Gay Marriage Is A Big Problem - 848 Words

Gay marriage in America is a big problem in our world today, a lot of people in the Untied States and in our country’s do not believe in same sex Marriage. But the Untied State Supreme Court passed the bill for same sex marriage to be legal in all 50 states of America. But the real question is why is this a big situation in America or across the world? Why was so many people was against it? Well let me give you a few reason why it was a big problem in America. June 28, 1968 is when the gay right moment started in the USA, but the gay rights fight started before 1968 it was just brought to the for front of america in 1968. One of the reasons why the movement started because, in New York a gay bar was raid by police and was harassed for being gay and just trying to be who they are. But back in those day America was very religious I mean back in the 60’s you would be out cast if you had sex before marriage. But when they was trying to get the same sex law or bill if you wa nt to call it pass they had a lot of people that was fighting against them. The scriptures they would come up against all the time was Leviticus 20:13 â€Å"If a man also lie with mankind, as he leith with a woman, both of them have committed and abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.† Another scripture that would come up too was 1 Tim 1:8-10 â€Å"We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers andShow MoreRelatedThe Unconstitutionality of Banning Gay Marriage Essay1594 Words   |  7 PagesBanning gay marriage across the United States is directly against the constitution and violates the unalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The scumbags in the government however, make almost impossible to pass these laws for homosexual individuals. A man with reason like Aristotle for example, believes that the main duty of humans is to th e use the ability of reason and consciousness in the pursuit of the ultimate life good or happiness. Happiness is what we strive forRead MoreGay Marriage Should Be Legal1453 Words   |  6 Pagesunpunished, and in which discrimination is being written into our laws† John Conyers once said. Marriage is a sacred word that has been used through centuries to unite man and woman to become one through holy matrimony. This definition has been the same throughout time until recently. Recently society has come to the understanding that a marriage between man and woman is no longer the only form of marriage that can be performed. The definition has been elongated by also saying that the state of beingRead MoreLegalization of Gay Marriage Essay1285 Words   |  6 PagesLegalization of gay marriage has been a major controversial topic for a long time. Although, many people do not know what it means to be homosexual, most people do not know the actual definition of homosexuality and they do not know how difficult it is to be gay in this society. There are many reasons why people are against gay marriage and homosexuals all together. Most of the reasons are based on religious bias another big reason is being afraid of the unknown. Some smaller reasons are that beingRead MoreGay Marriage Should Be Legal in All States1632 Words   |  7 Pagesbeen Gay Marriage. Whether same-sex couples should be given the right to marry or even if same-sex couples should be given rights at all, this has been a contentious discussion which creates division and disunity throughout the country. The Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the Constitution guarantees a right to same-sex marriage. Gay marriage has been legalized in 17 states. But only 19 of 194 countries allow for gay marriage. Statistics show more than half the country supports Gay MarriageRead MoreGay Marriage : A Negative Effect On Society And How The Government Deals With It957 Words   |  4 PagesCarlos Ulloa Political Science 3346 Professor Chounlamountry November 29 2015 Gay Marriage My topic is about gay marriage and how is really has a negative effect on society and how the government deals with it. As society and our government goes through changes people of certain groups don’t really let us move on and develop as a nation of diversity. These people have a name and they belong to the cultural lag group which doesn’t let us move forward because for there way of thinking By having theRead MoreGay Marriage Should Not Be Condemned1108 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction There has been heated debate’s concerning gay marriage’s in the world. Some people support gay marriage while others do not. Gay marriage is a marital union that involves two adults of the same gender. For instance, a woman and another or marriage involving two men would constitute a gay marriage. Generally, this issue has been prevalent in the developed countries such as the United States; but it is a fact those kinds of marriages exist in other countries in the world over, only thatRead MoreArticle On Gay Marriage Rights1686 Words   |  7 PagesEnglish 101 10/25/16 Krietcsh Gay Marriage Rights Can you believe that in some parts of the world it is still illegal to be homosexual , or better yet to marry the person you love if they are the same sex as you? Many people use religion to try a stop gay marriage rights. But religion has nothing to do with the fact that it is every human being’s right to marry the person they love.Gay Marriage has always been around for example â€Å"Evidence exists that same-sex marriages were tolerated in parts of MesopotamiaRead MoreSame Sex Marriage Should Be Legal in All States1390 Words   |  5 PagesSame Sex Marriage Should Be Legal in All States When you see the word marriage, what do you see or think of? Majorities of Americans will see a man and a woman together. That’s because it is a tradition that marriage is between a man and a woman. Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone could marry the love of their life? Unfortunately, same sex marriage is banned in thirty-two states and only legalized in eighteen states. So why can’t gay and lesbian couples marry each other? Same sex marriage is protectedRead MoreThe Right of All: Legalize Same-Sex Marriage Essay1402 Words   |  6 Pagessomeone of the same sex. People live that live everyday of their lives, except opposite. The big question about same-sex marriage is if it should be legal or not, and why? The problem with same-sex marriage is that if the US allows it, we don’t know how the US would react. A big argument against same-sex marriage is that they shouldn’t be allowed to marry because they are not able to procreate. That problem has a simp le answer(s) and its called adoption, or artificial insemination. So although same-sexRead MoreLegalizing The Same Sex Marriage1118 Words   |  5 Pagesvariety of social problems and one of the most controversial issues is legalizing the homosexual marriage. The social movement for legalizing the same-sex marriage in U.S. started in the 1970s. People who support homosexual marriage carried on their campaign arguing that banning gay marriage is a ‘discrimination’, which is similar to the prohibition of racial intermarriage that existed in past. Since lots of homosexuals all around the world insist their basic rights of marriage, there are plenty

Analysis Of Frankenstein By Mary Shelley - 987 Words

Alienation is a product of society’s inherently discriminatory bias, catalyzed by our fear of the unknown in the realm of interpersonal conduct. Mary Shelley, in her novel, Frankenstein, dissects society’s unmerited demonization of individuals who defy—voluntarily or involuntarily—conventional norms. Furthermore, through her detailed parallel development of Frankenstein and his monster, Shelley personifies the tendency to alienate on the basis of physical deformity, thereby illustrating the role of the visual in the obfuscation of morality. Even Frankenstein, the monster’s creator, is blind to the innocence of the being he animates. Upon reflection, he recounts, â€Å"breathless horror and disgust filled my heart†¦ unable to endure the aspect of the being I created, I rushed out of the room† (35), yet this rationalization lacks material justification. Frankenstein, as the creator, is endowed with a responsibility for the being he escorts into the world, a basic social value accepted by all. Nevertheless, he alienates his monster from its first breath, claiming, â€Å"no mortal could support the horror of [its] countenance† (36). Shelley employs this ironic twist of social expectations in order to emphasize the ability of visual bias to distort the expression of morality. To abandon a child is perceived as immoral, but to abandon a monster, born into the world with neither hateful bias nor malicious intent is acceptable. He is innocent in every aspect of disposition, yet society greetsShow MoreR elatedAnalysis Of Frankenstein By Mary Shelley Essay1231 Words   |  5 Pages2016 Frankenstein Literary Analysis Power is the ability to control something or someone into doing what is given. Knowledge is the understanding of an idea, but not yet following through with it. You can have knowledge without power but the two combined usually result in a better outcome. Victor creates a monster which goes on rampages after they go separate ways. Because Victor originally left it and never later took control of it, unfortunate consequences occurred. In Frankenstein, by Mary ShelleyRead MoreAnalysis Of Frankenstein By Mary Shelley1755 Words   |  8 PagesFrankenstein An Analysis of the use of knowledge In the novel Frankenstein by Marry Shelley, it is apparent that a lack of knowledge along with an abundance of knowledge can lead to the destruction of relationships that are ideal for a happy life. The theme of corruption through knowledge is a recurring literary device throughout the novel. This corruption compels the reader to question whether or not it is beneficial to have the vast amount of knowledge that Victor has. Knowledge is a powerfulRead MoreAnalysis Of Mary Shelley s Frankenstein1411 Words   |  6 PagesIn the early 1800s Mary Shelley set pen to a paper and started to develop a novel that little to her knowledge would become world renowned. In 1818 she finished and published the novel to sell to the European public. The novel caught the world off guard in the way that a female was able to write about such harsh, dark, and evil things in a European society whose authors like John Locke and Charles Montesquieu preached enlightenment, self exploration, and individualism all in an optimistic enablingRead MoreAnalysis Of Mary Shelley s Frankenstein 1948 Words   |  8 PagesThere are many critical analyses to Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Two of these analyses bring forth varied interpretations. Sandra M. Gilbert and Susan Gubar wrote â€Å"Mary Shelley’s Monstrous Eve.† Anne K. Mellor wrote â€Å"Possessing Nature: The Female in Frankenstein.† Gilbert and Gubar argue that Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein from the influence of her family in order to represent her personal life and life events. Mellor argues that the author wrote Frankenstein in order to represent many themes uponRead MoreAnalysis Of Mary Shelley s Frankenstein1615 Words   |  7 Pagesa whole and how accurate a depiction they might think it to be, they will miss out on many of the qualities of the painting that reside below the immediately apparent surface level. Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a text dedicated to expounding upon the dangers of such superficial analysis. In Frankenstein, Mary Shelley openly condemns the surface level and appearance oriented methodology under which the human mind operates. The very protagonist of the novel is inspired solely by reputation and howRead MoreAnalysis Of Mary Shelley s Frankenstein 1758 Words   |  8 PagesFrankenstein was published over 200 years ago. Ever since it was published, it has been one of the most famous books known to literature. History.com Staff states that this book, by 21-year-old Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, is frequently called the world’s first science fiction novel (History.com Staff). According to Wikipedia, Shelley was an English novelist. She was born August 30th, 1797. She died on February 1st, 1951 (Wikipedia). Shelley came up with the idea of Frankenstein as she andRead MoreAnalysis Of Prometheus And Frankenstein By Mary Shelley Essay1996 Words   |  8 PagesPrometheus and Frankenstein both written in two different centuries I will show that our mentality hasn’t changes much in regards to monsters. While Prometheus and Frankenstein are, both consider monsters, Prometheus deals with trying to help humanity and Frankenstein deals with trying to find an understanding of why he was created. Both are considered monsters because of their actions. In the book Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, there is an article entitled Psychoanalytic Criticism and Frankenstein. In thisRead MoreAnalysis Of Frankenstein By Mary Shelley1449 Words   |  6 PagesDuality Makes The Man: What It Takes to Be Human in Frankenstein In her nineteenth century novel Frankenstein, Mary Shelley explores the characteristics of humanity, illuminates societal influences on development, and challenges the traditional biological definition of human through character developments and interactions. Particularly, she focuses on the characterization of the creature and his creator, pitting an ugly, malformed giant against an educated, dedicated scientist to establish a surprisingRead MoreAnalysis Of Frankenstein By Mary Shelley1372 Words   |  6 Pageshumanity. Although not in the technological age, the characters in Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, experience isolation due to bad choices or the opinions of society. Yet, the true evil in Frankenstein is not the characters, but isolation itself. When one is disengaged from family and society, egotism, violence, and revenge occur. Victor Frankenstein decides to abandon his family for six years in order to focus on his quest for glory. Frankenstein became focused on creating a scientific miracle that he isolatesRead MoreAnalysis Of Frankenstein By Mary Shelley1590 Words   |  7 PagesIn this sense, she was actually quite similar to Frankenstein’s monster from the novel, Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley. The monster is brought to life by Victor Frankenstein only to be abandoned moments after his creation. Desperate to find companionship and make sense of the world, the monster ventures off on his own, only to be shunned by society because of â€Å"hideous† appearance and â€Å"gigantic† stature (Shelley). Miserably alone in a cruel world, the monster extracts his revenge on his creator by killing

The Controversy Surrounding Oral Contraception - 2254 Words

The combined oral contraceptive pill was invented in the 1950s. During the first ten years of its existence it remained a purchasable method of contraception. This was until the 1960s as the Ministry of Health then permitted doctors to prescribe the drug if they sought necessary courtesy of the National Health Service. From then, the popularity of the pill had risen tremendously and by the late 1960s over 15% of married British women were using the pill. Its rapid popularity was not restricted to the United Kingdom as at the same time 2% of the female population worldwide relied on the pill as birth control. These figures continued to rise, and after the 1970s the pill in Britain became a dominant method of contraception (Marks, V, L,†¦show more content†¦Although it was eventually embraced by all classes, a trend where the majority of lower class women took the pill failed to arise. It became acceptable and popular for all genres of women; such a reaction was unanticipated. Media exposure imposed expectations and hopes onto the public which failed to reflect reality. When such expectations were not met doubts were inflicted onto the pill and questions concerning its uselessness were raised spurring further debate and controversy. During the growth of the pills popularity, the ideology of a woman was one devoted to her husband and children. The pill offered women freedom and independence. Women could build careers and focus on things other than families, which challenged this ideology created by the media. As more women took the pill, fewer women did what society expected of them. Women were seen as rebelling against traditional norms and values. Anxieties grew because the nature of women was changing, and its effects were unknown. Controversy stemmed from this because the illustration of women through the media was not matching reality and the pill was pinned as the cause. The media had yet again created expectations of women, and the growth of the pill led to the increasing of such expectations failing to be met. One particular expectation of women was a commitment to their romantic partners. A major topic of the controversy regarding the contraceptive pill is concerned with the idea that itShow MoreRelate dThe Affordable Care Act ( Aca )1674 Words   |  7 Pagescapability without having to pay a co-insurance, co-payment or a deductible. The covered forms of contraceptives include, but not limited to, hormonal oral birth control pills and emergency after intercourse pills as well as intrauterine devices (IUDs).3 However, some religious organizations were exempted from providing coverage of contraception as it violates their religious beliefs. Effective August 1, 2013, any health plan established or maintained by a religious employer, defined as ‘‘an employerRead MoreControl Over Having Children1817 Words   |  7 Pageswomen should have control over when and if, they want to become parents. However, this is easier said than done. There are many ways to prevent or terminate a pregnancy, but are disputed with ethics, religion, and biology. There is a lot of controversy surrounding women’s opinion to be pro-life or pro-choice. One of the most famous examples of government involvement in the matter of women’s reproductive health is Roe v. Wade. In 1973, Roe v. Wade ruled it was unconstitutional to ban abortions exceptRead MoreThe Necessity of Health Education Essay2268 Words   |  10 Pagesmost controversial subjects taught in schools throughout the United States. Ma ny people argue that the topics discussed in health classes do not have appropriate content for middle school and high school students to be learning. Despite the controversy surrounding these topics, health education is still an extremely important aspect of the middle school and high school curricula. Children are being exposed to alcohol, tobacco, and various drugs at earlier ages than ever before. Health education is theRead MoreWomen Gender Roles2496 Words   |  10 Pagesput in place that attempted to control sexual behavior, including the use of contraceptives. Until 1965, for example, the use of birth control was illegal in the state of Connecticut. Therefore, it was evident that the socially constructed ideas surrounding sex and sexuality during this period were in desperate need of transformation. The first crack came from sexologist Alfred Charles Kinsey, who felt that there was an incredible amount of fear, ignorance, and shame regarding sex. He was determinedRead More RU-486: The Abortion Pill Essay3640 Words   |  15 Pageshas approved RU-486 in the United States, people with these conditions may also have access to this drug. History of RU-486 RU-486 has been a greatly controversial topic ever since it was developed in 1980 in France. Looking back on the controversy over the drug one reporter writes, The road toward FDA approval for the abortion pill RU-486, or mifepristone, has spanned two decades and has been cluttered with at-times bitter, contentious battles between those against abortion rights and pro-choiceRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 PagesE SSAYS ON TWENTIETH-C ENTURY H ISTORY In the series Critical Perspectives on the Past, edited by Susan Porter Benson, Stephen Brier, and Roy Rosenzweig Also in this series: Paula Hamilton and Linda Shopes, eds., Oral History and Public Memories Tiffany Ruby Patterson, Zora Neale Hurston and a History of Southern Life Lisa M. Fine, The Story of Reo Joe: Work, Kin, and Community in Autotown, U.S.A. Van Gosse and Richard Moser, eds., The World the Sixties Made: Politics and Culture

thurgood marshall Essay Example For Students

thurgood marshall Essay THURGOOD MARSHALL, associate justiceMr. Civil Rights1)Life til Death:1908 1993(specific date insignificant)Dates on Supreme Court:1967 19912)Great grandfather was slaveGrandfather, Isaiah Williams, organized demonstrations to protest police brutality against African Americanstherefore, from young age, Thurgood felt responsibility to live up to legendary deeds of ancestorsThurgood and father went to courthouse to watch white lawyers and white judges argue cases involving mostly African American defendants Father always discussed court cases at dinner tableFather once said that one day discrimination would be outlawed cause U.S. Constitution promised it, and he had faith in the ConstitutionGrowing upThurgood had to use restrooms labeled colored1930: applied to University of Maryland Law Schooldenied admission due to skin colorHocutt v. The University of North Carolina: Hastie (Thurgoods professor) argued that Hocutt cannot be denied admission based upon race using 14th amendment..this case brought about new way to fight civil rights casesthis case, which Thurgood helped on, only strengthened his determination to fight injusticeThurgood lost case involving man in robbery and murderman was executed and this increased his opposition to the death penalty even moreLost Seventh grade student v. Baltimore County Board of Education: Maryland court ruled that school had right to reject student based on skin color3)Began career as counsel to Baltimore branch of National Association for the Advan cement of Colored People (NAACP)1936:joined national legal staff1938:became Chief Legal Officer1961:JFK appoints Marshall to U.S. Court of Appeals for 2nd Circuit1965:LBJ appoints Marshall Solicitor General of U.S. 1967:After nomination from LBJ, Marshalls appointment to U.S. Supreme Court confirmed by 69-11 vote, opposition were Southern senators4)Liberal, whose commitment to equality expanded through the yearsfavored liberal, expansive holdings on constitutional rights, especially those relating to individual liberties and the rights of racial minorities. Together with Justice Brennan, whom he frequently joined in dissent, Marshall was half of the most consistently liberal pair of the recent Court. (Galub and Lankevich, p.258)5)Bee not sure on this but he tryNixon, Ford, Bush, and Reagan were Republican presidents in office when Marshall was justicethey appointed conservative justices most of timeMarshall usually wrote dissenting opinionsme guess court was conservative6)William Rehnquist John Paul StevensWilliam Brennan (Marshall pal in voting most of time)Sandra Day O ConnerAntonin Scalia Harry Blackmun7)1935: Wins first major civil rights case, Murray v. Pearson1944:Wins Smith v. Allwright, outlaws Texas Democratic Partys white primary1950:Sweatt v. Painter and McLaurin v. Oklahoma State Regeants, separate but equal facilities for African American professionals and graduate students in state universities are unconstitutional 1954:Wins Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, declares racial segregation in U.S. public schools unconstitutional1972:Furman v. Georgia: did not vote with majoritysaid eath penalty was most often against minorities and the poor1973:Roe v.Wade: voted with majorityanti-abortion laws forced women to bear children who would suffer in misery and poverty1978:Regents of the University of California v. Bakke: did not vote with majorityfavored affirmative action programs8)In the hood when Thurgood was growing up, lighter skin was better than darker skin Although his parents were mulattos and, therefore, his skin was light, he refused to take part in black-against-black prejudiceAccepted cases even if clients could not paycivil rights, not money, was reason he in businessEqual means getting the same thing, at the same time and in the same place.Williams directions to Thurgood:If anybody calls you a nigger, you not only got my permission to fight him you got my orders.First African American Solicitor General and Justice to sit on the CourtWaiter on railroad: U.S. Senator wants service and keeps calling Thurgood niggerHis father hears this and said, Thurgood, you are a disgrace to the colored people! Thurgood didnt mind much because when Senator was done he left $20 tips Any time you wanna call me nigger, you just put your $20 on this table. And you can keep doing it all day. But the second you run outta them 20s, Im gonna bust you in the nose.9)Clarence Thomas replaced Thurgood Marshall

Siddhartha/ Into the wild Essay Example

Siddhartha/ Into the wild Essay Name: Course: Lecturer: Date: We will write a custom essay sample on Siddhartha/ Into the wild specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Siddhartha/ Into the wild specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Siddhartha/ Into the wild specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Siddhartha/ Into the wild People often find the need to seek for the meaning of life. They do this after realizing that there has to be more to life, than what they are currently experiencing. Individuals use different means to find out the meaning of life. Some seek enlightenment, and they travel on journeys, which they hope will give them the experiences and wisdom they need. This is the case of the main characters in Siddhartha and Into the Wild. In the story of Siddhartha, by Hermann Hesse, the main character, Siddhartha, leaves his family in search of an enlightened life. He encounters many people and he has many experiences. He sometimes diverts from his quest but he finds his way back. In the end, he manages to find what he is looking for, after which he lives a contented life. In the story Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer, the main character, Christopher McCandles chooses to travel with no clear direction. He does not seem to have a specific agenda in mind. His story does not have a good ending, since he ends up dead. Siddhartha and McCandles show some similarities in their character, though they are also different in many ways Both characters experience a life of affluence and they live comfortably before embarking on their journey. Siddhartha comes from a wealthy and loving family and he has good friends (Bloom and Hobby 199). He does not lack anything in his life, but he feels that his current lifestyle has no meaning. He discovers that having material wealth does not mean that one is living his life’s purpose. He decides to embark on a challenging journey, for he does not know what lies ahead of him. Both characters are determined and persistent in their quest. They are willing to go through with their journey despite the challenges they encounter. They are able to overcome distractions along their path. Siddhartha becomes distracted when he starts earning money and living his previous life. However, he realizes that he does not want to be held down by earthly pressures, and he decides to continue with his journey, abandoning his wife and son in the process. McCandles meets an electrician on his journey, who tries to convince him to forego his plans. Although the advice is wise, he does not listen to the man and he chooses to continue with his journey. They both sacrifice something so that they can achieve their purpose. McCandles donates money to a charity organization. He leaves his qualifications, abandons his home, car, and his possessions. Siddhartha gives all his worldly possessions. They both abandon their families and friends. The characters are also similar in that they let other people in their lives as they go along with their journey. These people enhance their experiences in different ways. For instance, the ferryman helps Siddhartha acquire his state of enlightenment. Both characters experience challenges along the way. McCandles suffers from hunger and he has run-ins with the law. He experiences a heat wave, and he almost drowns in the river. He goes for days without food and he has to hunt and eat wild fruits to survive. Siddhartha’s main challenge begins by seeking the blessings of his father, who has a hard time letting his son go. The challenges serve different purposes for the characters. The challenges are a way for the characters to develop endurance and learn. Siddhartha is able to confront these challenges and incorporate them in his life, using them as learning tools (Bloom and Hobby 198). The characters are different in several ways. For instance, Siddhartha involves his parents by informing them of his intention. He convinces his father on the reason for taking the journey and he seeks his blessings. McCandles does things differently. He does not inform his family where he is going and he does not keep in contact with them, although he keeps in contact with the strangers he meets along the way (Spurr and Cameron 245). The characters are also different in the way they structure their journey. Siddhartha begins his journey by having an idea of how he is going to achieve what he is searching. He follows and befriends people who seem to have what he is searching. This makes him realize a positive end to his journey. McCandles does not have a clear idea of where he is headed. The two characters have a common purpose, as they seek to find a meaningful life. They are both from wealthy families, and they choose to abandon their wealth for the sake of accomplishing their goals. They experience challenges that build their resolve and help them in different ways. They also have some difference, especially in the way they treat their families and in the clear direction of their purpose. These characters show that in some cases, one has to be willing to make sacrifices and learn from the challenges that he or she experiences, so that he can achieve his or her purpose. Works Cited Bloom, Harold and Blake Hobby. Enslavement and Emancipation. New York, NY: Infobase Publishing, 2010. Print Ebert, Roger. Roger Ebert’s Four Star Reviews–1967-2007. Kansas, MS: Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2008. Print Hesse, Hermann. Siddhartha. New York, NY: New Directions Publishing, 2010. Print Kraukauer, Jon. Into the Wild. London, United Kingdom: Pan Macmillan UK, 2007. Print Spurr, Barry and Lloyd Cameron. Excel HSC Standard English. Australia: Pascal Press, 2004. Print

The Road to Kickstarter †A Newbies Journey

The Road to Kickstarter – A Newbies Journey Kristys Quilt is a heartwarming quilt adventure based on a true story featuring 10 year old Kristy, a spunky little quilter who blossoms at the In Stitches Quilting Retreat. A picture book for ages 2-92. And Im funding it on Kickstarter. Have you been wondering what’s all the fuss about crowd funding? Well, you’re not alone. Kickstarter (KS) is a way to fund creative projects. It is NOT an easy way to get free money. I faced these questions on my road to Kickstarter, to gain a platform and funds for Kristy’s Quilt, questions (and answers) that might serve you well in your crowdfunding journey: 1.  Is my book worthy of publishing? You have to know the truth, so find a professional editor. Picture book editors with great websites were either too busy or too expensive, so I asked them to recommend emerging editors they know. I ended up with several to choose from at a reasonable price.    2.  Can I launch a KS campaign myself? The process is clear and simple. But, I found a KS manager to help create funding goals, edit my video, manage backers, updates and much more. A manager generally takes 15-30 percent of funds raised in a successful project or nothing, if the project isn’t funded. Do not choose a manager requiring payment if the goal is not met. 3.  What about contracts? I signed contracts with my KS manager and book illustrator to cover art deadlines, fee schedules and a contingency plan. No contract required for the self-publishing company; I retain all rights. 4.  How do I create a timeline? I chose a major sales event, the National Quilt Show, and worked my way back. Factor in the time for illustrations, to create backer rewards, and to print and ship. I chose a five-month timeline and launched on Valentine’s Day to make it memorable. 5.  How do I determine my funding goal? Be realistic. You need funds to fulfill backer orders, cover the costs of the project and have print books to sell. Avoid a lofty goal that can’t be backed. You can raise more than your goal, but not less, at least on Kickstarter. 6.  How do I create backer levels? Research successful picture book projects and back some to understand the process. I chose backer levels from $5, a pledge of support, up to the $500 legacy level with rewards from every previous level plus the backer’s name in the book. 7.  What if the project isn’t successful? Backers are charged nothing if the goal is not met, so you can end the project, relaunch another KS campaign at a later date, or find a way to fund the project yourself with a loan or investor. Either way, honor any contracts. A KS project is essentially a market test to determine the demand for your book. If you can’t sell it on KS then you may need to rethink your book and make it better. Be transparent in your campaign with clear updates for backers so they understand if there is any delay. A great way to learn about Kickstarter is to back a project. For as little as $5 you can support Kristy’s Quilt from February 14, 2014 to March 14, 2014. Visit www.kickstarter.com and search Kristy’s Quilt. Or simply go to: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1295648186/a-spunky-little-quilter-blossoms-in-kristys-quilt My KS manager? Heidi Berthiaume. Look for her new book The Kickstarter Companion Answers to Questions You Didn’t Know You Had launching on KS this March.

10 Things Successful People Do on Sunday Nights

10 Things Successful People Do on Sunday Nights Most people find that they dread Sunday evenings. The almost-time-to-go-back-to-work blues set in and the whole world seems to get a little bit more bleak. Even if you love your job, you’re probably not too jazzed about your weekend being over. But the secret to truly successful people, of course, is that they never stop working. And the hours between the weekend and the new workweek are almost always wasted. What if you could put them to better use?Here are a few strategies to get a leg up on the week ahead and set yourself up to be a huge success- or just make sure you use the leisure time available to you to maximize your enjoyment of your free time- which will refresh you best for whatever Monday brings.1. Have FunSuccessful people understand their weekday time constraints, and so they make sure to pack their weekend full of things that will relax and rejuvenate them. See family and friends. Do your favorite activities. And save something really fun for last. That way youà ¢â‚¬â„¢ll be extra focused on the fun part of Sunday night, rather than the less fun part of Monday morning. End on a high note!2. Work OutNever underestimate the power of endorphins. Do a bit of yoga, or a gym class, or a tennis game. You’ll find it centers you for the week ahead.3. Get OrganizedSit down with your calendar and start to plan things for the coming week. Set yourself goals and task lists. Just make sure not to stress yourself out.4. Eat HealthyAvoid the temptation to pig out on nacho pizzas. Try making a healthy evening meal instead. You’ll feel lighter and brighter when your alarm goes off on Monday morning.5. Catch UpSunday night can be a great time to catch up on all the emails, phone calls, and texts you’ve had to dodge during your busy workweek.6. UnplugPut down your phone. Shut your laptop. Don’t check your emails or your texts. Read a book instead, or watch a movie. Reflect on the week behind you and the week ahead. Disconnect for a minute before you have to plunge back into the world.7. VolunteerSundays are a great time to give back. Do something meaningful with your last free day. Put a little time and energy into helping others and your good vibes will carry you through.8. Tidy UpIf your week is super busy, chances are that is reflected in the state of your bag and wallet- crammed with bits of detritus and crumpled receipts. Clean out and reorganize. Make it look good for Monday morning and you’ll feel an extra boost. While you’re at it, try the same trick on your fridge. Toss out expired food and wipe your shelves.9. PlanPlan your outfits for the week. Your grocery list. Your breakfast! That leaves your morning free for clear thinking and concentrating on your day.10. SleepQuality sleep (and a good quantity of sleep) is crucial. You probably aren’t always able to get as much as you’d like. Make sure to make up for that on Sunday evenings.