Truly

In today’s interconnected world, legal conflicts are  unavoidable . Whether it's a  disagreement  involving parties from different states, countries, or even tribes, understanding how to resolve these issues is crucial.  This is where  conflict of laws  comes in. Over time, legal scholars and governments have come up with ways to figure out how to handle these situations. Essentially, conflict of laws helps us figure out which jurisdiction’s laws should govern when multiple laws come into play. This field covers things like choosing between state and federal laws, dealing with foreign laws, resolving personal jurisdiction issues, recognizing judgments from different places, and even sorting out conflicts between tribal and state laws. When laws from different places come into conflict, there are several important areas to consider: Choice of Law : This is about deciding which law applies to a particular case. There are different ways to make this decision, ...

If you live or work in the United States, it is important to understand how your tax contributions help support the federal government’s activities. Your taxes are part of the trillions of dollars the U.S. government collects each year to fund essential services and programs. The federal government collects revenue from various sources: Individual Income Taxes   – These taxes are deducted from your income based on how much you earn. This is a primary way the government funds programs like defense, healthcare, and education. Payroll Taxes   – These taxes are automatically deducted from your wages to support social programs like Social Security and Medicare. These funds help provide benefits to retirees, people with disabilities, and others in need. Corporate Income Taxes   – Businesses also contribute to federal revenue by paying taxes on their profits. These funds help support public services that benefit both individuals and businesses. In addition to collecting taxes, t...

Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has increasingly become a haven for refugees from around the world, with a notable influx of Burmese immigrants over the past two decades. Among them, the Karen, Karenni and Chin ethnic groups have established themselves as a vital and growing part of the city's social and economic fabric. For these communities, Lancaster offers more than just a place to live. It provides an opportunity to rebuild lives, sustain traditions, and foster economic growth. A strong network of businesses, religious institutions, and community organizations has allowed Burmese immigrants to preserve their cultural identity while simultaneously integrating into American society. Burmese-run businesses are now a common sight in Lancaster, from local restaurants offering authentic Myanmar cuisine to retail shops showcasing goods from their homeland. These enterprises not only meet the needs of the immigrant population but also contribute to the city’s economic diversity, creating job...

I was born and raised near the Indian border, and in many ways, the culture I grew up with feels very similar to that of American Indian tribes. The richness and diversity of their cultures and languages are truly remarkable. Both of our communities have deep roots, and our cultures are just as rich and diverse as theirs. The American Indian tribes, each with its own unique history, stories, and spiritual practices, have developed highly sophisticated cultures over centuries. Their languages, art, and customs are a testament to their resilience and adaptability, and they’ve managed to keep their traditions alive even in a rapidly changing world. One thing that really stands out to me is how the United States has recognized the importance of American Indian tribes through government-to-government relationships. This formal acknowledgment allows for a deeper connection between the tribes and the U.S. government, which respects their sovereignty and provides a platform for their cultures ...

Human resources are one of the most valuable and adaptable assets in any organization or community. Unlike physical or financial resources, human resource potential is developable and expandable. The ability to nurture and maximize this potential determines the success of individuals, organizations, and even nations. In today’s competitive global marketplace, the development of human resources is not merely a matter of corporate responsibility it’s a strategic imperative. Whether in the context of the international community or within a specific company, investing in human resource development creates a pathway for innovation, collaboration, and growth. To truly expand and develop human resources, we need platforms that enable individuals to explore their potential and achieve new heights. These platforms should provide access to education, training, mentorship, and opportunities that foster personal and professional growth. For me, creating such a platform is a personal aspiration. I ...

During my time studying at Gap, I had the opportunity to be part of a long-term study focused on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD) and the behaviors that increase their risk. Spanning from 1984 to 2024, this study collected data from more than 10,000 adult patients. With such a large dataset, we were able to analyze how NCD risk behaviors evolved over time and identify the major contributing factors. The Major NCD Risk Behaviors Identified The study revealed three key behaviors that significantly contribute to NCD risk: Smoking Regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages Excessive alcohol consumption We found that these risk factors were strongly associated with adults who displayed multiple unhealthy behaviors. This highlights the need for targeted strategies to address these patterns, especially among high-risk individuals. Positive Trends Over Time One of the most encouraging findings was a steady  decline in NCD risk behaviors  over the years. Between 1984 and 2024, the ...

Not long ago, I met with someone who had retired from IBM. Our conversation naturally drifted to investments, given his background and my interest in the subject. But what stood out wasn’t a tip about stocks or some clever strategy it was a simple yet profound statement about responsibility. He told me, “A company is responsible for the family.” At first, I wasn’t sure what he meant. What did he mean by this? Was he referring to the families of employees, stakeholders, or the broader community? The more we discussed, the clearer it became that his perspective went beyond the traditional idea of corporate success. He explained that businesses don’t operate in isolation. They’re part of an intricate web of lives. Every decision a company makes from layoffs to expansions, from ethical practices to innovation has ripple effects on countless families. “When a company thrives responsibly,” he said, “the benefits extend far beyond its balance sheet. It creates stability, opportunities, an...

I recently had an interesting experience during a discussion with my professor, Dr. Sue, and some colleagues. Dr. Sue has a unique story—she immigrated from China to Australia and eventually came to the United States. Her background often brings a lot of depth to the conversations we have, but one particular day left me reflecting on a bigger issue: freedom of speech. We were talking about humanitarian crises around the world when one of my colleagues brought up the situation in Syria. They shared details about the struggles faced by people there and the efforts of various organizations providing aid. I was curious and asked questions about how these organizations worked, who supported them, and what kind of challenges they faced. To my surprise, Dr. Sue didn’t seem very happy with the direction of the conversation. She didn’t say much, but I could sense her discomfort. It wasn’t until later that I began to understand why. Dr. Sue grew up in China, where freedom of speech is tightly co...

Office politics  isn't  something you can sit out.  Over the past few years, I worked as an executive across the corporate, nonprofit, and public sectors. During this time, I wore my refusal to engage in office politics as a badge of honor. But here’s the hard truth: office politics isn’t something you can opt out of—not if you want to survive and thrive in any work environment. It’s a reality of professional life, yet it’s rarely discussed in colleges or business schools. While we’re taught about management principles and strategies, no one prepares us for the social dynamics that quietly shape opportunities, promotions, and influence in the workplace. At the heart of office politics lie two critical components:  relationship currency  and  influence capital.  These aren’t just buzzwords they’re the key drivers behind professional success. Ignoring them doesn’t make you immune to office politics; it simply leaves you on the sidelines. Relationshi...