Situation: Joan Brown wrote this email to her supervisor, Mr. Green. From: jbamco@amaco.bus.tw 

To: rgamaco@amaco.bus.tw 

Subject: Problem with new employee Dear Mr. Green, 

As you know, I am the sales manager for Amaco's cellphone department. I am writing this email in hopes that you could provide some assistance concerning a new salesperson, Mr. John Michaels. 

Mr. Michaels was hired this month by the Human Resources Department. He has demonstrated that he takes his position seriously. He arrives early at the office, and has contacted all customers assigned to him, as well as a number of other potential customers.

 He is also very familiar with our products. He can explain clearly all the functions of the cellphones we currently offer. He undoubtedly understands products that the Research and Development Department employees are still working on, and has even contributed beneficial ideas to them.

 Unfortunately, our customers are frustrated with his inability to understand their needs, and I am concerned about losing customers. Even though he has contacted potential new customers, he has not successfully made any new sales. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I would appreciate any suggestions that you might have. Best regards, Joan Brown Sales Manager

　　Now, I suspect, a lot of people are experiencing a kind of parents' remorse. We bought into the philosophy that children needed unlimited self-esteem, maximum freedom and minimal pressure to succeed in life or contribute to society. We taught our kids to think of themselves as entitled and to see themselves as the center of the universe. Now instead of parents having expectations of their children, children have expectations of how their parents are supposed to behave. We're here to serve them, to make their lives as comfortable and convenient as possible. 

　　I want my children to stop acting like an only child, and learn to share everything with their siblings, including their parents' time and attention. I want them to get out of their heads this idea that the world revolves around them, and all that matters at any given moment of the day is what they want, need or feel; and I want them to treat people better, starting with their family members, and then moving on to complete strangers, and not look down on anyone -- ever. 

　　Of course, the problem is that this is what parents are for. It's our job to instill these values and teach children how to become good people. It doesn't happen naturally. And it won't happen magically. It'll only happen if we set standards and enforce rules when they're not met. And fathers have a special role to play in all of this. It's not easy being a good dad. In fact, it's exhausting. And it can often be frustrating. In fact, frankly, a lot of fathers decide it is too hard. They give up, check out, hang back and essentially let their kids raise themselves. It's one of the reasons why we got into this mess. 

　　The only way out is for fathers to get back in the game. We have to be present in our children's lives. Forget about being their friends. They have friends. They need fathers. We have to be in our kids' faces, just like our grandfathers and fathers used to be. And for the same reason -- because we care enough not to be anywhere else.

Power plants, factories, and cars are the main causes of global warming. They 17 pollution into the air. That causes the Earth’s temperature to rise, leading to many problems. Indeed, fighting global warming may be the biggest challenge now. 

As temperatures rise, 18 sea levels. If they become too high, they could flood cities near the ocean. Warmer temperatures also make storms like typhoons more serious. There is good news. We have the technology to slow down global warming. New equipment can lower the pollution from power plants. Also, car makers can use new technology to make engines 19 . Plus, we can get more energy from wind, solar, and other clean sources. 

New laws are needed to make these changes happen. However, some governments worry that such laws will 20 their economies. Getting the world’s governments to agree on the issue is not easy. 

People like you and me can help in the fight. For example, buy refrigerators and light bulbs that use less energy. Also, when buying a new car, consider one with a hybrid engine. 21 working together, it is possible to slow down global warming.