Border Wars essays

Border Wars essays The U.S. Border Patrol is the organization that polices the entry of illegal immigrants into our country. The official mission of the United States Border patrol is to protect the boundaries of the United States by preventing illegal entry, and by detecting, interdicting, and apprehending illegal aliens, smugglers, and contraband. Today, the United States Border Patrol consists of 21 sectors. Each sector is headed by a chief patrol agent. There are 145 stations located throughout the continental United States, and in Puerto Rico. The Border Patrol controls the border by land, sea, and air. The Border Patrol has jurisdiction across all United States borders and at least 25 miles off the border. The Border Patrol agents are responsible to check factories for illegal workers. As of September of 1995, the Border Patrol had 530 agents. The Border Patrol's efforts may be sufficient but many people believe that there are many problems in the methods of the Border Patrol. First, many people think that all of the equipment is costing the taxpayers too much. An estimation by TIME magazine states that in California alone, $400 million is spent on healthcare for illegal immigrants. CNN says that the care of illegal immigrants in one hospital in Jacksonville, Florida costs taxpayers $44.5 million. A Federal Government estimate says that $1.6 billion dollars is spent on the education of illegal immigrants each year in California alone. Just think of how much money is spent on illegal immigrants across the country. Now this is just the cost of the immigrants that get through the border patrol. These costs could be greatly lowered if the Border Patrol would do its job. Let alone the cost of the illegal immigrants that manage to get through the Border Patrol, the Border Patrol alone is costing plenty. In an overview, some people believe that we are spending too much money on ...

Carbon Facts - Atomic Number 6 or C

Carbon Facts - Atomic Number 6 or C Carbon is the element with atomic number 6 on the periodic table with symbol C. This nonmetallic element is the key to the chemistry of living organisms, primarily due to its tetravalent state, which allows it to form four covalent chemical bonds with other atoms. Here are facts about this important and interesting element. CarbonBasic Facts Atomic Number: 6 Symbol: C Atomic Weight: 12.011 Discovery: Carbon exists free in nature and has been known since prehistoric time. The earliest known forms were charcoal and soot. Diamonds were known in China at least as early as 2500 BCE. The Romans knew how to make charcoal from wood by heating it in a covered container to exclude air.  Renà © Antoine Ferchault de Rà ©aumur showed iron was transformed into steel by the absorption of carbon in 1722. In 1772, Antoine Lavoisier demonstrated diamonds were carbon by heating diamond and charcoal and measuring the released carbon dioxide per gram. Electron Configuration: [He]2s22p2 Word Origin: Latin carbo, German Kohlenstoff, French carbone: coal or charcoal Isotopes: There are seven natural isotopes of carbon. In 1961 the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry adopted the isotope carbon-12 as the basis for atomic weights. Carbon-12 accounts for 98.93% of naturally-occurring carbon, while carbon-13 forms the other 1.07%. Biochemical reactions preferentially use carbon-12 over carbon-13. Carbon-14 is a radioisotope that occurs naturally. It is made in the atmosphere when cosmic rays interact with nitrogen. Because it has a short half-life (5730 years), the isotope is almost absent from rocks, but the decay can be used for radiocarbon dating of organisms. Fifteen isotopes of carbon are known. Properties: Carbon is found free in nature in three allotropic forms: amorphous (lampblack, boneblack), graphite, and diamond. A fourth form, white carbon, is thought to exist. Other allotropes of carbon include graphene, fullerenes, and glassy carbon. Diamond is one of the hardest substances, with a high melting point and index of refraction. Graphite, on the other hand, is extremely soft. The properties of carbon depend largely on its allotrope. Uses: Carbon forms numerous and varied compounds with limitless applications. Many thousands of carbon compounds are integral to life processes. Diamond is prized as a gemstone and is used for cutting, drilling, and as bearings. Graphite is used as a crucible for melting metals, in pencils, for rust protection, for lubrication, and as a moderator for slowing neutrons for atomic fission. Amorphous carbon is used for removing tastes and odors. Element Classification: Non-Metal Toxicity: Pure carbon is considered to be non-toxic. It may be eaten as charcoal or graphite or used to prepare tattoo ink. However, inhalation of carbon irritates lung tissue and can lead to lung disease. Carbon is essential for life, as it is the building block for proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and fats. Source: Carbon is the fourth most abundant element in the universe, after hydrogen, helium, and oxygen. It is the 15th most abundant element in the Earths crust. The element forms in giant and supergiant stars via the triple-alpha process. When stars die as supernovae, carbon is scattered by the explosion and becomes part of the matter integrated into new stars and planets. Carbon Physical Data Density (g/cc): 2.25 (graphite) Melting Point (K): 3820 Boiling Point (K): 5100 Appearance: dense, black (carbon black) Atomic Volume (cc/mol): 5.3 Ionic Radius: 16 (4e) 260 (-4e) Specific Heat (20 °C J/g mol): 0.711 Debye Temperature ( °K): 1860.00 Pauling Negativity Number: 2.55 First Ionizing Energy (kJ/mol): 1085.7 Oxidation States: 4, 2, -4 Lattice Structure: Diagonal Lattice Constant (Ã…): 3.570 Crystal Structure: hexagonal Electronegativity: 2.55 (Pauling scale) Atomic Radius: 70 pm Atomic Radius (calc.): 67 pm Covalent Radius: 77 pm Van der Waals Radius: 170 pm Magnetic Ordering: diamagnetic Thermal Conductivity (300 K) (graphite): (119–165) W ·m−1 ·K−1 Thermal Conductivity (300 K) (diamond): (900–2320) W ·m−1 ·K−1 Thermal Diffusivity (300 K) (diamond): (503–1300) mm ²/s Mohs Hardness (graphite): 1-2 Mohs Hardness (diamond): 10.0 CAS Registry Number: 7440-44-0 Quiz: Ready to test your carbon facts knowledge? Take the Carbon Facts Quiz Return to the Periodic Table  of Elements Sources Deming, Anna (2010). King of the elements?. Nanotechnology. 21 (30): 300201. doi:10.1088/0957-4484/21/30/300201Lide, D. R., ed. (2005). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (86th ed.). Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press. ISBN 0-8493-0486-5.Weast, Robert (1984). CRC, Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. Boca Raton, Florida: Chemical Rubber Company Publishing. pp. E110. ISBN 0-8493-0464-4.

A critical response to the Marketing Myopia Assignment

A critical response to the Marketing Myopia - Assignment Example Additionally, the article presents marketing strategies that can help business management overcome competition and other external forces, which threaten a business. Therefore, this discussion seeks to critically analyze the strengths and weakness of this article, with a focus to understanding the plausibility of the ideas it present. The strength of this article is identifiable in addressing the causative factors for business success or failure. The article clarifies on the misconception held by many people that external forces are the major causes of a business failure. However, according to the article, the reason behind the success or failure of any business is not due to environmental factors such as market saturation, threatened growth or competition. The success or failure of any business or organization is solely determined by the management (Levitt, 2004). The reason the failure of any business has to be attributed to the management because; when the business of an industry d eclines, it is not because the industry was not best suited to serve the people. The industry declines because the management is not able to protect its business from their competitors, who eventually take their customers away from them (Levitt, 2004). If the management can apply strategies for protecting their customer base, their business in any industry will continue thriving. This is one of the strengths of this article, since it emphasizes on the role of prudent management in ensuring the success of a business. Secondly, the article presents another credible argument that serves as another of its strength. Broader focus is the key to success of any business or industry (Levitt, 2004). The article observes that businesses fail because they perceive their investment narrowly, considering competitors to be only those offering similar products and services. This makes the management of the business forget to focus on the whole industry and how it can affect their business. For exam ple, people operating in the railway business will only focus their competitors as those other companies or individuals who own trains, forgetting that they are not in the narrow railroad business, but operating in the transport industry (Levitt, 2004). Therefore, the elaboration given by the article is credible because, in focusing narrowly at the business, the owners of a business are only concerned about the product or service they offer, at the expense of focusing on the customer (Levitt, 2004). Thus, for the success of any business, a wider focus on customer needs is important than focusing on the suitability of the products and services which a business offers. Businesses will succeed more if they focus on understanding and meeting customer needs. Therefore, a business should focus on the overall needs of the customer in the industry it is operating, rather than focusing narrowly on direct competitors. This is because, customer needs can be met by the indirect competitors, who take away the customers served by a business, and meet their needs in a different manner (Levitt, 2004). According to this article, the strength and success of any business lies in its internal innovation. If a business can tailor its innovativeness towards meeting customer needs at the expense of improving the efficiency of its products, the business is sure to succeed (Levitt, 2004). For example, a business operating in the petroleum industry should focus on the needs of the customers in the whole of the energy industry. This would mean that the business works towards meeting the needs of the

Martin Luther King Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Martin Luther King - Essay Example In his Letter to Birmingham Jail Martin King has made use of narratives from various religious narrations. He tries to relate to the clergymen who have written to him criticizing him by explaining to them how he has to carry the gospel like Jesus did (University of Pennsylvania). His letter makes one feel as though they are in the middle of the situation allowing for a more in-depth connection with the situation at hand. In the letter there has been use of a definition of how nonviolent campaigns take place in a society so as to involve not only the clergy but to enlighten the people in general as to what the process truly is. Martin Luther King makes use to examples in the letter that keep the conversation simple and practical for someone who might not be too literate, which was the case with many African Americans at that time. He continues to use examples from the bible and stories of Jesus to explain his cause for doing what he did. He even goes on to use the example of what Hitler did in Germany in the name of justice against the Jews and how the moderate whites were doing something similar to the Negros by denying them their rights (Hari Sharma, 2007).

Nature vs Nurture Essay Example for Free

Nature vs Nurture Essay Evolution vs. creationism, pro choice vs. pro life, nature vs. nurture, etc , these issues will always be debatable. These controversial issues will always divide the population up. Many people tend to put all their beliefsin science or religion. All are highly controversial and will be a major concern until the end of time. Nature is considered your genetic characteristics thatwere given to you at the time of conception. There are strong beliefs that â€Å"if mama does it, you will do it†. The individuals that truly believe this ideado tend to follow the footsteps of their parents. Individuals that are not strong enough to surpass their environment willalways fall into this category of prejudice from the environment. â€Å"Traditionally, genetics characteristics are considered stable and uncontrollable† (Jayaratne, et al. , 2009, p. 25). That is saying that a person can’t control the turn out of their life because it has been etched in stoned and there is nothing they can do about it. Nurture is considered to be the environmental characteristics that surround an individual. Our environment plays a big role in the way our lives unfold over time. Many believe that you can be nurtured to act a certain way or accomplish certain goals in a lifetime. â€Å"Environmental causes vary more in terms of how much stability and controllability they typically involve, unlike the genetic factors† (p. 25). If you’re brought up in a sound environment, you can usually control what course you are going to take in life. There is plenty conversations about nature and nurture. There are many characteristics that we get from nature and there many characteristics that we get from nurture. Even though we can be taught to act a certain way or do certain things, it is our choice to either go with the flow or create your own destiny. Just because we have good genes and a stable environment, doesn’t mean that were are going to be set up for greatness. We have to choose what we want in life. With that being said, characteristics that result from having a choice are said to be malleable and controllable (Jayaratne, et al., 2009). In my personal experiences, I can say that I was given natural family characteristics, nurtured by my surroundings, and chose to take my own path through life. I do agree with Lev Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory. According to Vygotsky, development of an individual involves a child having interactions with other persons (Crandell, Crandell, Vander Zanden, 2009). With having social interactions, this gives you a choice on what you want to do with your life. You can have the natural characteristics of your family, be nurtured by your surroundings, but it is your choice to go with the norm, follow your surroundings, or go in a totally different direction. References Crandell, T. L. , Crandell, C. H. , Vander Zanden, J. W. (2009). Human development ( 9thed). New York: McGraw Hill. Jayaratne, T. E. , Gelman, S. A. , Feldbaum, M. , Sheldon, J. P. , Petty, E. M. , Kardia, S. L. R. (2009). The Perennial Debate: Nature, Nurture, or Choice? Black and White Americans’ Explanations for Individual Differences. Review of General Psychology. 13(1), 24-33.

Understanding Crime Essay -- essays research papers

The Unabomber Tracing the steps of the criminal justice system through history one discovers that the main goal is to detain the suspected criminal(s) and restore security to society in general. Since the beginning of the criminal justice system attempts to understand the inner workings of a criminal mind and behavior which cause these deviations from normal thinking or acting have been a complex issue of comprehension. What causes people to exhibit certain behaviors that make them criminals? Why are the minds of criminals so hard to understand? What makes criminals act maliciously towards any aspect of society; whether it is towards people or just ideas upheld by people within society? No one really has a concrete answer to any of these questions. Certainly psychiatrists and psychologist would argue that criminal activity is developed through certain exposure and beliefs or simply the idea that someone is â€Å"crazy.† The Criminal Justice system says that people choose to commit crimes bu t what makes people want to perform these crimes. It all comes down to behavior of an individual and beliefs of that individual. Looking at a more recent case in the criminal justice system, the Unabomber, one needs to understand Theodore Kaczynski for childhood, through schooling, and up to his capture; made possible only by his brother’s aide to the F.B.I. Theodore John Kaczynski was born in a Chicago suburb to Wanda and Theodore Kaczynski on May 22, 1942. Kaczynski’s father taught him how to live and survive outdoors while his mother, Wanda, brought him up reading Scientific American. At a young age Kaczynski became very withdrawn and unresponsive to human contact. Kaczynski skipped two grades and graduated high school in 1958 at the age of 16 where he showed an aptitude for math and making small explosives; the early sings of what he was to become. He later earned a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University in mathematics. After Kaczynski graduated from Harvard he attended the University of Michigan earning a master’s and a Ph.D. in mathematics. Kaczynski life was looking good w hen he received a job at the University of California-Berkeley as a math professor but after only two years of working there he resigned without an explanation. Kaczynski decides to go back to his roots and live with nature in a shack in the woods of Montana. This is the time where Kaczynski life b... ...nature, than mankind would be doomed to be controlled by technology. That was the whole motive behind all the mail bombs in Kaczynski’s mind, that is why most of his targets where related to computers; a relatively new technological advancement. Kaczynski’s choice to rebel against technology and harm those who embraced it helps criminal profilers understand Kaczynski’s mindset and his behavior. The criminal justice system has been evolving throughout the course of history and has learned from its mistakes, but the one thing the system is improving on is understanding a criminal’s behavior and the psychoanalysis of that behavior i.e. why the person committed the crime and what could have caused the criminal to act the way they did. A set of theories has been developed to help people understand the criminal mind but I believe a criminal mind will never be completely understood. Work Cited Anderson, Patrick R, and Donald J Newman. Introduction to Criminal to Justice. New York: Longman Publishing Group, 1998. Will, George. A Close Look at the Kaczynski Trial. 8 Jan. 1998. ABC News. 7 March 2005 Unknown. Ted Kaczynski: Early Life, Education, and Career. Answers.com. 9 March 2005

Cultural Identity in Education Essay

Nowadays, the problem of cultural identity should not be underestimated. In fact, in the modern globalized world there is a strong trend to losing national identity in the result of the amalgamation of culture, or, to put it more precisely, in the result of the growing impact of western culture on other culture of the world. At the same time, individuals naturally cannot live without identity. This is why willingly or not they develop certain cultural identity under the impact of a variety of internal and external factors that actually shape their personality. In fact, individuals’ identity is inseparable from their personality. Consequently, human relations are, to a significant extent, predetermined by their cultural identity that effects dramatically their communication. As a result, it is always necessary to take into consideration the peculiarities of cultural identity of each individual, especially in education because modern education, being an extremely complicated process, is based on the idea that each individual is unique and his/her needs should be met in the process of education. Cultural identity in the modern world Before discussing cultural identity in the context of education, it is primarily necessary to briefly dwell upon the concept of cultural identity in the modern world. In fact, the modern concept of cultural identity is based on two key elements, notably modern identity implies being alike other people within a group and common categorizing of outward phenomena, such as race or clothes people wear . However, in recent year such an attitude to identity is considered to be simplistic and specialists insist that it should be expanded. Obviously, such a definition of identity implies that cultural identity is basically formed in the process of the development of individual, i. e. it is acquired in the result of social relationships of an individual with other people. In stark contrast, to this position, there is an ultimately opposite view on cultural identity as the product of human nature. To put it more precisely, A. J. Ayer insists that â€Å"the general criteria of personal identity may be solely physical in nature that means that the idnividual’s identity is based on his/her physical identity† . Nowadays, such a view is widely criticized, and Baum for instance, underlines that in the postmodern world identity is becoming reconstructed and redefined and, what is more, â€Å"the problem of identity is one of avoiding a fixed identity and keeping our options open† . Nevertheless, regardless the concept of ‘flexible’ cultural identity it is necessary to underline that that it is still an integral part of the individual’s personality. In actuality, â€Å"we are neither only what we inherit nor only what we acquire but, instead, stem from dynamic relationship between what we inherit and what we acquire† . In this respect, the ‘flexibility’ of cultural identity also implies individual’s freedom which is actually based on what an individual inherits and what he/she acquires . Cultural identity in educational system Obviously, cultural identity is of a paramount importance and its role in education is particularly significant because the individual’s identity is constantly developing and, being submitted to changes, it can affect his/her personality dramatically. At the same time, as cultural identity is shaped in the result of relationships between people, than the education process involves the interaction between people who have different cultural identity, different social and economic background, and whose views may vary significantly. At the same time, it is important to underline that the cultural identity of all agents of the education system, i. e. both educators and learners, is equally important because they constantly mutually influence each other. Also, it is worthy of mention that cultural identity is affected by different factors, including inherit and acquired ones. This is why the cultural identity in the modern education system implies the necessity of the development of such a relationship that would provide the possibility to possibly fuller realize the potential of each individual on the basis of his/her unique cultural identity. Unquestionably, cultural identity is partially inherited since it is quite natural that an individual acquires certain stereotypes, norms and models of behavior from his/her parents and in the course of times such similarity of a child and parents are growing stronger as the child learns more from his/her parents and develops his/her cultural identity. In fact, in such a situation, a child inherits not just traditions and experience of his/her parents but also traditions and experience of the whole people, or culture, and naturally acquires the experience of this culture that has been accumulating for decades and centuries. Furthermore, cultural identity is, to a significant extent, predetermined by social position of the individual and his/her social background. As a result, it is possible to estimate that cultural inheritances of an individual which he/she receives from his/her family, interact with social reality and position of the individual in the community. Consequently, â€Å"it is in these cultural inheritances that much of our identity is constituted and is thus marked by the social class to which we belong† . Also, it should be said that the development of cultural identity occurs in the process of education. It is important to realize that human beings are conscious of the fact that they are affected by their cultural identity and the effects of their social environment that creates opportunities to â€Å"overcome the strength of cultural inheritance† that can occur in the process of education. As a result, it is possible to say that cultural identity can be changed and this change can occur in the process of education. Moreover, to a significant extent, cultural identity is shaped in the process of learning that is a natural process for human beings who are simply programmed to learn. As a result, in the process of learning individuals create their own historical and cultural worlds, which â€Å"are our products, and †¦ we become animals who are permanent inscribed in a process of learning and seeking† . The role of cultural identity in educational process Obviously, as the cultural identity is extremely important in the educational process, it is quite natural that it is necessary to provide individuals with the opportunity to have freedom in the development of their identity. What is more, their own cultural identity should not be by no means discriminated or simply ignored. In stark contrast, in the modern really democratic school, it is necessary to provide all students from different socio-cultural background with equal opportunities. However, in the current situation, it is quite difficult to do because the problem of equal opportunities is extremely serious and not often the cultural aspect is taken into consideration when educators attempt to solve this problem. To put it more precisely, it should be said that different students have different cultural identity. At the same time, there exist the dominant class in the society which plays the primary role in the socio-economic life of society and tend to dominate in the cultural sphere. Naturally, such relations are extrapolated on schools as well. As a result, nowadays, there exist private schools where basically student from upper classes study and there are public schools where students from lower classes prevail . Naturally, in such a situation the teacher-student relationship may be affected dramatically. For instance, teachers representing the middle class could feel inferior to the upper class students in private schools and, in contrast, feel superior in public schools in relation to lower class students. Obviously, such attitudes are totally unacceptable for progressive educators. This is why it is extremely important to develop normal relationship with students with different cultural identity and treat them objectively avoiding revengeful attitude to upper class students or scornful attitude to lower class students. In fact, it is necessary to take into consideration the cultural identity of students and stimulate the development of the conscious and objective position of students in relation to their self-esteem and, thus, change their cultural identity making it more objective. Practically, it means that working with lower class students it is necessary to stimulate their self esteem and make them feel respectful to their own cultural identity. It is not a secret that often the overwhelming majority of students in public schools represent lower class families. Consequently, as the experience shows, their self esteem is quite low and they do not really believe that they can play any important role in the society. In fact, often they feel as if they are outcasts and, as some students believe, if they disappeared, no one would have even noticed their disappearance. In this respect, it is particularly dangerous when teachers ignore their social background and cultural identity since often such students have very peculiar semantics, accents and syntax which do not correspond to the norms of standard language used in the modern education. As a result, the students from lower classes risk of being academically less successful than students from the middle and upper classes and, as a rule, they actually are. On searching possible solutions of such a situation, it is possible to recommend referring to the cultural identity of students that will help better understand their personality and reveal their real skills and abilities. To put it more precisely, they should have a chance to realize their skills and abilities regardless the linguistic specificity. It means that they may use different terms and language to explain different phenomena but they may be correct. Furthermore, in order to improve the position of lower class students with cultural identity which may be characterized as that of outcasts, it is possible to recommend the improvement of the current education policy which actually leads to segregation of public schools for in some scools the percentage of non-white students is reaching 100%, while white students from upper classes often turn to be in a privileged position studying at private schools, for instance. Conclusion Thus, taking into account all above mentioned, it is possible to conclude that nowadays the cultural identity is extremely important and affects the educational process dramatically. It is necessary to underline that in the current situation cultural identity cannot remain fixed, especially in the sphere of education but, instead, should be constantly modified in order to make students conscious of their own cultural identity and that it is not always an objective concept. Moreover, one of the major tasks of progressive educators is to treat students equally and objectively, taking into consideration their cultural identity. What is more, teachers possess certain authority in education process, consequently, they should use it properly in order to avoid revengeful or scornful attitude to students. At the same time, in relation to lower class students, teachers could change the cultural identity of such students for better and improve their self-esteem.

Galapagos Island Essay

Galapagos island is located at the Pacific Ocean placed along the equator which is about 1,000 km from the coast of South America. It is composed of 13 main islands, 6 small islands and â€Å"107 islets and rocks. † A province of Ecuador, Galapagos islands’ capital is Puerto Baquerizo Moreno which is mostly inhabited by an estimated 18,000 people. Some of the islands were formerly active volcanoes but some are still active (Galapagos Conservation Trust, 2008, â€Å"Explore Galapagos†). Biodiversity in Galapagos Island Galapagos Island’s seclusion and controlled population contributed to its rich and extensive biodiversity. Because of these factors, the pace of evolutionary changes have accelerated that resulted to diversification and the formation of new species called speciation. The geographical isolation of the island wherein the â€Å"archipelago is isolated from the continent, the islands from each other by different distances, and the habitat types by their climatic differences,† aided in the promotion of different evolutionary tracks resulting to varying terrain, vegetation, animal and plant life between every islands (Charles Darwin Foundation, 2006, â€Å"Galapagos Land Ecosystems†). Vegetation in Galapagos is influenced by land habitat and climate but is â€Å"strongly zoned by altitude. † There are four vegetations zones in Galapagos namely: Littoral Zone which is affected by the salt spray alongside the coast; Dry Zone has the biggest scope in the island; Transition Zone is a vegetation of woodland; and Humidi Zone is characterized by highland grasslands and Miconia scrub (Charles Darwin Foundation, 2006, â€Å"Galapagos Land Ecosystems†). A variety of animal and plant life also forms the abundant biodiversity of Galapagos. There are many animals living in the island, in which most of them roam freely because of the absence of predators. Reptiles, terrestrial mammals, birds and fishes are all endemic creatures and consider Galapagos as their home (Galapagos Conservation Trust, 2008, â€Å"Explore Galapagos†). One of the famous specie in this island is a giant pre-historic tortoise called Lonesome George. Galapagos tortoises are part of the species â€Å"Geochelone elephantopus. † These animals have undergone fourteen forms depending on their location at the Galapagos. But bad news for Lonesome George, if experts cant’ produce or obtain a mate for him soon, his species will become extinct. In addition, a wide array of animals have gained popularity within and outside the islands including the marine turtle, marine and land iguanas, lava lizards and others (Galapaguide, â€Å"Galapagos Animals†). Meanwhile, plant life is also as diverse and one of a kind as the animal life. There are many theories on how vegetation started in Galapagos. One possible scenario is when spores and seeds were transported by the wind or through the â€Å"feet, plummage and digestive system of migratory birds† or probably because of the force of the marine current (Galapagos Voyage, â€Å"Galapagos Island Animal, Flora & Fauna†). Depending on the vegetation, various species of plants, flowers and trees are present in every island. Some can only be solely found in Galapagos such as passion flower, tomato, guava and cotton. Numerous plant species have changed into an assortment of endemic species which scientists explained as ‘adaptive radiation’ (Galapagos Conservation Trust, 2008, â€Å"Explore Galapagos†). All of these species though diverse have a symbiotic relationship with each other. Galapagos’ rare but exquisite ecosystem had produced a lavish and fertile marine, aquatic, terrestrial, avian and flora and fauna life all over the islands. Furthermore, the distinctiveness and the detachment of the islands from the hustle and bustle of civilization gave Galapagos a unique feature that it can clearly claim for its own. No other place in the world comes close to being as diverse and extraordinary as the Galapagos islands. Conservation and Preservation of Galapagos Island Galapagos Island is one of the best kept secrets of the world. Its captivating beauty and enigmatic charm have lured numerous people ranging from tourists, scientists, fishermen and others. Because of this, the Galapagos have been put on the list of sites that are in danger by the World Heritage. The influx of humans in the islands have caused a domino effect that have immensely affected the plant and animal life and the whole ecosystem as well (People & the Planet, 2007, â€Å"Galapagos Islands put on danger list†). The ecological degradation is caused by the development trends that are in contrasts with the conservation efforts in the islands. Three main factors that affected Galapagos’ ecology were the growth in human population, increase of transportation from the main island to Galapagos and the intensified fishing (Bensted-Smith, 1999, â€Å"A Biodiversity Vision for the Galapagos Islands†) . The â€Å"accelerating cycle of economic and population growth pushed by external markets† have elevated the danger to local biodiversity. The increase in demand for â€Å"tourism and marine resources† have caused the emergence of invasive species, too much harvesting of marine life, and pollution. As a consequence, the islands have suffered from social, economical and political stresses due to the amplified desire to use Galapagos’ natural wealth and public services. This was manifested because of tourism mismanagement in the islands. Tourism brought economic growth, however, Galapagos being a fragile ecosystem, was not able to adapt to the changes causing major damages in the biodiversity (Galapagos Conservation Trust, 2008, â€Å"Explore Galapagos†). Human intrusion to the delicate biodiversity of Galapagos is very much evident in the modern age but civil groups and the government are drafting efforts to ensure that most or all of forms of life in the islands are conserved and preserved. The presence of marine reserves and the Galapagos national park are the initial drives to protect the endemic species and the pristine environment (Galapagos Conservation Trust, 2008, â€Å"Issues in Galapagos†). More so, the Ecuadorian government have set up significant initiatives the following: 1) migration to the islands was regulated; 2) quarantine inspection system was installed; 3) public funds for ecoparks were increased; and 4) additional monetary support were yielded for conservation projects (Bensted-Smith, 1999, â€Å"A Biodiversity Vision for the Galapagos Islands†). To further the enterprise for preservation and conservation, there should be numerous researches to be conducted regarding social and biological sciences to help intensify the information drive on Galapagos biodiversity. Through this, environmental awareness will be increase thus reducing the possibility of disruption of the ecosystem. Also, there should be local and national agencies that would consolidate all conservation forces in the islands and ensure its effective management . Another solution would be putting up â€Å"sustainable and equitable businesses† to make sure that humans don’t abuse the natural resources and Galapagos’ ecology (Galapagos Conservation Trust, 2008, â€Å"Explore Galapagos†). Meanwhile collective efforts are very powerful in conserving and preserving, however as an individual, you can also contribute by donating to institutions that help foster the growth of Galapagos biodiversity. Also, in today’s technological era, you could use the internet to raise awareness about the environmental problems plaguing Galapagos to awaken the senses of millions and millions of people all over the world. Another contribution for the advancement of conservation and preservation is by joining organizations whose objectives are to save the animal and plant life of Galapagos. Galapagos island is indeed a place where all living species exist in peace but the constant threat of human intervention can increase the possibility of Galapagos having a tragic death. If things will not be controlled and modulated, this pristine archipelago will soon be extinct. The existence of endemic plants and centuries old animals in Galapagos are the most crucial elements that can’t be replaced and renewed once they have been exterminated. These environmental gems are the key to future development of other living organisms. Without them, things will not be the same and we would be depriving future generations the chance to experience and study these unique and bountiful ecosystem. So to prevent this from happening, we must start within ourselves by promoting and practicing preservation and conservation of our natural resources and this will have a chain effect wherein every living being would experience existing in a sustainable environment. References Charles Darwin Foundation for the Galapagos Islands. (2006). Galapagos Land Ecosystems. Retrieved March 11, 2008, from http://www. darwinfoundation. org/en/galapagos/land Bensted-Smith, R. (Ed). 2002. A biodiversity vision for the Galapagos Islands. CDF: Galapagos. Galapaguide. Galapagos Animals. Retrieved March 11, 2008, from http://www. galapaguide. com/islas_galapagos_fauna. htm Galapagos Conservation Trust. (2008). Explore Galapagos. Retrieved March 11, 2008, from http://www. gct. org/intro. html Galapagos Conservation Trust. (2008). Issues in Galapagos. Retrieved March 11, 2008, from http://www. gct. org/issues. html Galapagos Voyage. Galapagos Island Animal, Flora & Fauna. Retrieved March 11, 2008, from http://www. galapagosvoyage. com/page_content. asp? id_page=149 People & the Planet. (2007, July 07). Galapagos Islands put on danger list. Retrieved March 11, 2008, from http://peopleandplanet. net/doc. php? id=3061

Jobs and Poverty essays

Jobs and Poverty essays Poverty is defined as having a standard of living below the minimum needed for the maintenance of adequate diet, health, and shelter. With this definition the answer to ending poverty might seem easy. Just create enough jobs so that people are over the poverty line. If we lived in a simple world that might work, but there are many circumstances that will prove that the theory of just creating jobs will not work. Barclay, in his article talks about how he can not keep employees because of the fact they do not have good work ethics, the ability to handle life stresses, or the want to stay clean. He states that he can train them to do a job, but can not make them show up for work, be there on time, or to be clean. With this example just the creation of jobs will not work. Also, if we look at if the world as if it had enough jobs, and the employees showed up on time, would this eliminate poverty? If a person is making minimum wage working 40 hours a week, they will only make $210 a week before taxes are taken out. This works out to be just under $11,000 a year. These numbers are under the minimum requirement for a family of three. Now if the family was made up of two adults, theoretically both adults could work, bringing their standard of living level up above the poverty line, but if you look at the statistics, most families in poverty are of single parents, therefore there is only one working adult. Also with two adults working, the cost of child care is very expensive and it would be more cost efficient for one of the parents to stay home. With the two examples I just presented, we can see that the simple creation of jobs will not eliminate poverty. However, I do feel there are steps to bring down the amount of families below the poverty line in the theory. In order for some of this to work there would need to be some changes in the social welfare system and in the idea of minimum wage, and the allotment of part t...

LEFEBVRE Surname Meaning and Family History

LEFEBVRE Surname Meaning and Family History A derivation of the French occupational name Fevre, which described an iron-worker or smith, Lefebvre derives from the Old French fevre, meaning craftsman. Similar French surnames include Fabre, Faivre, Faure, and Lefà ¨vre. Lefebvre  is the French equivalent of the English surname SMITH. Surname Origin: French Alternate Surname Spellings:  LEFEBVRES, LEFEVRES, FAVRES, FEBVRE, FEBVRES, FAVRE, LEFABRE, LEFABRES, LEFEVRE, LEFEUVRE, LEFEUBRE, FABER, LEFEBURE   Famous People with the LEFEBVRESurname Henri Lefebvre  - French Marxist philosopher and sociologistMarcel Franà §ois Marie Joseph  Lefebvre -  French Roman Catholic archbishopJames Kenneth Jim Lefebvre  - former MLB baseball player, manager and coach; television actorArthur Henry Lefebvre - British scientist and engineerRenà © Lefebvre - French factory owner; active in the French resistanceFranà §ois Joseph Lefebvre  - French marshal during the Napoleonic wars Where is the LEFEBVRESurname Most Common? According to surname distribution from Forebears, Lefebvre is one of the most common surnames in France, ranking as the 17th most frequently used surname in the country. It is also fairly common in other countries with at least a partial French-speaking population, including Canada, New Caledonia and Belgium. WorldNames PublicProfiler  tells us that Lefebvre is found  most commonly throughout northern France, especially in the departments of Eure, Seine-Maritime, Somme, Pas-de-Calais and Nord.   Genealogy Resources for the Surname LEFEBVRE Meanings of Common French SurnamesUncover the meaning of your French last name with this free guide to the meanings and origins of common French surnames. How to Research French AncestryIf you are one of those people who have avoided delving into your French ancestry due to fears that the research would be too difficult, then wait no more! France is a country with excellent genealogical records, and it is very likely that you will be able to trace your French roots back several generations once you understand how and where the records are kept. Lefebvre  Family Crest - Its Not What You ThinkContrary to what you may hear, there is no such thing as a Lefebvre  family crest or coat of arms for the Lefebvre surname.  Coats of arms are granted to individuals, not families, and may rightfully be used only by the uninterrupted male line descendants of the person to whom the coat of arms was originally granted. LEFEBVRE  Family Genealogy ForumThis free message board is focused on descendants of Lefebvre  ancestors around the world. FamilySearch - LEFEBVRE  GenealogyExplore over 500,000 results from digitized  historical records and lineage-linked family trees related to the Lefebvre  surname on this free website hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. LEFEBVRE  Surname Mailing ListFree mailing list for researchers of the Lefebvre  surname and its variations includes subscription details and a searchable archives of past messages. DistantCousin.com - LEFEBVRE  Genealogy Family HistoryExplore free databases and genealogy links for the last name Lefebvre. GeneaNet - Lefebvre  RecordsGeneaNet includes archival records, family trees, and other resources for individuals with the Lefebvre  surname, with a concentration on records and families from France and other European countries. The Lefebvre  Genealogy and Family Tree PageBrowse genealogy records and links to genealogical and historical records for individuals with the Lefebvre  surname from the website of Genealogy Today.- References: Surname Meanings Origins Cottle, Basil.  Penguin Dictionary of Surnames. Baltimore, MD: Penguin Books, 1967. Dorward, David.  Scottish Surnames. Collins Celtic (Pocket edition), 1998. Fucilla, Joseph.  Our Italian Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 2003. Hanks, Patrick and Flavia Hodges.  A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1989. Hanks, Patrick.  Dictionary of American Family Names. Oxford University Press, 2003. Reaney, P.H.  A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press, 1997. Smith, Elsdon C.  American Surnames. Genealogical Publishing Company, 1997. Back toGlossary of Surname Meanings Origins

The Pencil of Nature by William Henry Fox Talbot Essay

The Pencil of Nature by William Henry Fox Talbot - Essay Example He was also a fellow of the Astronomical, Linnean, and Royal Societies. His literary works include four books and twenty-seven scholarly articles on diverse subjects. Although Talbot did not invent photography, he discovered the process of making negatives and developed the three primary elements of photography developing, fixing and printing. From this technical milestone modern photography is derived. He patented his process in 1841, and the following year was rewarded with a medal from the Royal Society for this achievement (Historic Figures). Throughout 1839-40, he conducted rigorous photographic research and in 1841 decided to patent his discovery that he called the calotype and later the talbotype process. In this, the negative paper direct image was printed onto a sensitized sheet placed underneath. Though it was advancement from the daguerreotype, the process formerly used that produced only a single copy, it had its drawback. The image was not sharp like the daguerreotype as the paper fibers degraded its quality. After further experimenting with this new finding, making it more refined he thought it's high time that prints should be produced for sale. Taking the assistance of his valet and confidante Nicolaas Henneman, he erected a processing studio called Reading Establishment. Since Lacock had a high market for photographs, the studio was between London and Lacock, so both can be easily reached. The first few days were mundane but with the passage of time demand and production increased with 10,400 prints made in just seven months most of which were portraits and copies of paintings, in addition to prints from Fox Talbot's own stock of negatives. (Maley). It was in these years that the priceless treasure The Pencil of Nature was produced. It is a series of engaging books with twenty-four plates that keep the reader or even the one who is just flipping through the pages, engrossed. In it, Talbot included pictures of sculpture, lithographs and drawings to show how photography could be of use in the study of art. He published a facsimile of a printed page to demonstrate how writing could be duplicated. His images of a piece of lace, each one unique, were made by using the lace itself as a negative (Grundberg). The images tell a story in themselves and even appeal a layman who is not familiar with the medium of photography. Some of the plates though being plain and simple are sheer evidence of Talbot's artistic sense such as 'The Haystack' that pictures a leaning ladder, 'The Open Door,' with its askew broom and a still life called 'A Fruit Piece'. They depict the modern day painting style (Grundberg). The interest in the series is further developed with the introduction and accompanying text, written in conversational style for each plate and Talbot's strong artistic sense that made the piece aesthetically appealing. The complete list of plates is as follows (The Pencil of Nature): - Part 1 I. Part of Queen's College, Oxford II. View of the Boulevards at Paris III. Articles of China IV. Articles of Glass V. Bust of Patroclus - Part 2 VI. The Open Door VII. Leaf of a Plant VIII. A Scene in a Library IX. Fac-simile of an Old Printed Page X. The Haystack XI. Copy of a