Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Writing Dates and Time in Spanish

Learning Spanish can be easy if yo have the write teacher. Here are few examples of how to learn to write dates and times in Spanish.

HELPFUL TIPS WHEN WRITING TIME IN SPANISH

(evening/night) or de la madrugada (late night) to distinguish between AM and PM. On the other hand, in most countries times are

Writing Dates and Time in Spanish

rendered in 24-hour format, with a colon separating hours andminutes: 9 o'clock AM nueve de la mañana (spoken: noo-WEH-vay day la mahn-YAH-nah), 9:00 (written)

12:30 PM

doce y media de la mañana (spoken: DOH-say ee MAY-dee-yah day la

mahn-YAH-nah), 12:30 (written)

1 o'clock PM

una de la tarde (spoken: OOH-nah day lah TAHR-day), 13:00 (written)

10 o'clock PM

diez de la noche (spoken: dee-AYSS day la NOH-chay), 22:00 (written)

2 o'clock AM

dos de la madrugada or dos de la mañana (spoken: DOHSS day la

mah-drooh-GAH-dah or DOHSS day la mahn-YAH-nah), 2:00 (written)

Spanish TIME DURATION

__ minute(s) __ minuto(s) (mee-NOOH-toh(ss))

__ hour(s) __ hora(s) (OHR-ah(ss))

__ day(s) __ día(s) (DEE-aah(ss))

__ week(s) __ semana(s) (say-MAH-nah(ss))

__ month(s) __ mes(es) (MAYSS-(ayss))

__ year(s) __ año(s) (AH-nyoh(ss))

Spanish TIME DURATION: DAYS

today hoy (OY)

yesterday ayer(I-air)

tomorrow mañana (surely you know how to pronounce this word:

mahn-YAH-nah)

this week esta semana (EHS-tah say-MAH-nah)

last week la semana pasada (lah say-MAH-nah pah-SAH-dah)

next week la semana que viene (lah say-MAH-nah kay vee-AYN-ay)

Monday lunes (LOOH-nayss) - Week Begins On This Day

Tuesday martes (MAHR-tayss)

Wednesday miércoles (mee-AIR-coh-layss)

Thursday jueves (WHAY-vayss)

Friday viernes (vee-AIR-nayss)

Saturday sábado (SAH-bah-doh)

Sunday domingo (doh-MEEN-goh)

Spansih TIME DURATION: MONTHS

January enero (eh-NEH-ro)

February febrero (feh-BREH-ro)

March marzo (MAR-zo)

April abril (ah-BRIL)

May mayo (MAY-o)

June junio (HOO-nio)

July julio (HOO-lio)

August agosto (ah-GO-sto)

September septiembre/setiembre (se-TEE-YEM-bray)

October octubre (ok-TOO-brey)

November noviembre (no-VEE-YEM-bray)

December diciembre (dee-CEE-YEM-bray)

HELPFUL TIPS WHEN WRITING DATES IN Spanish

In Spanish dates are given in day-month-year form. All spoken and written, long and short forms follow this pattern:

October 3rd, 2003

3 de octubre de 2003

May 21st, 1997

21 de mayo de 1997

In Spanish day-month constructions (4 de julio, for example) are not usually abbreviated. In the rare cases than an abbreviation is used, the number of the month is not used, but its initial letter is. Usual examples are:

23-F

23 de febrero, date of a failed coup d'êtat in Spain (1981)

11-S

11 de septiembre, date of the attack to the Twin Towers (2001) (and

of the Chilean coup in 1973).

Writing Dates and Time in Spanish
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These are just a couple of phrases but you can see using this approach can help you learn the Spanish language quick and easy. Visit [http://www.arichplayer.com/EasySpanish.html] for more tips on learning Spanish quick and easy.

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Saturday, January 26, 2013

The Writing Format - The Heart of a Policies and Procedures System

The writing format is a critical component of any successful policies and procedures system. And more importantly, the writing format must be consistently applied across both policies and procedures and must lay out content in an easy-to-read and understand format. Using the adage, "Practice makes perfect" applies in this situation. Practice does not make perfect unless it is correct practice. Given the same logic, the writing format is not acceptable unless it meets all the criteria of being a successful and effective writing format.

A "writing format" is a structure or outline format for presenting policies and procedures in a logical order that is easily understood by readers. The writing format lays out the content of any policy or procedure document and presents a logical reading sequence. The section-formatted structure can assure consistency among policy and procedure documents.

The ideal writing format is when there is no distinction made between a policy and procedure document. As the reader might guess, this would solve many problems and make publication, communication, and training easier. How is this done? Write a single document, e.g., travel expense report or purchase requisition, and don't name it as a policy or a procedure document. Rather, use a writing format that contains a policy statement as one of the pre-defined, core sections; now, the guidelines of the document are directed by the embedded policy statement. The readers are pleased with this solution because now they don't have to refer to separate policy and procedure manuals for similar content. In the examples below, the policy statement is the third section of the preferred "pre-defined sections" writing format.

The Writing Format - The Heart of a Policies and Procedures System

There are three popular writing format styles, one of which stands apart from the others: (1) pre-defined sections; (2) free-flowing role structure or Playscript; and (3) free-flowing writing. The third writing format, free-flowing writing, is really no format at all. And unfortunately, many companies today use this "free-flowing writing" format (probably due the lack of knowing that a writing format template might exist). In this format, the content is written in a random, inconsistent manner. The reader is never certain about the starting or ending point of the policy or procedure document. This method is often referred to as the "Paragraph-style" of writing and generally leaves the reader guessing the purpose and importance of the policy or procedure document. This is NOT the behavior the policy and procedures writer wants from the reader.

The second writing format, the "free flowing role structure," is often referred to as "Playscript." Literally, "Playscript" refers to dialogue, a dramatic composition, or a screenplay. Policy and procedure writers use the "role" method adapted from the Playscript format where the role is stated in the first column and the action is stated in the second column of a two-column layout. The proponents of this format argue that the reader doesn't need to know everything about the "who, why, what, where, and how" of every policy or procedure document. The opponents argue that the Playscript method is cumbersome and leaves the reader clueless as to the intent of the policy or procedure document. This is simply not a good format for documenting business processes.

The first writing format, "Pre-Defined Sections" is the easiest writing format for the reader to understand because the format consists of pre-defined, pre-approved sections that are used in every policy or procedure written and published. Consistency is quickly achieved. The seven core sections of the "Pre-Defined Writing Format" are Purpose, Scope, Policy, Definitions, Responsibilities, Procedures, and Revision History. Content, properly added into these sections, provide the "who, what, why, where, and how" of business processes and help to make up the substance of policies and procedures alike. Depending on the industry, the policy and procedures writer might add sections, e.g., background, references, or disciplinary actions for non-compliance.

A policy and procedure system without a consistently designed, and applied, writing format is probably broken, obsolete, or ignored by its readers. The writing format includes the mechanism for capturing ideas, workflows, solutions, forms, and any supplemental information about business processes, in one place. An effective writing format template contains the same core sections each and every time; there is never a deviation.

The Writing Format - The Heart of a Policies and Procedures System
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For professional assistance in writing your own policies and procedures look no further then provider CompanyManuals.com. Visit them online to browse book selections on how to write policies and procedures and start writing your own company policies and procedures today with detailed step-by-step directions and sample plans.

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Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Understanding the Subjunctive and Conditional in English Writing

The confusion between the subjunctive and the conditional form of the verb in "if" clauses is long-lived and not likely to be relieved any time soon. And to add insult to injury, there is the endless disagreement over just when it is required and when it is not.

In order to examine the use of the subjunctive mood, we must first understand just exactly what it is. Consider the sentence "''People treat reason as if it were the most minor and harmful aspect of a whole human being." The "were" is in the subjunctive mood, which is often used after "if" in a clause. BUT, not always.

This is where things get tricky. If the "condition" that the verb is referencing is desired or wished for or hoped for or contrary to fact, use the subjunctive. Even if that wish has the possibility of coming true, if it hasn't yet, use the subjunctive. Completely confused? You are not alone.

Understanding the Subjunctive and Conditional in English Writing

Let's start with a few easy examples.

If Lucy were queen (but she's not), she would have you arrested.

Max wishes he were somewhere warm. (but he's not)

But what if there is no wishing or hoping involved and the possibility exists that the condition will be met? Use the conditional for situations that don't exist but might very well exist.

In each of the following examples, the writer confuses the conditional mood with the subjunctive mood. Writers should reserve the subjunctive form of the verb "to be" for describing things that not only don't exist but probably will not exist.

"The S.E.C., if it were given supervision of these securities, might hope to use the new authority to improve its reputation as a vigilant market watchdog." DealBook, New York Times October 21, 2008

The S.E.C. might be given supervision of the securities. The proper form of the verb is was given.

"It was as if he were so determined not to pander, he left any good ideas he might have had in his briefcase." Opinion, LA Times March 28, 2008

He might challenge Obama on those policy issues. So the sentence should have read Imagine if he was challenging Obama on those policy differences.

The possibility exists that he be determined not to pander. So the proper form is it was as if he was.

"Imagine if he were challenging Obama on those policy differences." Fred Hiatt, Washington Post, October 13, 2008

Here is the conditional used correctly:

"And if I were him, I would ask Al Gore to serve as his vice president, his energy czar, in his administration to reduce our consumption and reliance on foreign energy sources." Top of the Ticket James Carville, Los Angeles Times, June 11, 2008

Of course, Carville should have used the nominative form the the pronoun "he" rather than "him," but let's at least give him credit for assuring us with the use of the subjunctive that he is not now and never will be Al Gore.

"The most maddening part for Texas might be that if it were in one of the other five conferences with split divisions -- the Atlantic Coast, Conference USA, the Mid-American and the Southeastern Conference - it would have advanced ahead of the Sooners." New York Times

Texas is not in one of the other five conferences. The condition is contrary to fact; therefore, we use the subjunctive.

As should be clear by now, proper use of the subjunctive and conditional tenses is no easy feat. The key, as with all things in writing, is to know exactly what the words being used are doing in the sentence.

Understanding the Subjunctive and Conditional in English Writing
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Kellee Weinhold is a former newspaper and magazine editor, publisher and journalism professor. Visit her Web site, The Tongue Untied, http://www.grammaruntied.com for more information on writing, including grammar, punctuation and style.

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Monday, January 21, 2013

Article Writing Tips - How to Write an Opinion Piece

You know what they say about opinions. Everybody has one. And that's why writing an opinion piece can be an exercise in futility if it's not done correctly. You're probably thinking, "How can an opinion be correct or not correct?" It can't, but there are better ways to approach opinion pieces than others. In this article, I'm going to give you my opinion on what the best way is to write an opinion piece, based on my personal experience.

There is a lot of irony in this article, wouldn't you say? I'm giving you my opinion on writing opinion pieces. The key to this however, is that I am giving it based on my personal experience. Also, quite ironically, there is your answer in a nutshell...experience. It's hard to argue with somebody when they are speaking from experience. I've been writing for over 30 years and my best articles, at least the ones that got the most feedback, were the ones where I was writing from experience.

Okay, but what if you don't have personal experience with a subject? What if you're writing an opinion piece on whether the government should pass a certain law or not? Let's say the law had something to do with a certain type of crime, calling for stiffer penalties. If you've never broken the law, or been a victim of that crime, you can't speak from experience. So then what do you do? That's where you move onto the next best thing. Back up your opinion with some statistics.

Article Writing Tips - How to Write an Opinion Piece

For example, let's take that newly proposed law. Certainly there has to be some statistics that support the passing of the law. Seek them out and present them in your article. Give your opinion that the law should be passed and point out these statistics, whether it be people murdered, raped, robbed or whatever. By showing how the current law is not much of a deterrent, you make your case for the new, tougher law. It's not rocket science and it works very well.

When you give your opinion and back it up with either your personal experience or some solid facts, it's hard to go wrong with your article.

To YOUR Success,

Steven Wagenheim

Article Writing Tips - How to Write an Opinion Piece
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Monday, January 7, 2013

Public Speaking - Roast Humor and Insults

Being roasted is an honor, but you must be careful to honor people while you are roasting them during a public speaking engagement. Joke about things that are obviously untrue, then exaggerate them to make them more obvious. Or, you can outrageously exaggerate things that are true.

When choosing the butt of a roast joke or story, pick big targets. Never make fun of a small target (janitor, secretary, etc.). Make fun of the boss. He or she is still the boss after all the teasing and will look like a great sport for going along with it.

Members of 'in' groups can joke about their peers and insult each other all they want. Bob Hope made fun of Ronald Reagan. Everyone knew they were buddies.

Public Speaking - Roast Humor and Insults

If you widely spread an insult or collection of insults, the group can laugh together. No one is individually embarrassed. The same remarks aimed at an individual removed from the cohesive influence of the group might cause someone to get upset.

Always clear your comments IN ADVANCE! Unless you are participating in a full-blown roast program, always make fun of yourself first. If you kid yourself first, the audience will be more receptive when you kid them. Here are some roast examples:

To an AT&T executive:

If a Martian called Ed's office to contact earth, he'd try to sell them on the benefits of our new 800 service.

Keep remarks focused on unimportant things that can't be damaging!

Folks we are here tonight to Roast Joe. I'm particularly happy to be here because I can now say in public all the things I've been saying behind his back. He/she is a man/woman of the world . . . and you know what bad shape the world is in.

Insult about areas of recognized strength and superiority!

To a great family man and/or community leader:

Joe's (neighbors/business associates/preacher, etc.,) all say what a wonderful couple he and his wife make . . . if it wasn't for Joe.

To a well-known philanthropist:

He is a man of rare gifts . . . he hasn't given any in years.

At a program with a long head table with lots of speakers, an emcee might say:

The emcee's job is not to be wise or witty. In fact, it is his job to appear dull so that the speakers on the program will shine in comparison. Tonight it looks like I'm going to have to rise to new heights of boredom.

To the audience the emcee or speaker might say:

I'm glad to be here tonight to look into your faces. . . . And God knows there are some faces here that need looking into.

Public Speaking - Roast Humor and Insults
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Tom Antion provides entertaining speeches and educational seminars. He is the ultimate entrepreneur, having owned many businesses BEFORE graduating college. Tom is the author of the best selling presentation skills book "Wake 'em Up Business Presentations" and "Click: The Ultimate Guide to Electronic Marketing." It is important to Tom that his knowledge be not only absorbed, but enjoyed. This is why he delivers his speeches laced with great humor and hysterical jokes. Tom has addressed more than 87 different industries and is thoroughly committed to his clients' needs. http://www.antion.com

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