Girl With a Purpose (GWAP)

Remembering Your History to Gain Insight into Your Present

(Please press the Play button to load the presentation above).

There are many of us who went to school and were tempted to sleep through History class, thinking that a "boring" subject like History, couldn't possibly be important, as it just didn't have any bearing on the present or the future.

 

It was not until  my History teacher reemphasized a central truth - that people really haven't changed much since "ancient times" and that history often repeats itself, that I began to take my History classes more seriously.

 

You see, technology may have made us more efficient and more effective at getting our work done and enabling a better quality of life...

 

...But how we think, our ability to love, be loved, our habits , who we are - the good parts - e.g. our ability to give love abundantly and the not-so-good parts - our selfish, jealous, covetous, power-hungry nature, hasn't changed since ancient times. :)

 

A recent Scientific American article, "Fall of Ancient Empire Linked to Crisis in Syria", sheds more light on this phenomenon.

 

The authors reiterate that the current crisis in Syria is not new and that a similar Syrian crisis led to the fall of the Ancient Mesopotamian empire in 2,200BC.

Background to the Ancient Mesopotamian Empire

(Please click map for more detail).

The extent and power of  Ancient Mesopotamia (known today as Asia and including the Middle East), is similar to the power wielded by the United States, Europe and China, today.

 

These guys were big and had extensive social and trade networks that linked them with civilizations in the Aegean and middle Euphrates...yep these guys' networks extended into Europe and Africa.

 

Moreover, according to the above article, there are parallels that can be drawn between Ancient Mesopotamia and the present-day Syrian civilizations.

 

Militarism, violence, governmental collapse and drought, ended the reign of the Akkadian Empire  - situated dead centre of Mesopotamia...the city imploded, causing similar ripple effects in and around Mesopotamia.

 

Present-day violence, militarism and possible governmental collapse is not only threatening  stability in Syria, but its neighbours who wield considerable power in the Middle East.

 

According to the article, just as how climate change and its resultant drought added to the above problems experienced by the Akkadian empire in 2,200BC, so too is climate change today, as it is already causing severe drought in  northeastern Syria, whose farmers rely heavily on rainfall.

 

All these factors are threatening to make Syria and the Middle East implode...just as they did to the Akkadian empire and Mesopotamia  in 2,200 BC.

 

So, should you be paying closer attention to history - not just that taught in class, but history in general?

 

The answer is a big, yes!

 

Knowing your history and how people of ancient times responded to challenges faced, will give you great insight into how present-day populations will respond to similar challenges.

 

It also teaches how not to repeat old mistakes.

 

A word to the wise is sufficient! :)

 

(I'd like to thank:

1)  Lara Setrakian for the use of her video presentation above, entitled, "Syria: The Basics".  

NB: The video is for information purposes only. We are not soliciting  help for Syria).

 

2) NordNordWest for the use of their Wiki Commons map, entitled, "Map of Mesopotamia", under the CC-BY-3.0 license.

 

Gillian

 

Sources include

Article, "Fall of Ancient Empire Linked to Crisis in Syria", By Moheb Costandi and Nature magazine, February 22, 2013

 

How Cost-Effective Promotional Items, Can Ease Trade Show Costs

In a down economy, many charities, entrepreneurs and small businesses must find novel ways to cut costs.

 

Thankfully, with Quality Logo Products, you don't have to sacrifice quality for cost.

 

They offer quality promotional items at very low prices...so low, that it seems as if they're practically giving these items away!

 

[Promotional (promo) items are items that are imprinted with a company's logo and brand name and are usually given away at trade shows in order to build awareness of the company, its products and its services].

 

And that's why their products are ideal, if trade show promotions are an essential part of your marketing strategy and you need to purchase tens to hundreds of these items to distribute at a variety of trade shows throughout the year.

 

The last thing you want is a promo item bearing your/your company's brand name, falling apart.

 

So if you can get quality promo items at very  low costs, that have been tried, proven and tested, then you've got a whale of a deal!

 

The key, here, is to choose those promo items that will be constantly used by your target customers. These include keychains, mugs and t-shirts.

 

However, since these are standard giveaways at trade shows, your target customers will be getting lots of these from your competitors and other companies, thus possibly crowding-out your brand.

 

Now, this is where  Quality Logo Products really stand out... in addition to standard promotional items,  they have customizable frisbees, personalized koozies (can coolers), water bottles, eco-friendly tote bags,  metallic Viper pens, mood-changing pencils, colored stress relief balls and a wide variety of seldom-offered promo items, for less than USD $1!

 

Selecting promotional items from Quality Logo Products, means that your promo items will stand out, versus those of your competitors, thus increasing opportunities for your brand to be seen and remembered, when these items are used by your target customers.

 

And if you want higher-end items for contest giveaways or for more elite clientele - they have these too!...

 

...Their embroidered beanies, customized hats, visors, golf balls and golf accessories are bound to go down well at trade shows that cater to this exquisite customer segment.

 

So, if gaining customers at lower costs, when doing trade show promotions is important to your organization/company, then you should be using promotional items from Quality Logo Products.

 

Your organization's/company's profits will be healthier for it!

 

Gillian

This is What Happens When You Wait Too Long, for the Right Moment!

There's no time like the present. Make use of it! :)

 

Many thanks to Joelk75 (Flickr).

 

Gillian