How The Notebook Author Found Writing Success

Nicholas Sparks is a bestselling author, screenwriter and producer. His fans have come to love his clean and sentimental romance novels and films such as, The Notebook. The stories often have Christian themes and sad twists, and he has had five New York Times bestsellers. Early Life Nicholas Sparks was born December 31, 1965, in Omaha, Nebraska. His family moved around a lot while his father pursued graduate degrees. Sparks had lived in Minnesota, Nebraska and California. He has a sister, who died in 2000, and a brother. He was raised Roman Catholic and continues to practice that faith. Sparks excelled at running  and went to the University of Notre Dame on a track and field scholarship. He was a business major, and after an Achilles tendon injury, he spent the summer writing an unpublished novel. Family and Personal Life Sparks met his wife, Cathy Cote, on spring break in 1988, the year he graduated from Notre Dame with honors. They married in 1989 and moved to New Bern, North Carolina. They have five children: three boys and twin girls. The couple divorced in 2015. Writing Sparks wrote two novels that were never published. He worked in the orthopedic goods industry to make a living. His first published work was, Wokini: A Lakota Journey to Happiness and Self-Understanding, written with Olympic medalist Billy Mills. Sparks third novel, The Notebook, was picked up by a literary agent and published in 1996. It enjoyed tremendous success and garnered a million dollar movie rights contract. But Sparks did not quit his day job just yet, he continued to sell pharmaceuticals and was transferred to Greenville, South Carolina. There, he wrote, Message in a Bottle, for which he sold the movie rights before it was published. Sparks continued to publish book after book, and he remains active as a writer. His novels often debut as bestsellers. They are noted for being stories with traditional values and lack of profanity, even as they are romances, and the characters face personal crises, often without a happy ending. See a list of Nicholas Sparks books. Nicholas Sparks Movies Most of  Nicholas Sparks books have been made into movies  or have been optioned to be made into movies. The first one released was, Message in a Bottle, in 1999, which earned the number one box office slot. The Notebook, in 2004 is well-remembered by Ryan Gosling fans. He has served as producer on several, including, Safe Haven, Deliverance Creek, The Best of Me, The Longest Ride and The Choice. Nicholas Sparks Trivia Nicholas Sparks donated a track to New Bern High School, where he was a volunteer coach.He supports the Notre Dame Creative Writing Program with an annual scholarship, internships and a fellowship.He has donated millions of dollars to build Christian International School.Sparks is a black belt in Tae Kwon DoSparks was named, Sexiest Author, by People Magazine.His family has endured several tragedies. His mother died following a horseback riding accident, and his father died in an automobile accident. His sister died young of cancer.

A Brief Note On Social Media Increasing Knowledge

Social Media Increasing Knowledge Pratik Khatri Kean University May 14, 2015 Dr. Keddis GE 2024-04 Introduction In this world of technology there are many things that affect us mentally and physically. According to Moradi (2014) Imagine a life without technology, try to imagine life without our phones being able to wake us up in the morning or without using our computers. It would be so different then what we are used to doing every day. In reality, nowadays everyone relies on technology. Throughout history technology has increased dramatically, the increased amount of technology that is incorporated into a Smart Phone now a day is incredible. Literature review The use of the social media is always increasing dramatically in†¦show more content†¦A significant measurement of such a structural culture is communication, a particularly channel of communication and investigation (Marsick Watkins, 1999), this mean such employees join forces by sharing other employees feedback and asking for it in return which built trust. The use of Social media also comprises education through online communication from others. Therefore, sharing knowledge and social interaction rely on two things, inquiry and also culture of dialogue that interacts with social media. Equated too learning perspectives, workforces in the work environment have additional power above their personal on-site learning (Berings, Poell, Simons, 2008). In learning circumstances, strategic verdicts are often what proceeds to the professor; also dissimilarity, novices at the place of work ought to supplementary prospects to decide on the learning accomplishments that they play a part of. The action of learning creates events because individuals implement command to acquire knowledge (Berings, Poell, Simons, 2008). There are multiple varieties regarding a workers education events remained distinguished knowledge beyond shared communication, knowledge through using important innovative for their career, knowledge through philosophy instead of through regulation, knowledge thru undertaking an individual’s unvarying occupation in addition to knowledge via

Homlessness in the US Free Essays

In the two studies I reviewed, both pertained to school aged homeless children. Both studies were conducted to determine the need for a better education for these children. The first study I reviewed was called, Sheltered homeless children: Their eligibility and unmet need for special education evaluations. We will write a custom essay sample on Homlessness in the US or any similar topic only for you Order Now This study focused on the exploration of unmet need of special education evaluations for homeless children in Los Angeles, California. The second of my studies was called, Cognitive and academic functioning of homeless children compared to housed children. The analyzation focused on the effects of being homeless to a child’s cognitive and academic functioning. Both of the above studies brought about the same basic issue of homeless children having the right to a better education. In both studies it was determined that homeless children, when tested, perform rather poorly in the area of academics. In the first study (Sheltered Homeless Children: Their Eligibility and Unmet Need for Special Education evaluations) homeless shelters were selected randomly and from these families were selected that consisted of one child aged 6 to 12 years. Testing was performed in a quiet place. There were 118 parents and 169 children involved in the study. The parents were asked questions pertaining to the how and why of homelessness. The homeless children were tested with questions from the RAND Course of Homelessness Study 3. 9, a Behavior Checklist, the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, the National Health Service, and the Woodcock-Johnson Language Proficiency Battery Assessment Test. The Peabody Vocabulary picture test was also used in the second study. In the second study (Cognitive and Academic Functioning of Homeless Children compared with Housed Children) the homeless children and their mothers selected for the study were from the Bronx in NY. There were 102 homeless children in the study. They were between the ages of 6-11, around the same age group as the first study; they were sought out of public schools. The housed children were selected randomly for the study. The mothers were asked how and why they became homeless and how long they had been homeless, and if they had a job, as in the study before. The children were all tested with numerous tests pertaining to their academic and cognitive functioning skills. The Raven’s Test, the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, the Wide-range Achievement Test, a Child Depression Inventory test, and A maternal Anxiety test were issued to the children. Both of the studies focused on the same issue, that homeless children were not being assessed for their need of assistance with their academics. The first study did not involve children who were not homeless but the second study used them as a control. The second study also focused more on the effects of being homeless leading to anxiety and depression. Both of the studies had determined that homeless children have poorer scores compared to those that are non-homeless, and that they are more developmentally delayed. Both the studies also found that they have a higher rate of learning disabilities. There is also a higher need to assess children who might be eligible for special education services. The findings of the first study imply that there is a high level of unmet need for special education evaluations for homeless children. There should be more procedures conducted to determine one’s eligibility for special education services for the homeless. Also, interventions should be provided for school-aged homeless children from special education professionals, general health care providers, and housing services. The second study suggests that there needs to be more of an effort to educate those that are homeless by academic professors. There needs to be more assessment of special education for these children. The study also touched on the fact that these children are often depressed and have a high rate of anxiety, this should be assessed through counseling services. In both of the studies, society needs to take an interest in helping get these children off the streets in the first place. The main purpose for both of the studies was to examine the impact homelessness has on a child’s academic functional level. In both of the studies it was found that homeless children between the ages of 6-12 scored lower on achievement tests. They also had a higher level of depression and anxiety. Furthermore, they also had an increased rate of learning disabilities and the need for special education evaluations. Society needs to put more of an effort in getting these children off the streets and into a proper home so they can grow more academically and to develop at a typical rate. Academic professionals need to assess their need of assistance with their work and assess a higher need of special education evaluations. Professionals need to understand that these children have a harder time concentrating on their academic material because they are faced with issues like where they are going to sleep tonight instead of 4+3. How to cite Homlessness in the US, Papers

Legal and Regulatory Issues GDP Growth

Question: Discuss about theLegal and Regulatory Issuesfor GDP Growth. Answer: Introduction With the global slowdown and decreased pace of growth of developed nations, emerging economies are now being considered as the popular destinations for setting up and expanding business to earn sustainable profits. As a result, China is looked upon as the economic powerhouse by global firm for investment purposes. Even the expected GDP growth rate of 6.7% projects a promising future thereby luring companies looking to expand at international level.[1] However, with such promising growth prospects, the country is also known for the notoriously stringent legal and regulatory laws and issues that pose many challenges for foreign companies conducting business in China. It is for this reason that World Banks 2015 Doing Business Report placed China at 90th position in world for ease of doing business.[2] The following report highlights the important issues that contribute to the challenges of doing business in China for foreign companies. These issues relate to legal and regulatory requirements that need to be followed by the foreign companies while doing business in China. Economic Overview China is the fastest growing economies of the world with the GDP growth rate of 6.9%. The strength and financial robustness of the economy was evident from its economic activities and rate of growth during the times when the major developed economies were gripped by recession of 2008. As per Price Waterhouse Coopers estimate, China will surpass USA to become the largest economy in world by 2025. Moreover, China was ranked as one of the top three global investment destinations by 77% of the respondents while 80% respondents agreed to have increased their investment, in a survey conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce in China.[3] Along with this, major structure reforms and fiscal and monetary stimulus have been applied and proposed to increase the financial conditions of the country.[4] These factors make China a favourable and prized destination for investment. Challenges of Doing Business in China The following are the major challenges that affect the entry of the business in China.[5] Legal Issues Legality of business is at first hand, without legal orders a company cannot start its business operations in any country. The legislative environment of China is unpredictable. To enter into the Chinese market, business needs to complete the legal formalities. Without legal procedure business cannot start their operation in China. Representation of Business Forms Before entering into Chinese market, organizations need to complete the form filling of representation for business which includes information about the type of business that will be started in China, the cost and profit criteria and the liabilities of business to perform regarding China. If any business fails to fill up the registration form, company cannot hire people and start the promotional strategies on country.[6] Registration and Certification of Company Registration of business in China is an essential part for starting the operation in the market. As per the Food Safety Law in China, products that may be harmful for the society need to be certified before manufacturing. If any product is found out fake, government body can take action and control it. After getting the license, businesses need to report the tax certificate within 30 days.[7] At the same time business need to present the foreign trade registration to operate its business in China. The ISO certificate should also be verified by the Chinese supplier. Intellectual Property Rights Intellectual property right is a big challenge for the companies which are thinking to enter into the Chinese market. Intellectual property of an organization is the real value of business that is considered in non-monetary terms and intangible assets of the company. Intellectual property includes patent, trademark and copyrights that are achieved by the company. Protection of intellectual property is needed for goodwill of the company in Chinese market. These properties help the business expansion in other country, so it should be secured as per the regulation of Chinese government. Both English and Chinese trademarks and copyrights should be registered with the legal authority of China. IP identify and determine the existence of business for long period of time. Intellectual property audit is used to assess the performance of the company and get these rights. Intellectual property right system helps the countries for its economic developments and potential catalyst and social and c ultural benefits.[8] After cooperating with WTO, China stabilized its legal framework of law and regulation of intellectual property. With this, Chinese government took actions towards controlling the piracy of these rights.[9] Chinese government enacted many regulations that cover the protection and safety of companys business in country. Distributors who are seeking to sell their products in China need to register their logos with the trademark office. Copyright law was also enacted to protect this right but it is not required to register, it is voluntarily. Furthermore, Chinese government established a state IP office that issues patent, copyrights and trademarks and it also resolves the issues concerning about these. It also examines the foreign and domestic patents and enforcement of these rights.[10] Local Tax and Import Duties Chinese government has different structure of local tax and import duty so it is a challenge for newly entered organization. Business need to pay local tax as per the regulation of authorities. It can affect the financial index of business. Organization need to pay import duty and value added tax on each imported goods. It is necessary for the new enterprises to take care about local tax and import duties before entering into Chinese market. Labor Law Compliance China enacted a labor law in 2008 that protect the interest of labor. This law is applicable for domestic and foreign employees both. Labor law needs that employee signed with the employer as a contractual term for fixed or open ended termination date. China government has fixed the wages and salary for workers, according to the rules new business need to pay wages to the employees. This law is equally applies on enterprises individual-owned business. Organization need to provide all facilities as mentioned in labor law. According to the law economic developments and skill enhancement opportunities also provided. State Capitalism State capitalism is a political system under which the trade and industries of the country is controlled and rules regulations are enforced on the business. State capitalism of China can highly affect the foreign companies. Better capitalism system can provide the stability as well as growth to newly entered business. On the other hand, an unsupported system can negatively affect the business. Polity of each and every state can support the business in its operation. Capitalist enterprises generate major business in states. It depends on interference of state in private enterprises. Any law passed by states regarding the enterprises can usually impact the efficient running of the business. Chinas private sector is very large that contain the high growth potential with supportive state capitalism. State-Owned Enterprise Chinese economy is marked by high governmental control over the important share of the economy while the private sector operates in the free-market scenario. As a result, state owned enterprises (SOEs) form a major part of Chinese economy. Moreover, investment in key sectors of economy like energy, infrastructure, banking, etc. are open only to such SOEs while industries like manufacturing of consumer goods, restaurants, accommodations, etc. are open for private businesses. As such, SOEs pose major challenges for doing business in China. New business have to face tough competition from SOEs that benefit from cheaper finance available from state-owned banks, favouritism from government bodies and enjoy less stringent rules and regulations.[11] Moreover, Chinas large SOE sector is protected by the central, state and local government and hence is seen as having a monopoly position in key industrial segments. This position allows such SOEs to exploit its stakeholders in terms of supply o f goods, prices, and other aspects. In addition to this, it is claimed that Chinese SOEs often receive financial benefits in terms of non-market based interest rates on loans, bailouts, pricing arrangements, etc.[12] These benefits allow such firms to provide products at highly competitive prices and improve their profitability. This further increases pressure on private firms to reduce their costs. Furthermore, the impending reforms to improve the operational efficiency of SOEs will lead to intense competition to new business. Bureaucracy and Red Tape Bureaucracy of China affects the newly entered business in country. It has become a challenge for the foreign companies to do business in country. This issue arises on sector basis and new rules and regulations are amended to be followed by organizations. Bureaucrats enact regulations for business at different provincial and municipal areas. Furthermore these are the policy maker for private enterprises in country. Foreign Exchange Regulations Foreign exchange contains the regulation for moving of financial transaction from one country to another. Foreign transaction takes place at every organization which is operating in other country so business needs to follow the regulation of China at the time of currency exchange. After tightening the foreign transaction policy, China liberalized the currency exchange procedure for easily transaction. In china peoples bank of china set up the new policies and rules for the credit facility for business, its decision can affect the flow of money for import from china to other country. Restrictions for debts and equities are lifted from the capital account so business can convert currency. Scope of Business Scope of business may become a challenge for the company when it is not compromising with the Chinese market. Business scope plays a vital role in ensuring the success of the business in a country. Each company has scope of its business in the market. Chinese government allows the foreign investors on sector basis as per the requirements of country. So before entering into the Chinese market the scope of the business must be considered for successful operation of business. It would be an extent opportunity for business. Dispute Resolution Any organization is entered in new country, at the time of establishment of business many disputes arises within the organization and outside the organization. The legal system in chinas every state is different so the foreign businesses may not be familiar with the regulation to resolve disputes. To solve the disputes businesses should clearly understand the procedure that van be effectively managed. [13] Conclusion Even though China is a market prized above all, its dynamic and perplexed business environment poses many challenges for foreign investors planning to start their business there. This dynamism is attributed by policy shifts undertaken by the Chinese government, which further creates uncertainties for operating business in the regulatory and legal landscapes. The fundamental challenges related to state owned enterprises, intellectual property rights, bureaucracy, registrations and administration, tax laws, labour compliance laws etc. make it difficult to conduct business in China. This leaves loops holes and gaps in laws related to business regulations. These ambiguities make the legal environment challenging for doing business in China even if the economic environment is poised for growth and backed by legal framework. References [1] Trading Economics, Web site, https://www.tradingeconomics.com/china/gdp-growth-annual/forecast (accessed October 21, 2016). 2 World Bank Group, Doing Business 2015: Going Beyond Efficiency, 12th ed., https://www.doingbusiness.org/~/media/GIAWB/Doing%20Business/Documents/Annual-Reports/English/DB15-Chapters/DB15-Report-Overview.pdf (accessed October 21, 2016). 3 PwC, Doing Business in a Changing China: Seeking similarities, respecting differences, https://www.pwc.com/us/en/view/assets/pwc-view-issue13-doing-business-in-a-changing-china.pdf (accessed October 22, 2016). 4 Millay, Todd, Investing in China: too Big to Ignore, Forbes, August 25, 2016, https://www.forbes.com/sites/toddmillay/2016/08/25/investing-in-china-too-big-to-ignore/#722dd9ba2f47 (accessed October 22, 2016). 5 Hamilton, Stewart and Zhang, Jinxuan, Doing Business With China: Avoiding Pitfalls, UK: Palgrave Macmillan, 2011. 6 Husch BlackWell, Top Eight Legal Issues regarding Entering The China Market, https://www.huschblackwell.com/businessinsights/top-eight-legal-issues-regarding-entering-the-china-market (accessed October 22, 2016). 7 Husch BlackWell 8 Gov.uk, "Overseas Business Risk- China," Foreign and Commonwealth Office, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/overseas-business-risk-china/overseas-business-risk-china (accessed: October 22, 2016). 9 Husch BlackWell 10 Intellectual property rights protection in China, Web Site, https://www.chinaipr.gov.cn/list/patents/1/cateinfo.html (accessed October 22, 2016). 11 The Economist, State-owned enterprises: Fixing China Inc, August 30, 2014, https://www.economist.com/news/china/21614240-reform-state-companies-back-agenda-fixing-china-inc (accessed October 22, 2016). [1]2 Chen, Hejing and Whalley, John, The state-owned enterprises issue in Chinas prospective trade negotiations, Working Paper 48 (Centre for International Governance Innovation, 2014), https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/185024/no.48.pdf (accessed October 22, 2016). [1]3 Lieberthal, Kenneth. Managing the China Challenge: How to Achieve Corporate Success in peoples Republic, USA: Brookings Institution Press, 2011.