A World We Dare To Imagine

Every year, 2 billion of the red cups are purchased in the United States alone. They have a wide range of applicability ranging from birthdays to barbecues to college parties and tailgates. However, despite them being designed to be disposed off, these cups are made of thermoplastic polystyrene, a plastic which stays in the environment for up to 50 years before being completely degraded. Additionally, several of these cups are usually wasted, especially by college students. These cups serve the purpose of holding ones drinks but they are often unnecessarily overused or just simply thrown away if left over. Hence this leads a significant amount wastage which results in several used cups or unused cups thrown away.

There had to be a solution to this. Hence I came up with the company - Green Cups. My company produces similar cups but with cups; however, implements key improvements on design. The cups are carved inwards at the bottom which makes space for drinks to be poured. This becomes a shot glass. Not only does the cup serve as a dual purpose but it also creates a unique idea through which I plan to sell my product. Since one cup can fulfill the role of two, mathematically this reduces the cups used by half. Hence there is less wastage. Although my cups help to reduce the waste by half I felt it was important to make changes in the way these cups affect the environment. Hence I decide to introduce another element into the product. These cups will be made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) which is made from already used water bottles. This ensures that the company is using recycled waste hence eliminating need of additional resources. Also technically we are not creating any more waste. What waste was already generated has been recycled.

The following is the company's mission statement: Our organisation’s goal is to create a sustainable environment through promotion of renewable and reduced waste. We aim to create value in the uniqueness of the product so that its serves its purpose to people and planet.

The company's primary competitor is the Solo Cup Company. The company has been in the business for a long time, and has been successful in selling the red cups. However we have an advantage here. Not many people know about the company. Several buyers simply see red cups and do not associate with any brand. Hence he have an opprotunity to step in and take advantage of the situation. Customers will simply see an improvement on the product and purchase it. Our unique idea will also be a key selling point. Also, since we make our products from recycled water bottles we have a cheaper cost of production which translates to a reduced cost for customers.

We aim to make our sales through a strong network. College students can be a significant promotional tool. The uniqueness do the idea can serve as a marketing technique. Through word of mouth we can try to reach stores around campuses. Also collegians are encouraged to be expand out network. They receive commission if they are able to introduce is around campus stores. Currently there 4000+ campuses and 17 million + students in the US alone. We hope to spread our roots around the US especially through college students.

Green Cups  serves a very important purpose through a fun selling point. Environmental pollution is key and it is important to take matters into ones hand. Hence I believe that introducing this company and product will serve to address this problem. The world I imagine is one which applies sustainability towards environmental care. At Green Cups I believe that we can reach this goal.

The Blue Sweater - The Cost Of Silence

In an attempt to understand her story, Jacqueline visits Agnes, who is in Kigali’s Central Prison, accused of being a perpetrator of the genocide. She had allegedly made incendiary speeches, urging men to kill Tutsis and inciting women to encourage their husbands to work harder in their murderous acts.

Agnes, a born leader, serves as a reminder that power corrupts on an equal opportunity basis. She traded integrity for power. Although it is sad to see how far Agnes had gone astray from the person Jacqueline once worked with, Agnes helps Jacqueline internalize the fact that monsters do exist – in ways she had never imagined.

Jacqueline meets with Prudence, who is also in prison, accused of being a major perpetrator of the genocide. Unlike Agnes, however, Prudence is potentially neither victim nor perpetrator. Hers may have been sins of omission – of staying silent while the violence unfolded around her.

Eventually, Agnes receives a life sentence and Prudence is declared innocent and freed from prison. Both Agnes and Prudence help Jacqueline understand the disorder of human existence.

The Blue Sweater - Dancing In The Dark

In this chapter, Jacqueline Novagratz informs us about her activities with UNICEF, where in she travels around Kigali, Rwanda, Nairobi and other small cities and villages in an effort to raise the standard of living for women.

The chapter starts off with the author struck down with malaria. She decribes her troubles as she has to lie in bed for five weeks, and cannot fulfill her responsibilities. She was concerned that she was not able to manage the bank and the bakery, and that she was losing out on valuable time. She was reprimanded by her friend for being tensed and adviced to lower her pace of expectations and task. Jacqueline, who greatly differed in views, decided that she was ready to get back to work after only 3 weeks.

The author decided to move to Nairobi, which is one of the more prominent cities in Africa. The city reminded her of Manhattan, which made her feel at home and comfortable. Neverthless, she continued to work with her partner Mary. Through UNICEF, she reached out to women from villages, holding meetings with them and understanding their problems. From her travels she learns about the governments misrepresentation of data, in terms of benefits to women. Additionally, she also discovers that projects to support women are not completed or sponsored. For example, in one site near Kisumu, the author learnt about the project to aid women through construction. However, the project hit a roadblock after the foundation, and no building was constructed, After inquiring, she learnt that there was not enough cement to provide for the construction.

The Blue Sweater - Innocent Abroad

The first chapter begins with a narration of a simple yet powerful story of a blue sweater. Given as a gift by her uncle, the author, Jacqueline Novogratz describes the journey of the blue sweater from Alexandria, Virginia to Kigali, Rwanda. After being troubled at high school for wearing her sweater, the Novogratz disposed it. However, years later, when she was in Rwanda working on starting a microfinance for women, Novogratz discovered the same sweater on a boy. It was her sweater. She marvelled on the significnce the sweater bore. To find the sweater on the back of an African boy shows that the world is interconnected, and without knowing, we are seem to be in contact with people we dont even know.

Before she gained such persepective on life, she had struggles of her own. Born in a not so well off family, she began to do chores for money from the age of 10. From shovelling off snow during winter to being a bartender, she tried to earn money to support her siblings and family. She also took loans to finance her education in University of Virginia. Having got a degree, she felt she had the tools to combat the world. However, she felt the need to support women in financing their lives. Hence, drawing inspiration from the Graheem microfinancing in Bangladesh, she began to encourage microfinancing to provide the tools to support women in achieving their goals. 

Mahatma Gandhi - Father Of The Nation

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was the leader of the Indian independence movement against the British. Gandhi carried the India's movement for freedom for over 20 years upholding values of non-violence and peace. Winning a battle without raising a hand at your enemy is a feat not many could accomplish; but Gandhi did, earning him the title Mahatma, or the revered one.

Although his morals were imbibed in him since birth, his strive for freedom was not. It was in Africa, when he was studying law, where he was kicked out of a first class compartment becasue of his brown color, despite having a ticket. Gandhi realised the need for freedom not just for himself but the billion people suffering under the British regime back in India. He abandoned his studies and travelled back to India to spark the freedom movement, which was a 20 year peaceful war waged against the British.

Gandhi's policy of non-violence and peace were intially condemned, but holding strong to his beliefs he eventually gained several supporters which continued to multiply with every movement. He intiated satyagraha, the practice of buring British goods sold in India. Furthermore, Gandhi encoruaged Indians to boycott foreign goods which the British sold in India. This was a direct attack on the British as it hurt the growth of British companies. 

When the British raised the tax on salt, Gandhi led a group of followers towards the Arabian Sea, a treck which covered 240 miles. This was a campaign of tax resistance, where in Gandhi and his followers would illegally produce salt from seawater. Although Gandhi's methods were peaceful, his enemies weren't. The British continued to use violence to supress the movement, with several killings, including the massacre in Punjab, which was a public shooting of 1000 innocent men, women and children in closed quarters. Even in times of such brutality, Gandhi urged his followers to stick to their morals.

Despite the resistance, Gandhi contined to intiate several movements targeted towards the British regime. His followers grew in numbers, causing an intially weakened India to stand strong against the face of British oppression. On August 15, 1947, he earned India its independence. The man was justly called the 'Father of the Nation'.

Genius of Money - An Interview With Krystyna Jurzykowski

Krystyna is self aware women who has decdicated herself to philanthropic activities. She is currently the co-owner and head of operations at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center , a social enterprise that she intitiated. The firm established in Texas, has 3000 acres of land and bears home to over 1100 animals. This wildlife preserve is closest to and Afircan preserve, harbouring an environment to support antelopes, rhinos, giraffes and several other species.

Krystyna highlights the importance of passion and commitment in achieving ones task. She also mentions the significance of destiny which led her to work in this field. Her initial period in Fossil Rim was marked with several challenges but her commitment kept her to her goals. She also mentions that money can be used as a tool to achieve ones philanthropic goals if used correctly. Her belief as a child was that money leads to greed, which can negatively impact ones relationship with others. However, under her husband's guidance, she realised that money can serve to fulfill one's ambitions.

Money is not the only source of philantrophic activities; Krystyna believes that an individual could also devote his time and energy towards a good cause. She draws on her previous emphasis on commitment and passion towards any activity. Only if you have the passion for a particular objective will you achieve to accomplish it. Irrespective of the numerous challenges you overcome, having commitment to the goal will encourage you to counter all difficulties.

Finally, Krystyna talks about self awarenes, which can be achieved to sprititual and financial means. Being aware of yourself leads you do understand what you want to achieve. She quotes Gandhi, "Be the change you want to be", which emphasizes on the importance of displaying the qualities you want to see in the world. It is important for people to understand and reflect on their goals and objectives, leading them to be passionate about what they do. This way they will meet people in the same field as them, who are also equally passionate.

The Genius of Money - Chapter 10

The chapter focuses on the importance of paintings. Through the painting presented in the chapter, John Bloom describes to us the significance of paintings in describing the period they were painted. John Bloom refers to a painting from the 17th century, which portrays a woman sobbing in front of man. The picture describes a setting, in which the woman's husband may have passed away, and now she must fulfill his financial obligations. However, she is unable to get a job to do so, and is left confronting an unemotional creditor demanding his money.

The painting speaks volumes about the era. The 17th century, as depicted through the picture, emphasises on the partriarchal society. Mercantilism was practiced, a philosophy that favored men over women in all fields. Being a male dominated society, woman did not have much influence in society in regards to politics and economics and were left under the rule of men. Hence, through the image of the woman unable to pay her creditor, the chapter captures its point.

It is striking how an image can inform its audience so much about a period it was painted in. The painting of a particular period reflects the painters philosophy on life based on what he or she sees or experiences. Thus the painting ends up educating its audience on the culutre, society, politics and economy of the period.

The Second Amendment Is A Gun Control Amendment

Through his post, Adam Gopnik discusses the tradegy that occured in Oregon and the resulting debate on The Second Amendment. The shootings in Oregon, was another story of a mentally ill individual shooting several innocent school kids. While relatives continue to mourn their loss, Obama issues a statement saying: we know how to fix this. Parellel to the author's thoughts, I believe it is another dissapointing story of loss and incompetency in the government to control gun violations. The author draws examples from Australia and Canada who benefitted from gun control. He describes the law as an antibiotic to an infection. It is likely that stricter gun control measures will reduce the wasteful deaths in the country. 

The author berates the system by mentioning that every killer who is crazy enough to take a gun and shoot innocent kids to death has a wicked ideology that can often not be explained. And it is to these people the government willingly supplies rights to purchase guns. "Every mass shooter has his own motive. They all use the same tool." - Republican David Frum.

The author highlghts the misunderstanding regarding The Second Amendement, which has been long since its inititation. The law meant to secure “to the people a right to use and possess arms conjunction with service in a well-regulated militia.” However this has been misunderstood ever since with the government providing access to even the most lunatic of individuals. Adam concludes by pleading for not a change in the amendment but restoring the intended meaning when it was first constituted.

The Genius of Money - Chapter 1

The first chapter introduces the intersection of Spirit and Money. The realms of spirit and religion, engaged as they are with the non-material world, always find their way to work in a world that trades in money. The author draw on the example of religious organiizations the can be exempt from tax in the United States. The chapter futher decribes the relation between religious or spiritual practice, a private matter, and the world of money, which falls in the category of a public matter. Socities seek to treat these matters in a way that reflects their belief systems and political agreements, and several variants.

The example from the chapter that stood apart to me was the poem "Deciding" by William Stafford. The poet was aware of the nuance of an American consciousness that moves beyond the duality of heaven and earth, spirit and matter, and even good and evil. The poem decribes gold as kind of currency. It holds value as a precious metal, and harbors a long history of representating a deep curse of materialism. It is in the genius of the of the poem that expresses the inner capacity of miners to know how to trascend the simple duality (spirituality and materialism), and instead to be in both places at once - and thus in the third place. The chapter draws a comparison to Jesus, who was an exemplar and teacher of this conscious to see both what belongs to the world and what in the realm of the spirit, and beyond that to be able to discern and point out when the the two fall out of integrity. This understanding is intiutional and worthy of emulation, even if it is likely to fail.

Staffar points out that money draws on our lower or desire nature. The poet points out greed, which is synonymous with access to material goods and services. Futhermore, we are so dependent on money to provide for us in a evolved citified culture, money carries with it a dominion over our sens of well-being and our sense to self-sufficiency - a place close to our identity

Criket - A Game On Patience

Cricket, although not popular in the west, is the second most watched sport after soccer. From its origins in south east England, cricket has succesfully expanded its roots to commonwealth countries such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, India, Zimbabwe. However it reached a roadblock in the west. The popularity of the game was and is still constricted to the east, giving me an opportunity to inform you about the game that has been present in my life since the past 20 years.

The game is played with two teams of 11, each having a mix of players capable of bowling, batting and fielding, with one charismatic captain to lead. The game is divided into two innings, where in one team sends out two players at a time to bat and score runs, where as the other pitches in all 11 players to try to concede minimal runs. The runs are scored with a bat either through hitting the ball out of the field with or without a bounce, or running back and forth across 20 metres crease. Every run is added to the score and team continues to bat till it bats out 300 balls (50 overs each with 6 balls) or loses 10 wickets. After the first innings, the second team comes on the chase the target. Wickets are taken by either hitting the stumps placed behind the batsmen or by cathcing the ball the player hit without the ball touching the ground. The most popular format of the game usually lasts for 8 hours, with each innings lasting for 4 hours, hence making it a game only playable by the ones who have patience.

In my country, India, the game was introduced by Englishmen during the British rule. They used cricket as way to spread their roots across Asia. Additionally, they also got company at the game. Very soon the game spread to all the Commonwealth games. In India, the game soon became an iconic sport with villages and urban centres playing the game. The game meant more than a passtime sport. A game of cricket between villages and British governance of the area would often seal their fate in terms of rule, tax and laws. In India the game was and is so adored, that every street you cross will have kids playing the sport.

Growing A Farmer - Cows

Deep into the book, the author, Kurt Timmermeister talks about cows. After having acquired his first  cow, Dinah, Kurt begines to learn more abut cows, their Time commitment and breeding process. According to the author, cows provide a symbol of a farm. The presence of sheep and goats give no more a look than a joint farm. However cows mean business. Cows required the most time commitment as compared to other domestic animals. Unlike pigs, goats and others, cows require your presence everyday to raise them well. 

In terms of breeding the basic concept is a female cow will breed and nine months later, produce offsprings. Two months before she is calved, her body will start producing in anticipation of her offspring. The offspring a cow can produce is a either a female, heifer or a male, bull calf. Females will live out their life on the farm, producing milk. Males will most likely be castrated after which they will be raised for meat. Their genders pretty much seal their fates!

Investment - A Gamble That Pays

Only 48 percent of Americans have their money in bonds and stocks. What about the rest? It's not just Americans, but several people around the world are afraid of putting their money into companies, prefering bank deposits as a safer option. However, you must understand that investment is an not only an opportunity for the business to make profits but also for you to share the spoils of success. You may think savings is the safer bet, but why would you not venture into the unknown if there is a possibility for greater gains.

When it comes to the world of investing, three words come to many peoples mind: overwhelming, intimidating, and scary. For the "regular Joes," the questions seem never-ending. However, with substantial knowledge and careful research, it is possible for you, a “regular Joe”, to make profitable investments. If you don't believe me, ask Ben Graham, Warren Buffet’s mentor. He himself said, “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

Investment is like betting – it requires the bettor to have information about the team he is placing his money on. Advanced knowledge will help him maximize gains and minimize losses. Hence, it may seem like a given that you should do your homework before plunking down your heard-earned money on a company's stock. But many people don't. Therefore, it is important to address the following questions:

• What does the company do?
• Who runs the company?
• Who are the company’s competitors?
• What do the company’s financials say?

What does the company do?

Warren Buffet famously said he doesn't invest in what he doesn't understand. If the greatest investor of the past 60 years is brave enough to acknowledge that he doesn't understand all companies, we should all probably take heed. As an investor, it is important that you understand the company you are investng in. This infomration can be accessed through company websites and several forms of social media, such as television and newspaper.

Although this may seem a simple question, the answer is quite hard. You must have sufficient knowledge of what the company does to understand and predict its actions. Additionally, there should be a market for the products or services the company is offering. If a market does not exist, then the company would not be able to generate sales, hence end up experiencing poor growth, which would not make it a suitable investment option.

Argument: Likewise, in betting, the punter must have knowledge of the sport his team plays. Without a basic understanding of the game, he is unable to anticipate the flow of the game, and almost likely to lose all his money.

Who runs the company?

As an investor, it is important you have knowledge about the CEO. This valuable information can be obtained through a face to face conversation with the CEO himself and or an extensive secondary research. Research could be done through checking the company website, following relevant articles, trade publications and statements of management in the annual reports. Knoweldge about the CEO can shape an investment decision significantly due to the following reasons:

• An investor who shares a similar vision and value to the CEO of the company would be lured into investing in the company. For example, if you, the investor and the CEO both share an attitude towards aggressive growth over a steadier approach, it is likely that you would see the company as a suitable investment.

• If the CEO and management can execute their vision, then it is a certainty that investors will place their confidence in the company. Many companies stumble on the execution phase. Therefore, the ability of the management to enact on their vision to achieve the goals will prompt any potential investor to make an investment.

Argument: Every bettor places his confidence on the manager of the team. The team may comprise of quality players but it's the manager’s job to make the team tick. Hence, be it a weak team, as long as the bettor has faith in the manager to use his tactical knowledge to produce the results, he will place his money, even against the odds.

Who are the company's competitors?

For every Coke there is a Pepsi. Companies are almost always operating in a competitive environment. They don't operate in a vacuum, and must strive to be the best in the business. To consider investing in a business, you must gather sufficient data on the type of market and the number of competitors. Whether the company operates with few or many competitors, it is important to see whether the company can sustain the competition and grow. Besides, knowledge of the company’s market share is crucial in understanding its current position in the market. For example, if the company commands a large share, it is likely that its products are favored over that of its competitors. Hence it can raise its prices without experiencing significant drop in sales. This would be a definite sign for investment, as the firm has a powerful stake in the market. Additionally, pricing, quality of goods and services offered and brand name serve as potential factors in determining an investment option.

Argument: Similarly, if I was a placing my money on a team, I cannot just go by the team and its management. I must understand its opponent and its position and image in the game. A bettor would be more confident in placing a bet on a team at the top of the table, producing positive results over one languishing at the bottom with a poor display.

What do the company’s financial say?

No matter how much effort one puts in one’s task, it's the end result matters. Accessing financials is easy, but understanding which ones make sense is far more complicated. Public compaines release quarterly and yearly financial statements with their income statement, balance sheet, cash flow position and list of financial rations, documents every investor must have a peek into. The first check is a high profitability ratio (net profit / sales). The company may be generating high sales and high profits; however, if its ratio is low, it indicatess a high operating cost. This could indicate a company’s growing expenses and inability to function without borrowing., consequently proving a red light for investment. Secondly, the company must be in a strong liquidity position. It must be able to generate enough cash to fulfill its short term and long term debt obligations. Additionally, it should hold a low debt ratio, which is the amount of debt a company carries in comparison to the amount of equity shareholders have in the company. This tests how well the company can repay its debt obligations in the event that it runs into serious financial problems. Generally, the lower the debt-to-equity ratio a company has, the less risky it is to you as an investor. Although these financials hold key to the decision, it is necessary for an investor to observe that company has a good history of earnings and growth. You must understand the balance sheet to compare its debt to earnings and observe the cash flow position of the firm to make sure it wont run out of cash to fund operations.

Argument: This is quite simple. A punter will always look into the statistics of a team. There is a lot of data to draw from, but it is important for the bettor to pick the data that matters. This of course varies from game to game. For example, in soccer the team with the highest win ratio will be the popular option.

Conclusion
Do not ask me how I  know so much about betting, but it is certain that investment is similar to betting. Both are heavily dependant on prior knowledge and definitely entail a risk factor. Not all your investments will generate profits, but over time you will be able to improve your stock portfolio so that you maximize your gains.

It is important that you take it step by step. Pick an indstry that suits you and research possible companies with growth potential. Watch the companies carefully, observe their financials, competitors and management decisions. Finally select a company that you believe has great potential for investment. Slowly expand into multiple companies and eventually industries. “Succesful investment takes time, discipline and patience.” – Warren Buffet. Be patient and you shall reap the rewards.

Works Cited

"10 Questions to Ask Before You Buy a Stock." TheStreet. N.p., 27 Aug. 2015. Web. 29 Sept. 2015.

"5 Things Goldman Sachs Looks for in a Company Before Investing." Inc.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Sept. 2015.

Forbes. Forbes Magazine, n.d. Web. 29 Sept. 2015.

"What Is Warren Buffett's Investing Style?" Investopedia. N.p., 25 Jan. 2005. Web. 29 Sept. 2015.

Half, Less Than. "Over Half of Americans Have $0 in Stocks." CNNMoney. Cable News Network, n.d. Web. 29 Sept. 2015.