The Issue of Abortion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

The Issue of Abortion - Essay Example Clinical research has proved that despite the anesthesia, 90 percent of women having abortions reported having physiological pain during the procedure.   30 percent of these women reported having severe and intense pain which is more painful than the bone fracture and is of the same severity as the cancer pain. Moreover, the scientific evidence supports the notion that abortions cause psychological harm to women. Society has divided in its opinion over the right of women to have the abortion. The pro-life movement was initiated with the aim to persuade women in preserving human life. The pro-life thinking is based on three foundations: people (even criminals) have the right to live and it is morally wrong to kill, the fetus is the distinct human being from the very moment of conceptions, and women have the duty to preserve the life even if the pregnancy is not wanted. Science tells that the pregnant woman has a new life inside which is completely a new human being. Notably, when most abortions take place, the baby has already beating heart and brain waves. The unborn baby, fetus, is the unique human being, just as his mother and father, and he deserve being protected by law and granted the right to live. According to statistics, most of the abortions are performed after nine weeks of pregnancy and the potential mother becomes the murder of the fetus who already has an active brain and beating heart. It can be argued that fetus is a human being and is not a person. However, medicine points out that the fetus is the living organism, he is alive from the moment of conception (Klusendorf 12). Of course, it is possible to say that the living organism is not yet a person, but a fetus is nothing other than the human creature. At the moment the sperm and egg are united, 23 chromosomes from the father and 23 chromosomes from the mother are brought together. The fetus has unique DNA from this very moment. The fetus is not the potential life, he is the human being who is growing and getting older.

Soft Drink Industry Essay Example for Free

Soft Drink Industry Essay The global soft drink industry is currently expanding quite rapidly. This is due to two major factors. First, markets are expanding rapidly in developing countries and second people are turning toward natural, healthy, and low-calorie drinks. This so called â€Å"new-age† beverages, such as tea-based beverages, is considerably stimulating the development of the soft drink industry and also creating a major challenge to the carbonated beverage market. In part to address this trend, big soft drink companies, like Pepsi and Coke, are striving to become a â€Å"total beverage company† (Seet and Yoffie 95), in which they will serve the comprehensive soft drink market. Generally speaking, the soft drink off-trade value worldwide is gradually rising ever year, from $231,401 in 2001 to $323,031 in 2006 (Global Market Information Database 2007). The biggest market for soft drinks is still North America and Western Europe, which together consumed 43% of gross soft drink volume worldwide in 2006 (Global Market Information Database ‘07). However, the general developing trend for the North America and Western European market is now shrinking in terms of the global market while the Asian market is expanding very rapidly in recent years to now account for 22% of the global market (Global Market Information Database ‘07). The market volumes of Africa, the Middle East, and Australia are comparatively smaller. However, the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Asia-pacific markets are â€Å"emerging markets† and attract many companies, ranging from multinationals to niche specialists, who continue to see volume growth well in excess of the market average (Robinson ‘04). With the growth in volume, the average level of profitability of the soft drink industry remains quite high. First, the concentrate producers (CP’s) have become integrated with bottling companies, thereby reducing production costs. The CP’s and bottlers remain profitable through interdependence, sharing promotional and advertising and marketing costs (Seet and Yoffie 95). For example, Coca-Cola has many bottlers in different regions; therefore, their distribution cost is not as high. Furthermore, the CP’s directly negotiate with the suppliers to efficiently manage qualities for their products. In addition, their product line and distribution chain is now more systemic and integrated. Big soft drink producers increasingly franchise bottlers or buy a share from them rather than controlling bottling totally by themselves. This has activated and developed the capital-intensive bottling business. In spite of these trends competition remains intense, such as between distributors and also between new local labels and international drink corporations. Thirdly, the soft drink industry has several channels to sell to consumers such as vending machines, convenience stores, food stores (supermarkets), and national warehouses. For example after a long work-out, one quenches one’s thirst by going to a soft drink vending machine for a Cola. With this distribution channel, soft drinks are sold directly to consumers without bargaining. In 1993, Coca-Cola sold approximately 45% of their soft drinks through vending machine in the Japanese market (Seet and Yoffie 95). Another reason for the level of profitability of the soft drink industry remaining quite high is because this industry has a nearly 47% market share of the non-alcoholic beverages industry (Deichert ‘06). It is also to be noted that some of the soft drink vendors like Coca-Cola and Pepsi have gotten their logos printed on cups at fast food restaurants so that customers are readily reminded of their brands. Big name soft drinks also promote their brands by getting them placed in the middle shelves of stores to attract customers. With the constant expansion of Pepsi products into foreign countries, it may seem challenging for Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) to sustain their status in the soft drink industry. The soft drink industry is one of the industries that we consider mild on the degree spectrum of Michael Porter’s five competitive forces. As we look at the first competitive force, the threats of new entrants, we cannot help but consider the high capital investment in building simply a minimum bottling plant – a good amount of $20 million to $30 million is needed (Seet and Yoffie 95). This means that in the category of the threats of new entrants, bottling plant yields a low to medium degree of intensiveness. Also, a Seet and Yoffie states that in 1980, government policy intervened and established the Soft Drink Inter-brand Competition Act to help preserve the right of CP’s to include certain geographical territories (95). Meanwhile, concentrate businesses, a medium to high intensive business, involve very little capital of machinery, overhead and labor (Seet and Yoffie 95). However, it does required some advertising, promotion, market research and advertising (Seet and Yoffie 95) Another factor is that the bargaining power of suppliers of concentrate business is low. When asked, â€Å"Are they easy to be replaced? † The answer is, â€Å"Yes. † The bottling business, on the other hand, has a high bargaining power of suppliers because it is difficult to replace these businesses since they are one of a kind. There is only one Coca-Cola brand, or one Pepsi or one Seven-Up in this world. It would take years to replace these well known and well established products. On the contrary, the bargaining power of buyers of concentrate business is high while for bottling business is medium. For instance, when a concentrate company bargains with a Seven-Up company regarding their supply of recipe, Seven-Up can decide who they choose to supply their recipe to since currently there is only one Seven-Up recipe in the soft drink market. Therefore, the concentrate business has a low bargaining power of buyers. In terms of fear of threat of substitute products, the bottling business is medium. Coke and Pepsi’s franchise agreement â€Å"allowed bottlers to handle the non-cola brands of other concentrate producers (CP’s)† (Seet and Yoffie 95). The bottling companies seem to be submissive to Coke and Pepsi. Lastly, rivalry among competing firms for concentrate business seems to be quite high. There seems to exist quite a few international brands such as RC Cola, Dr. Pepper/Seven-Up, and Cadburry Schweppes, who produce only concentrate. As for the bottling business, the rivalry among competing firms is low because of certain franchise agreement such as one Coca-Cola and Pepsi presented. Seet and Yoffie reports that with the agreement a coke bottler cannot sell RC Cola, but they can distribute Seven-Up as long as they do not carry Sprite (95) Nevertheless the concentrate producers (CP’s) want to vertically integrate into bottling for two main reasons: to make their operation system more efficiency and to cut costs. These factors are interrelated. First, CP’s can make their operating system more efficient through vertical integration. For instance, if two different sectors, such as bottling business or concentration business, are following the same rules, having the same operating system then it is easier for them to work together. Second, CP’s can reduce some costs by vertically integrating. One example is transaction costs. According to Seet and Yoffie, concentrate producers’ most significant costs include advertising, promotion, market research, and bottler relations (95). For example, if CP’s were to cut down their costs from one of these significant costs, they would earn more profits. Moreover, CP’s are usually in charge of market research, product planning and advertising while bottlers play an important role in developing trade and consumer promotions. In order to have a reliable supply, CP’s have to be in direct contact with the bottlers and monitor them, therefore, CP’s need to employ more staff to work on this part. If CP’s can vertically integrate into bottling, they could save more money and in the same time provide quality with quantity. In recent years, the CCE’s sales volume in China has been growing with rates of averaging at 16 to 17 percent annually. At the same time, China’s retail environment has been changing rapidly. According to president of CCE China division, Paul Etchells, although small retail outlets are still prevalent in China, the number of hyper-marts (larger retail outlets) and supermarkets is rocketing. In China, CCE has to keep up with the rising demand for their brands. They have to continuously increase their production plants, employees, and distribution channels. CCE’s market in the US, however, has been slowing down because US consumers are becoming more health-conscious (Stanford ‘07). They are now consuming less carbonated beverages preferring diet sodas (but these are carbonated), coffee, teas, bottled water, and energy drinks. This is a problem for CCE because the majority of CCE’s products are carbonated drinks (Stanford ‘07). Another factor that slows CCE is the rising commodity cost in the US. This cost then will be passed to US consumers. Historically, the Chinese government wanted to protect the domestic soft drink industry by setting up strict regulations on foreign soft drinks companies (Seet and Yoffie 95). Today, the government is more lenient to foreign businesses (Stanford ‘07). Building new manufacturing plants and selling CCE’s products to Chinese consumers is not as hard as it was in the past. However, doing business in China requires CCE to build a relationship with the government. The concept of Guanxi is an important factor that determines the success of a company (Seet and Yoffie 95). CCE’s managers in China spent a lot of time building relationships with the Chinese officials. Since corruption is common in China and CCE is a US based company, the CCE has a disadvantage doing business in China. In the US, on the other hand, business is done more formally. There is not an urgent need to build a relationship with the government. However, an increasing number of consumers in US is concerned with issues relating to sustainability. Therefore, CCE needs to address issues such as water scarcity and pollution. In other words, China’s growing demand and US’ decreasing demand for Coca-Cola products accounted for CCE’s heavy investment in the Chinese market. Coca-cola was introduced to China in the early 1920s and came back after the declaration of the People Republic of China in 1949 through stiff negotiation with the Chinese officials (Seet and Yoffie 95). Since the 1940s, Coca-Cola dominated the U. S. market, which provided the company with financial leverage to expand into internationally and set the tone and the pricing strategy for Pepsi. At that time Pepsi did not have the matching financial power and resources to face any challenges Coca-Cola could introduce in the beverage market (Seet and Yoffie 95). Therefore, Coca-Cola and Pepsi have been fierce rivals in both domestic and international markets. Each company is using a different strategy to remain in control while increasing their net revenue. Coca-Cola entered China before Pepsi did. However, the soft drink market in China can absorb both products due to the fact that China has one fourth of the world’s population, which provides a great deal of demand for both companies to generate profit. Looking at both company’s strategies, one can see that both companies are aiming to become established in the beverage market in China. Moreover, Pepsi seems to be making better acquisition decisions than Coca-Cola; however, the financial figures reveal the victor. The purchases that Pepsi has recently made will take their toll in the form of long term debt, while Coke can concentrate more on increasing market share, as they are much less leveraged than their largest competitor. Coca-cola and Pepsi control 19% and 9% of the Chinese soft-drink market respectively. Coca-Cola operates in 23 bottling plants with total investment of $500 million, while Pepsi operates on 18 plants with total investment of $ 600 million (Seet and Yoffie 95). Coca-Cola is buying their own assets or entering in a joint venture with the Chinese government. For example in China the government owns plants and distribution centers, while Pepsi is pursuing joint ventures and mergers with local companies. The battle for the soft drink industry in China will require a great deal of financial and marketing resources to cover all aspects of competition in local industry. For example, Coca-cola officials are heavily involved with the government, where they spend almost 50% of their time catering and entertaining the government officials to gain more influence in their operation (since the corruption rate in China is high) (Seet and Yoffie 95). Doing so will provide an advantage over Pepsi because the distribution plants need to be close to the local market to be able to provide the market with competitive products that are cheap and of high quality. In comparison with Coke, Pepsi’s strategy of joint ventures with local industry helps them cut costs and pass the savings to the Chinese consumers (Seet and Yoffie 95). Finally, both companies are investing heavily and using their equity to expand and generate revenue in China, which financial figures show that they will not have any financial liquidity in the near future if they continue at the same rate of investment.

Poverty in Edith Whartons Ethan Frome Essay -- Ethan Frome Essays

Poverty in Edith Wharton's Ethan Frome Poverty is defined as deficiency, or inadequacy. It can be used to represent more than just the lack of money. Poverty is constant throughout the novel, Ethan Frome, by Edith Wharton. Poverty is evident in almost every area of Ethan's life. First of all, obviously, Ethan lacked money. His farm squeezed out just enough money to keep him and his household going. On page 133, Ethan is thinking of selling his property, but then he remembers its condition... "Farm and mill were mortgaged to the limit of their value, and even if she found a purchaser- in itself an unlikely chance- it was doubtful if she could clear a thousand dollars on the sale... it was only by incessant labor and personal supervision that he managed to draw a meager living from his land..."  Ã‚   The town in which he lived was also quite poor. It snowed most of the time, so it was a bad area for agriculture. Another type of poverty evident in Ethan's life was that he had little happiness. He was forced to quit his career to aide his sick father. His father th...

Describe the Importance of Continuing Professional Development

Continuing professional Development is a fundamental part of Teachers educational as only a Continuing Learning and training reassures a high level of knowledge and allows Teachers to keep their professional skills and knowledge up to date, examples of CPD consist of:Work based learning.Informal or practical learning, which takes place round life and work experience.Peer mentoring on job-shadowing.CPD gives a new knowledge what may help us to deal with new or complicated situation, can also keep us to complete our goals. It also helps with keeping up to date with the latest Teaching techniques, regular reviews of procedures and practices, such as first aid and Child Protection.Continuing professional development increase the standards of our skills set, to always be updating skills and developing knowledge, to be successful at work we do. In a school it is very important that we take strong interest in continuing professional development, it means that our standards are mostly like t o be high and also would make it more interesting to parents seeking a placement for their child.Being able to work together as a group is very important, illustrating to pupils that team is essential for a society to work in harmony. This should require that each member of the team to take on a specific role, sharing ideas and achievements. Effective teamwork between the school staff is very important as it ensures the smooth running of the school. Teacher team work is dependent on trusting, professional relationships with each other and with their supervisors.As a result of teamwork teachers and teaching assistants improve the way in which they work together well to meet the needs of the children in their classes. Teachers working together and helping each other creates a good environment of team work that improves students performance and work confidence. The people in the school share the workload to allocate appropriate roles and responsibilities.In a school environment the man purposes of the team are to: support and respect each other within the school team including all members of staff and  children provide a safe environment. The main team purpose of team works:to provide a safe emotional environment for children;to motivate children to use their full intellectual potential;to support and respect one another.In my setting there are a number of purposes and objectives of the team in which they work. The purpose and means towards aim and goals, the objective we are trying to achieve is to help all children to achieve their English, Maths and reading.To prepare them to year 2, provide them with all round curriculum for year 1, assist in development and passion for learning and happiness in school and also safety atmosphere. The values form the foundation of the curriculum the following are our nine Hampton values:Expectations.Collaboration.Independence.Reflection.Resilience.Risk taking.Creativity.Enjoyment.Aspiration.Building positive relationships wi th peers and staff, the three aims at the school are: Successful- with an appetite for learning, lifelong passion for learning where they make progress and achieve. Confident- live safe healthy and rewarding livesResponsible-making a positive contribution to our diverse and changing society. Giving general support within a specific class or department. Within a primary school the purpose of the Teacher assistant is to work with the class teacher and in many cases with other adults and assistants who work together.Within a Secondary school the assistant is more likely to work within a specific department or subject that you have a particular strength in, such as Maths, English. A clear understanding of your weekly  and daily activities and tasks should be available through discussions with teachers and access to plans.Supporting a named child- if you work with an individual child you may also work alongside others such as SENCO or external professionals, who may come into the schoo l such as the following:Education welfare officer.Occupational therapist.Speech and language therapist.Specialist teachers.

On Turning Ten

On Turning Ten Billy Collins Billy Collins was born in New York City in 1941. Collins is a member of the faculty of SUNY Stonybrook Southampton College, where he teaches poetry workshops. He was appointed as Poet Laureate of the United States from 2001 to 2003. He served as Poet Laureate in New York from 2004 to 2006. He has been named Senior Distinguished Fellow at the Winter Park Institute in Winter Park, Florida. In his early ages, he attended Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains and received a B.A. (English) from the college of the Holy Cross in 1963 and received his M. A. and PhD in English from the University of California, Riverside. Billy Collins has been called â€Å"The most popular poet in America† by the New York Times. The poem on Turning Ten by Billy Collins was written in 1996. The poem is about leaving the childhood behind and growing up. It gives new perspective on aging and how it feels when becoming old. Over the years, the U. S. agazine Poetry ha s awarded Collins several prizes in recognition of poems they publish. During the 1990s, Collins won five such prizes. The magazine also selected him as â€Å"Poet of the Year† in 1994. In 2005 Collins was the first annual recipient of its Mark Twain Prize for Humor in Poetry. He has received fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the New York Foundation for the Arts and in 1993, from the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation.

Call Of The Wild Essays

Call Of The Wild Essays Call Of The Wild Paper Call Of The Wild Paper Essay Topic: Call of the Wild Into the Wild In Call of the Wild, one of many lessons taught is that anyone or thing can be taken from Its surroundings and thrown into a harsh world where anybody must learn how to survive. Buck, the mall character, has two choices of: Endure and adapt to the ruthless, and savage world he Is now governed by, or become a name that is forgotten, and unable to pull himself above the water when the rapids come down on him. His life starts to change in a rush and he must use everything hes got, to adapt in order to obtain what he doesnt have. Eventually instincts start to replace the rules, and the wild starts to become more friendly than savage. After days of travel on both train and boat, to a place much deferent from his home, he has to learn the ropes of his new world, and conform to Its rules. On is Journey to the Yukon, Buck Is stopped In Seattle where he meets a man in a red sweater that taught him the first rope, The law of the club; which teaches Buck to obey and fear. Buck discovers that he rapidly needs to learn to conform to the laws of the primitive new world. For example, he encounters problems, like how to work as a member of a dog team pulling a sled, how to burrow into a hole in the snow in which to sleep for more warmth, how to survive horrible hunger pains, and how to rely on his Intelligence and his animal Instincts. Bucks next master Is a Scotch half-breed; the man Is fair, but he works Buck almost beyond endurance, so much so that on a difficult run against extremely harsh conditions, most of the other dogs are used to the wild elements. Buck survives even though he loses a lot of weight. Bucks next change in life happens when he and his team are sold to three newbie adventurers ? Charles, Hal, and Mercedes; they have absolutely no Idea of how to take care of the dogs or how to drive a team through the freezing northern snow. As a result of their new experience, the dogs food supply Is gone before the trip is half over. At this point, Buck sees the failure of trying to antique; meaning, he simply refuses to return to the harness despite the fact that he is being severely beaten. Then, a man named John Thornton appears and threatens the three owners if they continue to beat Buck. Bucks instinct concerning the three new adventurers proceeds to be correct; Charles, Hal, and Mercedes continue on their way across the frozen snow and Ice and lose their lives, plus the lives of the rest of the dog team when they try to cross a river of melting ice. They all drowned. As John Thornton returns to civilization with Buck, a drunk miner attacks John Thornton and threatens o harm him. Buck immediately reacts and kills the man. Later on, John Thornton is stuck in some fast river rapids, and Buck saves his masters life by swimming to him. On a later date, Thornton makes a brag that Buck can pull a sled with a thousand pounds Loyola atop It Because AT Nils great love Tort Join I Norton, Buck Totally carries the heavy sled one hundred yards. With the money from the winning from his bet, he goes deep into the wilderness in search of a lost gold mine. There, he works long and hard hours, and while Thorns men are searching for gold, Buck often goes off by himself in the wilderness to stalk wild animals or run with the wild wolves. Returning to camp, Buck discovers that everyone, including John Thornton, has been killed by Heat Indians. Without thinking and anger, Buck attacks the entire group of Indians, killing several and driving the rest away in such fear that the valley in which Buck revenges his master is from then on considered by the Indians to be a demonic place. After John Thorns death, Buck is free of all his attachments to civilization, and he Joins the wild wolves, and is known as a legend

SAT for Regular Admissions Deadlines

When's the Last ACT/SAT for Regular Admissions Deadlines SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips If you have been putting off the ACT/SAT or are hoping to retake one, you need to know when you can take your last test so that your scores will arrive at your schools in time. In other words, when is the very latest you can take the SAT or ACT for your college applications? Read on to find out when you can still take the SAT or ACT- and when you'd be too late. You might be surprised by how little time you have! College Application Deadlines: General Info and Trends Most regular decision college application deadlines are around January 1, though some are earlier in mid- to late December and some are as late as mid-January. I recommend keeping New Year's in mind as the general date your college applications will be due. (Note that if you are applying to a school early action or early decision, your application deadline will likely be much sooner!) The standard date you find out your admission decision is April 1 (though some colleges release results earlier in March). But while admissions decisions are finalized in March, applications are being read and evaluated long before then. Typically, applications are read for the first time in January and maybe February, and decisions are made in February and March. This is why having your entire application submitted by the deadline, including your SAT/ACT scores, is so crucial. In many cases, your application could be read before your parents get around to taking down the holiday decorations ... In order for scores to arrive in time to be considered in January, the last ACT/SAT test dates are usually in December. (For the 2019-20 school year, this is the SAT on December 7 and the ACT on December 14.) December scores usually arrive in time to be considered during the initial application reads in January and February. However, if you take the tests in February or March, your scores won't get to your schools until March or April, which is typically well after your application is read for the first time. (In early 2020, the ACT is on February 8 and the SAT is on March 14.) Since there is no longer a January SAT test date, this means December really is your last chance for the SAT for almost all schools. While a handful of schools do accept the February ACT, these policies aren't the norm. Ideally, you want to finish your SAT/ACT testing before senior year so you can focus on applications exclusively. If you're taking any of the final test dates, you have to make sure you put your colleges down to receive your scores when you're signing up for the last available test. In other words, don't wait to see your scores before you send them, or else it will be too late! If there's a problem with your score reports or they get delayed, sometimes colleges will accept a screenshot or printed version of your test report sent from your guidance counselor as a provisional result. That said, this won't replace an official score report from the College Board or ACT, Inc., which needs to be sent along eventually. Last SAT/ACT Test Dates: Advice for Your College Applications If you're reading this as a junior or younger, aim to have your standardized testing done before senior year, or at the very least by the October ACT/November SAT dates (this means the October 26th ACT and the November 2nd SAT for the 2019-20 school year). This will make the application process less stressful since you'll only have to focus on applications, not testing. Studying for the ACT/SAT while also working on an your applications in December can be a real stressor and might result in subpar applications! Keep in mind that if you're sending SAT/ACT scores from the last possible test date, you're taking a risk. If it's your first test score and it's not within your schools' average score ranges, it won't help your chances of admission. It also won't look good if it's a retake and your score goes down. (While most schools focus on your highest test scores, some require students to send all SAT scores or all ACT scores and will take all scores, high or low, into consideration.) This is why we recommend having your testing done by senior year- including retakes. If you really need to take one of the last possible ACT/SAT dates, plan ahead as much as possible so you have plenty of time to both study and work on your applications. The Latest Possible ACT/SAT Dates for Top Schools In this section, we'll be taking a look at the last possible ACT/SAT dates for top colleges. We'll also show you how to look up this information yourself for any school you're interested in applying to. Schools Whose Final Testing Date Is in December The majority of schools we researched will accept the December ACT and December SAT, but no later SATs or ACTs. If any of your top schools are on this list, do your best to complete your testing as soon as possible! You'll need to have your standardized tests completed by winter break if you're applying to any of these schools! Amherst For regular decision, Amherst requires all materials to be received by January 1. This means you should aim for the December ACT or December SAT at the very latest. Brown According to Brown's website, "Most first-year students choose to apply under our Regular Decision plan, which requires applying by January 2 (11:59 p.m. applicant's local time)." (emphasis mine). Caltech Caltech lists December as its standardized testing deadline, meaning you can take the December ACT or SAT at the latest. Applications are due by January 3 for regular decision. Cornell Everything has to be submitted by January 2 for Regular Admission for Cornell, which means your last-chance test dates for the SAT/ACT are in December. Dartmouth At Dartmouth, because the regular decision deadline is January 2, the last possible SAT/ACT test dates for regular admission are in December. Duke Although Duke's last test date is December for both the ACT and SAT, the school will accept ACT scores from the February test date and consider them as additional scores in your application file. The regular decision deadline is January 2. Georgetown Georgetown's deadline is slightly later in January than those of many other top schools: "Regular Decision applicants should have all application materials postmarked by January 10" (emphasis mine). The December ACT and SAT are still the last test dates whose scores will arrive before the deadline. Harvard There are two regular decision deadlines at Harvard: December 15 (the preferred deadline) and January 1 (the final deadline). Harvard states on its admissions website, "Although it is possible to submit scores from tests taken as late as the December SAT and the February ACT, we recommend that you submit testing as early as possible" (emphasis mine). However, the school also says, "Scores submitted before the end of November will allow us to begin our evaluation process for those submitting applications by December 15." So even though you can submit scores from December tests, the earlier you submit, the better! MIT At MIT, most parts of the application are due by January 1. Therefore, "you must take the required tests on or before the November test date for Early Action or the December test date for Regular Action. These are the latest scores that will reach the Admissions Committee in time for review." Northwestern Since the application deadline for regular decision is January 2, the latest tests you can take for Northwestern are the December ACT or SAT. Princeton As the deadline for regular decision is January 1, "regular decision applicants must complete all SAT testing by the December test date. All ACT testing must be completed by the December test date." Stanford For the regular admission deadline on January 2, Stanford's last test date is in December for both the ACT and SAT. University of Pennsylvania According to Penn's admissions website, the regular decision deadline is January 5, meaning the last test dates accepted are those in December for both the SAT and ACT. Vanderbilt Vanderbilt's website states the following: "For students applying under Early Decision II or Regular Decision (submission deadline January 1), the last opportunity to take the exam is the December administration" (emphasis mine). Washington University in Saint Louis "The last test date accepted will be the December testing," writes the WUSTL website. So at the latest, you can take the December SAT or ACT for Regular Decision (deadline January 2), or the October SAT or ACT for Early Decision (deadline November 1). Williams College You have to take the ACT or SAT by December for it to be added to your file at Williams in time for the January 1 regular decision deadline. These next schools let you take an even later test- the February ACT! Schools That Accept Testing Through February Some top schools have even later testing deadlines and will accept the early February ACT. Again, these schools are in the minority, so do your best to complete your testing much earlier than February of your senior year! Columbia According to the Columbia Admissions FAQ, "Scores for February tests can be provided in time for consideration. Testing taken after February cannot be considered." Note that although the regular application deadline is January 1, Columbia is willing to accept scores from as late as February. University of Chicago UChicago says that it will accept January SAT scores and February ACT scores. However, since there is no longer a January SAT test date (it was replaced by the August date), your last possible SAT test date is actually the one in December. You'll still have the February ACT, though. The deadline for regular decision is January 2. Yale The last testing dates Yale will accept are the December SAT and the February ACT. Applications for regular decision are due by January 2. How to Look Up the Last ACT/SAT Date for Any School We couldn't include the final SAT/ACT date for every single college in the country! Use this guide to learn how to look this info up anywhere you're applying. First, search "[School Name] regular decision deadline" on Google. I'm searching for Wellesley College's last possible SAT and ACT dates. The first link, "Decision Plans and Deadlines," looks promising, so I'll start there. This search should pull up the page on the school's admissions site with regular decision dates and deadlines. The admissions page will typically list the last SAT/ACT dates a school will accept for consideration. For Wellesley, the first link I found led to the following page with info about regular decision dates and deadlines, including for standardized tests: For the regular decision deadline of January 15, Wellesley lists the last possible test dates for the SAT or ACT as "December of your senior year." If you're looking up a school and can't find a deadline page that lists SAT/ACT dates, check its FAQ page- there's often a question there about SAT/ACT testing. Look for questions such as "When is the latest I can take the SAT/ACT?" and "How long does it take for SAT/ACT scores to arrive?" If there's no info about the last ACT/SAT dates on either your school's deadlines page or FAQ page (which is unlikely!), call the admissions office and ask about the last test date you can sign up for if applying regular decision. Key Takeaways: The Last Test Dates for Regular Admissions Most schools have regular decision admissions deadlines on or around January 1. These deadlines vary slightly depending on the school and can be as early as mid-December or as late as mid-January. As a result, usually your absolute last chance to take the SAT or ACT is in December; however, it's advisable to opt for an earlier test date, if possible. If you decide to take the December test, be sure to choose your score recipients as you register for the test. This ensures that your scores will arrive at your schools before the January deadline. While results from a December test should arrive in time, it's best to take the SAT/ACT as early as possible- typically starting in the fall of your junior year. This way you have plenty of time to retake the test should you want to get a higher score. What's Next? Read more about optimizing your ACT and SAT test dates for your senior fall schedule. How high does your ACT/SAT score need to be for your top school? Find out what number you should be aiming for to make sure you're on track for admission. Still have to make serious changes to improve your SAT/ACT scores? Get top strategies for each section with our individualized guides to SAT Reading, Writing, and Math, as well as ACT English, Math, Reading, and Science. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? Check out our best-in-class online SAT and ACT prep classes. We guarantee your money back if you don't improve your SAT score by 160+ points or your ACT score by 4+ points. Our classes are entirely online, and they're taught by experts. If you liked this article, you'll love our classes. Along with expert-led classes, you'll get personalized homework with thousands of practice problems organized by individual skills so you learn most effectively. We'll also give you a step-by-step, custom program to follow so you'll never be confused about what to study next. Try it risk-free today:

Help Children Who Are Chronic Liars Tell the Truth

Help Children Who Are Chronic Liars Tell the Truth Special educators will undoubtedly meet and teach students who seem to have difficulty telling the truth. Some of them may blame others to avoid getting in trouble, while some children may embroider elaborate stories as a means to join conversations. For other children, chronic lying may be part of an emotional or behavioral disorder. Behaviors and Coping Mechanisms The child who exaggerates, tells lies, or distorts the truth does so for a variety of reasons. A behavioral (ABA)  approach will always focus on the function  of the behavior, which in this case, is the lying.  Behaviorists identify four basic functions for behavior: avoidance or escape, to acquire something they want, to get attention, or for power or control. The same is true of lying. Often, children have learned a specific set of coping mechanisms. These are learned to avoid bringing attention to the childs inability to perform academically. These coping mechanisms also may come from children being raised by families that have poor coping mechanisms, mental health issues, or addiction problems. Children That Have Difficulty Telling the Truth Avoidance or escape. Students will often lie to avoid or escape a task they dont want to do or to avoid consequences that come with not completing an assignment or homework. If a student comes from a punitive home or has only experienced school as a punitive environment, it is common for students to lie. They do this to avoid the kind of punishment or shaming they have experienced at home or in a general education classroom, such as a teacher screaming. Acquire something they want. Everyone sometimes  shades the truth to get something they want. Children from homes that cannot or will not provide coveted items often steal, and then lie, in order to get items they would not generally have access to. This may include bright pencils, erasers in fun shapes, or highly desirable toys or games, such as Pokemon cards.   Attention. Chronic lying often falls in this category, though what a child may exhibit is, in  fact, poor social skills and the desire to command the attention of other students. They may create elaborate or fantastical stories that have no basis in truth but are a response to something the teacher or another student has said. Whether the purpose is to get attention by making extraordinary claims (my uncle is a movie star), or fantasy (I went to Paris with my cousins), positive attention for real accomplishments will reinforce correct and truthful behavior.   Power. Students who feel powerless or out of control may use lying in order to control the teacher, his or her peers, or another significant adult. Students may want to get their classmates in trouble, sometimes breaking or ruining something in the classroom on purpose. Chronic or habitual liars rarely feel good about themselves. It is recommended to look for patterns in the childs lying. Consider if the lying only occurs at specific times or in specific situations. When one has identified the function or purpose of the behavior, they can plan appropriate interventions.   12 Interventions and Tips Always model telling the truth and avoiding little white lies.In small groups, role-play with students on the value of telling the truth. This will take time and some patience. Identify telling the truth as a classroom value.Role-play the potentially devastating consequences of lying.Do not accept excuses for lying, as lying is not acceptable.Children should understand the hurtful consequences of lying and whenever possible, they should apologize for lying.Logical consequences need to be in place for the child who lies.Children will lie to protect themselves from the punishment of scolding. Avoid scolding but maintain a calm demeanor. Thank children for telling the truth. Apply a lesser consequence for a student who takes responsibility for their actions.Do not punish students for accidents. Cleaning up or apologizing should be the most appropriate consequence.Children need to be part of the solution and consequences. Ask them what they are prepared to give or do as a result of the l ie. Teachers can explain to the child that what he or she did is the problem. Teachers should reinforce that its not the child, but what he or she did that is upsetting, and explain why the disappointment is there.Catch the chronic liar telling the truth and commend them.  Avoid lectures and quick, irrational threats.

High Performance Concrete Reinforced with Glass Fibres Essay

High Performance Concrete Reinforced with Glass Fibres - Essay Example In order to achieve performance-related properties specific to performance in HPC, attention should be directed to the combination of performance requirements (such as strength limits and permeability) and prescriptive requirements (such as air content limits or dosage of supplementary cementing material) (Ferraris and Lobo, 1998). Depending on the HPC mixtures examples of HPC include High-early-strength concrete, high-strength concrete, high-durability concrete, self-compacting concrete and reactive-powder concrete. High-Early-Strength Concrete (HESC) High-Early-Strength Concrete (also known as fast-track concrete), achieves its specified strength at an earlier age compared to normal concrete. This earlier age is the time period in which a specified strength should be achieved and may range between a few hours (or even minutes) to several days. Although it can be achieved using traditional concrete ingredients and concreting practices, the production of HESC will sometimes require s pecial materials or techniques. Depending on the age at which the specified strength must be achieved and on job conditions, one or a combination of the following can be used in the production of HESC: type III or He high-early strength cement, high cement content, low water-cementing materials ratio, higher curing temperature, higher freshly mixed concrete temperature, silica fume, chemical admixtures, special rapid hardening cements, insulation to retain heat of hydration, and/or steam and autoclave curing. High-early-strength concrete is used for prestressed concrete to allow for early stressing; precast concrete for rapid production of elements; high-speed cast-in-place construction; rapid form... High-Early-Strength Concrete (also known as fast-track concrete), achieves its specified strength at an earlier age compared to normal concrete. This earlier age is the time period in which a specified strength should be achieved and may range between a few hours (or even minutes) to several days. Although it can be achieved using traditional concrete ingredients and concreting practices, the production of HESC will sometimes require special materials or techniques. Depending on the age at which the specified strength must be achieved and on job conditions, one or a combination of the following can be used in the production of HESC: type III or He high-early strength cement, high cement content, low water-cementing materials ratio, higher curing temperature, higher freshly mixed concrete temperature, silica fume, chemical admixtures, special rapid hardening cements, insulation to retain heat of hydration, and/or steam and autoclave curing. High-early-strength concrete is used for prestressed concrete to allow for early stressing; precast concrete for rapid production of elements; high-speed cast-in-place construction; rapid form reuse; cold-weather construction; rapid repair of pavements to reduce traffic downtime; fast-track paving; and several other uses. In fast-track paving, use of HESC allows traffic to open within a few hours after concrete is placed.

Writing process before this class vs this class now Essay

Writing process before this class vs this class now - Essay Example Army, it was time for me to make life out of myself. In particular, this is the time when I had the opportunity to strive for higher education which I did not acquire while I was young. However, the experience in the first assignment on my memoir meant that I needed to acquire more knowledge in English if at all I was to become an orator and a respectable person in society. In this assignment, I only managed to get a C. This was because by writing neither reflected nor followed any of the process/rules of writing. In fact, my writing was not organized, had grammar, spelling and typo errors. Despite the challenges I went through in the first assignment on English 080 class, I encouraged myself and joined the English 090 class with the hope of turning the tables round. In this class we had to take the second assignment on writing a personal interview with my grandfather Thomas Clement II on CSM F despite not having done such. Although in this interview I had made a little improvement in my English, I only managed to get a C. Such poor performance resulted from the fact that despite having improved in my English, I had not achieved much on formatting the final written product. As such, I made proofreading errors which left my final paper with obvious clumsy and inappropriate wording and writing. As the saying goes, through determination and focus one can achieve much. I realized a big improvement in my English after taking my third assignment on â€Å"the importance of securing the boarder on US Safety and Security†. This was evidenced by a rise from a grade C to B+. To me, this was a great metamorphosis which could not be attributed to the fact that the assignment was on my experience as a U.S. Army officer, but on the fact that I had learnt a few tricks about the process and the rules of English writing in the course of my learning and my determination to correct the mistakes made on the previous in my next assignment. It is evident that effective

Organizational culture is fundamentally about symbolic meaning and as Essay - 6

Organizational culture is fundamentally about symbolic meaning and as such cannot be managed. Discuss - Essay Example The reason for such is that once a given culture is introduced into an organization, it ceases to become part of the manageable aspect of the organization but becomes a self regulatory aspect which anybody who joins the system in any rank automatically becomes assimilated into. This is the trend in most organizations. The following discourse mainly focuses on organizational cultures in view of their symbolic meanings and the implications they have on managements. The standards adopted or entrenched in the cultural domain of an organization are very important determinants in its productivity and overall performance. The quality of the customer care service, for instance, is one of the symbolic natures of the organizational attitude since this is the point of the first interaction between a client and the organization’s staff. It is imperative to note that even the quality of the products, levels of safety, and environmental care policies are basis of a firm’s tradition t hat can hardly be altered through the management process. This extends to the marketing mix techniques of a firm, methods of value creation, and the desire to develop new products in the market. The organization must also have a predetermined management structure. It is important to note that the culture of an organization is the symbol of its identity. Consequently, it is not easy to be changed by emerging management dynamics. It is a tradition that gradually grows with the company and ends up defining its overall operational discourse. This simply means that even if a new person is recruited into the firm in any position, one would be compelled to do things in line with the path of action already created. The tradition of an organization also looks like a template onto which all the guidelines towards the anticipated behaviors judged against. It is worth noting that an organization is just like any other social entity with many people working towards achieving a specific goal just like in the rest of the society. In that respect, it can be compared to the general society where, in most cases, the norms are not written anywhere but generations change without manipulating any aspect of the age old traditions. Besides, every generation is always compelled to conform to the dictates of existing norms. The way each organization runs its activities is always unique. This even includes such aspects as public perception of the organization which end up defining the organizational culture. These features are always based on beliefs, attitudes, and customs of the organization. They must always be adhered to for smooth working relations and comfortable working environments. This is not an issue of an overnight arrangement but it is built over a long period of time until it becomes the basis of all the policies of the organization which even the top managers cannot deviate from through any managerial action. The organizational culture is simply a platform on which a man agement tests and implements organizational policies. Take the case of the social standard of top brass managers and how they relate to other employees or members of the public; this is likely to give the true picture of a company (Woodside, 2010). The behavioral conduct of the organizatio

Programming - Graphical User Interface Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Programming - Graphical User Interface - Essay Example The Graphical User Interface (GUI) is the most popular implementation of a Direct Manipulation Interfaces (DMIs) which presents users with a model of their information space and users can manipulate their information by direct action. Since GUI makes use of â€Å"visual objects to implement its model therefore the user can manipulate these objects via a mouse or another pointing device. The User Interface Management Systems (UIMS) are implemented mainly as GUIs so that the interface governs the entire system and not just a single application† (Daniel, Maurice & Thomas, para. 10). The â€Å"Graphical User Interface (GUI)† term came into existence because the first interactive user interfaces to computers were not graphical; they were text-and-keyboard oriented alpha-numeric characters and usually comprised of commands. With earlier interactive user interfaces, the computer had dull appearance and had very brief responses. We had to remember the computer commands too. The typical example of user-computer interface is the user interface of DOS operating system which is still used to from Windows operating system. The GUI utilizes the graphical objects to replace and/or supplement alpha-numeric user interfaces. In this way, graphical user interface enhances the end-user's and/or application programmer's productivity. Well- designed graphical user interface can free the user from learning complex command languages. On the other hand, many users find that they work more effectively with a command-driven interface, especially if they already know the command language (Hoffmann, para.6-8).

Instructional Strategies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Instructional Strategies - Essay Example There are a variety of categories and disciplines we could address but here our main concentration is on the possible usefulness of the DIRECT INSTRUCTION (DI) method of teaching in today's classrooms. According to the Baltimore Curriculum Project fact sheet (1997), "DI is an embracing model in instructional strategies which is filled with carefully structured and edited lessons that are backed by texts and worksheets." In DI the educator works with a group of students who are performing at roughly the same level. Through exceedingly careful organization, direction and pacing a rapport is formed with the students that facilitates the creation of a healthy, interactive learning environment. This type of interaction is finely crafted to focus on the subject and the pace of the learning activities. The students in these activities respond to questions as both an individual and a group further ensuring that the method of instruction "leaves no individual unengaged" (Baltimore Curriculum Project, 1997). Direct instruction is primarily based on previous theories of instruction which strive to eliminate misinterpretation by the students of goals, necessary skills, and instructions. The theory of DI is purported to greatly accelerate and improve academic performance as well as specific learning when applied in the prescribed manner. Direct instruction has also shown promise in correcting certain affective behaviors that can lead to academic problems. The resulting DI theory emphasizes the use of a small group in which teachers and aides conduct face-to-face (or one-on-one) instruction. This allows educators to carefully articulated lessons so that specific cognitive skills are broken down into small units and/or action sequences. The research of Mr. Siegfried Engelmann and Dr. Wesley Becker is not only a focal point in DI discussions, it also prescribes the correct method for using DI. Their work provides educators with five areas by which all class activities can be organized: GOAL SETTING: Educators emphasize the importance of setting goals for school work. Students are required to write and explain their goals which will ead them to complete the task set before them. Educators and other students provide regular reassurance on the progress toward meeting these goals as well as hints for improvement. ASSIGNMENTS: Educators should endeavor to break the ultimate task into small, manageable parts. Students should be encouraged to further devise personally manageable parts that will lead to successful completion of the task. The true key here is to set a pace that is comfortable to the individual and the class as a whole while ensuring timely completion of the task. Such structuring should lead to a better understanding of the ultimate goal as well as provide more immediate success and feedback. EXPLANATION: The variation in explanation lies at the heart of what makes DI unique. Examples that relate more closely to real life and/or appeal to the students(s) make the subject clearer and personal. Students more readily engage in learning activities that they find personally linked. If an activity seems like fun or useful to the student, it is now personal and worth doing. OUTSOURCING: Frequently asking

Programming - Graphical User Interface Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Programming - Graphical User Interface - Essay Example The Graphical User Interface (GUI) is the most popular implementation of a Direct Manipulation Interfaces (DMIs) which presents users with a model of their information space and users can manipulate their information by direct action. Since GUI makes use of â€Å"visual objects to implement its model therefore the user can manipulate these objects via a mouse or another pointing device. The User Interface Management Systems (UIMS) are implemented mainly as GUIs so that the interface governs the entire system and not just a single application† (Daniel, Maurice & Thomas, para. 10). The â€Å"Graphical User Interface (GUI)† term came into existence because the first interactive user interfaces to computers were not graphical; they were text-and-keyboard oriented alpha-numeric characters and usually comprised of commands. With earlier interactive user interfaces, the computer had dull appearance and had very brief responses. We had to remember the computer commands too. The typical example of user-computer interface is the user interface of DOS operating system which is still used to from Windows operating system. The GUI utilizes the graphical objects to replace and/or supplement alpha-numeric user interfaces. In this way, graphical user interface enhances the end-user's and/or application programmer's productivity. Well- designed graphical user interface can free the user from learning complex command languages. On the other hand, many users find that they work more effectively with a command-driven interface, especially if they already know the command language (Hoffmann, para.6-8).

Nataional Competetiveness Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Nataional Competetiveness - Term Paper Example The four factors are, factor endowments, domestic demand condition, related and supporting industries and structure, strategy and rivalry among firms (Hills and Jones 248). Figure 1: Diamonds Theory (Source: Peng 135) According to Porter, the above four factors constitute the diamond which is referred to as a jointly reinforcing scheme and therefore the competitive advantage of the firm depends on the favorability of the diamond for the specific industry in which the firm belongs (Misra and Yadav 83). The paper talks about the automobile industry in America and is analyzed with the help of Porter's â€Å"National Competitiveness Model† or the Diamond Theory. American Automobile Industry Factor Conditions/Endowment As stated in Porters Diamond Model, factors refer to the types of resources which are necessary for the industry and they are physical resources, human resources, capital resources, knowledge resources and other infrastructure. The nation tends to gain advantage wher e the factors are accepted and well mixed. The factor condition is further divided into two, natural and advanced factors (Walker 178). The automobile industry includes those companies which are involved in marketing, production and also maintenance of automobiles. As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the automobile sector had employed about 700,000 workers in 2011. The labor dynamics affects the employment level in industries such as plastics and steel manufacturing. The American automobile industry has been experiencing upward pressure with respect to wages and a downward pressure on benefits and is competing with other strong economies for skilled labors. In the recent global financial turmoil which has also affected US, the automobile sector is unlikely to support comfortable living for the working class affecting the industry’s ability to attract skilled workers, thus having negative impact on the competitive advantage (Basu, â€Å"What Factors Affect the Labor Sup ply and Demand for the Automobile Industry?†). However in the 20th century, the American automotive industry had maintained prominence in the domestic economy. The American auto industry had sprouted from Henry Ford and currently in its blooming stage. But the issue with workers remained the same (Wall 8). Domestic Demand Condition The home demand condition plays an important role in national competition as it tends to gain competitive advantage only if the demand from the domestic customers forces the industry to carry out innovation, lead the global market and gain profit. The US is in the process of recovery and the automobile sector has been contributing to a large extent. In 2012, the annual sales for automobiles along with light truck amounted to 14.8% higher compared to previous years (Spross, â€Å"The Comeback of the U.S. Auto Industry†). America is a developed country with growing population which means that the industries are developed and has entered the mat ured stage. Retail sales in the US are boosted by demand from automobiles along with gasoline prices restricting the customers to spend on other goods. Some of the major automobile makers reported that the sales of cars increased 19.9%

Theory of Knowledge Essay Example for Free

Theory of Knowledge Essay Art is a thing created by an individual using a rare, natural and creative talent. Some people say that it is impossible to define the meaning of art. They could be wrong as if it couldnt be defined, then the word art would have no value in our language. Since we use it all the time, it must have some meaning to it. Some people say art can be anything and everything. However, if everything is seen as art, then the word art is in danger of losing its meaning because it no longer distinguishes certain things from others. According to the Theory of Knowledge, there are three possible criteria of what is classified as an art; the creative intentions of the artist, the quality of the work and the response of spectators. Beyond this, everyones opinion about what art is compiled of differs from each other. An artist is basically a creator of his art. He also is said to create the meaning of his art. He sees an object with his eyes and reveals the beauty in everyday objects. Besides that, he also tells a particular story through his work of art, whether they are his emotions, experiences or maybe his opinions. However, we should truly take into account that it is also possible that the artist refuse to create meanings within his art. As he is the creator of his art, he is the one who decides what he wants in his work. It is likely that he, in the first place, constructed his artwork without wanting to engage any meaning or substance in it and also, possibly, as an act of spontaneity. In a closer scrutiny, many people believe that an art has to have a meaning. Basically, it starts with the artists intention(s), whether he wants to convey a message to his viewers, express his thoughts and feelings through his art in many ways, such as through paintings on a piece of canvas, music with a pleasing melody, or even a well-crafted rhyme. For instance, take a simple sketch of beautiful butterflies on a notebook. As we, the spectators respond by scrutinizing the artists intention(s) based on the art, it will somehow evoke various emotions in our minds such as freedom, beauty or perhaps also, fragility and gracefulness. That is the meaning of an art. Another constructive example would be Vincent van Gogh, who did not consider himself an Impressionist as his artworks were all symbolic and has deep meanings in them. Basically, his art exploited nature to reflect his inner vision and emotional state through lines, colours, spatial composition, distortion and exaggeration. These methods were all manipulated to create a meaning in his art. Similarly to Van Gogh, another famous artist Picasso is another good example. For many years people criticized Picassos work of art, described it as devilish and -well insane. The main reason was that his art simply looked rather unnatural in its ways. However, they are still universally known around the world just because of the meanings implied within his artworks as it provokes thoughts and feelings. On the contrary, what if a piece of work of an artist does not have a meaning within it? Is it still considered as an art? What if the artist refuses to provoke emotions, feelings and thoughts of the audience? Does it still make his piece of work an art? What if the artist wants his work to be meaningless? What if he has no message to convey to his viewers? Maybe that piece of work is constructed with the intention to spend the spare time that he has?  As we view from a different perspective, it can also be considered that as long as artists have a creative intention and the urge to produce a piece of art, their work is definitely believed as an art through qualities such as the excellence of the work and the various materials, methods and technical skills used to produce the art regardless of whether or not their work has a meaning. Through my own experience, a few years ago, I drew a simple sketch of butterflies during free period in my notebook as I wanted to just draw whatever that comes to my mind at that moment. To be honest, I never thought of conveying any messages such as independence, beauty, fragility and so on to my audience. I had never considered how the butterflies carried deep, fundamental meaning and how they could be represented as symbolisms. As I was the creator of my art, to me, they were just butterflies. All I wanted them to be were butterflies, without any meanings at all. However, it is still considered as an art because my intention while drawing those butterflies was to loosen up my mind, and besides that, the quality of the drawing was fairly beautiful and attractive as it reveals the beauty in everyday objects. Lastly, I also gained response from spectators with their opinions about my drawing. To emphasize on my point, again, according to the Theory of Knowledge, things are considered as art if they fulfil the three criteria stated above. Thus, my work was without a doubt an art, even though it has no meanings within it. In conclusion, it shows that there isnt a definite answer of Yes or No to the question given above. Through the study of Theory of Knowledge, we are encouraged to see things in a bigger perspective and to examine every angle of a situation. In this matter, from one point of view, art has to have meaning in much the same way as words written on paper have meaning considering how an artist intends to convey a message and to communicate emotions without words. On the other hand, art also does not have to be about anything to be good. In fact, the more people tried to scrutinize and understand the meaning of the artwork, the less interesting that work becomes as they are easily deciphered by the audience. It is also said that the greatest art takes a lifetime to understand; the slightest takes a moment. While more people tried to make their own meaning from a piece of art, it does not mean that it is the initial meaning that the artist intended. Sometimes, many tried hard to figure out the meaning of an art but it turns out that the artists intention does not want his art to have any meaning at all.  I believe it is open to interpretation whether does something have to have a meaning or if it does not, is it still considered as an art?

Strategic Alliances: Reasons and Types

Strategic Alliances: Reasons and Types Introduction Strategic alliances and why are they formed Strategic alliances can be seen as one of the fastest growing trends for business today; Alliances are sweeping through nearly every industry and are becoming an essential driver for their super growth. A strategic alliance, by definition, is a form of affiliation that involves a mutual sharing of resources for the benefit of all of the strategic partners. â€Å"Mutuality† is key (Beavers 2001). The business consideration is whether both alliance partners need each other. Strategic alliances range in size and scope from informal business relationships based on simple contracts to joint venture agreements, some times where corporations are set up to manage the alliance. According to Vyas et al (1995) strategic alliances are cropping up across the global arena mainly due to the maturation of several trends of the 1980s, such as: intensified foreign competition, shortened product life cycles, soaring cost of capital, including the cost of research and development, and ever-growin g demand for new technologies. However, strategic alliances can be tricky. Partnerships foster mutual benefits, but the alliances exist only as long as they are advantageous to both parties. Research indicates that a high proportion of strategic alliances fail (Forbes 2002; Lorange and Roos 1991; Day 1995). This essay explores concept of strategic alliances drawing from Mintzberg et als schools of strategy and then critically identifies the main factors that determine the design and delivery of effective co-operative strategies. It does so by using the case study that pertains to Avebe and Noveon Alliance. Why? For many multinational firms, strategic alliances have become increasingly important tools for ensuring speed and flexibility in carrying out multinational strategies. A typical example is SEVEL (Societa Europea Veicoli Leggeri), the 1978 strategic alliance between Fiat and Peugeot for the production of a new light van named Ducato. Both parties were short on resources and saved time and energy by combining their RD and manufacturing efforts (Lorange and Roos 1991). Strategic alliances can be effective ways to diffuse new technologies rapidly, to enter a new market, to bypass governmental restrictions expeditiously, and/or to learn quickly from the leading firms in a given field Mintzberg et als Schools of Strategy Strategic alliance is an agreement between two or more individuals, or entities, or organisations to cooperate in a specific business activity, so that each benefit from the strength of other and gains competitive advantage. The formulation of strategic alliance has been seen as a response to the globalisation and increasing uncertainty and complexity in the business environment. Strategic alliances involve the sharing of knowledge and expertise between the partners as well as in reducing the risk and costs in areas like relationship with the supplier and the development of new products and technologies. Strategic alliances usually make sense when the parties involved have complimentary strengths. Its unlike full-scale acquisition, an alliance does not give a firm total control over its partners. Avebe and Noveon Alliance Case Study. Avebe, a Dutch company, established in 1919 as a joint sales organisation for the greater part of the Dutch independent potato starch industry. Through research and development, joint ventures and acquisition in Netherlands, Europe and Worldwide, Avebe now plays a major role in the global sales, marketing, production and development of potato starch and starch specialities used in food, pharmaceuticals, animal feed, textile, paper and adhesives. Avebes specialities are used by the textile industry for obtaining good weaving efficiency, to obtain smooth fabrics, and for sharp and durable printing of fabrics. Noveon, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio with regional centers in Belgium and Hong-Kong, is a leading global producer and marketer of technology advanced speciality chemicals for a broad range consumer and industrial application. Noveon was recognised as leading producer of polymers. It was also acknowledged as the largest producer acrylic acid for synthetic polymer. Reason for cooperation Avebe Avebe was outstanding in printing thickeners but not yet in reactive dye printing market. It was not possible for Avebe to enter into this market as it was purely a starch based industry. Only a combination of starch and synthetic polymer could help them enter this market. For this Avebe had two options- Noveon and Alloid Colloids (under ICI Corporation, England). Combination of Avebes and Noveons products in laboratory test showed excellent printing thickness for reactive printing dye market. The final selection was based on four considerations, namely- Noveon had the same synthetic polymer as that of ICI in dry form and Avebe was expert in dry blending. Dry blends resulted in more efficiency both in space and cost compared to liquid one. Noveons synthetic was proved the best when combined with Avebe than any other. Noveon had excellent market expertise in the US, which Avebe lacked. Combination of Avebe and Noveons expertise expected around 25% of the new market to either company. Reasons for cooperation Noveon Noveons alliance with Avebe started by an accident. Noveon acquired QSI in South Carolina in 1994. QSI used to purchase natural starches from Avebe for its operation. This was the start of their joint venture. Synthetic polymer Noveon had was fairly expensive; while Avebes natural starch was relatively cheap. They expected that blending of these two would result in better quality at reasonable price. Noveon expected that the price of synthetic and natural thickener blends would increase in US and Europe, due to the demand for high quality products. Combination of synthetic and natural thickeners could reduce the cost of dye stuff and chemicals. The saving was estimated to be around $ 1 million per year. Noveon selected Avebe for their technology. Far East and Europe preferred Avebe as their best choice. Initial agreement The agreement was signed by both the companies on 24th March 1995. After two year, to anticipate competition, both the companies formulated a marketing agreement for their joint product. The agreement was as follows- Division of the world market. As per this agreement, Noveon agreed market their product in America and the Caribbean. Avebe agreed to market its product in Europe, Asia- pacific and Russia. China and India was open for both. Restriction on sale of each others product. As per this agreement Avebe was forbidden to sell Noveons product and Noveon agreed not to sell Avebes products to any other company without a prior consent of other. 3) Information exchange/ training. Both Avebe and Noveon agreed for a meeting once in six months to exchange development, manufacturing and technical service information relating to their joint venture. Reasons for alliance 1) Alliances assist the firms learning and diversification into new areas of activities. Alliances help to extend a firms competitive advantage in several ways. A firm enters into strategic alliance because this can potentially provide benefits that are not possible through either internal development or external acquisition. This helps the company to acquire benefit by reducing the cost rather than taking it all by itself. An alliance stand as an intermediate to help the allies enter into new industry and markets. 2) Alliance provide useful platform to test their products in new markets. Alliances help in extending and renewing their sources of competitive advantage while expanding globally. This helps the new companies to enter into new market with little market knowledge. By this these companies learn how to compete in the global market. Working together helps in overcoming the economic obstacles too. 3)  Design School of strategic management- Henry Mintzberg This prescriptive school of Mintzberg see strategy formulation as a process of conception which is responsible for the development of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the organisation (SWOT). In this school the strengths and weaknesses are of the company are mapped along with the opportunities and threat in the market place. This is implemented in order to formulate clear and unique strategies in a deliberate process. In this the internal environment is matched to the external environment. This school mainly helps in reducing ambiguity and is mainly used in stable environments. It supports strong and visionary leadership. The main drawback of the design school is that it is weak in a fast moving environment and there are risks of resistance. It also has many variables and is inherently complex and also inflexible. Types of strategic alliances Strategic alliances can be classified into three main types: Shared- supply alliance Shared- supply alliance bring together companies which join forces to achieve economies of scale on a given component or on an individual stage in the production process. The shared elements are further incorporated in products that are further incorporated in products that remain specific to each other and that competes directly in the market. This type of alliance is formed when the minimum efficient size at a particular stage in the production process is much greater than for the entire product, and when neither of the partner produce large enough to achieve the critical size. Shared- supply alliance are usually formed between partners of comparable size. This alliance primarily involves research and development (RD) and manufacturing activities. Coordination of research activities between the partners makes it possible to optimize the use or resources. These alliances are usually formed by firms operating in the same zone. In this case of shared supply alliance the assets and ski lls that the partner companies bring to the joint project are similar in nature and their goal is to benefit from increased economies of scale. Quasi- concentration alliance This alliance brings together companies that develop, produce and market a joint product. There is no open competition in quasi- concentration alliance. Quasi- concentration alliances are primarily characterized by transactions between the consortium of allies and the market. Transactions between the companies are also carried out within the alliance. This alliance covers all the main functions involved in carrying out an activity, that is, research and development, manufacturing, and marketing. Marketing and sales are either split between the partners on the basis of geographic presence or carried out jointly. Complementary alliance. Complimentary alliances bring together companies which contribute assets and skills of different natures to bring up a combined project. Here one manufactures the product, which is marketed by others distribution channels. There is no competition within the allies. This type of an alliance is mainly formed by only two parties.

Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby Essay -- Fitzgerald Great Gatsby 20s Es

Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby In my presentation, I will be discussing how the 20s played a major role and affected the story, characters, and ultimately, the outcome of the novel, The Great Gatsby. The first topic I will be discussing are the women of the Great Gatsby. The 20s were a time of change in the views of women. They became more open and outgoing in many things. These included not only womens rights, but also their sexuality. This was the age of the "flapper". A flapper was a women who was very outgoing at parties. She smoked, drank, danced, and couldn't hold only one man. Think "Chicago" for a very good example. Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones both played flappers. -Now, technically Daisy wouldn't be classified as a so called "flapper", but she was highly influenced by them. When Gatsby returns, Daisy is still in love with him and, even though she is married, runs away with him, but only for a short period of time. Before the roaring 20s, this would be unthought of, but as the womens rights movements set in, it is not so uncommon of a sight. -Myrtle was also sort of a flapper, though as I said with Daisy, not the best representation in the book. She was also married, and was very poor, yet she was having a long running affair with Tom, Daisy's husband. She was fat, loud, and tried to be as rich as she could, yet everyone saw right though that. Myrtle's ideals played a very important part in The Great Gatsby. -The best representation of...

Tobacco Addiction: Hookah

Jared Fujikuni Psych 22 April 5, 2013 Tobacco Addiction: Water Pipes An addiction is the compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming substance which is defined by physiological symptoms upon withdrawal. Addiction is more commonly referred to activities in a negative sense because the substance is often harmful to the user. One of the most addicting substances is nicotine, which is found within tobacco. The first thought that comes to mind when referencing to tobacco addiction is smoking cigarettes, but there are many other ways to consume tobacco such as: dip (chewing tobacco), cigars, and water pipes.Although the water pipe has been around for hundreds of years, it has only recently become popular. It has spread throughout the Middle East to Europe, all the way to North America, targeting pre-teens to young adults in college. There is an abundant amount of research done on the damaging effects of cigarettes, but as the water pipe craze is relatively new, there is still very littl e information on the health risks that this fresh social nicotine addiction may contain. The water pipe has many different street names which are a lot more exotic and alluring: hookah, shisha, boory, goza, nargile, arghile, and hubble bubble/hubbly bubbly.Smoking hookah is a sensual and relaxing experience which is often done with a group of people. This bonding social activity gives smoking a different dimension of appeal compared to the normal singular act of smoking a cigarette, but may also contribute to the development of addiction. The water pipe is often an elegant looking device resembling a flower vase that sits on a table in between the party. The group will usually be sitting comfortably around the hookah which encourages long sessions that often include over fifty puffs of the hookah.The type of tobacco that is smoked through the water pipe is called maassel, which is fermented in molasses and fruit essences. There are many different flavors that appeal to all smokers. The smoke is often sweet or minty and cooled by the water filter which makes it easy for even nonsmokers to enjoy. First the tobacco is placed within a clay bowl covered by aluminum foil which heads the water pipe. Coals are placed on top of the head to heat the tobacco. The vase of the hookah is filled half way with liquid (usually water). The smoker inhales through a tube that is connected to the vase.The smoke is drawn through the stem of the pipe and filtered through the water before going through the tube that the smoker is inhaling on. The smoker is able to inhale clouds of smoke while simultaneously drawing air over the coals which further burns the tobacco. There are many cafes and bars that are dedicated to smoking hookah. These cafes have become increasingly popular among college students and are popping up all over the United States. Hookahs are also easily purchased through smoke shops or online. Smoking hookah has become a very popular social event because of its slow p ace and relaxing feel.It allows people to partake in an activity which doesn’t require any concentration and allows them to socialize for an hour or so. It is more active than getting together for a coffee but not distracting enough to take away from a conversation. Yet the slow pace of the hookah experience is part of why it might be very dangerous. The total amount of exposure to nicotine through the prolonged smoking pattern is extremely unhealthy. Researchers from the American University of Beirut analyzed smoking patterns at a hookah lounge and reported that smokers inhaled ten times as often as a typical cigarette smoker would.Not only this, but each inhale contained about ten times as much smoke volume as a single cigarette puff. A single hookah session could have the smoke volume equivalent of one hundred cigarettes. To defend the health risks of hookah smoking, many argue that when inhaling, it is nott necessary to inhale all the way into the lungs, but to simply pla y with the smoke in the mouth like with a cigar. However, researchers have collected data that estimate absorption of nicotine and other substances contained in hookah smoke state otherwise. Despite the volume of exposure, hookah smokers are still exposed to fewer toxins than cigarette smokers. The studies indicate that hookah smokers are absorbing high levels of toxins and carcinogens that contribute to the development of heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory diseases† (Harvard, 2008, p. 3). Hookah is often argued as a healthier way of smoking because the smoke is filtered through water, but clearly it does not filter out all of the toxins. There is still enough nicotine getting through to become addicted. The amount of nicotine that is produced by smoking hookah can vary depending on multiple variables: type of tobacco, number of coals, duration of use, and the inhaling technique.The number of coals which is related to the temperature that the hookah would be burning a t has a huge impact on the amount of toxins that are inhaled. If the coals are actually burning the tobacco instead of â€Å"baking† or â€Å"steaming† the shisha, the tar in the tobacco could be burned which is very unhealthy to inhale. Researchers found that chronic respiratory symptoms were found in younger hookah smokers rather than older ones which suggest that the younger users were smoking more intensely or not being as careful to not burn the tar.Saliva samples showed that carbon monoxide exposure was twice as high in hookah smokers as in cigarette smokers. As far as long-term health effects, there hasn’t been much research to make any solid conclusions but like in other tobacco related addictions, there was increased chance of periodontal disease, cardiovascular problems, increased heart rate and blood pressure and problems with the child of women who were pregnant while smoking. Despite the health risks (that the majority of smokers don’t even k now about), smoking hookah has a huge appeal.It is a social activity that gives bored young adults something to do as well as relaxes the body. The social aspect of the water pipe makes quitting the addiction much different than quitting smoking cigarettes. The hookah smoker is not only addicted to nicotine but also addicted to a fun activity that encourages socializing. It is easy to see how and why young adults would become addicted to smoking hookah. It is also easy to see why hookah lounges are rapidly popping up across the world as addiction equals profit. â€Å"While hookah is alluring, it also appears to be a health hazard.Clearly, there are safer ways to relax† (Harvard, 2008, p. 3). Two studies were recently done on hookah smokers. The first study wanted to figure out if hookah smoking encouraged cigarette addiction, while the other sought to decipher the demographics of those who smoke hookah based off a study done on female college freshmen. The first study was don e on students in Denmark. They tested men that were all non-smokers who occasionally smoked a cigarette but were not yet addicted. Through surveying, they discovered that the men that also occasionally or regularly smoked from a water pipe were more likely to become regular cigarette mokers. Although this is a rather weak study, it shows that the tobacco in hookah still contributes to nicotine addiction. A side point that the study made was that hookah could be a potential gateway for smoking cigarettes. â€Å"Special features such as the lower temperature of the smoke and the aromas of water pipe tobacco can contribute to enforcing this mechanism, leading toward smoking cigarettes regularly† (Jensen, 2010, p. 1256). The second study helped determine the appeal of smoking hookah. Syracuse University did a study on female freshmen at a private university in New York through online participation which was paid.The study based the results on the volunteers who had not smoked hoo kah before their freshman year. There were many factors that were predicted to determine whether the students would partake in smoking or not. The protective factors: high school GPA, religion, health value, and self-esteem. The risk factors: impulsivity/sensation-seeking, depression, anxiety, and social comparison. â€Å"†¦experimenting with hookah might be part of a normative process of seeking new experiences, as a rate of other substance use peak during the 18-25 age range† (Fielder, 2012, p. 64). Freshmen year is where students are insecure, seek self-discovery, and take risks. â€Å"†¦the transition to college is a likely time for hookah initiation given the increased freedom enjoyed by residential students, the popularity of hookah lounges in college towns, the ability of students under age 21 to get into hookah lounges but not regular bars, media portrayals of hookah smoking as exotic and trendy, permissive social norms about substance use typical of the co llege environment, and the developmental task of identity exploration† (Fielder, 2012, p. 46). All of these factor into the study and reasoning behind the engagement in hookah addiction. The study results showed that twenty-three percent initiated hookah use during their freshmen year which is not a huge percentage but there were many limitations to this study. A volunteer survey that took place at a private school that targeted women was the make-up for a limited study. The results showed that the biggest correlation with smoking hookah was alcohol intake.The other predicted factors weren’t strong enough to make a correlation. The study also showed that one-third of the surveys had already smoked hookah before their freshman year which shows the popularity. Despite the actual addiction to nicotine and the appeal of the head rush, one of the biggest aspects to smoking that is often over-looked is the smoke itself. Although the smoke is in some ways mysteriously uncontro llable, the art of the smoke cloud projecting out of the smoker’s mouth gives off a sense of creativity and ownership.The smoke is art whether it is blown out through technique such as a ring or simply as a cloud. The clouds achievable by smoking hookah are by far the largest. The water pipe’s allure combined with its targeted consumer is the perfect set-up for a generation of nicotine addicts. With still very little known about the long-term health risks, too many risk-seeking college students are falling into the social nicotine trap. It may start off as an innocent activity, but soon enough it could become a daily routine, henceforth an addiction.Harvard Medical School. (2008). Why waterpipe smoking raises concerns about addiction and other health problems. The Hazards of Hookah. Jensen, Poul Densoe. (2010). Waterpipe use predicts progression to regular cigarette smoking among Danish youth. Tobacco: Waterpipe Smoking. Fielder, Robyn L. , Carey, Kate B. , & Carey, Mi chael P. (2012). Predictors of initiation of hookah tobacco smoking: a one-year prospective study of first-year college women.

Chemistry and Society Essay

Chemistry is very important in our lives even though we may not realize that chemistry is everywhere. This paper serves to examine the ways in which chemistry is relevant in everyday life and in society. It will also examine the difference between accuracy and precision and provide examples of when accuracy and precision are crucial in measurements and why society depends on these measurements to be accurate and precise ( Tam 2012). Chemistry in Society  When we turn on the tap and fill a glass with water and drink it, we are benefitting from the chemical process that removes impurities from water, providing us with clean drinking water. When we use a laundry detergent to remove a stubborn stain from clothing, we are able to do so because of a chemical reaction. The medicines that heal us are a result of a chemical reaction within our bodies. The time-released medicines that we take, delay certain chemical reactions until our bodies need them. There are chemical reactions happening around us every second of every day. Chemistry also plays a role in assuring that we protect and preserve our planet. Green chemistry or sustainable chemistry is the branch of chemistry that focuses on ways to reduce the damage to our environment through waste prevention, proper waste disposal, and identifying renewable energy sources (Ravichandran, 2011). Precision vs. Accuracy Precision is the state of being exact and the ability of a measurement to be reproduced consistently (â€Å"precision†, n. d. ). Accuracy is the freedom from mistakes that arise as a result of being careful (â€Å"accuracy†, n. . ). Precision incorporates the element of time whereas accuracy is the correctness of a single event. You can achieve precision if you do something accurately and consistently over time. In science, the precision of a number lies in the number of reported digits. The greatest amount of precision of measurement is with numbers with the greatest number of digits and the least amount of precision of a measurem ent is with numbers with the fewest number of digits ( Chapter 2, Measurement and Problem Solving, 2009). Society relies on the accuracy and precision of measurements in many areas of our lives. The manufacturing industry relies on the accuracy of measurements when manufacturing components that must be assembled to produce an end product. If the measurements of each component aren’t correct, you will not be able to assembly the product. Manufacturing requires precision because each part must be cut exactly the same as the previous one. Have you ever purchased a product that required assembly and found that one of the pieces was cut incorrectly and thus the product could not be assembled properly? We rely on the precision and accuracy of the manufacturing process to deliver us goods that assembly the way they should. Another area where society relies on the precision and accuracy of measurements is the medical field. When a doctor prescribes a medication to a patient, the accuracy of the measurements of the medicine is crucial. If too much is prescribed, it could be deadly; if too little is prescribed it may not be effective in producing the desired results. Accuracy and/or Precision of Measurements There are several types of tools we use to measure; some are more accurate than others. When a doctor prescribes a medication, he uses ml instead of ounces. While both are forms of liquid measure, the ml is the most precise measure because it has smaller increments than the ounce. If we were talking about the amount of soda in a can, the use of ounces is an accurate enough measure because that does not require the same type of precision as the dispensing of medication. We us a watch or clock for the measurement of time. We measure time in seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years. The measurement of time using seconds is the most precise and accurate unit of measure when measuring time. With current technology, a sprinter’s time can be recorded in fractions of a second. With the addition of auto start and auto finish, the clock begins when the starting gun is fired. The clock stops when the sprinter crosses the finish line which is a beam that stretches across the finish line. Determining the winner of a 100m dash requires precise and accurate measurement because in many instances the sprinters are so close that it is difficult to determine the winner of a race. Before auto start and finish, the sprinter’s time was recorded by people using a stopwatch. The stopwatch was started at the sound of the gun firing and was stopped when you saw some body part cross the finish line. This method was subject to human error. There were fractions of a second lost in human reaction time to what they saw and heard. The addition of the auto start and finish has provided the needed increase of precision and accuracy. Times are measured with a precision of . 001 seconds. Conclusion Chemistry is relevant and present in our everyday lives. Now, in the morning when you boil an egg too long and the yolk turns a grayish color, know that is a chemical reaction taking place. When an egg is boiled for too long at high temperatures, ferrous sulfur is produced and that is what causes the grayish color on the yolk (Karukstis, 2003). We can now appreciate why a doctor gives us our medications in ml and not ounces because we know that ml are a more precise measure than ounces. We have and continue to rely on the precise and accurate measurement in so many aspects of our lives even if we don’t realize that we do.

Importance of Agriculture Informative Speech Essay

Imagine a world without food. Without restaurants, grocery stores, or convenience stores. Imagine children lying in the middle of the streets because they’ve gone days, even weeks without eating anything. Imagine waking up every morning and going out to scavenge for food, because it isn’t available anywhere commercially. Imagine living without your morning coffee or your after school snack. I’d bet this is very hard for you to imagine. Almost everything that we eat or consume is all thanks to agriculture. First, we will set the table and look at the history of agriculture. Then we will dig in to the importance of agriculture. Finally, we will clean our plates and look towards agriculture’s future. We will start by setting the table and looking back at the history of agriculture. The development of the domestication of plants and animals actually began over 10,000 years ago, believe it or not. It is thought that agriculture first began during a time when there were shortages of plants and large game that would normally be found in the wild. To make up for these shortages, people began to plants crops to supply them with the food that they needed. Some people also theorize that agricultural production was driven by figures of great power, who would throw feasts to show their dominance over others. Also, as population density grew higher, so did the production of food to supply the population. The Middles Ages was a time of great agricultural improvement for Europe. Draft horses were bred to work plows and do other types of work. The scythe and plow were invented in Europe, as well as the development of crop rotation. Because of Europe’s higher population density, there was lots of extensive farming to supply the people with food. India brought the domestication of crops such as barley and wheat, as well as beginning to raise livestock such as sheep and goats. In South America, the major crop was the potato, but many types of beans were developed as well. South America also began the trend of llamas and alpacas used as livestock. The natives of early eastern North America also were known for growing many crops, such as sunflowers, tobacco, and some varieties of squash. The introduction of machinery during the industrial revolution brought with it the tractor, the combine, and many other types of farming machinery. These new tools allowed farmers to produce and harvest crops at a rate previously thought impossible. The development of railroads and other types of long distance travel have also aided the agricultural revolution in its massive growth. Now that we have looked back at the history of agriculture, we will now examine the role agriculture plays in our society, and its importance. What do you think of when you picture agriculture? Do you imagine a farmer in denim coveralls holding a pitchfork, or an old guy in a tractor going through fields? This misconception of agriculture has greatly affected its reputation in today’s society. The FFA creed begins with the words â€Å"I believe in the future of farming with a faith born of not words but deeds. † Agriculture is important because our farmers actually get things done. Agriculture is one of the oldest activities known to humankind. Without today’s farmers, we wouldn’t have food. Without agriculture, we would all be forced to scavenge for food, rather than buying it from the grocery store. But even more than food, agriculture also provides us with clothing and shelter. Wool is spun for sweaters, trees are chopped down for lumber, plants are made into medicines. Fruits and vegetables, herbs, meats, even dairy products. All of these somehow stem from the soil that covers this very earth. And unfortunately, these things aren’t just simply readily available to us. We need farmers to grow and produce them for the use of today’s society. Clearly, agriculture is a very large part of our lives. Now that we have looked back at the history of agriculture and examined its importance, we will clean our plates and look into agriculture’s future. As the world’s population continues to grow at an alarmingly fast rate, resources will most definitely become limited in the very near future. Therefore, the first duty of farmers will be to maintain and preserve those resources for generations to come. The population is expected to more than double by 2050, which is all too scary, since the earth only has limited land. There has been lots of controversy as to whether industrialization, agriculture, or wildlife preservation will take precedence. Even today farmers are still developing new technology to increase rate of crop production and the overall effectiveness of current farming methods. Today, even the youngest people are taking steps to harness agricultural opportunities. Many organizations are out there, including FFA, 4-H, and many more. FFA is a great thing, because it helps today’s students prepare for a future where agriculture will be bigger than it ever has been before. FFA also teaches high school students leadership, responsibility, and even friendship. 4-H aims even younger, with members as young as kindergarten or first grade learning the importance of agriculture early in life. Today we have set the table and looked back at the history of agriculture. Then, we dug in to the importance and impact agriculture has on today’s society. Finally, we cleaned our plates and looked forward into the future of agriculture.