Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights

Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights The aurora borealis, also called the Northern Lights, is a multi-colored brilliant light show in the Earths atmosphere that is caused by the collision of gas particles in the Earths atmosphere with charged electrons from the suns atmosphere. The aurora borealis is most often viewed at high latitudes close to the magnetic north pole but during times of maximum activity, they can be viewed very far south of the Arctic Circle. Maximum auroral activity is rare however and the aurora borealis is normally only seen in or near the Arctic Circle in places like Alaska, Canada, and Norway. In addition to the aurora borealis in the northern hemisphere there is also the aurora australis, sometimes called the Southern Lights, in the southern hemisphere. The aurora australis is created the same way as the aurora borealis and it has the same appearance of dancing, colored lights in the sky. The best time to view the aurora australis is from March to September because the Antarctic Circle experiences the most darkness during this period. The aurora australis is not seen as often as the aurora borealis because they are more concentrated around Antarctica and the southern Indian Ocean. How the Aurora Borealis Works The aurora borealis is a beautiful and fascinating occurrence in the Earths atmosphere but its colorful patterns begin with the sun. It occurs when highly charged particles from the suns atmosphere move into the Earths atmosphere via the solar wind. For reference, the solar wind is a stream of electrons and protons made of plasma that flow away from the sun and into the solar system at around 560 miles per second (900 kilometers per second) (Qualitative Reasoning Group). As the solar wind and its charged particles enter the Earths atmosphere they are pulled toward the Earths poles by its magnetic force. While moving through the atmosphere the suns charged particles collide with the oxygen and nitrogen atoms found in the Earths atmosphere and the reaction of this collision forms the aurora borealis. The collisions between the atoms and charged particles occur around 20 to 200 miles (32 to 322 km) above the Earths surface and it is the altitude and type of atom involved in the collision that determines the color of the aurora (How Stuff Works). The following is a list of what causes the different auroral colors and it was obtained from How Stuff Works: Red - oxygen, over 150 miles (241 km) above the Earths surfaceGreen - oxygen, up to 150 miles (241 km) above the Earths surfacePurple/violet - nitrogen, over 60 miles (96 km) above the Earths surfaceBlue - nitrogen, up to 60 miles (96 km) above the Earths surface According to the Northern Lights Centre, green is the most common color for the aurora borealis, while red is the least common. In addition to the lights being these various colors, they also appear to flow, form various shapes and dance in the sky. This is because the collisions between the atoms and the charged particles are constantly shifting along the magnetic currents of the Earths atmosphere and the reactions of these collisions follow the currents. Predicting the Aurora Borealis Today modern technology allows scientists to predict the strength of the aurora borealis because they can monitor the strength of the solar wind. If the solar wind is strong auroral activity will be high because more charged particles from the suns atmosphere will move into the Earths atmosphere and react with the nitrogen and oxygen atoms. Higher auroral activity means that the aurora borealis can be seen over larger areas of the Earths surface. Predictions for the aurora borealis are shown as daily forecasts similar to weather. An interesting forecasting center is provided by the University of Alaska, Fairbanks Geophysical Institute. These forecasts predict the most active locations for the aurora borealis for a specific time and give a range showing the strength of auroral activity. The range begins at 0 which is minimal auroral activity that is only viewed at latitudes above the Arctic Circle. This range ends at 9 which is maximum auroral activity and during these rare times, the aurora borealis can be seen at latitudes much lower than the Arctic Circle. The peak of auroral activity typically follows an eleven-year sunspot cycle. During times of sunspots, the sun has very intense magnetic activity and the solar wind is very strong. As a result, the aurora borealis is also normally very strong at these times. According to this cycle, the peaks for auroral activity should occur in 2013 and 2024. Winter is usually the best time to view the aurora borealis because there are long periods of darkness above the Arctic Circle as well as many clear nights. For those interested in viewing the aurora borealis there are some places that are best for viewing them frequently because they offer long periods of darkness during the winter, clear skies and low light pollution. These locations include places like Denali National Park in Alaska, Yellowknife in Canadas Northwest Territories and Tromsà ¸, Norway. Importance of the Aurora Borealis The aurora borealis has been written about and studied for as long as people have been living in and exploring the polar regions and as such, they have been important to people since ancient times and possibly earlier. For example, many ancient myths talk about the mysterious lights in the sky and some medieval civilizations feared them as they believed that lights were a sign of impending war and/or famine. Other civilizations believed the aurora borealis was the spirit of their people, great hunters and animals like salmon, deer, seals, and whales (Northern Lights Centre). Today the aurora borealis is recognized as an important natural phenomenon and every winter people venture into northern latitudes to watch it and some scientists devote much of their time to studying it. The aurora borealis is also considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

Battle of Fort Sumter in the American Civil War

Battle of Fort Sumter in the American Civil War The Battle of Fort Sumter was fought April 12-14, 1861, and was the opening engagement of the American Civil War. In the wake of President Abraham Lincolns election in November 1860, the state of South Carolina began debating secession. On December 20, a vote was taken in which the state decided to leave the Union. Over the next several weeks, South Carolinas lead was followed by Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. As each state left, local forces began seizing federal installations and property. Among those military installations to hold out were Forts Sumter and Pickens in Charleston, SC and Pensacola, FL. Concerned that aggressive action could lead the remaining slave states to secede, President James Buchanan elected not to resist the seizures.   Situation in Charleston In Charleston, the Union garrison was led by Major Robert Anderson. A capable officer, Anderson was a protà ©gà © of General Winfield Scott, the noted Mexican-American War commander. Placed in command of the Charleston defenses on November 15,1860, Anderson was a native of Kentucky who had formerly owned slaves. In addition to his even temperament and skills as an officer, the administration hoped his appointment would be viewed as a diplomatic gesture. Arriving as his new post, Anderson immediately faced heavy pressure from the local community as he attempted to improve the Charleston fortifications. Based at Fort Moultrie on Sullivans Island, Anderson was dissatisfied with its landward defenses which had been compromised by sand dunes.   Nearly as tall as the forts walls, the dunes could have facilitated any potential attack on the post. Moving to have the dunes cleared away, Anderson quickly came under fire from the Charleston newspapers and was criticized by city leaders. Forces and Commanders Union Major Robert Anderson85 men Confederate Brigadier General P.G.T. BeauregardAbout 500 men A Near Siege As the final weeks of the fall progressed, tensions in Charleston continued to rise and the garrison of the harbor forts was increasingly isolated. Additionally, the South Carolina authorities placed picket boats in the harbor to observe the activities of the soldiers. With the secession of South Carolina on December 20, the situation facing Anderson grew more grave. On December 26, feeling that his men would not be safe if they remained at Fort Moultrie, Anderson ordered them to spike its guns and burn the carriages. This done, he embarked his men in boats and directed them to sail out to Fort Sumter. Located on a sand bar at the mouth of the harbor, Fort Sumter was believed to be one of the strongest fortresses in the world. Designed to house 650 men and 135 guns, construction of Fort Sumter had begun 1827 and was still not complete. Andersons actions enraged Governor Francis W. Pickens who believed that Buchanan had promised that Fort Sumter would not be occupied. In actuality, Buchanan had made no such promise and had always carefully crafted his correspondence with Pickens to allow maximum flexibility of action in regard to the Charleston harbor forts. From Andersons standpoint, he was simply following orders from Secretary of War John B. Floyd which instructed him to shift his garrison to whichever fort you may deem most proper to increase its power of resistance should fighting commence. Despite this, the leadership of South Carolina viewed Andersons actions to be a breach of faith and demanded that he turn over the fort. Refusing, Anderson and his garrison settled in for what essentially became a siege. Resupply Attempts Fail In an effort to resupply Fort Sumter, Buchanan ordered the ship Star of the West to proceed to Charleston. On January 9, 1861, the ship was fired upon by Confederate batteries, manned by cadets from the Citadel, as it attempted to enter the harbor. Turning to depart, it was hit by two shells from Fort Moultrie before escaping. As Andersons men held the fort through February and March, the new Confederate government in Montgomery, AL debated how to handle the situation. In March, newly elected Confederate President Jefferson Davis placed Brigadier General P.G.T. Beauregard in charge of the siege. Working to improve his forces, Beauregard conducted drills and training to teach the South Carolina militia how to operate the guns in the other harbor forts. On April 4, having learned that Anderson only had food to last until the fifteenth, Lincoln ordered a relief expedition assembled with an escort provided by the US Navy. In an attempt to ease tensions, Lincoln contacted South Carolina Governor Francis W. Pickens two days later and informed him of the effort. Lincoln stressed that as long as the relief expedition was allowed to proceed, only food would be delivered, however, if attacked, efforts would be made to reinforce the fort. In response, the Confederate government decided to open fire on the fort with the goal of forcing its surrender before the Union fleet could arrive. Alerting Beauregard, he dispatched a delegation to the fort on April 11 to again demand its surrender. Refused, further discussions after midnight failed to resolve the situation. Around 3:20 a.m. on April 12, Confederate authorities alerted Anderson that they would open fire in one hour. The Civil War Begins At 4:30 a.m. on April 12, a single mortar round fired by Lieutenant Henry S. Farley burst over Fort Sumter signaling the other harbor forts to open fire. Anderson did not reply until 7:00 when Captain Abner Doubleday fired the first shot for the Union. Low on food and ammunition, Anderson endeavored to protect his men and minimize their exposure to danger. As a result, he restricted them to only using the forts lower, casemated guns which were not situated to effectively damage the other harbor forts. Bombarded for thirty-four hours, Fort Sumters officers quarters caught on fire and its main flag pole was felled. While Union troops were rigging a new pole, the Confederates dispatched a delegation to inquire if the fort was surrendering. With his ammunition almost exhausted, Anderson agreed to a truce at 2:00 PM on April 13. Prior to evacuating, Anderson was permitted to fire a 100-gun salute to the US flag. During this salute a pile of cartridges caught fire and exploded, killing Private Daniel Hough and mortally wounding Private Edward Galloway. The two men were the only fatalities to occur during the bombardment. Surrendering the fort at 2:30 p.m. on April 14, Andersons men were later transported to the relief squadron, then offshore, and placed aboard the steamer Baltic. Aftermath of the Battle Union losses in the battle numbered two killed and the loss of the fort while the Confederates reported four wounded. The bombardment of Fort Sumter was the opening battle of the Civil War and launched the nation into four years of bloody fighting. Anderson returned north and toured as a national hero. During the war, several attempts were made to recapture the fort with no success. Union forces finally took possession of the fort after Major General William T. Shermans troops captured Charleston in February 1865. On April 14, 1865, Anderson returned to the fort to re-hoist the flag he had been forced to lower four years earlier.

Technology and the Curriculum Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Technology and the Curriculum - Essay Example In later years, students can make use of ICT to do research and create innovative pieces of work. Libraries are available online, where students are able to access a wide range of literary and scholarly work of famous authors. Technology must be incorporated into the curriculum so that students may enjoy their educational activities while enhancing independent thinking. Technology is required not only for learning but also for social adaptation (Wilmarth, as cited in Jacobs, 2010a, p.80) and media literacy (Baker, as cited in Jacobs, 2010b, p.133) that is beneficial for students in their personal and professional lives. For example, In case of capturing digital images and making videos, children would require digital cameras and camcorders, respectively. The hardware required has got its benefits and weaknesses. The benefits include easy capturing of images and trouble-free video recording (Sheskey, as cited in Jacobs, 2010c, p.195). There is ease of use together with fun and educational learning. The main weakness of this hardware is that it is too expensive to be used by young children at EYFS and primary stage. If the camera is too complex in structure for young kids to understand, they will get frustrated and might stop using it. Still, with correct supervision, all technological tools can prove to be very beneficial for students. Skype is one example of such a forbidden resource that can prove to be very helpful for students (November, as cited in Jacobs, 2010d, p.186). With the growing use of ICT in schools, there is no reason why children with special needs should be ignored. There are a lot of technological tools available in the market and online that help children with special needs adapt to their new learning environment which is more efficient and more helpful to them. These tools help children who find difficulties such as language hurdles, cultural hurdles, writing trouble (dysgraphia), reading difficulties (dyslexia), math

Influence of Age on Alcohol Addiction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Influence of Age on Alcohol Addiction - Essay Example Everything that happens to their individual life as they grew up is influenced by their age. Richard grew with little understanding of the world around him. â€Å"I grew silent and reserved as the nature of the world in which I lived became plain and undeniable; the bleakness of the future affected my will to study.   Granny had already thrown out hints that it was time for me to be on my own† (Wright 181). However, as he aged, consciousness started to grow deep within him, allowing him to create remarkable realization of the reality of life and the one that he is trying to follow. â€Å"I was in my fifteenth year; in terms of schooling I was far behind the average youth of the nation, but I did not know that.   In me was shaping a yearning for a kind of consciousness, a mode of being that the way of life about me had said could not be, must not be, and upon which the penalty of death had been placed.   Somewhere in the dead of the southern night my life had switched on to the wrong track and, without my knowing it, the locomotive of my heart was rushing down a dangerously steep slope, heading for a collision, heedless of the warning red lights that blinked all about me, the sirens and the bells and the screams that filled the air† (Wright 187). The above points only show that Richard’s understanding of the world around him comes with age. His realization of the things around him is a depiction of his actual response to his world which is clearly associated with his age as we could clearly see the level of his maturity in here. Thus, we have created the point that our specific response to what is happening around may have potential impact on our actual thoughts or actions, but this clearly comes with age just as the kind of thought like this of Richard when he was already at the right age. â€Å"I dreamed of going north and writing books, novels.   The North symbolized to me all that I had not felt and seen; it had no relation whate ver to what actually existed.   Yet, by imagining a place where everything was possible, I kept hope alive in me† (186). Similarly, Caroline Knapp would have never realized what an alcoholic is when she had never become one as she aged. According to her, â€Å"Craziness, dark secrets, alcoholic furies, that's how you become an alcoholic, right? It's encoded in your DNA, embedded in your history, the product of some wild familial aberration. There was always an undercurrent of moral failing in the stories I heard about alcoholics: they were unstable, unwell, irresponsible, and if they were parents, they tore through the lives of their children like tornadoes, drinking and divorcing, screaming and raging" (Knapp 28-29). The reason why Caroline actually defines this is because she had so much experience from her growing years with alcohol and she could actually associate the actual feeling involved in such a habit. Those things that influence her to gulp an alcoholic beverage, which could be more than what is substantially required, are integral components of her past growing years. In fact, there is an indication that she pre-learned everything from her father, but later was full blown when she already stood at the right age. "My father had a probing manner, an analytic intensity tempered by a vague detachment, and whenever I sensed him turns his attention to me, the feeling on my part was

Macbeth, Macduff and the Witches Essay Example for Free

Macbeth, Macduff and the Witches Essay Macduff has just told me that he was not born naturally; he actually turned to me and said Macduff was from his mothers womb untimely ripped. For me, that is the end, I think about the witchs predictions. Then, I think back to when it all started. We were on our way home, Banquo and I when we meet the witches who told us that I would be Thane of Glamis, well I knew that already. Then they told me that I would be Thane of Cawdor, This surprised me as the Thane of Cawdor was very well and living. Then the final witch said to me All hail Macbeth that shalt be king hereafter. When I heard this I wanted to here more but they wouldnt speak to me. Then my friend Banquo asked them about him, what will happen to him? They said to Banquo that he will be lesser than Macbeth but greater. Which at first didnt make sense but then it came to me that he would not be king but his children would succeed to the throne. I turned to question them and suddenly they disappeared. I saw Ross riding towards us he told us that the king has heard of our success against the Norwegians. Then he said that the Thane of Cawdor has been relieved from his command and the king has given me the job of being Thane of Cawdor. I couldnt believe it the witches were right, their predictions came true and if that prediction came true than so should the rest. I wrote a letter to my wife telling her about the witches and their predictions I also told her that I had become the Thane of Cawdor. When I got home my wife told me that the king will be coming to stay at our castle for the night. I was really surprised about this visit and then my wife explained the plans she made. It was all too difficult as Duncan had been really good to me; he made me Thane of Cawdor which was very generous. But now I have to kill him, I was afraid but my wife convinced me that when it is done everything would be fine. Her plan was to drug the kings personal bodyguards, wait till they fall asleep, then steal their daggers and use them to murder Duncan. After I kill Duncan I was to leave the bloody daggers in the hands of the bodyguards. I really didnt want to do this but I couldnt let my wife down. So went up to Duncans room and I saw a dagger before my eyes, I tried to grab it but my hand just went through it. It started floating towards Duncans room and then it just disappeared. I picked up the sleeping guards daggers and walked into Duncans chambers. When it was done I came out of Duncans chambers and went to my wife who was ringing the bell gently. She saw me with the daggers dripping in blood and she said to me why did I bring the daggers with you, you was supposed to leave them with the guards I told her I was afraid and I just ran out of the room and forgot everything. She took the daggers away from me and put them in the hands of the guards. Then I heard a very loud knocking, I looked at my hands and they were stained red so I quickly ran to the well and washed them, my wife cane back and her hands were also red so she washed them as well. The knocking continued so we got changed and laid in bed. The porter opened the door. It was Macduff and Lennox, who came in ringing the bell so that everyone would wake up. I went to them and showed them to Duncans room. Everyone was shocked at what they saw, and I had to play along too. Malcolm and Dolabain Duncans two sons fled. One went to England and the other to Ireland. This was good because it makes everyone suspicious of them. Now they were gone, I was crowned king, but I still had one more problem. Banquo was with me when the witches told us of their predictions. He was also there when Ross told me the king has given me the job of being Thame of Cawdor, so then Banquo would be suspicious of me because one of the witches predictions was that I would be king, and now that the king is dead, he will accuse me of killing him. I had killed once, and it seemed easy to kill again. I arranged for Banquo, my friend, to be killed. I hired these hit men. I was not sure how it would all turn out. I told the hit men to make sure they kill Fleance, his son as well because I didnt want any of his children to reign as well. I prepared a banquet for all my friends. Lords and nobleman we all sat around the table and began to eat: You know your own degrees, sit down. At first it was going all quite well, me and my wife was enjoying ourselves which was a relief from thinking about Duncan and what happened in the past. Then just as it was getting better, I spotted one of the hit men that I had hired earlier. I went to him and made sure no one could see or hear us. I asked him is he dispatched? He replied with good news my lord, his throat is cut; that I did for him. I asked him what he had done with Fleance. He hung his head and said that he had escaped. I was furious I knew the nightmares would come back to me. I returned to my seat. Then Ross asked me to sit at his table, but I told him it was full. He said there was a free seat next to him. I looked at the seat next to him and saw the ghost of Banquo looking at me. I began to panic, but my wife Lady Macbeth said to everyone that I was getting into a fit and that they should leave now. When they had gone, she calmed me down saying its just the very painting of my fear. After that day I felt strange, different, uneasy, so I went back to the witches because I was so worried. When I got there they were all around a black cauldron, they said to me that they will summon their master the Apparitions. I looked into the cauldron I saw the first apparition an armed head. It said beware Macduff, beware the Thane of fife. I thought hmm well Macduff wont be a problem I can just have him killed like Banquo. The second apparition appeared which was a bloody child it said Be bloody, bold and resolute, laugh to scorn the power of man, for none of woman shall harm Macbeth. Ha! I was impressed with this, everyman and woman is born from a woman so no one can harm me. The next apparition appeared it was a child crowned, with a tree in his hand. Be loin-mettled, proud and take no care that chafes, who frets, or where conspirers are, Macbeth shall never vanquish be, until Great Birnam wood to high Dunsinane hill shall come against him. Well to me this was just wrong how can a wood move all the way up Dunsinane hill? I went home feeling very confident and the very next day I found out that Macduff had gone to England to get an army together lead by Malcom. I told my mercenaries to go to his castle and kill everyone and everything in there. Mean while when all this was going on my wife had been sleepwalking and the lady-in had called in a doctor to observe her actions. He watched her while she was sleepwalking. My wife was carrying out the actions we did when we murdered Duncan! So now the doctor and the lady-in knew about us. I noticed all my friends had left me and gone to England with Malcom, even Ross had left me and I knew he was going to tell Macduff that I had killed his family. I didnt care actually no born of a man could harm me. I bet Macduff was furious but I had nothing to fear. So as I was getting ready to fight Macduff and Malcom I still felt safe about it all because of what the apparitions told me. I knew my wife had died somehow she should have died hereafter I felt cold about everything except defeating Macduff. A messenger came later saying that Birnam wood was moving Liar and Slave I said to him but he begged me to take a look, so I did and realized what the apparitions were talking about. Malcoms army was using the branches and wood as camouflage. When everyone found out that Macduff was coming they all ran away those cowards. A few English soldiers came to me and tried to attack me but they were no problem, I walked outside the castle full of confidence and pride. I faced Macduff and said to him I bear a charmed life, which must not yield to any of woman born. Then thats when he told me that he was born untimely ripped. Looking back now I see where it had gone all wrong, but when I think about the future, me kneeling before Malcoms feet I couldnt let it happen. I raised my sword and attempted to kill Malcom but Macduff got in the way trying to defend him, I fought as hard as I could but he was just too fast. I felt something cold and sharp go through my chest, my sword fell from my hand and then I saw a blur in front of me soon I could see nothing everything had just gone black.

Censorship :: essays research papers

Censorship and the Internet Biram Mboob London School of Economics B.mboob@lse.ac.uk "Inevitably, being an uncontrolled system, means that the Internet will be subjected to subversive applications of some unscrupulous users." (Kershaw) The concept of the Internet was created in answer to a strategic problem faced by the United States government during the Cold war era. A nuclear attack would easily disrupt a traditional computer network and hence make communication impossible. The solution was found in a new type of network. A network where all nodes would be equal in status, that is to say each could send and receive messages. The resulting projects were the first steps towards the birth of the Internet, as we know it. Today, the Internet consists of several parts, which include the World Wide Web, FTP, IRC, News groups, Gopher, WAIS, Archie, and Email. The Internet is continuing to grow at a rate of 40% a year, with roughly 20 million users to date. Over the past few yea rs, the issue of Internet censorship has been subject to an unprecedented amount of controversy. Both sides of the debate present very strong arguments about why the Internet should or should not be censored. The point most often brought forward by advocates of Internet censorship is that â€Å"inappropriate† material can all too easily land in the hands of children via this powerful new medium. â€Å"Inappropriate† mostly describes the sexually explicit and racist material that is easily found on the Internet. The debate that currently rages however centres mainly on pornographic material. The essay is divided into three content-based sections. The first section examines the data that is available about pornography on the Internet. Conclusions on significance of the data are offered. Section two examines the legal issues and difficulties surrounding the idea of censorship. The final section discusses alternative ways of protecting children from pornography and offers a final conclusion on the attributes of the problem and the suggestion of a solution. Censorship of Internet is a big issue and not much of it can be covered in an essay at this level. The essay deliberately focuses only on pornography. While many aspects had to be left out and others discussed minimally, the result of this essay remains a brief synopsis of relevant issues and conclusions on these issues. Section 1 In early 1995, a research team at the Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania released one of the most revealing studies into online pornography.

Message of the Mountain

THE BOOK REPORT Message of the Mountain [pic] Submitted by Gertrude Beatriz Lim 6-6 Submitted to Mrs. Miriam E. Rana Message of the Mountain is a Christian fiction written by Matilda Nordtvedt. The book has 135 pages with 30 chapters. The story takes place in Bellingham, Washington in the early 1900s. It was settled, the Johnsons were relocating to Bellingham, Washington; since Papa cannot sustain the work in the country. John liked the idea of moving to the city, but Hilda and Lois were not so thrilled. Their house in Bellingham was modern, and John was delighted.From the window, you could see the magnificent Mount Baker. Papa and Hilda started talking about how Mount Baker was like God, making John feel awkward. The girls were a bit worried going to school even with John’s encouragement. After class, John’s classmate, Marvin, led him to the railroad tracks where he got him to smoke a cigarette brought by a fifth-grader named Pete. As they parted, John ran home in dism ay, anxious that his parents might find out. When he got home, John saw Mama chopping down some onions, so he ate a piece to take the smell of the cigarette out.John felt guilty for smoking, but thought that at least he did something to please his father by chopping down some wood. There are some lessons that can be picked up from Message of the Mountain. One is about learning to accept change, because change is the only thing permanent in our lives. Everything changes in this world, so there is no way to resist it anyways. Another is that we should learn to say no. Saying no to wrong things will always be the right thing to do even if doing so means losing everything. Lastly, we should not lie, because lying could lead to broken trust and relationship. I don’t think we have to worry about bears and ghosts, Lois. God protects us from other things we meet each day and accidents maybe, and especially from evil. † That was what Mama told Lois. It means that God will always guard us from things that may endanger us. It’s one of my favorite lines in the book. It makes me feel secure in the times of trouble knowing God will not leave us, but He will be there protecting us. The best part in the chapters is when they arrived in Bellingham. It was about the time when things were about to change.It was nice because it described how John felt towards making new friends and adjusting to a new life. Message of the Mountain is a Christian fiction book written by Matilda Nordtvedt. Chapters 5 to 14 have forty-four pages in all. The story takes place in Bellingham, Washington, in the early 1900s. In Chapter 5, the Johnson family went to church. John still could not decide on what to believe in, creation or the theory of evolution; but after Mr. Strom’s discussion, he believed in creation. While in Chapter 6, John was convinced by Mr. William’s lecture that everything evolved from something.After class, the trio: John, Marvin, and Pete were do wn by the tracks smoking. Marvin suddenly asked for John’s share of tobacco, but John said he did not afford tobacco and Papa does not smoke. Marvin shrugged and suggested him to steal some at Mr. Thorsen’s store. John was astonished by his suggestion; he could not steal now or could he? In Chapter 7, Mama had a big announcement: Hilda could take piano lessons if Mama would clean Mrs. Lavine’s house once a week. The girls were squealing from excitement but all John felt was hugging someone and getting some tobacco.In Chapter 8, Mr. Strom showed his complex watch and related it to the wonderful creations of God. John then reconsidered believing in creation. In the next chapter, Lois eavesdropped on Marvin and John’s conversation. She heard all their plans! John made Lois promise to not tell anyone anything but he would have to give her some Life Savers. When Marvin and John proceeded to their plan, John was given a Life Saver. When John went home, he saw M arvin being pushed in a wagon by a police man. That night, Papa talked about the boy who was caught stealing tobacco.The next day, Marvin did not show up at school. When John came back from school, Lois was curled up in his bed wanting more Life Savers. During supper, Lois was not present. She had gone to Mr. Thorsen’s store and stole a Life Saver. Marvin was back by the next day. John was relieved to know Marvin did not tell on him. Lois and John were going to Mr. Thorsen’s to apologize but did not. They went back home, and Mama told John to ask Marvin to have supper with them. John hesitated but eventually asked Marvin. Our lies will find us out. No matter how we try to hide it; the truth will be revealed.We should also be a good example to others. Our actions may affect others’ actions. There are some people who do wrong things because of their peer pressure in being called a chicken or whatsoever, but we should learn to be stand up to do the right thing. â⠂¬Å"If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. † This line affected me most because it reminds me that God is a forgiving God. It assured me that if I confess my sins to Him, I will be cleansed.

Culture and Hipster Central Dogma Essay

Hipster is a subculture of young (15 – 25), urban middle class adults and older teenagers that appeared in the 1990s.The subculture is associated with non-mainstream lifestyle. They value independent thinking, progressive politics, creativity, intelligence and non-mainstream fashion sensibility. Most of them can be found living in the big cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. Also â€Å"hipsterism† is often intertwined with distinct fashion sensibilities .Hipsters reject the culturally-ignorant attitudes of mainstream consumers, and are often be seen wearing vintage, tight jeans, old-school sneakers, and often thick rimmed glasses. Men and women hipsters have similar androgynous hair styles that include combinations of dirty shag cuts and asymmetric side-swept bangs. Such styles are the work of creative stylists at urban salons, and are usually not mainstream. Despite the misconception made ​​on the external image, hipsters tend to be well educ ated in sciences, which require certain creative analytical thinking abilities. This leads to the fact that they find themselves in creative works, such as music, art, and fashion industries. It is a myth that most hipsters are unemployed and live off of their parent’s trust funds. Hipsters shun mainstream, It is part of the hipster central dogma not to be influenced by mainstream advertising and media. This is tends to only promote ethnocentric ideals of beauty, the concepts of androgyny and feminism have influenced hipster culture, where hipster men are often as thin as the women they date. Women view the muscular, athletic and other male ideals as symbols of their oppression, sexism, and misogyny. Likewise, culturally-vapid sorority-type girls with fake blond hair, overly tanned skin, and â€Å"Britney Spears tube-tops† are not seen as attractive by cultured hipster males who instead see them as symbols of female insecurity, low self-esteem, and lack of cultural intelligence and independent thinking. Likewise, girls with fake blond hair and overly tanned skin are not seen as attractive by cultured hipster males who instead see them as symbols of female insecurity, low self-esteem, and lack of cultural intelligence and independent thinking. There are many interracial couples in hipster subculture because they are very racially open-minded. Although hipsters are conformists within their own subculture, in comparison to the much larger mainstream mass they are pioneers latest cultural trends and ideals. For example many bands have become successful and known to mainstream audiences only because hipsters first found and listened to them as early-adopters of new culture. Once certain concepts of fashion and music have reached mainstream audiences, hipsters move on to something new and improved. Once something from fashion and music have reached mainstream audiences, hipsters move on to something new. Because of the rise of various online photo-blog and social networking sites, insights into urban hipster culture is reaching sheltered suburban audiences at an exponential rate. Cultural â€Å"norms† have been deconstructed by hipster culture as a whole.

Institutional Environment and Growth in Brazil Essay Example

Institutional Environment and Growth in Brazil Essay Example Institutional Environment and Growth in Brazil Paper Institutional Environment and Growth in Brazil Paper Accelerating the development of economic growth in a sustained way is therefore one of the most Important Issues In economics, Economists have long used a variety f approaches to shed light on why some countries experience faster growth than others. In the vast amount of literature on the subject there are three schools that stand out In particular. First, there Is a group of scholars that places geographical factors such as climate, transport cost and natural resources as the main explanatory factors. Recent writings by Jarred Diamond and Jeffery Sacks are important contributions In this paradigm (Diamond, 1997; Sacks, 2001 Second, there Is a faction that emphasizes international trade as a key to economic growth. Important intrusions to this market-integration view have been presented in the works of Franken Roomer (1999) and Dollar Kraal (2004). Finally, there Is a third group focusing on the explanatory power that institutions veil in this matter. This paper will follow in this tradition, as there seems to bee an increasingly pervasive concurrence among economists studying the phenomena that the development and quality of the institutional environment holds the key to prevailing patterns of sustained growth and prosperity around the world. Rich countries are those with sustained rule of law ND property rights, effective policies towards private enterprises and competition, the political system is stabile and effective, companies enjoys easy access to financing and superior tax regimes and there is a well functioning infrastructural system. Poor countries are those where the arrangements are nonexistent or ill formed. This approach suggests a somewhat casual relationship between institutional development and economic growth. This Implies that a poor country, which Is able to revise the rules of the game in the direction of better institutional environment, is keel to experience a lasting economic growth. The causality of this relationship has never Eden quotations (Oral, 2004; Houseman et al, 20050). In tens article we want to investigate the relationship between institutional development and economic growth further in order to enhance the understanding of the relationship. Is this really the end of all policy development and a manifestation of an institutions rule approach to economic development? Long run trends in the global economy suggest that emerging markets are the new drivers for global economic growth. Emerging markets can be defined as countries tit lower level of development than ELI, North America and Japan and high growth in recent years (Mining, 2007). This makes emerging markets countries useable as laboratories for trend research related to economic growth. Brazil, as a part of the BRICE countries, has for a long time been defined as an emerging market country. In spite of quite impressive reforms (Houseman et al, Bibb) the country has failed to show similar growth rates as China and India (DB, 2008). In this paper we therefore want to investigate how the economic growth in Brazil is related to the development in the institutional environment. Could the development and quality of the institutional environment in Brazil hold the key to understanding how to increase growth in the country? These notions has led to our research question, which is: How does the institutional environment affect the economic growth in Brazil? The deductive model In order to answer our research question we will apply the traditional deductive method of conducting research. First, we consider at a theoretical level the relationship between institutions and economic growth. Second, we build hypotheses on the basis of our theoretical framework. Third, we apply it to data. Finally, we deduct from the study. Our approach emphasizes quantitative data and is highly formalized. In this paper we will use the deductive model as proposed by Cesarean (1992). The model has 8 steps as illustrated below and largely corresponds to the structure of the paper. The steps are shown I a linear fashion, but in the reality the process is more dynamic. Literature review The concept of institutions and its influence on economic growth can be traced back to the functionalist perspective, which draws upon the ideas of August Comet (1852), Herbert Spencer (1851) and ?mile Druthers (1893). The functionalist approach is centered upon the argument that, if society is to exist, its members must make provision for certain functional requirements. Institutions are the principal structures where these critical tasks for social living are organized, directed and executed (Hughes et al. 2002). Institutions have been studied from several viewpoints and disciplines ranging from sociology, organizational psychology, to new institutional economics originating from the learning of transaction cost economics. In this paper we will follow the new institutional economic approach. I en transaction cost blew on organizations can De lave Into two groups. Horst, motivation cost, which deals particularly with costs of opportunistic behavior and agency cost (Williamson, 1975, Jensen and Neckline, 1976) Second, coordination cost, which deals with costs of information, costs of coordination and costs of measurement (Stiller, 1961, Lucian and Demesne, 1972). With a well-working interface transfers occur smoothly, but sometimes the transaction encounters friction due to conflicts between the parties involved. This friction can lead to delays, breakdowns and other malfunctions and is in economics termed transaction cost. The new institutional economic approach argues that all human interaction is characterized by a high degree of uncertainty (North, 1990). Institutions are therefore a way of reducing uncertainty and thereby transaction costs of trade. Furthermore, institutions are, as an extension of motivation cost theory, created by people with different bargaining power and not for the sake of efficiency, which makes some more efficient than others. Inefficient institutions can result in stagnant economies due to path dependency, which can lead to the lack of acknowledgement of property rights by states. Such environments can lead increased transaction cost and diminish the incentives to invest in socially profitable businesses. North therefore argue that the key to economic growth is efficient property rights, which moreover depends on political efficiency. In Institutions (1991) North, focuses further upon three elements of transaction cost: measurement cost, level of globalization and the amount of bargaining at the margin. It appears, however, that North have found a simplification and new applicability for these theories on state owned institutions and its relation to economic growth. Even Hough no clear-cut distinction exists between institutions and organizations, we have chosen to adapt Norths (1991) definition of institutions as the rules of the game and organizations as the different players. Further we adapt a sociological view on actions in markets, which conceptualizes Flintiness institutional framework related to the relationship between state and firms in the development of an economy. His main findings relate to how politics in markets work during various stages of market development-formation, stability and transformation (Fleeting 1996:656). As result we move away from the traditional institutional sociology of the early social scientists such as Clinics (1946) and later, DiMaggio and Powell (1991), and Scott (1995), and moves toward economic institutionalism. The main point however, is that we adapt an understanding of how modern states must create an institutional framework for a well functioning business system, and as such institutions are necessary as preconditions for economic growth. Theoretical framework and generation of hypothesis Inspired by North and Flintiness definitions of institutions, we assume that companies cannot operate in a Brazil without collective sets of rules and governing Interaction. In order to conclave economic gar town Brazil must odometer create an institutional framework, which supports the economic actors. Further the institutions in Brazil must structure political, economic and social interaction and set up norms. Our central hypothesis is therefore that the stage of development of the institutional environment in Brazil is crucial in order to develop sustainable economic growth, by reducing transaction cost of doing business and thus establish incentives faced by economic actors. Hypothesis 1. The level of economic growth in Brazil is dependent on the stage of placement in the institutional environment. There is strong empirical support for the proposition that institution matter (Franken Roomer, 1999; Guacamole et al, 2001). One example of this is presented in the paper Institutions rule (Radio et al. 2004) which explores the relationship between integration, institutions and geography with income. The findings show that the quality of institutions is more important than any others factors related to income levels. There is however little agreement on their relative importance and the causality of the link when it comes to increase economic growth. In the voluminous iterate on this subject, there are several failed attempts to discover unique institutional designs with encountering effective institutional outcomes. (Houseman et al. AAA), Since there are strong arguments favoring that there is no unique mapping from function to form It is futile to look for encountering empirical regularities that link specific legal rules to economic outcomes. What works will depend on local constraints and opportunities. (Radio, 2004:9) The aim of this paper is therefore to come up with contingent correlations or institutional prescription that are limited to the prevailing characteristics of Brazil. We thus try to extend the previous literature by exploring the development of the different elements of the institutional environment in order to discover which institutions that have been crucial for the economic growth in the case of Brazil. In order to investigate the relative importance of the different institution in Brazil it is necessary t o define more precisely what the institutional environment consists of. Traditionally the institutional environment in a country is made up of and measured by the ability to make investors feel secure about their property rights, the rule of away prevails, private incentives are aligned with social objectives, monetary and fiscal policies are grounded in solid macroeconomic institutions, idiosyncratic risks are appropriately mediated through social insurance, and citizens have recourse to civil liberties and political representation (Radio, 2004) To separate and distinguish between the institutional factors we adapt the institutional framework presented in John Dunning Institutional reform, foreign direct investment, and European transition economies (Dunning, 2005) and Foreign Investment location and institutional development in transition economies (Bean et. Al, 2006). These papers have developed an institutional framework consisting of three generic groups of variables namely: policy framework, economic determinants and business facilitation. The thre e groups should be viewed as institutional spheres containing Institutionally related determinants, wanly all alms at recalling transaction cost In Brazil and thus establish incentives faced by economic actors. First, the policy framework addresses institutionally related determinants that are under directly control of the government in Brazil. This is arguably the most important institutional sphere as it covers central aspects of institutions such as the rule of law and enhancement of property rights (North, 1991). It consists of institutions that provide economic and political stability, international agreements on FDA and taxes (Dunning, 2005), monetary and fiscal polices (Radio, 2004) and rules regarding competition (Fleeting, 1996). There are strong theoretical and empirical evidence connecting these institutions with transaction cost, thus we hypothesis that a positive development in the policy framework will result in a positive development in the economic growth in Brazil. Hypothesis AAA The level of economic growth in Brazil is dependent on the stage of development in the policy framework Second, the economic determinants cover institutions related to market opportunities, resource endowment and the availability and cost of labor (Dunning, 2005). It can be argued that these determinants depend on the underlying incentive structure and enforcement procedures, but if the institutional system in Brazil fails to provide the economic actors with qualified labor and necessary resources transaction cost will go up. Another aspect which gives support for this argument is hat a well developed infrastructure eases the means of communication and therefore eliminates and lowers, spatial transaction cost (Dunning, 2005). Thus, we propose that an increasing quality in the economic determinants of Brazil will result in a positive development in economic growth Hypothesis b The level of economic growth in Brazil is dependent on the stage of development in the economic determinants Third, there are strong arguments in favor of the notion that business-facilitating institutions such as the bank systems and other finance institutions also play an important role for the economic growth in Brazil. This because progress in establishing financial infrastructure and capital markets reduces transaction costs for Brazilian financial services, such as the payment system. (Bean et al, 2006) In addition customers have easier access to bank credit, which again can increase the demand for consumer goods that often are bought on credit (Bean et al, 2006). Moreover, it facilitates access to complementary local finance, which can reduce investors exposure to exchange rate risk. Institutions related to infrastructural support service and a well function banking and financing system are thus necessary n the establishment of incentives for economic actors in Brazil. Hypothesis c The level of economic growth in Brazil is dependent on the stage of development in business facilitation I I Hypothesis I Construct I Data source I(appendix 1) environment rating (10=high) development I I Hypothesis, construct and measurement bib I Predicted effect I Variable definition I Institutional lover business Alleluia 1 1 I (Unsighted average) (10=high) (10=good) I Policy I Tax regime rating (10=good) I Political environment rating 2008 I framework I Policy towards private enterprise rating Macroeconomic environment rating (10=high) I Foreign trade and exchange regime rating Policy environment for foreign investment rating (10=good) 1 bib I Economic determinants I + I Market opportunities rating I Labor market rating (10=good) I Infrastructure rating (10=good) 1 ICC I Business facilitation 1+ I Real effective exchange rate (Cop-based) I Financing rating I Ell-J Scientific Research Design 1 Methods of empirical analysis GAP is a commonly used indicator for economic growth and our analysis is based upon a dataset consisting of the percentage change in real GAP, over previous year % real change pa) fugues in Brazil from 1995 to 2007 and GAP (% real change pa) estimates from 2007-2012 (XIII). In order to explore any relationships between our selected variables and GAP (% real change pa) a regression model will be built. LEN GAP (% real change pa) = boo+ bal Real effective exchange rate (Cop-based) + be overall business environment rating+ ? . The precise definition, form and source of the variables used in our analysis are presented in table 1, which also summarizes the predicted effects of each independent variable on GAP in Brazil. All possible significant combinations will be valuated including isolating each single variable against the dependent variable in order to identify any possible relationship. The descriptive statistics of each variable are presented in the appendix 2. 2 construct measurement AT Independent variables Our measure of development in the overall institutional environment that is used to test hypothesis 1 is based on an aggregate of series of indicators of institutional quality constructed by the Economist Intelligence Unit (XIII). The Ell-J has constructed and Business Environmental Index derived from ten broad determinants of institutional quality. These determinants are essentially a composite of data and opinions taken from a series of business surveys conducted by Ell-J it self. Each of these determinants is reported on a 1-10 scale with higher numbers indicating a more business friendly institutional environment. For the next propositions, we employ the indices separately. The survey has a time span from 1995 to 2012 and consists of 13 variables each consisting of 1 5 observations. From 2007 and beyond are estimate. For the next hypothesis we employ the variables individually. Presentation of results Table 2 I Correlation independent variables and GAP (% real change pa) I Predicted effects Variable definition I Significance I II 1,110 1,183 I Policy towards private enterprise rating (10=good) 1. 263 rating (10=high) I Macroeconomic environment 1. 080 I Foreign trade and exchange regime rating (10=good) 1,155 I Policy environment for foreign investment rating (10=good) determinants I + 1. 249 1. 220 1,126 | . 392 I Economic I Market opportunities rating (10=high) 1,112 1,100 Discussion of results It is difficult proving a statistical meaningful relationship based on econometric tool between institutions and GAP. There are some general problems to our model that loud be accounted for statistically that are beyond the scope of this paper. This is especially related to ten vitality AT ten model winner ten sample size Is problematic. Additionally, the reverse correlation between the variables (nonentity) also plays an important role. The scope of the study should also be taken into consideration, which makes it difficult to infer about this more complex relationship. Here we could be discussing a selection bias, both country and respondent and variable specific. This is a threat to the valid estimation of the general causality between the dependent and the independent variables. It is also known that there is a relationship between these institutional based on former studies of institutional economics (North 1990; North, 1991; Fleeting 1996; Mining 2007). In regards to the validity, construct validity could be discussed in this case, as it is based on interpretation of institutions. Furthermore, the interaction of selection, related to the explanatory variables could bias this study and how the respondents and their responses are correlated with institutions. Nonetheless, the limited time span of the study could be further discussed but more pressuring is history bias and whether other exogenous factors affecting the independent variable, could impact the model, as this could easily be thought to be the case in Brazil. Moreover, we do not know the design of the data gathering process, which could include instrumentation bias. Referring to questions formulation and what is measured, there might also be considerable hypothesis guessing. Referring to the fact that Ell-J respondents could be answering questions in regards to their conception, rather than the measurement purpose. This is threatening the external validity, nonetheless the internal consistency of the questions is also an issue as questions could be overlapping. In line with conclusions from previous studies done on this subject, as a determinant for why econometric models are difficult or lacking in explanation (Houseman, Bibb; Rid, 2004). Tests often imply the interdependence between institutional predictors, which makes it hard to distinguish between the institutional dynamics and economic environment. Radio (2004) is especially critical to this and he has addressed a very central point, which is also relevant to this study, arguing that investors often rate institutional quality high when the economy is doing well. Thereby creating causation that would only be perception based. Whether it is effects of institutions that are measured the causation will still be evident. Furthermore, the nonentity with GAP, makes it a complex web that needs to be dismantled before meaningful results can be given, if possible at all with this type of study. Additionally, effects of institutions are a better estimator rather than framed proxies, consistent with argumentation in (Houseman et al, 2005). The explanation could also be that there is interdependency between different institutional parameters, which is evident from previous research. But how much is related to actual correlation between variables and how much is related to measurement difficulties will also be an issue to the validity of this paper. Nonetheless, the meaning derived from this of experiment. An additional explanation for why the explanatory power of our econometrics is limited as they often point in the right direction but needs to be explored further. (Houseman et al, Bibb) Moreover, policy erects are oaten veldts on a long-term Dados Ana are oaten Indolent ex-ante rather than ex-post. (Redbrick, 2004). This relates to the aspect of data-lags also being a subject to the validity as institutional improvements in a country do not always go hand in hand, the visible results could be shown later, emphasizing difficulties capturing this relationship in any meaningful way. In addition, we do not know if GAP improvements occur because of institutional improvements or the other way around (Radio, 2004). Bowwows and Collins (2003) have statistically tested aspects of institutional theory, and found a correlation between growth and the quality of governing institutions, such as law and order, absence of corruption, and protection of property rights (Bowwows Collins 2003). However, the link is not always apparent and institutional quality should be stressed in this context. But other factors relating to the second best theories also play an important role in a more dynamic context such as Business sectors, information spillovers, Human Capital (Houseman et al, AAA) Furthermore, it is still important to look at institutions in a country specific perspective as differences in geography, factor abundance and, governance structure and linkages. (Houseman et al, AAA) These factors differ from country to country even though economic growth is related to institutions. Econometric cross sectional analysis as a tool to reach an ultimate conclusion on the causes for growth, is therefore problematic. The link between the second best interactions viewed very simplistically is government interactions and reforms. These are difficult to measure and identify, however, the impact of reforms can be reasonably estimated. Reforms do not always live up to the purpose as it should be the right reforms suitable for the circumstances. (Houseman et al, 2005). Validity issues discussed above are rampant in our model, which pose a threat to the reliability of the model. Many models have been built to demonstrate the relationship between institutional environments. The problem is more related to finding an appropriate tool to identify this relationship rather than concluding that the relationship does not exist, or that a relationship is as simplistic as our econometric model can explain which is consistent with that of a more dynamic and holistic approach. The institutional environment in Brazil has improved throughout the time period. The institutional scores from Ell-J (appendix) illustrate that there have been some improvements, but still the growth in GAP is low, compared to the expectations and attention. Recently however, the growth has come up to a more sustainable level to an annual average GAP of 2. 7 % from 2002 until 2007 (DB Research 2006). [pick] I en presidency AT Lull In 2002 veils some explanatory power In relation to economic growth. Since Lull got into presidency in 2002 several economical and political reforms has been set into action. These reforms have tried to overcome some of the problems that, such as reforming the pension system, the bolas familial reform which subsidies poor households, obligatory health checks and keeping children in school (Mining, Bibb). These reforms were initiated with the intension to stabilize Brazil both economically and socially. Due to implications in the structure of Braziers political system, implementing reforms is time challenging and the reforms tend to be extremely gradual in Brazil, mainly because of the fragmented political system, and the strong majority it requires in the congress to implement reforms (DB 2006). Exertions with corruption have also been problematic with framed budget capital and deterioration of public services in order to stop the implementation of reforms (Goldman Sacks 2006). Braziers political system gives the president more influence in he macroeconomic policies. This is important as they keep the macro economic environment stable. The implications of the Brazil governance system affect the initiation of reforms designed to improve economic growth, thus staggering the economic development. Further it is important to take Brazil multifaceted society with a high degree of inequality into consideration. The low quality on the education system and huge differences in income, could both be important reason for Braziers lack of high educated human capital, which some researchers suggest is an supporting factor for economic growth (Hellmann, 2004). Ferreira et al. (2006) paper suggests that it is specifically education of the head of the households that is the most important determinant for the inequality in Brazil (Ferreira et al. 2006).

2 Formats for Use in the Compare-Contrast Essay

2 Formats for Use in the Compare-Contrast Essay The compare/contrast essay is an excellent opportunity to help students develop their critical thinking and writing skills.   A compare and contrast essay examines two or more subjects by comparing their similarities and contrasting their differences.   Compare and contrast is high on Blooms Taxonomy of critical reasoning and is associated with a complexity level where students break down ideas into simpler parts in order to see how the parts relate. For example, in order to break down ideas for comparison or to contrast in an essay, students may need to categorize, classify, dissect, differentiate, distinguish, list, and simplify. Preparing to write the Essay First, students need to select pick comparable objects, people, or ideas and list their individual characteristics. A graphic organizer, like a Venn Diagram or top hat chart, is helpful in preparing to write the essay: What is the most interesting topic for comparison? Is the evidence available?What is the most interesting topic to contrast? Is the evidence available?Which characteristics highlight the most significant similarities?Which characteristics highlight the most significant differences?Which characteristics will lead to a meaningful analysis and an interesting paper? A link to 101  compare and contrast essay topics   for students provides opportunities for students to practice the similarities and differences such as Fiction vs. NonfictionRenting a home vs. Owning a homeGeneral Robert E. Lee vs General Ulysses S. Grant Writing the Block Format Essay:A, B, C points vsA, B, C points The block method for writing a compare and contrast essay can be illustrated using points A, B, and C to signify individual characteristics or critical attributes.   A. historyB. personalitiesC. commercialization This block format allows the students to compare and contrast subjects, for example, dogs vs. cats, using these same characteristics one at a time.   The student should write the introductory paragraph to signal a compare and contrast essay in order to identify  the two subjects and explain that they are very similar, very different or have many important (or interesting) similarities and differences. The thesis statement must include the two topics that will be compared and  contrasted. The body paragraph(s) after the introduction describe characteristic(s) of the first subject. Students should provide the evidence and examples that prove the similarities and/or differences exist, and not mention the second subject. Each point  could be a body paragraph. For example,   A. Dog history.  B. Dog personalitiesC. Dog commercialization. The body paragraphs dedicated to the second subject should be organized in the same method as the first body paragraphs, for  example: A. Cat history.B. Cat personalities.C. Cat commercialization. The benefit of this format is that it allows the writer to concentrate on one characteristic at a time. The drawback of this format is that there may be some imbalance in treating the subjects to the same rigor of comparing or contrasting. The conclusion is in the final paragraph, the student should provide a general summary of the most important similarities and differences.   The student could end with a personal statement, a prediction, or another snappy clincher. Point by Point Format:AA, BB, CC Just as in the block paragraph essay format, students should begin the point by point format by catching the readers interest. This might be a reason people find the topic interesting or important, or it might be a statement about something the two subjects have in common.   The thesis statement for this format must also include the two topics that will be compared and  contrasted. In the point by point format, the students can compare  and/or contrast the subjects using the same characteristics within each body paragraph. Here the characteristics labeled A, B,   and C are used to compare dogs vs. cats together,   paragraph by paragraph. A. Dog historyA Cat history B. Dog personalitiesB. Cat personalities C. Dog commercializationC. Cat commercialization This format does help students to concentrate on the characteristic(s) which may be may result in a more equitable comparison or contrast of the subjects within each body paragraph(s). Transitions to Use Regardless of the format of the essay, block or point-by-point, the student must use transition words or phrases to compare or contrast one subject to another. This will help the essay sound connected and not sound disjointed. Transitions in the essay for comparison can include: in the same way or by the same tokensimilarlyin like manner or likewisein similar fashion Transitions for contrasts can include: and yetnevertheless or nonethelessbuthowever or thoughotherwise or on the contraryin contrastnotwithstandingon the other handat the same time In the final concluding paragraph, the student should give a general summary of the most important similarities and differences.   The student could also end with a personal statement, a prediction, or another snappy clincher. Part of the ELA Common Core State Standards The text structure of compare and contrast is so critical to literacy that it is referenced in several of the English Language Arts Common Core State Standards in both reading and writing for K-12 grade levels.   For example, the reading standards ask students to participate in comparing and contrasting as a text structure in the anchor standard  R.9: Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take. The reading standards are then referenced in the grade level writing standards, for example, as in W7.9   Apply  grade 7 Reading standards  to literature (e.g., Compare and contrast a fictional portrayal of a time, place, or character and a historical account of the same period as a means of understanding how authors of fiction use or alter history). Being able to identify and create compare and contrast text structures is one of the more important critical reasoning skills that students should develop, regardless of grade level.

Management Techniques Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Management Techniques - Research Paper Example Hence, today’s managers adopt a contingency perspective to analyze the probable causes of a problem or situation and thereby recognize the most appropriate application. The ultimate objective of every management technique is to enhance planning, organizing, directing, and controlling functions of the management. In addition, the competitiveness of a management approach can have a significant influence on the organization’s productivity, profitability, and long term sustainability. An organization’s culture and long term objectives have vital roles in designing its management technique. A potential management approach would assist the organization to obtain a range of competitive capabilities over its market rivals. This paper will discuss various management techniques and identify where each technique would be most appropriate. The paper will also address why each technique is effective and how choosing one of the discussed management techniques can help a fledgl ing manager. Budgeting Budgeting is a management technique used by organizations to effectively plan their use of funds throughout the following fiscal year. The history of annual budgeting can be dated back to early 18th century. A budget is secured by managing product, sales, expenses, and profit which are within the capacity of the business. A budget expresses an organization’s financial policy. A well prepared budget can forecasts the firm’s production, sales, stocks for the next accounting period. In addition to managing financial aspects, budgeting practice can fuel a spirit of cooperation among departmental heads and coordinate various manufacturing departmental activities. As stated in the book The cost accounting function, budgeting â€Å"aims to reduce to an economic minimum the effects of seasonal fluctuations in sales on production programs† (243). The budgeting practice will help a firm to equal the business needs to the available finance so that th e firm’s anticipated financial needs during the term of the plan would be met effectively. A budget sets specific targets for employees and managers and hence it is easy to achieve planned organizational goals for the budget period. Moreover, budgeting assists to evaluate employee performance which in turn would benefit the organization to identify its internal management strengths and weaknesses. Effective budget planning and budgetary control would assist the company to cut down operational costs, to avoid crises, and to improve team spirit among employees. The budgeting management approach is always appropriate (or vital) for every business organization regardless of the firm’s nature, size, business, and industry sector. Cost accounting Cost accounting is another potential management technique where the expenditure is classified, recorded, and allocated properly for the purpose of determining the costs of products or services. Although Luca Pacioli, father of accou nting, did not actually propose the practice of cost accounting, the cost accounting technique emerged from his ideas. Cost accounting is defined by NAA as â€Å"a systematic set of procedures for recording and reporting measurements of the cost of manufacturing goods and performing services in the aggregate and in detail† (as qtd in Shim and Siegel 2). Under this management technique, different methods including historical costing, standard costing, and marginal