Library and Information Services in SUNY (1999) states their objectives about the library system.It includes: * Consortia-based capabilities such as union catalog and non-mediated requesting of library materials. * Excellent performance for all participati ng libraries. * Ability of the consortia to distribute the system across different servers, provide real-time mirroring of essential data, and permit the pooling of systems staff across the libraries. * The ability for the system to support the combined transaction load of SUNY libraries on all 64 campuses. A state-of-the-art integrated library system that provides access to public services, collection management, and technical services functions.* A system that enables each campus to view and maintain its own data with local control of profile and security configurations. * The ability to effectively convert data from the existing library systems into a new format that will preserve and insure its continued development and preservation, as well as the ability to migrate data to new generations of library systems. Allow for the integration of electronic resources that are made available through the SUNYConnect initiative (e. g. , bibliographic and full-text databases, image database s, electronic journals, etc. ). * To provide a means of, or an interface to, user authentication and user authorization vis-a-vis the SUNY-wide borrowing of library materials.* The ability to exploit emerging technologies and information resources to raise the level of library services, facilitate an increase in staff productivity, and improve effectiveness. 5] These objectives are made because SUNY is committed to providing exceptional library and information services to the university community by implementing an integrated library management system of superior functionality and cost efficiency. These are the type of functionality the SUNY libraries are seeking to incorporate. In short, this proposed system is part of the SUNYConnect virtual library initiative to provide access to the entire SUNY library collection via a common library management system and to enable patron-initiated remote borrowing.Harvard’s Library Digital Initiative: Building a First Generation Digital Library Infrastructure â€Å"Harvard University has funded a 5-year project to build a first generation production infrastructure to support digital library collections. Key project activities include education and consulting on core digital library issues (metadata, technical formats, reformatting, legal issues, preservation, interfaces and access), defining an overall technical framework, and the development of a core set of systems to support digital collections (catalogs and access tools, repositories, user interfaces, access management, and naming).A significant portion of the funding has been allocated to grants to University units for contents projects, intended to inform and test the developing infrastructure. † [6] Harvard University has a large and unusually decentralized library system. Information technology and shared information systems have been used increasingly in the past two decades to bring coherence to library services while maintaining the independence o f the University's hundred or so libraries.Two years ago a task force of faculty, librarians, and administrative deans proposed that the University administration fund a project to: (1) make Harvard's growing digital collections coherent and easy to use, through the development of a common framework and infrastructure, through communication and coordination, and through the use of incentives for collaborative work; (2) avoid wasteful duplicative development of digital library systems across the many independent departments of the University; (3) help curators build digital research collections through education, expert advice, the provision of core services, and the development of a technical infrastructure; and (4) integrate the new digital collections with Harvard's strong traditional collections. Tokyo University Library System â€Å"OPAC (Online Public Access Catalog) / Multilingual OPAC You can search the resources using the OPAC system for journals held in entire University l ibraries, and books acquired in/after 1985. They are currently in the process of incorporating the materials acquired before 1985 into their electronic system. † [7]The  University of Tokyo Library  in Tokyo, Japan, consists of the General Library, which provides services for all students and researchers affiliated with the university, Komaba Library, which supports the studies of the first two years of undergraduate education, Kashiwa Library, which functions as the back number center for natural science materials, as well as more than 60 faculty/institution libraries in various academic fields. The library has the largest collection in  Japan, holding a total of over 8,000,000 books. Using the OPAC, the students can easily find what they need for their research and studies. The university is still maintaining the system to improve the services to provide for the users.

Outcomes of the Crusades

The â€Å"Crusades† was a military campaign of Christians in Western Europe whose purpose is to reclaim the Holy Land from the Muslims. The Roman Catholic Church stimulated most of the support for the war, showing its intolerance to both Islam and Orthodox Christianity. Although religious in nature, the Crusades had become a bloody frenzy. Six military campaigns comprised the period, starting from the First Crusade in 1096, inspired by Pope Urban II, and ending in the Sixth Crusade in 1254, led by the king of France, King Louis IX.To this day, the Crusades is still a controversial because of the military excesses during the battles. However, many outcomes came out of the movement: First, the European horizon expanded; second, the encounters with the different cultures promoted learning as well as commerce between different civilizations; third, as a result of the eastern influence, there was growth in western scholasticism and philosophy; and fourth, it sparked a dangerous con cept adapted in monarchy and politics. Among the noted significance of the first crusades was the increased contacts between the Europeans and the Byzantines and Muslims.During this time, the Byzantine was already beginning to decline and Islam was not as powerful as it once was, although still a formidable force. As regards the original intention of the Crusades, the Christians' success of having Jerusalem under their control never reached permanence. However, the first crusades effected the expansion of Europe, meaning it gained more strength than other competing civilizations did. Moreover, there became a balance of power between the Muslims and the Christians.During the First Crusade, supporters of the movement, such as those from Pisa and Genoa, sailed the Mediterranean Sea to bring help to Jerusalem. As a result, the sea was again reopened to western shipping, and, in turn, communication was reestablished between the east and west. Although at several points the Christians rul ed over the Holy Land, Muslims were able to conquer it again in the 12th century. However, the Christians continued to hold power over the sea. Thus, the ports in the countries such as Levant in the border of the sea were under their control.The number of commercial establishments grew rapidly in the ports of Syria and Egypt, and the Christians held autonomy over operations in the areas of Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily, which were originally controlled by the Saracens (Riley-Smith 85). The sea routes were open for trade, allowing products of Asia to come in. In short, the Crusades opened the lines of communication and exchange of knowledge between the eastern and western civilizations through the trade. This made a significant contribution to the development of Europe in terms of both knowledge and economy.Some of the practices of Muslim science, literature and philosophy, as well as medicine had found its way to Christian tradition (Riley-Smith 87). In time, the crusading movements were divided into two groups: the external Crusades and the internal Crusades. The former was directed mainly against Muslims, whereas the latter was a war against the perceived enemies of the Christian world. Unfortunately, the development of the internal Crusades enforced a violent thinking—that is, violence is sanctified in ideological pursuits.The Crusades was originally a war to retrieve the Holy Land, but the concept of sanctified violence extended to the monarchy and the political sphere. What used to be the holy cause of defending the Church became a moral duty of defending the state (Riley-Smith 90). Indeed, the Crusades was a crucial moment in history, and one that people can learn from. That is, the good things that came out of it should be emulated, and its detrimental effects should serve as a warning to modern society. Works Cited Riley-Smith, Jonathan. â€Å"The First Crusade and the Idea of Crusading†. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania, 1991. 85 -96.

Childrearing Among the Lower Classes of Late Medieval England essays

Childrearing Among the Lower Classes of Late Medieval England essays Barbara Hanawalt's, Childrearing Among the Lower Classes of Late Medieval England, examines the practices and pitfalls of parental dynamics during the late 13th and early 14th century in English villages such as Bedfordshire and Oxford, as well as the comparably larger city of London. Focusing on children's ages from the time of birth till their twelfth birthday, Hanawalt bases her research on coroner's inquests of the time to garner statistics from which she extrapolates evidence to support her conclusions. The coroner's inquests from this time period were required by law, and detailed in regards to the cause of death, the members of the household, and their activities at the time, their residences, and their occupations. Through these detailed transcripts, Hanawalt attempts to create a vignette of peasant life, and therefore the circumstances in which children were raised to the age of twelve, at which point they were considered adults by society during that time. Hanawalt's motivation for conducting her social type of historical research is based upon dispelling earlier research by Philippe Aries, in his book Centuries of Childhood. Aries's book contends that contemporary sentimental notions of childrearing developed during this time "in response to the loss of other familial functions to the centralized state and the exigencies of industrialization" (pg. 23), and that this could outweigh familial bonds. Hanawalt counters these assertions by methodically introducing her own conclusions based upon statistical data as well as detailed circumstances in relation to them. Furthermore, she begins by pointing out that Aries garners his research and conclusions from the upper class, while ignoring the peasant majority. Also, she points out that Aries' research is incomplete due to it starting with children aged seven, and ignoring ages from infancy till six. Due to the peasant majo...

How to Write a Good Marketing Essay

How to Write a Good Marketing Essay How to Write a Good Marketing Essay The Purpose of Marketing Essays Marketing essays can help put a good marketing strategy in place by conveying information about competitive market advantages and financial profits. Marketing essays express thoughts and ideas and persuade people in understanding opinions and viewpoints relating to marketing strategy initiatives. Tips for Writing a Good Marketing Essay Begin with deciding on a relevant topic and thesis. This includes conducting relevant research about the marketing aspects that pertain to your chosen subject. Three important aspects of marketing are: image, the competition, and customer service. It is important to focus on these three marketing aspects when writing a marketing essay. In addition, the following tips will help you with your essay: The Topic – Choose a topic based on a logical framework within your field, such as those researched by past marketing experts like Philip Kotler and Michael Porter. The Framework – The framework of your marketing essay should have a theoretical approach such as with those by marketing experts. It is important to study other companies and products to understand market positioning, using reliable research sources, for a relevant essay. Reliable research sources include those from publications and universities such as JSTOR, EBSCOhost, Harvard, or Cambridge. Next, construct an outline of your essay to use as a blueprint for writing the essay. The Introduction and Thesis Your introduction should outline your main idea and should contain your thesis statement. Here is where you build your argument and a case for your thesis. The Body – This is where your argument is outlined and reasoned. It is a good idea to use previous case study information to help the reader understand your topic, as it pertains to marketing. Approach your argument logically, step-by-step so that the paper flows. Expand on details and use examples. Be sure to use your researched information to set up a good case for your thesis, so that the reader can easily understand your purpose. The body of the essay will also contain your research findings, conclusion, recommendations, and author opinions. These aspects of the essay should wrap up and tie in all of the research, information and viewpoints to answer marketing research questions and expand on whether further research is needed. Editing and Revision – This step is essential to the flow and cohesiveness of your marketing essay, and includes revision. Revision includes ensuring that all relevant information is included in the essay, such as a marketing issue or ideas. Editing entails ensuring the document is free from grammatical, spelling, and language use errors. Writing a marketing essay is not an easy task, but following these tips can certainly help you complete the task and deliver a well-researched, well-written, and informative essay. At you will get professional Marketing essay help from academic experts.

20 Ways To Be Creative When You Dont Feel Inspired

20 Ways To Be Creative When You Dont Feel Inspired Let’s be honest. We all want to know how to be creative on days that seem completely dreadful and leave  us feeling totally uninspired and stuck. Either the words just aren’t coming or the visual concepts are unreachable. It just seems like any or all of the ideas are at a stand still. But dont worry, it’s normal, it happens- so let’s move on. The real question is, How to  be creative, even on my off days? Let’s look at 20  different ways to bring continual creativity into your life, blogs, and marketing. How To Be Creative When You're  Feeling Drained  And  Uninspired 1. Change Your Environment The very first thing I do when I feel  uninspired  is to change my physical environment. While routine can be a great thing for personal productivity, sometimes it can kill your creative spirit. You  get too used to the way things are and need a change to spark new thoughts and ideas. If that doesn’t work, maybe it's your office space itself. Even the noise levels can influence your creativity. A study from Juliet Zhu found that a moderate noise level provides just enough distraction to encourage creative thought.  Find a  few different spaces that work for you, and change your environment when  needed. 2. Take A Walk Stanford researchers have found that walking improves creativity. On average, creative thinking increases by 60% when there is walking involved. Not only does inspiration form while walking, but then it continues to come even after you return to your desk. 3. Make Something For Play Think back to some of your most creative years in life. Most of us think back to our early elementary years. At the age of five, you're at 80% of our creative potential  as you're inventing all the time. Remember the finger painting, drawing, snowmen building, tree forts, and everything else? The only difference between then and now is that back then you  allowed  yourself  to just play. There was no plan, no set goals, just an idea and the freedom to make whatever you  wanted. Give yourself room to play. Just do it. I promise you won't regret it. 4. Try Something New Lately when I hit a creative road block, I find a new hobby to pursue in order to give my creative thinking a new perspective. For me as a graphic designer, that means playing with watercolors, hand lettering, woodworking, video, and other forms of creative mediums that I wouldn’t consider myself to be a pro at. For you, it might mean writing a short story, cooking a new recipe, or going to a new class on the weekends. Do something new to not only grow your creative background but to give a refreshing break to your usual practice. 5. Take A Trip Maybe it’s not enough to change rooms or even change buildings for that matter. Maybe you just need a trip out of town to be around a new culture. Take a trip with some friends and enjoy your time together. "New sounds, smells, language, tastes, sensations, and sights spark different synapses in the brain," according to a study done by Adam Galinsky. Even new experiences that are totally unrelated to creativity can bring new ideas and perspectives when you return to the office. Designer Stefan Sagmeister closes his studio once every seven years to do just that. 6. Have A Mentor Creative mentors are some of the best mentors. Mentors can range from a friend,  a hero in the industry, or  to  someone else at your workplace. Mentors  are there to listen to the problem at hand and lend their expertise to help you move forward. They can also introduce you to others that might be able to help you, making for awesome new connections and further  expert advice. After all, networking is critical to finding a job you love- and one you could possibly be even more creative in. 7. Read A Book At , we have several team building activities, but one of my favorites is our book club.  Once a week, we get together and go over a chapter in the book that we’re reading through as a team. We discuss anything and everything that we've found interesting. That leads to a great conversation with a variety of topics that often influences our work through actionable steps. Start with this awesome list of creative books. Find a book that’s interesting to you and learn through another’s story. You may even find blog ideas from reading. Find a book that’s interesting learn through another’s story. #Iamreading8. Listen To  A Podcast There’s a podcast for almost anything. Podcasts are great for car rides, but also for a music replacement while you work. Instead of listening to your favorite music stream, check out a podcast that will bring new insight as you work. Recommended Reading from Neil Patel: The 6 Types Of Social Media Content That Will Give You The Greatest Value My current favorite podcast is Design Observer  as Debbie Millman interviews a variety of creatives from all different industries. Look to your professional heroes, and find a podcast or TedTalk that they’ve spoken for. 9. Collect Creative Sites While Pinterest is arguably the world’s largest inspiration site, there are several other places  that may suite your industry best. For designers like me, that’s Dribble or Behance. For you, that might mean TechCrunch, Mashable, or Convince and Convert. Whatever you enjoy, find those key sites that you can bookmark and refer to for creative reminders when you hit your creative road block. 10. Collaborate With Other Awesome People When we  hit a problem, most of us try to solve it ourselves. But sometimes the solution will only be found when you  talk it out with someone else. The answer might be at the tip of your tongue or in the back of your mind, but without speaking through the problem, the solution will be left buried in our internal thoughts. 99u found some awesome facts about collaborating together that can seriously boost your creativity. Find someone nearby, talk it out, and collaborate on finding a solution. 11. Look To History There’s a reason that history is remembered. What once was important or imaginative, might very well be the key to what you need to move forward. Ask yourself: Has someone else created something similar? Have there been similar stories written? Look back at what those before us have accomplished to see if their process can help you with yours. You don't need to reinvent the wheel, you just need to make it better. You don't need to reinvent the wheel, you just need to make it better. #creativity12. Borrow Ideas Let me  repeat, borrow ideas, not copy. As French author Franà §ois-Renà © de Chateaubriand wrote, â€Å"The original writer is not he who refrains from imitating others, but he who can be imitated by none.† Sometimes you just need to start somewhere, look to what you know, and then see how you can make it better. Even Steve Jobs started with the idea of the personal computer from a Xerox prototype and then ran with it. 13. Start An Inspiration File â€Å"Your job is to collect good ideas. The more good ideas you collect, the more you can choose from to be influenced by.† That's what Austin Kleon said in his awesome book, Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative. And it’s true! Collect as many ideas as you possibly can so that you can use them  as a reference later on. This might take shape in a Pinterest Board, Evernote folder, or physical collection of clips and snippets.  But any way you do this,  it's incredibly important to start collecting now. Start now, and watch it grow. Bonus: Use the  Evernote Web Clipper directly with to collect ideas! 14. Sleep On It Salvador Dalà ­ once said, â€Å"All of my best ideas come through my dreams.† Whether to get inspiration from your dreams or to simply take a break and clear you mind, having a good night’s rest can be key to creativity. Believe it or not, we need to have a balanced life outside of work so that when it comes time to think, we’re fully prepared both mentally and physically. Eat well, exercise, and get some sleep. 15. Embrace Constraints Theodor Seuss Geisel, a.k.a. Dr. Seuss, was challenged by his publisher to write a book using only 50 words. Green Eggs and Ham was the result. Today, we can fall into creative fatigue not because there’s not enough choices out there, but because there’s just too many! Try to limit yourself in some shape, way, or form to challenge the way in which you’re thinking. 50 words was quite a limitation for Dr. Seuss, but that very limitation made a masterpiece! New connections will be formed when the clutter of choices is eliminated. New connections will be formed when the clutter of choices is eliminated. #newideas #blogging16. Make Mistakes Not only can you make mistakes, but I’m giving you permission! Please, by all means, make mistakes. If you aren’t taking risks, then you aren’t making mistakes, which means you’ll never reach that new awesome idea that you’ve been waiting for. Do I need to remind you of  all our heroes who  failed before they found their success? Make mistakes, fail, fail fast, and then keep going. 17. Combine Opposites "Creativity is just connecting things,† Steve Jobs said. If connecting familiar ideas isn’t working, try connecting opposite or unrelated ones. This is often the equation comedians use for humor, and if it works for them, why not you? Some of the most successful ad campaigns I’ve ever seen have been made possible by connecting an unrelated emotion or story to the one they’re trying to convey. Opposites can be very powerful, so try them out. 18. Keep An Ideas Notebook Take a notebook with you on your morning commute and start sketching. Fill it with quotes, doodles, a record of what you did that day. Write a story! Let this notebook be your place to play and relax while on your trip to and from work. Athletes use this similar 'warm up and cool down' approach in their daily workouts. To heighten your creativity, treat this notebook like your personal workout. Warm up with sketches on your way to work, and cool down with doodles on your way home. And remember, don't overthink it. Just let your mind wander and play. An idea notebook will really show you how to be creative throughout daily life. 19. Ask New Questions Sometimes, we can hit a creative road block simply because we’re asking the wrong question or not asking any questions at all. When we assume we know how to solve the problem, we ignore the several other possibilities that could be the idea we’re looking for.  Instead of taking the assumed, common approach, start by asking questions and let that direct you to your creative inspiration. Ask new questions to direct your creative inspiration. #creativity20. Do Nothing Austin Kleon believes, â€Å"Creative people need time to just sit around and do nothing.† Yep, that’s right. Take some time to do nothing, nothing at all. Every task at hand needs a break, no matter how great it might be. Relax, enjoy yourself, and come back to it later. Time away might be exactly what you need in order to come back completely restored and inspired. Now You Know  How To Be Creative When The Inspiration Just Isn't Coming There you have it! 20 different ways on how to be creative when you feel absolutely stuck. As Austin Kleon says, â€Å"It takes a lot of energy to be creative.† We need to not only protect our energy, but use it well. Whether it's sketching on your commute, taking a trip with friends, giving yourself permission to play, or doing absolutely nothing- try out different ways to find inspiration and see what works best for you. What works today might not work tomorrow, so keep your creative mind alive and open to new possibilities.

Considering Censorship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Considering Censorship - Essay Example The level of censorship imposed or removed by the governing authority depends upon what it considers appropriate for governance in such areas. The rationale for censorship may vary from time to time depending upon the demands of circumstances, one’s level of understanding and its implications. The reactions to censorship vary from individual to individual. The constitution of the most liberal and democratic countries have provisions for imposing censorship as it becomes a powerful controlling weapon in the hands of the governing authority. Censorship is also like the double-edged sword. Chances of creating unintended, self-inflicted injuries may occur if the situation or the mood of the people is misjudged and unwanted censorship is imposed on their aspirations. The ruler can use censorship as a weapon on some for all time or for all for some time, but not all for all time! History provides enough examples where the pursuers of the hard core policies of censorship are met with tragic end, thus no nation has ever prospered on a permanent footing on hard rules of censorship to govern people. Does censorship concern only the life, living and activities related to human beings? Are the plant and animal kingdom also victims of censorship? I am posted as a Captain in a missile base that concerns the country’s security.