Reading Reflection (Week 4)

What stood out to me the most was the fact that there was a "Creative Process". I like how it's a structured chaotic organized way to creatively think. 

Something that confused me was how to develop a functional perspective. It says to visualize yourself in complementary relationships. I'm not sure what the author is trying to get at in terms of looking at how things complement to satisfy my own needs. 

If I could ask two questions I'd ask: During Phase 3 of the creative process, is the "idea experience" only achieved when one isn't trying to seek it? What kinds of methods can I proceed with to grasp the ability to see new and different relationships among, people, technology, objects, etc? Also, I agree that we should "celebrate failure" and keep trying, but when is it enough? When you've failed about 50 times? If so, what's the next step?

I disagree with the statement, "Try making some decisions in the present. That is, do not let your personal history or your estimates about the future dominate your decision making process" (p. 139). I think that that can cause irrational decisions if you decide on the spot. It's ok to take a few minutes to make a choice. It can greatly impact your future. 

Top 5 World Problems (Week 4)

World's Biggest Problems:

1. World Hunger
The fact that many families with young children go to sleep hungry, should never be a dilemma. With the simplest fix of every person in the world donating a few cans/dollars, many people across the globe wouldn't be malnourished, and famished. It's sad to think that this could be a leading cause of death.
     -Spread awareness to help raise money/food drives creating a more unifying world.
>This is my top problem because just like air and water, food is a necessity to life. Not one person or family should suffer from hunger.

2. Global Warming
Global warming has affected many species and habitats. It has caused more floods/droughts, ice melting world wide (horrible for polar bears), water temperatures to change creating the rate of organisms dying to increase, and dramatic changes in weather patterns.
     -Spreading awareness is crucial and should be informed by the public at all ages. Information on how to keep the world a more sustainable one should be circulated through all types of media.
>This is my second top world problem because this is the planet we live on. If we aren't sustaining it, it won't provide our future generations with the necessities they need to function.

3. Poverty
Almost half the world lives on less than three dollars per day. I think with government incentives, and a more generous society, poverty will decrease significantly. People who are suffering just need a little push to help start somewhere.
     -The government should create more programs to help homeless civilians find jobs to start off their life again.
>This is my third problem because everyone should be provided with shelter. It's horrible to think that besides the lack of food/water, that someone doesn't have a bed to rest on. It's unsafe and dangerous.

4. Terrorism
Terrorism is used to intimidate through violence in the pursuit of social or political objectives. This inexcusable act can cause a chain reaction that influences to harm/kill innocent people so that they can make their side known through instilling fear.
     -Stop supporting dictators who fund terrorism, also implement more security/surveillance systems/ improved technology in public areas to help prevent future violence acts.
>My fourth dilemma is terrorism because this is becoming more and more widespread throughout places you'd never think would occur. We need to stop this "trend" because innocent people are becoming brainwashed, and worse, killed.

5. Politics
Of course, many people understand that politics is usually fabricated and dishonest. Politics can propagate through misleading advertising to brainwash the easily influenced.
     -Have an outside/reliable source that isn't propagandized by politics to help monitor and abolish any misleading, deceiving advertising.
>This is my last world problem even though I do find it to be really important to monitor the fabricated truth in advertising because it can brainwash and propagate our entire society. But, it is  just politics, it's not a life or death worry.

Solutions:

1. (Global Warming) Spreading awareness is crucial and should be informed by the public at all ages. Information on how to keep the world a more sustainable one should be circulated through all types of media.
-I think this is the most realistic solution because many families can participate in the connivence of their home. It's also simple to buy recyclable items/recyclable trash cans and even easier to actually recycle.

2. (World Hunger) Spread awareness to help raise money/food drives creating a more unifying world.
-Spreading awareness isn't too hard with how social media has become such a fad nowadays. With everyone just donating a dollar, this could help impoverished societies all over the world.

3. (Poverty) The government should create more programs to help homeless civilians find jobs to start off their life again.
-If people help fund by donating just a little, it can help put people in homes and help start their life. Also, volunteers can help give them transportation to job interviews, cook in the kitchen, or give their time to help spread awareness.

4. (Terrorism) Stop supporting dictators who fund terrorism, also implement more security/surveillance systems/improved technology in public areas to help prevent future violence acts.
-It's harder said than done because people have their mindset on what they want in this world. To try to convince them to stop supporting dictators who fund terrorism is a difficult task. It's also hard to ask for better security systems and more technology to be implemented because that's more money that the government most likely does not have.

5. (Politics) Stop supporting dictators who fund terrorism, also implement more security/surveillance systems/ improved technology in public areas to help prevent future violence acts.
-I believe this is the hardest to implement for the sole reason that it could be nearly impossible to find an outside source. A source that isn't biased or hasn't been influenced by the media.

Reading Reflection (Week 3)

In the reading titled "Exuding Passion in Your Venture", the biggest surprise to me was that you should convey personal success. I always thought to be humble with your success, but in the passage it makes sense to not hide your accomplishments because "people like to believe that they are backing a winner, so talking about your victories is a sure way to get people to see you in that light". They'll want to work harder, because they know that there are more likely to achieve success. 

What confused me was how "loneliness" can be a source of stress. I thought loneliness in the sense where an entrepreneur might not have a team built for his organization just yet, but in the passage it was referring to having no one to confide in.

Two questions I'd ask the author are: What kind of psychic risks can occur after suffering financial catastrophes. To deal with stress, sharing experiences through networking was listed, but where does on start? What if you're from a small town that isn't really media savvy compared to a big city? 

I slightly disagree with the fact that networking could help you deal with stress. If it were me, that would be the last thing I do. Hearing about other's peoples' logic of how to run a company would only stress me out. I'd feel like if I'm not doing it their way, then I'm doing it the wrong way.

Identifying Local Opportunities (Week 3)

Gout is painful, but treatable

http://www.floridatoday.com/story/money/business/2016/01/20/gout-painful-treatable/78897630/

Gout, “the unwalkable disease”, is a disease that inflames your big toe, appearing red and swollen. It’s caused by rich foods like shellfish, organ meats, alcohol and anything that relates to an affluent lifestyle. The treatment is colchicine, a potent laxative.

The problem in this article is the pain paired with Gout. It can also occur in almost any joint. There are microscopic crystals within the joint that make it feel as though there’s broken glass.

People that live a prosperous life enjoying rich-like foods, mainly cause the disease. My entrepreneurship opportunity would be creating a pill-like vitamin to help cure/alleviate the pain of gout. The treatment includes colchicine, and allopurinol (a xanthine oxidase inhibitor). Cherries, cherry extract and cherry juice have xanthine oxidase inhibitors (a good preventative). I’d like to make a vitamin containing cherry (extract/juice) and other foods to help treat the condition like anchovies, meat extracts, mussels, yeast, etc. Foods like these are low-purine which will also help cure the disease.

Brain-tangling algae lurks in Florida waters

http://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/environment/2016/01/19/brain-tangling-algae-lurks-fl-waters/79000082/

Continuing exposure to algae toxin in shellfish, crabs, and other seafood species increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and ALS.  Biological research found brain tangles and protein deposits in the brains of monkeys that were fed fruit medicated with the same amino acids made by the toxic algae.

The study in this reading proves that monkeys fed the same amounts of BMAA (beta-Methylamino-L-alanine) with the dietary amino acid named L-serine, reduced the tangles, which lowers the risk of neurological diseases.

This problem will matter once people ingest specific sea creatures that have already been exposed to the algae toxin. The toxins increase the chance of specific diseases like Alzheimer’s. Since it’s too ambitious to clear the toxins from blue-green polluted marine water, I thought to create a formula with foods highest in Serine (soybeans, egg, yolk, nuts, etc), to feed/inject into seafood bought by restaurants. This will ensure a less hazardous consumption for customers.

Bend and a beer: Yoga classes and craft breweries team up

http://www.gainesville.com/article/20160118/WIRE/160119659/1184?Title=Bend-and-a-beer-Yoga-classes-and-craft-breweries-team-up

White traditional yoga helps you focus on your inner being; this yoga beer class is more socially oriented. It’s also a great way for single men to mingle with women. You’d still connect with yourself, but instead of running home, you’d sit at the bar and relax while having a few beers!

If people plan on having a couple drinks, they should plan ahead because DUI’s are dangerous and serious. They shouldn’t be driving knowing that they’ll be drinking after their yoga beer session.

This problem is directed to mainly all of the customers that are drawn to the idea of drinking after their class. I came up with the idea of basically a carpooling van. It would pick up the excited newbies from their homes to the class, and back. Specific vans will pick up a few customers in the same vicinity; this way new and potential customers could also meet each other before the class begins. 

Walt Disney Parks & Resorts recalls infant bodysuits due to choking hazard

http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/news/2016/01/19/walt-disney-parks-and-resorts-recalls-infant.html

Disney has issued a recall on its Darth Vader infant bodysuits due to a choking hazard. Luckily, no injuries have been reported but anyone that has purchased these bodysuits should return them for a full refund.

Because the three snaps on the bodysuits can detach, it can threaten the breathing of infants. Toddlers and infants that wear detachable pieces of clothing can present a choking risk. These detachable items include: buttons, zipper heads, snaps, bows, and decorative appliques.

This is a threat to all infants and toddlers that wear bodysuits. To prevent future risks, I think creating a safe clothing line for infants can become a lucrative business. A mother’s concerns for their children are safety and health. Designing harmless infant clothing will relieve the stress of many families, or resorts like Disney. Creating a team with scientists, designers, etc. can help our experiments go through smoothly with accurate results. 

O'Dang Hummus shares details on future flavors, growth plans

http://www.bizjournals.com/orlando/blog/2016/01/odang-hummus-shares-details-on-future-flavors.html

Jesse Wolfe, the founder and CEO of O’Dang Hummus formulated a dressing mainly with the ingredient, hummus. In it includes three flavors of hummus and four types of salad dressings. He managed to sell his product to Whole Foods throughout Florida.

Students who have meal plans through chapters or meal plans through their dining area, can’t experience the zesty dressing that O’Dang Hummus has to offer. Not to mention, their array of dressing’s isn’t unique and various.

What if this salad dressing was shipped to Colleges/Universities dining area plus the dining area of fraternities and sororities? Being in a chapter myself, we’ve all craved different kinds of dressings. The ones laid out for us are plain with no substance. Also, people just love hummus. It’s one of those things that excites my chapter when we see it on the menu.  

Very Short Interview No. 1 (Week 3)

What’s your occupation? For how many years?

Manuel Schiappa Pietra is the President and CEO of Free Balance and Information Technology for the past 10 years. Free Balance builds public management solution for underdeveloped governments. The company believes that the foundation of democracy is a good governance and can only be accomplished with sound fiscal management. According to Manuel Schiappa Pietra, customers are the core of his company so much so that the company includes them in their product development process. He mentions that FreeBalance does not repurpose enterprise solutions. FreeBalance software is used to manage a quarter trillion (US) annual budgets worldwide.

What does it mean to be an entrepreneur?

The dictionary definition of an entrepreneur specifies it as a person who organizes and manages any enterprise, especially a business and usually with considerable initiative and risk.

Being an entrepreneur starts with embracing a new idea and transforming it into a business initiative to generate revenues and profits. Risk and reward are the core principles for an entrepreneur. Organizational skills and lots of enthusiasm are paramount in the life of an entrepreneur.

What do you wish you had been taught in school before setting out on your own path as an entrepreneur?

A clear and better understanding of the business tools available. To study and evaluate “real life” examples of other businesses – successful and failures. Independent thought, the courage to make a decision, the methodology to draft a business plan, the people skills into which build negotiating ability.

 How did you find your team members to help build your organization?

Through executive recruiters, professional social networks and “word-of-mouth”. Freebalance wants to attract and reward and repain (to keep someone in the company) the best people to maximize our ability to reach our corporate objectives for company revenue growth and profitability. Freebalance human resources plan are created to take advanatage of our customer markets and reflect unique business opportunities for someone to join our company. Our plan rewards continuous achievements, innovation, and hard work.

I couldn't agree more that I wish that the education I received in school was more of a hands own, experience oriented kind of learning. That's the way I can truly learn, grasp, and retain real life experiences and information. I also appreciate the way he developed his team members because social networking is huge and very opportunistic. His job has purpose, and helping underdeveloped governments is a real life issue that he gets to help which is so rewarding and inspiring. 

World's Biggest Problem (Week 3)

World's Biggest Problems:

1. World Hunger
The fact that many families with young children go to sleep hungry, should never be a dilemma. With the simplest fix of every person in the world donating a few cans/dollars, many people across the globe wouldn't be malnourished, and famished. It's sad to think that this could be a leading cause of death.
     -Spread awareness to help raise money/food drives creating a more unifying world.

2. Terrorism
Terrorism is used to intimidate through violence in the pursuit of social or political objectives. This inexcusable act can cause a chain reaction that influences to harm/kill innocent people so that they can make their side known through instilling fear.
     -Stop supporting dictators who fund terrorism, also implement more security/surveillance systems/ improved technology in public areas to help prevent future violence acts.

3. Politics
Of course, many people understand that politics is usually fabricated and dishonest. Politics can propagate through misleading advertising to brainwash the easily influenced.
     -Have an outside/reliable source that isn't propagandized by politics to help monitor and abolish any misleading, deceiving advertising.

4. Racism
Racism is cruel and should be outdated. It's been a thing for the past, but sadly it's still relevant in todays society. Everyone should be equal, and there should be no discussion about the fairness and equality that people deserve.
     -Spread awareness/educate students early on in schools to help break stereotypes and preconceived notions.

5. Guns
In the year 2015, there has been 355 mass shootings; almost one for every day of the year. Clearly, background checks are either not enough, or aren't thorough.
     -Change the age to 25 for all types of guns, and create a more meticulous and in-depth background check to those who feel qualified to own a gun.

6. Poverty
Almost half the world lives on less than three dollars per day. I think with government incentives, and a more generous society, poverty will decrease significantly. People who are suffering just need a little push to help start somewhere.
     -The government should create more programs to help homeless civilians find jobs to start off their life again.

7. Global Warming
Global warming has affected many species and habitats. It has caused more floods/droughts, ice melting world wide (horrible for polar bears), water temperatures to change creating the rate of organisms dying to increase, and dramatic changes in weather patterns.
     -Spreading awareness is crucial and should be informed by the public at all ages. Information on how to keep the world a more sustainable one should be circulated through all types of media.

8. Drugs
The use and abuse of drugs can lead to many severe consequences. Consequences that include addiction which can lead to lethal withdrawals, and of course government interference that can be a detriment to your life.
     -Harsher punishments should be implemented to prevent further drug use. Also, there should be more focus on rehabilitation centers so that relapses would decrease.

9. Teaching System
The teaching systems across the world should create a new, and more innovated way to help engage students. We should want to learn, and not have the pressure to memorize for that "A".
     -Design new teaching skills and activities so that students can actually absorb and retain information that will better them for the future.

10. Hate Crimes/Bullying
Bullying and hate crimes have caused many people to suffer, and dread waking up in the mornings; some people have even committed suicide. For this to continuously go on right under our noses, is something we shouldn't be oblivious to and we all need to try to prevent any hateful actions against others for any reason.
     -Counseling to help those who struggle feel safer. This will also guide them through the correct and appropriate path. Directing them to make the right decisions will greatly benefit one's life.

Reading Reflection (Week 2)

     What stood out to me the most was that until the 1950's entrepreneurship had been defined and established by economists. I found it interesting how economists wrote in great detail about how entrepreneurship had a great effect on the economic development. The entire reading was clear and thorough so confusion was minimal. Questions I'd ask the author are: How do you found creative, innovative team members to help build your organization? What is the best way to achieve long-term success? I'd ask these questions to prepare for success in my journey. There was nothing that I disagreed with, I've learned a lot about what entrepreneurship entails. 

Bug List (Week 2)

20 Bugs that grind my gears are:

1. Trying to study in Library West but people chit-chat/giggle.
    - It's really hard enough for me to focus as it is, I don't need outside noise to exacerbate my focus.
2. When I'm taking a nap after a long day and someone opens my door which automatically wakes
me up. (I'm a light sleeper!!).
    - Once I wake up it's really difficult for me to fall back asleep.
3. When I'm all clean after my shower and strands of hair in my carpet stick to the bottom of my feet.
    - I hate feeling clean and then having my hair strands stick to the bottom of my feet because it's gross and irritating.
4. When people who haven't showered are in my bed.
    - My bed is my sanctuary and I only sleep in it when I'm clean and showered so for other people who haven't, really disgusts me.
5. I hate repeating myself because people occasionally have selective hearing.
   - I don't like repeating myself because I don't think it's necessary; if they wanted to listen the first time then they would have.
6. I hate when people sneeze/cough around me and don't cover their mouth.
   - I'm quite a clean freak so germs and bacteria scare me.
7. When people think it's ok to cut the line anywhere.
   - I find it inconsiderate and rude because I've been waiting just as long, if not, longer.
8. I dislike the foul stench of dogs that have been playing outside.
   - I don't like smells that aren't clean, fresh, and sweet.
9. I hate applying lotion because I can never wash my hands enough to get the creamy feel off.
   - I have hyperhidrosis so the slimy feel of lotion on my hands make my hands more clammy.
10. When I wear high heels for hours and then can't feel like my feet the next day.
      - My feet throb and feel like they're about to loose circulation which is a painful and uncomfortable feeling.
11. I hate getting ready to go out (applying makeup, finding an outfit, doing my hair).
     - Applying heat to my hair because that will damage it, putting makeup on my face will make me break out, and finding an outfit makes me anxious.
12. I truly dislike when people face time me for no apparent reason because it eats up my data.
     - I don't have unlimited data so if someone would like to catch up, I'd prefer texting or phone calls.
13. I hate the cold weather, but especially in the mornings when you can't get out of bed.
     - I'm very much of a tropical kind of gal, so anything that has to do with the cold just makes me cringe.
14. When people can't hear themselves so they yell.
     - I have very sensitive hearing and I'd like to be able to hear when I'm older so shouting just turns me off.
15. I dislike scary movies because I never understood the point of them (who pays money to be scared??)
     - I would never voluntarily watch/experience anything scary.
16. I don't like lending my clothes to friends because I'm terrified they'll stain/ruin/tear them.
     -I get very anxious and nervous because some of my clothes are priceless and can't be replaced easily.
17. When people blow their nose near me because it seriously grosses me out just listening to it.
     - I'm easily grossed out and hearing people blow their nose near me is a huge no-no.
18. I hate chicken because of the consistency and the texture of it.
     - I've never liked the dryness/texture of chicken, even when I was a child.
19. I dislike that some professors won't accept late work even for partial credit (People forget!!)
     - People make mistakes and can forget due to life adjustments/crises.
20. I hate when you try so hard to put on your shirt slowly but still manage to get deodorant stains on the bottom sides of your shirt.
     - It's just a hassle removing the stains after you've tried so hard not getting them on your shirt.

Reflection: As I reflect on my 20 things that bug me, I'm quite disturbed on how easy it was listing all twenty. I've realized that I'm easily annoyed and can be irritable sometimes. I think I could be more understanding in some cases, but it's hard when I strive for perfection. Also, it doesn't help my case that I'm not a fan of germs and that I stray away from anything that may lead me to becoming ill.

My Entrepreneurship Story (Week 2)

My Entrepreneurship story happened in the 8th grade, in art class, when I was the leader of my art group. I was the one in charge of the camera, had the say of where to shoot, and what to shoot. My team members would help by brainstorming ideas of aesthetically pleasing locations and directing me with specific angles. I took this class because I'd like to have more insight on the business world to help benefit me throughout my advertising journey. There's no harm in learning new skills that I'll be able to use for my career in the future.

Introduction (Week 2)

Hi! My name is Nhama Azani and I'm a second year advertising major. I was born and raised in Plantation, Florida. Once I've graduated, I'd like to become a logo/graphic designer. I've traveled to Israel, Jamaica, Greece, Italy, England, etc. I can't wait to learn new skills from this class!

nhama azani
2nd year advertising major