Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Separate Pigments Using Chalk Chromatography

Chromatography is a technique used to separate components of a mixture. There are many different types of chromatography. While some forms of chromatography require expensive lab equipment, others can be performed using common household materials. For example, you can use chalk and alcohol to perform chromatography to separate the pigments in food colorings or inks. Its a safe project and also a very quick project, since you can see bands of color forming within minutes. After youve finished making your chromatogram, youll have colored chalk. Unless you use a lot of ink or dye, the chalk wont be colored all the way through, but it will still have an interesting appearance. Chalk Chromatography Materials chalkalcohol (isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol seems to work best)ink, dye, or food coloringsmall jar or cupplastic wrap Apply your ink, dye or food coloring to a piece of chalk about 1 cm from the end of the chalk. You can place a dot of color or stripe a band of color all the way around the chalk. If you are mainly interested in getting bands of pretty colors rather than separating individual pigments in the dye, then feel free to dot multiple colors, all in the same place.Pour enough rubbing alcohol into the bottom of a jar or cup so that the liquid level is about half a centimeter. You want the liquid level to be below the dot or line on your piece of chalk.Place the chalk in the cup so that the dot or line is about half a centimeter higher than the liquid line.Seal the jar or put a piece of plastic wrap over the cup to prevent evaporation. You can probably get away with not covering the container.You should be able to observe the color rising up the chalk within a few minutes. You can remove the chalk whenever you are satisfied with your chromatogram.Let the chalk dry before using it for writing. Heres a video of the project, so you can see what to expect.

Sunday, December 22, 2019

The Minister’s Black Veil†External, Internal Conflict Essay

â€Å"The Minister’s Black Veil†Ã¢â‚¬â€œ External, Internal Conflict Based on the evaluations of literary critics, Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story, â€Å"The Minister’s Black Veil,† contains both an external and an internal conflict, about equally treated in the tale. It is the intent of this essay to explore both types of conflict as presented in the story. R. W. B. Lewis in â€Å"The Return into Rime: Hawthorne† implies internal and external conflict in his statement: â€Å"Finally, it was Hawthorne who saw in American experience the re-creation of the story of Adam and who . . . exploited the active metaphor of the American as Adam – before and during and after the Fall† (72). Q. D. Leavis says regarding internal confllict: the†¦show more content†¦At the outset of the tale, â€Å"The Minister’s Black Veil,† the sexton is tolling the church bell and simultaneously watching Mr. Hooper’s door, when suddenly he says, ``But what has good Parson Hooper got upon his face? The surprise which the sexton displayed is repeated in the astonishment of the onlookers: â€Å"With one accord they started, expressing more wonder. . .† The reason is this: â€Å"Swathed about his forehead, and hanging down over his face, so low as to be shaken by his breath† is a black veil. The 30 year ol d, unmarried parson receives a variety of reactions from his congregation: ``I cant really feel as if good Mr. Hoopers face was behind that piece of crape ``He has changed himself into something awful, only by hiding his face ``Our parson has gone mad! Few could refrain from twisting their heads towards the door. . . . . . . more than one woman of delicate nerves was forced to leave the meeting-house. At this point begins the external conflict of the drama – between the minister and the people of his congregation, which will last until his death. Except for the sable veil, Reverend Hooper is quite a compatible and sociable personality: Mr. Hooper had the reputation of a good preacher, but not an energetic one: he strove to win his people heavenward by mild, persuasive influences, rather than to drive them thither by theShow MoreRelatedEssay on External and Internal Conflict in The Minister’s Black Veil2520 Words   |  11 PagesExternal and Internal Conflict in â€Å"The Minister’s Black Veil†Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story â€Å"The Minister’s Black Veil† manifests a duality of conflict – both an external conflict and an internal conflict. It is the purpose of this essay to explore both types of conflict as manifested in the story.    In the opinion of this reader, the central conflicts – the relation between the protagonist and antagonist (Abrams 225) - in the tale are an internal one, a spiritual-moralRead More The Minister’s Black Veil - Conflict, Climax and Resolution Essay2908 Words   |  12 Pagesâ€Å"The Minister’s Black Veil† - Conflict, Climax and Resolution  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚   Nathaniel Hawthorne’s â€Å"The Minister’s Black Veil† will be examined in order to determine the conflicts in the tale, the climax and resolution.    The conflict involving evil and sin, pride and humility is the direction that Clarice Swisher in â€Å"Nathaniel Hawthorne: a Biography† tends: â€Å"Hawthorne himself was preoccupied with the problems of evil, the nature of sin, the conflict between pride and humility† (13)Read MoreEssay on The Allegory in The Minister’s Black Veil2914 Words   |  12 PagesThe Allegory in â€Å"The Minister’s Black Veil†Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚   It is the purpose of this essay to show that Nathaniel Hawthorne’s â€Å"The Minister’s Black Veil† is indeed an allegory. M. H. Abrams defines an allegory as a â€Å"narrative, whether in prose or verse, in which the agents and actions, and sometimes the setting as well, are contrived by the author to make coherent sense on the ‘literal,’ or primary, level of signification, and at the same time to signify a second, correlated order of signification†Read More Psychoanalitic Approach to The Minister’s Black Veil Essay2506 Words   |  11 Pagesshow how realistic, even common, this somewhat absurd event may actually be. In a psychological analysis, this is a necessary element in both de-personalizing a situation and giving it potential for universal application. In Hawthorne’s The Minister’s Black Veil, many interpretations by way of psychological analysis are possible, and, once exposed, quite apparent. Once r evealed, there are many routes for understanding the story in a psychoanalytical context. The main approaches this essay will takeRead More Allegory, Symbolism, and Madness – Comparing the Demons of Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne3842 Words   |  16 Pages As contemporaries of each other, Edgar Allan Poe and Nathaniel Hawthorne endeavored to write about man’s dark side, the supernatural influence, and moral truths. Each writer saw man as the center-point in his stories; Poe sees man’s internal struggle as madness, while Hawthorne sees man as having a â€Å"secret sin.† Each had their reasons for writing in the Gothic format. Poe was not a religious man; he was well educated and favored reading the German Gothic literature, which would become

Saturday, December 14, 2019

Nonverbal Ambiguity Free Essays

Nonverbal messages can often be misunderstood. Often this misinterpretation is said to be socio-cultural. I remember an instance myself when I was in high school and a miscommunication happened between my friends and I. We will write a custom essay sample on Nonverbal Ambiguity or any similar topic only for you Order Now    It was only so unfortunate that it happened in the course of passing our exams. Naturally, we knew we could increase our ability to pass if we worked as a team. One of my classmates suggested that we come up with hand gestures that would represent each of the four letters that almost always appear in our test papers: a, b, c, and   d. Hence, it was agreed that the hand gestures would be used as a tool during our exam week. Our hand gestures comprised a set of inconspicuous behaviors such as light scratching of ones’ nose for the letter a, pinching lightly ones’ ears for letter b, wiping ones’ handkerchief to the face for letter c and ultimately, shifting from one side to the other in ones’ seat for letter d. So during the exam week we started with a relish. History was our first exam and with our ‘tool’ we went through it like breeze. Naturally, physics being the most challenging of all subjects was where I highly depended on my classmates the most. My best friend, who was sitting a row in front of me, was excellent at physics and I answered faithfully to the hand gestures he showed. Finally, results were given the following week and I was amazed at the result of my physics test: an F. I was shocked, since I was certain to get a B or A. So after the class, my friend and I had a little chitchat and it turned out he wasn’t feeling so well at the time, which must have explained why he kept shifting from side to side. I thought his ‘side shifting’ was an answer to the physics questions when they were a response from feeling uncomfortable during the time. The result of that misinterpretation was a failing grade. My experience of nonverbal ambiguity was nevertheless simple for which there was no any catastrophic reaction however for people belonging to different cultures or backgrounds the implications for any misinterpretation maybe enormous. References: Montshire Minute: Non-Verbal ways of Communication . 8 June 1998. 29 June 2007 http://www.montshire.org/minute/mm980608.html.                                        How to cite Nonverbal Ambiguity, Essay examples

Friday, December 6, 2019

Narrative Essay Example For Students

Narrative Essay MY BEAUTIFUL PARROT AND MY TROUBLED ROOSTERI remember when I was ten years old, and my dad used to tell me how attractive parrots were. But I argued with him that roosters were more beautiful than parrots because I had never seen a parrot before. I remember Dad when he brought me a parrot in a cage and said to me it was the one that he believed to be the most attractive bird in the world. I looked at him and turned around and stared at the parrot because I was amazed. Since that day I have become convinced that parrots have many qualities, which make them superior to roosters. Parrots are more attractive than roosters.They have bright red or orange hood bills and colorful feathers, with pointed tails and dark black clawed feet. Its eyes are bright with a delightful look. Looking at a parrot is like looking at a rainbow that has many different bright colors, while rooster have fat reddish combs that look like roses that have withered. Its feathers have dull color that does not stand out. Their feet claws are dark brown like mud. Even though roosters have spangled feathers that are white with dark tips, still it is a common color. Parrots are also more intelligent than roosters. This parrot that I saw is only attractive, but intelligent. He can be tamed and imitate word and actions. Also he has the ability to mimic human speech. I remember my sister when she got into trouble at school, annd my mom was very upset with her, so she scolded her. After she had scolded her our parrot began teasing her with words that my mom said so she got really mad and left to her room. From that day till now my sister thought of our parrot as a stupid bird, but I thought of him as an intelligent bird. My rooster; however, on the other hand, had poor abilities and performed simple acts. One morning my dad tried to tame my rooster and make him catch a grasshopper, yet he caught our cats tail, so she screamed and chased him. My rooster was terrified, so he hid under the bushes for two days. Finally, parrots have better temperament than roosters. Theyre sensitive and enjoyable. My mom enjoys cooking while our parrot sings the alphabet, and when she forgets the food timing on the oven, he reminds her. I, too, like our parrot because he helps me tease my sister. I believe having parrots for pets is better than roosters because they are gentle and affectionate animals, while roosters are unfriendly, untamed, and unclean. I remember mom when she tried to feed my rooster, and he pecked her finger and took off her finger nail, so she got mad and left. Also, when my mom sprinkled the flower seeds on her garden, my rooster ran after her and dug the dirt and ate all the flower seeds, which proved to me that roosters are unruly animals. The most common thing I hate from roosters is that they play in the dirt and dig in it to find earthworms. Having roosters for pets is not a bad idea, but it cost you too much. But having parrots for pets is a good choice because theyre beautiful, gentle and affectionate. I never knew that parrots are the most attractive bird in the world. But now that I have seen one and have become convinced by its beauty, I now believe that it is the most attractive and intelligent bird in the world and most of all a good mate. Words/ Pages : 637 / 24

Friday, November 29, 2019

Gas Chromatography Lab Report Sample

Gas Chromatography Lab Report Paper Gas chromatography separates the component of a sample based on the ease with which they evaporate into a gas, also known as the volatility. The chemical mixture being analyzed is injected into the injection point and carried through the instrument by an inert gas, in this case Helium. The temperature of the injection point is approximately ICC and the oven temperature is around ICC. There is a column in the oven that makes it Seibel to separate the chemicals based on how quickly they travel through it. The column is filled with packing materials that is usually made of some kind of solid support like ceramics, firebrick, or glass beads. Within the packing material contains the stationary phase that is usually some kind of liquid like DDCD or carbon. Gas Chromatography can also analyze and identify the components in the sample. As the component is been passed thru the oven, a reading is shown on the monitor that shows the area under the curve and also the retention time f the gas(sees) in the column. The percent under the area tells us how purify the component is. For the Simple Distillation sample, we originally recovered 9. Ml of Detach. The gas chromatography tells us that it is only 99. 348 percent pure therefore we realistically only recovered only 95 percent. Using the sample calculation method for Fractional Distillation, we were only able to recover 26 percent of Detach in fraction 1 and 68 percent of Boca in fraction 3. We will write a custom essay sample on Gas Chromatography Lab Report specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Gas Chromatography Lab Report specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Gas Chromatography Lab Report specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

Monday, November 25, 2019

French Architecture Not to Be Missed

French Architecture Not to Be Missed Touring France is like time traveling through the history of western Civilization. You wont be able to see all the architectural wonders  on your first visit, so youll want to return again and again. Follow this guide for an overview of the most significant buildings in France and a look at historic architecture you wont want to miss.   French Architecture and Its Importance From medieval times to modern days, France has been at the forefront of architectural innovation.  In Medieval times, Romanesque designs signaled pilgrimage churches, and the radical new Gothic style found its beginnings in France. During the Renaissance, the French borrowed from Italian ideas to create lavish Chateaux. In the 1600s, the French brought exuberance to the elaborate Baroque style. Neoclassism was popular in France until about 1840, followed by a revival of Gothic ideas. The Neoclassical architecture of public buildings in Washington, D.C. and throughout capital cities across the U.S. is in large part because of Thomas Jefferson in France. After the American Revolution, Jefferson served as Minister to France from 1784 to 1789, a time when he studied French and Roman architecture and brought them back to the new American nation. From 1885 until about 1820, the hot new French trend was Beaux Arts - an elaborate, highly decorated fashion inspired by many ideas from the past. Art Nouveau originated in France in the 1880s. Art Deco was born in Paris in 1925 before the style moved to Rockefeller Center in New York City. Then came the various modern movements, with France solidly in the lead. France is a Disney World of Western architecture. For centuries, students of architecture have made a point of traveling to France to learn historic design and construction techniques. Even today, the Ecole Nationale des Beaux Arts in Paris is considered the best architecture school in the world. But French architecture began even before France. Prehistoric Cave paintings have been stumbled upon throughout the world, and France is no exception. One of the most popular sites is Caverne du Pont d’Arc, a replica of the Chauvet Cave in the southern France area known as Vallon-Pont-dArc. The real cave is off limits to the casual traveler, but Caverne du Pont dArc is open for business. Also in southwestern France is the Và ©zà ¨re valley, a UNESCO Heritage area containing over 20 prehistoric painted caves. The most famous is the Grotte de Lascaux near Montignac, France. Roman Remains The Western Roman Empire in the 4th Century A.D. included what we now call France. Any countrys rulers will leave their architecture behind, and so did the Romans after its collapse. Most of the ancient Roman structures are, indeed, ruins, but some are not to be missed. Nà ®mes, on the southern coast of France, was called Nemausus thousands of years ago when Romans lived there. It was an important and well-known Roman city, and, so, many of the Roman ruins have been maintained, such as the Maison Carrà ©e and Les Arà ¨nes, The Amphitheater of Nà ®mes built around 70 A.D. The most spectacular example of Roman architecture, however, is the Pont du Gard, near Nimes. The famous aqueduct carried springwater to the city from the mountains about 20 miles away. Within two degrees latitude of  Nà ®mes is Vienne near Lyons and another area rich in Roman ruins. In addition to the 15 B.C. Grand Roman Theatre of Lyon, the Roman theater in Vienne is just one of many Roman ruins in a city once occupied by Julius Caesar. The Temple d’Auguste et de Livie and the Roman Pyramide in Vienne have been more recently joined by the newly discovered little Pompei a couple of miles across the Rhone River. As excavation for new housing was underway, intact mosaic floors were unearthed, which The Guardian described as remarkably preserved remains of luxury homes and public buildings. Of all the Roman ruins that remain, the amphitheatre may be the most prolific. The Thà ©Ãƒ ¢tre Antique in Orange is particularly well-preserved in southern France. And, of all the French villages that have so much to offer, the cities of Vaison-la-Romaine in southern France and  Saintes or Mà ©diolanum Santonum on the west coast will lead you through time from Roman ruins to Medieval walls. The cities themselves are architectural destinations. In and Around Paris La Ville-Lumià ¨re or the City of Light has long influenced the world, as a center of the Enlightenment and a canvas for western art and architecture. One of the most famous triumphal arches anywhere in the world is the Arc de Triomphe de lÉtoile. The 19th century Neoclassical structure is one of the largest Roman-inspired arches in the world. The spiral of streets emanating from this famous rotary is the Avenue des Champs-Élysà ©es, the road that leads to one of the most magnificent museums in the world, The Louvre, and the 1989 Louvre Pyramid designed by Pritzker Laureate I.M. Pei. Outside but near Paris is Versailles, whose popular garden and chateau are rich in history and architecture. Also just outside Paris is the Basilica Cathedral of Saint Denis, the church that moved Medieval architecture to something more Gothic. Further afield is Chartres Cathedral, also called Cathà ©drale Notre-Dame, that takes Gothic sacred architecture to new heights. The cathedral in Chartres, a day trip from Paris, should not be confused with the Notre Dame Cathedral in downtown Paris. The Eiffel Tower, a New Seven Wonders of the World finalist, can be seen down the river from the gargoyles of Notre Dame. Paris is filled with modern architecture, too. The Center Pompidou designed by Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano revolutionized museum design in the 1970s. Quai Branly Museum by Jean Nouvel and Louis Vuitton Foundation Museum by Frank Gehry continued the modernization of Paris. Paris is also known for its theaters, most notably the Paris Opà ©ra by Charles Garnier. Integrated within the Beaux-Arts-Baroque-Revival  Palais Garnier is LOpà ©ra Restaurant by the modern French architect Odile Decq. Pilgrimage Churches of France A pilgrimage church can be a destination in itself, such as the pilgrimage church of Wieskirche in Bavaria and Tournus Abbey in France, or it can be a church along the route pilgrims take. After the Edict of Milan legitimized Christianity, the most popular pilgrimage for European Christians was to a place in northern Spain. The Camino de Santiago, also called the Way of St. James, is the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain, where the remains of Saint James, Apostle of Jesus Christ, is said to be. For European Christians who could not travel to Jerusalem during the Middle Ages, Galicia was wildly popular. To get to Spain, however, most travelers had to move through France. Camino Francà ©s or the French Way are the four pathways through France that lead to the final Spanish route to Santiago de Compostela. The Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France are historic, with historic architecture created to accommodate the REAL Middle Age tourist! These routes became part of the   UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998. Look for preserved, historic buildings and monuments along these routes. The symbolic use of the shell (an item given to pilgrims who completed the journey to Spains coast)   will be found everywhere. The architecture along these routes does not attract the large crowds of modern tourists, yet much of the historic significance is similar to more touristy structures.. Architecture Beyond Paris France has not stopped growing. Ancient Roman structures may stand near 21st century modern architecture. France may be for lovers, but the country also is for time travelers. Sarlat-la-Canà ©da en Dordogne, La Cite, the castle city of Carcassonne, Popes Palace in Avignon, Chà ¢teau du Clos Lucà ©, near Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last days - all have stories to tell. The work of 21st century architects abound throughout up-and-coming French cities: Lille Grand Palais (Congrexpo), Rem Koolhaas in Lille; Maison Bordeaux, Rem Koolhaas in Bordeaux; Millau Viaduct, Norman Foster in Southern France; FRAC Bretagne, Odile Decq in Rennes; and Pierres Vives, Zaha Hadid in Montpellier. Famous French Architects The writings of Eugà ¨ne Viollet-le-Duc (1814-1879) are well-known to the student of architecture, but his restoration of Medieval buildings throughout France  - most notably Notre Dame in Paris  - are better known to the tourist. Other architects with French roots include Charles Garnier (1825-1898); Le Corbusier (Swiss born in 1887, but educated in Paris, died in France 1965); Jean Nouvel; Odile Decq; Christian de Portzamparc; Dominique Perrault; and Gustave Eiffel. Sources France: archaeologists uncover little Pompeii south of Lyon, The Guardian, August 1, 2017,  https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/aug/02/france-archaeologists-uncover-little-pompeii-south-of-lyon [accessed October 29, 2017]

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Mexico Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Mexico - Essay Example Mixed race and trading zone makes Mexico a suitable cuisine location (Camp 30). Mexican food is in style all about the globe. From tacos to nachos and enchiladas, Mexican impacts in cuisine can be attained at anyplace (Johnston 24). Those inhabitants of Mexico pleasure themselves in applying natural; from the ground, indigenous ingredients that age groups before them matured using. The ingredients that individuals could effortlessly attain were the key staples in their food. Mexican foodstuff cuisine can be backdated to around 9000 years (Johnston 24). The Mayans’ staples included an assortment of different kinds of sweet potatoes and squash, insects and indigenous animals, and any kinds of vegetables or fruits that were natural and harvestable (Johnston 24). Historically, Romans, French, Moors and Phoenicians are known to have influenced cuisine in the world (Humbert 24). These chronological nations pioneered new cooking methods and recipes in globe cuisine. The cuisine of numerous nations is influenced by the extras initiated by other heritages. This is particularly accurate with Spanish cookery. The impacts of other heritages on the Spanish cuisine are traceable a long way back and as extra influences were integrated, Spain created a cuisine that is exclusively its uniqueness (Humbert 24). The Phoenicians cruise the Mediterranean Sea and introduced their sauces to Spain. Greeks brought the Spanish cuisine the present of olive oil and olives via the Romans who are credited with initiation of the Spanish to these significant ingredients. Additional cultures that have influenced the Spanish cookery are the Carthaginians and the Jews. Whereas they left their spot on the cuisine, the Moors are most strappingly impacted by Spain’s cu isine (Humbert 24). Mexican food positioned itself along with the Mediterranean diet and the French

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Corporate Debt Ratings Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Corporate Debt Ratings - Essay Example Rating Agency Criteria. When setting the actual rating for a specific company, most credit rating agencies use different criteria for different industries. This makes perfect sense because it would not be reasonable to evaluate a financial services company in the same way that a retail products manufacturer is analyzed. Although there are different ways of looking at different companies, most investment credit rating issuers use four general categories to determine an organization's financial health. The first category used is the size of the company. Although size is not always an indicator of financial health, it does impact a company's credit because larger companies usually have more "resources...which can reduce volatility and lower credit risk" (Lee 7). This means that a larger company can survive a period of lower sales or higher expenses, and will not default on its debt as quickly as a smaller company might if the economy turns down. Investors, especially those that invest in debt instruments like bonds, are very concerned with an organization's ability to pay its debts. Another important criterion is that of product diversity and profitability. If an organization is dependent upon only one or two products to provide its primary revenue, it is more likely to have difficulty repaying its debts than a company that has many hundreds of products. Also, if the profitability of the product line is high, the organization is more likely to have the money needed to pay interest or dividends; meaning that it is a better investment than a company that makes less on its sales. A third consideration for credit rating companies and investors to consider is the financial strength of the company itself. This is a function of balance sheet information that reflects such quantifiable values as debt-to-equity ratios, liquidity analysis, gross profit margins, and return on investment. The financial strength of a company is also shown by the amount of sales it has had, the amount of cash in the bank, how much money it owes to its creditors, and other financial information. Finally, the credit rating services will examine an organization's financial policies to ensure that it is conducting its business according to appropriate laws and accounting rules. This category of analysis helps investors to have confidence that the reports the company issues are accurate, and that there is a less likely chance that negative financial information will be undiscovered or ignored. There are other criteria used by rating services, but these four show how a combination of items can reflect the relative financial strength of an organization. If a company is large with many different products, a lot of cash in the bank, and always reporting its financial information accurately, it is much more likely to survive any economic crisis than an organization that is small, poor, and dishonest. The higher rating given to the better company lets investors know that their money is less likely to be lost due to default. Rating Agency Importance. Investment ratings from these agencies are very

Monday, November 18, 2019

Finance and Accounting Briefing in Healthcare Essay

Finance and Accounting Briefing in Healthcare - Essay Example It is against this background that the institution wishes to steer clear of the raging political and social concerns amongst governors and senators (Holly, 2012). The ongoing jostling by governors to garner comparative advantages for given states nevertheless should be embraced because many Americans hold diverse political and economic inclinations in relation to federal spending. However, the strategy of the institutions of CMS and the statutory obligations must be observed and vindicated of all forms of bias and manipulation. It is incidental to the office of the director of the program to offer leadership and stewardship for the greatest good (Lorenz, 2013). The main obligation of the CMS is to secure effective cost management in the healthcare systems while also optimizing the outcomes per dollar budgetary allocation. In this regard, Affordable Care Act (ACA) is often deemed the harbinger of a legislative masterpiece. Medicaid matching grant is therefore meant to produce a greater impact on the healthcare systems than previously thought in terms of actual outcomes (Newhouse et al, 2013). Whereas the Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (FMAP) remains a useful policy instrument, the Directorate of the CMS must be cognizant of the fact that given states may deploy unscrupulous ways of influencing greater funding for their regions. In the foregoing debate in the Congress, for instance, many states perceived to be more worthy of greater funding have not really yielded optimal outcomes (United States Government Accountability Office GOA, 2011). Each administration has also produced varying results for the FMAP Floor change and thus politi cal influences are an unavoidable consideration. It should be noted that the proposed Medicaid intergovernmental grant structure will potentially have greater outcomes than the earlier versions of policy typologies.

Saturday, November 16, 2019

The Areas Of Ecommerce Information Technology Essay

The Areas Of Ecommerce Information Technology Essay Ecommerce is frequently thought just buying and selling through Internet; people immediately think of consumer retail purchases from online companies such as Amazon. But e-commerce involves much more than electronically mediated financial transactions between organizations and customers. E-commerce must be careful as all electronically mediated transactions between an organization and any third party it deals with. By this description, non-financial transactions such as consumer requests for additional information would also be careful to be part of e-commerce (Chaffey, 2002). E-commerce is the swap of information across electronic networks, at any phase in the supply chain, whether inside an organization, between businesses, between businesses and customers, or between the civic and personal sector, whether paid or unpaid (Cabinet Office, 1999). Ecommerce is any business activity that involves the transformation of information through internet. Electronic commerce is exchanging business information, maintaining business relations and conducting business transactions by means of internet and networks (Zwass, 2012). AREAS OF ECOMMERCE Ecommerce is the broad term. Today, e-commerce isnt just reserved for big companies but appealing much anyone can get involved in this (Affilorama, n.d.). It has covered various sectors including health, education tourism etc. some of the main areas where the ecommerce has penetrated are listed bellows: In Education as e-learning In Health as Telemedicine In Travel and tourism: Online Hotel Reservation, Managing trips and vacations. In entertainment: Online movie database, online games, betting sites etc. In Service related areas: E-brokers, E-ticketing etc In Financial sector as E-banking. Beside the above given main areas it also has its impact on various sectors such as E-publishing, Online Auction, Online advertisement etc. TYPES OF ECOMMERCE Ecommerce can be divided into various categories in terms of their properties and type of transaction they perform. Various types of E-commerce are described below: B2B E-commerce Generally, business to business ecommerce is an ecommerce activity performed between the two Business organizations. Here one business collaborate with business partners in real-time and put management of all their processes online from supply chain and purchasing to manufacturing and product development (Btobb2b. 2010.). B2C E-commerce An acronym for business to customer or Business to consumer, a type where a business sells their products and services to the customer directly (Maybray, n.d.). This type of ecommerce is applicable to that business firm who tends to sell their product on internet. Some forms of this type of ecommerce are e-banking, e-ticketing etc. example: Amazon. M-commerce M-commerce referred as mobile commerce is the use of mobiles to perform the business activities. It eventually is B2C commerce but not performed in your PCs or MAC. SUITABILITY OF DIFFERENT PRODUCTS IN ECOMMERCE Some types of products may be more suitable to ecommerce where as some of them may be suitable for the offline market. If we look the trends of some success full ecommerce website like EBay and Amazon, we can find that the digital products such as movies, music, software, games are more sold in this platform. Beside that the products like computer hardware, spares part of automobiles are also sold. But the products which have less value-to-weight, or the product that have smell, taste, and touch components and products that need trail fitting and where color integrity are more essential are less suitable for the ecommerce platform (Ecommerce.insightin, 2004). SCOPE OF ECOMMERCE IN RETAIL SECTOR In January 2011 alone, customers in the UK spent more than  £5 billion shopping online, a rise of  £1 billion on the previous year. With this sharp increase, retailers are falling over themselves to spruce up their web presence and the e-commerce services they offer (Retailchoice, 2011).This growth of ecommerce means that there is a great scope of ecommerce in the retail industry. Referring to the gain acquired by various online competitors, the business firms following the traditional way are also attracted toward the ecommerce platform. This creates huge competition in the online market. STRATEGIES TO BUILD ECOMMERCE WEBSITE There is no doubt in the growing importance of ecommerce website for the retailers. But only creating the website is not sufficient for the business run your business successfully s. Hence for the successful ecommerce business the merchants have to think about various factors that may effects their business. Some main factors to be considered to run business successfully are discussed below. Choice of suitable products. Products are the main part of the ecommerce website. Before creating the website you should make sure that what types of product you are going to integrate in your website. Digital products such as DVDS, Software are more suitable. Similarly, branded an item that doesnt need to be tasted or checked such as branded chocolates, cosmetic item etc. are also suitable. But the product that should be sold within short period and that have a lot smell are not suitable to the ecommerce website. Example: bread, milk etc. vegetables are also not that much suitable for it. An Easy to use shopping cart. The other main things to be considered is the easy to use user interface. Better is the user interface, more costumer are attracted to your platform. Use of more graphics than text is encouraged. Better and secure payment system. Payment and Security is the main thing that a business firm should consider while establishing the ecommerce. There are various options available such as PayPal, Alert pay, Payoneer etc. But among them PayPal is the best option as it is highly recognized, secured and fast. Its alternative may be Alert pay. Fast delivery Delivery of goods to the costumer at a given period of time is one factor that affect the consumer behavior to online shopping. Faster the delivery is of the business, costumers are attracted towards your business. Regular update of your website. Costumers are attracted towards the new items and products daily. The use of same product for a long period of time may change the interpretation of customer towards your site. So, updating of daily new products is important for the business to be successful. Offers and Scheme Offers and Scheme is the best way to attract your costumer towards your business. Providing various types of scheme and offers during the various festivals and occasions is a plus point for the business organization. Certain percentages of discounts on your products are some examples for it. Disadvantages of Ecommerce. Security Security continues to be a trouble for online businesses. Consumers have to sense confident about the honesty of the payment process before they entrust to the purchase. System and Data truth Data security and the fact of the system that handles the data are serious concerns. Computer viruses are out of control, with new viruses discovered each day (GoArticles, 2012). Viruses can cause unnecessary stoppage, backups of file and data, data storage problems, and other difficulties and danger of hackers trying to access files and corrupting records adds more pressure to a earlier complex operation. System Scalability A business develops an interactive boundary with consumers by the use of a website. Finally, statistical analysis verifies whether visitors to the site are recurring customers or not. If the company expects 2 to 6 million shows up, website performance is bound to incident degradation, delay, and ultimately loss of consumers visits (Scribd, 2009).  To stop such problems from occurring, a website must be scalable, or upgradable on a regular routine. E-commerce is not free Till now, achievement stories in e-commerce have enforced large business with profound pockets and good financial sustain. According to Manjeetss (n.d.), small retailers that go head-to-head with e-commerce giants are fighting losing combat. Since in the brick-and-mortar situation, they just cannot battle on price or product offering. Brand trustworthiness is related to issues like this, which is thought to be less significant for online firms. Brands are predicted to lower search costs, maintain and create trust, and correspond quality. A search engine can come up with the best music deals, for example, yet customers continue to flock to trusted entities such as HMV (Sites.google, 2011). Customer Search is not efficient or Cost-effective On the surface, the e-marketplace seems to be a best market, where international sellers and buyers share and trade without intermediaries. However, a closer look signifies that new types of intermediaries are necessary to e-commerce. They include electronic malls that assurance authenticity of transactions. All these intermediaries add to transaction fees (Dart, 2001). Consumer Relations Problems Not a lot of businesses realize that even e-business cannot live on over the long term exclusive of faithful consumers. Products populace wont buy online Imagine a website called furniture.com or living.com, where venture capitalists are investing millions in selling home furnishings online. In the case of a sofa set, consumer would want to sit on it, feel the texture of the fabric etc. next to the sofa test; online furniture stores face a costly come again which makes the product difficult to sell through online (Carolinachair, 2001). Corporate susceptibility The ease of use of product details, catalogs, and other information about a business through its website makes it vulnerable to access by the rivalry. The plan of extracting business intellect from the website is called web framing (Ap-institute, n.d.). High danger of Internet Start-up Many stories unfolded in 1999 about victorious executives in established firms leaving for Internet start-ups, only to find out that their get-rich dream with a dot.com was just that a dream (Albany, 2001). Conclusion Understanding the strategy of e-commerce has became essential while implementing or before implementing e-commerce in industry. Collecting articles, evidences, performing research is the best way to raise ones business. Along with advantages there come disvantages also. So it is very important to develop strategy solutions to overcome the risk arise from implementation of e-commerce.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

William Shakespeare Essay -- essays research papers fc

William Shakespeare Ask anyone who Shakespeare was, and he or she will immediately rattle off at least three different plays that were required readings in English, not to mention a few blockbuster movies bearing his name. Many revere the works of Shakespeare as paramount in the world of literature, dedicating entire books, classes and festivals to the study and celebration of his work. Although the ancient language is a common stumbling block for even the most seasoned readers, his varied tales of love, hate, fear, betrayal, laughter, defeat and victory are just as fitting today as they were four hundred years ago. He is amazingly timeless. Yet, while we might know what Shakespeare is, will we ever really know who Shakespeare was? Ah, there’s the rub! Much about the Bard is a mystery to even the most scholarly enthusiasts. The hard facts that are actually known about him could fill one neatly handwritten page, but what is speculated and complete legend could fill volumes of books. So, what is fact and what is fiction? According to the little documentation that chronicles his life, Shakespeare was not even a true ‘Shakespeare’ at all; he was born in April 1596 and entered in the baptismal record as â€Å"Gulielmus filius Johannis Shakspere.† Even his actual date of birth is somewhat of a mystery. While we do know that he was baptized on April 26th, 1564, there is no existing record of his birth date. We can assume that he was born on April 23rd judging by the customary three-day period that most families waited before baptizing their children, but this is only speculation. Since the records of the Stratford grammar school have not survived, we cannot prove that Shakespeare attended school. In all actuality, we have no evidence that he was even literate. His father had no educational training, so it is quite possible that he also lacked in schooling, but that’s only guesswork. The next piece of hard information that we come across in our search is a register entry showing a Wm. Shaxpere being granted a license to marry Anne Whateley on November 27, 1582. The very next day this same register records a marriage bond issued to William Shagspere and Anne Hathwey. Six months later Anne gave birth to their first child, daughter Susanna Shakspere, and then in February 1585 she gave birth to twins, Hamnet and Judith. It is presumed that Shakespeare made it to London ar... ...peare’s literature will probably never be laid to rest, it will always contribute to the enjoyment of studying his work. Students of the subject are compelled to read and re-read the plays and sonnets in an attempt to gain a better understanding of who was holding the pen. Debates involving fact and fiction keep the name Shakespeare in constant movement, reminding us that we have not outgrown him, not even after four hundred years. The writing of Shakespeare, whomever Shakespeare is, is a gift for us to continue unwrapping, and pass down to our children to appreciate as well. One must hope that the mystery will never be solved, so that it may never lose it’s magic. WORKS CITED Charters, Ann. The Story and Its Writer. 5th ed. Boston: Bedford/ St. Martin’s, 1999. Mowat, Barbara A. and Werstine, Paul, ed. A Midsummer Night’s Dream The New Folger Library. New York: Washington Square Press, 1993. Shakespeare Oxford Society. 27 Jun. 2001. Van Duyn, Barbara. Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford. 5 Aug. 2000. http://www.calvin.edu/academic/engl/346/proj/barb/ All Shakespeare. Allstudyguides.com.

Monday, November 11, 2019

Christian Worldview and Culture Essay

Today’s cultural landscape has been shaped by the likes of MTV (entertainment), Steve Jobs (technology), and Mark Zuckerberg (social networking). Society often prefers accepting the â€Å"worldviews† of these and other influential people, rather than hearing the message of the Good News of Jesus Christ which offers redemption to a â€Å"fallen† world. We cannot ignore the reality that a vast majority of cultural advancements are produced by â€Å"non-Christian culture-makers, who, as they become more self-conscious and consistent with their anti-Christian stance, will express their unbelief in their artifacts with increasing boldness. Christians cannot dismiss the impact and relevance these contributions have made on society. One of the great challenges believers are confronted with is developing an understanding of the importance of expressing and sharing our Christian worldview in the midst of various competing ideologies. One of the hidden ideologies that secular culture promotes is that we can â€Å"take care of ourselves† thus, refuting any notion that we are dependent on Christ to meet every human need, including the need for salvation. Christian disengagement from culture is contrary to Christ’s example of Incarnation. Christ did not consider human culture unworthy of his attention and love. He set aside his divinity and put on human flesh so that he could engage us on a social and cultural level. The great commission is an affirmation of Christ’s desire for his followers to â€Å"go into all the word†, engaging culture and preaching the gospel. What is â€Å"Culture†? Culture can be defined using three different approaches: agricultural, sociological, and anthropological. The agricultural approach to defining culture â€Å"is derived from the Latin cultura†¦ meaning to plow or till. † Culture is understood from a farming or agricultural perspective which entails the â€Å"practice of cultivating the soil, producing crops, and raising livestock. † The reference to someone being â€Å"cultured† is drawn from this farming metaphor. Education in this sense is the â€Å"cultivation† of the mind. The sociological approach to defining culture deals with social class distinctions of â€Å"high† (elite) and â€Å"low† (mass) culture. This aesthetic standpoint is mainly concerned with the â€Å"intellectual and artistic achievements of a society. † High culture is associated with the highest ideals of what is (in a subjective sense) â€Å"good†. A cultured person is one who has been acquainted with and educated in the â€Å"finer things† of art, literature, music, etiquette, socialization, as so on. The anthropological perspective regarding culture is concerned with â€Å"the whole way of life of a group or society, not just its better achievements. † Unlike the sociological perspective, this approach does not make distinctions between sophisticated and primitive social groups. It simply acknowledges that all â€Å"activity† which is produced by a social group (texts, art, music, food, artifacts, philosophy, ethics, etc. is that group’s culture. H. Richard Niebuhr states, â€Å"[S]ocial life is always cultural† and culture is the product of â€Å"human achievement†. Humanity Was Created For â€Å"Good Works† Culture, as expressed by the creativity of human activity, is a reflection of God who Himself is a creative being. Human understanding of order and beauty is only possible because of God’s magnificent creation of the heavens and the earth. God validated the beauty of creation when He â€Å"saw all that he had made†¦ was very good† (Genesis 1:31). Man and woman were created in the divine image and likeness (imago dei) of God and were entrusted by God to care for and tend to His creation. Man was given the responsibility of â€Å"cultivating† the Garden of Eden and in doing so bringing glory to the Creator. Here we should take notice between the similarities of the word cultura (plow, till) and cultus which is a â€Å"veneration of the divine†. This should give us a greater insight regarding how â€Å"the human race [was] called to interact deliberately with the earth—[working, tilling, cultivating]—while at the same time lovingly serving his divine Master†¦ and worshiping his Maker. Adam â€Å"performed his culturative activities in response to and as a reflection of God’s creative acts. † Competing Worldviews All of humanity’s artistic and creative works reflect the worldview of those who created them. As a result of the Fall the imago dei has become distorted, causing humanity to shift the focus of their creative and culturative activities away from exclusive worship to God. As a result humanity has developed â€Å"unholy motives†¦ even though superficially [our creative activities] may be of some benefit. Man’s creative outlet is disoriented—seeking to glorify himself through the works of his own hands. Once we understand that all human creative efforts are a reflection of the inner beliefs and values of the mind and spirit, we can assess the intention of human activity properly. The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11) was the product of human efforts to succeed, using human ability, independent of God. Today’s â€Å"pop† culture seeks to create a new Babel in which human achievement and technological advancement create the false notion that we can live independent of God, or even worse, have no need of God. Thus, culture always reflects a society’s religious and philosophical values, â€Å"[flowing] out of the heart—as it were—of the society which produces it. † A Christian worldview based on God’s Word will discern the â€Å"the ideological bias of the medium and ideological content of the message of non-Christian (and Christian) artifacts. † This is essential for the Christian because there is no neutrality in the message embedded in the works of man. We are not idle spectators, â€Å"[We] must take sides at all times in everything [we] do. † Christian Approach to Culture (Christ and Culture) There has been much debate as to the extent in which Christians are to engage the culture that we live and worship in. Should Christians adapt a Monastic approach secluding ourselves from society? Or, are we to engage the world in such manner that our Christian distinctiveness is lost? H. Richard Niebuhr, in his book Christ and Culture, suggests several â€Å"Christian answers to the problem of Christ and culture. † Niebuhr offers five approaches Christians have historically taken in an effort to understand their position in Christ and involvement with culture. These are: â€Å"Christ against culture,† â€Å"Christ of culture,† â€Å"Christ above culture,† â€Å"Christ and culture in paradox,† and â€Å"Christ the transformer of culture. † The â€Å"Christ against culture† approach proposes that loyalty to Christ is a â€Å"rejection of cultural society†. He critiques this stance as a â€Å"radically Christian answer to the problem of culture†. Indeed, it is impossible for a Christian, or any person, to totally reject and remove themselves from the influence of and involvement with culture. God has taken the opposite approach. He did not reject the world when Adam sinned, but rather engaged the world and put into motion the plan of redemption through Jesus Christ. Christ stepped into our earthly realm and became subject to the influences and temptations of human culture â€Å"yet was without sin† (Hebrews 4:15). Christ’s relationship to culture was to use the elements of culture to reveal God the Father and the Kingdom of Heaven to fallen humanity. The second model, â€Å"Christ of culture,† is the opposite of the â€Å"against culture† model. It seeks social and cultural engagement with the world. It attempts to make the gospel meaningful to society by extending its reach beyond â€Å"a selected little band of saints† and is able to engage those of â€Å"high† and â€Å"low† social strata. While the effort to make Christ a part of culture may reach those who would remain otherwise unreached, there is a susceptibility to â€Å"distort the figure of the New Testament Jesus† in an effort to accommodate a social-gospel agenda. This is done by relegating Jesus into what we need him to be in an attempt to address our social and cultural problems. Jesus is a great humanitarian if we are fighting for human rights or a great teacher if we are engaged in philosophical debate. Again, this model can be useful in reaching out to the culture, but we cannot compromise the truthfulness of the gospel for a specific social agenda. The third paradigm is â€Å"Christ above culture†. This view proposes that â€Å"the fundamental issue does not lie between Christ and the world†¦ but between God and man. † By placing Christ at the center, and not against culture, this approach avoids separating â€Å"the experience of grace from cultural activity†. There are three distinct groups in this category: â€Å"synthesists,† â€Å"dualists,† and â€Å"conversionists†. Synthesists affirm â€Å"Christ and culture† (both/and) rejecting a â€Å"Christ or culture† (either/or) approach. They maintain that Jesus â€Å"is both God and man, one person with two natures† and that the works of human nature cannot be separated from the grace of God, â€Å"for all those works are possible only by grace. † Essentially, Christ cannot be against culture because God created nature. Likewise Christ’s incarnation allowed him to actively participate nd engage with the culture of his day. One area that could lead to problems in this approach is by synthesizing Christ and culture in such a manner where Christ becomes subservient to culture. If culture assumes the dominant role in this synthesis, the Church will risk becoming more â€Å"cultural† and less Christ-like because it has elevated culture to the same status as Christ through whom all things were made and exist and â€Å"without him nothing was made that has been made† (John1:3). The dualist approach sees â€Å"Christ and culture in paradox†. This view â€Å"makes sharp distinctions between the temporal and the spiritual life, or between what is external and internal, between body and soul, between the reign of Christ and the world of human works and culture. † There is a line drawn between God and â€Å"us†. In the dualist’s view all of human culture is fallen. For dualists the works of Christians within the church and non-Christians outside of the church are equally corrupt. The dualists are in a state of paradox since they cannot reconcile the concept of â€Å"law† and â€Å"grace†. They fail to realize that Christ came to earth to remove the line of separation between man and God. As Christians we must understand that while the world is in a fallen state and under â€Å"law†, at the same time it is under â€Å"grace† and we are to â€Å"go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation† (Mark 16:15). The third group that embraces a â€Å"Christ above culture† paradigm is the conversionists. â€Å"What distinguishes conversionists from dualists is their more positive and hopeful attitude toward culture. Conversionists see Christ as the transformer of culture. They embrace the redemptive work of Christ in the here and now. They are not looking to some eschatological future where one day they all will be restored. The conversionists have a hopeful outlook regarding culture and look forward to its restoration from a corrupt state. â€Å"Christ transforms the fallen culture in that â€Å"he redirects, reinvigorates, and re generates† the life of man from a corrupted state. Once man has been regenerated, he will produce â€Å"good works†. The transformative power of Christ in the life of fallen humanity redeems us: â€Å"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them† (Eph. 2:10). It is not our works which cause us to be redeemed but rather, our works are a testimony to the world that we are no longer bound by the curse of sin and corruption. Conclusion Because we live in a period of world history that offers the greatest tools and opportunities for cultural engagement, we cannot ignore the importance of understanding Christ role, through the Church, in today’s culture. To engage with culture, theology and ecclesiology needs to be both critical and artistic†¦ such engagements require theology to be open to the insights of cultural studies and alert to the ways in which contemporary culture is shaping religion. † Social networking sites, email, iPhones, cable TV, movies, music, art, and literature are the vehicles th at are being used to promote the beliefs and values of our society. Satan has done a great job in using culture to enslave society, tempting us to sin and forfeit our relationship with God our Creator. Our fleshly appetites are satisfied by images of sexuality, greed, power, and self-assertion. The danger of a culturally advanced society is that it seeks to replace God with its achievements. It seeks salvation, joy, peace, and prosperity via its own human efforts and imaginations. Because we have been brought from â€Å"darkness to light† we must shine the light of the gospel of Christ by engaging the culture in which we live, work, play, and worship. For this reason, every Christian must â€Å"seize the opportunity that the contemporary circumstances present to us and boldly set out to transform the earth. †

Friday, November 8, 2019

Homework Does Not Have to Be Hard! Top 10 Homework Apps to Save Your Day

Homework Does Not Have to Be Hard! Top 10 Homework Apps to Save Your Day Do you remember the scene from â€Å"Minority Report† starring Tom Cruise where his hero, a policeman from the future, gleans tip-offs from 3 psychics to predict the crimes? It allowed preventing people from breaking the law. It seems like the artificial intelligence of that level is impossible! However, such phenomenon as a homework app makes both young older generation trust in the power of e-learning. Every homework planner from the list was designed to assist students around the world in achieving better academic results. Do you need the fastest and simplest solution to any assignment? Turn to the professional service with more than 10 years of experience in academic writing to solve your problem. I NEED QUICK TASK SOLUTION MyHomework My Homework app aims high to help every student obtain better grades by being organized and well prepared to answer any questions. The major function of the app is to send notifications each time the student risks submitting his assignments late. The advantages of this student homework planner include sync across devices – access your tasks at any time wherever you are, special assignments widgets, classes trackers, and deadline reminders. Another advantage is the premium version, which is $4.99 per year! The free version includes features listed above. MyHomework app is compatible with iOS Android; a free version is limited and has a lot of advertisement. It is the main disadvantage of the given planner. Study Aid Teachers name flash cards among the most effective learning apps: they help to memorize necessary data through visualizing images. Study Aid functions as some fun game! Swipe left/right to go forwards/backwards, and move down/up to obtain answer or question respectively. Students share their favorite learning flashcards using e-mail to practice in teams remotely. The main benefits of Study Aid app are: Speed lightweight Multiple language interface The main gap is Study Aid is not considered one of the official Watchtower society applications, and it lacks the functions of reminders. Study Aid is compatible with Android iOS, and it is free of charge. If you like the idea of e-learning, you should pay attention to the alternatives that can replace traditional education today. FlashCards Deluxe Modern app developers pay attention to children with special needs: these young citizens form a great part of their market share. Kids diagnosed with Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) suffer from the regular memory loss. They face other problems associated with the work of human brain. They would love bright, user-friendly flashcard app. FlashCards Deluxe is easy to install use – replace the studied cards with the new exciting images to speed up the learning process. Other advantages include: Opportunity to create personal flashcards share them via e-mail or personal account with friends who use FlashCards Deluxe A wide range of pre-made sets downloadable from the app’s library (more than four million templates). The homework planner costs $3.99, and it is fully compatible with different iOS Android devices. Documents to Go Because of its high prices, Documents to Go is associated with university students who dedicate a lot of time to their educational process. If you have a part-time job, it won’t be a problem. Purchase any best homework planner app to minimize your efforts; your parents can help you financially. The main benefits are: Compatibility with many existing file formats (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF) Ability to study in any position and from any point in the world Ability to exchange files between various devices Students who have to type large-scale critical article reviews or book reports would appreciate Documents to Go. The recommended app is compatible with both iOS Android devices. It looks a bit expensive compared to the previously mentioned apps. Pay $16.99 being an iOS user; give away $14.99 if you prefer Android mobile phones/tablets. Freshmen should support their usage of study apps and knowledge with the valuable learning tips like how to survive their initial year in college. 30/30! Have you ever failed to complete your assignment just because of the task’s volume and limited time? The problem might be a huge volume. E.g., your Accounting professor wants you to prepare a balance in Excel table, write the results on a separate sheet of paper, and interpret the graphs you have created to support your project. Through breaking such assignment into management chunks, it is possible to allocate time resources necessary for its on-time solution correctly. The advantages of this homework planner are the following: Free usage Easy user interface Perfect organizer The biggest disadvantage is the lack of compatibility with Android Windows devices as the majority of modern business-oriented students finds it difficult to solve large assignments without such assistant. Looking for more than a planner/reminder? Don’t miss your opportunity to place an order with one of the best online writing services to win your highest score! iStudiez Lite Students who find it hard to complete their college assignments being distracted by different external factors like television/computer games love using iStudiez Lite. It is time to map out the upcoming study term! Every learning semester is equally important - a good homework reminder app might save your day. Even if you choose a free version, you automatically gain incredible benefits! Managing the entire course made of five classes Controlling maximum 15 classes or tests per course + 15 tasks + 5 professors/teachers Setting alarms Planning holidays special events Pay just $2.99 in case you enjoyed working with Lite version to get access to iStudiez Pro version with its separate setup process, absence of ads, availability of push notifications, and backup features. The gap is the lack of Android version. Android mobile users can try Timetable, iStudiez closest analog. GET MY SOLVED HOMEWORK MyScript Smart Note It may sound weird but students who prefer handwriting exist; they prove it each session when they start taking notes manually. The reason is notebooks laptops are heavy to carry them everywhere, and tablets are not acquainted with the long writing process. Students find it hard to type on their tablets. Notebook software, which makes it possible to let students write with their fingers/stylus, does not fit the speed most instructors to choose during their lectures. MyScript Smart Note is developed to recognize your handwriting! Several major pros of this wonderful app that does your homework partially are: A wide range of possible languages Impressive handwriting recognition features (99% accuracy) Dropbox Evernote sync Ability to remove your handwriting with the digital analog by converting it to the popular file formats like DOC or PDF The note-taking application is what every modern college/university student needs to succeed with his/her academic assignments. At last, the user may edit his/her handwriting with the help of special gestures (the instructions include the necessary details). Save your materials to any cloud once you’re done to access them at any time. The disadvantages are: The lack of free version features Limited iOS opportunities A stylus may be required If you find this homework planner useful, purchase the paid version which costs 1.99 (iOS devices) or $2.71 (Android devices). MyScript Smart Note have prepared some other exciting apps to help with homework on the official website – check it out! Wish to strengthen your writing skills? Read the basic rules of working on the successful research paper in this informative article. xMind It is hard to imagine the process of note-taking and learning without such effective studying techniques as mind mapping brainstorming. Students who find these two methods confusing should try different apps to help with homework focused on creating meaningful, clear mind maps. It is better to call xMind a homework software. Mobile applications from these developers are not currently available on the market. Thus, students who love working with their Windows, Mac, and Linux personal computers/notebooks will find the application useful. It serves as both planner homework reminder app. Even a free version of the homework planner can boast many pros: Extra business-level features Mind mapping instrument Sharing functionality The free version offers a variety of instruments. They aim to help students with their in-depth researches and project planning. Business Administration students worldwide share xMind is one of the best learning apps they have ever tested. The cons include: Obligation to pay for the cloud service Absence of mobile applications Todoist Unlike many professional writers bloggers, students share that most of the Evernote’s functions do not make sense to them. College students demand only a to-do list software. They need several Web URL bookmarking features at maximum. A homework planner called Todoist is a limited homework reminder app focused on the most wanted functions. The main advantages of the free version are: Project/subproject + tasks/subtasks clear division Assignments tracker Reminders notifications Bookmarking attended web pages It is possible to mix the mobile application with a Web browser plugin to obtain a complete package of features. The application is compatible with almost everything: from Android to Mac Windows. Set Todoist extension for Chrome or Firefox to work with it on your personal computer/laptop. If you wish to have the same pack of features along with extra opportunities, spend $20 to get Things for iPad application. Todoist is a free management app. Scanner Pro Students deal with lots of writing assignments: essays, research papers, term papers, dissertations, etc. Find a paper sample you wish to use and let Scanner Pro scan it to convert into PDF file. The main advantages of this homework app include: Synchronization with Dropbox Google Drive Feature which allows discovering created docs + receipts the user has scanned and convert these files to PDF Students may obtain free solutions to scan necessary study materials, but Scanner Pro, which comes for $3.99, wins in terms of PDF file accuracy. The main problem it works on iOS mobile devices only. To improve your current grades along with overall academic performance, download install at least a couple of these useful homework applications. These apps can help with your exam preparation, writing assignments, schedule, allocation of resources, memory training, and more. Keep in mind there is the easiest way out of any academic problem. Order a custom essay or research paper online to sleep well! If you know other great academic application, feel free to share your impressions in the comments.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Free Essays on Descartes Examination Of A Thinking Soul

so as to give appropriate, meaningful answer to questions and whether it can engage in a rage of appropriate, rational activities (CR, pp.34-35). Here, however, Descartes goes a step further as he devic... Free Essays on Descartes Examination Of A Thinking Soul Free Essays on Descartes Examination Of A Thinking Soul Descartes’ Examination of a Thinking Soul In order to truly understand the nature of the human mind as asked in the course syllabus one must be able to define a thinking individual, something that Descartes attempts and succeeds in achieving. In his Letter to the Marquess of Newcastle, Descartes rejects others’ belief that animals have reasoning or thoughts and devices a sort of test based on a defining characteristic of a thinking mind that he believes can successfully separate the thinking from the non-thinking. Descartes thoroughly seeks for a distinguishing feature that separates an animal mind from a human mind and comes to the conclusion that an â€Å"external action†, more specifically the capacity for linguistic activity is the difference. According to Descartes, defining a thinking creature is ultimately decided by the â€Å"external action† of linguistic capability; however, Descartes makes certain that actions that are inane, for example, are not included. In this passage, Descartes’ idea of â€Å"external actions† is not simply the ability to eat, talk or walk (explained further later) but rather a more complex action that incurs more complex thoughts: the capacity for linguistic activity. However, Descartes does not simply define linguistic activity as talking but as â€Å"†¦words, or other signs that are relevant to particular topics without expressing any passion† (â€Å"Letter to the Marquess of Newcastle,† CR, p. 36). In Descartes’ Discourse on the Method of Rightly Conducting One’s Reason and Seeking the Truth n the Sciences, he first suggests a test to see if there is a separation of body and mind which includes such things as if the candidate is able to respond verbally, produce different arrangements of words so as to give appropriate, meaningful answer to questions and whether it can engage in a rage of appropriate, rational activities (CR, pp.34-35). Here, however, Descartes goes a step further as he devic...

Monday, November 4, 2019

The Times & Music of Johann Adolf Hasse Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Times & Music of Johann Adolf Hasse - Essay Example Hasse was fortunate to have achieved considerable fame in his own lifetime- a fate reserved for very few composers in classical music (Millner, 1974 & 1979). Johann Adolf Hasse (1699-1783) was born in Bergdorf, one of the largest boroughs in Germany. He came from a family of church singers, organists and musicians. It was natural that he was to follow in their footsteps. Hasse’s father belonged to a musical family, and his great-grandfather Peter Hasse had been employed as an organist in Lubeck where had gained some fame as a composer in his heyday (Degrada, 1975). Hasse’s father and brothers subsequently were given the position of organists at the local church. His father was the head of a local charity organization which facilitated Hasse study in Hamburg. Hasse began displaying great musical talent at the age of fifteen. In fact during the very next year, in 1721 Hasse was hired by the Hamburg Opera Company as a tenor on the recommendation of Johann Ulrich Konig, who was the private secretary and poet to the Saxon Court at Dresden. Konig subsequently recommended Hasse for a position in the opera of the Duke of Brunswick. Hasse sang the operas of Caldara, Conti and Schumann. In 1721 Hasse’s creative talents came to the fore when he composed and sang his very own first opera role, Antioco. In fact, it was Hasse who gave life to the title role while Schumann sang the part of Seleuco. At the time, Italy was a burgeoning point for singing and operatic talent. After travelling through Venice, Bologna, Florence and Rome, Hasse eventually decided to settle down in Naples for some time (Grove, 1992). While in Naples, he met both Nicolo Pompora and Alessandro Scarlatti and he studied under both of them by 1725.

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Philosophy of mind Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Philosophy of mind - Essay Example G. Ryle necessitates to distinguish one from the other based on some prospects of which, a part is to yield relief from the misconception that the mere capacity to attain knowledge of truths ought to be the defining property of the mind. As another prospect, the distinction is intended to illustrate how humans are quite disposed to pay attention to competencies and deficiencies in the process of acquiring truths instead of the truths or propositions themselves and the nature thereof. It is Ryle’s aim as well to present the similarities and dissimilarities between ‘knowing how’ and ‘knowing that’ in order to substantiate further his findings upon the claim that the ‘intellectualist legend’ is false. In general, Ryle points out herein that â€Å"efficient practice precedes the theory† or that ‘knowing how’ comes before ‘knowing that’. According to Ryle, theorists have often acknowledged the so-called ‘ intellectualist legend’ which relies on the basic assumption that an intelligent behaviour is a function of what cognition has intellectually established. In other words, if such legend holds, then one is brought to conceive that any kind of performance is a product of intelligence that works within the inner faculties being its ever prior source. To Ryle’s analysis, however, the course of performing tasks for the sake of comprehension as an individual engages in practice to grasp the rule or operating principle can be relatively intelligent. Rather than looking into the depths of theories under the consideration that they should govern behaviour as higher in level or first in order, those who depend on this convention must equivalently account for a thorough examination of the meaningful significance in knowing how a particular undertaking is desalt with in several aspects toward a more confident resolution. Through this perspective, Ryle proceeds to concretize his po sition on exemplifying that â€Å"A person’s performance is described as careful or skilful, if in his operations he is ready to detect and correct lapses, to repeat and improve upon successes, to profit from the examples of others and so forth.† Apparently, this alludes ‘knowing that’ may validly succeed ‘knowing how’ when empirical over theoretical approach is rendered efficient by a constant attitude of passion to practice until optimum ends are achieved. That manner, the ‘intellectualist legend’ becomes defeated for it would then be absurd to support a claim in which a fixed theory manages to surpass a dynamic practice as the cause of the latter especially when performances are repetitively worked out that they could, to an extent, deservingly be identified as wisdom of origin altogether. Moreover, since the world or at least a common society in it widely believes about the reasonability of judging people on the basis of uniqu e skills and possessed capabilities of learning and coping with the truth, it tends to neglect the opportunity of exploring the quality of truths or propositions. Because people appear to express more concern on how intelligence is exhibited through manual executions, it seems less difficult for them to measure ignorance and assign its degree in proportion to individual potentials. For instance, a person may be fluent in speaking a language while another is assessed with below average proficiency at using the same medium. In reality, the first would naturally be considered as having first-rate

Thursday, October 31, 2019

What is engineering Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

What is engineering - Essay Example In that context, the scope of engineering is very expansive and ubiquitous. If one tries to grasp the attributes of engineering in a very simple and concise manner, it is a science that has to do with making things happen. If I take a casual look at most of the machines and products that I use are it the kitchen stove, elevator, water heater, computers, smart phones or automobiles, these are the gadgets that do certain specific things. These are the products or machines that solve many human problems, and these machines or gadgets have been made possible by the science or discipline of engineering. Hence, I strongly believe that engineering is a science that helps humanity solve or deal with the difficult tasks and problems it faces in the everyday life. Engineering does so by using the available scientific knowledge to contrive technologies, which help in the invention and production of varied innovative products and gadgets. These gadgets or machines may vary from being simple bicycles to space ships and rockets. In that sense I simply cannot help marvell ing at the versatility of the science of engineering. The amazing thing is that engineering is a discipline which I believe has revolutionized every aspect of the modern life. I cannot find any aspect of the contemporary life that has not been influenced by engineering. For instance computer engineers have to do with the designing and fabrication of the computer hardware and software, which could be used to solve many complex issues and tasks. Automobile engineers design and make varied cars and automobiles that are intended to fulfil specific aims and objectives like assuring minimal fuel consumption or having the ability to run on alternative fuels. When I look at such astounding technologies, I cannot help believing that many of the comforts and wonders of the modern life would never have been possible, but for

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Analysis Of Scientific c Essay Example for Free

Analysis Of Scientific c Essay The first step in the scientific method is to perform some background research and in the news article (â€Å"Engineers Create New,† 2008). It is implied that this step had been followed because it mentions that other researchers have already made several studies and experiments and have been doing it for several years. It is obvious that the scientists in the current study have performed a background analysis of previous efforts to develop other adhesives. The second step is the formulation of the hypothesis and in this particular news, the hypothesis is whether it is possible to formulate an adhesive that emulates the capability of the hairs on the toes of the gecko lizard that are able to clean themselves without having to use water or chemicals. This would be an interesting result because normally, dirt would stick to an adhesive and it would lose its stickiness in the process. Fearing explains that the ultimate goal is to develop an all-terrain robot that can emulate the gecko lizard that could walk on dirty surfaces along walls and ceilings (â€Å"Engineers Create New,† 2008). The next step in the scientific method is to conduct several experiments to test the hypothesis and the news article provides a rough sketch of the experiments that the engineers had conducted, where they use microfibers made from stiff polymers to represent the toe hairs and microspheres with diameters ranging from three to 10 microns to simulate dirt (â€Å"Engineers Create New,† 2008). After the experiments, an analysis of the results was made, and it was mentioned that it was indeed possible for the microfibers to get rid of some of the dirt after every simulated step of a gecko lizard. As a conclusion, it is indicated that it is possible to make an adhesive that cleans itself but further studies have to be made with other kinds of surfaces because in these experiments, only glass was used. Looking at the scientific soundness of the news article, we can see that there is no mention of the sample size, which is quite common in such kinds of articles. As we can see, this article is lacking in this respect but it could be assumed that this is mentioned in the actual report made by the scientists. As for the control group, there is no specific mention of the researchers actually performing an experiment where common adhesive materials are used instead of the microfibers being studied. The news report is also lacking in this respect but it could have been assumed that it is the common knowledge of the reader that with the usual adhesive, dirt accumulates until it is no longer sticky. In the study, the independent variables are the range of the sizes of the microspheres and the characteristics of the glass surface and the microfibers. The dependent variable is the quantity of microspheres that get deposited on the glass surface every time the simulated step of a gecko is performed on it. Another dependent variable is the adhesion strength of the new adhesive material after several steps have been done. There would be some suspicion of bias in the part of the researchers if a particular result would serve to benefit them. Taken in this light, almost everyone could be suspected of bias but in this study, the scientists are scholars who appear to be genuine in their desires to create something useful for humanity. References University of California Berkeley (2008, September 10). Engineers Create New Gecko-like Adhesive That Shakes Off Dirt. ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 23, 2009, from http://www. sciencedaily. com/releases/2008/09/080910090610. htm

Saturday, October 26, 2019

Review Of Im Nobody! Who Are You?

Review Of Im Nobody! Who Are You? Thesis Statement: Emily Dickinson poem, Im Nobody! Who Are You?, is successful on influencing readers that the best ideas can come from nothing. Introduction: I chose this as one of the famous poets known poem, which is found at Chapter 10.1, entitled: The Speaker (Persona) in a Poem. It can also be found from Thomas H. Johnsons (1960) Book of Complete Poems as its 288th entry: Im Nobody! Who are you? Are you- Nobody-Too? Then theres a pair of us! Dont tell! theyd advertise, you know. - How dreary-to be- Somebody! How public-like a frog- To tell ones name- the livelong June- To an admiring bog! What about the poems form, language, content, or other dimension do you find engaging?: I find engaging its genre of lyrical form, English language using informal diction and bearing a very good rhyme scheme (o sound in lines 1 and 2 with g in 6 and 8) with 2 stanzas. The theme shows how one can find the identity of self and gather the best ideas can come from only doing nothing. It uses the simile and metaphor figure of speeches, because it was able to compare or equate unlike things in similarity (Nobody vs Famous persons) and used the word like in line 6 in the second stanza. Moreover, to dissect the poem, when the word they was mentioned in line 4, wherein the poet was pertaining to famous people or any person situated in high levels the of society (Essay on Emily dickinson i am nobody! who are you? para. 1). With a very short content of only 8 lines, Dickinson was able to quickly reach out to others who would want to have the same privacy she experienced and also gain fruitful o utcomes from this choice. Doing this is actually not seen as usual in famous persons or high level situated bodies. How does the poems use of language compare to that of everyday speech?: I can say that in terms of both modern and classic writing on poetry, it still uses informal diction, though there certainly will be a difference in the use of words if one can write it today. To site a modern view on Dickinsons way of writing in the Im Nobody! Who Are You? poem, Jessica Writes (2007) wrote an online essay saying that, it is evident here that she is referring to a friend that she had relationships kept in private, but were foretold mostly by her corresponding letters. Indeed she is successful in her field. Wherein, she was productive during times she was alone, nursing the gardens inside their yard, writing poetry and reading. Since, she preferred to be named as an anonymous poet to her poems; it shows a personal assessment as A Nobody in the society, being a direct reflection of ideals as a non-conformist to the society. Its psychological nature are greatly affecting to people and objects geared towards seeing themselves in this way in life. With todays social pressures, even the smallest poem can help. Back in the old days, wherein classic literature are given birth to, renaissance and revolutions are greatly affected with writers who seek for a new beginning and freedom thru their writing skills. How do the differences and/or similarities between speech and poetic form affect your experience of the poem?: Domhnall Mitchell (2000), a very good critic of literature, mentioned in his book, that the poem Im Nobody! Who Are You? is a form of confessional poetry. Wherein, I agree with this thought. That is why it uses the simile and metaphor figure of speeches, because it was able to compare or equate unlike things in similarity, which is the Dickinson and akin others being the Nobody type of persons judged against the Famous type of persons (who would not likely to favor practices of a Nobody.) At first, a reader would have taught that Dickinson was talking about herself, but there is a quick turn of mood when the poem becomes about the reader. I find this interesting. This can be seen after the 1 line was said, which is a statement about Dickinsons poetic self, and then there is a following string of questions pertaining to the readers own selves. Lastly, the poems 2 immediate co ncerns are: the readers asking who we are, as well as the how is the relationship existing between the reader and the poet (pp. 157-158). Do these differences and/or similarities influence how you think or feel about the subject matter of the poem?: In terms of familiarity, I can say that this poem is reflective of Dickinsons life and not the persons she sites in her poem. It is more personal in nature. For instance, Arthur Versluis (2001), another very good critic of literature in history, mentioned the opinion of John Cody, in his own book, that her works are pronouncing of her madness as a result. That is why the poem, Im Nobody! Who Are You?, has certain negativity touch on it. It was also quoted, one will inevitably misunderstand and trivialize much of Emily Dickinsons life and poetry if one fails to grasp the full intensity of her suffering and the magnitude of her collapse. For this reason let me state at the onset my thesis that the crisis Emily Dickinson suffered following the marriage of her brother was a psychosis (p. 175). Conclusion: Yes, I agree that the best ideas can come from nothing. You can occupy your time with writing poetries like what Emily Dickinson is known for during her time. Yet, even if one decides a secluded life, society will hunt. Dickinsons writes in such a way that she dictates and forces the readers mind to think the same and view society like her opinion. The advantage I can see here is that it is leading to a self-evaluation and growth in uniqueness as individuals. On the other hand, a disadvantage of her way of writing (as well as thinking) is that it fails to show the right personality for an individual. When, maturity takes place, when one knows his or her purpose in life, then the best ideas can come in, one can make fruitful outcomes and one can reach success. Even the quietest moments or disturbing scenes takes self-confidence and trust, a parallel thought to both being a Nobody and a Famous person.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Is Taxation is Theft? Essay -- essays research papers

Taxation, the government acquisition of property from the individual has mixed support in any Western democratic system. To make its way into the good will of the majority, taxation has surrounded itself with doctrines of justification. No law which lacks public approval or acquiescence is enforceable, and to gain such support it must address itself to our sense of correctness. This is particularly necessary for statutes authorizing the taking of private property. Sometimes depicted as ‘theft’ by those who are subject to taxation, the accusation is commonly based on the sentiment what do I get from it? However, one chooses to live in a democratic welfare state and to take up the services society has to offer the individual; the argument of free-will is combated here by the necessities of the individual. Often misunderstood by the tax-paying individual, taxation is not solely a legal obligation, but a social obligation as well; one has a duty to protect the weaker member s of society in any welfare state. Taxation is justified through constitutional law and social convention, and so any rejection of taxation’s legitimacy is a direct condemnation of the legitimacy of the law, the legitimacy of the State, and the appropriateness of this social convention. Any claim that denies the legitimacy of such responsibilities and powers is a claim in favour of anarchy. Thus, the claim taxation is theft has the inferential meaning that government is illegitimate. Theft is conceptually reliant on social convention and legal definition, and so without government or social obligation, the concept of theft is void. Governmental power is entrusted in the State by the people it represents, and government policy in any democratic state is intended to represent public interests . As taxation is within government policy, and such policies represent the will of the people, taxation is therefore, the will of the people. Theft, lexically defined as taking property without permission or legal right , is an incorrect classification for taxation, as taxation is legitimized through constitutional law. Taxes are part of a social contract, an agreement between voters and government to exchange money for the government's goods and services. Even libertarians agree that breach of contract legitimates a police response. So the real question is not whether a crime should be met with forcible i... ... tide over the rough times, and this establishes a smooth-running economy that benefits us all. One has a moral and social obligation to ensure the weakest members in society are protected, and taxation is one way of regulating this social contract. Taxes are part of an agreement that voters make with government, a contract in which citizens agree to exchange their money for the government's goods and services. To consume these goods and services without paying for them is itself theft, and is rightly punished as breach of contract. Some may object that they have not agreed to the contract, but if so, then they must not consume the government's goods and services. Furthermore, contract by majority rule is better than by minority rule, one-person rule or anarchy (which results in kill-or-be-killed). Opponents of taxation under democracy are therefore challenged to find an improvement on democracy. REFERENCES Heywood, A. Political Theory: An Introduction, Third Edition, Palgrave Macmillan, New York, 2004. Mill, J.S. On Liberty, Penguin, London, [1859] 1974. Pearsall, J. (ed.), The New Oxford Dictionary of English, iFingerâ„ ¢ online editon. Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1998.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

If I Knew Then, What I Know Now

I am a thirty three year old teen mother. Sixteen years ago, at the age of 17, I became pregnant with a child that would eventually dictate, run, and be the deciding factor of who I would become. Well, let’s be honest, still defining who I will be. Today, I feel the effects of how a teenage pregnancy, now glorified by reality TV, has truly impacted my life now as an adult. How did this happen?At seventeen I entered my junior year of high school with a plan, I would graduate early, midyear at seventeen and head off to Kent State University, where only a select few, yes I was one of them, would be omitted into the architectural program. My father had always wanted to be an architect, but a civil war and its effects took a toll on my grandparent’s lives leaving my father responsible to help contribute to the family of six at an early age, so off into the work force he went, but he never let me forget that was his dream.So as a young girl I had a talent for drafting, drawin g, and really enjoyed architecture as a focus in high school. My father couldn’t have been prouder. So as a Sophomore I made the decision to move on from high school as fast as I could and get into a really mature grown up life by graduating early, as a junior, and being accepted into a prestigious program with Kent State. My father was proud! I remember the day I had to tell my parents I was pregnant and at seventeen, I would still graduate early and possibly still go onto Kent for my program, but they knew different.I saw the disappointment in their eyes and their tone. My father although disappointed was there to help me how ever I saw fit. So at seventeen I graduated with honors in January, gave birth in March and instead of entering Kent State University in August, I got married to the father of my daughter. What a mistake. Five months later, devastated by deceit and lack of involvement I left my husband and moved back into my parent’s home. I decided I had to get back on track and I tried hard.The years that followed where lead by hard emotional court battles, disappointing relationships with boys that had no interest in being with a girl who was a mother of a then two or three year old, so I decided to ask my father for a job, if I couldn’t live out his dream as an architect then I maybe I could follow in his life time achievement with an auto company that had helped him develop a name and reputation for himself, in our time. He was thrilled I wanted to work for him and hired me immediately. One year into my employment with my father, I met my husband of 11 years, He did not seem to care of my past or how I got to where I was.He seemed only interested in how we could grow as a blended family into a whole family without judgment. So we Married shortly after meeting and have been married for eleven years. However that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been a price to pay. I’d like to say that it all works out in the end. I’d like to tell all those sixteen and seventeen year olds that it will all work out, but I would be a lie. After sixteen years of struggle and hardships I find myself alone again with my daughter trying to make it work.The action I took as a seventeen year old have an impact on my thirty four year old life. I am continue to struggle to define who I and more importantly who â€Å"we† are, my daughter and I. If I could look back and tell that sixteen year old one thing it would ne not to be in such a rush to grow up and to truly listen to what my parents have to say. But I realize I do that that opportunity now to tell her that, and so I do every opportunity I get. I tell my daughter to plan a life for her and love, family and children will come, without remorse.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Beginners Guide to the Aztec Empire of Central Mexico

Beginners Guide to the Aztec Empire of Central Mexico The Aztec Empire was a group of allied but ethnically different city states who lived in central Mexico and controlled much of central America from the 12th century AD until the Spanish invasion of the 15th century. The main political alliance creating the Aztec empire was called the Triple Alliance, including the Mexica of Tenochtitlan, the Acolhua of Texcoco, and the Tepaneca of Tlacopan; together they dominated most of Mexico between 1430 and 1521 AD. The capital city of the Aztecs was at Tenochtitlan-Tlatlelco, what is today Mexico City, and the extent of their empire covered almost all of what is today Mexico. At the time of Spanish conquest, the capital was a cosmopolitan city, with different ethnic groups from all over Mexico. The state language was Nahuatl and written documentation was kept on bark cloth manuscripts (most of which were destroyed by the Spanish). A high level of stratification in Tenochtitlan included both nobles and commoners. There were frequent ritual human sacrifices, part of the military and ritual activities of the Aztec people, although it is possible and perhaps likely that these were exaggerated by the Spanish clergy. Timeline of the Aztec Culture AD 1110 - Mexica leave their homeland (Aztlan)AD 1110-1325 - Mexica travel throughout what is now Mexico, looking for a place to settleAD 1325 - Mexica settle TenochtitlanAD 1372-1391 - Rule of Acamapichtli, the first king of TenochtitlanAD 1391-1415 - Rule of Huitzilihuitzli; alliance with  Tepanecs AD 1415-1426 - Rule of ChimalpopocaAD 1428-1430 - Tepanec WarAD 1430 -  Triple Alliance  established between Mexica, Tepaneca of the city of Tlacopan, and Acolhua of the city of TexcocoAD 1436-1440 - Rule of ItzcoatlAD 1440-1468 - Rule of Motecuhzoma I (also called Montezuma)AD 1468-1481 - Rule of AxayactlAD 1481-1486 - Rule of TizocAD 1486-1502 - Rule of AhuitzotlAD 1492 -  Columbus lands in Santa Domingo AD 1496 - Columbus second voyageAD 1502-1520 - Rule of  Motecuhzoma II AD 1510 - Tenochtitlan floodsAD 1519 -  Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes lands  on the Yucatan peninsula and begins his assault on AztecsAD 1520 - Rule of CuitahuacAD 1520 - First smallpox epidemic; Cuitahuac diesAD 1520 - Rule of Cuauhtemoc AD 1521 - Tenochtitlan falls to the Spanish A Few Important Facts about the Aztec Empire Population:  In 1519, the population of the Basin of Mexico was estimated at 1 million inhabitants, between 100,000 and 200,000 in the capital city alone Extent:  Thirty-eight provinces were submitting tribute to Tenochtitlan in 1519, according to the  Codex Mendoza State Language:  Nahuatl, a Uto-Aztecan language Life Expectancy:  37 years, due to high  birth rates  and high infant mortality rates Writing:  State documents concerning administrative details such as the amount of tribute paid to the capital city by each province were preserved on colorfully painted bark cloth paper, made by soaking and pounding the inner bark of the fig or mulberry tree. Calendars:  Like the Maya and other American civilizations, the Aztecs had two cycles to their  calendar, one a 365-day solar year and one a 260 ritual year. Combined, they made a 52-year Calendar Round. The Aztecs believed bad things happened at the end of a Calendar Round. Marriage:  Men could take as many wi ves as they could afford. The first wife was principal, but all wives spun thread and wove cloth, both sources of wealth for Aztec families. Ethnographic Data:  The best information we have on the Aztecs today comes from the writings from members of the Spanish colonization force, such as  Bartolome de las Casas  and  Fray Diego Duran. Aztecs Ritual and the Arts Intoxicants:  Pulque, from fermented agave sap;  peyotl  buttons, datura, psilocybin, black nightshade,  tobacco, morning glory seeds,  chocolate  in a drink, sometimes flavored by  chili peppers  and/or  vanilla Lapidary Arts:  Jadeite,  obsidian, chalcedony,  spondylus  shell Metallurgy:  Two bronzes, one of combined copper and tin, and one of copper arsenic; cast bells,  rings,  and tweezers; some gold and silver. Much was imported from west Mesoamerican  mines,  and metalworkers;  craft work in Tenochtitlan  included hammering, filigree and lost wax methods. The Feathered Serpent:  This pan-mesoamerican fantastic creature was called Quetzalcoatl in the Aztec language. Tlachtli Ball Game:  Played with a rubber ball in a masonry court, the ball game called tlachtli was so important to the Aztecs that 16,000 balls were imported from the Maya lowlands into Tenochtitlan annually. Aztecs and Economics Markets and Trade Network:  Cortes reported that he found a  large market system  in place in the Aztec capital city, where 60,000 people came to trade goods. During the Aztec Empire (1325-1520), the distribution of goods was so widespread that many of the materials traded were mass-produced in villages. A  long-distance trade  exchange system was in place throughout the Aztec Empire, with professional traders called  pochteca  carrying goods such as bird feathers, cacao beans and, most importantly, information. Currency:  Gold jewelry, textiles, cacao beans, and beaten copper axes. Cultivated Crops:  Maize, beans, salvia, squash, tomatoes, cactus, cotton, chile, manioc, goosefoot, amaranth,  cacao (chocolate), avocado, agave Domesticated Animals:  Turkey, duck,  dog Agriculture:  The chinampa system of agriculture used by the Aztecs consisted of a raised planting platform built in a shallow swampland and irrigated through a series of dikes. Aztecs and Warfare Weaponry:  Bow and arrow,  atlatl, oak broadswords with obsidian blades, thrusting spears, round shields of fire-hardened cane, quilted cotton armor, and shield and armed canoes. Ritual  Sacrifice:  According to written records by the Spanish, prisoners of war were led to the top of the Great Pyramid in Tenochtitlan and sacrificed by having their hearts cut out. Their bodies were then thrown down the steps of the pyramid, where they were decapitated, dismembered and eaten by Aztec warriors. This may have been exaggerated by Sahagun, but there is no doubt that ritual sacrifice was part of the rituals of Aztec war. Ritual  Bloodletting  Bloodletting, or auto-sacrifice, was a personal ritual performed by Aztec elites. Empire:  The Aztec mode of imperialism was to conquer a new territory, and then put in a leader over the existing system, rather than replace the entire ruling leadership. This unique blend of force and bribery was extremely effective in maintaining a  far -flung empire. Important Archaeological Sites of the Aztec Empire Tenochtitlan  - Capital city of the Mexica, founded in 1325 on a swampy island in the middle of Lake Texcoco; now underneath the city of Mexico city Tlatelolco  - Sister city of Tenochtitlan, known for its huge market. Azcapotzalco  - Capital of the Tepanecs, captured by the Mexica and added to the Aztec hegemony at the end of the Tepanec War Cuauhnahuac  - Modern day Cuernavaca, Morelos. Established by Tlahuica ca AD 1140, captured by Mexica in 1438. Malinalco  - Rock cut temple built ca 1495-1501. Guiengola  - Zapotec city on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in Oaxaca state, allied with the Aztecs by marriage Xaltocan, in Tlaxcala north of Mexico City, founded on a floating island Study Questions Why would the Spanish chroniclers of the Aztecs exaggerate the violence and blood of the Aztecs in their reports back to Spain?What advantages are there to placing a capital city on a marshy island in the middle of a lake?The following English words are derived from the Nahuatl language: avocado, chocolate, and  atlatl. Why do you think these words are the ones we use today?Why do you think the Mexica chose to ally with their neighbors in the Triple Alliance rather than conquering them?What role do you think disease played with the fall of the Aztec empire? Sources on the Aztec Civilization Susan Toby Evans and David L. Webster. 2001. Archaeology of Ancient Mexico and Central America: An Encylopedia. Garland Publishing, Inc. New York.Michael E. Smith. 2004. The  Aztecs. 5th edition. Gareth Stevens. Gary Jennings. Aztec; Aztec Blood and Aztec Autumn. Although these are novels, some archaeologists do use Jennings as a textbook on the Aztecs. John Pohl. 2001. Aztecs and Conquistadores. Osprey Publishing. Charles Phillips. 2005. The Aztec and Maya World. Frances Berdan et al. 1996. Aztec Imperial Strategies. Dumbarton Oaks .