How to Keep a Halloween Jack-o-Lantern from Rotting

How to Keep a Halloween Jack-o'-Lantern from Rotting Here is a fun, seasonal science fair project that examines various ways of keeping a carved pumpkin fresh. Can you determine the best way to keep a Halloween jack o lantern from rotting? Purpose The purpose of this project is to see whether or not treating a Halloween jack-o- lantern, or any carved pumpkin, will help keep it from rotting. Hypothesis The hypothesis (because its the easiest to disprove) is that treating a Halloween jack-o-lantern will not keep it from rotting any better than doing nothing at all (the control). Experiment Summary This is a great fall science fair project  since pumpkins are readily available from late summer through winter. You could conduct a similar project during the spring using another variety of produce. Since nothing lasts forever, a good timeframe for collecting data is 2 weeks. If all of your pumpkins rot before then, you may choose to end the data collection phase of this project sooner. Since temperature plays a part in the shelf life of a jack-o-lantern, its possible your pumpkins may last several weeks if kept in cool conditions. If this is the case, your project may run for a month. Keep the time and temperature in mind when planning your science project. Materials The main materials for this project are freshly carved jack-o-lanterns and various pumpkin preservatives. The most commonly applied preservatives are bleach solution, borax solution, petroleum jelly, hairspray, white glue, and commercial pumpkin preservative (if available). You can test any or all of these, plus more  if you can think of other preservatives. You will need pumpkins for every method you test, plus a control pumpkin, which will be carved, but untreated. Experimental Procedure Carve your jack-o-lanterns. It helps if you give them different faces so they are easy to tell apart. Try to scrape as much pumpkin goo as possible from the inside of the jack-o-lanterns so they will be easier to treat with chemicals.Leave your control pumpkin alone. Apply the treatments to the other pumpkins. Either photograph the pumpkins or write down your observations about the appearance of each jack-o-lantern. Pumpkin Treatments Bleach Solution - Mix up enough bleach in water (2 teaspoons bleach per gallon of water) to fill a bucket or tub big enough to submerge your pumpkin. Immediately after carving the pumpkin, soak it in the bleach solution for 8 hours or overnight. Drain the pumpkin and allow it to dry. Each day, spritz the outside and inside of the pumpkin with bleach solution.Borax Solution - Mix up a solution of borax in water (probably 1 teaspoon per gallon) and apply it the same way as you would use the bleach solution.Petroleum Jelly - Smear petroleum jelly (e.g., Vaseline) all over the cut surface of the pumpkin. Reapply once a day if necessary.White Glue - Smear non-toxic white school glue all over the carved pumpkin and allow it to dry.Hairspray - Spray the carved pumpkin, inside and outside, with hairspray. You can reapply the hairspray daily, or not, as you prefer.Commercial Pumpkin Preservative - Follow the instructions on the container.    You can use these methods of applying pumpkin treatments or else you can come up with your own ideas.Each day, take a photo of the pumpkin and describe its appearance. Is mold present or absent? Is there any shriveling? Is the pumpkin getting soft or smelly or showing any other indications of rotting?Continue collecting data until the pumpkins have rotted. Discard the rotten pumpkins. Data The data for this project will be your photographs and observations regarding the appearance of each pumpkin. Results Make a table that shows time in days and whether each pumpkin showed mold, shriveling, or rot. You can indicate the degree of each condition by assigning a numerical value to it, if you like (e.g., 0 no mold, 1 slight mold, 2 moderate mold, 3 totally moldy). Conclusions Was the hypothesis supported? Did the control pumpkin rot at the same time as all of the other pumpkins? Things to Think About If you want a more complex experiment, add temperature as a factor. This will require additional pumpkins. Leave one of each type of pumpkin at room temperature. Refrigerate one of each type of pumpkin or (since that would take a lot of space) leave one of each type of pumpkin in a hot environment.

Descriptive Writing on Walt Disney World Essay Example

Descriptive Writing on Walt Disney World Essay Example Descriptive Writing on Walt Disney World Essay Descriptive Writing on Walt Disney World Essay Ashley StewartEnglish 110 Descriptive Writing â€Å"A Place That Had a Deep Impact Effect On You†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Disney World in Orlando, Florida, is America’s best-known, busiest, and most profitable tourist attraction. Of all Disney Worlds wonders, the Magic Kingdom draws the most visitors. Tourists can step into the past, ride a sleek spaceship into the future, or dance with a mouse. The Magic Kingdom certainly delivers the fantasy it promises. However for me, its most fantastic aspect is that everything seems so perfect: the buildings, the characters, and parades. Every building, object, and decoration is sparkling clean. Take Main Street, for example, Disneys re-creation of small-town America in 1900. Visitors walking from Town Square toward Cinderellas Castle cannot help but notice the gleaming paint on every well-kept building. Right down to their gold signs and gingerbread moldings, such shops as the Emporium and the House of Magic are freshly painted several times a year. Every window, street lamp, and display is free of smudges. In fact, white-suited maintenance workers rush to pick up any litter; including droppings left by the horses that pull the shiny trolley cars along Main Street. Each night, all of Main Street is hosed down and scrubbed. The people and of the Magic Kingdom are equally flawless. As a marching band drums in the distance, cartoon characters like Goofy and Snow White stop mingling with the tourists and begin to usher them to the sides of Main Street for a parade. This parade differs from any other you have seen, however. Dressed in spotless uniforms, the fit, attractive band members hold their instruments at the perfect angle. The shapely twirlers always catch their batons. All strut in unison, only to reappear like clockwork in an hour. At nighttime parades, spectacular fireworks are so beautiful Walt Disney World is the place that had a deep impact on me.

Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) and Customer Satisfaction Essay

Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) and Customer Satisfaction Strategy - Essay Example However, with the incorporation of IMC, the marketers have perceived that an effective strategy relies on the integration of messages into various media. Nowadays, online marketing has been widely used by marketing teams due to the consumers’ demand for technology. Traditional media such as newspaper and magazine have low market share and audience reach when compared to interactive media. Thus, the advertisers rely mostly in online advertisements to reach diversified users as part of the company’s marketing goals. This paper analyzes the advertising strategy of Nike Incorporated in the IMC perspective. It examines the alignment of marketing goals to the marketing strategies of the company that aim to satisfy the consumers with their products and services. Furthermore, this will entail the method of measuring the effectiveness of advertising and the level of customer’s satisfaction. Organizational Background Nike is a Greek goddess that signifies victory. Indeed, the brand name is known for its high quality products in the area of sports. Before Nike originated, the business name was Blue Ribbon Sports which was established by American manufacturers in January 25, 1964. Nike is focused on marketing the sports categories including apparel, equipment, footwear, and accessory products. It has been associated with different trademarks such as Nike Golf, Nike Pro, Nike+, Air Jordan, and Nike Skateboarding, plus the brand extensions like Converse and Cole Haan. Moreover, Nike is known for the swoosh sign or the wing of Greek goddess where its name derived. The â€Å"Just do it† advertising slogan adds to the popularity of Nike in the sports section (Deng, 2009, p. 102). Media Plan Advertising Strategy Nike is known globally due to its marketing strategies in broadcast and print, and the recent innovation that enables to reach wide audience is the internet. Nike aims to â€Å"sell a global brand through marketing that appeals to local taste (Goldman & Papson, 1998, p. 4). That’s why, they have unified slogan, themes, and advertising message. Furthermore, to become the leading manufacturer of sports products, Nike envisions itself to carry the legacy of innovative thinking through creative modification of the message and services (Nike, 2011). For an instance, Nike has recognized of the male superiority imposed by the brand image of Nike; hence, they reach women’s athletes to erase the negative identification by creating fashionable footwear and using advertising to convey their message. Due to the successful assimilation of Nike’s slogan, it aims to continue the â€Å"Just Do It† principle into â€Å"Just Done It† which signifies the purpose of this company to persuade consumers. To sustain its brand image as the leading sportswear manufacturer, Nike advertises its products through partnership with the sports icons such as Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong, and Lebron Jame s that represent strength and determination. Nike communicates their message in TV commercials by using humor that appeals to consumers. In addition, sports magazines are ideal tools for Nike, since they have a specific target audience. Few examples are Runners World, Backpacker, and Midwest living. The low cost advertising strategy is outdoor advertising where Nike utilizes billboards located in a traffic area and bus stops. Moreover, the most innovative approach to consumers is interactive marketing wherein Nike

Describe the major components of a rsum and cover letter Assignment

Describe the major components of a rsum and cover letter - Assignment Example The most important highlight would be emphasizing skills that enhance one’s strengths and core competencies above the rest of the applicants vying for the same position (Ferrett, 2002). The skills set should perfectly match the professional skill requirements stipulated for the position. For me, dedication and the mental strength to never give up on education after several years of inactivity is a characteristic that employers want to see. Likewise, I am also partially blind; but this would not preclude me from pursuing desired positions that exhibit my competitive advantage. One or two accomplishments that can be added to one’s cover letter could include: (1) proficiency in foreign languages; and (2) cultural awareness through travels abroad. These accomplishments would be most useful in positions requiring cultural awareness needed for diverse clientele and for specified international assignments. Likewise, these accomplishments would be considered plus factors for positions that require competencies in other languages due to the need to communicate effectively to diverse clients from other racial or ethnic

Immigration Reform Paper Essay Example for Free

Immigration Reform Paper Essay Illegal immigration into the United States has drastically increased throughout the twentieth century. There are millions of immigrants in our country who are currently living under the threat of deportation because of their undocumented status. The most considerable challenge for policymakers is distinguishing apparent immigration problems from authentic problems. Congressional members have taken an approach that focuses exclusively on border security, which has not been successful thus far. If Congress continues to pass laws without taking into consideration the fundamental contradictions of existing state affairs, then the state affairs will not undergo any change. In order to achieve results, an immigration reform must be comprehensive. The United States of America needs an immigration system that recognizes the hardships and contributions of the people migrating to the U.S., keeps families together here in this country, and creates a rational process of citizenship for new Americans. How we treat immigrants should reflect the values of fairness and equality that define the United States as a country. People come here for the promise of freedom and opportunity. However, immigrant workers are exploited and discriminated against. These so called â€Å"illegal aliens† happen to contribute to the development of our nation in many ways, such as paying taxes, creating new jobs by opening businesses, and making scientific discoveries that transform entire industries. For example, as of 2010, nearly five hundred companies had at least one founder who was an immigrant. These companies include ATT, Verizon, Kraft, Comcast, Intel, Google, Sun Microsystems, United States Steel, Qualcomm, eBay, Nordstrom, and Yahoo (â€Å"Immigration Reform† 1). Although it is true that immigrants do more contributing than anything else, many Americans refuse to believe in this fact. Usually, those seeking to reside in the United States are part of racial or ethnic groups that are minorities in this country. Therefore, anti-immigration views and behaviors are often affiliated with racism. This  effect is partially due to the fact that previous attempts to regulate immigration were based on racism or nativism. Procuring the participation of previously excluded groups is the key ending discrimination. Any policy that keeps family members apart for decades at a time should not be an American resolution. Due to our current immigration system, family members can sometimes wait ten to twenty years to be reunited with loved ones (Bruno 5). Our American values teach us that families are sacred and serve as the building block of our communities. Separating husbands from wives, sisters from brothers, and children from parents creates worthless suffering that negatively affects the prosperity of our communities. Immigrants who are waiting for the approval to come to the United States are not allowed to visit in the mean time, which means they cannot legally visit their family members who reside in the U.S. for many years. Lili Farhang, the co-director of Human Impact Partners, explains the importance of keeping families united with this statement: â€Å"The lives of children with undocumented immigrant parents or guardians in the United States are saturated with fear, fear that the people they love and depend on will be arrested and taken away from them at any moment without warning. Many of these children were born here and are U.S. citizens. But under current immigration policy, their families can be torn apart with an arrest and deportation with little regard for their wellbeing or futures† (Farhang 1). With that being said, it is clear that our country needs an immigration reform that maintains and protects family unity to reverse the damage caused by the current American policies. The United States immigration authorities often receive more visa applications than they can process within a reasonable amount of time. For the most part, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reviews each application on a first come, first- served basis. If an immigrant is an applicant for a visa or green card that does not allow unlimited amounts to be given out each year, then a certain amount of waiting will be incorporated into the process. For example, if an individual is applying for a green card as the married child of an American citizen, then he or she is placed in the third preference category of  family-sponsored visas, and can expect to wait at least ten years before receiving a visa. There is nothing anyone can do about this except to carefully monitor the progress and notify the National Visa Center (NVC) of an address change. The possibility of an immigrant’s file being misplaced is also another important reason to track the changes in progress. This happens all too often, and many times the individual is not notified of the misplacement (Bray n.p.). Many Americans do not understand the immigration process and expect all immigrants to wait their turn in line for a green card or visa. However, what they also don’t understand is that for many people who have no college degree or close relatives who are U.S. citizens, there is absolutely no way for them to migrate into the U.S. legally without reform to the legal system. For individuals living in poverty and desperate to support their families, illegal immigration is the most appealing option. Therefore, enforcement policies should focus on establishing a safe and orderly system of entry into the United States once immigrants have met reasonable requirements, such as background checks or tax payments. Immigration policies affect all aspects of American society. In one way or another, regardless of their status, immigrants have always played an essential role in the growth and development of our nation. Immigrants have contributed an estimated ten billion dollars a year to America’s economic growth (Bray n.p.). The hard-working individuals who contribute to this country should be encouraged to standardize their status. Unfortunately, the immigrants in the United States are increasingly becoming targets of discrimination. Families are being torn apart and children are being forcibly separated from their parents. In consequence, our nation’s immigration policies must be consistent with the ideals of equality and freedom that defines the American people. â€Å"Works Cited† Bray, Iona. â€Å"Why Immigration Cases Take So Long.† AllLaw. Law Topics. Online posting. Bruno, Andorra. â€Å"Unauthorized Aliens In The United States: Policy Discussion.† Congressional Research Service, 8 May 2014. Web. 16 Apr. 2015. Farhang, Lili. â€Å" Family Unity, Family Health: How Family-Focused Immigration Reform Will Mean Better Health for Children and Families.† Human Impact Partners 22 June 2013. PFD file. Haugen, David. Illegal Immigration. MI: Greenhaven Press, 2011. Print. â€Å"Tackling the Toughest Questions on Immigration Reform.† Immigration Policy Center 29 Jul. 2013. PDF file.

Is Jay Gatsby Tragic? :: essays research papers

The Tragic Jay Gatsby   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many characters in novels may be considered to be tragic. These characters are considered tragic because of one character trait they possess that leads to their eventual demise. Jay Gatsby is a tragic character in a unique way. That is, he has many negative traits, but only one of these traits leads to his eventual downfall. Of all the character traits that Jay Gatsby possessed, his excessiveness in everything he did was what led him to his ultimate downfall.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jay Gatsby was excessive in every spectrum of his life. One example of his excessive lifestyle is his view of the â€Å"good life†. Gatsby’s parties were frequent, humongous, and extravagant. â€Å" Every Friday five crates of oranges and lemons arrived from a fruiter in New York†¦ every Monday these same oranges and lemons left his back door in a pyramid of pulp less halves†¦ By seven o’clock the orchestra has arrived. No thin five piece affair, but a whole pit full of oboes and trombones and saxophones and violas and†¦Ã¢â‚¬  These examples are only a little slice of the essentials for a â€Å"Gatsby† party. All of this excessiveness is way beyond rational, and reason. Another example of his excessive parties is the fact that people would be so trashed that in one event, a couple guests are in a car accident and do not even realize it. After it happens, they just walk away looking for another drink. The simple fact is that if any serious injuries or accidents occurred during his parties, Gatsby would not have to worry about liability. His extreme wealth permitted him the option of purchasing a â€Å"get out of jail free† card. Gatsby’s biggest concerns were about his guests having a good time. Gatsby is so rich that the penalties or fines that could be imposed for this behavior would not affect him in any way. This kind of wealth allows for the imagination to run wild and excessively spend time, and money in unimportant ways.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Gatsby did not only excessively spend his money on parties. He also spent a myriad of money on clothing, cars, and a plethora of other toys. â€Å"†¦He opened for us two hulking patent cabinets which held his massed suits and dressing gowns and ties, and shirts piled like bricks in stacks a dozen high. ‘I’ve got a man in England who buys me clothes. Is Jay Gatsby Tragic? :: essays research papers The Tragic Jay Gatsby   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many characters in novels may be considered to be tragic. These characters are considered tragic because of one character trait they possess that leads to their eventual demise. Jay Gatsby is a tragic character in a unique way. That is, he has many negative traits, but only one of these traits leads to his eventual downfall. Of all the character traits that Jay Gatsby possessed, his excessiveness in everything he did was what led him to his ultimate downfall.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jay Gatsby was excessive in every spectrum of his life. One example of his excessive lifestyle is his view of the â€Å"good life†. Gatsby’s parties were frequent, humongous, and extravagant. â€Å" Every Friday five crates of oranges and lemons arrived from a fruiter in New York†¦ every Monday these same oranges and lemons left his back door in a pyramid of pulp less halves†¦ By seven o’clock the orchestra has arrived. No thin five piece affair, but a whole pit full of oboes and trombones and saxophones and violas and†¦Ã¢â‚¬  These examples are only a little slice of the essentials for a â€Å"Gatsby† party. All of this excessiveness is way beyond rational, and reason. Another example of his excessive parties is the fact that people would be so trashed that in one event, a couple guests are in a car accident and do not even realize it. After it happens, they just walk away looking for another drink. The simple fact is that if any serious injuries or accidents occurred during his parties, Gatsby would not have to worry about liability. His extreme wealth permitted him the option of purchasing a â€Å"get out of jail free† card. Gatsby’s biggest concerns were about his guests having a good time. Gatsby is so rich that the penalties or fines that could be imposed for this behavior would not affect him in any way. This kind of wealth allows for the imagination to run wild and excessively spend time, and money in unimportant ways.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Gatsby did not only excessively spend his money on parties. He also spent a myriad of money on clothing, cars, and a plethora of other toys. â€Å"†¦He opened for us two hulking patent cabinets which held his massed suits and dressing gowns and ties, and shirts piled like bricks in stacks a dozen high. ‘I’ve got a man in England who buys me clothes.

Conditions of the Vietnam War Essay

When fighting in a war, the brave soldiers are not only up against their enemy, but also against the chaotic obstacles born on the battlefield. The constant noise of slaughter, the gut-wrenching weather and the omnipresent fear of death were all elements of war that the soldiers had to coexist with. The odds of walking home after a war are extremely rare and those who were lucky enough to survive were unlucky enough to have had witnessed indescribable scenes of blood and murder. Those who have confronted the wrath of war are left psychologically traumatised and mentally unstable. The fighting conditions during the Vietnam War were excruciatingly tough. The Australian and American troops were forced to fight in a variety of weathers, including the tropical rains and blazing heat. Fighting in environments and conditions they were not yet accustomed to, they were drained of their energy and were demanded high levels of endurance. For some soldiers, the dry season was particularly difficult to fight in. they were required to fight through a haze of dust that penetrated their clothing, filled their pores and worked its way through their eyes and ears, resulting in conjunctivitis and ear infections. One soldier stated, â€Å"It can be a test of human endeavour inside a noisy metal box all day in forty degree heat, with eighty per cent relative humidity and no one has showered for a week.† Soldiers fought with damages to their bodies such as blisters, sunburn and dehydration, making it very difficult to move around and fight to the best of their ability. Other difficulties they faced were the threat of diseases such as malaria and dysentery which is caused by lack of sanitation and dehydration. Spiders, poisonous centipedes, snakes and leeches were some of the deadly creatures the soldiers tried their hardest to avoid. Proper food and clean water was very difficult to obtain as well. Soldiers ate from used cans and drank from dirt covered drink bottles. In a land where the ground explodes and it rains bullets, death is inevitable. Soldiers would be knee-deep in massacre and the vicinity would be infested with the body parts of comrade soldiers. War does not give time for soldiers to grieve and is constantly tainting the earth in the colour of red. Witnessing the death of a comrade is one thing, but to have to crawl, walk and run knowing that you may die a gruesome death at any moment is just as painfully terrifying. Soldiers who survived the Vietnam war were diagnosed with permanent paranoia and insanity. Whilst fighting an enemy on the battlefield, soldiers must simultaneously fight fear in their minds. Guerrilla Warfare During the Vietnam War, Guerrilla tactics were being put into action. Guerrilla Warfare consisted of small surprise attacks and ambushes instead of operating in major gunfire battles. Setting up booby-traps and tripwires were the preferred option as well as digging up complicated systems of underground tunnels in and around small villages. The Vietcong had the home field advantage, they used the rough terrain, thick forests and uneven landscape to their advantage against the American soldiers as they were unfamiliar to such difficult landforms. The Vietcong used their intelligence and stealth to outsmart the Americans and win the war. They did not wear any uniform so the Americans only saw them as ‘villagers with guns’. The Vietcong would also hide behind innocent civilians and use them as a shield against their enemy. They would also dig up American land mines and use the explosives as bombs of their own. Hit-and-run attacks were common and very effective in the fight against the Americans. With dangerous deft, the Vietcong would stealthy attack the Americans and leave before risking capture- incorporating the element of surprise. The Vietcong would escape through a complex network of underground tunnels, oblivious to the Americans. At the start of the war, the American soldiers had no idea of the tunnels’ existence and their unawareness produced great advantage to the Vietcong. The most extensive of the tunnel system laid in the ‘Iron Triangle’ in the Cu Chi distract, which covered approximately 400 kilometres. The Americans highly relied on their helicopters to combat the Vietcong’s skilfully hidden death traps. However, the Vietcong turned to heavy machinery as a form of retaliation against the American’s aerial attacks. The Vietcong would set up multiple booby-traps, hidden among the jungle floor of the forests. Majority of the booby-traps were covered in poison and venom which will increase the risk of infection. Some booby traps that were crafted and handmade by the Vietnamese villagers included: * The Bear Trap- when stepped on would fiercely clutch one’s foot by impaling it with sharp claws * Grenade Traps- a grenade strapped to a tripwire which will instantly explode, leaving no time to escape when triggered * ‘Bouncing Betty’- designed to cut someone in half, when stepped on would result in either paralysis or the complete amputation of a limb * Foot Trap- a hole that was dug knee deep and planted with stakes coated in poison pointing downwards, making it unescapable * Tiger Pit/ Punji Spike Pit- a hole approximately 5-6 feet deep, with the bottom covered in piercing, venomous stakes. It also has a grenade lying in await to ambush those who try to escape The fighting conditions in the Vietnam war were inhumane for both parties. Soldiers put their bodies through irritatingly uncomfortable situations and fought in fearsome scenarios, all whilst trying to keep their limbs intact. Battles arose within battles, whether it be the vicious weather or the unshakable fear of death, soldiers endured an admirable amount of physical and mental struggle. The rage of the Vietnam War claimed many courageous lives and defiled the minds of those who were able to walk away with the luxury of breath. Bibliography * http://vietnamawbb.weebly.com/guerrilla-warfare-and-war-of-attrition.html * http://history1900s.about.com/od/vietnamwar/a/vietnamwar.htm * http://www.pbs.org/battlefieldvietnam/guerrilla/index.html * http://www.vietnam-war.0catch.com/vietnam_war_nature.htm * http://vietnam-war.commemoration.gov.au/combat/viet-cong-tunnels.php * http://www.securenet.net/3rdbn5th/mike35/booby.htm * http://www.echo23marines6569.org/BoobyTraps.html * http://vietnam-war.commemoration.gov.au/armour/conditions.php * https://session.wikispaces.com/1/auth/auth?authToken=03a2e4971076358d2188756c8108eb2b5

College is Worth it in the End Essay

Right now in our century, a college education is no longer an option, but a necessity. Many college students at universities around the world all have one big question when entering into their next step of education. A college student’s biggest problem when entering school is whether or not their college degree is worth going into debt and how they will afford tuition, books, activity fees, etc. There are different opinions from both sides that contain a valid argument. I believe college is definitely worth possibly going into debt. Here are some statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The BLS announced in 2011 that the unemployment rate for people with college credits but no degree was eight point seven percent. That number plummeted to four point nine percent for people who earned a bachelor’s degree and three point six percent for those with a master’s degree. There are salary benefits as well. In that same year, those who did not finish college earned seven hundred nineteen dollars per week, while college graduates earned approximately one thousand fifty-three dollars per week and those with graduate degrees earned one thousand two hundred and sixty-three dollars per week. A growing number of students suffer soaring college debt, many questions are being raised about the value of higher education and the job offerings in a struggling economy (BLS.) The main reason why people go to college is not because they want to but because they have to. Nowadays it is hard to get a decent paying job without a college degree. Going to college and getting a degree does not necessarily guarantee that a student is going to get a job right after graduation. A student needs to get a job as soon as possible after graduating to pay back all student loans and debts. The main question asked today is, â€Å"Is College really worth going into debt?† Kaycie Sonnier a freshman says, â€Å"It really depends on if you are going to college for a high paying career choice.† It is not that some majors are worthless, but that students have to face the reality of how they are going to pay back the money they have borrowed for their education. Many students enter college without knowing what degree they want to major in. Sonnier believes college is worth the debt you may possibly fall under. She believes there are rewards for going to college and finishing with a degree. Being able to get a high paying job right out of college will help pay off any loans taken out (Sonnier.) Student loans have helped many students be able to experience the college life without having to pay up front for tuition. To a large extent, debt is unavoidable, and some students graduate with some amount of it. Students like Joshua Sonnier who only completed two semesters of college says, â€Å"Hell no college is not worth going into debt.† Sonnier had the opportunity to get on at a job that did not require a college degree. â€Å"I work as a train conductor making more money than most people who do go to college. I got hired on and immediately started taking classes that my company paid for, passed my entire test and became a certified conductor. This did not cost me any money out of my pocket, and I do not have to worry about paying back any type of student loans† (Sonnier.) Some individuals feel like college is just a waste of money and time. There are definitely pros and cons when it comes to college. I think college can either be some of the best years of one’s life or it can be an absolute nightmare. College is all about how you make it. In the end having a diploma will absolutely be worth the debt that may come along throughout your journey through college. Works Cited Home page. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012. Web. 14 February 2013. Sonnier, Joshua. Personal Interview. 6 February 2013. Sonnier, Kaycie. Personal Interview. 6 February 2013.

the gulf of tonkin Essays

the gulf of tonkin Essays the gulf of tonkin Essay the gulf of tonkin Essay In Robert McNamaras memoir, In Retrospect, McNamara provides intimate details on the events surrounding both the Kennedy, and Johnson administration. Moreover, he reflects on the some of the most controversial issues surrounding the cold war era, specifically, the the Tonkin Golf Incident, and the resolution it gave way to. McNamara examines what he believes to be the key questions surrounding these events that have sparked debate for decades. Did attacks occur on two US naval warships in the Gulf of Tonkin? Were these attacks provoked by the Johnson administration, in order to Justify a declaration of war? Was the subsequent U. S. retaliation Justified? McNamara attempts to answers these questions, based on his recollection of the events leading up to and after the Gulf of Tonkin resolution was passed. However, upon close examination of the facts and cross-referencing from other sources, it appears much of McNamaras account proves largely inaccurate, and lacks important detail. Essentially, McNamaras memoir can be seen as an attempt to admonish himself of the controversy. He removes himself from many of the important events, and gives the illusion that he was a mere observer of the nfortunate incidents that would lead to a declaration of war by President Johnson. Primarily his account is lacking in its accuracy of the intelligence gathered after the two Naval war ships Turner Joy and Maddox were attacked on August 2nd and 4th of 1964. Moreover, he fails to present an accurate picture of the case for the Tonkin Resolution that took place two days after the attack on August 6th. McNamara does recognize the importance of the alleged attacks surrounding the Gulf of Tonkin, as they would be the main motivation behind President Johnson resolution. The subsequent resolution would increase US military personnel in Vietnam, from 16,000 to 550,000 men. Thus, he appears to present in depth detail as to the probability these attacks actually occurred. He states In Retrospect, The evidence of the first attack is indisputable. The second attack seems probable but not certain. l While this may not seem like a statement that a man attempting to clear his name would make, the evidence he uses to Justify his thoughts would prove inaccurate. Many historians today do acknowledge that the August 2nd attack did occur, with McNamara obtaining an enemy shell fragment from the ship as proof. However, numerous studies and research as recent as 2005, have proven that the second attack on August 4th did not take place. In the events leading up to the second alleged attack, McNamara d iscusses CIA covert guerilla operations that took place in conjunction with South Vietnamese forces, know as the 34A operations. In addition, the US naw was conducting a system of global electronic reconnaissance, that collected radio and radar signals, emanating from the shore-based stations on the periphery of Communist countries such as the Soviet Union, China, North Korea, and, North Vietnam. 2 These operations were known as DESOTO missions. McNamara states that Although some individuals knew of both 34A operations and DESOTO patrols, few senior officials planned or followed in detail the operational schedules of both. 3 This statement concerning the overall cooperation between the two operations does prove accurate in other accounts. However, McNamaras statement tnat Desoto patrols OITTerea suostantlally in purpose and procedure from 34A operations4 can actually be seen as incorrect. A top secret document declassified in 2005, in one instance gave orders to a DESOTO atrol to Locate and identify all coastal radar transmitters, note all navigation aids along the DVRs [Democratic Republic of Vietnams] coastline, and monitor the Vietnamese Junk fleet for a possible connection to DRVNiet Cong maritime supply and infiltration routes. 5 This mission was essentially planned to gather information that would be useful to 34A raid operations in the vicinity of DESOTO patrols. In addition, McNamara writes that while some believed 34A operations had played a part in the initiating North Vietnamese actions against the Maddox and Turner Joy, nd others(including McNamara), pointing to 34As ineffectiveness found the explanation hard to accept. 6 At the congressional hearing that took place on August 6th 1964, McNamara again downp lays the role of the 34A missions, saying they were a worthless pinprick to the North Vietnamese. Yet, McNamara ignores that tension had in fact been increasing between the DRV and the South Vietnamese 34A operations. In one example on July 28th, after a 34A attack on the Island of Hon Grio, DRV patrol boats chased the South Vietnamese operatives over 45 nautical miles before giving up the chase. Nonetheless, declassified audiotapes from the Johnson library in 2005 contain a very intriguing statement made by McNamara. In the morning after the August 2nd attack, McNamara admits to the president that attack and the 34A operation were in fact connected. He states, We probably shot up a radar station and a few other miscellaneous buildings. And following 24 hours after that with this destroyer in the same area undoubtedly led them to connect the two events. 9 Not only does McNamara use misleading information regarding the 34A and DESOTO operations, but he also leaves out crucial detail from the intelligence that as gathered that day. McNamara does show that there was a great sense of doubt as to whether the August 4th attack occurred, using testimony from the officers on board the two ships that day, as well as from pilots that flew over the ships. McNamara describes how unusual weather conditions, and overeager sonar men, may have played a significant role in the accuracy of the alleged attacks. Yet, he doesnt disclose that there was in fact, faulty equipment on both ships. In an article written by an NSA analyst entitled Skunks, Bogues, and Flying Fish: The Gulf of Tonkin Mystery, Captain John J. Herrick of the Maddox, had reported that the Maddoxs long range, air search radar was inoperative, and fire control radar belonging to the U. S. S. Turner Joy was out of malfunctioning as well. 0 Even in Herricks initial account of the August 4th attack, he reported two skunks(surface contacts) and three bogies(air contacts). Moments later, he would disregard these findings as terrain returns, proving further the faulty equipment both ship had. 11 Moreover, McNamara leaves out the clear difference in the sonar reports from the August 2nd and August 4th attacks. As reports show, the radar from both the Maddox and Turner Joy on August 4th were not continuous trackings, but mostly unexpected flash returns that appeared for a few seconds on radar and disappeared12. On the August 2nd attack Vietnamese PT boats would take several hits but remain afloat and visible on the radar while on the night of August 4th, A target would apparently be nlt ana tnen Olsappear, as IT It naa completely ana Instantaneously Inclneratea In an explosion. 13 The reader may ask, Out of all the faulty evidence why did Robert McNamara still confirm that the August 4th attack? In Retrospect, McNamara amously stated in response to a report of the August 4th attack, We obviously dont want to do it (launch the retaliatory strike) until we are damn sure what happened. 14Basically, McNamara tries to persuade the reader that he had actually looked at all the intelligence gathered from that day and found substantial evidence that would make it appear the August 4th attack occurred. McNamara provides what he believes to be the five main factors that had persuaded him. Out of all these factors the most important was his claim that the U. S. had intercepted and translated a North V ietnamese message indicating two of its boats had been sunk. This piece of alleged evidence was so important that at the congressional hearing that took place on August 6th McNamara stated that he had unimpeachable proof of four North Vietnamese radio messages that showed clear intention to attack U. S. destroyers on the night of August 4th. 15. Surprisingly, McNamara leaves this statement out of Retrospect, and only states that the messages would later prove to be from the August 2nd attacks. Alarming evidence released by NSA historians would prove that not only was Robert McNamara wrong in his previous statement he knew he was, and overed up crucial information in order to protect himself. Out of all the intercepted messages from the North Vietnamese only 15 of the 122 were used. It is believed that over 90% of these messages were kept out of reports because of the conflicting accounts of the August 4th events they told. 16 Additionally, most of messages that were sent contained severe analytic errors, unexplained translation changes, and the conjunction of two messages in one. 17 In one example analytic error, an intercepted message contained the Vietnamese phrase Hanh Quan which can mean military operation. The phrase has an alternative meaning however of forced or long march or movement. In a nautical context, this could simply refer to a long voyage. This second context would make more sense when it was learned in another message, that the North Vietnamese had actually been preoccupied with a salvage mission, in which they were searching for the two sunken boats from August 2nds battle. 18 The congressional hearing that would follow on August 6th 1964, would create even more confusion. McNamara emphasizes that at the time of the hearing, he truly believed all of his statements were accurate. But the information Just presented holds a strong case for the lack of merit in his writing. Its as if McNamara held no control over the events that took place and is an innocent observer. In the non-fiction book Why the Senate Slept, author Ezra Siff presents a different picture of the events. The hearing that took place on August 6th, was a Joint executive session of Senate Foreign Relations and Armed services forces committees to testify to on both the events that took place on August 2nd and August 2nd and 4 and in support of the resolution presented before both houses. Siff makes the point that it was completely irresponsible to hold a hearing of only three hours on a complex series of events that took place over two days; Most of the senators werent even remotely familiar with what was going on at the time19 McNamara asserts that the key issue was the ambiguous language of the Constitution, which established the president as commander in chief but gave Congress the power to declare war. 20 Senator HulDrlgnt wno pres10ea over tne nearing ana oversaw tne resolutlon on tne senate floor, would later absolve McNamara of the charge of intentionally misleading Congress. As a result, I believe that because of Senator Fulbrights gracious actions towards McNamara, he doesnt mention the contradicting responses Fulbright gives to those senators that asked questions about the power of the resolution. In one instance Senator Daniel Brewster (D-Md) asked is there anything in the resolution which would authorize or recommend or approve the landing of large Americ an armies in Vietnam? Fulbright gives a contradictory response in which he states There is nothing in the resolution, as I read it, that contemplates it. However, the language of the resolution doesnt prevent it. In another instance, Senator Jack Miller (R-lw) attempted to understand the phrase in the resolution that stated Congress approves and supports the determination of the President to prevent further aggression. He then inquired as to who they would be preventing aggression from; Aggression against the U. S.? Or Aggression against the South Vietnamese. Senator Fulbright simply replied with l believe that both are included in that phrase. 23 It is evident from these responses that all Fulbright really did was cloud issue with his response to the senators questions. Even though the many in Congress were apprehensive of the resolution, it still passed almost unanimously, with only two senators voting against the resolution. The question still remains however, why did it pass? McNamara in some sense does give an accurate answer when referring to the ambiguous language of both the constitution and the resolution itself. But, he still doesnt analyze some of the other key factors such as the role of Senator Fulbright in the hearings. It was his assurance that This resolution doesnt mean a thing. Lyndon wants this to show he can be decisive and firm with the ommunists, too, that would help persuade congress. Congress understood the breadth of the resolutions power but they didnt for see that it would be an authorization for the escalation of war. 24 Likewise, McNamara doesnt take into account the reaction the general public would have if the committee voted the no on the resolution. McNamara doesnt include in his memoir President Johnsons radio and television appearance shortly after the second attack, in which he informed the public of two unprovoked attacks on US naval vessels in the Tonkin Gulf. Its obvious hat any member of congress that wanted to continue their career in politics could not vote no to a resolution in response to two unprovoked attacks. They would be viewed as completely unpatriotic during a time of national crisis. To put it plainly, congress didnt really have a choice in the matter. Unfortunately, the Tonkin resolution would commit over half a million US military forces to Vietnam with a death toll that would reach over 58,000 Americans. Subsequently, many Americans immediately put the blame on Robert McNamara and the Johnson Administration. Whether they are deserving of it, the question still remains. Robert McNamara attempts to bring clarity to the events surrounding the Golf of Tonkin in his memoir In Retrospect, but it unfortunately is an inadvertent attempt to clear his name. Because of this attempt to admonish himself, McNamara leaves out important detail specifically involving intelligence gathered after the second attack that took place on August 4th, as well as important dialogue that occurred during the congressional hearings on August 6th. In Retrospect, is a primary account, but unfortunately it uses evidence tnat present a very lopslaea picture 0T a man wno tries to excuse s policy that spun out of control. 25 Bibliography tne events Hanyok, Robert J. Skunks, Bogies, Silent Hounds, and Flying Fish: The Gulf of Tonkin Mystery, 2-4 August 1964, Cryptologic Quarterly, (2005): 10 -Presented key facts about intelligence and encrypted messages from August 2nd and 4th McNamara, Robert S. In Retrospect, New York: Times Books, (1995), 128 -My primary source account, as told by Robert McNamara Nathan, James A. Robert McNamaras Vietnam deception. USA Today Magazine 124, no. 2604 (September 1995): 32. MasterFlLE Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed April 8, 2013). Provided me with key dialogue from McNamara that was not in the book, specifically information pertaining to the 34A missions Paterson, Pat. The Truth About Tonkin. Naval History 22, no. 1 (February 2008): 52. MasterFlLE Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed April 8, 2013). -Similar to McNamaras deception, provides key info about the actual attacks of August 2nd and 4th Karen, Schwindt. The Obligation for Patriotism: Why Congress Passed the Tonkin Gulf Resolution. (n. d. ): OAlster, EBSCOhost (accessed April 8, 2013). -Looked closely at events surrounding the congressional hearing, gave important dialogue on senator Fulbright -The Foreword, was written by the most decorated officer from Vietnam, wno severely crltlclz ea McNamara SiffY. Ezra. Why the senate slept : the Gulf of Tonkin resolution and the beginning of Americas Vietnam war / Ezra Y. Siff ; foreword by Lt. Col. Anthony B. Herbert. n. p. : Westport, Conn. : Praeger, 1999. , 1999. ShaRC MIC Consortium Shared Catalog, EBSCOhost (accessed April 8, 2013). 20. -Also looked at events leading up to and after the August 6th congressional hearing -Looked at different theories of why congress passed the resolution

How Artificial Selection Works With Animals

How Artificial Selection Works With Animals Artificial selection involves mating two individuals within a species that have the traits desired for the offspring. Unlike natural selection, artificial selection isnt random and is controlled by the desires of humans. Animals, both domesticated and wild animals now in captivity, are often subjected to artificial selection by humans to get the ideal animal in looks, demeanor, or other desired characteristics. Darwin and Artificial Selection Artificial selection isnt a new practice. Charles Darwin, the father of evolution, used artificial selection to help bolster his work as he came up with the idea of natural selection and the Theory of Evolution. After traveling on the HMS Beagle to South America and, perhaps most notably, the Galapagos Islands, where he observed finches with differently shaped beaks, Darwin wanted to see if he could reproduce this type of change in captivity. Upon his return to England, Darwin bred birds. Through artificial selection over several generations, Darwin was able to create offspring with desired traits by mating parents that possessed those traits. Artificial selection in birds could include color, beak shape and length, size, and more. Benefits of Artificial Selection Artificial selection in animals can be a profitable endeavor. For instance, many owners and trainers will pay top dollar for racehorses with particular pedigrees. Champion racehorses, after they retire, are often used to breed the next generation of winners. Musculature, size, and even bone structure can be passed down from parent to offspring. If two parents can be found with the desired racehorse characteristics, theres an even greater chance that the offspring will also have the championship traits that owners and trainers desire. A common example of artificial selection in animals is dog breeding. As with racehorses, particular traits are desirable in different breeds of dogs that compete in dog shows. The judges look at coat coloring and patterns, behavior, and even teeth. While behaviors can be trained, there is also evidence that some behavioral traits are passed down genetically. Even among dogs not entered in shows, certain breeds have become more popular. Newer hybrids such as the Labradoodle, a mix between a Labrador retriever and a poodle, and the puggle, which comes from breeding a pug and a beagle, are in high demand. Most people who like these hybrids enjoy the uniqueness and the look of the new breeds. Breeders choose the parents based on traits they feel will be favorable in the offspring. Artificial Selection in Research Artificial selection in animals also can be used for research. Many labs use rodents such as mice and rats to perform tests that arent ready for human trials. Sometimes the research involves breeding mice to get the trait or gene to be studied in the offspring. Conversely, some labs research the lack of certain genes. In that case, mice without those genes are bred to produce offspring lacking that gene so they can be studied. Any domesticated animal or animal in captivity can undergo artificial selection. From cats to pandas to tropical fish, artificial selection in animals can mean the continuation of an endangered species, a new type of companion animal, or a lovely new animal to look at. While these traits may never come about through natural selection, they are achievable through breeding programs. As long as humans have preferences, there will be an artificial selection in animals to make sure those preferences are met.

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The importance of marketing in travel and tourism - Essay Example There are several factors that impact the image of a company: advertising (any paid form of performancing the ideas, production and services); personal selling (the advertising for one or several potential clients which takes place while negotiations and aimed to have long-term realtionship between the companies); sales poromotion (stimulating arrangements selling the pruducts and services); public relationship (development of the relatiuonship between the companies with the help of creating a good reputation). (Peter D. Bennet) As for air companies, it should be mentioned the the way of creating an image is the quality of the services they produce. Product is the indicator of the organization. So a great attention should be paid to the quality of products and services. According to the marketing concepts, the companies achieve the competative advantages by working out the proposals which meet the needs of the comsumers more that the competative companies do. The companies can gain the competative advantage by reducing the price, and better quality of the production. The companies should consider not only the consumers’ needs but the strategies of the competitive companies. The first step in this direction is competitor analysis – the process of defining and evaluating the competative companies. The next step is working out the competitive strategies, that would help to have a good position at the market and gain the competitive advantage. (Leslie de Chertony). In order to achieve success and just to survive companies should change their philosophy. To win a good position at the contemporary market the companies should be consumer oriented. It is impoartant to know everything not only about production but about the creating the customer value orientation. It is very important to satisfy the customer’s expectations and to define the level of satisfaction. Usually the

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The use of Biometrics and Bio-information to Support New Systems Integration - Research Paper Example metric traits (for example face, fingerprint and iris) are not able to be stolen, lost or simply forged; they are as well recognized as to be more and more constant and distinctive. Utilize of biometrics is not latest; fingerprints based reorganization have been effectively employed intended for over one hundred years in law and forensics enforcement agencies to recognize and arrest criminals. However, as biometrics infuses our society, this detection technology featuring novel challenges. Biometric is the mainly secure as well as suitable authentication system. It is not able to be stolen, borrowed or elapsed as well as falsify that is mainly impossible. Biometrics based detection and calculations are based on individuals exceptional behavioral or physical features to identify or validate their characteristics. General physical biometrics comprise hand, fingerprints or retina, palm geometry iris, plus facial features. Behavioral characters features comprise voice, signature, gait an d keystroke. Biometrics taken as an automatic detection of people foundational on their physiological or behavioral features. Uni-modal new technologies based biometric systems carry out person identification foundational on a single source of biometric data and are influenced through issues similar to non-universality, noisy sensor data plus lack of independence of the selection of the biometric attribute, lack of an invariant illustration for the biometric feature as well as vulnerability to circumvention. A number of these issues are able to be improved through making use of the state-of-the-art integrated biometric systems that combines confirmation as of numerous biometric sources. Combination of proofs acquired from numerous indication is a challenging aspect plus combining at the identical score level is the majority widespread method for the reason that it presents the most excellent trade-off among the information content as well as the easiness in integration. In this