The world is too big for one to handle, together, we make this world a more desirable place to live. 

It is true that United Nations (UN) and social enterprise share common goals and strive to achieve the same optimal outcome. However, the objective of the two parties don’t actually overlap since the UN operates on a bigger scale and attempts to solve problems that are clearly displayed in black and white. On the other hand, social enterprise aspires to fill in the grayscale that the UN may not be able to cover due to the substantial number of issues calling for attention. Additionally, Arc Initiative aims to aid foreign individuals on a more personal level through sharing of knowledge and providing direct assistance rather than solely materialism.  As it is impossible for the UN to provide basic goods and services to all individuals, this is where social enterprise and the Arc give a lending hand by dedicating their time, love and wisdom to particular individuals who may only need a little support in order to succeed.

The United Nations can provide funds and make a difference in people’s lives immediately, but the bridges and connections Arc Initiative  successfully establishes in foreign countries will likely impact people’s lives more than money can alone in the long run.

“Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”   

 

My English 12 teacher once asked, “Who wants to stay in Vancouver after graduation?”

We all did.  Frankly, most of us cannot afford living in Vancouver. Just as Calen and Kristine mentioned in their blogs, foreign investors have driven up the prices of the housing industry and caused tremendous stress to Vancourites.

However, I think that instead of charging an extra fee for the purchase of a new house, investors should be encouraged to rent out their empty houses at a lower price to Vancouverites who cannot afford local housing. In return, this would benefit local citizens as the supply of houses available for renting increases, and benefit the market as well as the investors as more money is spent in the Canadian economy. With the help of government regulation, this could be easily implemented over charging an additional fee since we have no right over someone else’s property.

Alternative solution: Go live somewhere else, explore new places and share the cultures and beliefs you own as a Vancouverite. Maybe you will fall in love with a city that you never imagined you would.

Vancouver is beautiful, but who is it to say if we haven’t seen the rest of the world?

Costco Wholesale runs a different business model and successfully differentiates itself from its competitors. I was surprised that although Costco carries a large number of products, it never advertised. Well, not until the existence of this product: the 93” plush bear, which will be available in Early November. The contrast between the gigantic bear and the little girl in the video is inresistably adorable.

However, I am more curious to see what the sales of the bear would be at the end of November after months of marketing. Although $180 is reasonable for this size, I do see why customers would step away from this adorable plush bear.

The size may have attracted a lot of attention but it may also cause customers to reconsider their purchase since Costco also offers the plus bears in smaller sizes. The truth is, a 93” plush bear is a pain to carry around and a headache for parents when it comes around to cleaning and washing time.

There is a lot more to consider when purchasing an item than just the appearance because marketing is the expert of packaging. I would agree that this plush bear belongs in the Children’s s Hospital where it can bring happiness to sick and unhappy children.

This may look cool in the picture, but trust me, it is not in real life.