Nowadays there is a great number of newspapers published in our country. Almost in each province we have one or more newspapers published daily.
There are two types of newspapers : national and regional newspapers. National newspapers report the news based on what happens in the entire country. Regional newspapers report the news from the province or a certain city or town. But both types of newspapers describe what happens in the country and in other countries.
The arrangement of the newspaper usually consists of headlines, editorials, articles, classified ads, sports, and lighter sides. The headlines are usually important pieces of news of the day. The editorial expresses the newspapers's opinion on a certain issue. The articles can be in various forms: economy and business, development, religion, law, crime, and any other aspects of people's affairs. The classified ads contain various announcements and advertisements for job vacancies, services, offers, bargains, sales and other odd needs. The sport page informs the reader of various news and events on sports, names of athletes and their achievements, and others. The lighter side usually contains fun items such as puzzles, crossword pieces, jokes, anecdotes, etc.
Whatever form and type newspaper takes, it must prepare and present the news as interestingly as possible. We have the belief that the newspaper must inform our people about our development programs. Although there are many kinds of newspapers, all of them are important for us. They help us keep up with what is happening around us.
Minggu, 08 Agustus 2010
Sabtu, 07 Agustus 2010
Banking on the Poor
For many people, there seems to be no escape from poverty ; in other words, they are poor, and they have no hope that this will ever change. In addition, they have the social problems of poverty. Imagine this situation : A poor woman has an idea for a small business to lift her and her family out of poverty. She needs a little money to begin this business. She goes to a bank to borrow the money, and the banker interviews her. At this bank, as at most banks, the borrower must meet three necessary conditions : character, capacity, and collateral. That is, if this woman wants to borrow money from the bank, she must show that she (1) is honest (has character), (2) is able to run her business (has capacity), and (3) owns a house, land, or something valuable (collateral) for the bank to take if she can't pay back the money. So what happens to the woman? The bank won't lend her the money because she doesn't have any collateral.
One possible solution these days is microlending. This is a system of special banks and programs that are loaning money to people in "borrowing groups." For example, an international organization called Good Faith lends small amounts of money to people who want to go into business. Each person must do two things to borrow money : take classes in business and join a borrowing group. This is a group of microentrepreneurs-i.e., people who own and run their own small business. Everyone in the group must approve the loan of every other group member, or Good Faith won't lend the money. To receive a loan from Good Faith, people still must have character. They find capacity in the business classes. But collateral is not necessary any longer. Instead of collateral, there is peer pressure; i.e., group members make sure that each person pays back his or her loan. They want to keep their "good name" and continue doing business with Good Faith.
Good Faith has had many successes and only a few failures. In Pine Bluff, Arkansas, a small town in the United States, one person was able to open a hair salon, another a plant shop, and another a car decorating business-all with loans from Good Faith. In a developing country such as Bangladesh, a person can begin a small business with only $10 to $15.Because of many small loans from Good Faith, there are now 1.6 million new entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.Of course, not all these loans were a success. At first, Good Faith lend half of the money to men and half to women. Unfortunately, most of the Bangladeshi men spent the money on themselves, not the business. Now Good Faith does business mainly with women's borrowing groups in that country.
In any country, women are the poorest of the poor. They produce more than half of the world's food, but they own just one percent of the world's land. They are 51 percent of the world's population, but very, very little money goes to programs to help them. In the late 1980s, Anne Firth Murray took the initiative and began the Global Fund for Women. This fund now has more than $3 million. It has given money to over 400 women's groups in 94 countries. Unlike Good Faith, which helps people begin businesses, the Global Fund for Women helps to solve social problems-e.g., violence and lack of education. For instance, the fund has helped a group of Palestinian and Jewish women who are working together to stop violence against women. It is giving money to a woman in a village in southern India ; she has started a literacy program to teach poor women to read.
Good Faith and the Global Fund for Women have a lesson for banks around the world : It's a "safe bet" to lend money to the poor. With careful planning, education, and cooperation, most people use the money well and then plow the money and knowledge back into their communities.There is hope that they can begin to break the cycle of poverty for themselves, their families, and society. (Elaine Kim & Pamela Hartmann : 1997).
One possible solution these days is microlending. This is a system of special banks and programs that are loaning money to people in "borrowing groups." For example, an international organization called Good Faith lends small amounts of money to people who want to go into business. Each person must do two things to borrow money : take classes in business and join a borrowing group. This is a group of microentrepreneurs-i.e., people who own and run their own small business. Everyone in the group must approve the loan of every other group member, or Good Faith won't lend the money. To receive a loan from Good Faith, people still must have character. They find capacity in the business classes. But collateral is not necessary any longer. Instead of collateral, there is peer pressure; i.e., group members make sure that each person pays back his or her loan. They want to keep their "good name" and continue doing business with Good Faith.
Good Faith has had many successes and only a few failures. In Pine Bluff, Arkansas, a small town in the United States, one person was able to open a hair salon, another a plant shop, and another a car decorating business-all with loans from Good Faith. In a developing country such as Bangladesh, a person can begin a small business with only $10 to $15.Because of many small loans from Good Faith, there are now 1.6 million new entrepreneurs in Bangladesh.Of course, not all these loans were a success. At first, Good Faith lend half of the money to men and half to women. Unfortunately, most of the Bangladeshi men spent the money on themselves, not the business. Now Good Faith does business mainly with women's borrowing groups in that country.
In any country, women are the poorest of the poor. They produce more than half of the world's food, but they own just one percent of the world's land. They are 51 percent of the world's population, but very, very little money goes to programs to help them. In the late 1980s, Anne Firth Murray took the initiative and began the Global Fund for Women. This fund now has more than $3 million. It has given money to over 400 women's groups in 94 countries. Unlike Good Faith, which helps people begin businesses, the Global Fund for Women helps to solve social problems-e.g., violence and lack of education. For instance, the fund has helped a group of Palestinian and Jewish women who are working together to stop violence against women. It is giving money to a woman in a village in southern India ; she has started a literacy program to teach poor women to read.
Good Faith and the Global Fund for Women have a lesson for banks around the world : It's a "safe bet" to lend money to the poor. With careful planning, education, and cooperation, most people use the money well and then plow the money and knowledge back into their communities.There is hope that they can begin to break the cycle of poverty for themselves, their families, and society. (Elaine Kim & Pamela Hartmann : 1997).
Jumat, 06 Agustus 2010
The Power of the Mass Media
The mass media can have a great influence on the life of people. The newspaper, radio, and television are so common today that they can reach a large number of audience in a large size of space. At the minimum, they give information and knowledge to us. At the maximum, they can change our opinion, attitudes, and behaviours. Here is an example to show you how powerful the mass media can be.
This is the story of a poor family who became famous and fortunate within two weeks because of the power of the mass media. The family lived in a small village in a small town in East Java. The family consisted of parents and 5 children. So, it was very hard for the parents to live day by day. Now, they were expecting their sixth baby. Suddenly they became a big family when the mother gave birth to quintuplets, 3 girl babies and two boy babies. On the following day, reporters came from all major newspapers, radio, and television stations. The village became very crowded. Many other people came to look at the five babies. The event filled the headlines of the newspapers. The family could be very soon seen on television screens through out the country. Contribution in the forms of mone, gifts, baby clothes, milk, baby food, and other articles for babies were given by many people, offices, factories, newspapers, and radio stations. Even two ministers from the government gave some money and food, too. In a short time, the family became famous and rich.
This is the story of a poor family who became famous and fortunate within two weeks because of the power of the mass media. The family lived in a small village in a small town in East Java. The family consisted of parents and 5 children. So, it was very hard for the parents to live day by day. Now, they were expecting their sixth baby. Suddenly they became a big family when the mother gave birth to quintuplets, 3 girl babies and two boy babies. On the following day, reporters came from all major newspapers, radio, and television stations. The village became very crowded. Many other people came to look at the five babies. The event filled the headlines of the newspapers. The family could be very soon seen on television screens through out the country. Contribution in the forms of mone, gifts, baby clothes, milk, baby food, and other articles for babies were given by many people, offices, factories, newspapers, and radio stations. Even two ministers from the government gave some money and food, too. In a short time, the family became famous and rich.
Kamis, 05 Agustus 2010
The Psychology of Money (II)
People can be addicted to different things--e.g., alcohol,drugs,certain foods, or even television. People who have such an addiction are compulsive; i.e., they have an unusually powerful psychological need that they feel they must satisfy. According to psychologists, many people are compulsive spenders; they feel they must spend money. This compulsion, like most others, is irrational-impossible to explain reasonably. For example, most people look for sales, low prices, and discounts in order to save money. This is “healthy” bargain hunting. But compulsive bargain hunters often buy things that they don’t need just because the merchandise is cheap. When they can buy something-anything-for less than other people, they feel that they are winning a kind of game. For compulsive spenders who buy on credit, charge accounts are even more exciting than money. In other words, compulsive spenders feel that with credit, they can do anything. Their pleasure in spending enormous amounts is actually greater than the pleasure that they get from the things they buy.
Psychologists often use a method called "behavior therapy" to help individuals solve their personality problems. In the same way, they can help people who feel that they have problems with money: They give them "assignments". If a person is a compulsive spender, for instance, a therapist might teach him self-discipline in this way : On the first day of his therapy, he must go into a store, stay five minutes, and then leave. On the second day, he should stay for ten minutes and try something on. On the third day, he stays for fifteen minutes and asks the salesclerk a question but does not buy anything. Soon he will learn that nothing bad will happen to him if he doesn't buy anything, and he can solve the problem of his compulsive buying.
Psychologists often use a method called "behavior therapy" to help individuals solve their personality problems. In the same way, they can help people who feel that they have problems with money: They give them "assignments". If a person is a compulsive spender, for instance, a therapist might teach him self-discipline in this way : On the first day of his therapy, he must go into a store, stay five minutes, and then leave. On the second day, he should stay for ten minutes and try something on. On the third day, he stays for fifteen minutes and asks the salesclerk a question but does not buy anything. Soon he will learn that nothing bad will happen to him if he doesn't buy anything, and he can solve the problem of his compulsive buying.
Rabu, 04 Agustus 2010
Our Changing Lifestyles: Trends
These days urban lifestyles seem to change very fast. It is more than just clothing and hairstyles that are in style one year and out of date the next; it's a whole way of living. One year people wear sunglasses on top of their heads and wear jeans and boots; they drink white wine and eat sushi at Japanese restaurants; for exercise they jog several miles a day. However, the next year everything has changed. Women wear long skirts;people drink expensive water from France and eat pasta at Italian restaurants; everyone seems to be exercising at health clubs. Then, suddenly, it has changed again. People wear only natural fabric (safe for the environment) ; they drink gourmet coffee and eat Thai food; for both leisure and exercise, they go rollerblading.
Almost nothing in modern life escapes the influence of fashion;food,music,exercise,books, slangwords, movies, furniture, places to visit, even names go in and out of fashion. For a while, it seems that all new parents are naming their babies Heather, Dawn, Eric, or Adam. These names are "in". Then, suddenly, these same names are "out", and Tiffany and Jason are "in". It's almost impossible to write about specific fads because these interests that people enthuasiastically follow can change very quickly.
Almost nothing in modern life escapes the influence of fashion;food,music,exercise,books, slangwords, movies, furniture, places to visit, even names go in and out of fashion. For a while, it seems that all new parents are naming their babies Heather, Dawn, Eric, or Adam. These names are "in". Then, suddenly, these same names are "out", and Tiffany and Jason are "in". It's almost impossible to write about specific fads because these interests that people enthuasiastically follow can change very quickly.
Selasa, 03 Agustus 2010
Workaholism: A National Syndrome?
When an American president takes a vacation, his assistants usually emphasize to news reporters the work that he does during his vacation. In contrast, when the prime minister of Japan took a vacation a while ago, his aides emphasized to the press that his purpose was relaxation-no work at all. In Japan's newspapers and on radio and TV, the press reported the prime minister's activities during his time off : He went to parties, took walks in the forest, read books, and played golf and tennis.
Many Japanese do not seem to think that leisure is important ; they take their jobs so seriously that they are sometimes considered the world's greatest workaholics. Labor statistics show that the average Japanese worker puts in about 2,150 hours a year at work. In the United States, the average worker puts in about 1,900 hours a year. In Germany, the figure is about 1,610. In Japan, the six-day work week is common, and many people stay on the job until 10.30 or 11:00 each night. Many people, especially employers, do not take their annual vacations. In most of the world, people believe that leisure time is an important part of life. But for many Japanese "leisure" is not "a time for relaxation, away from work", as it is in most countries; they see it as a waste of time.
By talking a truly leisurely vacation, the prime minister was basically telling the people of Japan,"It's okay to relax and to enjoy yourselves." This was an important lesson for two main reasons. First, leisure is important for emotional and physical health and for a happy family life. Second,leisure is important for the Japanese economy, which exports more than it imports. If the people of Japan work less and spend more, there will be a better balance of exports and imports.
It will be interesting to see if there is a true change in the Japanese attitude to work and leisure. Some people believe that nothing will really change; they say that Japanese workaholics of the future might seem to be relaxing when they are actually working, in the same way that they do these days. For example, businessmen of today often spend late nights at nightclubs, where they eat and drink and have a good time; however, the main purpose of these evenings on the town is to discuss business. Another activity that allows businesspeople to appear to relax while they are actually discussing business is golf. Some people say that the Japanese seem to work very hard at relaxing!
Many Japanese do not seem to think that leisure is important ; they take their jobs so seriously that they are sometimes considered the world's greatest workaholics. Labor statistics show that the average Japanese worker puts in about 2,150 hours a year at work. In the United States, the average worker puts in about 1,900 hours a year. In Germany, the figure is about 1,610. In Japan, the six-day work week is common, and many people stay on the job until 10.30 or 11:00 each night. Many people, especially employers, do not take their annual vacations. In most of the world, people believe that leisure time is an important part of life. But for many Japanese "leisure" is not "a time for relaxation, away from work", as it is in most countries; they see it as a waste of time.
By talking a truly leisurely vacation, the prime minister was basically telling the people of Japan,"It's okay to relax and to enjoy yourselves." This was an important lesson for two main reasons. First, leisure is important for emotional and physical health and for a happy family life. Second,leisure is important for the Japanese economy, which exports more than it imports. If the people of Japan work less and spend more, there will be a better balance of exports and imports.
It will be interesting to see if there is a true change in the Japanese attitude to work and leisure. Some people believe that nothing will really change; they say that Japanese workaholics of the future might seem to be relaxing when they are actually working, in the same way that they do these days. For example, businessmen of today often spend late nights at nightclubs, where they eat and drink and have a good time; however, the main purpose of these evenings on the town is to discuss business. Another activity that allows businesspeople to appear to relax while they are actually discussing business is golf. Some people say that the Japanese seem to work very hard at relaxing!
Senin, 02 Agustus 2010
Workaholism
Most workers spend eight or nine hours on the job. They work because it's unavoidable.They need to make enough money for necessities : food, rent, clothing, transportation, tuition, and so on. They spend about one-third of their lives at work, buy they hate it. They complain and count the minutes until quitting time each day-or the days until their next vacation. The situation is even worse for white-collar workers in powerful positions. In many companies, they often put in over sixty hours a week and don't take vacations at all. To keep their jobs or get ahead, they feel they have to put in "face time"--to stay late at the office just to make sure the boss knows they' re there.
By contrast, there are some people who actually enjoy work--in fact, they love to work. They spend many extra hours on the job each week and often take work home with them. These workaholics are as addicted to their jobs as other people are to drugs or alcohol.
Workaholism can be a serious problem. Because true workaholics would rather work than do anything else, they probably don't know how to relax; that is, they might not enjoy movies, sports, or other types of entertainment. Most of all, they hate to sit and do nothing. The lives of workaholics are usually stressful, and this tension and worry can cause health problems such as heart attacks or stomach ulcers. In addition, typical workaholics don't pay much attention to their families. They spend little time with their children, and their marriages may end in divorce.
Why do workaholics enjoy their jobs so much? There are several advantages to work. It provides people with paychecks, of course, and this is important. But it offers more than financial security. It provides people with self-confidence; they have a feeling of satisfaction when they've produced a challenging piece of work and are able to say,"I made that." Psychologists claim that work gives people an identity; through participation in work, they get a sense of self and individualism. In addition, most jobs provide people with a socially acceptable way to meet others. Perhaps some people are compulsive about their work, but their addiction seems to be a safe--even an advantageous--one.
By contrast, there are some people who actually enjoy work--in fact, they love to work. They spend many extra hours on the job each week and often take work home with them. These workaholics are as addicted to their jobs as other people are to drugs or alcohol.
Workaholism can be a serious problem. Because true workaholics would rather work than do anything else, they probably don't know how to relax; that is, they might not enjoy movies, sports, or other types of entertainment. Most of all, they hate to sit and do nothing. The lives of workaholics are usually stressful, and this tension and worry can cause health problems such as heart attacks or stomach ulcers. In addition, typical workaholics don't pay much attention to their families. They spend little time with their children, and their marriages may end in divorce.
Why do workaholics enjoy their jobs so much? There are several advantages to work. It provides people with paychecks, of course, and this is important. But it offers more than financial security. It provides people with self-confidence; they have a feeling of satisfaction when they've produced a challenging piece of work and are able to say,"I made that." Psychologists claim that work gives people an identity; through participation in work, they get a sense of self and individualism. In addition, most jobs provide people with a socially acceptable way to meet others. Perhaps some people are compulsive about their work, but their addiction seems to be a safe--even an advantageous--one.
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