A Place I'd Like to Live

Iceland is a beautiful country that has rolling green plains and fresh, crisp air. Frequently, babies and young children are left outside the home to breathe in the clean, fresh air. Not only does it have a refreshing environment but it ranks as the fifth most productive country in the world based on GDP at Purchasing Power Parity (PPP). That's pretty impressive considering that Iceland's population is only a little over 300,000 people, which is smaller than the city of Charleston, SC. Iceland has undergone one of the fastest economic transformations in the world in recent years. From 2000-2004 it had the best performing Western stock market. Much of Iceland's economical success depends on the fishing industry and how well it performs year to year. The fishing industry provides nearly 40% of the export earnings and employs 8% of the workforce. In addition to its successful productivity, it has a literacy rating in the 99th percentile. It also boasts an extremely even wealth distribution, where the no individuals rank in the top or bottom 5% of yearly income. Lastly, it is an extremely safe place to live. Crime practically is non-existent. Iceland's only downfall may be its temperature but with all of its other positives throwing on a jacket really doesn't seem that bad.

Cover Letter

I believe a cover letter for your resume is important. While the resume describes your work experience, a cover letter is able to relate the benefits and capabilities that you will offer the organization in order for it to achieve greater success. This shows that you have taken the time to research the company. If two people are being considered for the job, a well-written cover letter may elevate one candidate over the other. Also, writing a cover specifically addressed to someone within the organization shows that you have taken the time to identify your target. Understanding the companies goals enable you to write a more personalized, detail-oriented cover letter about the organization. Sending out a mass cover letter most likely only contains information about you and cannot be tailored directly to a specific organization. Adding a hand-written postscript is also a nice touch. It will easily stand out against the other printed material. A testimonial might also be a nice touch to reinforce the quality of your work. This would reinforce the positive statements written by you in your cover letter.
I think all resumes should be accompanied by a cover letter. Even if they are never read, they show the employer that you have taken the time to research and evaluate the company.

Job Interview

I chose the article "Four Dont's When Dealing With Recruiters" and "Minor Matters That Make Your Interview." The first article is informative about dealing with the recruiter in an appropriate manner. Being friendly is a must when dealing with a prospective employer. Most people know to act courteous and respectful to the interviewer. Asking for coaching looks unprofessional and unprepared. If you are asking your recruiter how to create your cover letter then they are sure to cross you off their list. Asking for insider information and special treatment is also inappropriate. If they offer this information just take note but do not be nosy. If you impress them then they are sure to take note of your interview.
The second article I read pertains to minor matters before the interview process. These tips may seem like insignificant details but these details may get you the job. Selecting an appropriate business attire is necessary to look professional and respectful. Fresh breath is also an important detail because no one wants to smell bad breath and is a turnoff. Being punctual is extremely important. If you arrive late for an interview you can all but kiss that potential job away. Lastly, your behavior both before, during, and after the interview are all important because you never know who is watching you. It is important that you conduct yourself in an appropriate manner inside as well as outside work because if you are responsible for your conduct and represent the organization. If you act inappropriately then you may tarnish the organizations reputation.

The Power of Persuasion

Former presidential candidate, Ralph Nader, uses rhetoric while describing current president, George W. Bush's mentality on starting World War III, in his article The Bombs Away Mentality. In the article, Nader mocks Bush for stating Iran will start World War III if they are not prevented from developing nuclear weapons or having "the knowledge necessary to make a nuclear weapon." Nader states that only the U.S. or Russia has the funding and the man power to start such a war and weapons of mass destruction would take 3 to 5 years before completion. In addition, the Pentagon is worried about the already drained military fighting in Iraq, a successful military strategy, and the consequences of Bush's bombs away mentality. Although Bush needs the backing of Congress before declaring war on any country, he seems to have it from both the Republican and Democratic parties. In the article, the New York Times concluded: "it was bad enough having a one-party government when the Republicans controlled the White House and both houses of Congress. But the Democrats took over and still the one-party system continues." Nader contributes this to two issues, fear and greed. The Democrats have repeatedly caved on critical constitutional regulations and policies and recently, Treasury Secretary, Henry Paulson Jr., persuaded a Democrat to decrease the corporate income tax rate from by 10%, from 35% to 25%, during a decade of increasing record profits. Nader sites these examples to show Americans the corruption and abuse of authority that is taking place in the U.S. government.

Website:
http://www.counterpunch.org/nader10232007.html

10 Years From Now...

Wow, 10 years, that feels like an eternity but if it moves at the same speed as college it will be here tomorrow. So, this is where I want to be in 10 years.
Like most people, I have always wanted to be financially successful and the underlying theme to being financially successful is money, money, money. The value of a dollar has always intrigued me. From the time I was little I have been budgeting, saving, or trying to make money. My parents, teachers, and peers have always told me to do something that I love. Well, for me it’s investing. I find investing in stocks, bonds, and/or mutual funds fascinating. They mesmerize me the way little children look at presents on Christmas day or we guys watch college football Saturday afternoon through Saturday night. Some of the wealthiest people in the world are positioned at the top because they were able to make great, sound investments. For example, the second wealthiest man in the world, Warren Buffet, CEO of Berkshire-Hathaway, was able to become so filthy rich because he made smart investments. Many experts have compared him to the Michael Jordan of the investment world. So, through research, a few late nights at the office, and a little intuition I see myself being a top investment banker at Capital One, whose headquarters are in Northern Virginia. However, I am also interested in real estate. Although the market is suffering right now, it should certainly regain its luster within the next 10 years. I can only imagine what it might be like to help first time homeowners purchase their house. If I defer to this option, I would like to be president and broker of a small real estate agency. I have been working at a real estate agency for the past three years and plan on obtaining my license this summer.
As for my personal life, I would like to be married to my girlfriend, Whitney, whom I have been dating for one year. She is an amazing person both inside and out and I consider myself extremely lucky to have her in my life. I would like to have a few children and purchase a plantation style home with lots of land somewhere in Northern Virginia, which is close to the majority of my family who reside in Maryland. Before having children, I would like to travel to a few foreign countries. The top three on my list are: Iceland, Portugal, and Greece.
Most of all, I want to be a good family man. I want to be involved in the day to day joys…and occasional sorrows… my children will face and instill good values and morals in them the same way my parents have done for me. I want to provide for them and know that they can count on me.

We Are A Digital World

The digital world is tricky in the advantages and disadvantages it contains. This current day and age is a digital world. The digital world keeps us up to speed with our fast-paced, ever-changing lifestyles. We can exchange emails with co-workers within our own city, country or the world. Communication that used to take days, now takes seconds. There is a chain reaction in the work force: speed can only increase efficiency, which increases production and results in decreased costs and increased profits. Information, past and present, is able to be stored and easily accessed on the Web. The Web provides us with real-time updates and current news articles that offer picture, video and audio. Stockbrokers are able to view current trading values, newscasters can report live from Iraq, common citizens can say hi to relatives overseas through video cam or YouTube and you can pull up information on how to make a margarita on Google in about 0.2 seconds. The Web offers endless possibilities.
However, the Web could be Us/Ing us. By communicating over the Web, people lose out on the face-to-face conversation and social interactions. The Web links millions of strangers together everyday, which could result in some dangerous activity. New, extravagant, make-believe identities are exchanged amongst people that correspond through online chat rooms, dating services and even college campuses. How do you know who I say I am without meeting me in person? Identities are not only changed but also stolen. A great hacker could obtain extremely personal or confidental information that is not for public viewing. As a result their is a lack of privacy. Even though the Web is convenient for email, writing suffers. The exchange of informal emails produces a lack of properly written, informative proposals to superiors.
Overall, I would say the Web is a quick and convenient way to communicate and conduct business. Nothing is perfect and all great things or people have flaws. The Web's advantages greatly exceed its disadvantages. So, if you are careful enough to minimize these flaws then the Web provides an abundant wealth of knowledge that is waiting for you to access or Google.

Introduction

As you may already know, my real name is Thomas, but I go by Tommy. I am Thomas L.M. II, my dad is Thomas L.M. I.
I am originally from Bethesda, Maryland, which is about 15 minutes outside of Washington, D.C. I went to DeMatha Catholic High School where I played football, basketball, baseball, and golf. After graduation, I attended George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia where I played football for one year before transferring to Clemson University.
I have two younger sisters, Michelle and Monica and I consider my family to be the most important part of my life. I enjoy spending time with my immediate family as well as my extended family, most of whom live nearby in Maryland.
I plan to get my real estate license in the near future and pursue a career as an agent, eventually opening my own agency. I am also interested in investment banking and enjoy tracking the stock market, mutual funds, and the like.
Before I die, I would like to visit at least 10 foreign countries, go skydiving, live in Iceland, and own a Bentley, or 4.