Multiple Choice Questions - "Leaving Microsoft to Change the World"

Welcome to my 5 Academic Blog post, this time I will be posting 73 multiple choice questions for the book "Leaving Microsoft to Change the World". Every question will have 3 choices, with a none of the above option if you either do not know, or you do not believe it is there. The first 15 answers are opinion based, therefore I cannot post an absolute answer key. I will, however post my suggested answer, and the most logical. (Note, the correct answers have a small asterisk next to them) Enjoy!

Day 1
1. Do you think that John Woods' actions contradict the stereotypical view of the wealthy businessman; They're all rich and greedy?

a. Yes, he's a great guy! *
b. It doesn't make a difference
c. No; He's a rare occasion
d. None of the above

2. Would you do the same that John Woods' did? (Donate money to Nepal, that is)

a. Of course - I'm a very generous person!*
b. Maybe - I can't decide until I'm actually there
c. No! - They need to work themselves!
d. None of the above

3. Why did John Woods' become hesitant on tipping the Nepali waitress at the motel?

a. He thought they were rude
b. Tipping is considered an insult in Nepal*
c. He was out of money
d. None of the above

Day 2
4. While leaving the impoverished school system,what thoughts were running through John's head?

a. "What an interesting place..."
b. "I wonder how soon I could return with books!"
c. Both "a" and "b"*
d. None of the above

5. Do you agree with the following: "The fact that I have money does not make me a better person - It is what I do with it that does"

a. Yes - It is very true, I would agree even if I was just as rich!*
b. No - Giving away money just so you can feel better is horrible!
c. Maybe - It depends on the situation
d. None of the above
6. Do the action's of John relate to you in anyway?

a. Yes- I'm very charitable and I love to read!*
b. No - People need to work for themselves and books disgust me!
c. Maybe - Yes, only in some ways
d. None of the above
Day 3
7. Do you think John Woods' will end up forgetting about the libraries and children, once returning to Microsoft?

a. Yes - He has a very important job
b. No - He has his goals prioritized correctly!*
c. Maybe - We can't tell yet
d. None of the above
8. If you were John Woods', what would you prioritize first - Work or Charity?

a. Work - Without work there is no money, if there is no money, there is no charity!
b. Charity - I have enough money as it is
c. Both - I'm a busy person!*
d. None of the above
9. Do you think that the book donations will make a big enough difference in Nepal?

a. Yes - Literacy is the first step*
b. No - Books can't buy food!
c. Yes - But only a small amount
d. None of the above
Day 4
10. Why do you think John Woods' did what he did - About rejecting his father's request to come along with him to Nepal

a. He wanted to take all the credit
b. He didn't want his father to get hurt*
c. Both "a" and "b"
d. None of the above
11. Do you think any of John's actions reflect his childhood?

a. Yes - He did this to restore his love of reading and to spread it to the world*
b. No - He did this for moral support and his childhood was meaningless
c. It played no major role in his actions
d. None of the above
12. Do you think John Woods ended up being glad that he took his father along?

a. Yes - It was a good father/son bonding experience*
b. No - He was a burden
c. Maybe - He doesn't care that much
d. None of the above
Day 5
13. Do you think that his story is exaggerated in any way?

a. Yes - With that big of a job you could never balance that lifestyle
b. No - He is an amazing person who can do it all!
c. Maybe a little...!*
d. None of the above
14. Do you think that his actions may escalate into something to big for him to handle? Would you pull out before it became an issue?

a. Yes - This is getting out of hand, I would pull out immediately!
b. No - I'm doing a good thing no matter what the cost is!
c. Maybe - No, but I would ease up a bit...*
d. None of the above
15. What is the reasoning for John's internal debate?

a. He is reviewing his action's
b. He wants to leave Microsoft*
c. He regrets donating money
d. None of the above
Day 6
16. Who is Sophie, and what is her relation to John?

a. Wife
b. Boss
c. Girlfriend and Boss*
d. None of the above
17. Who is Mike, and what is his relation to John?

a. A major role in Microsoft
b. An insignificant  role as a friend
c. His boss*
d. None of the above
18. Where is John Woods' now? (Majority of 6th chapter)

a. California - Los Angelos
b. China - Bejing*
c. New York - NYC
d. None of the above
Day 7
19. With the new business transaction's in China, do you think that John Woods is indeed growing away from the main focus of the book?

a. Yes - This is exactly what I thought was going to happen!*
b. No - This is just a sub-subject of the book
c. Maybe - Maybe a little, but it will get back to Nepal in a chapter
d. None of the above
20. With the section about comparing the average GNP of a Chinese citizen to Bill Gates, do you think that was foreshadowing something similar in Nepal that will happen in China? (Donating money/books, that is)

a. Yes - That was an obvious foreshadowing statement*
b. No - He was simply making an observation
c. Possibly
d. None of the above
21. Even though nothing has been done about the poverty in China, do you think John Woods will take action in future chapters?

a. Yes - He's been hinting at it*
b. No - This was just a business trip
c. Maybe - There's no way of telling
d. None of the above
Day 8
22. Do you think that John's decision will halt his charitable actions?

a. Yes - He will lose his source of income and eventually his excess of money!
b. No - He's obviously a very rich man, and most of the money comes from donor's anyways*
c. Possibly - It's a risky choice
d. None of the above
23. In relation to the last question, do you think this is a good choice? Do you think he should just handle the stress and prevail?

a. Yes - He deserves a break with all of the good deeds he's been doing*
b. No - He should stay with Microsoft and stop being a wimp!
c. I don't know!
d. None of the above
24. How many foreshadowing lines did you catch in this chapter?

a. Just the one about school construction projects on page 64
b. Two, the line in option "a" and the line on page 65 about his availability to donate for the next 3 months without losing a paycheck
c. "a" and "b", and more!*
d. I didn't catch any!

Day 9 - Part 2
25. What year was John Woods charity approved by the IRS? What was the official name?

a. 1999 - Books for Nepal*
b. 1996 - Nepal Support
c. 1989 - Books for Nepal
d. None of the above
26. What does DRF stand for?

a. Draper Richards Foundation*
b. Down Right Foundation
c. Dickens Reading Foundation
d. None of the above
27. What importance does this have on the story?

a. A small role where John Woods is rejected funds
b. A major role where John Woods is given a multi-year funding contract $100K
c. It was vaguely mentioned, it had no major effect
d. None of the above*
Day 10
28. Now that John Woods has left Microsoft, how is he possibly going to fund his charity!?

a. He is getting donations from DRF, and eventually others*
b. He is not getting donations, he is using his own money
c. He is not getting donations, he is going to close the foundations
d. None of the above

29. On page 92, when he is explaining what it is like to prepare for an interview, do you have related experiences?

a. Yes - I have done it before and he is exaggerating!
b. Yes - I have done it before and he is makes it seem so easy!
c. I'm not even close to 18 years old, I have never been interviewed for a job, how would I know?*
d. None of the above
30. Have you realized how off topic this chapter is? Do you think this is another example of how Nepal is getting forgotten about?

a. Yes - I knew Nepal would be left behind as soon as we started discussing China*
b. No - In fact I think this may wrap back around to Nepal!
c. Maybe - I think this chapter is not very important to the book
d. None of the above
Day 11
31. What is the new country John is focusing on now?

a. America
b. Kenya
c. Vietnam*
d. None of the above
32. What was the impression John had leaving the Vietnamese computer lab?

a. He was not sure who was pupil and who was teacher*
b. He thought that Vu was stupid
c. He thought that he could help the poor lab
d. None of the above
33. Why do all of the foreign natives refuse handouts, such as Vu in the coffee shop, and the Nepali waitress?

a. They put others first
b. They have pride in what they do, and do not receive handouts*
c. Both "a" and "b"
d. None of the above
Day 12
34. At least how many schools has Johns foundation help build in Nepal?

a. 5*
b. 50
c. 10
d. None of the above
35. Why do so many families donate 14$, or 1,001 Rupee's to Nepali schools?

a. It is considered a lucky number*
b. It is the minimum donation
c. It is the maximum donation
d. None of the above
36. What village is John and other's currently travelling too?

a. Katrak*
b. Detroit
c. Relleka
 d. None of the above

Day 13
37. Who is the current donor that John is meeting with, in the beginning of chapter 13?

a. Erin, a new character in the book*
b. Mike, his old associate
c. Dinesh, a Nepali man
d. None of the above
38. How was John contacted?

a. Cellphone*
b. Email
c. Mail
d. None of the above
39. What country does the conversation concern?

a. China
b. Nepal
c. Vietnam*
d. None of the above
Day 14
40. What is the first topic of the chapter talking about?

a. John's conflict over money*
b. September 11th
c. Finding more donors
d. None of the above
41. What is the second topic of the chapter talking about?

a. September 11th*
b. Finding more donors
c. Joining Microsoft again
d. None of the above
42. What is the third topic of the chapter talking about?

a. Raising funds even throughout the for-casted recession U.S.A. was going to enter
b. Joining Microsoft again*
c. Quitting the foundation
d. None of the above
Day 15
43. Who where John's two major inspiration's?

a. Steve Ballmer and George Bush
b. Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer*
c. Bill Gates and Brent Erensel
d. None of the above
44. What is the "Books for Nepal" foundation changed to?

a. Room to Read*
b. Nepali Reading Foundation
c. It didn't change
d. None of the above
45. How many books has the foundation donated, as of chapter 15?

a. 1.2 Million*
b. 200,000
c. 8.5 Million
d. None of the above
Day 16
46. What was the nickname of the foundation?

a. The Microsoft of Nonprofits*
b. Books for Nepal
c. Nepal Book Foundation
d. None of the above
47. What older organization is Room to Read compared to in this chapter?

a. DRF (Draper Richards Foundation)
b. Grameen Bank*
c. It was not compared to any other organization
d. None of the above
48. Do you think that it is right for John to press his father for further donations?

a. Yes - His father obviously has a lot of money
b. No - This is a charity, don't be greedy and accept what he's giving you already*
c. Take it or leave it - His donation is only one in 1,000
d. None of the above
Day 17
49. How many hours a day does John work?

a. 14*
b. 25
c. 8
d. None of the above
50. When the title says 'Your Life is a Mess', what is it referring to?

a. The disorder and turmoil that John Woods has gotten himself into with the charity he has started*
b. John's wife is leaving him
c. He is referring to the reader
d. None of the above
51. Is John using the foundation as his source of income, currently in the story?

a. Yes - He has to or else he will go bankrupt
b. No - He has made a good amount of money from the rising stock of Microsoft*
c. A little bit - Microsoft isn't doing to well
d. None of the above
Day 18 - Part 3
52. What was John thinking about doing when he realized the low prices of housing in Topeka? Why was he hesitant?

a. Buying a home there - He didn't want to though because of the price the foundation would have to pay*
b. Moving the foundation to Topeka for a higher income
c. Nothing, he was merely day dreaming
d. None of the above
53. What is the adult illiteracy rate for men and women in Nepal?

a. 39% for males and 75% for women*
b. 15% for males and 69% for women
c. 79% for males and 39% for women
d. None of the above
54. Which gender is favored in India?

a. Male*
b. Female
c. Both
d. None of the above
Day 19
55. What is Dinesh Shrestha's relationship to John?

a. Business partner*
b. Wife
c. Son
d. None of the above
56. What are some sub-goals of helping women in India and other countries?

a. Combating the spread of HIV/AIDS
b. Decreasing hunger and poverty
c. Both "a" and "b"*
d. None of the above
57. How much money had the organization pulled in during his speech in San Diego?

a. $35,000*
b. $900,000
c. $0
d. None of the above
Day 20
58. What is the next country that John is thinking about?

a. Japan
b. India*
c. Mexico
d. None of the above
59. What natural disaster helped gain funds for Room to Read, which was then put towards building schools in Southeastern Asia?

a. Tsunami*
b. Earthquake
c. Tornado
d. None of the above
60. When did Room to Read start helping Laos?

a. 2002
b. 2001
c. 2005*
d. None of the above
Day 21
61. In 2002 and 2003, what was one of the countries that Room to Read was invited to?

a. Pakistan*
b. Canada
c. England
d. None of the above
62. What was the third country that Room to Read funded?

a. Pakistan
b. Mexico
c. Cambodia*
d. None of the above
63. How much money did the Room to Read foundation gain in chapter 21?

a. $150,000
b. $20,000
c. $170,000*
d. None of the above
Day 22
64. Who was hired to help fight illiteracy in India?

a. Sunish, from CARE*
b. Bill Gates, as he stepped down from Microsoft too
c. No body, John Woods takes over this position
d. None of the above
65. What does NGO stand for?

a. Nongovernmental Organization*
b. Never Give Out
c. Need Government Outside
d. None of the above
66. Going back in time, what where the first two countries that Room to Read funded?

a. Nepal and Vietnam*
b. Mexico and China
c. China and Nepal
d. None of the above

Day 23
67. What natural disaster, that once again creates havoc in Asia?

a. Tsunami*
b. Earthquake
c. Monsoon
d. None of the above
68. What news channel had John Woods been booked on to speak about our plans to help rebuild Asia?

a. ABC
b. CNN*
c. FOX
d. None of the above
69. Who is the newest addition to the Room to Read faculty?

a. Bella*
b. Steve
c. No one
d. None of the above

Before You Read

1. In two well-developed paragraphs, describe the setting of your book (time and place)

Time - This book was published in 2006. I'm assuming you mean the time in which the story takes place, and that is in late 1990's and early 2000's. I believe the time changes throughout the book, but I have not read it. The story spans over about 6 years. From a physiological aspect, the time is very un-civilized. Although a budding and new culture, the country of Nepal and other countries in Africa are very impoverished. The book is about building libraries and the help John Wood has done to improve the impoverished nations of Africa.

2. In a paragraph, explain the social issue or conflict that your book's protagonist faces

The conflict that the 'main' character faces is actually quite different than the title may presume. The title actually has nothing to do with Microsoft helping nations, but rather the spiritual journey of John Woods (co-executive of Microsoft) leaving Microsoft to help and bring up the African nations. It started by John Woods taking a vacation of a hiking trip in the Nepali lands, and it turned into a journey of hope and help.

3. How many people does this issue or conflict impact in today's world, and how serious is this impact?

The effects of the impoverishment and poor education of African natives, Or the impact that John Woods had on them? Quite a large span for error there. I'm presuming it's the first option. The impact that this has on the world is vital. Over 1.4 billion people live in Africa, and the percent of those that are educated people is very low. This means the few that are smart can easily find corruption in government, and many issue's will break out.

4. What are some of the ways that people have tried to solve this problem or address this issue?

Well, this book for example! People such as John Woods have helped to build libraries throughout Africa, and educate many of it's people. John Woods and his foundation alone have built over 7,500 libraries! The issue is being treated, but on a very small scale.

Citations:
EasyBib: Free Bibliography Maker - MLA, APA, Chicago Citation Styles. Web.
              02 Nov. 2011. <http://easybib.com/>.

Home - Leaving Microsoft to Change the World. Web.
              08 Nov. 2011. <http://www.leavingmicrosoftbook.com/>.

Short Story Comparison

Essay – Compare and Contrast

(Note – When the word 'socialism' is use throughout this essay, I am not referring to the political definition of socialism, but rather the opposite of Individuality, which is somewhat close to the definition of conformity)

These stories were very different, but they all carried the same general focus and message: Individuality. Although the story 'The Most Dangerous Game' was not completely focused on Individuality, it still hinted here and there how being an individual or seeking dependent thrills can be dangerous. Not quoted by a specific piece of evidence, but rather the entire story, 'The Most Dangerous Game' showed how being TOO much of an individual may actually be considered sociopathic, meaning that you think the rules do not apply to you. Obviously this is not good, as when this belief becomes to extreme people can get hurt. I am referring to this because the 'game' that was played in the story involved the hunting of humans, which is terribly wrong, and is very inhumane. I believe this because the thoughts of the hunter go one way,where the the thoughts of the hunted where another. This is wrong because individuality and socialism collide, which should not happen. I think everyone has the right to think what they want, however the Pursuit of Happiness still applies to everybody. As said before in my previous writings, I strongly support individuality, meaning everyone has the right to be anti-social, or just go about their own personal business. However this does not mean you can disregard the rules that apply to everybody, individual or not, because rules must be followed to keep order.

The story 'Initiation' more centrally focused on the positive side of individuality. Nearing the end of the story, Millicente decided to deny the initiation of the sorority, to be with her friend Tracy. This was a very Individual choice of Millicent, because she was rejecting the flow of the crowd to be with a single friend, which I think was a good choice. This story really projected the negatives of socialism. The sorority that Millicent was being initiated into was very rude and mean towards new members, which is not something people should have to go through to join a group. I think that if people are going to follow the belief of socialism, that everyone should be treated equally and no one should have to suffer just to be as good as the rest. This is the major reason that Millicent rejected the sorority, as her friend Tracy would treat her equally even if she didn't go through any type of 'initiation'.

The story 'Harrison Burgereon' carried a more neutral message, where Individuality was not good, nor was socialism. I belief this because the entire story was about perfect socialism, where everyone was equal, there was no popular nor was there a lesser group. Nearing the end of story, Harrison Burgereon had broken free of the conformity and handicaps put upon him, to let himself be free. After several minutes Harrison was shot and killed though, as this was not a legal act. This shows that Individuality is good, however there are restrictions that come with it. This also shows that conformity/socialism is good too, as if Harrison would have just lived with the handicaps and restrictions, he would not have been killed.

In conclusions, the three stories all carried the same but very different message of Individuality. 'The Most Dangerous Game' carried the negative message on Individuality. 'Initiation' carried the positive message on Individuality. 'Harris Burgereon' carried the most neutral message on Individuality. By reading these three stories and comparing them all, you can see how all types of views conflict eventually, and in the end there really isn't a correct answer to society, but rather to just do what you believe.

Thank you for reading another of my blog post's!

Works Cited

Works Cited

Binswanger, Henry, and Leonard Peikoff. "Individualism — Ayn Rand Lexicon." The Ayn Rand Lexicon: Objectivism from A to Z — Ayn Rand Lexicon. Web. 29 Sept. 2011. <http://aynrandlexicon.com/lexicon/individualism.html>.

Klein, Peter. "Political and Methodological Individualism « Organizations and Markets." Organizations and Markets. Web. 30 Sept. 2011. <http://organizationsandmarkets.com/2010/07/18/political-and-methodological-individualism/>.

Lukes, Steven M. "Individualism (politics and Philosophy) -- Britannica Online Encyclopedia." Encyclopedia - Britannica Online Encyclopedia. Britannica. Web. 29 Sept. 2011. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/286303/individualism>.

Scott, John. "Individualism." Individualism. Web. 29 Sept. 2011.<http://www.individualism.com/>.

Sonnenblick, Jorden. "Killing Me Softly: No Child Left Behind." Home. Web. 21 Sept. 2011. <http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/article/CA6555540.html>.

Wallus, Claudia. "No Child Left Behind: Doomed to Fail? - TIME." Breaking News, Analysis, Politics, Blogs, News Photos, Video, Tech Reviews - TIME.com. Web. 21 Sept. 2011. <http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1812758,00.html>.

Wikipedia. "No Child Left Behind Act." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 21 Sept. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Child_Left_Behind_Act>.

Academic Blog

Get The Grades You Want - 4 Video Responses/Rankings
Getting the Grades You Want Video 1 - Rank # 3

Reasoning: Obvious tips.  The three tips of A. Learn where to put you're focus B. Take notes and C. Do you homework, are all very obvious things that every kid should do.  The first tip was a bit eye opening, but the rest was very redundant.

Getting the Grades You Want Video 2 - Rank #4

Reasoning: Repetitive!   Right off the bat, it started with the same exact tip as last time!  Obviously if have not seen the previous video this may be helpful, but considering it's a part of a series, I find it pointless to even go beyond the first video!

Getting the Grades You Want Video 3 - Rank #1

Reasoning: Fresh information.  Although this entire video was, again, about taking notes, it wasn't repetitive.  It helped with personal not taking, and not just the bland everyday tips you hear.  Good video!

Getting the Grades You Want Video 4 - Rank #2

Reasoning:  Funny!  Although not much of a comical film, it was a bit funny, and funny helps get the point across.  Getting a teacher to listen isn't really a major issue, but they really hit that small little nail right on the head!