Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Language And Communication Children And Young People Essays

Language And Communication Children And Young People Essays Language And Communication Children And Young People Essay Language And Communication Children And Young People Essay The cardinal involvement of this essay is to measure the function of drama in relation to linguistic communication and communicating development. Developmental psychological science and theories of drama are the chief beginnings of researching and explicating this alone interrelatedness, because they offer critical information about human behaviour. For this ground several developmental theories have been developed by many scientists such as Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, Sigmunt Freud, Albert Bandura and other modern-day scientists, who managed to clear up the facets of kid development from different positions. Initially, this essay illustrates the importance of drama by depicting its classs. Play theories are briefly demonstrated and divided into classical and modern-day 1s. Thereafter, it mentions the features of linguistic communication through the theories of two extremely well-thought-of scientists, Lev Vygotsky and Jean Piaget, in order to understand the correlativity between linguistic communication and drama development. It besides illustrates the being of nine basic communicating accomplishments and why non-verbal and verbal communicating is so of import. Furthermore, this essay analyzes research which explains the direct relation between drama, linguistic communication and communicating. Through elaborate mentions, the thought that the function of drama is outstanding in a kid s development is supported. Next it illustrates the importance of finger, mummer and rime drama to explicate that even the most common games possess a important function in linguistic communication and commu nicating development. Last but non least, it analyzes how play reinforces the literacy development and eventually demonstrates the sentiment of the author. The Importance of Play Arguably, drama is a critical portion of kids s development which has many deductions in their lives. Despite the trouble of mentioning to a normally accepted definition, drama is a critical portion of the developing kid ( Sheridan A ; Howard A ; Aldelson, 2011 ) . It is a cardinal action which occurs throughout kids s lives and is divided into two classs, free drama and structured drama. To be exact, free drama is an action where the kid can take the regulations and the signifier of drama, without the engagement and the battle of an grownup. Hence, the kid becomes the leader of drama ( Tassoni A ; Hucker, 2000 ) . Furthermore, many research workers have claimed that free drama offers more educational chances to kids. Whereas structured drama is defined as an action which is directed by grownups and limits kids s acquisition potencies. Adults are supporters and possess a primary function in this type of drama. For this ground, Thomas, Howard and Miles proved by a survey they conducted, that free drama, in other words playful mode drama, is capable of furthering kids s ability to larn. They province that through this manner kids s communicating is benefited, because gaiety creates the ability to heighten assorted types of behaviours. As a consequence, educational scenes use the playful method to further kids s linguistic communication and communicating development ( McInnes A ; Howard A ; Miles A ; Crowley, 2009 ) . It is of importance to advert that there are drama theories which are separated into two classs, classical and modern theories of drama. In peculiar, classical theories consist of the Surplus Energy Theory, Recreational or Relaxation Theory, Pre-exercise Theory and the Recapitulation Theory of drama ( Sheridan A ; Howard A ; Aldelson, 2011 A ; Stagnitti, 2004 A ; Tassoni A ; Hucker, 2000 ) . Modern theories concluded by the Arousal Modulation Theories of Play, the Psychodynamic Theories of Play, the Cognitive Developmental Theories of Play and the Sociocultural theories of Play. The last class is divided into two sub-categories which are the Play as Socialization and the Metacommunicative Theory ( Stagnitti, 2004 ) . Furthermore, there are five types of drama, which are cited as physical drama, drama with objects, symbolic drama, socio-dramatic/pretence drama and games with regulations ( Whitebread, 2012 ) . The above five types of drama aid kids to spread out their abilities non merely in the linguistic communication and communicating sphere, but besides in the physical, cognitive, societal and emotional sphere ( Sheridan A ; Howard A ; Aldelson, 2011 ) . Harmonizing to the changeless development of linguistic communication and communicating, drama and its benefits in this sphere must be analyzed in deepness, in order to measure kids s developmental potencies through drama. Language and Communication Language is a strong communicating tool ( Moyles, 1989 ) which fosters kids s abilities. Through linguistic communication we can populate the yesteryear once more, measure the hereafter and utilize this critical tool when we face complex state of affairss ( Crain, 2000 ) . Besides, many developmental theoreticians have tried to explicate, how kids adopt cardinal abilities as they grow up and some of them, hold given particular accent to the linguistic communication and communicating development and how it is related to play. They have evaluated kids s development from birth to maturity. Vygotsky, who was characterized as the Mozart of Psychology ( Gray A ; MacBlain, 2012, p.85 ) , claimed in his societal constructivism theory, that linguistic communication is the cultural tool which facilitates the procedures of thought and acquisition. It was his house belief that kids must grok linguistic communication, in order to interact in the society. Hence, harmonizing to Vygotsky, drama and linguistic communication are interrelated ( Moyles, 2005 ) . Due to the fact that through drama kids maestro communicating accomplishments, they interpret the usage of objects and copy the attitudes and the wonts of grownups ( Gray A ; MacBlain, 2012 ) . In add-on, he stated that kids gain cognition when they participate in societal communicating and accordingly, they adopt new significances. Therefore, harmonizing to Vygotsky, kids act in the zone of proximal development ( Whitebread, 1996 ) , which means that every kid has limited possible when carry throughing an activity but he ca n spread out his accomplishments with suited aid ( Lindon, 2001 ) . However, another respected scientist Piaget did non put accent, as Vygotsky did, on the importance of linguistic communication during kids s development. Piaget stated that linguistic communication mechanism is used by the immature kid merely to show some basic satisfactions and non to further more complex maps such as idea and logic ( Gray A ; MacBlain, 2012 ) . Furthermore, Piaget s sentiments did non advance kids s abilities ; alternatively he undervalued them, by using activities that were excessively complex for kids competency ( Whitebread, 1996 ) . On the reverse, some scientists argue that kids s idea, starts to work logically as they learn how to utilize linguistic communication. This happens because linguistic communication accomplishments are hard for kids to absorb, but when this bit by bit occurs, logic develops ( Crain, 2000 ) . Nevertheless, Piaget did non back up the above impression by adverting that logic derives from actions ( Gray A ; MacBlain, 2012 ) . On the evidences that linguistic communication is an built-in portion of communicating, it is of import to nail some of the accomplishments that kids develop in this sphere. In other words there are nine basic communicating accomplishments. Initially, kids learn to bespeak support, to bespeak aid, to accept and reject offers. Furthermore, they respond to the order wait or no , they respond to waies, follow a agenda and eventually they are able to do a passage from one topographic point to another ( Frost A ; Bondy, 2002 ) . For case, when kids pretend to be a patient in a infirmary, they learn when they have to wait their bend in order to be examined by the physician and they give orders such as wait , stay , come . Communication is a complex map. Before the outgrowth of words, kids can pass on adequately before following linguistic communication production and linguistic communication comprehension ( Sheridan A ; Sharma A ; Cockerill, 2008 ) . The above facet describes the non-verbal communicating type which is really of import. Newborn babes communicate nonverbally to show their demands. Facial looks, organic structure linguistic communication, proto-sounds and perceptual experience of feelings are the properties of non-verbal communicating ( Whitehead, 1999 ) . Hence, adults start to pass on with kids ab initio nonverbally and finally verbally. Research proves that conversation between kids and grownups which contains a big figure of unfastened inquiries is indispensable because kids have the chance to react to talk linguistic communication. In other words, when kids feel that they are active participants in an adult-child conversation, they feel playful which is salient for the development of linguistic communication ( Howard A ; McInnes, forthcoming ) . Fostering Language and Communication Skills through Play To get down with, surveies have proved that there is a strong connexion between linguistic communication and drama. Research which was conducted in Japan in 1989, showed singular marks that drama and linguistic communication are strongly correlated. Specifically, the four kids who participated in this research were observed 20 times each in a free drama manner, where the grownups had a inactive function. The purpose of the survey was to analyse early linguistic communication development and drama development ( Ogura, 1991 ) . Therefore, six characteristics of linguistic communication were illustrated in order to analyse the findings better. These were the outgrowth of first words, calling words, vocabulary jets, word-chains, nonproductive two word vocalizations and the outgrowth of productive two-word vocalizations ( Ogura, 1991 p.278 ) . Furthermore, this research divided drama into 13 subcategories. The findings showed that kids managed to obtain the ability of calling words becaus e they had been involved in preverbal communicating. Besides, kids began to call objects when the conventional naming act class of drama appeared. Furthermore, words and sounds have a strong relationship with each other. It was proved that kids through the functional relational use drama and the container relational use drama, managed to follow the above of import map and the production of first words every bit good. Furthermore, it was stated that early linguistic communication development is related to subsitutional drama. Besides, this survey illustrated that the environment plays a major function in the development of symbolic drama. As a consequence, linguistic communication is influenced by societal interaction. Furthermore, kids s vocabulary jets appeared in subsitutional drama. Word-chains appeared when make-believe doll drama, subsitutional drama and feign other drama took topographic point during the observations. In add-on, the 5th linguistic communication class appeared with planned drama and combinative symbolic drama. The last linguistic communication class was related to planned drama ( Ogura, 1991 ) . Undoubtedly, this paper shows the alone interrelatedness between linguistic communication development and drama. Research workers evaluated the connexion between symbolic drama with drama stuffs and symbolic drama with drama state of affairs. First, during kids s drama with unstructured drama stuffs, they found that kids who are at the age of three to four could copy the activities of grownups. However, in structured drama kids were able non merely to copy but besides to prosecute somewhat in function drama. At the age of four to five kids s unstructured drama evolved and they started to show inquiries and thoughts with the mediate tool of spoken linguistic communication. On the contrary, in structured drama they used more conversation. This survey showed that in the first type of drama kids at the age of five to six used their organic structure linguistic communication and voice to clear up a state of affairs. Besides, both in structured and unstructured drama, kids preferred to play in groups of their ain gender. We can detect that structured stuffs are better for younger kids because they do non set restrictions on their thoughts while playing. In other words, younger kids need to heighten their expressive thoughts by playing with structured drama stuffs to be adequately prepared for school ( Umek A ; Musek, 2001 ) . At the same clip, symbolic drama related to play state of affairs showed that phonic imitation ( Umek A ; Musek, 2001, p.61 ) is promoted and that at the age of four kids use societal address. Furthermore, they use societal markers, in order to talk like grownups ( Ervin-Tripp, 1973 ) . Subsequently, at the age of five kids use metacommunication in their drama. Metacommunication is really of import because kids can discourse drama. They stop in order to negociate the following measure of the game. Indeed, it promotes duologue among equals. It is really of import because it can be used as scaffolding to kids s linguistic communication development ( Andersen, 2005 ) . Harmonizing to this survey, metacommunication degrees are higher when kids are older. Furthermore, the same survey proposes that it is better and more helpful for kids to play in assorted groups instead than in groups with members of their ain age. Hence, kids can play in the zone of proximal development. Therefore, they foster their linguistic communication and communicating accomplishments. Again, this survey shows us that drama which is dependent on stuffs or state of affairs is correlated with linguistic communication development. Apart from the above surveies there are drama activities which enhance linguistic communication and communicating accomplishments. For case, kids are benefited by mummer because they develop an alternate idea. This occurs by detecting assorted kids showing their ideas. Consequently, they can believe of more complex state of affairss and they are able to show their thoughts with enriched vocabulary. Furthermore, finger drama helps kids with the numeration procedure ( Woodard A ; Milch, 2012 ) . Furthermore, rimes can supply many chances for kids to heighten their linguistic communication accomplishments. Harmonizing to a survey, rime consciousness helps kids to acknowledge phonemes which are really of import for reading accomplishments. The sensitiveness to rime enables kids to group words together with the same spelling characteristics ( Bryant A ; MacLean A ; Bradley A ; Crossland, 1990 ) . Play Fosters Literacy Vygotsky evaluated the function of pretend drama in kids s development and he argued that literacy is enhanced by drama. He describes that kids ab initio act spontaneously when they play, and the procedure of larning happens with their will. On the contrary, when kids go to school they must alter their behaviours to a planned and a structured environment. Vygotsky stated that pretend drama is the of import mediate tool for kids to follow written linguistic communication and to win in school ( Roskos A ; Christie, 2007 ) . Furthermore, pulling is considered to be a necessary drama for kids. Research has shown that kids can spread out their graphic vocabularies and they can stand for their significances, which means that through pulling communicating is enhanced ( Whitebread, 2012 ) . Besides, Vygotsky s research has shown that drawings in early childhood are connected with the ability of authorship and spoken linguistic communication, which means that the significance of kids s drawings is non merely the drawing as a image but the drawing as an expressive tool of their ideas ( Roskos A ; Christie, 2007 ) . In decision, it is deserving adverting, that in kids s drama the repeat and the renaming of drama stuffs fosters the ability of the direct relation between words and the objects they portray. The above map is called metalinguistic consciousness and it has been proved that it is necessary for written linguistic communication ( Roskos A ; Christie, 2007 p.193 ) . Decisions It is clear, hence, that the above essay illustrates the direct correlativity between drama, linguistic communication and communicating. Despite the fact that it has been proved that drama fosters the acquisition procedure, there are still oppositions of this position, who province that formal acquisition schemes are better than playful attacks. However, this essay contradicts the impression of formal larning methods by back uping the theory, that play does heighten linguistic communication and communicating by mentioning equal bibliography to turn out it. Children can make high criterions in the learning procedure of linguistic communication because during drama they are motivated and are non possessed by the feeling of fright ( McInnes et al. , 2009 ) . To sum up, due to the fact that drama has been decreased in school scenes, it is outstanding to guarantee that drama must be in preschool and in the first school old ages of a kid, because a kid is ever above his mean age, above his day-to-day behaviour ; in drama it is as though he were a caput taller than himself ( Roskos A ; Christie, 2007, p.199 ) .

Saturday, November 23, 2019

The 5 Types of Interview Outfits That Will Get You Hired

The 5 Types of Interview Outfits That Will Get You Hired No matter what stage you are in your career, you need to dress to impress whenever you’re granted an interview. That might mean something different depending on your career status and the field you’re interviewing in, but the overarching point you should keep in mind when you select your attire is this: look like you care. Look like you put some thought into how you present yourself, because after all, if you don’t care enough to look nice and together when you’re on your best behavior, then why should a company think you will care enough to do your best on any random Tuesday after a few months into the job? Here are some tips for how to make sure you’re making the right first impression on the hiring manager. Show them through what you’re wearing how perfect you would be for the job, no matter what that job is.1. Super-CasualIn the past, the basic rule was that if you had a job interview, you better either buy a suit or make sure yours was d ry-cleaned and ready to go. But times have changed, and it’s really okay to match your attire to the personality of the company.For example, you don’t want to show up to a casual workplace in a suit and tie- you’ll look like you don’t really understand the culture, and they won’t be able to picture you adequately within their company. Try instead to focus on making sure you look clean and professional, despite the more laid-back style. Dark, clean, and crisp denim always works, with tasteful (again, clean) sneakers or sandals or flats, and a tidy, well-fitting top. Don’t bust out a concert t-shirt or anything, but a wrinkle-free polo works.2. Sort-of-CasualYou’re still not going to need a suit and tie, but you might have to trade your nice top in for one with buttons. Avoid jeans and go with a casual dress (one with sleeves, please), a skirt, corduroys, or other slacks instead. Keep your shoes relaxed, but elegant- nothing you would w ear to the gym, say. Maybe add a bit of a heel.3. Executive CasualYou still don’t absolutely need a tie in this situation (but certainly no one would think it out of place), but a jacket or blazer is often called for. Definitely no jeans. Keep the skirts or slacks on the dressier side, and go with the more elegant shoes- pumps for the ladies; something leather for the men. Add a pop of color or pattern in your shirt that will jazz up the monotony of your suit separates.4. Serious BusinessOkay. Here come the suits. Gents, here come the ties. You can wear your more colorful suits, darker ones, or subtle patterns- bright colors are fine here. Just because you need to look professional doesn’t mean you can’t have a personality. Keep the tops crisp and well-tailored, the heels closed-toe, and legs covered with hosiery or tights.5. Boardroom Big ShotIn the highest stakes situations, it’s best to go for the gold. Grey or navy suits for the men, with ties and wh ite dress shirts. The highest quality accessories are needed here- as neat and unobtrusive as possible. Ladies, keep your skirt lengths two-fingers above the knee or longer and stick with black tights and shoes.Remember to make sure you’re comfortable. And don’t make it look like you’re dressing up from Mommy and Daddy’s closet. Keep it simple, not too flashy, and you’ll do just fine. And, as always, dress for the job you want, not the one you have.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Nontraditional Families Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Nontraditional Families - Essay Example To begin with, non-traditional families are not entirely accepted in the first place; recognizing their adoption rights is an even bigger step. Therefore, this makes the following question a critical and an important one: Should Non-traditional families (including same sex, gay/lesbian couples) be allowed to adopt children Deciding whether or not non-traditional families should be allowed to adopt children is not a simple process. For example, consider a bisexual/homosexual parent, who is the biological father of a child. This parent may divorce his opposite sex spouse and take up living with another male partner. This does not change the fact that father is the biological parent, and that he has his rights to remain in touch with and look after his child. In cases where the divorce opposite sex spouse is incapable of looking after the child, there is little choice but for the child to live with his or her bisexual/homosexual male parent. Also, given that there are a number of people who live together as unmarried couples [heterosexual or homosexual] it is difficult to determine who should and who should not have the right to adopt (Waite, 1995, 483-507). Some states like Florida, for instance, pushed for married couples alone to have the right to adopt children, and this automatically meant that cohabiting couples and homosexual couples would not be able to adopt children. However, it appears that there is more emphasis now on banning homosexual couples as well as individuals from adopting children. Florida law had forbidden adoption by any "homosexual" person. [1977 Fla. Laws, ch. 77-140, 1, Fla. Stat. 63.042(3) (2002)]2. Loften challenged this law, and argued that homosexuals couples were just like unmarried couples [Lofton v. Secretary of the Dept. of Children & Family Services No. 01-16723 (11th Cir. 01/28/2004)]3. Loften was later omitted from the challenge, primarily on the grounds that Loften was not able to establish particular threats to already existing "family integrity" or "private sexual intimacy." States that Particularly Ban Homosexual Couples from Adopting Children: States that particularly bar homosexual individuals or couples from adopting children include Florida, as one can see from the above case, as well as Oklahoma, Mississippi, Nebraska, Utah and Virginia. These states have enacted laws that particularly prevent homosexual individuals or couples from adopting children4. Case Reference in Adoption Refusal to Homosexual Parents: Referring to cases similar to Lofton v. Secretary of the Dept. of Children & Family Services, states do not need to determine that homosexual individuals or couples have greater disadvantages on the upbringing of children, as opposed to heterosexual individuals or couples adopting children. It is thought that it is perhaps better to question the rationality of the decision of whether or not to rule in favor of homosexual individuals and couples wanting to adopt children5. Chances of Developing Married Households: Up till today, it has been widely stressed that it is rational to assert that heterosexual singles have a strikingly higher chance of developing a married household. This is why they are more than likely to provide adopted children with a firm and dual-gender parenting home (Horner, 2002, 472-474). However, it could be argued here that society

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Family Owned Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Family Owned Business - Essay Example This business enterprise has strived to accept the services of professionals in attaining a competitive edge over its rivals. In fact, it has adjusted to change and have embraced the new technologies to attain growth. Also, it believes in diversity in manpower as it helps in garnering the best talents in the market. Hence, a diverse manpower also gives this family owned business the path to flourish and excel and attain further growth. It believes in diversifying business so that the firm has greater stability in business. Moreover, this is one group which undertakes long-term planning and has formed strategic partnerships and diversified the group to include expert services into different segments of the market. This helps them to have a wider customer base. By conducting the above study on family businesses, we have observed that such business enterprises thrive in the market mainly due to the dedication and commitment displayed by members of the family. Also, these people are focu sed towards the growth of the organization as the adverse reputation of the firm may negatively hamper the reputation of the family name. Moreover, these enterprises are chiefly controlled by family members or maybe family owned. However, they may form strategic partnerships wherein family members hold key positions in the management of the company. Lastly, the key to success in such firms is by gaining a competitive edge, valuing organizational culture and allowing a diverse workforce in order to benefit from diversity.

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Visual Aids for Language Teaching Essay Example for Free

Visual Aids for Language Teaching Essay The use of visual aids is important if a teacher really wants to do a great job, have more attractive classes and get better results from their students. Those aids are: the television which is entertaining and a good way for teaching, the radio a powerful appliance for improving the listening area, computers as a useful tool to study, and the video bins that make classes different, softly and let students to play and review the knowledge acquired. The television is a good way for teaching, the use of it makes the class more entertaining and it has different choices that teachers have successful classes. Teachers can use the television to watch t. v programs when they need to teach vocabulary. Films are also a good option especially because you can use the subtitles, so the students will listen and read everything in the movie. Teachers also have the choice to watch news and soap operas with them, in this way they will bolster listening, vocabulary, idioms, and so on. Television offers many channels and things we as teachers have the opportunity to include in our classes making it different. Another significant item teacher use in class is the radio. This appliance is very powerful if you want to see your students learn faster and improve their listening area. Playing music during classes make students to have a better hearing condition for English. Most teachers use their cd’s or USB where they have listening activities and some songs in order to help students learn songs, vocabulary and also analyze lyrics. In addition, we can use the radio programs to work on listening converting it in a dynamic method for the lesson. This aid allows teachers take advantage from it so as to create a garish environment. Nowadays, technology is very important because it is part of our life; computers have become a useful tool for students as they are perfect for study wherever you want and at any time. Students can prepare documents like homework, extra class works, essays, and many others papers for their classes at the same time they step up their written skills. By using the computer they have the chance to use internet; here they can work on their listening, speaking and reading skills. The internet provides multiple web sites, in which they can study, do exercises, read books, practice the pronunciation, and watch online movies and series where learners must listen to understand. Documentaries are also part of internet but they can rent it as well and watch it on the computer; in this form they will learn about a specific topic and listen to new vocabulary. Moreover, they can prepare power point presentations for expositions to make them more striking and cool. This equipment has facilitated people life and it is part of our daily routine; so that’s why teenagers love it and use it as many time as they can without omitting how helpful it is for them when they need to study. Furthermore, we have the famous video bins, which are very useful in our classes. It is now a great aid that teachers like to use because it makes your class different and softly. In addition to that, video bin is a good option if you want your students to play and review knowledge. Professors can present diagrams to explain new subjects, ppt presentations, videos related with those topics, and also photos that help students memorize the new words. Additionally, in those ppt presentations you as a teacher may include some games for your class, for example: who wants to be millionaire, jeopardy, educational torch, trivia, sing the song (karaoke), etc. Video bins are the latest visual aid use in class by teachers for the purpose of increase the quality of the lessons, given them another way to show/ explain students what they need to learn according to their plan. The use of aids such as television, radio, computer and video bin transforms our classes in an amusement place where students raise their knowledge and teachers get better outcomes from them. These items help to teach, learn, study, play and review awareness in a different and successful manner. Students will find the lessons enjoyable, funny, easier, dynamic, more relaxing and meaningful. Teachers are going to see the excellent grades from the learners and the desires from students to learn everyday more and more.

Friday, November 15, 2019

Freedom Through The Press :: essays research papers

Freedom Through The Press Tears streamed down a broken face That stared to the ground where his father lay At lexington was he dying this day For a battle lost, and a war begun. In a young boys hand, A father lifted his head To look at a son, so confused and afraid Who understood not, for what his father bled Why he would fight, What reason for death. And so as they looked eye to eye The boys innocent lips formed the question, why? Then With inhuman strength, A father lifts dying fingers to sky Pointing to a cloth, flying on high His heart burns like fire, beats like a drum As with his last breath he whispers FREEDOM! 56 men signed a Declaration of Independence, risking their lives. 1000's of men and boys died in the Revolutionary war, And 100's of 1000's more fought and died in wars to come. 56 men created and signed a document of government so perfect it has endured the test of time for over 200 years. Millions of people have given precious support in the fight for equality and against racism. For what reason did many people risk their lives and sacrifice so much? democracy: n. gov. by the people... Their hearts burned brightly with the fires of freedom. We have been handed a Democracy, handed freedom. And now we must either throw this heritage away, by taking it for granted or we must fight our own battle, a battle without bullets or threats, a battle for democracy. For Freedom isn't Free. We must rule ourselves. It is an almost an obvious fact that in order for us to rule, we need information. If the ruling body does not have information than it can do nothing but act blindly, without direction. This information comes from the media but, in order for the media accomplish this informative purpose, so that we the people can rule ourselves, can have a democracy, and can be free, we must do three things: Redefine democracy, Listen to the press, and control our press. Our first problem is to redefine democracy. Imagine, a young polish factory worker reads daily in papers that tell him he is free, because the communistic government allows elections. The Press tells him his government has the economy under control. Yet he finds himself spending his time and money standing in line to buy over-priced bread so his babies can live another day. Among the graffiti that began to appear in Poland was an especially significant complaint, Prasa klamie ("The press lies"). However, free media from countries like the U.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Change for the better Essay

Describe a situation in which critical and creative thought could have been used for a better outcome. Describe why it is important to think critically and creatively in similar situations. A situation that critical and creative thought could have been used for a better outcome is when buyers were making choices about buying real estate. There was a time back in 2006 thru 2007 that the real estate market was showing significant weakness where previously to that year it was thriving, but buyers were not thinking critically and creatively. Instead investors were being avaricious and they let their greedy ways of thinking make decisions for them. To make things poorer, lenders were very hostile in their lending procedures while nobody in the government was watching. Investors continue to buy properties at high prices. They were even paying over the listed prices for certain properties. Then there went it was ruined, and investors were trapped with nearly valueless properties. This is wh y and how thousands of properties started going into foreclosure. This was a hard lesson to learn but today the lending rules have changed thanks to a revamp of the lending practices. By thinking critically and creatively the government has constricted an improved unsupervised system. Define free will, truth, knowledge, and opinion. Explain how we use them to form thoughts. The moderate definition of free will is when people have choices when it comes to decisions like whether to attend an event or finish an assignment. Another example is getting up to go to work, although it may look uncontrollable, it really is a choice you make every day. For this reason, it is ironic that so much confusion exists about truth (Ruggiero, p. 27, 2009). Even otherwise intelligent people can be heard saying things such as â€Å"Everyone makes his or her own truth,† â€Å"One person’s truth is another person’s error,† â€Å"Truth is relative,† and â€Å"Truth is constantly changing† (Ruggiero, p. 27, 2009).All of these ideas undermine thinking (Ruggiero, p. 27, 2009). Knowledge can change as new information is becomes accessible. Ideas do not constitute knowledge unless they correspond to reality (Ruggiero, p.28, 2009). â€Å"Opinions are i ntensely personal, so it is understandable that people have strong feelings about theirs (Ruggiero, p. 34, 2009). But many people carry those feelings beyond the boundaries of good sense (Ruggiero, p. 34, 2009). They take the valid idea â€Å"Everyone has a right to his or her opinion† to the ridiculous extreme of â€Å"Everyone’s opinion is right† (Ruggiero, p. 34, 2009).

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Characteristics of Exploration Literature

Characteristics of Exploration Literature: †¢ Explorers were first & foremost navigators, not writers. †¢ Explorers had a specific audience in mind; they were reporting back to the main land †¢ The American Dream is evident †¢ Indians are always considered inferior †¢ Reports were not always accurate Verazzano: Verazzano’s Voyage †¢ North Carolina up to Canada †¢ Wrote to the King of France who funded the voyage; N. C. cedar trees †¢ â€Å"The complexion of these people is black, not much different from that of the Ethiopians; their hair is black and thick, and not very long, it is worn tied back upon the head in the form of a little tail. †¢ â€Å"Our sailors in the boat seeing a great fire made up, and their companion placed very near it, full of fear, as is usual in all cases of novelty, imagined that the natives were about to roast him for food. † †¢ â€Å"By searching around we discovered in the grass a very cold woman and a young girl of about eighteen or twenty, who had concealed themselves for the same reason; the old woman carried two infants on her shoulders, and behind her neck a little boy eight years of age; when we came up to them they began to shriek and make signs to the men who had fed to the woods. †¢ â€Å"We found them fairer than the others†¦Ã¢â‚¬  †¢ American Dream: Resources that the land has & space. Champlain: Voyages of Samuel de Champlain : The Voyages of 1604-1607 †¢ Est. Quebec; compares in his writing †¢ â€Å"We saw eighteen or twenty savages, who came to the shore and began to dance. † †¢ â€Å"We did not wish them harm, although it was in our power to avenge ourselves. † †¢ â€Å"As for weapons, they have only pikes, clubs, bows and arrows.It would seem from their appearance that they have a good disposition, better than those of the north, but they are all in face of no great worth. Even a slight intercourse wit h them gives you at once a knowledge of them. They are great thieves and, if they cannot lay hold of any thing with their hands, they try to do so with their feet, as we have oftentimes learned by experience. I am of opinion of that, if they had any thing to exchange with us, they would not give themselves to thieving. †¢ â€Å"It is necessary to be on one’s guard against this people, and live in a start of distrust of them, yet without letting them perceive it. † †¢ Single-Minded, descriptive of the natives John Smith: The General History of Virginia, New England, and the Summer Isles †¢ Started traveling at 16 yrs old; Captured in Turkey and sold as a slave; thinks much of himself, he spent most of the voyage in chains in the boat on the way to Jamestown. †¢ 7 out of 105; He was a leader; 35 were gentlemen, Smith was a leader, 38 stayed alive. Wrote in 3rd Person; adventure; New England (he named it) †¢ â€Å"Smith little dreaming of that ac cident, being got to the marshes at the river’s head, twenty miles in the desert, had his two men slain (as is supposed) sleeping by the canoe, while himself by fowling sought them victual: who finding he was beset with 200 salvages, two of them he slew, still defending himself with the aid of a salvage his guide, whom he bound to his arm with his garters, and used him as a buckler.Yet he was shot in his thigh a little, and had many arrows that stuck in his clothes but no great hurt, till at last they took him prisoner. † †¢ â€Å"From Penobscot to Sagadahoc. This coast is mountainous, and isles of huge rocks, but overgrown for the most part, with most sorts of excellent good woods, for building houses, boats, barks or ships, with an incredible abundance of most sorts of fish, much fowl, and sundry sorts of good fruits for man’s use. †¢ â€Å"And surely by reason of those sandy cliffs, and cliffs of rocks, both which we saw so planted with gardens and corn fields, and so well inhabited with a goodly, strong, and well proportioned people, besides the greatness of the timber growing on them, the greatness of the fish, and the moderate temper of the air (for of five and forty not a man was sick, but two that were many years diseased before they went, not withstanding our bad lodging and accidental diet) who can but approve this a most excellent place, both for health and fertility.And of all the four parts of the world I have yet seen not inhabited, could I have but means to transport a colony, I would rather live here than anywhere; and if it did not maintain itself, were we but once indifferently well fitted, let us starve. † †¢ â€Å"So freely hath God and his Majesty bestowed those lessings on them [that] will attempt to obtain them, as here every man may be master of his own labor and land, or the greatest part (if his Majesty’s royal meaning be not abused) and if he have nothing but his hands, he may set up his trade; and by industry quickly grown rich, spending but half that time well which in England we abuse in idleness, worse, or as ill†¦Ã¢â‚¬  †¢ â€Å".. here man, woman and child, with a small hook and line, by angling many take divers sorts of excellence fish at their pleasures; and it is not pretty sport to pull up two pence, six pence, and twelve pence as fast as you can haul and veer a line; he is a very bad fisher [that] cannot kill in one day with his hook and line one, two, or three hundred cods, if they be sold there for ten shillings a hundred, though in England they will give more than twenty, may not both servant, master and merchant be well content with this gain?If a man work but three days in seven, he may get more than he can spend unless he will be exceedingly excessive. † †¢ â€Å"Thus though all men be not fishers, yet all men whatsoever may in other matters do as well, for necessary doth in these cases so rule a commonwealth, and each i n their several functions, as their labors in their qualities may be as profitable because there is a necessary mutual use of all. †¢ My purpose is not persuade children from their parents, men from their wives, not servants from their masters, only such as with free constant may be spared: but that each parish, or village, in city, or country, that will but apparel their fatherless children of thirteen or fourteen years of age, or young married people that have small wealth to live on, here by their labor may live exceeding well. † †¢ Pg: 48: How we owe our God †¢ Reasons for settling Jamestown: o Gold o God o Glory †¢ American Dream: Middle-Class Utopia William Bradford: Of Plymouth Plantation, Book 1 Orphan when very young, very religious (16 yrs old); self-taught; 1621 elected Governor, served 33 years total; wife fell overboard and died; very humble. †¢ Pilgram: Israelites following Moses; â€Å"God’s chosen† †¢ â€Å"What coul d now sustain them but the Spirit of God and His grace? May not and ought not the children of these fathers rightly say: â€Å"Our fathers were Englishmen which came over this great ocean, and were ready to perish in this wilderness; but they cried unto to Lord, and He heard their voice and looked on their adversity,† etc. † †¢ Obstacles faced by Pilgrams: o The ocean (sea sickness) The crew of the Mayflower ? â€Å"There was a proud and very profane young man, one of the seamen, of a lusty, able body, which made him the more haughty; he would always be contemning the poor people in their sickness and cursing them daily with grievous execrations; and did not let to tell them that he hoped to help to cast hald of them overboard before they came to their journey’s end, and to curse and swear most bitterly. But it pleased God before they came half seas over to smite this young man with a grievous disease, of which he died in a desperate manner, and so was hims elf that first that was thrown overboard. o The wilderness (winter upon arrival) ? â€Å"But here I cannot but stay and make a pause, and stand half amazed at this poor people’s present condition; and so I think will the reader, too, when he well considers that same. Being this passed that vast ocean, and a sea of troubles before in their preparation (as may be remembered by that which went before), they had now no friends to welcome them nor inns to entertain or refresh their weather-beaten bodies; no houses or much less towns to repair to, to seek for succour.It is recorded in Scripture as a mercy to the Apostle and his shipwrecked company, that the barbarians, when they met with them (as after will appear) were readier to fill their sides full of arrows than otherwise. † o Indians (attack on beach; savages take tools, etc. ) o Non-Puritans o Self-Doubt ? â€Å"And for the season it was winter, and they that know the winters of that country know them to be sharp and violent, and subject to cruel and fierce storms, dangerous to travel to known places, much more to search an unknown coast. Besides, what could they see but a hideous and esolate wilderness, full of wild beasts and wild men-and what multitudes there might be of them they knew not. † †¢ Mayflower Compact o Plain style- Puritan trait †¢ Puritanism: o Main Class Movement; got their name from their enemies †¢ Puritans Beliefs: o God is omnipotent and good o Individuals are either saved or damned @ birth o The Bible is God’s direct communication to man and should be read daily o No hierarchy should govern the church o Biblical scholars, saw themselves as God’s chosen people o Affliction and Adversity were necessary Puritan Characteristics o Emphasized Education o Introspection was a Puritan trait (journals) o Wrote in â€Å"plain style† (American style comes from) o Only Biblical forms of literature- non fiction †¢ Anne Bradstreet: †¢ The Flesh and Spirit o Introspection (Puritan trait) o â€Å"One Flesh was called, who had her eye on wordly, wealth and vanity; The other called Spirit, who did rear her thoughts unto a higher sphere† o â€Å"Dost dream of things beyond the moon, and dost thou hope to dwell there soon? afterlife; she had doubts) o â€Å"Come, come, I’ll show unto thy sense industry hath its recompense. What canst desire but thou mayst see true substance in variety? Dost honor like? Acquire the same, as some of their immortal fame; and trophies to thy name erect which wearing time shall ne’er deject. For riches dost thou long full sore? Behold enough of precious store. Earth hath more silver, pearls, and gold than eyes can see or hands can hold. Affect’st thou pleasure?Take thy fill, Earth hath enough of what you will, then let not go, what thou mayst find, for things unknown, only in mind. † ( What not have things that you can feel instead of just hoping? ) o â⠂¬Å"This City pure is not for thee, for things unclean there shall not be. If I of heaven may have my fill, take thou the world, and all that will. † (Reaffirms her faith) †¢ To My Dear and Loving Husband o Sex was meant to only have kids †¢ A Letter to Her Husband, Absent upon Public Employment o Breaking of Stereotypes Mary Rowlandson: A Narrative of the Captivity and Restoration †¢ A captivity narrative is a psychological drama that includes: o A Loss of freedom (being caught) o Self- Realization (hardships) o Redemption (gets away from the Indians) o â€Å"The Lord hereby would make us the more to acknowledge his hand, and to see that our help is always in him. † o â€Å" I then remembered how careless I had been of Gods holy time, how many Sabbaths I had lost and misspent, and how evily I had walked in God’s sight; which lay so close unto my Spirit, that it was easier for me to see his presence for ever.Yet the Lord still shewed mercy to me, and upheld me; and as he wounded me with one hand, so he healed me with the other. † o â€Å"Yet I can say, that in all my sorrows and afflictions, God did not leave me to have my impatience work towards himself, as if his wayes were unrighteous. But I knew that he laid upon me less that I deserved. † o â€Å"Before I knew what affliction meant, I was ready sometimes to wish for it. Also read  Driver’s Ed Module Reflection JournalWhen I lived in prosperity, having the comforts of the World about me, my relations by me, my Heart chearfull, and taking little care for any thing; and yet seeing many, whom I preferred before my self, under many tryals and afflictions, in sickness, weakness, poverty, losses, crosses, and cares of the World, I should be sometime jealous least I should have my portion in this life†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (jealously) o â€Å"Affliction I wanted, and affliction I had, full measure (I thought) pressed down and running over; yet I see, when God calls a Person to any thing, and through never so many difficulties, yet he is fully able to carry them through and make them see, and say they have been gainers thereby. And I hope I can say in some measure, As David did, It is good for me that I have been afflicted. † †¢ Crosscurrents †¢ Settler’s views of Indians have envolved: o Manageable Child-like o Friendly (Bradford) o Threat o Enemy †¢ Spectral Evidence ( John Winthrop) o The Trial of Margaret Jones: â€Å"Her behavior at her trial was very intemperate, lying notoriously and railing upon the jury and witnesses, and in the like distemper she died. The same day and hour she was executed, there was a very tempest at Connecticut, which blew down many trees. † o Mary Towne Easty: â€Å"I petition to your Honors not for my own life, for I know I must die and my appointed time is set, but (the Lord knows it is) that if it be possible, no more innocent blood may be shed, which undoubtedly cannot be avoided in the way and course you go in†¦.The Lord above, who is the searcher of all hearts, knows that as I shall answer it at the tribunal seat that I know not the least thing of witchcraft–therefore I cannot, I dare not, belie my own Soul. I beg your Honors not to deny this my humble petition from a poor dying innocent person, and I question not but that the Lord will give a blessi ng to your endeavors. † †¢ Cotton Mather †¢ The Wonders of the Invisible World o Characteristics of Puritanism that supported Salem witch trials: †¢ Affliction is necessary and good †¢ Watchdog mentality (neighbors) †¢ No Fiction was allowed (drama) †¢ God’s chosen people vs. Satan o Lasting effects of Salem Witch Trails: †¢ Hastened the Demise of Puritan Dominance †¢ Accused is Innocent until proven guilty

Friday, November 8, 2019

Rise of China Essays

Rise of China Essays Rise of China Essay Rise of China Essay And it gives the states whom have it the ability to control it. International politics is the struggle for power. 1 . Power and Influence: secretary of state advises the US President, but has no power over the president. 2. Power and Force 3. Usable and unusable power: nuclear weapons 4. Legitimate and illegitimate power: legitimate = power whose exercise is morally or legally Justified States Desire for Power John Marshier Anarchical system Capable of harming other (almost all have offensive military capability) Intention of other states are unclear For their survival States are rational actors (rationality?maximizing prospects for survival) Defensive Realism Too much power results in balancing States build up power and form allies First states maximizing its power = less secure Favor of defense Pursuit of more power trough offensive actions results in losing wars PURSUE AN Offensive Realism Balancing = ineffective Defenders dont always have the advantage State that starts the war, wins Conquest does pay in some cases Always longing for opportunities to gain advantage over each other Maximizing power is the best way to guarantee survival The nose of China

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Everything You Need to Know to Visit the Temples of Bagan

Everything You Need to Know to Visit the Temples of Bagan SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips For grandeur, size, and the feeling that you’re Indiana Jones, it’s hard to compete with the temples of Bagan in central Myanmar. This massive expanse of thousands of temples (estimates range from 2,000 to over 4,000) dot the landscape in various stages of dilapidation and restoration. Built by a series of kings between 1057 and 1287, Bagan is one of an increasingly rare breed: a world-class attraction that hasn’t yet been discovered by the masses. Bagan’s popularity is increasing, but much of the information about it has not kept pace, and that can make it difficult for travelers trying to plan a trip to this site. Bagan offers a range of unique experiences. While here you can: Watch the sunrise from the top of Shwesandaw Pagoda Cool off with a glass of fresh tamarind juice in a cafe overlooking the Irrawaddy River Discover gold-plated Buddha statues hidden in temple niches Survey the ruins of past kingdoms during a hot air balloon ride over the plains Follow winding dirt roads around bushes and through groves of palm trees to discover tiny temples that only get a few visitors a year This guide will walk you through each step you need to take to plan and carry out a trip to Bagan, from when to visit and how to get there to which temples to visit and what form of transportation to use. 5 Things to Figure Out Before You Leave The logistics of visiting Bagan can be somewhat challenging, so it's important to make sure you thoroughly understand what to expect before heading out. When to Visit One of the first things to decide on when planning your trip to Bagan is figuring out when you’d like to visit. The most popular time to visit Bagan is in the winter, from November through February, when it is both cooler and dry. The average temperature during this period is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 Celsius). This is when temperatures are coolest and there is little rain, but this is also when Bagan is most crowded. If you’d like to avoid the crowds or can’t make it to Bagan in the winter, it’s also possible to visit during other times of the year. The end of the dry season, from March to May, is when temperatures are hottest in Bagan. The average temperature during these months is about 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 Celsius), although the temperature can often get over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) in the middle of the day. Rainy season begins at the end of May and lasts through October. Temperatures are cooler during this period (about 78 degrees Fahrenheit/ 26 Celsius), but it will rain nearly every day. Take your personal preferences into account when choosing when to visit. Winter has the most enjoyable weather, but you’ll also have to deal with more crowds (although nothing close to those you’ll find at similar locations like Angkor Wat). If you think you can handle the high temperatures, the end of the dry season can be an ideal time to visit Bagan as you'll have many of the smaller temples to yourself. The short period between seasons can also get you the best of both worlds. I visited Bagan at the end of May, right at the beginning of the rainy season, and I was lucky to have no rain, cloudy skies which kept the temperature lower, and few other visitors at the temples, although this won’t always be the case. Whatever month you choose to visit Bagan, know that any time in the near future is a great time to go. Bagan’s popularity has been steadily increasing in the past few years, and, while it’s still a somewhat undiscovered place, that won’t last forever. So visit Bagan now before the rest of the world catches on. How Long to Stay The temples cover a huge area and take a while to get to, therefore I’d recommend spending at least two days, ideally three, in Bagan. Your first day can be spent visiting the major temples (described below), preferably with a guide, on your second day you can explore some of the smaller and more distant temples on your own, and your third day can be spent further exploring the area or returning to some of your favorite temples. Staying longer is always possible, and you could easily spend your entire trip exploring Bagan and still only see a fraction of what it has to offer. However, there isn't much else in the area besides temples, so if you get easily "templed-out", take that into account when planning your itinerary. How to Get to Myanmar Most foreign visitors to Myanmar will require a visa to enter the country. If you’re a citizen of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, Thailand (only if you’re entering via an international airport), or Vietnam, you don’t need a visa if your visit is less than 14 days. Most people who need a visa are eligible to apply for an eVisa (check the website to see if your country is one of those eligible for the eVisa). To apply for the eVisa, you’ll need your passport information, a recent color photo you can upload, and credit card details to pay the $50 fee. After your eVisa is approved, you’ll receive an eVisa approval letter which is valid for 90 days and which you must have with you when you arrive in Myanmar. If your approval letter is expired, you won’t be allowed to enter the country. Your eVisa allows you a single visit of up to 28 days in Myanmar, and eVisas can only be used by people entering via an international airport. Most people enter Myanmar at the country’s largest city, Yangon, but there are also two additional international airports in Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw. The eVisa is by far the most popular way to get the visa needed to enter Myanmar, but there is also a paper visa and a visa on arrival. For people in the United States, information on the paper visa, as well as the form you need to fill out and submit, can be found on the Myanmar Embassy’s website. The paper visa will also grant you a single visit of up to 28 days, and you’ll need to attach proof of your plane tickets, hotel reservations, or confirmation from your tour leader. Visas on arrival are rare to get, and they also require additional documents, such as proof of your itinerary. More information about them can be found on the government of Myanmar’s website. Money Matters The kyat is the currency used in Myanmar, and one USD is worth approximately 75 kyats. You can get kyats at an ATM or by exchanging money at a bank or exchange center. If you are exchanging US dollars, make sure the bills are in as pristine condition as possible, as many places won't take them if they have any wrinkles or tears. It's best to get kyats before you arrive in Bagan, as ATMs and official exchange centers are rare outside of the main cities. Some places will accept US dollars in place of kyats, and many of the larger hotels accept major credit cards. How to Get to Bagan After you arrive in Myanmar, there are several ways to get to Bagan. If you’re traveling with a tour, these details will already be worked out for you, but if you’re traveling independently, you’ll have to figure out how to get to Bagan on your own. Flying The fastest way to get to Bagan is to fly. The Bagan airport is called Nyaung U, and there are flights from both Yangon (80 minutes) and Mandalay (30 minutes). (Nyuang U is only a domestic airport, so there are no international flights there.) Flying domestically in Myanmar used to be difficult because there was no way to purchase tickets online. Recently, however, most airlines have adopted e-ticketing. Flights are still limited, so tickets should be purchased at least several weeks, and ideally a few months, in advance. The airlines offering flights to Bagan are Asian Wings Airways, Golden Myanmar Airlines, Mann Yadanarpon Airlines, and Myanmar National Airlines. Roundtrip flights from Yangon start at about $215, and from Mandalay at about $150. Bus The cheapest way to get to Bagan is traveling by bus. Overnight buses from Yangon leave around 6pm-8pm and arrive very early in the morning, usually around 3am. (Hotels are well accustomed to this, and many will let you check in when you arrive, provided your room is vacant.) Bus rides from Mandalay take five to seven hours and travel during the day. There’s variation in the quality of different bus lines, with the higher-end companies, like JJ Express or Bagan Minn Thar Express, offering reclining and quite spacious seats. Most hotels can help you purchase bus tickets, or you can buy them from the ticket office directly. Tickets from Mandalay cost about 10,000 kyats ($9), and tickets from Yangon start at about 15,000 kyats ($13), with higher-end companies costing a bit more. Train Traveling by train is slower than more expensive than going via bus, but if you enjoy train journeys, you may be interested in taking a train to Bagan. From Yangon, trains leave around 4pm and arrive the next morning at about 10am. Trains from Mandalay run during the day and take about 7 hours, although delays of up to several hours are often reported. Trains in Myanmar are often old and have only basic amenities, although most will have a restaurant car available. Train tickets need to be bought at the station. A ticket for a sleeper-car from Yangon will cost about $50, while tickets from Mandalay are about $7-$10. Boat The only way to enter Bagan via boat is if you’re coming from Mandalay. The journey can take between 8 hours and two days, depending on whether you’re on a government-run â€Å"slow boat† or a faster boat that makes fewer stops and doesn’t overnight. Boats stop in either Nyang U or Old Bagan. The ferry service is shut down from April through June due to low water levels. Ticket prices can vary widely depending on which boat you take, but prices are generally between $15 and $40. What to Expect Once You Arrive in Bagan Once you arrive in Bagan you've made it through the hard part, but there are still some decisions to be made. Arriving in Bagan Both the Nyuang U Airport and the train station are located 2-4 miles southeast of town, depending on which part you’re going to. The jetty is about half a mile from Nyuang U market (the boat may also stop in Old Bagan), and buses will drop you off along Nyuang U’s main road, a few miles from town. No matter how or when you arrive, there will be transportation options to get you to your accommodation. However, if you arrive very early on an overnight bus, your options may be limited to tuk-tuks as opposed to taxis. When you arrive in Bagan, you’ll have to pay the Bagan Archaeological Zone fee (25,000 kyats or $20). If you arrive via boat or plane, you’ll pay this fee at the port or airport. If you arrive by bus or train, there are checkpoints where your driver will stop and you’ll pay the fee (these checkpoints are manned around the clock, so even if you arrive at 3am, you’ll still have to pay). After you pay the fee, you’ll be issued a small card you may be asked to show your hotel when you check in. The card is valid for one week, but people working at the temples rarely ask for it, so you likely won’t have to buy another card if you stay longer than a week. Where to Stay While not very populous, Bagan covers a significant area (the Bagan Archaeological Zone on its own is 26 square miles), and there are several different towns you can stay in. Be aware that hotel prices drop significantly during the off-season if you look for deals online. Nyuang U Most people stay in Nyuang U because it is the largest town in the area and offers the most amenities. Nyuang U is also where most of the transportation links are, and, even if you don’t stay here, you’ll likely pass through on your way in or out of Bagan. If you’re traveling on a budget, Nyuang U has the widest selection of hostels and budget hotels in the area, with some rooms as cheap as $20 a night. It also has the greatest selection of restaurants. Nyuang U has a few minor temples within its boundaries, but it's two miles away from the edge of the main temple area. Old Bagan Old Bagan is located next to the Irrawaddy River, just a short walk to the main temple zone (however, a bike or other form of transportation is recommended to reach more distant temples). Because this is the closest you can stay to the temples, accommodation is most expensive here. There are some high-end hotels that cost several hundred dollars a night, but it is possible to find a room for under $100 or even less if you visit in the off-season. There are restaurants here but, in general, Old Bagan is the quietest area to stay in. New Bagan New Bagan strikes a good balance between the other two areas. It’s between Old Bagan and Nyuang U in terms of both price and distance to the temples, so if you’re trying to balance your budget and travel time to the temples, New Bagan might be a good option for you. Which Temples to Visit One of the most unique and memorable aspects of Bagan is wandering through a maze of hundreds of small and forgotten temples with no one else in sight. At least part of your trip should involve just heading out and seeing what you find, but there are also certain temples everyone who visits Bagan should see, and I’ve described each of them below. These temples are generally the biggest, most beautiful, and most religiously significant in all of Bagan. Ananda Temple One of the most important of several thousand temples of Bagan, the Ananda Temple is definitely a must-see. It was built over 900 years ago by King Kyanzittha and today is an important Buddhist pilgrimage spot. Ananda is also one of the best-preserved temples in Bagan, and beyond the entrance are numerous Buddha statues and a courtyard with traditional glazed tiles. This is one of the most popular temples to visit, so there will often be crowds and vendors selling goods during peak times. Dhammayangyi Temple Dhammayangyi draws visitors because it’s the largest temple in Bagan and is visible across most of the temple zone. It’s imposing exterior matches a grim history. Dhammayangyi is said to have been built in the 12th century as an attempt at atonement by King Narathu, who was known for murdering multiple members of his family. It doesn’t seem to have changed his personality much though, for the king also allegedly chopped off an arm of any worker who didn’t meet his strict construction standards for Dhammayangyi. Gory history aside, this is one of the best-preserved temples in Bagan and has many original paintings and mortar decorations. Gawdawpalin Temple Also known as the â€Å"temple of forgiveness†, Gawdawpalin was built in the 12th century by King Narapatisithu. Legend has it that the king committed a terrible crime that caused him to go blind. After completing the temple and praying for forgiveness, his sight was miraculously restored. This isn’t the most unique or interesting temple to see, but it’s an excellent example of how temples were built in the late Bagan period. Shwesandaw Pagoda This white-washed colored pagoda isn’t the most stunning building in the area, but it’s one of the most popular places to watch sunrise and sunset. Climbing to the highest level gives sweeping views of the plains dotted with temples. At dawn and dusk Shwesandaw can be extremely crowded, but it’s quite empty during other times, and the views are still some of the best you’ll get anywhere in Bagan. Shwezigon Pagoda Located in Nyuang U, glittery, golden Shwezigon makes a nice contrast to all of the brick you’ve likely been seeing in Old Bagan. The temple includes four shrines, each housing a bronze Buddha, as well as 37 nat, or pre-Buddhist religious figurines. Thatbyinnyu Pagoda The tallest temple in Bagan, Thatbyinnyu is located near the Ananda Temple. The temple is primarily white, with its spires tipped with gold. Unfortunately, past earthquakes have made the upper stories of the building unstable, so visitors are not allowed to climb it. Touring Bagan With a Guide It’s possible to either wander Bagan on your own or hire a guide for a day or half-day tour. There are several types of guided tours. Horse-Cart A guided horse cart tour is the most traditional and cheapest way to tour Bagan. Your guide will be a local, and you’ll sit in the back of a cart with a cover on top so you’re protected from sun and rain. Your driver will know where all of the main temples are as well as places to stop for snacks and drinks, but their job is mostly transporting you from one place to another as opposed to explaining the sites. Once you hop out of the cart to explore the temples you’ll be on your own. Prices can vary widely depending on the season and competition, but expect to pay around 25,000 kyats ($21) for a full-day tour and slightly less for a half-day tour. There are also sometimes rickshaws available for tours, but they're much less common. Taxi You can also tour Bagan in a taxi. This will be similar to the horse cart tour, but with increased comfort and cost, and you’ll likely get to see more of Bagan because you can travel faster. Most hotels will be able to hire taxis for you, and you can also enquire at Nyaung U airport. Taxi tour prices can vary widely (always confirm the price with the driver before you start), but expect to pay about twice as much as a horse cart tour. Balloon Rides For those looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience (besides just visiting Bagan itself), it’s possible to take a hot air balloon over the temples. You’ll take off early in the morning so you can see sunrise from the air, then circle around the main temples of Bagan. Balloon tours are only available from October to April and cost about $350-$400 per person. The price typically includes pickup and drop-off, breakfast, and a champagne toast. There are several companies that offer these tours including Balloons Over Bagan, Bagan Balloon, Oriental Ballooning, and Golden Eagle Ballooning. Book your tickets before you arrive as the trips can sell out in advance. Getting Around on Your Own It’s also possible to explore Bagan individually. Walking is, of course, possible, and can be useful for nearby temples, but Bagan’s size and regular high temperatures mean you’ll probably want to have some form of transportation to more comfortably reach distant sites. Almost every hotel rents bikes for as little as $2 a day. Bikes are a cheap and easy way to get around, but if it’s very hot you may wear yourself out pedaling all day. Also, the ground can get very loose and sandy around the smaller temples, which can be difficult to pedal through. When renting a bike, always try it out first before paying for it. Bike quality can vary widely, and you don’t want to get stuck with a wobbly frame or a flat tire. Another option is getting around on an electronic bike or e-bike, which is a bike that runs on electric power or can be pedaled. These are more expensive, but you travel faster and don’t have to pedal very much. If your own hotel isn’t renting e-bikes, they’ll be able to direct you to a place that does. Again, test the e-bike out before you pay for it, and make sure it’s fully charged. Should You Get a Guide? There are several options for guided tours in Bagan, but do you even need one? As I mentioned above, most tours, excluding some higher-end ones, won’t give you much information about the Bagan temples themselves; instead, they’re primarily a way to get around. This may make you think that a tour isn’t very useful. However, Bagan is a huge site with just a few signs pointing the way to the most important temples. Many temples are found on winding, unmarked dirt roads making it almost impossible to easily find all the temples you want to see on your own, even if you have a map. While in Bagan, I met multiple tourists who had decided not to hire a guide to keep costs down, but many left Bagan disappointed because they were unable to find some of the most important and popular temples on their own. I’d highly recommend hiring a guide for your first day in Bagan and asking them to take you to each of the main temples. This way you’ll ensure that you see each of Bagan’s main sights. You can spend the following day/days exploring the other temples on your own and perhaps return to some of your favorites. Tips for Visiting Bagan Finally, there are a few tips you should keep in mind in order to keep your trip to Bagan as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Tip 1: Make Use of the Early Morning Bagan is hot all year round, so take advantage of the morning hours right after dawn when Bagan is cooler and less crowded. During sunrise, there will generally be crowds around popular spots like Shwesandaw Pagoda, but at least one morning you should get off the beaten trail and visit some of the lesser-known temples. You’ll likely have them all to yourself. Tip 2: Dress Appropriately Most of Myanmar is devoutly Buddhist, and the temples of Bagan are some of their most important religious sites. As such, visitors are expected to be respectful and dress appropriately. Everyone, especially women, should make sure their pants/skirt/dress reaches past their knees, and covering your shoulders is a good idea too. Those who don’t meet the dress code will be denied entry into the larger temples (most smaller temples have no one to check what you’re wearing). You must be barefoot when entering the temples, so wear flip-flops or sandals so you're not spending a lot of time messing with socks and shoelaces. Walking barefoot on hot tiles can get uncomfortable in the middle of the day, which is another reason to get up early. Tip 3: Be Respectful Again, the Bagan temples are culturally and religiously significant to the people of Myanmar, so don’t treat them like they’re just an Instagram background. In February 2016, the Myanmar government banned the climbing of all but five of the Bagan temples. The five temples exempt from the ban are Shwesandaw (discussed above), Pyathard Gyi, North Gunni, South Gunni and Thitsaw Wati. This ban was instituted because of â€Å"inappropriate activity† by tourists, including sleeping in the temples, entering restricted areas, dancing in the temples, and causing damage to the stonework. You don’t need to be frozen and silent when you’re in the temples, but don’t be rowdy either and don’t try to access restricted areas (many of these are unstable due to age and earthquake damage, and building collapses are not uncommon). Tip 4: Do Some Exploring My last and most important piece of advice is to do some old-school exploring of Bagan. Bagan is one of the only archaeological wonders of the world where you’re pretty much given free reign around the site. There are literally thousands of temples to explore, but most tour groups will only visit a handful of the biggest and most famous ones. Grab a bike and just pedal in the direction of anything that looks interesting. I spent several days getting lost in mazes of hundreds of smaller temples, and, in addition to the temples, I came across local goat herders and their flocks, Burmese children walking home from school, and a tiny cemetery a villager brought me to. If you’re worried about not knowing how to find your way back to civilization, bring a map with you. You’ll regularly come across Burmese people, and even if they don’t speak English, if you point to town on your map, they’ll be able to send you in the right direction. Recently, I’ve seen more and more people complaining about crowds in Bagan, but on my recent trip I found it easy to escape the masses by stepping onto any of the smaller dirt roads and seeing where it took me.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

The similarities between the higher education in the United States of Essay

The similarities between the higher education in the United States of America and the Western Europe are limited - Essay Example The following essay will compare the differences in the systems of higher education both in the USA and Western European countries. Key words: higher education in the USA, higher education in the Western Europe, Bologna Declaration Though there are limited similarities between higher education in the USA and Western Europe, nevertheless they exist. First of all, the students both in the USA and Europe enter the college or university after finishing school and getting secondary education. In the USA one has to attend 12 years of primary and secondary school, and with the secondary school diploma or certificate one can go on to getting higher education in the university or college. The secondary education in the Western Europe differs slightly from country to country. Generally, the pupils need to attend 11-12 years of primary and secondary school before entering college or university. To enter university students in both Europe and the USA need to provide a proof of completion of high school. Besides, in the USA pupils need to pass the standardized test (SAT, ACT). There is a tuition fee that needs to be paid, but the amount can be different from university to university. There are public and private universities in the USA as well as Western Europe. As far as higher education goes, still, there are more differences than similarities between the USA and the Western European countries. Usually, American students are able to earn their Bachelor's degrees by attending Spring and Fall semesters for four years, if they spend summers at home. It is also possible to study in summer, this way one will earn his Bachelor’s degree in a shorter period of time. â€Å"Most colleges and universities follow either a quarter-based calendar system or a semester-based calendar system. In a quarter system, the academic year is divided into three sessions called quarters. Each quarter lasts about 12 weeks. There is usually an additional quarter in the summer, where registrat ion is optional. In a semester system, the academic year is divided into two sessions called semesters. Each semester lasts 16 weeks.† (The US College Unit System, para.2) Study at a college or university leading to the Bachelor's degree is known as "undergraduate" education. A Bachelor degree is the most traditional degree given by the US colleges and universities. The American system of higher education measures student's progress in credit hours. The student must earn 124 credits to graduate with a Bachelor's degree. Each college course is assigned a certain value in â€Å"credits† or â€Å"units.† The number of units corresponds to the number of hours that a student will attend class for that course. Most colleges require that students complete a minimum number of units in order to graduate, rather than a minimum number of courses. This way, it gives students more flexibility and more freedom of choice as far as what courses to take in order to complete their graduation requirements. If one finds his bachelor’s degree to be insufficient, he/she may proceed to get their Master’s degree and Doctorate (also known as PhD). One may need a PhD degree to teach at the university, for example. In addition, there are some courses that are taught only at the â€Å"postgraduate† level (the next level after the Bachelor’s degree). Among such courses are law, medicine and dentistry. How

Friday, November 1, 2019

Aviation Security and its Impact on Airports Essay

Aviation Security and its Impact on Airports - Essay Example A database that links all airline reservation systems in the country to many private and government databases would allow security officials to sort through the travel histories of each flier and allow airport officials to see the backgrounds of all passengers before they board the flight. This will allow officials to prevent passengers suspected of terrorist activities from boarding the aircraft when they are believed to be a threat to the health of other passengers and the aircraft. All passengers will have threat data related to them, with the most threatening passengers to be fully checked before boarding all aircraft. During this process, when a passenger with a high threat rating books a ticket on a commercial airline, aviation officials will be able to screen these individuals prior to terrorist events occurring. A pre-screened traveler is not necessarily a good idea because identities can be concealed and changed to portray the picture of another individual that may not be co nsidered a threat. The approach we chose will gather intelligence information as well as pre-screen individuals at the time of ticket purchase confirming they are who they claim to be and then will screen a threat risk assessment to detect those people that may pose a terrorist threat to others. This approach will identify each passenger, with all privately, government, and airline held information and check that with information of the lists of threatened suspects and terrorists in order to weed out those individuals that pose a flight risk. Once the system has calculated a threat score, it will be secretly printed on the boarding pass or ticket for each passenger, without the passenger knowing what his or her risk is. The database, once fully