Sunday, November 24, 2019

Why was the fertile crescent s essays

Why was the fertile crescent s essays Why was the fertile crescent so important in the history of the development of farming? Historians and Archaeologists agree that the most important event since the last Ice Age, or indeed since the evolution of human beings from their hominid ancestors, was the rise of agriculture in the Fertile Crescent by 8000 B.C. The economic, political, and technological developments that followed provided the foundation upon which modern civilisations were built. The crescent is bow shaped tract of land in southwest Asia stretching from Jordan northwards to southern Turkey, then swinging southwards to the borders of Iraq and Iran, incorporating parts of Israel, Palestine, Lebanon and Syria. The mountainous physical geography of the area was formed by movement of earths crust, forcing the Arabian Peninsula to collide with stable Iranian Plateau, resulting in a fold mountain range. The Fertile Crescents importance in the history of the development of farming is intrinsically linked to its location on the globe. The crescent had both natural diversity and climatic advantages over other regions, placing it at the forefront of the so-called Neolithic revolution or era of Incipient Cultivation, where people changed from being hunter-gatherers to farmers. In few very fertile and naturally productive parts of the world, hunter gathering could have supported small sedentary human populations. Throughout the rest of the world, the growth of large, dense, sedentary human populations relied wholly upon the production of food to support not only the farmers, but also the non-food producing members of the new population. The domestication of plants and animals provided a means by which such storable food surpluses could be generated. The other regions where farming may have started independently (China, Mesoamerica, the Andes and the eastern United States) could have been equally, or even more fertile, but they were lack...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Five court cases and how they have impacted the educational setting Case Study

Five court cases and how they have impacted the educational setting - Case Study Example It is a clause that calls for equal treatment to individuals by the law, and emphasizes on people being treated fairly, with no biasness based on their race, gender, economic background, wealth status among other characteristics (Stader, 2007). The equal protection and discrimination laws were developed many years ago. They were passed and put in the constitution in 1868, when Earl Warren was the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. This period marked the end of a great Civil War, which meant that many slaves had finally acquired their freedom. These laws were put to cater for the fair treatment of all people, whether whites or blacks. There had been much discrimination against the black Americans and this was part of what necessitated this clause. It also extended to state the importance of the white people being treated by the law equally to the other Americans (Stader, 2007). The main intent of this clause was to promote fairness and equality, be it in employment, education, acquis ition of services, and application of the rule of law among others. The education sector has greatly applied the principles of equal protection and non- discrimination. ... The equal protection and discrimination laws are very important in any school since they ensure that students are not discriminated upon because of their gender, disability race or economic status. It ensures that students can access all programs in the school, whether one is female or male, black or white. They are also important in ensuring that a student can take part in any activity of their choice. However, exemption can be made when one is discriminated upon for their own benefit (Fenner, 1999). For instance, a group of students who do not perform well in class may be placed in a different classroom but in the same school so as to help monitor them closely, and pay more attention to them. Equal protection and discrimination laws protect against discrimination against the disabled people. Any student thus has a right to attend any school of their choice, whether they are black or white. There are many cases where one party has sued another on ground of unequal protection discrim ination. For instance, the case of Kansas City versus the US Supreme Court is a good example (Stader, 2007). In this case, Kansas City, which had a population of over 15000 school going population, spent huge amounts to maintain separate schools to accommodate the negroes and the Americans. However, the court ruled that this was a high level of discrimination and it was unconstitutional. This particular case showed the extent to which discrimination and unequal treatment has spread, where the two cultures could not integrate. The ruling in this particular case is important in demonstrating how important the law is in dealing with unequal protection and

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Data Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Data Analysis - Essay Example these variables in each institution, variables in clued job knowledge, communication and English skills, quality of work, cooperation, punctuality and attendance, productivity and initiative. All these variables are important to an organization and will determine the profitability and productivity of an organization, an organization that employs workers with required job knowledge, good communication skills and computer skills are much more likely to have competitive advantage over the others, also these organization will increase their productivity which means that less inputs will be needed in terms of labor hours top accomplish certain tasks, as a result the organization will tend to record higher profits. Using the data collected we use a scale to quantify this data and determine the institution that records higher values for each variable, the higher the value means that the institution is more efficient in providing these skills to their students. This information will help these institutions to improve on their weaknesses and also it will be important to employing organizations whereby they will be in a position to choose the best institution to undertake training. The first step was to prepare a questionnaire that would be appropriate in collecting required data, the aim of this study was to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each organization in training students, therefore the questionnaire had to include measures of the job knowledge, productivity, communication and other personal qualities. The questionnaire was pretested to rectify any biasness and when the questionnaires were ready they were given to the respondents. The population was then identified in order to determine the sample size. The population used in this study was the organizations whose training sites were the three training institutes which amounted to 37 organizations. A random sample of 50 respondents was selected from the organizations and questionnaires were emailed.

Monday, November 18, 2019

Housing Issues and Solutions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

Housing Issues and Solutions - Essay Example The result of this practice has contributed to significant suffering amongst the residents of the Riverslake estate due to the housing issues facing the organization. The rent not collected in time has been becoming a major source of problem for Riverslake in keeping financial resources in place. There are complains that tenants are scared to go out at night because the resident kids have been seen to hang around often. A number of viable solutions to these issues can be established with a collaborative effort from both the management and the residents. Some of the solutions to these issues are discussed in the report. Among the solutions discussed, this report recommends that the participation of residents or tenants in the decision making process of the estate would be a major step in reaching the height of the solutions to all evident housing issues. Some key suggestions regarding the obligation of the housing professionals include the need for training as well as providing educat ion concerning the management of residents and income collection on regular basis. Through, well-structure mutual coordination and collaboration, the housing issues faced by the Riverslake Association can be resolved properly. The paper concludes with the best practices that the property owners have current adopted in the maintenance of maintaining the estate, disrepairs and for resolving the troubles of residents. Thus the best course of action is to have the housing management listen to the tenants regarding the problems they often face.

Friday, November 15, 2019

Foreign Policy: National Interests and Values

Foreign Policy: National Interests and Values Foreign Policy linking the protection of national interests and promotion of national values. Great Britain has lost an empire and has not yet found a role. Implicit in the introductory quotation by American politician Dean Acheson (Hutchinson Encyclopedia, 2003) is the principle that a nation has various choices in setting foreign policy. A precursor to setting effective foreign policy is the need to have a foreign policy vision, or a fundamental view of what the nation would like to accomplish in the world arena. Two considerations in setting a foreign policy vision involve deciding if the nation should focus on promoting its values internationally or if it should focus on protecting its national interests. This essay will show that foreign policy should not require a choice between protecting national interests and promoting national values; rather, it will demonstrate that a nation can protect its national interests and, at the same time, promote its values in the world arena. Beginning with separate discussions on protecting national interests and on promoting values, the essay continues with an exploration of the linkages between promoting a nations values and protecting its national interests. Finally, conclusions will be presented. Before embarking on an exploration of national interests and values in setting foreign policy, a working definition for the term foreign policy will be established to help in framing the discussion. The Republic of Ireland (1996), in observing that there is no universally agreed definition of foreign policy, furnishes this succinct definition for the term: the pursuit by a state of its interests, concerns, and values in the external environment. Foreign Policy magazine (undated, cited in Labor Law Talk, undated) offers a somewhat fuller, yet essentially supportive, definition: A foreign policy is a set of political goals that seeks to outline how a particular country will interact with the other countries of the world. Foreign policies generally are designed to help protect a countrys national interests, national security, ideological goals, and economic prosperity. This can occur as a result of peaceful cooperation with other nations, or through aggression, war, and exploitation. Creating foreign policy is usually the job of the head of government and the foreign minister (or equivalent). The definition proposed by Foreign Policy magazine is accepted as the working definition in this context as it provides a more complete description, although the Irish definition will also be referenced. Protecting National Interests The working definition for foreign policy states, in part, that foreign policy is designed to help protect a countrys national interests; the Irish definition states, again in part, that foreign policy is the pursuit by a state of its interests. Each sovereign country can be expected to have different national interests and thus a different foreign policy focus because external policy reflects interests or concerns internal to the country pursuing them, according to the Republic of Irelands White Paper on Foreign Policy (1996). Logically, then, the protection of national interests through foreign policy is the protection of internal interests. Comparing the national interests of Canada and the United States, two closely-allied neighboring countries which are similar in many ways, provides insight into the extent to which national interests differ. Canadian foreign policy focuses on economic growth, social justice, quality of life, sovereignty and independence, peace and security, and harmonious national environment with the first three being the most important (Franks, 1997). Canadas neighbor to the south, the United States, sets foreign policy at three levels. Vital interests, which represent the highest level, include the physical security of American territory, the safety of American citizens, the economic well-being of American society, the protection of critical infrastructures from paralyzing attacks. Military troops may be used unilaterally and decisively to protect these vital interests. The second level includes those interests that do not affect national survival but do influence national well-being (e.g. protect ion of the global environment and commitment to allies). Finally, humanitarian and other interests, including responses to national disasters and promotion of human rights among others, are positioned at the third and lowest level (Gladkyy, 2003, citing White House, 1999). After the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, the United States placed added emphasis on national security interests: The Government of the United States has no more important mission than (1) fighting terrorism overseas and (2) securing the homeland from future terrorist attacks. (Gladkyy, 2003, citing Bush, 2001). The contrast between national interests expressed by Canada and the United States is a stark one indeed. The expressed national interests of the United States are more reactive and could be considered to be more negative in tone than those of Canada which seem more proactive and uplifting. Interestingly, and perhaps demonstrating Canadas internal cultural attributes, three of the countrys six areas of national interest are focused on human bettermentsocial justice and quality of life, which are two of the three high priority interests, and a harmonious national environment. In contrast, humanitarian and other interests are relegated to the lowest priority national interests in the United States. Promoting National Values The working definition for foreign policy states that foreign policy, in addition to protecting national interests as mentioned earlier, is designed to protect a countrysideological goals; the Irish definition states that foreign policy, in addition to pursuing national interests, is the pursuit by a state of itsvalues in the external environment. According to Latham (2002), the term values refers to subjective views of individuals about what is worthy or important. He continues that in politics, [values] are views about the ends that social institutions ought to advance, and the virtues they ought to embody. As government is a social institution, values are the views governments should advance and virtues they should embody. Some examples of national values include freedom, democracy, free economies, and human dignity (The Hutchinson Encyclopedia, 2003). In addition, some national values can be discerned from the articulation of national interests. For instance, referring to Canadas national interests, one might conclude that Canadas values include human rights, peace, and environmental harmony. National values can be promoted by various means ranging along a continuum from active to passive. As an example, the United States, in promoting democracy, has used military actionthe most active meansand has modeled democratic behaviorsthe most passive means. In between these two extremes, the United States has used other approaches including diplomacy, foreign aid, international broadcasting, and even covert political manipulations. (Parapan, 2005). Linking the Promotion of National Values to the Protection of National Interests The thesis for this essay is that foreign policy does not have to involve a choice on the part of a nation between protecting its national interests and promoting its values in the world. A nation can do both and, conceivably, doing both effectively can enhance each one individually. A review of the literature revealed the following representative selections addressing the foreign policy linkage between protecting national interests and promoting national values: Haass (2003) claims that in the 21st century, the principal aim of American foreign policy is to integrate other countries and organizations into arrangements that will sustain a world consistent with U.S. interests and values for the purpose of promoting peace, prosperity, and justice as widely as possible. Abrams (2000) states a foreign policy of dominance will not only advancenational interests but will preserve peace and promote the cause of democracy and human rights. Mead (1994) states that foreign policy is based on a combination of interests and values, calling attention to the struggles associated with defining the national interest and national values and relating the two concepts in an overall foreign policy strategy. Using the term progressive internationalism, Falk (2004) summarizes a foreign policy based on four organizing ideas[that] embody a convergence of national values and interests: national strength, liberal democracy, free enterprise, and world leadership. And, finally, Edel (2005) quotes U.S. President George W. Bushs second inaugural address in January 2005: Americas vitalinterests and our deepest beliefs are now one. Seiple (2003) cautions the United States to be uncompromising over their national values when promoting their national interests, contrasting the differences between expressed values of fair play, the use of the Golden Rule, and the cherished freedoms of religion, association, and press and American interests [revolving] largely around economic access and a military that, by and large, is positioned around the world to protect that access. One factor that may complicate the alignment of national interests and national values in forming foreign policy is what might be considered to be an inherent conflict between the realism of national interests and the idealism of national values. Talbott (2000) expresses a contradiction between championing national interests and national values. He writes about the persistent effort to combine realism and idealism in the role [the United States] plays in the world, continuing by stating that the American people have made clear that they demand some thing nobler and more altruistic from their government and armed forces than the coldblooded calculus of raison detat or realpolitik in which European statecraft has often taken pride. McCraw (2003), in claiming that realism sees foreign policy as about national interests rather than promoting values, writes that this conflict explains why national governments have not been particularly identified with promoting human rights, a position that might be considered to be part of an idealistic foreign policy. The range of approaches nations can use in promoting national values as described earlier could also be applied in protecting their national interestsmodeling behaviors, diplomacy, providing foreign aid, broadcasting their messages, conducting covert political manipulations, and taking military action. For instance, a country that demonstrates democratic behavior may cause people in countries with totalitarian governments to push for democratic reforms. This to a large extent happened as formerly Communist countries of Eastern Europe established democratic forms of government modeled after those in countries of Western Europe and the United States in the latter part of the twentieth century. At the other extreme, the military incursion by the United Kingdom, the United States, and others into Iraq to purportedly establish a democratic government could be viewed as an example of forcing democratic values on a sovereign nation. The case of Iraq presents an interesting twist on the national values promotionnational interest protection issue, one that shows how the two are intertwined in foreign policy. In 2003, when the coalition of the willing invaded Iraq, the case for the incursion was based on the certainty that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction that could be used against other nations. This case reflected the desire to protect national interests, in this instance the safety of citizens. But, the invasion revealed that [t]here were no weapons of mass destruction in Iraqno unmanned aerial vehicles, no terrorist training camps, no outlawed Scud missiles, no nuclear weapons program (The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, 2004). When no such weapons were found, the rationale for the invasion changed to a desire to install a democratic government. The case changed from one of protecting national interests to promoting values, this time by military force. If the rationalewas truly altruisticto install a democratic form of government in Iraqand the installation of such a government would help promote the stability of the region thereby ensuring the continued worldwide flow of oil (a strategic interest), then the invasion would represent an example of how the promotion of national values can be used as part of foreign policy to protect national interests. Whether the motive of installing a democratic government is true or simply a cover for the failure to find weapons of mass destruction is not a topic for this discussion; however, the efficacy of forcibly installing a democratic government is appropriate. Parapan (2005) asks a probing question: After all, what is it that terrorists hate? The American values and culture, or the American insistence on imposing those on others? Parapan suggests that reform must come from within. Only time will tell whether the new, more democratic government in Iraq will be accepted or replaced by another dictatorship or, even worse, by anarchy. Future historians will be able to compare and contrast the long-term outcomes of the popularly-installed democratic governments in Eastern Europe with the forcibly-installed democratic government in Iraq to assess which approach was more effective. Conclusions This essay set out to show that foreign policy should not require a choice between protecting national interests and promoting national values; rather, that a nation can protect its national interests and, at the same time, promote its values in the world. This thesis was proven with the caveat that the road to achieving this type of foreign policy can be difficult. With a working definition of foreign policy in hand, examples of national interests of Canada and the United States were compared and contrasted and examples of national values were presented and accompanied by a description of the continuum of methods countries can use in promoting their values. The definitions and discussions formed the foundation for establishing the linkage between promoting national values and protecting national interests. At the most basic level, the two definitions cited for foreign policy link the protection of national interests and promotion of national values as purposes of foreign policy. Five extracts resulting from a literature search established the linkage between national interests and national values in foreign policy development (Abrams, 2000; Edel, 2005; Falk, 2004; Haass, 2003; Mead, 1994). Difficulties in linking interests and values in foreign policy were characterized as a conflict between realism and idealism (Seiple, 2003; Talbott, 2000). The approaches available to nations as they establish foreign policy that protects national interests were shown to be largely the same as those available to promote values. Examples from initiatives to establish democracies in Eastern Europe and in Iraq were compared and contrasted in the context of promoting national interests and promoting national values. In summary, nations can simultaneously protect their national interests and promote their national values through their foreign policy. Perhaps the proper promotion of national values, one that models the desired values and empowers the citizens of the receiving nation to make their own choices, can actually enhance the protection of national interests in the country implementing its foreign policy through its stabilizing effects in other parts of the world. Bibliography Abrams, Elliott (2000). American powerfor what? Commentary, January 1, 2000 (The) Atlanta Journal and Constitution (2004) Strategy: Make facts fitTime confirms the fabrications and exaggerations of the Bush administrations case for invading Iraq. June 23, 2004. Bush, George W. (2001) Securing the homeland: Strengthening the nation, 2001. Cited in Gladkyy, Oleksandr (2003), American foreign policy and U.S. relations with Russia and China after 11 September. World Affairs, June 22, 2003. Edel, Charles (2005), Picking our fights carefully. The Cincinnati Post, March 3, 2005. Falk, Richard (2004) Toward the revival of principled politics in America. American Tikkun, September 1, 2004. Foreign Policy (undated) Foreign policy. Cited in Labor Law Talk (undated), Foreign policy. Available from: , undated [Accessed: April 14, 2005]. Franks, C. E. S. (1997) White paper on foreign policy, The 1998 Canadian Encyclopedia, September 6, 1997. Gladkyy, Oleksandr (2003), American foreign policy and U.S. relations with Russia and China after 11 September. World Affairs, June 22, 2003. Haass, Richard N. (2003) Defining U.S. foreign policy in a post-post-Cold War world. DISAM Journal, January 1, 2003. (The) Hutchinson Encyclopedia (2003) Dean Acheson. From speech at the United States Military Academy at West Point, December 5, 1962. April 22, 2003. (The) Hutchinson Encyclopedia (2003) US foreign policy in a changing world. September 22, 2003. Labor Law Talk (undated), Foreign policy. Available from: , undated [Accessed: April 14, 2005]. Latham, Stephen R. (2002) National values, institutions, and health policies: what do they imply for [Canadian] Medicare reform? Canadian-American Public Policy, November 1, 2002. McCraw, David (2003) Analysing New Zealands foreign policy: David McCraw replies to criticism advanced by Michael Bassett of his depiction of New Zealands approach to foreign affairs. New Zealand International Review, November 1, 2003. Mead, Walter Russell (1994) Lucid stars: The American foreign policy tradition. World Policy Journal, December 22, 1994. Parapan, Manuela (2005) Why Arabs are anti-U.S. World and I, January 1, 2005. (The) Republic of Ireland (1996) The white paper on foreign policy: Background to Irish foreign policy. Available from: [Accessed: April 14, 2005]. Seiple, Robert A. (2003) The privilege of power: The US is right to oust Hussein but it must better balance national values with national interests. The Christian Science Monitor, March 10, 2003. Talbott, Strobe (2000) Self-determination in an interdependent world. Foreign Policy, March 22, 2000. The White House (1999) A national security strategy for a new century. Defense Strategy Review Page, December 1999, 1-2. Cited in Gladkyy, Oleksandr (2003), American foreign policy and U.S. relations with Russia and China after 11 September. World Affairs, June 22, 2003. Stiff: The Curious Lives Of Human Cadavers Stiff: The Curious Lives Of Human Cadavers After reading the book Stiff I have gained a better understanding of what donating your body to science really means. Through my research and by reading the book, I have decided that a person should most definitely donate his or her body to science. I believe that once a person has died, there is nothing more that the person can do with his or her body. Why not give yourself to science and continue to help people even after you have passed away? I personally would like to die knowing that I could potentially save the lives of millions. The first option for donating your body to science mentioned in the book is for the practice of cosmetic procedures. In the first chapter of the book, Mary Roach attends a seminar where plastic surgeons perform different cosmetic procedures on cadaver heads. The surgeons are able to practice new procedures on nonliving patients before performing them on live patients. The cosmetic surgeons gain a better knowledge of human anatomy and how to perform specific procedures. Practicing on these patients is much easier, since the patients do not have blood that would block their view of a humans basic anatomy and facial structure. The surgeons can see everything that is going on in the surgery clearly which will help them to better perform these surgeries later on. In addition to cosmetic procedures, I have learned through my research that universities often provide cadavers for medical students to use as a way to advance their knowledge of the human body. In an article I read, it stated th at before first-year medical students are allowed to lay their hands on the living, they must first learn the anatomy of the dead. Students are required to take apart their given body and look at each section of a humans internal anatomy. Although it is possible to learn this information through high-tech simulators and body models, nothing can replace being able to see and touch a real body. This is why donating your body to science is important; so that medical students will have the chance to learn from dead bodies, before operating on live ones. The third chapter of the book is set at a body farm. A body farm is a research facility where human decomposition can be studied in many different settings. At the body farm, Mary Roach sees a variety of dead bodies that are being used to study human decomposition. Each body is at a different stage of decay. Studying these bodies can help determine the time in which a person has died. In reality, this can help investigators determine the time of death of a corpse. Knowing the time of death can help solve crimes and murder investigations, an important component of forensic science. In the book, Roach mentions fly larvae as an important way to determine when a person has died. Forensic scientists can conclude how old the larvae on a cadaver are, and therefore decide how long the person has been dead for. Other methods of determining this can be used, such as looking at the potassium level in a persons eyelids or studying the stage of their decay. Not only are the donated bodies at diff erent phases of decomposition, they are also put into different scenarios. Every time a person dies, they are not going to be in the same setting. This is why researchers at the body farm have to put cadavers in different situations. The first body Mary Roach sees at the farm is wearing sweatpants, so that examiners can study the effects of decay on bodies that are wearing clothing. During my research, I have learned that some of the other scenarios bodies have been put in include being buried, left outside, and even submerged in water. People die in all different settings, which is why it is important to know how a body reacts in these different environments. By donating your body to science, forensic scientists can learn the rate at which bodies decay, and therefore solve investigations later on. The fourth chapter involves the use of cadavers as crash test dummies. When a person donates his or her body to science, it is possible that he or she will be sent to a research facility where researchers study the effects of impact on the body. When car companies make new car models, it is necessary for them to test if a car provides safety to a human in the event of a crash. However, researchers cannot use nonhuman crash test dummies for these studies. Crash test dummies can tell you how much force a crash has unleashed on a body, but not how this force affects the body. Scientists need to know how much force a real body part can handle. For these test, researchers need subjects that will provide accurate results without causing harm or pain to them. In the past, dedicated researchers have donated themselves as dummies. However, this is neither safe and causes pain to the living researchers. Cadavers are better candidates, since they are not only human, but they also feel no pain a nd cannot sustain injury. During this section of the book, Mary Roach visits a facility where a simulated car accident is taking place on cadaver UM 006. The results from the car accident will help the car company know if the particular model will keep a person safe if a crash were to occur. Then, they can adjust the car to provide better safety. So someday, when a live human survives an accident, he or she has UM 006 to thank. In chapter six, Mary Roach discusses cadavers who are used to understand how bullets and bombs work, and how they affect the human body. Quite often, the bodies of people who choose to donate themselves to science are sent to facilities where the main goal of research is to figure out how to better protect those who are often exposed to danger. As with most tests, researchers need subjects who give results that are realistic and accurate, and that do not feel pain. Cadavers fill these needs when it comes to testing items such as bulletproof vests, army-strength footwear, and other protective wear. To ensure that our soldiers and police officers are safe, it is essential to guarantee that their equipment is safe and will withstand whatever circumstances they may endure. To do so, experiments are conducted to test these different items. Through these tests, researchers can tell if bulletproof vests will withstand the force of a shot, if boots will withstand the effects of a roadside bo mb, and if miscellaneous protective wear can handle under pressure. All of these tests are important in protecting those who give their life to protect us. In chapter seven, Mary Roach discusses a controversial experiment that many people choose to donate themselves to. These trials have become known as the crucifixion experiments. Throughout history, a number of scientists have been engrossed by the idea of recreating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Through trial and error, these scientists have each created their own theory about how Jesus was positioned on the cross and each event that took place during this time. Not only do some people choose to have their cadavers donated to this experimental process, but some actually volunteer themselves while they are still living. Although most people dont choose to take this path when donating their body, it is always another option that could be considered. Throughout the book, Mary Roach touches a couple of times on the subject of organ donation. I believe that organ donation is one of the most beneficial and practical means of donating yourself to science. In all other cases of donating yourself to science, your body is not used to provide direct help to others. In these cases, your body is used for studies and research that could one day hopefully help someone else. When you choose to donate your organs, you are directly giving yourself to someone else. The second you are considered dead (whether your heart has stopped beating or you have been considered brain dead) your organs are give to another person who is in need. In a sense, you are able to live on through another person, or at least a piece of you is. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, every eleven minutes a person is added to the waiting list to receive an organ. Seventy-five people receive an organ transplant each day. However, twenty people die every day waiting for an organ, because of the shortage of donated organs. When one person alone decides to become an organ donor, he or she could possibly save up to eight lives. So if you dont want to join the body farm, be used as a surgical patient, or become a human crash test dummy, I believe that deciding to become an organ donor is the easiest way to save lives. The book Stiff gave me a much better understanding of what it means to donate your body to science. Making the choice to give yourself to scientific research could help an endless amount of people. After all, what are you planning to do with your body when you die? Why not give yourself to something rewarding and beneficial? If you dont want your dead body to be shot for scientific study or to receive a facelift once you have passed away, choose to become an organ donor. You could save up to eight lives, and die knowing youre going to continue to help others. One day, I will certainly choose to donate my body to science, and potentially make life better for those who are still on earth. Personal Review I have always enjoyed reading, and throughout the years I have read all kinds of different stories. However, I have never a book quite like Stiff. In Stiff, Mary Roach talked about a topic that most people would find repulsive and somewhat hard to even think about. Cadavers arent a usual subject when it comes to writing books. Yet, I absolutely loved it. Roach found a way to write about death in a humorous way without ever being disrespectful. Who knew reading about dead bodies could be so funny? The book was filled with interesting facts and never had a dull moment. Most of the time, I had trouble putting the book down. I could also see all the hard work and research Mary Roach put into it. She knew what she was talking about inside and out. She traveled to different countries, researched a countless number of events in history, and interviewed numerous people who were somehow related to the topic. She also mentioned every little detail about what was going on, which made it that mu ch better. Roach never sugar coated anything. She always told everything like it was. Yet she always respected the cadavers and treated them like they were still alive. After reading this book, I feel much better informed about what it means to donate your body to science. I never understood all the possibilities of what could happen to you if you made the choice to donate your cadaver. Mary Roach wrote everything on a level that I could understand without getting confused. I now feel much better prepared about deciding whether to donate my body or not. I have decided that I definitely would like to donate my body to science and make my contribution to society. I would like to be able to help others even after I have passed away. Without this book, I dont think I ever really would have considered donating my body as an option. I didnt understand what it meant or what would happen. Mary Roach convinced me to donate my body to science, and I believe others would feel the same.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Environmentalism in Manga and Anime :: Environmentalism Environment Essays

Environmentalism in Manga and Anime In Western news stories, Japan and the environment usually only come up together in one form: Japan is ruining the environment. Japan is hunting endangered whales; Japan is overfishing depleted fishing stocks; Japan has walled up the last of its wild rivers; Japan is building up all its wild areas. All these accusations are, unfortunately, true to some large degree. Even in anime, all too often what we see are images that point to a continuation of the current trend: metal and concrete mega-cities, like those in the anime Dominion, Akira, Gunnm, or in Bubblegum Crisis, or any of the other hard science-fiction worlds. Not a pleasant picture --- and in fact, in those "cyberpunk"-ish stories, the world is not a pleasant place to be in, in general. But, running through other works is a thread of a different hue. Listen closely, and a different voice is heard --- the voice of dissent, the voice protesting the loss of green spaces and clean waters and open air. Where has this voice come from? I'm not quite qualified to say for sure, but I can guess. Some of it is obvious: people who are tired of seeing tranquil forests razed, or seeing their favorite beach turned into a concrete nightmare (such as in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan); people who read the news and hear of oil spills and extinctions and pollution problems. But another aspect is surely the traditional sense of Taoism that runs deep in Japanese culture. Taoism was the primary influence for ancient Asian paintings depicting humans and their habitations as mere tiny decorations on sweeping mountain vistas. Shintoism, along with traditional Chinese beliefs, helped add the concept of spirits and deities residing in trees and rocks and even household items. The sum of these philosophis suggests that humans should work within nature --- and this belief can be seen reflected in even some of today's modern manga. Whatever the reason, though, the environmentalist call comes up loud and clear in many places. Perhaps the best example is in the works of the father of manga himself, Tezuka Osamu. Some are familiar with his Jungle Taitei series ("Kimba the White Lion"). But Tezuka's fondness for animals and wildlife extends beyond the children's story. If we look at Black Jack (of Black Jack), we see a maverick, unlicensed, brilliant surgeon who charges ridiculous fees for his work. What does the normally cold-hearted Black Jack use the vast sums of money for?

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Argument Summary

Taking a Blue Book Exam is a Social Practice According to Literacy Practices by David Barton and Mary Hamilton, literacy is a social practice. To explain this, Barton and Hamilton point out literacy Is how people discuss and interpret written text. Literacy practices are described to us by Barton and Hamilton as â€Å"in the simplest sense literacy practices are what people do with literacy† (8). Literacy practices eventually lead to literacy events which are defined as observable episodes which arise from practices and are shaped by them.The notion of events stresses the situated nature of literacy and that it always exists in a social context† (8). Text Is crucial In molding our Institutions Into what they are and literacy is deeply rooted in our everyday lives in unexpected ways. In their essay, Barton and Hamilton present to us six propositions to further prove the nature of literacy as a social practice. Next, I will share a literacy event that adheres to two of tho se propositions. My first semester of college had started and I was feeling confident and determined to do well.Although I was fresh out of high school. I didn't doubt my abilities. In all honesty, I underestimated the difficulty of college due to the college courses and advanced placement courses I'd taken throughout my high school career. It was a simple and short-lived time. Then, I was Introduced with a bluebook test. You see, multiple choice, fill in the blank, matching, and true or false worked just fine for me. But when my history professor told us to buy a bluebook, I had no Idea what to expect. When I went hunting for this said bluebook, most people didn't even now what it was!I went to Walter, office supply stores, book stores, and no one knew what I was talking about Finally. I found one In the campus store and when I opened it, blank pages stared back at me. Even though we went over what was to be expected on the test in class, I was still concerned. How am I supposed to succeed at something so foreign to me? Well. I spent a lot of my time just studying the best I could. And then I had an idea. I took my extra bluebook (which I'd bought for my second exam in the course) and I took a list of topics and began writing.The best way to see how to fill these pages with information is to do so without material in front of me as if I were taking the exam in my own home. Secondly, I went through my notes and asked myself the series of who, what. Where, when and why for each event. After discovering some new study tactics, I realized that not much had actually changed. The only deference between this dreaded bluebook test and a high school test Is that I have to communicate to my professor that know the material without a written medium such as a structured question.Instead, I simply had to write down everything I know about the topic and hopefully point out the aspects and details There are two of the six propositions from Barton and Hamiltonians Literacy P ractices that apply to this literacy event. The first is, â€Å"literacy practices are purposeful and embedded in broader social goals and cultural practices† (8). My goal is, of course, to get the best grade possible on this test. However, there is a broader goal that applies here as well. I want to do well in college and gain knowledge that could potentially be useful to me later in life.The second proposition from Barton and Hamilton that applies to my literacy event is, â€Å"literacy practices change and new ones are acquired through process of informal learning and sense making† (8). By leaving high school and entering college, I am acquiring a new literacy. At first, I was mistaken by thinking college would be the same level of difficulty as high school and I later realized I needed to change and adapt in order to be successful in my new environment. A bluebook test is not the only aspect of college that was new to me. In fact, there are continuously new things for me to learn here.Like the bus system, the campus alert system, being aware of traffic so I can predict my commute time, balancing a school schedule I'm not used to with my work schedule, trying to make friends with classmates, and even simply discovering the direction I really want to go in my life. Barton and Hamilton were right; I had acquired new literates and I had broader goals beyond that bluebook test. There are literacy practices, literacy events and those propositions prove true to me. Literacy is a social practice and I understand that now, thank you to Barton and Hamilton.

Friday, November 8, 2019

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry With an acceptance rate of 54% in 2016, SUNY ESF has largely accessible admissions. Successful applicants will generally have B-averages and standardized test scores within or above the ranges posted below. To apply, those interested will need to submit an application, personal statement, official high school transcripts, and scores from either the SAT or the ACT. If you have any questions or concerns about applying, be sure to contact the admissions office at SUNY ESF. Admissions Data (2016): SUNY College of Environmental Science Acceptance Rate: 54%Test Scores 25th / 75th PercentileSAT Critical Reading: 520 / 630SAT Math: 550 / 630SAT Writing: - / -What these SAT numbers meanACT Composite: 23  / 27ACT English: 22  / 28ACT Math: 23  / 27What these ACT numbers mean SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Description: The State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry is a specialized environmental management and sustainability college with its main campus located in Syracuse, New York, and several satellite campuses across central New York and the Adirondack Mountains area. The 17-acre main campus sits on Syracuse’s University Hill overlooking downtown Syracuse and Onondaga Lake. ESF has a 15 to 1 student faculty ratio and offers 22 undergraduate and 30 graduate degrees in the sciences, engineering and forestry. Within the undergraduate program, the most popular areas of study are environmental biology, conservation biology and landscape architecture. The most common graduate programs include forest management and operation and environmental physiology. Students are actively involved on campus, participating in nearly 25 student clubs and organizations. The ESF Mighty Oaks compete in cross-country, golf, soccer and basketball in the United States Collegiate Athl etic Association and have a long tradition in intercollegiate woodsman competitions. Enrollment (2016): Total Enrollment: 2,186  (1,751 undergraduates)Gender Breakdown: 54% Male / 46% Female98% Full-time Costs (2016 - 17): Tuition and Fees: $8,103  (in-state); $17,953 (out-of-state)Books: $1,200 (why so much?)Room and Board: $16,110Other Expenses: $1,050Total Cost: $26,463  (in-state); $36,313 (out-of-state) SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Financial Aid (2015- 16): Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 89%Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of AidGrants: 82%Loans: 57%Average Amount of AidGrants: $7,104Loans: $6,922 Academic Programs: Most Popular Majors:  Conservation Biology, Environmental Biology, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture, Wildlife Science. Transfer, Graduation and Retention Rates: First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 85%Transfer Out Rate: 20%4-Year Graduation Rate: 60%6-Year Graduation Rate: 74% Intercollegiate Athletic Programs: Mens Sports:  Golf, Basketball, Cross Country, Track and Field, SoccerWomens Sports:  Soccer, Track and Field, Cross Country Data Source: National Center for Educational Statistics Explore Other SUNY Campuses: Albany  |  Alfred State  |  Binghamton  |  Brockport  |  Buffalo  |  Buffalo State  |  Cobleskill  |  Cortland  |  Env. Science/Forestry  |  Farmingdale  |  FIT  |  Fredonia  |  Geneseo  |  Maritime  |  Morrisville  |  New Paltz  |  Old Westbury  |  Oneonta  |  Oswego  |  Plattsburgh  |  Polytechnic  |  Potsdam  |  Purchase  |  Stony Brook If You Like SUNY CESF, You May Also Like These Schools: Cornell University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphSyracuse University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphUniversity of Vermont: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphUniversity at Albany: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphIthaca College: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphJuniata College: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphClarkson University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphDrexel University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphBinghamton University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT Graph

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Telecommunications essays

Telecommunications essays One of the fastest growing industries in recent years has been the communications industry, particularly the cellular and personal communications industry. This global explosion of technology has spread, rapidly linking both highly industrial areas as well as that of the third world and emerging countries. The deployment of wireless communication has been readily accepted in remote and previously somewhat isolated areas. The emergence of specialized companies in this field has produced numerous competitors for this market. The communication companies such as Harris, Nortel and Ericsson are all competing in this market for renewed company growth and prosperity. The effect of competition in this global marketplace is such that in order to remain recognized in these markets firms are required more than ever to establish a presence in these new markets and rethink as well as redefine the way in which they do business. The buzz word Hyper has been used in conjunction with these companies, and has been associated with three main functions which have changed and evolved with the new business logic. These are; The trend in company policy in the past was to win every possible sale at any cost. All prioritization of the firm was a function of the current deal. Large established firms such as Nortel were seen as being the best simply because of their size. When a firms primary focus is on sales and revenue alone, it leads to a fragmentation of reserves within the organization. This effect was seen and experienced first hand by Nortel directly when with Globalization, little regard was given to direct support of their product in countries where it was used. The new focus of Nortel, Harris and Ericcson has been on the importance of not winning at any cost, ...

Monday, November 4, 2019

Autobiography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Autobiography - Essay Example She taught me that people like practical gifts and one should always try to make others happy. My parents were very protective and this gave me less freedom to think of my own. Till my 20s I was under the protection of my parents and had no freedom to make decisions on my own. My father was a jovial man but he was extremely disciplined in his lifestyle. He wanted things in order and demanded the same from us. He was strict and we respected him and looked upon to his ideas and principles. My dad is a person who craved to spend time with us and care for us. I had a happy and pleasant childhood. I was a shy child in early years and got along well with my sisters and brothers. We used to spend most of the time playing games and going to school together and studying in a group. I was more close to my sisters than my brother as he was much younger than us. But we were extremely happy when he was born, as all of us were girls and there was no boy in our family. We were proud to welcome him and took great care of him as our baby brother. I had a happy childhood and had no complaints on it. We as a family often go on vacations and holidays and the memory of the same still remain in my mind. The most refreshing memory was that of the childhood summer vacation to beach in Morocco. I did my high schooling to elementary in Morocco and math was my favorite subject. High school was eventful and very exciting. During my studies I met my best friend who later became part of my family. I did my two year studies in Hassan University with chemistry and physics as main subject. I had to drop my studies due to financial problem and moved to U.S. in 1990s. My significant event was coming to USA in early 1990’s.I met my husband in 1994 and got married in 1996. He was a kind and funny person, but after few years of marriage we became more of friends than husband and wife and divorced in 2003. I always

Friday, November 1, 2019

Kroger Co.s financial position and the role of profitability and Assignment

Kroger Co.s financial position and the role of profitability and shareholder equitys ratios in it - Assignment Example This essay analyzes The Kroger Co. that is rated among the top five players in thirty-eight out of the forty-two major markets. Most of its competitors have experienced negative growth trend in the recent past however, Kroger Co. has successfully managed to keep a smile on its shareholder’s face by steady sales growth in last twenty-nine quarters. Kroger Co. has a substantial customer base and it and it takes great pride in its loyal customer base as approximately one half of US households have a Kroger loyalty card. This has been a result of Customer 1st strategy that Kroger Co. believes in. It has also been popular among shareholders for its consistent dividend payments. In 2010, it gave out $250 million along with maintaining high investment-grade credit rating and reducing its leverage which eventually resulted in capital gain. Profitability ratios are an indicator of a company’s performance over the year. Profitability ratios include operating profit margin, net pr ofit margin, return on asset, and return on equity. Sales increased by 7.1% to $82.2 billion in 2010, which is more than its competitors. Operating profit margin is calculated by dividing the operating profit by the net sales. The operating profit for the year was $2182 M, as compared to net sales of $82189 M. The operating profit margin was 2.65% for the year. Net profit margin is calculated by dividing the net profit after tax by the net sales amount. Net profit for the year was $1116 M and it constituted 1.36% of the sales. ... Kroger has been trying to reduce its long term debt in the past few years which makes the company less risky to benefit shareholders. The company has kept its shareholders happy by giving a return of 21.07%. Shareholder’s Equity Ratio: The most important ratio in determining the impact of equity on the company is to find the percentage of equity to total assets. This ratio will give us an idea of the role of shareholder in the company’s operation. Also, companies take up debt to keep the larger portion of the profit with them (HORNE, James C. Van and Wachowicz, John M., 2008). This is a regular practice of profitable and established firms. Likewise, Kroger Co.’s asset base is majorly financed by debt and only 22.5% of its assets are sourced by shareholder. This is one of the reasons of high return on equity. This ratio indicates that Kroger Co.’s business model is profitable and becoming its shareholder will be profitable in future. Use and Application of Financial Reports Financial statements are an integral document for any company. It is used by stakeholders to assess the financial position and performance of the company. These stakeholders can be classified as internal and external (BRIGHAM, Eugene F. and Ehrhardt, Michael C., 2010). The internal users of these statements are management, board of directors and sometimes the employees as well. The external users include investors, lenders, suppliers and customers, government department and agencies, competitors, media, labor unions, supporters and opponents. Following are the three financial statements that is of prime importance for an investor, Balance sheet: It is also known as statement of financial position. It presents the picture of the company’s