Profile of Child Predator Nathaniel Bar-Jonah

Nathaniel Bar-Jonah was a convicted child predator that was serving a 130-year prison sentence after being found guilty of repeatedly molesting, torturing and attempting to murder children. He was also suspected of killing a child and then disposing of the body through cannibalistic ways that involved his unsuspecting neighbors. Childhood Years Nathaniel Bar-Jonah was born David Paul Brown on February 15, 1957, in Worcester, Massachusetts. As early as age seven, Bar-Jonah demonstrated severe signs of depraved thinking and violence. In 1964, after receiving an Ouija board for his birthday, Bar-Jonah lured a five-year-old girl into his basement and tried to strangle her, but his mother intervened after hearing the child screaming.   In 1970, 13-year-old Bar-Jonah sexually assaulted a six-year-old boy after promising to take him sledding. A few years later he planned to murder two boys in a cemetery, but the boys became suspicious and got away. At 17 years of age, Bar-Jonah pled guilty after being arrested for dressing as a policeman and beating and choking an eight-year-old boy who he ordered into his car. After the beating, the child recognized Brown who was working at a local McDonalds and he was arrested, charged and convicted. Bar-Jonah received a year of probation for the crime. Kidnapping and Attempted Murder Three years later, Bar-Jonah dressed as a policeman again and kidnapped two boys, made them undress and then began strangling them. One of the boys was able to escape and contact the police. Authorities arrested Brown and the other child was located, handcuffed inside his trunk. Bar-Jonah was charged with attempted murder and received a 20-year prison sentence. Sick Thoughts While incarcerated Bar-Jonah shared some of his fantasies of murder, dissection, and cannibalism with his psychiatrist who made the decision in 1979 to commit Bar-Jonah to the Bridgewater State Hospital for Sexual Predators. Bar-Jonah remained at the hospital until 1991, when Superior Court Judge Walter E. Steele decided that the state had failed to prove he was dangerous. Bar-Jonah left the institution with a promise from his family to the court that they would be moving to Montana. Massachusetts Sends the Problem to Montana Bar-Jonah attacked another boy three weeks after his release and was arrested on assault charges, but managed to be released without bail. A deal was made that required that Bar-Jonah join his family in Montana. He also received two years probation. Bar-Jonah kept his word and left Massachusetts. Once in Montana, Bar-Jonah met with his probation officer and disclosed some of his past crimes. A request was made to the Massachusetts probation office to send more records regarding Bar-Jonah’s history and psychiatric past, but no additional records were sent. Bar-Jonah managed to stay away from police until 1999 when he was arrested near an elementary school in Great Falls, Montana, dressed as a policeman and carrying a stun gun and pepper spray. Authorities searched his home and found thousands of pictures of boys and a list of boys names who were from Massachusetts and Great Falls. Police also uncovered encrypted writings, decoded by the FBI, that included statements such as little boy stew, little boy pot pies and lunch is served on the patio with roasted child. Authorities concluded that Bar-Jonah was responsible for the 1996 disappearance of 10-year-old Zachary Ramsay who vanished on his way to school. It was believed that he kidnapped and murdered the child then cut up his body for stews and hamburgers that he served to unsuspecting neighbors at a cookout. In July 2000, Bar-Jonah was charged with Zachary Ramsay’s murder and for kidnapping and sexually assaulting three other boys who lived above him in an apartment complex. The charges involving Ramsay were dropped after the boys mother said she did not believe Bar-Jonah killed her son. For the other charges, Bar-Jonah was sentenced to 130 years in prison for sexually assaulting one boy and torturing another by suspending him from a kitchen ceiling. In December  2004, the Montana Supreme Court turned down Bar-Jonah’s appeals and upheld the conviction and 130-year prison sentence. On April 13, 2008, Nathaniel Bar-Jonah was found dead in his prison cell. It was decided that the death was a result of his poor health (he weighed over 300 pounds) and the cause of death was listed as myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Aimee Semple Mcpherson Essay - 788 Words

Nicole Russell 9th Grade Academic Writing Expository Essay 1/3/12 Aimee Semple McPherson, also known as Sister Aimee, was an American-Canadian evangelist, and a celebrity in the media networks. She founded a church called Four Square Church. She has been known for using modern media, especially the radio. She was a strong and powerful woman who led many to Christ. Aimee was so loving and caring through her ministry, that God would use her to share with others, the story of Jesus Christ. Aimee as a child was able to get a first look at religion at a young age, which helped her out in later years. Aimee was born on October 9th, 1890 in Salford, Ontario, Canada, her father and mother, James and Mildred Kennedy, were loving and†¦show more content†¦McPherson spoke in tongues but rarely indicated it. She was known as a faith healer and there were claims of physical healing during her meetings, which brought her even more fame. By 1917, she started her own magazine, The Bridal Call, in the magazine she wrote many articles about women’s roles in religion, she portrayed the link between Christians and Jesus is like a marriage bond. The battle between fundamentalists and modernists escalated after World War I, with many modernists seeking less conservative faiths. She developed a strong church, the Foursquare Church, which blends contemporary culture with religious teachings. Aimee Semple McPherson’s faith healing demonstrations were written about a lo t in the newspapers. Overtime though, she tried to take out the faith healing demonstrations because it was overwhelming the other parts of her ministry. Scheduled healing sessions were still held and many thousands have been claimed saved. McPherson’s career started taking the wrong turn, she was receiving many death threats, and she almost got kidnapped. On May 18, 1926, McPherson went with her secretary to Ocean Park Beach north of Venice Beach to swim. Soon after arriving she disappeared and they thought she drowned, so many people decided to swim to find her, no one could. After many months of searching, Aimee’s mom got a letter asking for half of a million dollars, or else the kidnappers would sell her into slavery. A few months later AimeeShow MoreRelatedAimee Semple Mcpherson591 Words   |  3 PagesAimee Book Report Percentage of reading: 100% Aimee Semple McPherson is the founder of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel and also known as the Foursquare Denomination. She was born in Canada on a small farm and had an encounter with the Lord that changed her life forever. She was born and raised in a Christian family, but at a young age had an encounter with the Lord that had her desiring to be as intimate as possible in a relationship with Him. FromRead MoreAmericas Political and Social Attitudes During the 1920s Essay1129 Words   |  5 Pagesand probably one of the most famous was Sister Aimee Semple McPherson. Sister Aimee was head of the Four square gospel alliance and she often led services of over five thousand people dressed as an angel and beating time to the hymns on a tambourine. Sister Aimee used the frenzy created during her sermons to make the incurable think they were cured and walk out of wheelchairs and leave crutches behind. Sister Aimee became a millionaire from collections taken duringRead MoreThe American Evangelical Story By Douglas Sweeney And American Apocalypse Essay1492 Words   |  6 PagesPastor Cassidy - without naming Trump - spoke of the importance of new, fiscally aware presidency that had God at the core of ‘its’ policy making. It also makes me reflect back on some of the influential evangelists such as Billy Sunday and Aimee Semple McPherson, and that the message remains the same, yet the sets and designs are much more savvy. The other piece that was of interest to me when visiting Grace, was the acknowledgement of being a premillennial church. â€Å"THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST: Read MoreWe Are A Catholic Heritage By Donald Dayton And American Apocalypse Essay1830 Words   |  8 Pagesnaming Trump specifically - spoke of the importance of a new, fiscally aware presidency that has God at the core of ‘its’ policy making. This also brought to mind some of the influential evangelists we read about, such as Billy Sunday and Aimee Semple McPherson. Both having a similar fiery message of Jesus’ return as well as God and government working together. Only now, the sets and technology are more savvy and mosaic. The other piece that was of interest to me when visiting Grace, was the acknowledgementRead MoreWhat Evangelicalism And Fundamentalism Means Throughout History Essay1798 Words   |  8 PagesCassidy - without naming Trump - spoke of the importance of a new, fiscally aware presidency that had God at the core of ‘its’ policy making. In turn, it makes me reflect back on some of the influential evangelists such as Billy Sunday and Aimee Semple McPherson, who also had a similar message of Jesus’ return and God and government working together with only the sets and technology being different; more savvy. The other piece that was of interest to me when visiting Grace, was the acknowledgementRead MoreCharismatic Theology2760 Words   |  12 Pagespremises of the denomination to not hold to any doctrinal statements. Therefore, he, along with George Brinkman, left the Assemblies of God to form the Pentecostal Church of God of America. In 1927, a former Assemblies of God minister named Aimee Semple McPherson founded the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, a Pentecostal church that grew around the healing and witness of its founder. This church also suffered a division in 1932 with the creation of the Open Bible Evangelistic AssociationRead MoreLangston Hughes Research Paper25309 Words   |  102 Pagesluncheon sponsored by George P. Putnam, widower of aviator Amelia Earhart. In front of the hotel, a protest group, led by Aimee Semple McPherson, a famous fundamentalist evangelist, picketed his appearance. McPherson was angry with Hughes for referring to her as a fraud in his controversial poem, Goodbye, Christ. In the poem, the speaker asks Christ to step on the gas and take McPherson and other religious leaders away. Protesters outside the hotel became so rowdy that the manager asked Putnam to cancel

Enterprise System in Practice

Question: Discuss about the Enterprise System in Practice. Answer: Introduction: Nike, the globally acknowledged brand for its sports shoe has recently undergone several changes within their business implementation. At the initial level the company has undergone changes through the implementation of ERP process. That led to the drastic downfall of the company. It was under this scenario, Nike realised their mistake and started taking up necessary actions in revising their ERP system. ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning. ERP is the software dedicated for management purposes of the organization wherever it is installed(Ford King 2015). Through the ERP software, the organization can integrate all the course of action within its organization. The line of integration includes planning of the company, development of the strategies, manufacturing of the products, marketing of the same to reach out to the global customer. This report has been divided into three segments whereby the first segment tries to find out the problem faced by Nike, the need for OPM3 process and the way in which this OPM3 process may help Nike and any other organization from future disaster. The second part focuses on the role of PMO and the way in which this PMO can be implemented within the ERP procedure. The importance of teamwork and training in ERP procedure has also been shown here. The third and the final segment discusses on the rationale behind the outsource processing of ERP system by Nike and the recommendations which might help other organizations as well. The report ends with a synopsis of the entire findings. Background of the Problem: According to the case study, it has been seen that the global brand Nike back in the year 1998 was having 27 order management system which were highly customised according to the companys need. The company was facing problem in managing the 27 different systems and under this background that made them implement a single unit system of ERP. The demand forecasting and supply chain management has been introduced in the company. The main aim of the demand forecasting software is to analyze the possible future demand of the organization (Wisner, Tan Leong 2014). The problem faced by Nike is that the software was unable to integrate and synchronize and led to wrong prediction. Due to a wrong prediction the shoes, which were least demanded were kept in stock whereas the ones, which were in high demand, ran out of stock. OPM3 Theoretical Background: OPM3 stands for Organizational Project Management Maturity Model. Through this model, the organization tries to predict the capability of any firms, business units or organizations capability to implement certain system of management within their domain and the expected success that it may bring (Silva et al. 2015). Long back in 1998, many strategy makers throughout the world came together with the initiative to form a theory that can help in understanding the ways in which strategies within the organization works in enhancing the outcome of the same. The theory was first established and published in 2002. Through the theory the experts from global arena tried to unleash the real power of OPM3 model in interpreting the ways in which the strategies taken up by an organization can deliver successful product (Mohapatra Choudhury 2016). Nike in implementing organizational project readiness framework: After the drastic fall in implementation process of ERP, Nike has sincerely tried to find out the loopholes within its system. It has been found that the organization did not have any proper pre-screening within its system through which it can identify its capability in becoming successful with that strategy(Mohapatra Choudhury 2016). The project readiness framework of an organization tries to find out the existing condition, the existing skills of the employees and the employee base of the organization. It also focuses on the environment, relationship and the integrating procedure of the organization(Stadtler 2015). Usually within any organization, the success of implementation of any strategy depends on several factors. Initially, the organization needs to identify the factors like the external and the internal resources available within the organization that can lead to the sustainability of the system that is going to be implemented. This report, earlier the OPM3 model has been discussed and now the ways in which OPM3 might have helped Nike in their business is been seen. How OPM3 model could helped: Implementation of OPM3 model could have helped Nike in the following ways as shown below: Initially, the OPM3 model could have helped Nike in identifying the existing loopholes of the organization, which may cause Nike to suffer a loss. Also, if this OMP3 process is implemented in any organization in future, then they are expected to benefit from it by knowing their organizations present loop holes (Christoph Albrecht Spang 2014). OPM3 can help Nike to choose the right project and the appropriate strategies that can help in reaching the target. Any other organization implementing this strategy can help in accessing the system that can be used within their existing background. If any organization is determined to implement the ERP system, then through the project readiness framework the company can access and identify the things that the company needs to rectify in order to be successful in ERP process. It can help the organization to take better decisions, realize the benefits of the ERP system. Hence, Nike and other organizations is expected to reap the benefit of the readiness framework in future. OPM3 model could have identified the facts that Nike does not have the capacity to properly implement the ERP strategies and the fact that the system might not be applicable to identify the demand of the existing customer base (Nenni et al. 2014). In addition, by using the OMP3 model, Nike could have identified the flaws existing in their supply chain management and thereby it would have saved the company from the excess supply and thereby the loss it had to incur to clear out the excess supply(Christopher 2016). Role of PMO in ERP implementation: PMO stands for Project Management Office, is the department within an established organization, which has the duty to manage the workings of different projects taken up by the organization(Hill 2013). The duty of the project management office is to maintain the standard of the projects. It also has the duty to execute the project properly and provide guidance to the organization. In addition, the department of PMO has all the sources and documentations of the ERP system that can help the company to run successfully(Morris 2013). In order to be successful n implementation of ERP, the department of the management organization usually appoints a project manager. The project manager should be flexible and quick in taking up all the decisions required for the success of the system (Kerzner 2013). The process of ERP is very complicated. The project managers are responsible for handling the entire network of ERP system whereby he needs to take care of his entire team as well as co-ordinate with the organization. The PMO department has various other roles, they are finding out the different information available within the market that can help and provide direction in which the project is going to run. Highlighting the methodology involved within a project is the primary duty of this department (Schwalbe 2015). On other hand, this department also tries to find out the ways in which the employees involved within the projects should be trained. The ERP is very complicated software that requires exhaustive training. Pr ovision of training is not the end of any project. The PMO group also has the duty to look into the ways in which this training has benefitted the organization (Gido Clements 2014). In addition, checking the progress of the employees through constant evaluation is mandatory role of PMO. Other than looking after the workings of the ERP system within the organization, the PMO has been bestowed with the duty of keeping a track on the workings of the competing industries through which the indigenous company can remain ahead of competition (Martinelli Milosevic 2016). In case of Nike, the company had faced problem in their engineering system of the ERP. The software malfunctioned and as a result, the supply chain was corrupted. There has been lack of synchronization between the demand prediction and the supply chain of Nike that resulted in the mismatch and the tragedy of the company. Training and Teamwork: After the disastrous event of Nike, the company had been engaged in findings their flaws and then they got involved into blame game with the vendors who provided them. However, the company was fast enough to realise, rectify their mistakes, and implement the revised system. In this part of the report, the importance of training and teamwork has been shown here. As already stated the ERP process is too complicated hence, whenever Nike or any other company is implementing this system within their organization, they need to thoroughly need to build up a proper team who would be responsible for carrying out the operation (Gibson 2016). After formation of the team, there is need to train them according to the requirement of the company. Henceforth, these two concept have been discussed here. Teamwork: The success of any organization depends on the coordination of the team. A team, which is well co-ordinated, gives better performance than a team who lacks in coordination. In case of ERP, there are several segments within the system. Hence, there is need to form different teams for different segments. There should be different segments within a team, the segments include Administrative committee, Steering committee, the sponsors, team leader and the team members (Venable 2013). But as all the segments are inter-related and the amalgamation of all these segments makes up the entire process hence, all the different teams should be in synchrony with one another. In order to make the process of ERP successful, the project management office should try to establish these few points within their team: Effective Communication: Communication is an integral part of any organization. The teams must have a good communication skill amongst themselves. Since, ERP process involves integrating the entire system through software, therefore there is a need to use the software which can build up a good communication (Mohapatra Choudhury 2016). Information sharing: The players within the team should be able to share the information between the other members and his should be done efficiently so that no members lacks in information. Reliability: The software used within the system of ERP should be able to work in highly efficient ways that provides reliable outcomes. If the any part of the entire ERP system does not work efficiently, it is going to entirely corrupt the system and lead to downfall of the organization (Totla, Mandot Gaur 2016). Flexibility: Any software that cannot be amended timely is useless for any organization. Hence, the selection of software within the ERP should be such that it can incorporate future changes that may come up during the course of operation(Alcivar Abad 2016). Problem solving techniques: The main objective of the teamwork is to collaborate amongst the team members and try to find out the techniques through which the existing problems can be solved. Training: Training is another important component for implementation of ERP. The complexity within the system makes it impossible to handle without a proper training and guidance. There is need for a separate group of people to handle the entire ERP system within the organization. They should be highly skilled n handling the computers and a pro in learning the workings of the software (Lu, Wayland Kaan 2015). The training plan should incorporate few tips given as follows: The training should be such that the employees can incorporate changes within their organization as per requirement. All the employees engaged with ERP system should be provided an initial basic knowledge about the system and then they should be trained according to their segments, which they are handling within the system. Key rationale to outsource ERP The case study suggests that Nike had opted for implementation of ERP by using the help of third party vendor. In other word, Nike has allowed outsourcing within their organization while implementing ERP. After its drawback at the initial stage, Nike blamed that the third party had not provide enough training to its employees and that led to the crash of the system. On other hand, the company blamed Nike for not abiding by the methodologies and guidelines provided by them. This blame game yields no result but had adverse effect on both the company. Even after this situation, it has been observed that the companies have outsourcing the ERP system (Reim 2015). The rationales behind such outsourcing are as follows: Agility of the market: Through the process of outsourcing the company can get service at a lessened time. Technical benefit: Since ERP system is very much dependent on IT segment, therefore through outsourcing it can hire the best possible vendor who masters in it and provides innovative, cutting-edge solutions (Roses 2013). Multiple feedback: An organization also chooses to implement ERP provided by 3rd party vendor as it can give the organization a global view point to the business. Economical efficiency: Outsourcing also reduces the running cost of implementation of the company and decreases the operational and maintenance cost. Conclusion Recommendation: This project highlights few important points that should be considered for the betterment of any organization planning to implement ERP within their operational system. First and foremost, the loss of Nike has given the world a great example of what may happen in case of technical glitches and improper implementation of ERP. Nike, being globally renowned brand was able to cope up and sustain in the market after learning from their own flaws. Hence, through this report it has been learnt that there is need to access the companys condition through any project readiness framework. This report talked about the ways in which the model of OPM3 could have helped the Nike in this respect. Along with it, the need for a PMO within the organization has been highlighted. Within the PMO, the importance of teamwork and proper training facility has been discussed. It has been observed that a good team with proper co-ordination can always yield better outcome and can resist the problems face by the organization, thereby guiding them towards the growth path. This report also highlights the benefits of using ERP from third party vendor through the process of outsourcing. All these clearly points out the fact that there is need for ERP system within an organization with diverse range of work. Hence, it can be recommended that any company planning to implement this system for the first time must go through a prior screening procedure whereby the capability of the existing system should be accessed. If the existing system of the organization does not support the necessary conditions required for implementing ERP, the company must upgrade its system. The company should also focus on setting up a proper segment, which should be responsible for setting up, training and managing the team of experts. With proper care and pre-caution if any company sets up ERP and keeps on upgrading according to the external environment, then it is surely going to succeed. References: Alcivar, I Abad, AG 2016, Design and evaluation of a gamified system for ERP training. Computers in Human Behavior. Christoph Albrecht, J Spang, K 2014, Linking the benefits of project management maturity to project complexity: Insights from a multiple case study. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business. Christopher, M 2016, Logistics supply chain management, Pearson UK. Ford, JD King, D 2015, A framework for examining adaptation readiness. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change. Gibson, A 2016, Preventative measures in implementation strategy. Strategic Finanace. Gido, J Clements, J 2014, Successful project management, Nelson Education. Hill, GM 2013, The complete project management office handbook, CRC Press. Kerzner, H 2013, Project management: a systems approach to planning, scheduling, and controlling, John Wiley Sons. Lu, S, Wayland, R Kaan, E 2015, Effects of production training and perception training on lexical tone perceptionA behavioral and ERP study. Brain research. Martinelli, RJ Milosevic, DZ 2016, Project management toolbox: tools and techniques for the practicing project manager, John Wiley Sons. Mohapatra, S Choudhury, A 2016, Readiness Framework for Business Process Re?engineering. Strategic Change. Morris, P 2013, Reconstructing project management reprised: A knowledge perspective. Project Management Journal. Nenni, ME, Arnone, V, Boccardelli, P Napolitano, I 2014, How to increase the value of the project management maturity model as a business-oriented framework. International Journal of Engineering Business Management. Reim, K 2015, Outsourcing Trends and Concerns. Roses, LK 2013, Strategic partnership building in it offshore outsourcing: institutional elements for a banking ERP system licensing. JISTEM-Journal of Information Systems and Technology Management. Schwalbe, K 2015, Information technology project management, Cengage Learning. Silva, D, Tereso, A, Fernandes, G, Loureiro, I Pinto, J 2015, OPM3 Portugal ProjectInformation Systems and Technologies OrganizationsOutcome Analysis. In New Contributions in Information Systems and Technologies, Springer International Publishing. Stadtler, H 2015, Supply chain management: An overview. In Supply chain management and advanced planning, Springer Berlin Heidelberg. Totla, K, Mandot, M Gaur, S 2016, An Insight of Critical Success Factors for ERP Model. Venable, LT 2013, Status of Enterprise Resource Planning Systems' Cost, Schedule, and Management Actions Taken to Address Prior Recommendations. Wisner, JD, Tan, KC Leong, GK 2014, 'Principles of supply chain management: A balanced approach', Cengage Learning.

The Main Causes Of World War One free essay sample

In the World War I there were three main causes. At first, Europeans wanted a balanced power, but then alliances started to form. An assassination happened and soon Europe was at war. However, there are numerous causes of world war that are not commonly known which include; alliance systems, militarism, and imperialism.One of the underlying cause is alliance system. Europeans wanted to become a balanced power, therefore major countries would be equal. Slowly, countries started to divide and two alliances were formed. The triple alliance consists of; Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. However, the triple entente consisted of Russia, United Kingdom, and France. As a result of Italy switching sides in 1915. Therefore, it hurt France and Russia. Then, countries started to blame each other for the war.The second underlying cause is militarism. The navy consisted of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. The army involved Great Britain, Russia, and France. Germany spent 30 million in 1890. We will write a custom essay sample on The Main Causes Of World War One or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In 1914 Germany spent 110 million. However, Austria-Hungary spent 100 million and in 1914 they spent 38 million. Therefore, Russia, France, and Great Britain had spent money to buy weapons. In 1890 Great Britain spent 35 million, Russia spent 30 million, and France spent 38 million. Because the was still going on in 1914 Great Britain spent 68 million, Russia spent 90 million, and France spent 58 million. Germany said they would hammer Europe.The most important underlying cause is imperialism. Britain is trying to take over Germany’s sea. The Germans do not need to worry about Britain taking over the sea because they spent a lot of money on it. However, Britain had the biggest area of 12,740,000 miles. Also, Britain had the most population of colonies. Britain had 400,000,00 colonies. Some ways Britain got the population was workers, fighters, and natural resources. Without imperialism you do not need military and alliances.The causes of world war I were; alliance systems, militarism, and imperialism. Imperialism was the deepest of these. There were numerous causes of world war I that are not commonly known, but there are only three main underlying causes.

Catholic Schools Vs. Public Schools Essays - State School

Catholic Schools Vs. Public Schools By Mandy S. Vincenzini Many parents struggle over the important decision to either send their children to Catholic school or public school. Clearly, they should choose public school over any non-profit educational organization concentrating on post-pubescent years in a childs life, especially Catholic installations. Catholic schools have less to offer children and parents on many levels, whereas public schools offer much more for much less. Furthermore, public schools have a much better reputation then Catholic institutions. According to Jerry Bransby of Syracuse University, New York, Catholic schools cost more and produce less. A study conducted by Jerry Bransby between the years of 1980 to 1995 reinforces this fact. He took 100 students from Catholic school and 100 from public. There were other groups involved, but the main point is that when these two particular groups were compared, the public school students scored higher on standardized tests by 46% then those from Catholic school! Another question answered from the same study was the likelihood of a student to continue his education to completion or degree of some kind. Bransby noted that 60% from Catholic school and nearly 81% from public actually finished post-high school education. With these numbers varying so much, one cannot help but wonder why? Bransby concluded that there were several differences in Catholic and public schools. Catholic schools tend to be more repressive, having stricter rules and guidelines then the public installations. Some of these include the wearing of uniforms and the anal regulation of behavior. Public schools are fairly lax and welcome individualism. The students are taught to be unique and inventive. Their creativity is harnessed (in theory) instead of punished as in the Catholic school world. Is this enough to create such diverse conclusions in the realms of Catholic and public schools? According to Suzanne Holbrook of Carnegie Mellon University, Pennsylvania, yes, but these are not the only affecting factors. The Catholic teacher screening process is somewhat lax. The teachers from public schools generally have a higher degree in their area of expertise then in Catholic installations. Parents literally do pay more for less! Another conclusive fact from a smaller study conducted by Holbrook, was that public school offered more electives, more diverse classes, and subjects taught on higher levels then at the Catholic schools. In other words, the Catholic students are ill-prepared when it comes to standardized tests, not having as strong an education background as public school students. Teachers who lack attempted higher education breed students who will fail to reach desired goals as well. For the most part, in Holbrook's study, higher education wasn't even attempted. We pay these teachers to destroy our kids? Some may argue that Catholic schools have smaller classes, more racial harmony, and a tighter knit atmosphere. Truth be known, larger classes make a struggling student fight. In the real world, there are no hand outs. If one wants it, he must fight for it. As for racial harmony, when did that become positive? Is the real world in racial harmony? Do we live, breathe, and sleep in segregated quarters from our native neighbors? How can one who is alone all his life learn to cope and deal with relationships and companions? Once again, the Catholic schools let us down. Their segregated world is far from actuality and should not be embraced! A tighter knit atmosphere is hard to disprove in some instances, but in a school situation? Everyone loves the nosy neighbor who works at the flower shop and knows the whole towns business! Not exactly! In fact, not at all! Is it our will that our children grow up in a secluded, non-diverse, robotic environment that the Catholic schools offer? Do we want our children to have nothing private or to not understand what privacy is? Do we want loose-lipped children whose very monotonous lives revolve around another persons actions or lack there of? We must stand up to this plague that is trying to take the lives of our children, instilling false pretenses on them and dooming them to stupidity! We must fight back as parents and realize the folly of the Catholic domains! It is our duty to ensure longevity and credibility to our children

Free Essays on Guilede Age

Many people viewed businessmen of the nineteenth century as robber barons. They believed that these businessmen were so emerged into giant corporations and were so dedicated in striving for monopolistic power that their only pursuit was wealth and power in lieu of accomplishments. This entry counterbalances the idea of robber barons. John Chamberlain emphasizes the creative accomplishments of these business leaders. He explains the effects they had on the American public, while also realizing the â€Å"shameful aspects† of their actions. In the following essay, I will summarize Chamberlain’s views on Vanderbilt, Rockefeller and Carnegie, their achievements and their pursuit to deal with the American economy. The period after the Civil War resulted in a significant growth in the industrialization of the American economy. Many new faces started to emerge out into industrial enterprises. One of these new faces was Cornelius Vanderbilt. People believed that he was a man that used trickery to control properties that he wanted. When involved with something, Vanderbilt was a man who was determined to have physical and economical improvements for the company. He began his career from his love of steamboats, but as the steamboats era came to an end Vanderbilt became involved with railroads. With his profit made from steamboats and oversea affairs, he purchased shares of the Harlem Railroad. This would later help him gain stock control of Canada Southern, Lake Shore and the Michigan Central. These first steps lead him to much fame in the economical world. He relayed the Central’s tracks from New York to Chicago with new steel rails and stronger steel bridges. He produced a more efficient ty pe of locomotive and the traveling time was drastically shortened. Vanderbilt helped link the east and west worlds of America together. â€Å"Vanderbilt may have watered the Central’s stock. But as fast as he watered it he solidified it – and the worst ... Free Essays on Guilede Age Free Essays on Guilede Age Many people viewed businessmen of the nineteenth century as robber barons. They believed that these businessmen were so emerged into giant corporations and were so dedicated in striving for monopolistic power that their only pursuit was wealth and power in lieu of accomplishments. This entry counterbalances the idea of robber barons. John Chamberlain emphasizes the creative accomplishments of these business leaders. He explains the effects they had on the American public, while also realizing the â€Å"shameful aspects† of their actions. In the following essay, I will summarize Chamberlain’s views on Vanderbilt, Rockefeller and Carnegie, their achievements and their pursuit to deal with the American economy. The period after the Civil War resulted in a significant growth in the industrialization of the American economy. Many new faces started to emerge out into industrial enterprises. One of these new faces was Cornelius Vanderbilt. People believed that he was a man that used trickery to control properties that he wanted. When involved with something, Vanderbilt was a man who was determined to have physical and economical improvements for the company. He began his career from his love of steamboats, but as the steamboats era came to an end Vanderbilt became involved with railroads. With his profit made from steamboats and oversea affairs, he purchased shares of the Harlem Railroad. This would later help him gain stock control of Canada Southern, Lake Shore and the Michigan Central. These first steps lead him to much fame in the economical world. He relayed the Central’s tracks from New York to Chicago with new steel rails and stronger steel bridges. He produced a more efficient ty pe of locomotive and the traveling time was drastically shortened. Vanderbilt helped link the east and west worlds of America together. â€Å"Vanderbilt may have watered the Central’s stock. But as fast as he watered it he solidified it – and the worst ...

CBRE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

CBRE - Essay Example As the discussion highlights  since the company is planning to engage in global financial activities, there is a possibility of it facing additional opportunities and risks. The major risks that the company is likely to face are political risk and foreign exchange risk. Due to these risks the company is likely not to maintain its reliable and constant revenues.From this paper it is clear that   the company is also likely to face risk due to the current emerging market banks. This will be risk associated with potential loss, which may arise from the negative effects due to change of interest rates, equity price volatility, and currency exchange inherent from trading portfolio of banks. Since the CBRE Company has many opportunities because it has highly invested and has technological development, the company has potential and future developments. Due to the increasing rate of population and increased residential income, the company is planning to develop more real estates. In addit ion, a large number of people are migrating to urban centers in search of jobs and this gives the company a guarantee that they will still have increased number of customers. The company is also planning to improve its technological standards and dominate the entire town in order to attract a large customer population (Nel, et al 6). It will achieve this goal by reducing the price of its properties and set a price that is slightly lower than their competitors for competitive advantage.

A full e-marketing report (including a plan for future activities) for Essay - 3

A full e-marketing report (including a plan for future activities) for The in thing - Essay Example The business is organized as a strategic business unit, one such strategic business unit is serving the households (being a Business to Customer business), while the other strategic business unit is acting as a distributor to other retailers and specialty stores (Business to Business). Both the business units differentiate themselves from their competitors through a very efficient order delivery system. To augment this are feature of the business are services like: informing retailers about the most in demand toy brand, allowing them to make advance order with charging them, not even in the case of cancellation of booking. Both the business units are organized in a way that allows them to be nimble and flexible in this volatile and uncertain marketplace. This marketing plan is being developed to increase the company’s customer base through analyzing the current discrepancies in the e-marketing mix of the company and suggesting the tools based on the assumption that they would be apt for this form of the business. Not only are the suggestions focused on adding new marking tools in the mix but also are aimed at removing redundant and obsolete market channels for the mix. The aim is to utilize every ounce of a marketing channels potential. Utilization in this context depends upon the number of customers the website is able to attract and more importantly retain. Retention is actually the real objective as it would lead to the creation of brand equity and brand loyalty. In this plan the company has been recommended to outsource its in-house website development and maintenance function, and focus on its core competencies. The company for which this marketing plan is being made is â€Å"The in Thing†. This business was founded in the year 2007, and is a private enterprise. The company operates in Accrington, Lancashire, United Kingdom with 25 employees. It has a strategic business unit by the name of â€Å"I want I want†, this business unit

Globalization Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 6

Globalization - Essay Example The political, societal and moral aspects of this sort of a global financial system are starting to aggravate significant discussion as well as argument. Economists have acted in response to reports of conflictual international market forces with both contempt and unresponsiveness and, whereas such reactions have not always been unjustifiable, they have not done much to facilitate in going towards a more productive discussion. Actually, the global economy is still a quite long way from this condition. A further appropriate account of the existing circumstances is global economic interdependence, where cross-border relations among markets and between production and economic activities are currently so powerful that economic growth in any one nation is controlled to a considerable level by procedures and advancements outside its borders. Nonetheless, the level as well as nature of that control carries to rely on a nation’s capital endowments, institutional agreements and domesti c strategy alternatives. Discussion The prospects of this interdependent global economy on the medium to longer term will be dependent on its capability to provide not just a quicker rate of economic development but as well a level of affluence which is extensively shared by various nations as well as classes. Up till now, conservative economic study has been capable of dominating the debate on global potential with a dynamic assertion of the powerful and spontaneous connections among higher openness, more rapid development, and economic integration.

Causal Explanations of Dyslexia

Causal Explanations of Dyslexia Introduction Poor decoding and spelling abilities along with difficulties in precise and fluent recognition of words characterise the learning disability of dyslexia (International Dyslexia Association, 2001). Despite the extensive scientific attention that dyslexia has received there is still much debate about its causal explanation. Recently, Stoodly and Stein (2012) have pointed out that reading is only incidentally affected by this highly heritable neurobiological syndrome with multi-factorial aetiology. For example, it has been found that dyslexics exhibit various difficulties even in motor skills (Ramus, Pidgeon Frith, 2003; Fawcett Nicolson, 1995b;), mathematics (Ackerman Dykman, 1995), balance (Yap van der Leij, 1994), rapid processing (Nicolson Fawcett, 1994a) and working memory (Ramus et al., 2003; Nicolson, Fawcett Dean, 2001). Hence, the essay’s intention is to provide a brief overview of the most established causal explanations, before ultimately focus to the cerebellar deficit hypothesis. Phonological deficit hypothesis (PDH) The majority of dyslexia’s research was dominated by the phonological and magnocellular deficit hypotheses. According to Castles and Friedman (2014), the PDH refers to a wide range of disabilities that derive from the production, perception, manipulation or retention of speech sounds. More specifically, the PDH states that the breaking of the spoken words into phonemes or syllables is the main cause of dyslexics’ reading problems (Nicolson Fawcett, 2001). The theory’s most compelling arguments are its direct relationship with the way that humans learn how to read, as the phonological module is the language’s most basic level (Shaywitz, Morris, Shaywitz, 2008), and the fact that almost all dyslexic children exhibit some kind of phonological deficiency (Stanovich, 1988a). However, the last view is highly debatable with Dehaene (2009) to be one of its strongest advocates and Ramus et al. (2003) and White et al. (2006) to reject it after discovering that som e of their dyslectic participants exhibited only visual and no phonological deficiencies. Furthermore, PDH fails to explain dyslexia’s several secondary deficits, such as balance, memory, visual processing, mild motor coordination, etc. (Nicolson, Fawcett, Brookes Needle, 2010). Double deficit hypothesis (DDH) This theory emerged due to growing evidence that some dyslexic children with poor comprehension and sufficient decoding skills could not be diagnosed as dyslexic, because their symptoms could not be identified as phonological processing deficiencies (Vukovic Siegel, 2006). Thus, Wolf and Bowers (1999) in order to address this problem proposed that readers should be classified according to their adequacy or inadequacy in the cognitive skills of speed naming and phonological processing, with those showing deficiencies in both (DDH) to exhibit the most reading difficulties. This theory was further supported by Turkeltaubetal, Gareau, Flowers, Zeffiro and Eden (2003) who proved that rapid automatising naming-RAN and phonological awareness-PA activated different brain regions. However, Vukovits and Siegel (2006) pointed out that some studies, including theirs, have failed to prove that RAN has a connection with reading development, thus providing limited support to the DDH. Nonetheless, a recent study provided neuroimaging evidence of the involvement of separated brain systems in the processing of the PA and RAN skills, strengthening even more the DDH (Norton et al., 2014). Despite the inconsistent data DDH provides a good explanation about dyslexia’s core symptoms, but fails to take into account the whole spectrum of its various subtypes. Magnocellular deficit hypothesis (MDH) The MDH postulates that dyslexics’ reading problems emerge from their atypical visual or auditory magnocellular pathway-MP, which leads to sensory processing problems (Eden, 1996) due to its underdeveloped large neurones (Stein Talcott, 1999). The hypothesis’ most supportive data came from a post-mortem study in the brains of dyslexics, demonstrating that in the lateral geniculate nucleus the neurones in the MP were misplaced and shrunk by 30% than the controls’ (Galaburda and Livingstone, 1993). This theory has long been confirmed by Lovegrove, Martin, Blackwood, and Badcock, (1980), who proved that dyslexics not only shown lower contrast sensitivity at high temporal frequencies, but at low spatial as well. They also proved that dyslexics’ contrast sensitivity at the high spatial frequencies was enhanced, a finding also confirmed by Mason, Cornelissen, Fowler and Stein (1993). However, despite the above findings, inconsistent data from subsequent studies gave rise to controversies about the MDH’s validity (see Scottum, 2000), as it became clear that the impairment was mild and not present in all the dyslexics (Stein, Talcott, Walsh, 2000). Additionally, studies with small number of participants have failed to replicate Lovegrove’s et al. (1980) findings, probably due to the usage of inappropriate tests (not sensitive) or participants. Cerebellar deficit hypothesis (CDH) Even though the MDH is adequately explaining some of dyslexia’s core manifestations it does not address the common problems of clumsiness, dysgraphia, automating skills, balance, fluency etc. The Automatization deficit hypothesis-ADH (Nicolson Fawcett, 1990) emerged to explain some of the above difficulties, but was not able to specify the underlying brain structure (Fawcett Nicolson, 2004). Hence, the CDH came to address this shortcoming and merged ADH’s cognitive level explanation with its neurological. Thus, one of the CDH’s strengths was its ability to explicate these non literacy problems, which were pointing out the cerebellum and led to its identification as dyslexia’s underlying neurological structure. One of the reasons that the cerebellum was not associated with dyslexia earlier was the notion that it had no relationship with the language. However, Fullbright et al. (1999), proved that reading did involved the cerebellum, a finding also support ed by Scott et al. (2001), who discovered that tumours in the cerebellum were often associated with reading problems. After the emergence of the CDH a number of studies came into sight and provided further support. Specifically, anatomical cerebellar differences were revealed in dyslexics’ grey matter, as it was considerably reduced in both sides of their cerebellar nuclei (Brambati et al., 2004), a discovery recently reconfirmed by Stoodley (2014). However, cerebellar irregularities could not be identified either by Hoeft et al. (2007) or Silani et al. (2005), but this might was due to the selection criteria or dyslexics’ wide heterogeneity of symptoms. Concerning dyslexics’ balance difficulties-BD it was found that they were linked to the cerebellum and served as a by-product of dyslexia (Moe-Nilssen, Helbostad, Talcott Toennessen, 2003), a view also acknowledge by Needle, Fawcett and Nicolson (2007), but not accepted by Loras, Sigmundsson, Stensdotter, and T alcott (2014). Their experiments demonstrated a lack in significant statistical connection between reading and balance in healthy subjects and thus they suggested that when reading problems exist BD could not be accounted as a reliable measurement for the assessment of dyslexia risk (Loras et al., 2014). Although, this in contrast with Viholainen et al. (2011), who did found a correlation and suggested that balance and reading seemed to share a genetic mechanism. This inconsistency maybe explained due to the possibility that this relationship only lies in individuals with some kind of disorder or is just the result of disorder comorbidity. Additionally, studies have revealed that compared to the control group, dyslexics’ volume of the right anterior lobe was significantly smaller (Eckert et al., 2003) and their cerebellum was particularly symmetrical (Rae et al, 2002). On the other hand, CDH generated significant controversy as some of its critics claimed that the cerebellum is just an â€Å"innocent bystander† and not dyslexia’s causal factor, because it might receives compromised input from other cortical or sensory brain areas (Zeffiro Eden, 2001). Even though that this argument seems quite logical, there are not enough data to either support or reject it and only future research will shed further light. After all, in neuroscience research there are not only black and white findings. Furthermore, it is being claimed that cerebellar dysfunction cannot elucidate the whole range of dyslexia’s cases (Stoodley Stein, 2011) and neither is only specific to dyslexia as it also appears to other deficits, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or developmental coordination disorder (Rabeger Wimmer, 2003; Ramus et al., 2003a). According to Stoodley and Stein (2011), there is also the criticism that the cerebellum is not involved in reading and is only responsible for motor skills, but it seems that this has already been refuted with several studies highlighting cerebellum’s involvement in reading (Turkeltaub, Eden, Jones, Zeffiro, 2002), in modulating and refining language (Murdoch and Whelan, 2007), and even in rhyming (Booth, Wood, Lu, Houk Bitanet, 2007), but no consensus has yet been established. With no doubt there is some truth in each of these criticisms, but more and more data provide a stronger support to the CDH. Conclusion It is undeniable that each hypothesis adds a little bit to the general picture and explains dyslexia’s causality from a different angle, by overlapping and complementing each another. Future research should focus more on imaging studies in order to identify each underlying neural mechanism related to dyslexia and aim to a unified deficit theory, possibly with many subtypes, so children with dyslexia could be taught and treated properly. This would also provide the opportunity to master the learning mechanisms and contribute to the cure/management of other learning disabilities as well.

Heart Of Darkness :: essays research papers

The infinite battle between good and evil can destroy, refine, or rebuild the human soul by means of choice. However, good is stronger than evil and someday, the power of good will dominate. In the novel Heart of Darkness, Conrad illustrates pure evil and its capability to consume one’s soul. The title Heart of Darkness symbolizes the true evil in man, the improper use of knowledge and the downfall of civilization. “I’ve seen the devil of violence, and the devil of greed, and the devil of hot desire; but by all stars! These were strong, lusty, red-eyed devils, that swayed and drove men—men, I tell you.'; (Conrad, 81). Violence, greed and passionate desires are elements that help unleash the evil that lurks in man, which symbolizes the Heart of Darkness. The character change of Kurtz is an example of this evil. Kurtz is first describe as “a very remarkable person'; by the accountant. "Mr. Kurtz was at present in charge of a trading post, a very important one, in the ivory-country,… Sends in as much ivory as all the others put together." (Conrad, 84) However, when Kurtz experience power, greed overcomes him and he uses his intelligence and violence to accomplish his passionate desire. “ He is an emissary of pity and science and progress; and devil knows what else.'; (Conrad, 92). It is believed that there is evil in everyone and it can be triggered by mere stupidity of man. The evil in Kurtz is unleashed because he choose his deep desires for ivory and did not look ahead in the future of what will become of him. Consequently, his soul is consumed for eternal damnation. "The improper use of knowledge is another example that symbolizes the Heart of Darkness. One of Kurtz’s advantages is his deep voice and his ability to speak. That man could talk. He electrified large meetings. He had faith-don’t you see? –he had the faith. He could get himself to believe anything-anything. He would have been a splendid leader of an extreme party." (Conrad, 151) Kurtz used his knowledge about the weather and his power of speech to manipulate the natives into believing that he was a god. "He was not afraid of the natives; they would not stir till Mr. Kurtz gave the word. His ascendancy was extraordinary. The camps of these people surrounded the place, and the chiefs came everyday and they would crawl… ‘I don’t want to know anything of the ceremonies used when approaching Mr.

Latchkey Children

The effects of being a latchkey child differ with age. Loneliness, boredom and fear are most common for those younger than 10 years of age. In the early teens, there is a greater susceptibility to peer pressure, potentially resulting in such behaviors as alcohol abuse, drug abuse, sexual promiscuity and smoking. 4][5] The behaviors might stem from â€Å"unspent energy, peer pressure to misbehave, or hostility because of the lack of appropriate adult attention†. [6]However, some children can exude other positive effects. An early developement of self reliance, adaptation to difficult situations, and a desire to contribute to a visible need in the household. Socioeconomic status and length of time left alone can bring forth other negative effects.In one study, middle school students left home alone for more than three hours a day reported higher levels of behavioral problems, higher rates of depression and lower levels of self-esteem than other students. [7] Children from lower income families are associated with greater externalizing issues (such as conduct disorders and hyperactivity) andacademic problems, while children from middle class and upper class income families are no different to their supervised peers. 8] In 2000, a German PISA study found no significant differences in the scholastic performance between â€Å"latchkey kids† and kids in a â€Å"nuclear family†. [9] Positive effects of being a latchkey child include independence and self-reliance at a young age. Deborah Belle, author of The After-School Lives of Children: Alone and With Others While Parents Work suggests that being left home alone may be a better alternative to staying with baby-sitters or older siblings Latchkey Children The effects of being a latchkey child differ with age. Loneliness, boredom and fear are most common for those younger than 10 years of age. In the early teens, there is a greater susceptibility to peer pressure, potentially resulting in such behaviors as alcohol abuse, drug abuse, sexual promiscuity and smoking. 4][5] The behaviors might stem from â€Å"unspent energy, peer pressure to misbehave, or hostility because of the lack of appropriate adult attention†. [6]However, some children can exude other positive effects. An early developement of self reliance, adaptation to difficult situations, and a desire to contribute to a visible need in the household. Socioeconomic status and length of time left alone can bring forth other negative effects.In one study, middle school students left home alone for more than three hours a day reported higher levels of behavioral problems, higher rates of depression and lower levels of self-esteem than other students. [7] Children from lower income families are associated with greater externalizing issues (such as conduct disorders and hyperactivity) andacademic problems, while children from middle class and upper class income families are no different to their supervised peers. 8] In 2000, a German PISA study found no significant differences in the scholastic performance between â€Å"latchkey kids† and kids in a â€Å"nuclear family†. [9] Positive effects of being a latchkey child include independence and self-reliance at a young age. Deborah Belle, author of The After-School Lives of Children: Alone and With Others While Parents Work suggests that being left home alone may be a better alternative to staying with baby-sitters or older siblings

What You Should Know About Nigeria

What You Should Know About Nigeria Population: 152,217,341 (July 2010 estimate)Capital: AbujaBordering Countries: Benin, Cameroon, Chad, NigerLand Area: 356,667 square miles (923,768 sq km)Coastline: 530 miles (853 km)Highest Point: Chappal Waddi at 7,936 feet (2,419 m)Nigeria is a country located in West Africa along the Atlantic Oceans Gulf of Guinea. Its land borders are with Benin to the west, Cameroon, and Chad to the east and Niger to the north. Nigerias main ethnic groups are Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba. It is the most populous country in Africa and its economy is considered one of the fastest growing in the world. Nigeria is known for being the regional center of West Africa. History of Nigeria Nigeria has a long history that dates back as far as 9000 B.C.E. as shown in archaeological records. The earliest cities in Nigeria were the northern cities of Kano and Katsina that started around 1000 C.E. Around 1400, the Yoruba kingdom of Oyo was founded in the southwest and reach its height from the 17th to the 19th century. Around this same time, European traders began establishing ports for the slave trade to the Americas. In the 19th century, this changed to the trading of goods like palm oil and timber. In 1885, the British claimed a sphere of influence over Nigeria and in 1886, the Royal Niger Company was established. In 1900, the area became controlled by the British government and in 1914 it became the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. Throughout the mid-1900s and especially after World War II, the people of Nigeria began pushing for independence. In October 1960, it came when it was established as a federation of three regions with a parliamentary government. In 1963 however, Nigeria proclaimed itself a federal republic and drafted a new constitution. Throughout the 1960s, Nigerias government was unstable as it underwent several governmental overthrows; its prime minister was assassinated and was engaged in a civil war. Following the civil war, Nigeria focused on economic development and in 1977, after several more years of government instability, the country drafted a new constitution. Political corruption remained throughout the late 1970s and into the 1980s though and 1983, the Second Republic government as it came to be known was overthrown. In 1989, the Third Republic began and in the early 1990s, government corruption remained and there were several attempts to again overthrown the government. Finally, in 1995, Nigeria began to transition into a civilian rule. In 1999 a new constitution and in May of that same year, Nigeria became a democratic nation after years of political instability and military rule. Olusegun Obasanjo was the first president during this time and he worked to improve Nigerias infrastructure, the governments relationship with its people and its economy. In 2007, Obasanjo stepped down as president. Umaru YarAdua then became the president of Nigeria and he vowed to reform the countrys elections, fight its crime problems and continue working on economic growth. On May 5, 2010, YarAdua died and Goodluck Jonathan became the president of Nigeria on May 6. Government of Nigeria Nigerias government is considered a federal republic and it has a legal system based on English common law, Islamic law (in its northern states) and traditional laws. Nigerias executive branch is made up of a chief of state and a head of government- both of which are filled by the president. It also has a bicameral National Assembly consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Nigerias judicial branch is made up of the Supreme Court and the Federal Court of Appeal. Nigeria is divided into 36 states and one territory for local administration. Economics and Land Use in Nigeria Although Nigeria has long had problems of political corruption and a lack of infrastructure it is rich in natural resources like oil and recently its economy has begun to grow into one of the fastest in the world. However, oil alone provides 95% of its foreign exchange earnings. Nigerias other industries include coal, tin, columbite, rubber products, wood, hides and skins, textiles, cement and other construction materials, food products, footwear, chemicals, fertilizer, printing, ceramics, and steel. Nigerias agricultural products are cocoa, peanuts, cotton, palm oil, corn, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava, yams, rubber, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, timber, and fish. Geography and Climate of Nigeria Nigeria is a large country that has a varied topography. It is about twice the size of the U.S. state of California and is located between Benin and Cameroon. In the south, it has lowlands that climb into hills and plateaus in the central part of the country. In the southeast, there are mountains while the north consists mainly of plains. Nigerias climate also varies but the center and the south are tropical due to their locations near the equator, while the north is arid. More Facts about Nigeria Life expectancy in Nigeria is 47 years of ageEnglish is Nigerias official language but Hausa, Igbo Yoruba, Fulani, and Kanuri are others that are spoken in the countryLagos, Kano, and Ibadan are the largest cities in Nigeria References Central Intelligence Agency. (1 June 2010). CIA - The World Factbook - Nigeria. Retrieved from: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ni.html Infoplease.com. (n.d.). Nigeria: History, Geography, Government, and Culture- Infoplease.com. Retrieved from: infoplease.com/ipa/A0107847.htmlUnited States Department of State. (12 May 2010). Nigeria. Retrieved from: state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2836.htmWikipedia.com. (30 June 2010). Nigeria - Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria

Biography of Charles Kettering, Inventor of the Electrical Ignition System

Biography of Charles Kettering, Inventor of the Electrical Ignition System The first electrical ignition system or electric starter motor for cars was invented by General Motors (GM) engineers Clyde Coleman and Charles Kettering. The self-starting ignition was first installed in a Cadillac on February 17, 1911. The invention of the electric starter motor by Kettering eliminated the need for hand cranking. The United States Patent #1,150,523, was issued to Kettering in 1915.   Kettering  founded the company Delco and headed research at  General Motors  from 1920 to 1947.   Early Years Charles was born in  Loudonville, Ohio, in 1876. He was the fourth of five children born to Jacob Kettering and Martha Hunter Kettering. Growing up he could not see well in school, which gave him headaches. After graduation, he became a teacher. He led scientific demonstrations for students on electricity, heat, magnetism, and gravity. Kettering also took classes at  The College of Wooster, and then transferred to  The Ohio State University. He still had eye problems, though, which forced him to withdraw. He then worked as foreman of a telephone line crew. He learned he could apply his electrical engineering skills on the job. He also met his future wife, Olive Williams. His eye problems got better, and he was able to go back to school. Kettering graduated from OSU in 1904 with an  electrical engineering  degree. Inventions Begin Kettering began working at a research laboratory at  National Cash Register. He invented an easy credit approval system, a precursor to todays credit cards, and the electric cash register, which made ringing up sales physically much easier for sales clerks all over the country.  During his five years at NCR, from 1904 to 1909, Kettering earned 23 patents for NCR.   Beginning in 1907, his NCR co-worker  Edward A. Deeds​  urged Kettering to improve the automobile. Deeds and Kettering invited other NCR engineers, including  Harold E. Talbott​, to join them in their quest. They first set out to improve the ignition.  In 1909, Kettering resigned from NCR to work full-time on automotive developments which included the invention of the  self-starting  ignition. Freon   In 1928, Thomas Midgley, Jr. and Kettering invented a Miracle Compound called Freon. Freon is now infamous for greatly adding to the depletion of the earths ozone shield. Refrigerators from the late 1800s until 1929 used the toxic  gases, ammonia (NH3), methyl chloride (CH3Cl), and sulfur dioxide (SO2), as refrigerants. Several fatal accidents occurred in the 1920s because of methyl chloride leakage from  refrigerators. People started leaving their refrigerators in their backyards. A collaborative effort began between three American corporations, Frigidaire, General Motors, and DuPont to search for a less dangerous method of refrigeration. Freon represents several different chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, which are used in commerce and industry. The CFCs are a group of aliphatic organic compounds containing the elements carbon and fluorine, and, in many cases, other halogens (especially chlorine) and hydrogen. Freons are colorless, odorless, nonflammable, noncorrosive  gases  or liquids. Kettering died in November 1958.

Role of Professional Nursing Organizations in Maintaining a Healthy Essay

Role of Professional Nursing Organizations in Maintaining a Healthy Workplace - Essay Example The professional organizations, with the help of their licensed nurses, contribute largely to the improved conditions of workplace and employees, their sustainable developments, and increasing sustainability through addressing all those factors which are related to the well-being and health of the population. They do this by decreasing the ill-health trends and reducing the healthcare costs. There are many roles, which the nurses play in order to maintain the health management of the workplace. These roles include the nurses in the form of advisors, managers, researchers, clinicians, coordinators and managers. There are licensed as well as the occupational health nurses, who possess an independent role and through this, they take an advantage of listening to patients and employees, gathering the relevant information and data, and discussing matters regarding the health and well-being of the employees from the management and staff of organization. The unique characteristic of the prof essional nursing organizations include the readily availability of nurses and their capability to tackle all the healthcare issues. The various services through which the professional nursing organizations play their role in maintaining a healthy workplace include: Primary prevention The professional nursing organization facilitates its employees with the knowledge regarding the primary prevention of disease or injury. Through this methods, the professional nurses perform the identification, assessment and planning for the interventions for the purpose of modifying and improving the methods or processes of working, the work environment or the practice in order to reduce the chances of risks and hazards. They even take into account the elements of human behavior, choice of equipments,... This paper approves that the nurses at the professional and proficient level aim to maintain the health issues at the workplace. They provide a wide range of advices, alternatives, preventions and precautions to the employees working at organizations, irrespective of their risk approach. The nurses in a professional nursing organization generally act on the level of an organization, nation or community. They facilitate the patients with the suitable informed consents and establish an entire liaison network with them in order to ensure that a properly designed and comprehensive health strategy and approach has been designed to meet their health objectives. One of the major contributions that the professional and occupational nurses provide to the workers include health assessment for the employees to stay fit at work, and this is done through conducting their periodic health examinations, and individual health assessments. In order to maintain the transparency, fairness and reliabilit y of the treatments, the collaboration with the physicians is done and this also relies heavily upon the accepted practices, law and legislations of the nursing. This essay makes a conclusion that the essay deals with the subject of the analysis of the role of professional nursing organizations in maintaining the healthcare at the workplaces. In this context, the professional, licensed nurses play a major role in making the workplace effective and its employees efficient. The strategies such as health surveillance, periodic medical checkups, counseling, healthy assessments and screenings, and many other individual and group plans are implemented in order to contribute towards the organization’s effectiveness.

Marketing research Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Marketing research - Term Paper Example Explain what the research firm means and what you might do. The research firm means that donors have declined in terms of donating towards the good course of the agency. Since before that there used to be high number of donations, the agency is determined to identify the root cause of the problem and come up with solutions. Thus, to solve this, I would explore and research on the root cause and find the main reason for the declining donations. Then I would give a detailed explanation of this to the agency in a language they can understand and then together we come up with a solution based on these findings. There are various advantages of secondary data over primary data. The first one is that it is in time saving and inexpensive to obtain. The reason is that secondary data is readily available either in the census or other records available for the organization unlike primary data which organizations have to conduct research to obtain. It is easily accessible and can be used over a long period of time (Jong & Berg, 2012). 4. An entrepreneur is contemplating establishing a funeral home in a small town. This person believes the demand for funeral home services is greater than the services being provided. The entrepreneur contacts a consultant and tells the consultant he needs a quantitative survey to determine the total demand for funeral home services in the small town and surrounding communities. If you were the consultant, how would you react to the entrepreneurs request for a survey? What kind of counter proposal would you make? It is quite unfortunate and for the entrepreneur to request for a survey to identify the total request for a funeral home services. The reason is that no one likes to lose their loved ones. Thus, I would be very shocked with the request since it would be like mocking the individuals who have lost their loved

Motivation in the Work Place Dissertation Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Motivation in the Work Place - Dissertation Example This essay's main focus is motivation in the workplace. Motivation has gained importance in the competitive business environment following globalization, liberalization and internationalization. In addition, new technologies have compelled companies to develop the ability to respond to the fast-changing business environment. Businesses work in an intensely competitive environment where employees play a crucial role in the survival and growth of an organization. Organizations recognize the value of human capital and the importance of retaining employees and motivating the work force. Employees’ willingness to work is determined by the motivation they have towards the work. Low motivation among employees can lead to high levels of attrition thereby impacting performance. There has to be a psychological force within the people that arouses their interest, directs their attention and leads them to work persistently and insistently so that they can achieve their intended goals. The refore, it is not just the effort of the organizational managers that impact performance but it is the employees that control how much they are willing to exert. Factors that motivate employees, has been a subject of research for decades and this has resulted in several theories governing motivation. However, few studies deal with how motivation affects employee performance at workplace. The researcher intends to review literature focused on different theories of motivation and on how motivation affects employee performance at workplace.

The Use of Hand-held Cameras in “After Life” Essay Example for Free

The Use of Hand-held Cameras in â€Å"After Life† Essay Hirokazu Kore-eda’s â€Å"After Life† portrays the importance of making beautiful memories that would last forever. It is about death but deals more with choosing the best memory a dead person can remember and wants to remember for the rest of eternity. Twenty-two souls came to a â€Å"waystation† between life and death where they were asked to choose one precious memory. After choosing a memory, it would be recreated and filmed by the â€Å"staff† at the station. The â€Å"staff† were also dead persons who were not able to leave the place because of difficulty in choosing the memory they want to take with them. In this movie, hand-held camera techniques are used in a concrete pattern to recreate the dead peoples memories. The cameras were also used to record their interviews wherein they try to explain and give details of their specific memories. This was especially seen with the prostitute, pilot, and Tatara Kimiko. According to Kore-eda, he used scripted and unscripted dialogs in the film by non-actors and professional actors (Derek, 1998, n. p). He actually included non-actors to relate their real memories. In the beginning of the movie, characters were filmed with fixed cameras and they were seen having a hard time choosing their memories. However, with hand-held camera scenes, they were able to choose their memories easily. Although in the scenes where hand-held cameras were used seemed as informal scenes compared to the others, the characters can be seen talking comfortably. It seems that they were having a normal conversation as opposed to a formal interview. The characters were more at ease with the hand-held cameras. This might be because hand-held cameras do not seem as intimidating as those normally used in making movies. Also, when these cameras are used, it can only seem as though a home movie is being done and not a formal movie. The first scene where a hand-held camera was used was when the prostitute was having tea with Takuro Sugie, one of the counselors. They had their conversation in a casual way while drinking tea. The hand-held camera technique started when the counselor showed a picture of a demolished hotel to her, which was a part of her chosen memory. The counselor then found out that something was not right. Soon thereafter, he realized that the prostitute lied about her age. Feeling guilty, she admitted that she lied and even related that she was not with anyone that day and was actually waiting for a man. The hand-held camera focused on her while she was telling the truth, and this showed the development of her character. The second hand-held camera technique appeared on the pilot and Kawashima’s conversation. Kawashima brought pictures of airplanes so he could figure out and recreate the pilots memory and the specific plane that the pilot flew that day. The third hand-held camera technique was when Tatara Kimiko was drawing a red dress on the paper, which she would present to Kawashima. She seemed to be using an unscripted dialog because she was seen struggling to recall her memories. Because it is very natural to forget some things, this was considered unscripted. In the scene, the hand-held camera focused on the red dress that she was sketching because it was the most important part of her memory and would be used on the set to recreate her memory. Hand-held camera techniques appeared throughout the movie while the memories were being recreated. The cameras tried to capture every detail of their stories and facial expressions so that real emotions can be seen by the viewers. In Tatara Kimiko’s scene where she was trying to teach a certain dance to a little girl, the camera followed her every move and kept the focus on her face rather than the little girl learning the dance. This scene is considered unscripted because she tried to remember the dance and even changed some of the details because she was not able to remember the exact details of the dance. The hand-held cameras tried to record her real story in a natural way and she would not have the chance to make up things because this would be easily seen on hand-held cameras. The movie â€Å"After Life† demonstrates hand-held camera techniques that will allow the viewers to get close with the characters. Compared with other cameras, hand-held cameras are able to show the real emotions and sensitivity of the characters. This is seen in scenes where characters tend to talk in an unscripted way in order to capture the real story and recreate this on the set. Real emotions can be seen when individuals are on their most unguarded moments. This is when people do and say things that they normally keep to themselves because they feel that no one is listening. Although it may seem to be an invasion of ones privacy, it is a very good way to record a persons true character, which would help make a great recreation of a memory. Hand-held cameras make it easier for viewers to understand the development of the characters of the movie. This movie shows how important memories are to a persons life. It is hard to choose one memory from all the years of existence of one individual but it is harder to remember the specific details of that one memory. It is like a dream where everything is blurred and only a certain moment or conversation of the whole memory can be remembered. Moreover, the pressure of choosing one special memory out of all the memories a person can have to take in eternity is also hard. Certainly, one memory is not enough. Because memories are hard to remember, which makes it hard to recreate, hand-held cameras contribute greatly in the making of this movie. There are just some things that can be only seen through the lens of a hand-held camera and this is what makes â€Å"After Life† a

mental disorder Essay -- essays research papers fc

The definition of the concept of a â€Å"mental disorder,† is fundamental to the mental health field and has been an important yet controversial issue in psychology. To properly assess, treat, and even prevent mental disorders, psychologists must initially develop a clear understanding of the term. Labeling a person’s behavior as a mental disorder can affect the way they are viewed by others and the way in which they view themselves. Thus, it is important to achieve a good measure of what constitutes a mental disorder so that they are accurately diagnosed and treated.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  What is a mental disorder? Currently, there are four criteria that are used to determine whether a person has a mental disorder. First, maladaptiveness of behavior refers to behavior of the individual that does not promote the well being of another individual or social group. Next, deviation from social norms is concerned with behavior straying from the standards that have been set by a particular society. Third, deviation from statistical norms refers to any type of behavior that is statistically rare and therefore unusual (Smith). However, according to this definition, a person who is extremely intelligent would be classified as abnormal. Thus we must consider yet another possibility. The fourth criterion considers mental disorder in terms of the individual’s personal distress rather than his or her behavior. This explanation is based on bizarreness, discomfort, and inefficiency. Whil...

Impacts of Artificial Climate Modification Essay -- Meteorology Weathe

Impacts of Artificial Climate Modification Controlling the weather. The very idea of it sounds enthralling and, yet, terrifying. Take a moment and think about the endless possibilities. Imagine the scenario: Hurricane Katrina is headed straight for Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. The loss of life is unthinkable and the amount of damage is insurmountable. However, scientists have discovered a way to seed the hurricane, not only lessening its power but potentially redirecting its path. Hundreds of lives are saved and billions of dollars in damage are prevented. While extreme storm manipulation is a far reach into the future, the possibility to increase rain and snow fall and to suppress hail storms is a reality. However exciting the possibilities, there are still great concerns on how this awesome power will affect the world. Weather Modification (WM) began in the mid 1940s with three scientists at the General Electric Laboratory. Vincent Schaefer, Bernard Vonnegut, and Irving Langmuir conducted various experiments in precipitation management. Their studies showed that the use of dry ice and silver iodide in supercooled stratus clouds acted as â€Å"seeds† for rain and snow making. Simply put, seeding is the introduction of crystalline particles into a cloud to create ice crystals and water droplets that will become precipitation (Bridget, 51). These first series of experiments encouraged new rain enhancement and hail prevention projects throughout the world (List, 51). With the introduction of any new finding, there is a need for guidelines. In order to create a more universal, uniform, and organized method of researching weather modification, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) establish... ...cy Statement: â€Å"Planned and Inadvertent Weather Modification,†. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 73, 337. Bridget, C. (May/Jun 2005). Changing the Weather. Weatherwise, 58(3), 51, 53. Howell, W.E. (1977). Environmental Impacts of Precipitation Management: Results and Inferences from Project Skywater. Bureau of Reclamation Department of the Interior, 58(6), 491-492. Solak, M.E., Yorty, D.P., & Griffith, D.A. (2003). Estimations of Downwind Cloud Seeding Effects in Utah. Report: North American Weather Consultants, Inc., 35(1), 1, 2, 4. Weaver, T. & Collins, D. (Nov 1977). Possible Effects of Weather Modification (Increased Snowpack) on Festuca Idahoensis Meadows. Journal of Range Management, 30(6), 451. List, R. (Jan 2004). Weather Modification- A Scenario for the Future. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 85(1), 52, 56-57.

Why Universities Shouldn’t Increase Tuition Every Year

One major problem with universities today is that they are constantly raising tuition fees. I'm not talking about raising tuition every now and then, I'm talking about those colleges that increase their tuition every year. With today's economy, this is simply not helping the students. The university I am currently attending is planning on increasing the tuition by almost $1,000. This is crazy. What colleges need to start doing is taking a better look at how they are spending their money. It is not the students' fault when the university takes on more than it can handle and has to find ways to make more of a profit. Colleges are already way too expensive for the average person. Most of the time, even with help from federal student aid, students are still having to pay more than they can afford. This forces them to take out loans that they may not be able to pay back in the future. Universities are not considering the fact that the economy is getting to the point where people who went to college and have a degree can't even get a job. Students are doing all the right things by going to college, building their resume, and gaining experience in the real world, but it just isn't enough to get a job. There are too many people competing for just a small amount of jobs that too many people end up empty handed. And when they have to start paying back their loans, they can't do it because they don't have the money. Universities who raise their tuition every year are putting students in an even worse situation. There are other areas of the university where they can find money to make up for whatever they are losing. They just don't look into those possibilities. They just think that the easiest way to solve their problems is to charge the students more money. There are close to 30,000 students who attend my university. If they charge each student an extra $1,000, they will have an increase of $30 million. That's insane to ask students for that much more money. It used to be so much cheaper to go to college. Students used to be able to pay for college much easier, especially if the federal government was helping out. Now, everything is changing and for all the wrong reasons. Students already have to pay for books, housing, meal plans, living expenses, and all these other things in addition to their tuition. Why burden them with even more to pay for? It's not right. It's even worse for students who go to college out of their state. They get charged almost double what a state resident would get charged. These students have no choice but to live on campus and pay even more money. Those who are attending college deserve to get what they pay for. They are getting an education in order to live a good life and to get a good job. Instead of getting this out of their college education, they get this crazy debt that will take their entire lives to pay off.

buy custom New Technology essay

buy custom New Technology essay Date of Submission Technology plays a major role to the intelligence of Americans. According to Bustos, intelligence is defined as a composite of general and specific abilities that characterize an individuals level of neurological functioning in the context of his or her effectively applied experience and manifested in his or her dynamic coping with the challenges for adjustment which makes in the day to day living. On the other hand, technology involves carrying out activities that enable the Americans to identify various opportunities that arise as a result of its use which enables them to be well prepared for the future. It therefore assists the Americans in their day to day activities by capturing important information that is related to technology which enables people to make more informed decisions thereby making them to go for better choices. Technology has enabled the Americans to become more intelligent in the past and in the present. This is evident where we find out that, the civil war that took place in America enhanced the marriage of technology with intelligence. In the past, the Americans were used to doing things their own way for example; they were not using some materials such as balloons in the civil wars which were being used by other countries. During this period the introduction of new technology enabled the Americans to identify other and better materials that were being used by other countries. Later on, new technology enabled the Americans to become more intelligence which led to the use of telegraphs which replaced the use of balloons. The introduction of telegraphs improved the operations during the civil war whereby information was passed easily and in a manner that way more secure. Technology has continued to improving the intelligence of Americans because it has helped them to become more intelligent by identifying better ways of doing of things and improving their systems that are used in defense. America is known to be a superpowe. This is because the rest of the world knows that they cannot beat the Americans in their activities especially the ones that are related to war. As a result, different countries have always considered Americas assistance in various activities that they carry out because they believe they are more intelligent as compared to other states and countries. New technology led to emergence of other activities that led to the marriage of technology and intelligence after the civil war. These activities facilitated photographic intelligence. This type of intelligence was used to photograph other countries coastal defenses where ships were used. The photographic intelligence was developed until it became a strategic effort that was used by the Americas Navy. It is therefore right to say that technology has enabled the Americans to acquire hostile intelligence. Stair and Reynolds note that this type of intelligence is determined by the degree of human collection networks which is facilitated by new technology which assists in satisfaction of the requirements (218). In the past, the Americans relied on the industrial sector for carrying out various tests, research, development and evaluation processes for them to develop weapons, establish communication and for intelligence development which shifted their hostile intelligence. Hostile intelligence has been used by the Americans to monitor their telecommunication channels for example the satellite links and other ground transmissions. Technology has also helped the Americans to acquire artificial intelligence which involves the ability to understand and use machines which facilitates production. This is has enabled the Americans to produce products in masses which has promoted economic growth. The use of machines also improves efficiency, effectiveness and even the production speed. Technology has also enabled the American students to acquire visual spatial intelligence. This is because the students use televisionss and other equipments such as computer-printers and copy machines that facilitate learning. Glandon defines visual-spatial intelligence as the ability on an individual to see the visual-spatial world accurately and express those images through painting, drawing, designing and sculpting. The use of advanced technology assists students in their thinking processes because it helps them to become more interactive and active in the learning process. The visual media has also been of great help to the people who have special needs. This is because it has been used to improve their intelligence and put them in a better position to handle life issues and challenges. An example of this is the use of IBMs speech viewer which is used by the people who have difficulties in speech which enables them to see their speaking pattern through the equipment. The IBMs speech viewer thereafter gives feedback which enables the students to know the areas that they need to improve on hence they are in a position to make appropriate changes. The visual spatial equipments motivate individuals by engaging them through the exercise of visual spatial intelligence which improves the accessibility of the subjects to individuals. Technology also supports people with other forms of disabilities thereby improving their intelligence. The use of computers helps individuals to identify their strengths and weaknesses in their interaction with technology. In conclusion, the use of technology is vital in any organization setup. This is because it helps individuals to acquire more skills, come of with new ideas and better ways of carrying out their activities. It also equips individuals with knowledge thereby enabling them to make better decisions in their lives and handle issues that affect them because they can reason, brainstorm and come up with solutions to issues affecting them. The Americans should therefore carry out research and development which improve their intelligence form time to time with the help of technology. Buy custom New Technology essay

Countries That Lie on the Earths Equator

Countries That Lie on the Earths Equator Although the equator stretches  24,901 miles  (40,075 kilometers) around the world, it travels  through the territory of just 13 countries- and yet the landmasses of two of these countries do not touch the Earths  equator. Did You Know? The equator is an imaginary line that circles the Earth, splitting it into northern and southern hemispheres. Any location that lies along the equator is equidistant from the North and South Poles. The 13 Countries That Lie on the Equator Of the 13 countries that lie on the equator, seven are in Africa- the most of any continent- while South America is home to three of the nations (Ecuador, Colombia, and Brazil). The remaining three (Maldives, Kiribati, and Indonesia) are island nations in the Indian and Pacific oceans.   The countries of Sao Tome and Principe, Gabon, Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Maldives, Indonesia, Kiribati, Ecuador, Colombia, and Brazil all lie along the equator. The landmasses of Maldives and Kiribati, however, do not touch the equator itself. Instead, the equator passes through water controlled by these two island countries. Latitude and Longitude The equator is one of five lines of latitude that help provide relative locations on an atlas. The other four include  the Arctic Circle, the Antarctic  Circle, the Tropic of Cancer, and the Tropic of Capricorn.  Because the Earth bulges at the center, the equator is significantly longer than any of the other lines of latitude. Along with the lines of longitude which run from pole to pole, they make it possible for cartographers and navigators to locate any spot on the globe. The plane of the equator passes through the sun at the March and September equinoxes. The sun appears to travel directly north to south over the equator at these times. Because of this, people living along the equator experience the quickest sunrises and sunsets as the sun travels perpendicular to the equator most of the year, with the length of days being almost entirely the same throughout- daylight lasting 14 minutes longer than nighttime. Climate and Temperatures Most countries that lie along the equator experience much warmer temperatures year-round than other areas of the world that share the same elevation. Thats because of the equators near-constant exposure to the same levels of sun exposure regardless of the time of year. As a result, the countries that lie along the equators include almost half of the worlds rainforest; they are concentrated in the African nations of Congo, Brazil, and Indonesia. Even so, the equator offers a surprisingly diverse climate due to the geographical features of countries that lie along it. There is little fluctuation in temperature throughout the year, though there may be dramatic differences in rainfall and humidity, which are determined by wind currents. In fact, the terms summer, fall, winter, and spring dont really apply to regions along the equator. Instead, people who live in the especially humid tropic regions refer to only two seasons: wet and dry. Equator Extremes Its reasonable and largely accurate to assume that the weather is uniformly warm or hot around the equator. But of course, weather and climate relate not only to latitude but also to geography. Some countries that lie on the equator are flat and warm but others, like Ecuador, include high mountains where the weather is extremely cold. In fact, you will find snow and ice year-round on  Cayambe, a volcano in Ecuador that reaches to 5,790 meters (nearly 19,000 feet). It is the only place on the equator where snow lies on the ground year-round.