self esteem

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Monday, May 29, 2006

The relation between chosen role models and the self-esteem of men and women

Self-esteem has been found to correlate negatively with poor outcomes that range from eating disorders, to anxiety and depression, to gang membership (Harter, 1999; Mruk, 1999; Orvaschel, Beeferman, & Kabacoff, 1997; Shisslak, Crago, Renger, & Clark-Wagner, 1998; Wang, 1994). One factor found to be associated with individuals' levels of self-esteem is the absence or presence of role models (Mack, Schultz, & Araki, 2002; Ochman, 1996; Pettus, 2001). In the present study we focused on the relation between the sex of an individual's chosen role models, the self-perceived difference of the role model to the self on character traits, and the individual's self-esteem.

Self-esteem can be defined simply as the way individuals feel about themselves (Steinberg, 1999). Self-esteem is also viewed as the difference between the real self and the ideal self (Pettus, 2001). If people are similar to the ideal they want to reach, they are more likely to have higher self-esteem than if they consider themselves to be far from their goal (Pettus, 2001). It has been noted that perceived inconsistencies between one's actual and ideal self-concepts are important because failure to attain an ideal may lead to serious negative outcomes (Harter, 1999). Cooper-smith (1987) suggested that the broader construct of self-esteem can be further divided into four subtypes: school/academic, home/parent, peer/social, and general self-esteem. The need to study multiple domains of self-esteem, particularly for women, has been documented by other researchers (e.g., Knox, Funk, Elliott, & Bush, 1998).

Given that self-esteem may be considered as the difference between the real self and the ideal self, it is important to identify role models and their demographic and character traits. One characteristic of role models that may impact an individual's self-esteem is the sex of the chosen role model. Some research suggests that same-sex role models may have a more positive impact on self-esteem than other-sex role models (Ochman, 1996; Trankina, 1992). Using storybook characters to represent role models, Ochman (1996) found that third graders with same-sex role models had higher self-esteem than those with other-sex role models. Replication of these findings using actual, rather than assigned, role models would further clarify the impact that sex of chosen role models has on self-esteem. Similar findings show that the presence of same-sex role models is associated with higher self-esteem among college-aged women and predicts women's career salience and nontraditional career choices (Hackett, Esposito, & O'Halloran, 1989). Successful female role models may give younger women the self-efficacy to fulfill their own career goals.

In two studies of sex of participant and sex of role model, women were found to be more influenced by their mothers and their female friends than were men (Basow & Howe, 1980). In contrast, both men and women were influenced equally by male role models. Thus, men were more likely than women to choose same-sex role models and, although women were more likely to choose female role models than men were, they were not less likely to choose male role models. Although these findings shed light on the choice of role models by women and men, the researchers did not examine how these choices relate to self-esteem.
Sex Roles: A Journal of Research, April, 2004 by Kathryn E. Wohlford, John E. Lochman, Tammy D. Barry

how women business owners can conquer low self-esteem [2]

Jennifer Read Hawthorne, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul, believes that learning to like and even love yourself is a lifelong process. "You can surround yourself with competent leaders, but you can never really compensate for low self-esteem. Sooner or later, you will be discovered." Hawthorne recommends several tactics for boosting self-esteem:

1. MAKE SURE YOUR BUSINESS IS YOUR PASSION. Your low self-esteem could be tied to not following your heart.

2. ASSOCIATE WITH PEOPLE WHO SEEM GENUINELY HAPPY. Happy people are usually at peace with themselves.

3. ASK FOR HELP. Don't try to work on your issues alone.

Warwick agrees it's important for women to pursue their passions and also believes women need to manage their expectations. The perspective that "only perfection is good enough" limits advancement in both business and life.

"Re-examine what you think of as 'good enough.' For many high-achievers, the concept of basic competence has mutated into flawless performance," says Warwick. "Take a deep breath sometimes, and stop when something is 80 percent or 90 percent perfect, then start on the next adventure. It's enormously liberating."

Anderson says the turning point for overcoming her own self-esteem issues began in college, when she started joining groups that interested her. "I had to move past my insecurities and live the life I knew I was capable of living." In business, getting involved and meeting people is still her best strategy.

"Get to know people [with] similar interests," Anderson suggests. "If you find them fascinating, you must be pretty fascinating yourself."

Self-respect: Cynthia Anderson overcame confidence issues to build her company's sales to more than $1 million.

WOMAN OF THE YEAR: DO you know an entrepreneur who deserves to be recognized for her accomplishments? (Maybe it's you?) OPEN: The Small Business Network From American Express & Entrepreneur magazine's Woman of the Year Contest will honor one outstanding woman entrepreneur as Woman of the Year. For more details and to enter, visit www.entrepreneur.com/womanoftheyear. The deadline for entry is August 31, 2005.

ALIZA PILA, SHERMAN (www.mediaegg.com) is an author, freelance writer and speaker specializing in women's issues.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Entrepreneur Media, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group

how women business owners can conquer low self-esteem

IF SELF-ESTEEM is getting in the way of your business, how do you change your outlook? And is low self-esteem something women deal with more than men? Jennifer Warwick, a women's career strategist and coach in Los Angeles, doesn't believe that only women experience low self-esteem, but she points out that women do tend to be much more open than men about their self-esteem issues.

"Women are encouraged to build intimate and complex relationships, and part of building trust includes being vulnerable and sharing your flaws," Warwick explains. "So it's no surprise that self-esteem is often seen as a more 'feminine' issue, especially in business."

For Cynthia Anderson, 36, president of CD Anderson, an accounting firm in Raleigh, North Carolina, her teen years marked a decline in her confidence. "I had acne and was very thin. This kept me from pursuing activities I would have enjoyed and kept me in a corner. I was ashamed of who I was."

Today, Anderson has been in business about two years and already projects revenues of over $1 million. Business success, however, can only boost your self-esteem so much. "Women tend to dwell on their insecurities more than men," says Anderson. "We expect a lot from ourselves, and when we can't be everything to everyone, we beat ourselves up."

"All that self-reliance can be isolating," says Warwick. "And isolation further undermines self-esteem."

Warwick suggests women entrepreneurs take a realistic look at their support systems. "Good friends and trusted advisors are essential and will hold your dream for you, even when you may doubt it," Warwick advises. "You must also be willing to let go of those who are not supportive of the dream."
Entrepreneur, August, 2005 by Aliza Pilar Sherman

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Audio Player Features 128 MB Memory

Intel Corporation today introduced a portable digital audio player that provides up to four hours of music programming and more than 20 hours of spoken-word audio. The new product is equipped with 128 MB of memory for storing digital audio in MP3 and Windows* Media Audio (WMA) formats.

The Intel® Pocket Concert™ Audio Player can be used with the optional Intel® Audio Accessory Kit that includes a home stereo dock and car audio adapter so consumers have more ways to access, use and enjoy their music.

"The Intel Pocket Concert Audio Player is designed to deliver longer playing times, better sound quality and the ability to enjoy music in a more versatile format now and in the future," said Don Whiteside, general manager of the Intel Connected Products Division. "Bringing Intel technology to the emerging portable digital audio market will provide consumers with trusted brand option and an enhanced audio experience."

The Intel Pocket Concert Audio Player is the latest example in the company's effort to extend the value of the home PC and the Internet by creating a broad range of exciting new products. In addition to the audio player, Intel manufactures PC cameras, the Intel® Play™ line of PC-enhanced toys, the Intel® Wireless Series family of PC peripherals and the Intel AnyPoint™ Home Network.

Intel Pocket Concert Audio Player Key Features
Housed in a durable, brushed aluminum case with blue-accented frame and weighing less than four ounces, the Intel Pocket Concert Audio Player is small enough to fit inside a shirt pocket. Because there are no moving parts, the audio player performs well even when the user is on the move. The audio player is powered by two AAA batteries, which deliver about 10 hours of continuous playback.

Memory: The audio player has 128 MB of on-board Intel® StrataFlash™ memory and plays up to four hours of music and more than 20 hours of spoken-word audio. Intel StrataFlash requires less power to operate and helps conserve battery life. StrataFlash also allows twice the memory support in less space, reducing overall system costs.
Big Sound Quality: An amplifier with 11mW power provides clear, loud sound at a very low noise and distortion rating of 0.04 percent THD+N @ 1 kHz. This power output quality is similar to popular consumer stereos. The player also comes with behind-the-neck headphones featuring neodymium drivers to help deliver higher-quality sound.
Programmable for Today and Tomorrow: At launch, the Intel Pocket Concert Audio Player will support MP3 and WMA music formats. The player's firmware is re-programmable, permitting compatibility with future music file formats and music purchased over the Internet.
Universal Serial Bus (USB): The player features a USB connection for fast transfer rates and quick connectivity and setup to the PC.
FM Radio: The Intel Pocket Concert Audio Player also incorporates a FM radio capable of storing up to 10 preset stations for versatile music enjoyment.
Design: The player features a sleek shape, durable brushed aluminum body and ABS chassis. Easy-to-use buttons and scroll wheel help operate the player. The user can also set 17 levels of bass and treble equalization for customized sound.

©2006 Intel Corporation

Digital Audio Essentials

Book description
Join the digital audio revolution! Whether it's downloading music, ripping CDs, organizing, finding, and creating higher quality music files, buying music players and accessories, or constructing a home stereo system, Digital Audio Essentials helps you get it done. For music enthusiasts, digital archivists, amateur musicians, and anyone who likes a good groove.
Full Description

Join the digital audio revolution! Tens of millions of users are embracing digital music, and with Digital Audio Essentials, you can, too. Nearly every personal computer built in the last few years contains a CD-burning drive; MP3 and other portable player sales dominate the consumer electronics industry; and new networkable stereo equipment lets you use your digital music collection to power your home entertainment system.

Whether it's downloading music, ripping CDs, organizing, finding, and creating higher quality music files, buying music players and accessories, or constructing a home stereo system, Digital Audio Essentials helps you do get it done.

An indispensable reference for music enthusiasts, digital archivists, amateur musicians, and anyone who likes a good groove, Digital Audio Essentials helps you avoid time-consuming, costly trial and error in downloading audio files, burning CDs, converting analog music to digital form, publishing music to and streaming from the Web, setting up home stereo configurations, and creating your own MP3 and other audio files. The book--for both Mac and PC users--includes reliable hardware and software recommendations, tutorials, resources, and file sharing, and it even explains the basics of the DMCA and intellectual property law.

You may (or may not) already know the basics of ripping CDs or downloading music, but Fries will show you so much more--including advice on the multitude of MP3 players on the market, stereo options, file formats, quality determinations, and the legalities of it all. Both a timely, entertaining guide and an enduring reference, this is the digital audio handbook you need to make the most of your expanding digital music collection.

© 2006, O'Reilly Media, Inc.
All trademarks and registered trademarks appearing on oreilly.com are the property of their respective owners.

Saturday, May 13, 2006

Shopping for home theater systems

Shopping for home theater systems can be a huge challenge. Whether you are a beginner or looking to fine-tune your existing system, there are thousands of home theater options to consider.

Home Theater Focus has been put together by a team of experts to help consumers make informed decisions before buying home theater systems or components.

On this site you can learn about home theater basics, components, installation and and all the most popular home theater accessories.

We are also happy to answer your questions through our Home Theater mailbag. And for a wide-ranging discussion of reviews, tips and tales related to home theater systems, be sure to visit the Home Theater Focus forum to share your views and questions with other home theater lovers!

http://www.hometheaterfocus.com/

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

PEAK PROFIT ROULETTE

My name is Izak Matatya, and roulette is my passion. If you’re determined to beat the odds and make money at this game, I can show you how. I know you’re sceptic, but let me tell you how I was able to perfect my no-fail, winning roulette strategies.

I am a mathematician, a philosopher, and a gambler. I have been playing the game of roulette for most of my adult life, and over the years have tested every roulette system imaginable. Some of them were completely useless, others worked inconsistently. I found nothing I was totally happy with. So, during years of defeat and frustration, I learned what works and what does not work.

By trial and error I discovered that the best chance for success at the roulette table is by concentrating on the Columns and Dozens where the payoff is 2 to 1. Even-money wagers don’t hold as much promise for substantial profits and inside number bets are too risky.

First I developed a basic Dozens system, then I gradually worked out procedures for specific table conditions. My winning methods do not consist of one single system. I use a number of different approaches, depending on circumstances. I eventually perfected the right formula - casinos haven’t made any money off me since then. I did not develop these strategies for the purpose of selling them. They were meant strictly for my own use, so I could stop contributing to the casinos coffers.

It was my friend, Tony R Frank of Let’s Talk Winning, who suggested I reveal my winning methods in a manuscript, complete with graphs and charts, and make them available to other roulette players. Tony convinced me that others would want to profit from my knowledge. Since ending every roulette session with a profit is my ultimate goal, we call my methods Peak Profit Roulette

You will agree it's the perfect title, especially after you see how my methods combine with unique money-management techniques to produce those peak profits. Let me caution you however, this is not a quick-read, three-page report. You will receive a comprehensive 98-page 8½" x 11" book. Learning my methods takes a few hours, but it will be well worth your time and effort. I guarantee it!

Peak Profit Roulette is based on betting on Dozens only, giving you 2 for 1 payouts. The main idea is to bet on repeating Dozens. That means, if number 21 came up, you will bet on Dozen 2 on your next bet. If the next number is 36, you will bet on Dozen 3. The amounts of the bets will vary, according to decision patterns. By pattern I mean to bet according to a specific decision sequence. It's all explained in detail; you will know exactly what to do in every situation.

Much is written by mathematicians about there being no such thing as a winning gambling system. It's true, mathematically, there is no betting system that has beaten the casinos over very long runs. If one would play say 100,000 consecutive spins in Roulette (although I haven't seen anyone who has done so yet), the losses would equal the game’s fixed house percentage of 5.26% (on the American ‘00’ wheel). This is a mathematical fact.

Since I happen to be a mathematician as well as a gambler, I can tell you the gambler's approach is quite different from that of the mathematician’s. Knowing the mathematical realities, I provide graphic charts, showing the ups and downs. Those up and down waves cut the zero axis quite a few times. That means, the player will always have the opportunity to quit on the positive side whenever the graph exceeds the zero level.

The fundamental principle to winning with my systems is quite simple. For every session, I set my profit limit to say $1,000 and my losses to half the amount, that is to $500. Having fixed my profit and loss limits, if I play 10 sessions over a period of a few days, in the worst case I would be losing 6 sessions and winning 4 sessions. So my profit would be $1,000 X 4 = $4,000 and my losses would be $500 X 6 = $3,000, still ending up with a profit of $1000. In good times, I would win 8 sessions and lose two sessions out of 10. That would give me ($1,000 X 8) - ($500 X 2), or $8,000 minus $1,000 equals $7,000 profit!

The astute gambler’s approach adds quite a twist to the mathematician's calculations. Mathematics do not take into account a strong determination to win, confidence, a positive attitude, and most important, self-discipline. With all this, you can't lose, no matter what the mathematicians say. I know this from years of experience, and I prove it by the results I get.

I invite you to order the Peak Profit Roulette book now. The low price of $169 is a negligible amount, when you consider all the money you are not going to lose to the casinos any longer. The book is packed with 92 pages of information. This large document is now available by email for $169 only. If you would like it to be mailed to you, add $10 for first-class postage and handling.

Join me, and you’ll be a winning roulette player for life!

by Izak Matatya

Sunday, May 07, 2006

The Asian Grill Restaurant

This great little restaurant is one of Maine's culinary gems, comparing favorably to Asian restaurants in the greater Washington, DC area. Housed in a small, unpretentious buildingm the Asian Grill Restaurant is proof that you can't judge a book by its cover. The building is nondescript; the food definitely is not. In my opinion, it's the best Asian food in the area.

Pros
Extensive variety of Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Korean food
Great flavors and presentation
Moderate prices
Cons
Nondescript building
Description
19 appetizers ($4.25 - $7.95), 8 salads ($2.00 - $10.95), 11 soups ($2.00 - $11.95)
3 fried rice dishes ($7.95 - $10.95), 5 vegetarian dishes ($7.95), 4 curry dishes ($7.95 - $10.95)
22 entrees ($7.95 - $12.95) plus 20 Chef's Specials ($10.95 - $13.95)
Sushi ($2.95 - $4.95 for 6 pieces, or $14.95 - $15.95 for combos), including Maki and Nigiri
Lunch Specials (meat or fish dish) with rice, 2 crab rangoons, 2 Thai rolls, Asian salad, and soup
From Portland, take I-295 to Brunswick coastal route. Asian Grill is on left at 164 Pleasant St
Hours: Open 7 days a week from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Spice can be altered according to your preferences. No MSG
Beer and wine are available
Guide Review - The Asian Grill Restaurant
I've been to the Asian Grill dozens of times, but I can never resist the delicious Won Ton Soup. The Thai version of this old standby, not to be confused with Chinese Won Ton Soup, is a flavorful clear broth filled with tiny pieces of perfectly cooked fresh broccoli, scallions, shredded carrots, and cabbage. The dumplings are tasty bits of marinated chicken, pork, and vegetables wrapped in a wonton, all topped with finely chopped crispy garlic. Delightful!
The Vietnamese Rolls contain a savory mixed with ground pork, onions, carrots and clear noodle wrapped in rice paper and lightly fried, served with a clear Vietnamese sauce topped with tiny pieces of crushed peanuts. Other rolls include Shumai (Korean) with marinated chicken and shrimp; Spring Rolls (Thai) with mixed vegetables, served with sweet and sour sauce; and Summer Rolls (Vietnamese), with rice noodles, shrimp, lettuce and carrots wrapped in rice paper.

It would take a long time to explore the Asian Grill's entire menu; even more so because the Pad Thai is so excellent that I have trouble ordering any other entree. The stir-fried rice noodles with eggs, bean sprouts, scallions, and ground peanuts can be ordered with vegetables, tofu, chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, squid, scallops or other seafood for $7.95 - $9.95.

The owner, Ahn, is friendly and welcoming and has an uncanny ability to remember names of regular customers and the dishes they like to order. She'll make you feel welcome. The food will make you return.


©2006 About, Inc., A part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.

Wednesday, May 03, 2006

A WORLD OF RISK ON LAND, SEA AND INLAND WATERWAYS

Ocean marine insurance is the "unsung hero"

Although ocean marine insurance does not receive the kind of attention given to life, health, automobile and homeowners business, nevertheless it is a highly significant sector in world commerce. It has also been around longer than any other form of insurance and has the deserved reputation of being the forerunner of the insurance concept.

Ironically, looking at all that's been written in the general press about the Hurricane Katrina disaster, it's hard to find any specific mention of marine insurance, even though there are vivid descriptions of the costly losses to properties such as the oil rigs and gaming boats that are covered by marine underwriters.

This is not to criticize the enormous print, radio and TV attention given to the disaster of Katrina, because the emphasis was where it belonged: the horrendous devastation of the Gulf Coast, and the awful toll of death, human suffering and dislocation.

The reason for the near anonymity of ocean marine insurance is probably that it operates in a sphere that hardly arouses the attention of the general public or even the more sophisticated business leadership. Most people are probably unaware of the extent of waterborne commerce in the United States, both in international trade and on inland lakes and rivers. That lack of awareness may include many in the insurance business.

However, because the Gulf ports are such an integral part of American ocean commerce and the oil rigs and pipelines are so vital to our energy supply, those losses and the insurance coverage to help restore normality should have drawn more attention.

Also exposed to loss and covered by marine underwriters are piers, cargo awaiting distribution, storage buildings and vessels. Marine insurers also insure those very important tourist centers, the gaming ships (floating casinos), which are structured atop barges. The moored facilities off the shores of New Orleans, Biloxi, and other Louisiana and Mississippi locations generated nearly $1.5 billion in revenue in 2004, according to a story in The New York Times. These losses may add to marine insurers' woes if they sold the product referred to as "trade disruption," a relatively new coverage similar to business interruption insurance.

by Levy, Emanuel