Category Archives: Society

Oct24

The Appeal of the Simple Wedding

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The Appeal of the Simple Wedding

There’s a wave going through this country that encourages people to scale back and simplify their lives . While some are drawn by the need to reduce their expenses to survive in these rough economic times, others are attracted to the lack of clutter and busyness that a simple life can bring. The shift in priorities can be alter not just a life, but also a person’s entire personality and world view.

Of course, many people draw the line at the simple life when it comes to weddings. The wedding industry has spent decades convincing brides that they need to be the star of a lavish production that realizes all their dreams. The reality is that a wedding should be about the joining together of two people and their families, and that doesn’t need to be lavish or even a production. It can be a simple, do-it-yourself celebration that includes everyone.

One of the cornerstones of a simple living wedding is to put quality of experience before money. One is example is the search for the bridal gown. Instead of spending days and weeks hunting through designer magazines and showrooms to find the perfect budget-busting one-of-a-kind gown, brides are hunting for preowned wedding dresses on websites and in thrift stores or simply asking friends and family to get their gowns out of storage. This not only saves on budget, it saves the bride countless hours of time and stress — and the time and stress levels of her family and maid of honor who would have been dragged along with her.

Jun15

Anaheim Has No Doubt

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Anaheim Has No Doubt

It would have to be one of the great dreams for kids in this country, to grow up in Anaheim, California. Living so close to that great, archetypal park where all the kid dreams are promised and realized would have to be fun. The reality, of course, is that no one can live in the amusement park world all the time, and even when someone grows up so close, the rest of the world starts to enter in.

It’s an interesting city, with a very lively and vibrant population. Living in a resort city does offer some fascinating advantages, because there is a sense of hospitality that underlies everything. Visitors are welcome here, and that does make the daily life of the people just a little bit more friendly than anywhere else. The search for the best Anaheim hotel leads to a lot of conversations between people, where visitors and locals intermingle, and it’s the recipe for charm.

There is plenty of charm in the group No Doubt , and if it’s difficult to see the connection here, the band members all grew up in Anaheim, California. They began here in 1986, and the early years weren’t characterized by the punk-edged rock they’re famous for today. In the beginning, ska was the word, and that’s what they played, and it was good. In hindsight, a ska band in this part of the world was pretty visionary for the time, but it didn’t sell a lot of records. It wouldn’t start to pay off for a few years.

By the time we get to the reunion of the band, more than two decades pass, and sees a rise in lead singer Gwen Stefani ‘s solo work, and eventual decision to rejoin. It also sees her married to a band member, then married to the lead singer of Bush, and a lot of tabloid stories about her and her two kids. Her vibrato is still as deep as it ever was, and the edge in all things is still edgy. The styles have moved all over the musical map, and it all suggests that there’s much more to come from these kids from Anaheim.

May17

Having and Being a Mentor

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Having and Being a Mentor

It doesn’t take much living to realize that life can be hard. Often it is a roller coaster of up moments and down moments; though it seems like the down ones always hit the hardest and stay around the longest. It is during these times that people rely on friends and family to rejoice in the good times and to be supportive in the bad. However, sometimes that is just not enough. There are times in life, both good and bad, when individuals need someone to come alongside them and help guide them to the next step. Someone who has already walked through the tunnel and seen the light at the other end.

A mentor is someone, usually older, who has experienced firsthand many of the challenges and life experiences that you are facing. They can be helpful in many different aspects of life. When a young woman has her first child she often looks to an older women to help her learn her new role as mother. Often religious groups have mentoring programs to help new believers understand and learn their new faith.

Mentors are not just restricted to the personal aspects of life. Some businesses pair up new employees with more experienced employees to help them learn the ropes and understand what is expected of them. The Southwestern Company believes strongly in working together in a mentor relationship. Nearly all employees begin as summer interns and gradually work their way up. Even the president of the company started out as an intern. Eventually the interns begin recruiting other students and help them to find their place in the company. It is this close relationship between employees and interns that helps make Southwestern Company successful.

No matter what stage of life you are in, whether you are celebrating triumphs and facing defeat, you shouldn’t have to face it alone. In both the personal and professional arenas of life, having a mentor to share it with can sometimes make all of the difference.

Aug26

The Price of Corruption

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The Price of Corruption

The cost of corruption is such that it affects many different aspects of a culture, from the political arena, to the economic status, to the social ramifications, as well as the environment.  One of the greatest obstacles to the concept and the practice of democracy is corruption in any form.  Anti-corruption and anti-money laundering agencies have witnessed the effects that the consequences have on society first hand.  When members of political parties are found to be participating in corrupt activities, the entire system of democracy is threatened with illegitimacy.

In those societies wherein democracy is a new emergence this is particular harmful, as in a climate that is corrupt, the newly formed government has not had a chance to prove themselves and their leadership is immediately called into question.  When the government of a country or a region is called into such question, other reputable countries will be apprehensive in committing to association with that country, taking political and economic resources and transactions elsewhere.

This can seriously damage the economy of that nation.   This is felt in a variety of ways, including the cuts in financial funding as such projects as the construction of power plants and dams, oil refineries and pipelines.  As well as the projects of the infrastructure such as roads, hospitals and schools or the power and water supply of rural areas of the country.  Investments are deterred and the competition on the world market becomes distorted.  The most damaging effect however is what political corruption does to the very heart of the society.

People lose trust in those who are in the office of protecting their interests, their livelihood and their country.  The very fabric is ripped apart as apathy and frustration take hold of those who have become disillusioned.  This results in an overall weakening of the society.  Politicians may further the destruction, by in turn committing further acts of corruption and bribery in order to entice others to continue to have relations or business transactions with them.  It is a cycle that once begun, is difficult to end.

Aug10

Menorca History and Current Society

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Menorca History and Current Society

Menorca is a small Spanish Balearic Island in the Mediterranean Sea off the east coast of the mainland. The many megalithic stone monuments such as navetes, taules and talaiots are solid evidence prehistoric man once dwelled on this small island. Less than 100,000 permanent residents call Menorca home but tourists from all over the world come by the tens of thousands each year to enjoy the spectacular beauty of the rich, lush vegetation, the incredible sparkling blue waters, the peacefulness and calming effect of the many beaches with their clean white sand and breathtaking views.

Since the island is small, rent a car and drive yourself around, stopping where you want to stop, see what you want to see, all at such a leisurely, laid back pace. Lay under a big umbrella on the beach with a good book and a pillow for you will surely doze off in this tranquil paradise. This island lends itself so well for the need to just get away and leave all the cares of life and the world behind for a while. The quaint little fishing villages and historic towns are made for strolling and looking and the fabulous seafood is like no other anywhere. You have to treat yourself to some of the seafood delicacies. Even the King of Spain, Juan Carlos comes to Menorca on his yacht for fresh lobster. You know it has to be out of this world.

The extravagant hotels of the larger islands won’t be found here, but the hotels Menorca offers are very comfortable, the staff friendly and knowledgeable and the service is top quality. Young families and older adults appreciate this quiet island since there aren’t the all night bars and nightclubs. Teenagers and single adults on the other hand generally find Menorca a little boring. Good thing we are all different and there are fabulous places for all of us to celebrate and enjoy our differences. Visit Menorca and you will be rejuvenated and relaxed.