Saturday, July 19, 2014

Poem Review: Walt Whitman's Poem "I Hear America Singing"



Walt Whitman’s poem I Hear America Singing provides an example of how a nation is built from the very contribution of its members. Singing being a metaphor for the productivity that is derived from the many different types of workers within the nation. Each nation is built off of the various members that complete their functions with spirit that adds up to economic competitiveness.

Think of how the manufacturers assemble products, engineers design products, scientists further industry knowledge, entrepreneurs invent products, the marketers promote products, and the accountants ensure accurate reckoning of balance sheets to determine profit. Even though each person may sing in a solo they collectively mesh together into a chorus and story. 

 Each person has a unique contribution to the overall development of a nation. The unemployed are left out from that song and cannot use their skills to contribute fully. Ensuring that people are trained, educated, and encouraged to be productive helps in developing full economic growth. A worker sings loudest if he/she is engaged with their full abilities that represent their best natural skills. 

I Hear America Singing 

I hear America singing, the varied carols I hear,
Those of mechanics, each one singing his as it should be blithe and strong,
The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam,
The mason singing his as he makes ready for work, or leaves off work,
The boatman singing what belongs to him in his boat, the deckhand
          singing on the steamboat deck,
The shoemaker singing as he sits on his bench, the hatter singing as he stands,
The wood-cutter’s song, the ploughboy’s on his way in the morning, or
          at noon intermission or at sundown,
The delicious singing of the mother, or of the young wife at work, or of
          the girl sewing or washing,

Each singing what belongs to him or her and to none else,
The day what belongs to the day—at night the party of young fellows,
          robust, friendly,
Singing with open mouths their strong melodious songs.

Friday, July 18, 2014

Call for Papers: International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility (ICCSR)



Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka

Abstract submission deadline: 15 September 2014
Early Bird Registration deadline: 30 September 2014
Final Registration deadline: 30 October 2014

On behalf of Conference Organizing Committee, it is our great privilege to invite you to the International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility, to be held on 4th and 5th November 2014 in Colombo (Hotel Galadari), Sri Lanka. We would like to invite scientists, researchers, scholars and practitioners from around the world to be a part of this conference. The Conference will be organized by The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM). ICCSR 2014 attempts to open international platform to researchers and scholars across the world to debate and discuss upon number of strategic aspects of Corporate Social Responsibility.

Other than participating to the academic sessions, participants can explore traditions, beauty and hospitality of Sri Lanka. Delegates will have extensive opportunities to visit and enjoy exciting places in Sri Lanka during their stay in Sri Lanka and with the post conference tour organizing by Conference organizing committee. Moreover, Participants can network with each other during the social network dinner, cultural show and during the discussion forums to build international network and share knowledge with each other.

Web address: http://csrconference.co/

San Diego Sunday Farmer Markets



Few things are better than going back to nature’s simplicity when buying food. No heavy pesticides, artificial flavoring, or wax covered fruit. Farmer markets offer an opportunity to experience products how they were before mass marketing and encourage support of local farming families. Consider the difficulties many small productions have in getting recognition for their brands.

In San Diego, local farmer markets enhance the décor and culture of the downtown regions.  Local residents and visitors enjoy seeing the sites and walking around the markets to see what local products are available. Cottage industry sales become part of local expression in the form of native produce, crafts, jewelry, clothing, and food.

Two farmer markets are within a few miles of each other and are easily walked. 

Third Avenue Certified Farmers Market and Asian Bazaar: A rather small farmer market that appears to be slowing down in terms of participants. One can visit local Chinese restaurants, stores, and museum while picking up a few household items. There isn’t a lot of fruit or vegetables but there are local businesses and vendors with items for sale. Consider Olivetti’s Fine Oils and Vinegars at http://www.olivettioilandvinegar.com

Sunday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
400 block of Third Ave. between Island Ave and J Street

Seaport Village Headquarters: A fairly strong market that offers fruit & vegetables, household items, jewelry , honey, bags and clothing. It isn’t as large as some of the other markets offered on Saturday but does provide many of the basic items you need. Of particular interest are the natural free range eggs. Papa’s Garden offers a playground for their exceptionally cared for chickens. You can order at papas_garden@hotmail.com

Sunday: 10:00-2:00PM
Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway

Farmer markets are more than simply selling products for profit. They also take on a form of direct marketing allowing small businesses to gain interest and attention from their target market (Tijani & Yano, 2007). There isn’t much difference between farmer markets and the ancient bazaars. It becomes a place of community where people meet, talk, socialize, and purchase products. If nothing else it gets people enjoying the outdoors.

Tijani, S. & Yano, I. (2007). The direct farmer’s market: a tool for rural female empowerment. Direct Marketing, 1 (4).