Mary Lou Retton, Olympic Gymnastics Champion

Mary Lou Retton, Olympic Gymnastics Champion Mary Lou Retton (born January 24, 1968) won a gold medal for the United States in  womens Olympic gymnastics in 1984. She was the first American woman to win gold in the all-around event, and she won the most Olympic medals of any athlete at the 1984 Games. She also was known for her warm style, enthusiastic personality, iconic pixie haircut, and a more muscular build than many other female gymnasts. Fast Facts: Mary Lou Retton Known For: Gold-medal-winning U.S. Olympic GymnastBorn: January 24, 1968 in Fairmont, West VirginiaParents: Ronnie Retton and Lois RettonPublished Work: Mary Lou Rettons Gateways to Happiness: 7 Ways to a More Peaceful, More Prosperous, More Satisfying LifeAwards and Honors: Five Olympic gymnastics medals, including one goldSpouse: Shannon Kelley (divorced)Children: Shayla,  McKenna, Skyla, EmmaNotable Quote: You give up your childhood. You miss proms and games and high school events, and people say its awful...I say it was a good trade. You miss something but I think I gained more than I lost. Early Life Mary Lou Retton was born on Jan. 24, 1968, in Fairmont, West Virginia. She was the youngest of five children. Her father Ronnie Retton played basketball in college and was a minor league baseball player. Her mother Lois signed up Mary Lou for dance classes when she was 4, then enrolled her and her older sister in gymnastics classes at West Virginia University. She didnt have to be pushed into working out.  I would sleep in my leotard on Friday nights because I was so excited about gymnastics on Saturday mornings, Retton told Texas  Monthly magazine writer Skip Hollandsworth. She later remembered at age 4 watching Olga Korbut skate in the 1972 Olympics for the Soviet Union and identifying with her courage and vigor. Four years later, it was Romanian gymnast Nadia Comaneci who caught her eye, inspiring dreams of Olympic gold. Preparing to Compete By the age of 12, Retton had become dedicated to gymnastics and was competing in national and international competitions. Her parents allowed her to move to Houston, Texas when she was 14 to study and train with gymnastics coach Bela Karolyi, a Romanian defector who had previously coached Comaneci. She lived with the family of a fellow student and finished high school via correspondence courses while training 8-10 hours a day. She enjoyed the rigorous gymnastics schedule and flourished under Karolyis coaching. Retton stood out physically from many of the other female gymnasts. She was muscular, a change from the petite athletes that fans were accustomed to seeing in competition, even at the highest levels of the sport. One month after beginning her training with Karolyi, Rettons team went to Madison Square Garden in New York, New York, for the McDonalds American Cup Competition. She wasnt ranked high enough to be invited but she went as a substitute. One of her teammates got injured and Karolyi put in Retton. She won the competition and set a meet record, putting her in contention for the 1984 Olympics only two years away. Competition By 1984, Retton had won 14 all-around competitions in a row and was expected to compete in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. She was then 16 years old. The Soviet Union and most of its allies were boycotting the Games in response to the United States boycott of the 1980 Olympics. About six weeks before the games were to start, Retton suffered a major knee injury, which turned out to be torn cartilage. She and her parents opted for minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, which enabled Retton to walk immediately and to begin training after just one week of physical therapy. In the weeks before the Games, Retton would lie in bed, her eyes closed, imagining each piece of equipment and each routine and performing perfectly. Then she imagined receiving the gold medal with The Star-Spangled Banner booming around her. Olympic Showdown Sometimes, creative visualization works. At the Olympics, she won the gold medal in womens gymnastics for the all-around competition. The win was dramatic. Coming into the last event, she was barely behind Ecaterina Szabo of Romania. Retton approached her event, the vault, needing a 9.95 out of 10 to tie Szabo for the gold medal, and a perfect score of 10 to win it outright. She scored a 10. Olympic rules required that she perform another vault, although her first score still would count. So she landed another perfect 10. In addition to the gold medal in the all-around event, Retton won an individual silver for the vault, a bronze for the uneven bars, another bronze for the floor exercise, and another silver as part of the team competition. The five medals were the most for any athlete at the 1984 Olympic Games. Legacy Following her retirement from gymnastics in 1985 after winning her third American Cup title, Retton briefly attended the University of Texas at Austin. She married Shannon Kelley, whom she had met in college, in 1990, and they had four daughters: Shayla,  McKenna, Skyla, and Emma. She made many commercials, appeared in several movies and television shows, and was a popular speaker. Among the other recognition, Mary Lou Retton was the first woman to be featured on the front of a Wheaties box and she became a spokeswoman for the cereal brand. Through the many accolades and honors, she retained her fresh and perky personality and continued to convey a sense of being the girl next door. She was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame in 1997. Sources Retton, Mary Lou. Mary Lou: Creating an Olympic Champion. Hardcover, First Edition edition, McGraw-Hill, September 1, 1985. Retton, Mary Lou. Mary Lou Rettons Gateways to Happiness: 7 Ways to a More Peaceful, More Prosperous, More Satisfying Life. Hardcover, Broadway, April 4, 2000. Retton, Mary Lou. The Olympic Dream and Spirit Volume 1: Stories of courage, perseverance and dedication. Mary Joe Fernandez, Bela Karolyi, et al., Paperback, Cross Training Pub, November 1, 1999. Retton, Mary Lou. Encyclopedia, The Gale Group, Inc., 2004.

What to Wear to Baccalaureate and Graduation

What to Wear to Baccalaureate and Graduation Are you looking forward to a graduation,  baccalaureate, a  senior recital  or white coat ceremony? If you are, what to wear to such an important and celebratory event may be something you are wondering about. Should you dress up? Go more casual? Plan for cool or warm weather? Do men need ties? Do women wear heels? Any and all of these milestone events are great photo opportunities for families. With brothers, sisters, grandparents and other extended family members in attendance, getting a good picture is always a good idea at gatherings like these. What you wear could be on display on the fireplace mantel for years to come - but dont just dress for a photo. You want to be comfortable, too. Consider the school that your graduate attends. Some colleges and universities are much more low key when it comes to pomp and circumstance than others. While the day may be a momentous one, the fashion doesnt necessarily reflect the significance of the achievement. If your graduate attends school someplace thats very warm - Arizona, for example - being comfortable in the blazing sun and heat will be more important than looking dressed to the hilt. At more conservative schools, like those that are church-based, your clothing choice should be a little more subdued and refined.    Baccalaureate Baccalaureate ceremonies are usually held in the campus chapel or another indoor venue, so the weather and walking surface shouldnt be an issue. While baccalaureate tends to be a bit dressier than the larger graduation ceremonies, that doesnt mean you have to wear high heels or a suit and tie. Dress as you would to attend a religious service for a special occasion, avoiding sneakers, flip flops, tank tops and other casual attire. Graduation Graduation ceremonies offer significant climate challenges when theyre held outdoors. There may be hours of blazing sun, gusty winds or inclement weather, so its important to dress in layers, pack all those graduation survival essentials and adjust your wardrobe to something realistic. You may have to hike a considerable distance from your parking spot, or traverse the football field to reach a seat, heels sinking into the turf at every step. Sitting in the unrelenting sun or drizzle for hours is tough even in comfortable clothes. So check out the logistics and weather report, and make your fashion decisions accordingly. A summer dress will look just as lovely with flats. A jacket and tie can be donned after the ceremony or skipped altogether. If the ceremony is being held indoors, weather wont be an issue, of course, but the trek from the parking lot is still an issue, and gyms and auditoriums can be drafty. Bring a light jacket or shawl. White Coat Ceremony This formal ceremony marks a major rite of passage as medical or pharmaceutical students receive their first, official white coats. Parents are invited, officials make speeches, and flashbulbs pop and flare. Its a big deal. Youll want to dress accordingly - in conservative suits, dresses or business wear - and bring your camera. Senior Recitals Music majors celebrate the end of their four years of study with a senior recital that showcases their work. Its an important concert and one that typically features ensembles large and small. The concert is attended by fellow students and faculty, as well as extended family, friends and former music teachers.  Musicians may wear a considerably more casual version of their usual concert attire, although the starring senior tends to wear something much more extravagant than their usual attire. Attendees can dress on the more casual side if they like, but within reason and with respect for the performers.   As for parents, baccalaureate-style attire is appropriate, but its also fine to wear something slightly less formal, especially if it has artistic style. You might not wear a fabulous, colorful kimono-style jacket to a church ceremony, for example, but its perfect for a concert. That said, basic black is always chic too. Bear in mind that most parents host a post-concert reception. Unless youre having that catered, youre going to be doing significant pre-concert shlepping - moving tables, lugging crates and laying out trays of finger foods.      Updated by Sharon Greenthal

Tata Group Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Tata Group - Research Paper Example The overseas company was established in London. It was known as Tata Limited. In order to achieve this accomplishment, Tata Group invested in a hotel in 1902 (Paul & Kapoor, 2008). Through the establishment of ‘The Indian Hotels Company’, Jamsetji Tata was able to build ‘Taj Mahal Palace Hotel’ which became functional in 1903. Within a few years of investment, the hotel business was able to accumulate profit that was used to expand operations outside India (Witzel, 2010). Tata also started investing in ironworks by establishing ‘Tata Iron and Steel Company’ and used the profits to expand to other countries. The company maximized on profits by minimizing on wages and proper utilization of resources. For them to be able to expand, it was crucial for the company to take such action. Tata Group did business with countries such as England, China, Britain and Japan. The host governments demanded the investments. This is because the business brought about major economic benefits for the host countries. For example, Tata Group was able to contribute to taxes in the host countries. These taxes became a source of revenue that was used to improve the economic state of the host countries (Paul & Kapoor, 2008). Moreover, Tata group was able to utilize labor provided by the host countries. The economic benefit that came out of this is that people in the host countries were able to secure employment opportunities hence improving their livelihoods. Host countries also demanded the investment due to the benefits that they were bound to receive through infrastructure. Tata Group was definitely going to improve the infrastructure in the areas that they would operate. Nonetheless, they would receive ready market for their exports through trading with India. Countries highly regard trading since it is a major source of foreign exchange. The investment also co ntributed to technological

Stress Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

Stress - Essay Example Victims of terrorism are the most affected. They experience trauma for periods of time depending on the levels of shock. There are different types of victims, there are those who lose loved ones, those who witness the terror attack, those who survive the terror attack and those who hear about it first hand from close people. For example, in the September 2001 attack on the USA. Al Qaeda and Bin Laden attacks in the past have rendered so many afraid. The security system of the United States celebrates the death of Osama Bin Laden but however cannot forget the almost ten different attacks on their citizens and the many deaths caused by terrorists mostly of the Jihad culture. According to the USA security system, over seventy terror related reports were identified in a year in 2001. Many studies in the colleges and universities on terrorism and communication have in the recent past began. Post-traumatic stress has been common for the ones who lost loved ones. They experience a dis-attachment to the real world. According to Fields, the victims of terror experience a great feeling of loss. Some may feel guilty as to why they survived the 2001 terror attack. The incidents that happened recur in their minds and they are afraid that such an ordeal could happen again. The most common effect is isolation. It is easier for victims to isolate themselves from others; remain in the house or in familiar surroundings only. On the other hand, traumatic stress is characterized with the reluctance to express oneself. More so for the ones who witnessed a terror ordeal, they are withdrawn and they require guidance and therapy to overcome stress and trauma. The cost of living has in the past drastically changed. Each year, the cost of living keeps fluctuating. However, one thing is certain, life has become more expensive now than in the pats. There are more bills to pay and more that takes away

Free Essays - Power of Women in Epic of Gilgamesh :: Epic Gilgamesh essays

Power of Women in Epic of Gilgamesh In Order to preserve life, the trapper has to civilize the man-like beast and have nature reject him at the hand of a woman. To do this the trappers father sends him to Uruk to see Gilgamesh to "extol the strength of this wild man." (20) Gilgamesh and the trappers father felt they must tempt the beast with a "woman's power" (20) to "overpower this man" (20) to ensure their way of life. But in order for the trapper to do his job Enkidu has to become educated to the ways of this culture. "He fills in the pits which I dig and tears up my traps set for the game; he helps the beasts to escape and now they slip through my fingers". (20). A father, a trapper and Gilgamesh (part god/part man) felt that a woman was a greater weapon than an army. A woman conquers the beast in every man. Man betrays his upbringing and become civilized to protect their way of life. "When he sees her beckoning he will embrace her and then the wild beasts will reject him." (20) Gilgamesh is a womanizing ruler this is represented by him saying, "Take with you this harlot, a child of pleasure" (20) to the trapper so that they could save the existence of the community. Gilgamesh bears the secret that if he is ever conquered it will be by a woman. By sending the Harlot he has revealed his own weakness. Ironically, this theme has been used throughout history; Beauty and the Beast, Anthony and Cleopatra, and Cruel Intentions. Today, madams and housewives have replaced harlots. They do not realize that the way Enkidu was raised will always be reflected in his personality. Foolishly the father, trapper and Gilgamesh try this deception they do not know if it will be successful, but they do know man's weakness. Free Essays - Power of Women in Epic of Gilgamesh :: Epic Gilgamesh essays Power of Women in Epic of Gilgamesh In Order to preserve life, the trapper has to civilize the man-like beast and have nature reject him at the hand of a woman. To do this the trappers father sends him to Uruk to see Gilgamesh to "extol the strength of this wild man." (20) Gilgamesh and the trappers father felt they must tempt the beast with a "woman's power" (20) to "overpower this man" (20) to ensure their way of life. But in order for the trapper to do his job Enkidu has to become educated to the ways of this culture. "He fills in the pits which I dig and tears up my traps set for the game; he helps the beasts to escape and now they slip through my fingers". (20). A father, a trapper and Gilgamesh (part god/part man) felt that a woman was a greater weapon than an army. A woman conquers the beast in every man. Man betrays his upbringing and become civilized to protect their way of life. "When he sees her beckoning he will embrace her and then the wild beasts will reject him." (20) Gilgamesh is a womanizing ruler this is represented by him saying, "Take with you this harlot, a child of pleasure" (20) to the trapper so that they could save the existence of the community. Gilgamesh bears the secret that if he is ever conquered it will be by a woman. By sending the Harlot he has revealed his own weakness. Ironically, this theme has been used throughout history; Beauty and the Beast, Anthony and Cleopatra, and Cruel Intentions. Today, madams and housewives have replaced harlots. They do not realize that the way Enkidu was raised will always be reflected in his personality. Foolishly the father, trapper and Gilgamesh try this deception they do not know if it will be successful, but they do know man's weakness.

Carter Case Essay

1) First, how would you recommend we go about reducing the turnover in our stores? Turnover is a problem that is likely to be present in any low payed, low skilled job. Carter Cleaning can directly effect this turnover rate in a positive way through some guidance. Some great incentive for people to stay with a business is by providing opportunities for advancement. This could be practiced by Carter Cleaning by offering management positions to people who have been working with the organization and fit the criteria. Also, they could offer incentives such as discount dry cleaning for the employees families as incentive to stay. Another way to reduce turnover is to provide a functional, employee engaged, and cheerful work environment. Making the workplace an enjoyable experience for employees is a huge part in getting them to stay with the company. TLNT suggests, †create meaningful employee experiences,† to help reduce turnover. Finally they can also provide very flexible work schedules, so that people have a greater comfort and freedom to work when they would like. The Wall Street Journal suggests, â€Å"Pay attention to employees’ personal needs and offer more flexibility where you can,† in order to reduce turnover. Another angel of attacking the turnover problem is by having a good hiring process. Hiring good fits for a job is important in keeping them active in the business. This can be done as Heathfield argues in about.com by, â€Å"Select the right people in the first place through behavior-based testing and competency screening.† If Carter Cleaning implements these suggestions a decrease in turnover can definitely be expected. 2) Provide a detailed list of recommendations concerning how we should go about increasing our pool of acceptable job applicants so we no longer face the need to hire almost anyone who walks in the door. Many ideas come straight out of my Human Resource Management text book to answer this question. An important place to start would be forecasting workforce and turnover for the business. This can be done by viewing statistical data over the past years. That way the company knows when they are likely to need new hires. The second thing that should be done is an increased applicant pool. This can be obtained in several ways. First, I would create interest in working at the business by promoting its job strengths in the local areas. They could promote themselves as a pleasant place to work, or a flexible place to work. This can be done by bulletins, web advertisements, and window signs. A strong and good brand will attract more people to want to work and apply to Carters Cleaning Company,â€Å"†¦should build its brand or reputation amongst potential applicants† (Dessler, 114). Also, let applicants know of any benefits for working with the company, and promoting the possibility of advancement from within. This will draw initial interest to the company. The company must exist on the internet, â€Å"For most employers and for most jobs, Internet-based recruiting is by far the recruiting source of choice† (Dessler, 116). This makes it easy for interested parties to apply to the company. Creation of an effective and easy to use application for both the web and walk-ins is crucial. This will provide an easy selection process for Carter Cleaning, and less hassle for interested parties. These promotions must be effectively placed throughout the web to attract the correct type of people that would be interested in this kind of job. This can be done by utilizing social media such as facebook, myspace, and linkedIn. These pages can be â€Å"crawled† virtually to find possible applicants based on a number of related items such as location, interest, and education. To even further increase the applications, referrals are very effective. Jennifer should post new job â€Å"†¦openings and requests for referrals on [the company’s] website, bulletin board, and/or wallboards† (Dessler, 125). Employee referrals typically â€Å"†¦provide accurate information about the job applicants they refer†¦,† which will make it easier to find qualified applicants to fill opened positions with qualified employees that will most likely stay at the company over six months (Dessler, 125). Finally, there needs to be a place to record applications for future use. This could either be done on a computer or physical files. The basic way of solving this problem is to keep job interest high by promotions, and possible hires close at hand with the use of application records. References Experiencing Employee Turnover – More Tips to Reduce Employee Turnover How to Reduce Employee Turnover – Management – WSJ.com 10 Tips For Reducing Employee Turnover Dessler, G. (2014). Fundamentals of human resource management (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.

C. Cultural, Social, Personal, Psychological Factors...

C. Cultural, social, personal, psychological factors influencing the consumption of Flora spread – Pham Ai Tien LE One of the factors that heavily contributes to the success of a business is to understand the desires come from the customers. Understanding consumer behaviour and what your current and potential customers may want and need is arguably the most important part of running a successful business (REF). Consumer behaviour refers to the process by which individuals search for, select, purchase, use, and dispose of goods and services, in satisfaction of their needs and wants. (REF) This behaviour can be broken down into certain characteristics that influence the consumption of a particular brand or product, which include the social,†¦show more content†¦(Ref Textbook). The impacts of Opinion leaders and businesses using online social networks have a strong influence on consumer behaviour socially. People often define themselves in terms of certain group memberships. These social identities are common in current life. People see themselves as being part of a country, gender, race, p olitical movement, sports team, consumer group or organization. The market segment targeted by Flora is the health-conscious segment, characterised by individuals who monitor their diets but desire to maintain an enjoyable lifestyle. The way in which Flora are able to gain success in certain social groups is by satisfying the consumer’s product wants and needs. From this, there are a variety of social influences that will lead to more consumers buying the product. One of these factors is through the use of Key opinion leaders. A Key opinion leader is a reference group member who provides information about a specific sphere that interests reference group participants. This person, whether it be a friend, role model or even a celebrity who shares the thoughts of consuming healh-friendly product. As a result of using a key opinion leader to promote a company, Online social networks are another increasingly popular method of how businesses influence their customer’s consumption of their product. 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