What music means to me. Rock Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

What music means to me. Rock - Essay Example 27). I believe this is a thoroughly accurate and insightful comment about the role that music plays in the human experience. If we look around to the different periods and different cultures of the world throughout humankind’s history, we see music as one of the few timeless facts of existence. Music is touching, as Mr. Joel says, because it expresses the inexpressible. In other words, it allows us to connect to concepts, emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and the knowledge of other people, just by the simple act of listening. Going from the beginning of my life to the present moment, I can think quite clearly of the defining soundtrack to that progression of events. Starting in the mid- to late-1970s, which was during my childhood years, I can recall bits and pieces of my favorite music. I know that classics like â€Å"Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer† and other Christmas songs were still very much popular. More generally, however, I remember Schoolhouse Rock! very vividly be ing a big hit at my school and with my parents. Schoolhouse Rock! was a television program that had a number of hit musical recordings for children. I think that the social aspect of Schoolhouse Rock! helps me remember so much about it, partly because it was so incredibly popular with kids my age. I preferred â€Å"Science Rock† the most, probably because it reflected my young interest in the sciences, particularly space and physics. It would make me feel happy about my love of learning as a young kid in physics class. Also from my childhood, I remember loving Mister Rogers Neighborhood and the songs he would sing to his television audience. His voice is iconic of my time as a young child growing up in front of the television. In my adolescence, between 1984 and 1991, my taste in music started to be influenced by my family and friends. In 1984, at 11, Stevie Wonder was my favorite performer. His song â€Å"I Just Called to Say I Love You† struck me for Stevie’s great singing ability and skill as an instrumentalist and lyricist. At about 13, I began to like the music that my friends liked. In 1987, I remember Guns N’ Roses’ â€Å"Welcome to the Jungle† being extremely popular, along with U2’s â€Å"With or Without You†. Listening to this music helped me feel connected with others, just like the children’s music of the 1970s had the decade before. Nevertheless, this new style of rock music that was emerging did give me an element of rebelliousness that pop music from singers like Whitney Houston and Rick Astley lacked. Accordingly, I tended to like the heavier rock more. My taste for heavy rock continued in that direction for much of the remainder of the 1980s. I bought tape cassettes from Quiet Riot, Def Leppard, and Whitesnake, all of whom really represented the youth of that time. In line with Billy Joel’s insight, I think the music I listened to helped give me a point of contact with other young people at that time. Moving away from the 1980s and toward today, I no longer associate hard rock or metal with comfort. Rather, I find comfort in contemporary R&B music. â€Å"R&B† stands for â€Å"rhythm and blues†, and refers to music that combines elements of hip-hop, soul, and funk (George, 2003, p. 23). Contemporary R&B is polished with saxophone sounds, drum machine rhythms, and talented vocalists. In terms of finding comfort in music, I usually turn to voices like Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, and Jamie Foxx, who all represent that genre of music. When I am feeling disappointment or stress, this music helps me put my problems into perspective. Because much R&B music deals with grander problems, it helps me realize that some of the challenges I face do not compare in size and scope with those being sung about in R&B music.

The greatest inventions Essay Example for Free

The greatest inventions Essay Introduction to Second Language Studies (ONLINE). Hudson This course introduces students to second language studies, as represented in the MA in SLS program at the University of Hawai‘i at MÄ noa, and to the field(s) of applied linguistics more generally. This course also serves as an introduction to the kinds of work that will be expected of students as they progress through the MA in SLS program. Students will become familiar with the following: 1. The scope of second language studies/applied linguistics, including central issues and problems, key concepts and terminology, and work done by applied linguists in society 2. Professional issues and expectations for second/foreign language educators 3. The major domains of second language studies as they are addressed specifically by the UH SLS 4. A wide variety of research approaches employed by applied linguists The course will be online. There will be extensive online discussion group activity. SLS Course Descriptions Fall 2014 600- ­Ã¢â‚¬  through 700- ­Ã¢â‚¬ level SLS 610 (1). Teaching Second Languages. Hudson This course provides a survey of current theory, research and practice in the major components of second and foreign language pedagogy and teaching programs. These components include needs and means analysis, syllabus and curriculum design, materials writing, methodology and pedagogy, skills and skills integration, student assessment, and program evaluation. Consideration will also be given to the changing social, economic, and political roles of language teaching and the profession in the world today. Both theoretical and practical dimensions of classroom teaching will be treated. By the end of the course, the students will have an understanding of the following: 1. Current theory, research and practice in second/foreign language teaching and teacher training 2. The socio-cultural, psychological and linguistic factors that have an impact on language teaching 3. Issues involved in teaching and integrating the different skill areas as and approaches to curriculum design and language teaching SLS 614 (1). Second Language Writing. Gilliland The course aims to provide insights into theories of teaching writing, with particular emphasis on the experiences of student writers composing in a second language. Consideration of various approaches to the teaching of writing in second and foreign languages is included as well as consideration of response to student writing. Students will: †¢ Identify current and historical theories of teaching SL writing. †¢ Discuss and critique approaches to teaching SL writing. †¢ Describe and analyze contexts for teaching SL writing in US and internationally. †¢ Assess the instructional needs of a given writing class and/or student. †¢ Evaluate and respond to student writing. †¢ Plan appropriate and effective syllabi, units, and lessons in SL writing courses. Required text: Ferris Hedgcock (2013). Teaching L2 Composition (3rd edition). Routledge. SLS 618 (1). Language and Learning Technologies. Zheng What is language? How do we understand language and language learning in the light of learning technologies? How do we make sense, make meaning and realize values when technologies are involved in the learning environment. Learning technologies, ranging from vernacular use of Skype, to sophisticated virtual world technologies, and to ubiquitous mobile devices, bring us new challenges and opportunities for communication and social networking, as well as learning teaching. What are the roles of learning technologies in learning, instruction and communication? Do they function as an input to aid learning, such as acquisition of lexicogrammer? Do they function as tools to help with problem solving, such as looking up a new word while reading an article? Do they function as a media to make distance communication and interaction possible? Do they function as objects that have potential to change the way we live so that our communication (language) is becoming inherently different? We will explore these questions as central themes of the course, so that we can gain a deeper understanding and be tuned to affordances of technology in the most broad sense. Explore dialogical perspectives of language and its implications for sharing, coconstruction, co-authoring and co-creation of identity and meaning in technology supported learning environments. Investigate the affordances of technologies as indicated by members of the  class (through dynamic needs analysis) for language learning and teaching. Design and conduct studies of a specific technology that you are interested in. A range of research questions are encouraged by using quantitative methods, ethnography, discourse analysis, conversation analysis and multimodal analysis. Develop a mini curriculum that has major components of technology integration. Develop materials using the Web as a major resource for your target learners. SLS 650 (1). Second Language Acquisition. Ziegler This course is designed to provide a review of current theory and research in child and adult second language acquisition. In addition, it will review relevant research in first language acquisition and explore relationships between theory and practice in the second and foreign language learning classroom. Various theoretical perspectives and issues are addressed, including cognitive-interactionist, emergentist, social, and psycholinguistic approaches, and principal areas of research such as age effects, cognition, development of learner language, and individual differences will be discussed. We will also examine the available  quantitative and qualitative research methods and how they might be used in second language (L2) research. Suggested reading: Ortega, L. (2009). Understanding second language acquisition. Oxford: Oxford University Press. This course covers basic concepts and issues in sociolinguistics with a focus on multilingual language learning and teaching. The initial course readings (Davis, 2012a, 2012b) provide an overview of the theoretical foundations and diverse research methods of sociolinguistics, including the work of sociologist Goffman (presentation of self in everyday life); sociolinguists Sacks, Schegloff, and Kasper (conversation analysis); sociolinguist Gumperz (interactional sociolinguistics), anthropologist Hymes (ethnography of communication); language and education anthropologists Cazden, Philips, Heath, Erikson, Geertz, and Anzaldua (ethnography of communities and schools); and critical anthropologists Hornberger, Davis, Valdà ©s, Zentella, and McCarty (language policies and practices). Subsequent course readings and the final project then focus on the most recent trends in sociolinguistics that include: multilingualism/super diversity; interdisciplinarity, fluidity, and multiplicity in langu age use, identity, and learning (translanguaging, multiple identities); neoliberalism/ideological analyses; public and counter public discourses;  and engaged language policy, practices, and ethnography. The final course project assignment involves designing and presenting a proposal for either research or instruction that draws on current sociolinguistic theories and language learning practices. SLS 673 (1). Applied Psycholinguistics and Second Language Acquisition. Grà ¼ter This course provides an introduction to the psychological processes involved in language behavior, with a particular focus on those relevant to speaking and understanding a non-native language. Areas covered include speech perception and accent, lexical access in bilinguals, structural and discourse processing by native and non-native speakers, the role of working memory, neurological correlates of (non)native language processing, and language disorders and bilingualism. Experimental methods used in psycholinguistic research on second language acquisition will be introduced and discussed. SLS 675 (1). Second Language Qualitative Research. Kasper The course will introduce students to the principles and practices of qualitative research and their application to research problems in the domains of social institutions, multilingualism, and learning and development, including the development of language and professional competencies. The course pursues two aims: (1) to develop students’ ability to critically appraise reports of qualitative (L2) research and (2) to prepare students to conduct a qualitative study on an applied linguistic topic of their choice, or to further develop a study that is already under way. In order to meet both of these goals, particular emphasis will be given to the articulation of theory and methodology, i.e., the coherent transformation of theory into method. Students will get first-hand experience with practices of observation and interviewing, visual analysis, document analysis, and multimedia analysis. Course requirements will include reading and discussion of methodological texts, reviews of reports on qualitative studies, and practical activities. SLS 680P (1): Philosophy of Teaching. Crookes Participants will explore philosophical positions underlying S/FL teaching. We will address philosophical systems and procedures (including critical, moral and ethical thinking) in the contexts of S/FL teaching, and in respect to the decisions teachers are faced with daily, as well as long-term, as they shape their careers and their positions in society. Since all of the ideas about S/FL teaching and their philosophical dimensions have historical contexts, a historical perspective will be emphasized in the initial sessions. The concept of a philosophy of teaching can be set in practical terms because a philosophy of teaching statement is often called for in employment actions, such as job applications, contract renewals, and job interviews. It also falls into the area of professional development and personal growth, since it assists with that reflection without which efforts at a consciously constructed professional practice are not possible. SLS 680R (1). Narrative Analysis. Higgins This course introduces students to narrative analysis as an analytical framework for the exploration of research questions in sociolinguistics and applied linguistics. Most centrally, narrative analysis is used to explore questions of identity by examining how speakers construct their social worlds in and through telling stories. Narratives are also useful for examining ideologies on any number of topics. Because people tell narratives in their everyday interactions with others, researchers can also examine the role of stories in conversation and in various forms of institutional talk, including classrooms, courtrooms, clinics, and workplaces. This course will provide students with the foundation for analyzing narrative data by focusing on both ‘big stories,’ or, narratives which relate to speakers’ life histories, as well as ‘small stories,’ or narratives which take place in everyday settings. As the focus of the class is on the analysis of narrative s, students will be expected to contribute narrative data in the form of data workshops in class and to write a 20-page term paper on data they have collected. A final presentation will also be required. Required text: De Fina, Anna Georgakopoulou, Alexandra (2012). Analyzing narrative: Discourse and sociolinguistic perspectives. Cambridge University Press. Additional readings will be in the form of journal articles and book chapters, available on Laulima or through UH library. SLS 680R (2). Classroom Action Research. Gilliland This course is a companion to the summer SLS 690 Teaching Practicum in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand. All students must have participated in the practicum during Summer 2014. Required text: Burns (2010) Doing Action Research in English Language Teaching: A Guide for Practitioners. Routledge. SLS 730 (1). Seminar in SL Pedagogy: Literature in the L2 Classroom. Day This seminar explores the use of literature in the second and foreign (L2) classroom. The primary goal is to help you develop a systematic and principled approach to using literature in your teaching. In addition to a focus on the major theoretical and research issues, the seminar explores how a literature component might be integrated into the L2 curriculum. Assignments provide opportunities to use and evaluate a variety of tasks and activities designed to incorporate literature into the L2 classroom. You will develop your own classroom materials and explore how those materials might be utilized in ways relevant to your own situations. The learning outcomes include being able to discuss the concerns and issues involved in using literature in L2 classrooms and to develop, adapt, and evaluate various literature genres and activities for the L2 classroom. SLS 750 (1). Ecological and Sociocultural Approaches to Second Language Learning. Zheng This seminar is designed to explore second language acquisition and language learning from perspectives that classical SLA does not usually take into consideration, namely ecological, sociocultural approaches. Topics regarding both epistemological and ontological orientations will be organized into the following modules: †¢ Learners: Are they truly individual beings cognizing or processing learning only in the brain, or are they only social beings who learn through socialization and interaction? Or are they ecological and dialogical beings who appropriate biological substrate, sociocultural values, semiotic resources for sense making? †¢ Environments/contexts: All research paradigms and pedagogical treatments consider the relationship between the learner and environments. Are environments considered as containers that function in the background? Are learners and environments reciprocally co-defining and co-changing? How are learners and environments connected? What are the roles of teacher, technology, community and personal biography in language development? †¢ Unit of analysis: Unit of analysis is the major entity that defines the ontological nature of your research and ultimately determines the values of finding in pedagogical practices and phenomenological discoveries. We will consider and compare a wide array of approaches on unit of analysis from different research paradigms, such as individuals, groups, tasks, t-units, turns, agent-environment coupling, communicative projects, etc. †¢ Methods and Analytical tools: technological prevalence and advancement pushes the envelope of human limitations on data management, such as data collection, analysis and report. We will examine readily available tools that can advance conducting research from ecological and sociocultural approaches. †¢ Pedagogical Implications: Synthesizing the first 4 topics, this module explores what an ecologically and socioculturally oriented classroom looks like. This includes such topics as action-based learning, place-based learning, pedagogy as multimodal design, studentteacher relationships that are beyond the segregation between teacher-centered and learner-centered dichotomies. This seminar is dedicated to the legacy of Leo van Lier’s work on The Ecology and Semiotics of Language Learning. Required texts:  van Lier, L., 2004. The Ecology and Semiotics of Language Learning: A Sociocultural Perspective. Kluwer Academic Publishers, Norwell, MA. Additional journal articles, book chapters/sections and website will be available in Laulima and course website. SLS 750 (2). Child L2 Acquisition. Schwartz The purpose of this seminar is to examine research on child L2 acquisition, with particular emphasis on syntax and morphology. Research into child L2 acquisition has the potential to inform our understanding of adult L2 acquisition as well as L1 acquisition. We will examine some of the very few studies that directly compare L2 (and L1) children and L2 adults in the acquisition of particular grammatical phenomena. Students will become familiar with the theoretical issues at stake as well as the empirical base of recent work. We start off by focusing on the critical period issue, or more neutrally, on age-dependent effects of L2 acquisition in terms of ultimate attainment. We next consider the issue of endstate (ultimate attainment) vs. development for L2 children and L2 adults. The third area is research on child L2 acquisition itself, where exposure to the nonnative language starts approximately between the ages of 4 and 7; this is likely to be the crucial age range, because it is after the native grammar has been (more or less) established and yet falls clearly within what is  traditionally considered to be the critical period for language acquisition. Of special interest here are three issues: (1) whether child L2 acquisition replicates L1 acquisition; (2) whether child L2 acquisition exhibits features of adult L2 acquisition, in particular L1 influence; and (3) whether there are characteristic differences between L2 child and L2 adult acquisition, especially with respect to different domains, specifically syntax vs. inflectional morphology. The course will be a combination of lectures and student presentations of readings. While familiarity with introductory syntax is highly desirable, time will be taken in class to ensure understanding of the necessa ry linguistic background. SLS 760 (1). Intercultural Communication. Higgins Within a sociocultural linguistics framework, this seminar focuses on how the constructs of ‘culture’ and ‘cultural difference’ are enacted by speakers of more than one language in conversational interactions. The course will pay equal attention to the ways that cultural difference is associated with miscommunication and the ways that culture can be used as a resource in interactions among multilingual speakers. The course will emphasize the perspective that culture and cultural difference are social constructs that cannot be presumed, but rather are the result of active processes in interaction among conversational participants, processes which sometimes  point to the relevance of cultural models, interpretive schemas, discourses, and ideologies. Students will examine seminal work in the field, starting with cross-cultural communication studies, followed by an examination of the developments in the field that have led to the reconceptualization of this ar ea of inquiry. Following a seminar format, students will regularly lead discussions of readings and present data for analysis in workshop format during the semester. A final term paper of 20-25 pages (with deadlines for proposal and first draft) will also be required for the course. SLS 760 (2). Language Ideologies, Policies and Practices: An Engaged Ethnographic Approach. Davis While language policy (LP) scholars increasingly explore policies as shaped by global sociopolitical and economic ideologies, LP and applied linguistics scholars are increasingly calling for on-the-ground language practices that resist, negotiate, and appropriate inequitable policies (Davis, 2009, 2014; Johnson, 2013; Wyman, McCarty, Nicholas, 2014). This course takes an  engaged ethnographic approach that is designed to draw teachers, students, community members, and others into dialogic exploration of language education policy as an interactive process; covert ideologies and policies as potentially marginalizing; and plurilingual policies as desirable, effective and possible (Davis, 2014; Phyak Bui, 2014). While challenging dominant neoliberal ideologies (Gegeo Watson-Gegeo, 2001; Tollefson, 2013; Warner, 2002), the course explores ways in which to support practices that meet local language, education, economic and human welfare needs. Thus, the course takes an interdisciplina ry approach in exploring societal and schooling issues such as multilingualism, translanguaging, and identities while considering the agency of individuals and communities as the epicenter of language policy reform (Davis, 2014; Pennycook, 2013). The course draws on the above theoretical perspectives in exploring engaged dialogic and participatory efforts to promote equitable education in both developed and developing countries. Through readings, course activities and discussion course participants will develop both ideological analytical and engaged ethnographic abilities that can guide current and future work in schools, communities, and with education administration. Course participants will further gain insight into engaged ethnographic research methods through designing research proposal and/or documenting engaged efforts with teachers, parents and/or concerned others in promoting equitable language education policy and practices. These efforts can focus on research and/or documentation in one or more of the following areas: 1) Conducting ideological analyses with parents, educators, and concerned others towards raising awareness of harmful neoliberal commodification and standardization language education policies; 2) Exploring and planning resistance and alternatives to marginalizing and ineffective national, state, and regional language ideologies and policies; 3) Developing community and school based language and education policies that are locally relevant, educationally forward-looking, and serve to provide models for wider change and 4) Developing relevant and engaging instructional practices through supporting teachers and building on local knowledge for schooling that is studentcentered and engaging. In sum, this course actively involves course participants in drawing on current theories and utilizing engaged  ethnographic methods towards promoting equitable policies and practices.

The Versailles Treaty :: European Europe History

The Versailles Treaty The Treaty of Versailles was intended to be a peace agreement between the Allies and the Germans. Versailles created political discontent and economic chaos 1in Germany. The Peace Treaty of Versailles represented the results of hostility and revenge and opened the door for a dictator and World War II. November 11, 1918 marked the end of the first World War. Germany had surrendered and signed an armistice agreement. The task of forming a peace agreement was now in the hands of the Allies. In December of 1918, the Allies met in Versailles to start on the peace settlement.2 The main countries and their respective representatives were: The United States, Woodrow Wilson; Great Britain, David Lloyd George; and France, George Clemenceau. "At first, it had seemed the task of making peace would be easy".3 However, once the process started, the Allies found they had conflicting ideas and motives surrounding the reparations and wording of the Treaty of Versailles. It seemed the Allies had now found themselves engaged in another battle. Woodrow Wilson (1856 - 1924), the twenty-eighth President of the United States (1913 --1921).4 In August of 1914, when World War I began, there was no question that the United States would remain neutral. "Wilson didn't want to enter the European War or any other war for that matter".5 However, as the war continued, it became increasingly obvious that the United States could no longer 'sit on the sidelines'. German submarines had sunk American tankers and the British liner, 'Lusitania', in May 1915, killing almost twelve hundred people, including 128 Americans.6 This convinced Wilson to enter World War I, on the allied side. As the war continued, Wilson outlined his peace program, which was centered around fourteen main points. "They (fourteen points) were direct and simple: a demand that future agreements be open covenants of peace, openly arrived at; an insistence upon absolute freedom of the seas; and, as the fourteenth point, the formation of a general associat! ion of nations."7 The fourteen points gave people a hope of peace and lay the groundwork for the armistice that Germany ultimately signed in November 1918. Although the United States was instrumental in ending the war, Wilson was still more interested in a "peace without victors"8 than annexing German colonies or reparations (payment for war damages). However, as the Allies began discussions of the peace treaty, the European allies rejected Wilson's idealism and reasoning.

Blood Pressure Essay -- Health, Diseases, Walking

Distance Other studies have attempted to measure the effect of distance on blood pressure response in order to find if there is any correlation between distance and a significant blood pressure reduction. One of these studies (see Moreau et al, 2001) involved 24 sedentary post-menopausal American women (15 in the intervention group ) with high blood pressure. The results found that, after a 2-year walking programme, that there was a statistically significant drop of 13 mmHg in the systolic blood pressure of those participants who were taking anti-hypertensive drugs and of 11 mmHg in those not receiving medication, whereas there was no difference found in their diastolic blood pressure and in the blood pressure of the control group. The participants in the intervention group were instructed to walk 3 kms per day in addition to their normal daily physical activity. After the first year the reduction in blood pressure was significant: 6 mm Hg in the systolic blood pressure of the participants wh o were taking anti-hypertensive medication and 7mmHg in the non-medication group. In this study , the magnitude of the reduction of systolic blood pressure as a result of a walking programme is similar to that which has been found in earlier studies in response to traditional exercise (see Seals et al,1997, and Hagberg et al, 2000). Frequency Several studies have examined the impact of the frequency of walking per week on blood pressure in order to determine what frequency is most effective in terms of blood pressure reduction response. A study by Gettman et al, conducted in 1976, which compared the effect of fast walking between one, three and five days per week on blood pressure response, found that the difference in frequency was no... ...ffect on systolic blood pressure only. Lee et al (2010) found that moderate to high intensity waking was more likely to decrease blood pressure than low intensity walking. This result supports the findings of the study conducted by Quinn in the year 2000. Nemoto et al (2007) compared the effect of continuous walking at moderate intensity (50% of peak aerobic capacity) and interval walking at high intensity (70% of peak aerobic capacity) on reducing blood pressure. They found that blood pressure reduction was greater in the group who walked at high intensity: 9 mmHg for systolic blood pressure and 5 mmHg for diastolic. The results of a study conducted in India by Gosh (2006) to measure the effect of walking intensity (2 Km/30min) for 20 weeks, showed that there was a significant reduction in systolic/diastolic blood pressure by approximately 10 mmHg/4 mmHg.

Driving Homework

Laws Street racing is an illegal activity because it is dangerous and can cause motor vehicle collisions, injuries, and even fatalities of drivers. Street racing is a form of motor racing occurring on public roads, and can either be very well coordinated and planned by drivers in order to avoid authorities or a spontaneous decision. Drivers who decided to street race are putting not only themselves, put also other drivers, as well as pedestrians, in danger.This danger has been demonstrated many times in Canada, and has led to the creation of laws to protect our citizens. For example, in 2006, two men were racing in a Toronto public street, hitting speeds of up to 140 kilometers per hour in an area with a speed limit of 50 kilometers per hour. The two drivers, while racing, struck and killed a taxi cab driver. For this reason, Ontario has laws to protect everyone from the dangers of street racing. Drivers who are involved in street racing face multiple actions from the government.Firs tly, if a street racer is arrested on reasonable grounds, they face an immediate seven day license suspensions, and the drivers vehicle is impounded for seven days. If the driver is convicted in court, they can face multiple penalties. Firstly, the driver faces fines between $2,000 and $10,000, gains 6 demerit points, gets a license suspension of up to two years, and faces a maximum of 6 months in Jail. The driver may also receive a driver license suspension of up to 10 years if the driver is convicted for a second time within 10 years.The use of connected nitrous oxide systems, which enhances acceleration capacities of vehicles, while driving on a highway is also prohibited. Overall, street racing is extremely dangerous. The risk of a serious injury is almost five times greater for vehicles crashing at 50 kilometers per hour or more above the posted speed limit on a highway of 100 kilometers per hour. The risk is even greater on roads with lower speed limits. These laws imposed by the government help greatly to keep our roads safe for everyone. 2.Impaired Driving Impaired driving means driving is a dangerous act characterized by a driver's abilities being compromised by alcohol or drugs. Even one drink can reduce one's ability to concentrate while driving and reduce reaction time to sudden changes. Drinking also causes blurry vision, also compromising driving abilities. The more alcohol, the more dangerous it I to drive. Drugs that affect the brain also affect driving abilities. This includes both certain prescription and over the counter drugs, as well as illegal drugs.There are approximately 13,000 drinking and driving convictions recorded annually in Ontario. Over the past decade, more than 2,000 lives have been lost, and 50,000 people have been injured because of collisions as a result of drunk driving. Impaired driving is a serious crime under the Criminal Code of Canada, and has serious penalties. The consequences for driving with a 0. 05 to 0. 08 blood alcohol concentration level involves, if it is a first time offense, a 3 day license suspension, and a $150 fine. If a driver has a blood alcohol level of over 0. 8 or refuses a take a breath test to detect blood alcohol level, if it is a first time offense, the driver receives a 90 day license suspension, a 7 day vehicle impoundments, a $1 50 fine, must participate in a mandatory alcohol education and treatment program, and must participate in the ignition interlock program. This program is an in-car alcohol reheat screening device that prevents a vehicle from starting if it detects a blood alcohol concentration over 0. 02. In addition, if the driver is convicted of an impaired driving offence under the criminal code of Canada, they will receive a $1000 fine, and a license suspension of 1 year.After the 2nd, 3rd, and all subsequent offenses of impaired driving, consequences are more severe, and can even result in Jail time. Even if you are simply sitting behind the wheel, and not driving the car, you can still be charged with impaired driving. Overall, eliminate the risks of impaired driving. If you are planning on drinking, prepare alternate routes of travel. Impaired driving is not worth the risks it causes to the safety of the driver, passengers, and others on the road. 3. Assignment: Who Causes Collisions?Inexperience can cause collisions because if a driver does not know how to react to a situation, an accident may occur. So a stunt driver who has built their whole life around driving has more experience behind the wheel and is more comfortable with driving compared to someone like myself who has Just begun driving this year does not fully understand driving a car. For example, if one is driving on an icy road, and the car starts to skid and spin, an inexperienced driver might try to steer out of the way immediately.However, an experienced driver would know that you must press on the brakes hard when you are facing the direction you want to go to stop s pinning. A possible way to avoid accidents related to inexperience practice in a safe environment so new drivers have some experience driving a motor vehicle. However, it is also important to learn about what to do in emergencies. Inattention can cause collisions if drivers are not paying attention to the road in front f them. For example, testing instead of looking at the road can mean that you are not paying attention to the most important task.This can mean that you do not notice spontaneous things that happen or what your car is doing. For example, if one is testing on a highway, they may not notice that their car is drifting into the lane of opposing traffic. This could cause a head on collision with another care, which is very dangerous and highly deadly. This kind of collision can cause injuries and fatalities. A solution is to always pay attention to the road, not even looking away for a few seconds. As well, it is important to keep attentive when talking to passengers in a car or listening to the radio.Inconsideration can cause a collision if a person is not being considerate to other drivers' needs. For example, if you cut off another driver with your own car by going into their lane, this could cause them to have to break, and possibly run into you. A solution to this could be to be considerate of other drivers, and not do things that you would not want them to do to you. You should always not assume that someone else will conform to you. Instead, always make sure that you are being safe while driving. Impatience can cause collisions if a driver is very impatient.An example of this is if a driver approaches a traffic light, and the light begins to change to yellow as the driver is still far enough away to brake safely. However, the impatient driver, instead of slowing and stopping, speeds through the lights to get through the yellow light quickly. However, this could cause a collision in the intersection if another car is coming from the other direc tion. A solution is for drivers to understand that waiting a minute for the traffic light to change instead of rushing through a yellow traffic light s better than being in an accident that could possibly cause serious injuries or deaths.Ignorance can cause collisions if a driver is ignorant of the rules of the road, making it dangerous for other drivers. For example, if a driver does not use their turning signals when they turn, this can cause serious collisions. If you do not use your turning signals, this may cause other drivers to not know that you are turning. To other drivers, this could look like you are turning out of nowhere, which could cause them to rear end you, creating a collision. A solution is to turn on your signals approximately 50 meters before you want to make your turn.If you realize you need to turn as you are very close to or already in the intersection, instead of randomly turning without your signals, it is best to instead make a turn at the next intersectio n instead of risking a collision. Inability Irresponsibility can cause collisions being irresponsible could mean that you don't maintain your vehicle properly, and this could cause a critical failure in the vehicle such as inability to brake, therefore your power steering pump could break in the idle of a turn and cause you to lose control.In order to avoid collisions, it is important to be responsible in maintaining your vehicle, including going in for regular checks. This ensures that your are keeping yourself and other drivers safe. Impairment – drunk driving is the most well known, but driving while under the influence of other substances such as ganja (pot) or cocaine can impair your ability to react correctly and in a timely manner. Improper seeing habits – if you can't see the road ahead of you, how do you expect to stay on the road?

Yet 3 More Cases of Dangling Modifiers

Yet 3 More Cases of Dangling Modifiers Yet 3 More Cases of Dangling Modifiers Yet 3 More Cases of Dangling Modifiers By Mark Nichol In each of the following sentences, a phrase that is intended to modify the core of the sentence is treated as if it is associated with the subject, but a flaw in the sentence construction leaves the modifier dangling, hence the phrase denoting this type of error. Discussion after each example points out the problem, and revisions demonstrate the solution. 1. We’ll give you more detailed information before making your application. This sentence is intended to assure the reader that helpful information will be provided before he or she completes an application, but the wording implies that â€Å"we,† the entity sending the information, will complete the application for the reader. The statement should therefore be revised to explicitly express the intended idea: â€Å"We’ll give you more detailed information before you make your application.† 2. The suspect entered the apartment via an unlocked balcony door and confronted three female tenants while sleeping. Here, the implication is that the suspect was sleepwalking. But the tenants, not the suspect, were asleep during the incident, and as in the previous example, a pronoun- one alluding to the former rather than the latter- as well as a helpful verb, must be inserted: â€Å"The suspect entered the apartment via an unlocked balcony door and confronted three female tenants while they were sleeping.† 3. When delivered in a fresh, artistic way, children will seize on writing as they do art and drawing. It is writing (more accurately, writing instruction), not children, that is being delivered in the manner described, and the sentence construction must convey this idea: â€Å"When delivered in a fresh, artistic way, writing will be seized on by children as eagerly as art and drawing.† Alternatively, to maintain active voice, writing can be relocated to the introductory modifying phrase and its original instance replaced with a pronoun: â€Å"When writing is delivered in a fresh, artistic way, children will seize on it as they do art and drawing.† Click here to view three more cases of dangling modifiers. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Grammar category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:70 Idioms with Heart16 Misquoted Quotations20 Names of Body Parts and Elements and Their Figurative Meanings

Similarities Between Martin Luther King Jr. And Malcolm X

Similarities Between Martin Luther King Jr. And Malcolm X The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X may have had different takes on the philosophy of nonviolence, but they shared a number of similarities. As they aged, both men adopted a global consciousness that linked them together ideologically. Their personal lives also mirrored each other. Not only did their fathers have much in common but their wives did as well. Perhaps this is why Coretta Scott King and Betty Shabazz eventually became friends. By focusing on the common ground between Martin and Malcolm, its easier to understand why both men’s contributions to society were so important. Born to Baptist Ministers Malcolm X may be well known for his involvement in the Nation of Islam (and later traditional Islam), but his father, Earl Little, was a Baptist minister. Little was active in the United Negro Improvement Association and a supporter of black nationalist Marcus Garvey. Due to his activism, white supremacists tormented Little and were strongly suspected in his killing when Malcolm was six. King’s father, Martin Luther King Sr., was a Baptist minister and activist as well. In addition to serving as head of  the famous Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, King Sr. led the Atlanta chapter of the NAACP and the Civic and Political League. Unlike Earl Little, however, King Sr. lived until the age of 84. Married Educated Women During a time when it was uncommon for African-Americans or the public generally to attend college, both Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. married educated women. Taken in by a middle-class couple after her biological mother reportedly abused her, Malcolm’s future wife, Betty Shabazz, had a bright life ahead of her. She  attended the Tuskegee Institute  in Alabama and the Brooklyn State College School of Nursing in New York City after that. Coretta Scott King was similarly academically inclined. After graduating at the top of her high school class, she pursued higher education at Antioch College in Ohio and the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Both women mainly served as homemakers while their husbands were alive but branched out into civil rights work after becoming â€Å"movement widows.† Adopted a Global Consciousness Before Death Although Martin Luther King Jr. was known as a civil rights leader and Malcolm X as a black radical, both men became advocates for oppressed people across the globe. King, for example, discussed how the Vietnamese people had experienced colonization and oppression when he expressed his opposition to the Vietnam War. â€Å"The Vietnamese people proclaimed their own independence in 1945 after a combined French and Japanese occupation, and before the Communist revolution in China,† King remarked in his â€Å"Beyond Vietnam† speech in 1967. â€Å"They were led by Ho Chi Minh. Even though they quoted the American Declaration of Independence in their own document of freedom, we refused to recognize them. Instead, we decided to support France in its reconquest of her former colony.† Three years earlier in his speech â€Å"Ballot or the Bullet,† Malcolm X discussed the importance of expanding civil rights activism to human rights activism. â€Å"Whenever you are in a civil rights struggle, whether you know it or not, you are confining yourself to the jurisdiction of Uncle Sam,† he said. â€Å"No one from the outside world can speak out on your behalf as long as your struggle is a civil  rights struggle. Civil rights come within the domestic affairs of this country. All of our African brothers and our Asian brothers and our Latin  American brothers cannot open their mouths and interfere in the domestic affairs of the United States.† Killed at the Same Age While Malcolm X was older than Martin Luther King- he was born May 19, 1925, and King was born Jan. 15, 1929- both were assassinated at the same age. Malcolm X was 39 when members of the Nation of Islam gunned him down on Feb. 21, 1965, as he gave a speech at the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan. King was 39 when James Earl Ray gunned him down on April 4, 1968, as he stood on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. King was in town to support striking African-American sanitation workers. Families Unhappy With Murder Cases The families of both Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X were dissatisfied with how authorities handled the murders of the activists. Coretta Scott King did not believe that James Earl Ray was responsible for King’s death and wanted him exonerated. Betty Shabazz long held Louis Farrakhan and other leaders in the Nation of Islam responsible for Malcolm X’s death, though Farrakhan has denied involvement in Malcolm’s murder. Two of the three men convicted of the crime, Muhammad Abdul Aziz and Kahlil Islam, also denied playing roles in Malcolm’s assassination. The one man convicted of the murder who did confess, Thomas Hagan, agrees that Aziz and Islam are innocent. He said he acted with two other men to execute Malcolm X.

Use Weather Maps to Make a Forecast - A Lesson Plan

Use Weather Maps to Make a Forecast - A Lesson Plan Purpose of lesson The purpose of the lesson is to use meteorological data on a weather map, including a variety of weather map symbols, to predict weather events and produce a mock forecast. The intent is to show how data is collected and analyzed. Students first analyze a weather report to discover its parts. They then use these same techniques to analyze weather data. By creating a web at the beginning of the lesson, they can then complete an assessment where they complete another web that, this time, outlines the steps a forecaster takes to produce a forecast. Objectives Given wind speed and direction data in a weather station model from various locations around the United States,correctly label the map with the locations of high and low pressure zones.Given temperature data on a United States isotherm map, chose the correct frontal boundary from the four types of frontal boundaries and draw it on the map so that a forecast can be produced. Resources AMS Datastreme at ametsoc.org/amsedu/dstreme/ for up-to-date weather mapsNOAA Jetstream website at srh.noaa.govNOAAJetstream website at NOAA Jetstream online school for weather srh.noaa.gov/jetstream// for background informationDaily newspaper weather section (minimum 5 days collected at least one week in advance of lesson)The Weather blog at http://weather.about.com Materials needed for lesson Teacher needs to collect the daily newspaper forecast for 5 days in advance of the lesson. Teacher must also print daily isotherm, frontal, and pressure maps from the AMS datastreme site. A computer projector (and a computer) would be helpful in reviewing the online Jetstream school. Students will need colored pencils and access to research online through computers or the library. Students will need a KWL chart to fill in at the beginning, middle, and end of the class. Background Teacher will show a video of a weather report that includes a weather map. Students will watch the video while thinking about the essential question – How do scientists gather and report data to create weather reports? The video segment of the lesson acts as a hook to get students interested in the data. Also included will be a demonstration of various meteorological tools including a barometer, thermometer, wind speed indicator (anemometer), hygrometer, weather instrument shelters, and photos of weather satellites and the resultant images. The students will then formulate a pair-share group to produce a web of all the parts of a weather report. They will include methods and tools used to gather meteorological data as well as the components of weather maps and forecast reports. Students will share some of their main points in the webs they created with the teacher. The teacher will record the information on the board and ask for discussion in the class for what they think is the best way to create a web. Once the video segment is shown, students will go through a series of steps to practice analyzing weather maps.Students will also fill out a KWL chart once they see the weather video. Once they are complete, they will be able to check their forecasts based on the newspaper forecasts the teacher already collected. Assessment The assessment will be a weather map of the CURRENT class day, printed in the morning by the teacher, and students will have to predict the weather for the next day. In the same pair-share groups, students will create a 1 minute forecast report as if they were on TV. Remediation and review Practice reading temperature data in Celsius and Fahrenheit on a standard alcohol thermometer.Show students a model of a building or doll. Explain the idea of the use of models in science.Obtain a weather map from Datastreme site and distribute to students so they can see examples of a real weather map.Introduce students to the online Jetstream site and the parts of a weather map. Students will record the various parts of a station model.Locate a station model for a city and record temperature, pressure, wind speed, etc. in a data table. Describe to a partner the different conditions present in that city. Optional-Using laptop computers, instant message a partner across the room about the conditions in your city.Use a simplified map to locate the isotherm lines on a weather map. Connect similar temperatures in increments of 10 degrees with different shades of colored pencils. Create a key for the colors. Analyze the map to see where different air masses are and try to outline a front al boundary using the correct symbols learned from the Jetstream online course. Students will obtain a pressure reading map and determine the pressure at a station. Color the region around several cities that show pressure anomalies. Students will then try to determine high and low pressure zones.Students will draw conclusions about their maps and check the key with the teacher. Conclusion The conclusion will be the presentation of forecasts from students. As students explain why they feel it will rain, get colder, etc., students will have a chance to agree or disagree with the information. The teacher will go over the correct answers the next day. If done right, the next days weather is the real weather the student forecasted because the map used in the assessment was the CURRENT weather map. The teacher should review the objectives and standards on the bulletin board. Teachers should also review the learned portion of the KWL chart to show students what was accomplished in the lesson. Assignments Students will use a weather map (model) to create a weather report.Students will use observation and analysis to determine the methods, data, tools, and information used in forecasts of the weather by creating a graphic organizer (webbing).Students will have periodic self-checks available as they analyze older maps to gain the skill in interpreting and predicting future weather.

Civil Liberties, Habeas Corpus, and the War on Terror Essay - 12

Civil Liberties, Habeas Corpus, and the War on Terror - Essay Example The effect of Habeas Corpus was first felt when the law of Anglo-Saxon was in existence. In 1215, Habeas Corpus followed the Magna Carta before it was experienced and used by the king and the court that was under him. During the era of King Edward, Habeas Corpus was published in the form of Blackstone by a judge in England. It fought against the imprisonment of people or any one being sent to exile without the law being followed. At the time, Magna Carta was a law that was very common in England. This condition played a vital part in the making of Habeas Carter a law in the English constitution. It is not long ago since Habeas Corpus was incorporated into the system of the United States of America. This was in the year 1801 when the then president of the United States mentioned it in his speech. The president said that the people of the United States of America would be protected by Habeas Corpus so that they could continue enjoying their freedom. It was then put in the constitution of the country where it is still being used in the present day in the United States of America. Habeas Corpus has adapted the same tradition as that of the England whereby it ensures that people are imprisoned legally and for a legal reason (Gregory, 2013). The first time it was suspended in the United States of America was by the then president Abraham Lincoln. The president did this after he heard that the officials of Maryland who dealt with anti-war issues were planning to destroy the railway that was connecting the United States of America to Annapolis and Philadelphia. This rail was very important in the supplying the needs to the soldiers who were getting ready to attack and fight the south (Gregory, 2013) Lincoln only suspended it in Maryland route and was mainly influenced by the requests that the generals of the army proposed. The generals wanted military courts to be set up so that he could rein over his opponents politically. Abraham

Defining the Capabilities of Each Student Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Defining the Capabilities of Each Student - Essay Example Student achievement in their prospective fields could be materialized only through a proper understanding from the part of the teacher. It is very important to streamline the students on the basis of their respective potential and ability to grasp. This way, the levels of their achievement could be clearly demarcated both by the teacher and the students themselves. The key role of a teacher in the classroom must be that of a comprehending elder who is approachable on any area related to education. Even as the need for specialization is paramount, the overall personality of teachers makes a great difference in their role as facilitators. Students should be allowed the necessary freedom to communicate with teachers on any issue for which they need help. If there are specific needs from the part of the students who call for some research to be done by the teachers, they must be willing to do that effectively and with competence. An efficient teacher always succeeds in motivating students. This is quite often done through casual remarks in the class or gestures through which one could convince every student that they are specially taken care of. Students of all age groups seek attention inside and outside classrooms. The willingness to accept them as individuals capable of achieving certain goals in their life will help teachers guide them through the trials and tribulations of life and prepare them for success in life. It is very important to learn the names of one’s students, and to address them occasionally. This reassures them a lot and fulfils their needs of identity. Teachers have the duty to acknowledge the needs of students outside the classrooms as well.  

Conservatism and Neo-Ottomanism of the Turkish Political System Essay

Conservatism and Neo-Ottomanism of the Turkish Political System - Essay Example Additionally, in contrast to the modernization movements of many of the governments in the post Ottoman Turkey, the Conservative ideology that has been adopted by the Turkish political system during the past decade (2002-2013) is largely opposed to the westernization of Turkey. For example, the conservatism themes of the Turkish governments within the last decade (2002-2013) has been characterized by a new form of nationalism, marked by attempts to conserve Turkish national values â€Å"ulusalclk† as well and social values such asexuality, family values, gender relations and religious values in the face of the current rapid globalization and perceived Europeanization (Yavuz, 2009). This has been particularly evidenced by the de-westernization and re-traditionalization of the Turkish society that has been witnessed in the country since the Justice and Development Party lead by Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan came to power in 2002. In a recent interview with Financial Times Newspaper, T ayyip ErdoÄŸan described his party’s vision and ideology as seeking to establish a conservative democracy in Turkey which is attached to the traditions, customs and values of the contemporary Turkish society.Finally, despite the fact that the consecutive AKP led governments in Turkey since 2002 have always rejected any association with Islamism or political Islam as part of their ideology, the main ideology of the Turkish political system under the leadership of AKP has been primarily characterized by institutionalization of Turkey’s traditional and religious values

Voting, Campaigns, and Elections Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Voting, Campaigns, and Elections - Research Paper Example However, it is crucial for both the candidates and the government that the public steps out to cast their vote because the candidates realize the importance of each vote that is cast in their favor. The government, similarly, in a democratic set-up looks to establish a government that is the masses choice. Thus, Voter turnout is an essential aspect in determining the people who should come into power. Apart from these, it instills the sense of contribution in the people’s minds and they feel virtuous, bring down the level of societal imbalance in terms of corruption, crime etc. Before and after all major elections, voter turnouts are measured. This is to ascertain expected votes that can be cast, and the actual votes cast on Election Day. The differential is researched extensively to determine the reasons for less than 100% turnout. Total eligible voters who have registered themselves, form the voters’ pool and turnout is calculated by surveying them and conducting rese arches. These can be done by calling the prospective voters up to ask of their participation in the elections can be expected. Other ways include mailing pre-stamped survey cards and holding internet polls. However, the accuracy of such mediums is not certain due to the study that many people are not truthful about not voting to give a favorable picture to themselves (Holbrook and Krosnick 328). According to a research by internationalcomparision.org, in the region of Australia and Germany the voter turnaround during the period of 2013 was 92% and 71.55%, in Canda it was 61.41% during 2011, in France it was 80.35% in case of parliamentary elections and in United States it was 68% in presidential elections during 2012 and in United Kingdom it was 66% in parliamentary elections during 2010 and In United States it was 38% (internationalcomparison.org 1). This shows that as compared to other countries of the developed world, the turnout statistics for the United States is fairly low, ev en though the Americans are said to be more politically active and aware as compared to other countries. According to a study conducted by Bingham Powell, this low turnout can be attributed to 5% political attitudes, 14% to the rigid restriction laws and 13% to the institutional factors and party manifestos (Powell Jr 17). However, there is no proof that this study is prevalent in this age as well. As far as Texas- as one of the lowest turnout regions in the United States- is concerned, an election study conducted by the George Mason University on 2010 elections showed that the total turnout in the US was 41% and Texas turnout amounted to 32% (Mcdonald 1). A number of times mayors have been selected upon a turnout of less than 10% of the total potential voters in Texas. The common reasons identified for this lapse are lack of proper information, ignorance and fear. Frequent elections-Primary, general, and special elections- and lack of belief in the legitimacy of the candidates are also attributed to this behavior. Historically, the state of Texas has had the most conspired voting schemes and regulations that were imposed and then reversed due to public pressures. Many instances of candidates using electoral donations for personal use has also lessened people urge to step out and practice their right. Since Texas is inhibited by minorities of all ethnicities

The Development Information Security Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 6250 words

The Development Information Security - Essay Example There are many well-known security standards available, for instance, ISO, NIST, and COBAT. However, most of the Security Frameworks stress more on compliance requirements and controls rather than effectiveness. Standards, procedures and practices provided to larger organization easily swamp the SMEs. Due to lack of resources, SMEs often spend minimum amount on security and scarcely utilize their resources to apply hundreds of good practices provided by security standards and frameworks. Furthermore, SMEs do not adapt to all the ISO security standards rather they define their own strategies in order to meet their specific security goals. It indicates the importance of providing SMEs a security framework that facilitates the task of identifying and applying security measures in accordance with their own needs and requirements. Therefore, we need to go back to square one and design a more suitable portfolio of solutions in order to cater a broader set of organizations and circumstances . There is no single industry security standard that provides all the answers. However, a good industry standard does provide a widely accepted and proven framework. It not only defines a particular security program in order to provide a foundation for security system but also satisfies particular needs of the organization. Such framework is derived from the development of a prioritized set of objectives and practices as suggested by literature and standards provided by ISO standards. This security framework provides steps to establish best suited Information Security Management System (ISMS) for SMEs. These ISMS are based on ISO standards which enable SMEs to see the value of security outside of technical constraints and regulatory compliance. Moreover, it helps SMEs to incorporate security  practices, controls and procedures to align business requirements with IT security requirements. Moreover, it provides support for effective use of technology, central management, adaptabilit y, flexibility, performance, interoperability and compliance on the forefront.

Voting, Campaigns, and Elections Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Voting, Campaigns, and Elections - Research Paper Example However, it is crucial for both the candidates and the government that the public steps out to cast their vote because the candidates realize the importance of each vote that is cast in their favor. The government, similarly, in a democratic set-up looks to establish a government that is the masses choice. Thus, Voter turnout is an essential aspect in determining the people who should come into power. Apart from these, it instills the sense of contribution in the people’s minds and they feel virtuous, bring down the level of societal imbalance in terms of corruption, crime etc. Before and after all major elections, voter turnouts are measured. This is to ascertain expected votes that can be cast, and the actual votes cast on Election Day. The differential is researched extensively to determine the reasons for less than 100% turnout. Total eligible voters who have registered themselves, form the voters’ pool and turnout is calculated by surveying them and conducting rese arches. These can be done by calling the prospective voters up to ask of their participation in the elections can be expected. Other ways include mailing pre-stamped survey cards and holding internet polls. However, the accuracy of such mediums is not certain due to the study that many people are not truthful about not voting to give a favorable picture to themselves (Holbrook and Krosnick 328). According to a research by internationalcomparision.org, in the region of Australia and Germany the voter turnaround during the period of 2013 was 92% and 71.55%, in Canda it was 61.41% during 2011, in France it was 80.35% in case of parliamentary elections and in United States it was 68% in presidential elections during 2012 and in United Kingdom it was 66% in parliamentary elections during 2010 and In United States it was 38% (internationalcomparison.org 1). This shows that as compared to other countries of the developed world, the turnout statistics for the United States is fairly low, ev en though the Americans are said to be more politically active and aware as compared to other countries. According to a study conducted by Bingham Powell, this low turnout can be attributed to 5% political attitudes, 14% to the rigid restriction laws and 13% to the institutional factors and party manifestos (Powell Jr 17). However, there is no proof that this study is prevalent in this age as well. As far as Texas- as one of the lowest turnout regions in the United States- is concerned, an election study conducted by the George Mason University on 2010 elections showed that the total turnout in the US was 41% and Texas turnout amounted to 32% (Mcdonald 1). A number of times mayors have been selected upon a turnout of less than 10% of the total potential voters in Texas. The common reasons identified for this lapse are lack of proper information, ignorance and fear. Frequent elections-Primary, general, and special elections- and lack of belief in the legitimacy of the candidates are also attributed to this behavior. Historically, the state of Texas has had the most conspired voting schemes and regulations that were imposed and then reversed due to public pressures. Many instances of candidates using electoral donations for personal use has also lessened people urge to step out and practice their right. Since Texas is inhibited by minorities of all ethnicities

Current Events Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Current Events - Assignment Example My previous heads were ethical in their dealings and this culture was propagated to the junior staff members, who also choose to be ethical. The other was through the right checks and balances as far as monitoring of ethical behavior was concerned. This role was majorly delegated to the supervisors of junior and casual staff. An organization that has been faced with numerous allegations of irregularities is FIFA, the football governing body headed by Sepp Blatter. Over the years there have been various questions that have been directed towards how ethical Sepp’s decisions have been. This has tainted the image of FIFA around the world. At this point the company is working to repair this image. One of the ways in which it is doing this is by the appointment of Michael Garcia as the head of its ethics committee (BBC, 2013). The appointment of a lawyer to this post places the company in a position to secure public trust in two ways. One is that a change in the leadership of this body shows commitment towards becoming more ethical. Two is the fact that Michael has shown his commitment to this task by implementing measures that will restore public

Cognitive Process Culture Essay Example for Free

Cognitive Process Culture Essay Lamadrid takes into account the mythical or magical dimension of the novel and relates it to the emerging social consciousness of the protagonist. He asserts that Anaya elucidates that the command of Curandera is consequential in nature is derived from mythical though process and it resultant knowledge. These mythical thought processes itself are derived from resolution of the contradiction that is inherent within the culture. So he portrays power as capability to contemplate and comprehend the social processes in a dialectical way. So myth is not something extra-human and acultural phenomenon but it is a cognitive representation of social thought process. This scholarly article facilitates readers to understand the role of Antonio in the context of mythical realism and development of his mature social consciousness at the end of the novel. People resort to Antonio at critical times because they are inherently aware that these mediators have powers that can offer remedies to their maladies. So myth helps understanding the role of Antonio in the society and how this role is established. Mancelos, Joao de. Witchcraft, Initiation and Cultural Identity in Rudolfo Anayas Bless Me, Ultima. Alfarrabio. Retreieved on 12 October 2008. Website: http://alfarrabio. di. uminho. pt/vercial/zips/mancelos21. rtf This article manifests the development of Antonio and how different elements of chicano culture i. e. witchcraft, cultural identity play a vital role in helping him achieving maturity. He considers the role of Ultima and his witchcraft prowess to help Antonio explore his cultural identity. This article elaborates the role of his familial traditions, by his Hispanic lineage and his Catholic religion at an early stage of his life. Later he learned the tussle between Ultima and his religions but prefers Ultima and his witchcraft. All this contribute toward his maturity at the end of the novel. This article explains various developmental stages of Antonio and contribution of various factors during these periods and enables us to understand the contributories toward this development.

The Frequency Spectrum Allocated By Malaysian Communication Computer Science Essay

The Frequency Spectrum Allocated By Malaysian Communication Computer Science Essay International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000), also known as 3G or 3rd Generation, is the generation standard for mobile phones and telecommunication services. This generation is to meet specifications by the International Telecommunication Union. Various applications exist, including wide-area wireless voice phone, video calls, mobile, mobile TV Internet access and others. The details spectrum for IMT-2000 shows like below: International Mobile Telecommunications-2000 (IMT2000) Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) Upper band: 2110 to 2200 MHz Lower band: 1920 to 2010 MHz Time Division Duplex (TDD) Frequency: 1915 to 1920MHz Frequency: 2010 to 2025MHz Figure 1.1: Frequency spectrum IMT-2000.[2] Global system for mobile communications (GSM) is a second generation cellular telecommunications system was first designed in the 1980 [12]. Compared with the first generation, GSM is more advanced enhancements such as in security, quality, capacity, and the ability to support integrated services. For examples GSM services is GSM-900 and GSM-1800 in which used in the world like Europe, the Middle East, parts of Asia and others country. The details spectrum for GSM900 and GSM1800 shows like below; Global System for Mobile (GSM) in the 900 MHz Band Upper band: 925 to 960 MHz Lower band: 880 to 915 MHz Global System for Mobile System in the 1800 MHz Band Upper band: 1805 to 1880 MHz Lower band: 1710 to 1785 MHz Figure 1.2: Frequency spectrum GSM900.[2] Figure 1.3: Frequency spectrum GSM1800.[2] Summary for Service Operators [ Maxis, Celcom, Digi and U-Mobile]; Service Operator System Standard Frequency Spectrum (MHz) Access Code Commercial Name Service Offered Lower Band Upper Band Maxis Mobile Sdn Bhd GSM 900 GSM 1800 IMT-2000: FDD TDD 880-886, 905-915 1710-1735 1935-1950 2015-2020 925-93, 950-960 1805-1830 2125-2140 012 017 Maxis Voice call, SMS, MMS, data plans service, International roaming, WAP Celcom (Malaysia) Berhad GSM 900 GSM 1800 IMT-2000: FDD TDD 888-905 1735-1760 1950-1965 2020-2025 933-950 1830-1855 2140-2155 013 019 Celcom Voice call, SMS, MMS, data plans service, International roaming, WAP Digi Telecommunication Sdn Bhd GSM 900 GSM 1800 IMT-2000: FDD TDD 886-888 1760-1785 1965-1980 2010-2015 931-933 1855-1880 2155-2170 010 016 Digi Voice call, SMS, MMS, data plans service, International roaming, WAP U-Mobile Sdn Bhd IMT-2000: FDD TDD 1920-1935 1915-1920 2110-2125 018 U-mobile Voice call, SMS, MMS, WAP Question 2 The Fourth Generation (4G) technology candidates is foreseen most likely to be between Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-Advanced) proposed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and Mobile WiMAX using 802.16m standardised by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Distinguish the technical differences between these two technologies and give your opinion on the scenario and deployment of 4G in the near future. Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-Advanced) proposed by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) is new standard in networking technology tree move what was once realize GSM/EDGE and UMTS/HSxPA networking technologies. It is a project Generation Partnership Project third (3GPP), administered under one name trademark by one of associations in partnership, European Telecommunications Standards Institute. LTE Evolution Figure 2.1: Mobile Technologies Charging The first generation of cellular systems were based on analog standards and are introduced in 80s middle. This with quick to bring to one second generation digitals cellular standard that made use of digital modulation and signal processing. The second generation also led to a technology fragmentation. Once many standard contests exist, however what remains now are two main branches: referred to as GSM and CDMA branches or alternately referred as the 3GPP and 3GPP2 branches. These branches remained separate as they migrated to 3G systems focusing on more efficient voice transport as well providing data-services. LTE originated in the 3GPP standards organization, and a competing specification (EV-DO Rev C) started in the 3GPP2 body as the next evolutionary step. However, the support for EV-DO Rev C has waned and it has now become clear that the 3GPP2 radio interface evolution has effectively ceased, allowing a single cellular technology. Figure 2.2: LTE provides a smooth evolutionary path for operators deploying all 3GPP and non-3GPP technologies. Technology Summary of LTE FDMA on uplink Scale able OFDM on downlink, Single Carrier Variable Spectrum Width from 3 to 20 MHz Up to 64 QAM, MIMO, Spatial Multiplexing(SM), LTE- Advanced Will be an evolution of LTE. Therefore LTE-Advanced must be backward compatible with LTE Release 8. Requirements will meet or even exceed IMT-Advanced requirements following the ITU-R agenda. Should support significantly increased instantaneous peak data rates in order to reach ITU requirements. Primary focus should be on low mobility users. It is required a further improvement of cell edge data rates. Mobile WiMAX using 802.16m standardised by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) IEEE 802.16 is a series of Wireless Broadband standards authored by the IEEE. The current version is IEEE 802.16-2009 amended by IEEE 802.16j-2009. IEEE 802.16 is written by a working group established by IEEE Standards Board in 1999 to develop standards for the global deployment of broadband Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks. The Workgroup is a unit of the IEEE 802 LAN/MAN Standards Committee [3]. WiMAX Evolution WiMAX grow almost independently (and in parallel) for cellular standard mentioned earlier. In late 90s, IEEE started a workgroup create one air interface to show multipoint wireless standard broadband. Working group lever DOCSIS (data on interface specification cable service) standard heavily especially in definition MACs layers. Original standard modified into 802.16d in 2004 introduce OFDM as transmission scheme. This standard intended at fixed applications and is sometimes referred to as fixed WiMAX. In 2005, 802.16d further improving to for support for mobility and provide OFDM delivery system scalable. This standard known as 802.16e/ mobile WiMAX. (It should be noted that products based on 802.16d and 802.16e inhering market and both classified as WiMAXs products lead to a few ambiguity on specific standard which is supported-802.16d or 802.16e.) Hope, 802.16e standard expanding to 802.16m which focusing on addition to ventilate interface specifications. This evolution is shown in Figure 2.3. Figure 2.3: WiMAX Evolution Technology Summary of WiMAX Scale able OFDM on downlink and uplink Variable Spectrum Width from 1.25 to 10 MHz Up to 64 QAM, MIMO, Spatial Multiplexing, Beamforming Mobile WiMAX deployed since 2008 IEEE802.16m and Mobile WiMAX Release 2 Lower latency through faster MAC/signaling Higher spectrum efficiency through more advanced and higher order MIMO solutions, including multiuser MIMO as well as lower MAC and PHY overhead. Higher peak and user data rates using wide-band carriers (including 20 MHz) and multicarrier aggregation. Enhanced coverage in high interference environments with improved preamble and control channel. Support for higher mobility through a faster feedback mechanism and link adaption. Flexible spectrum deployments (both FDD and TDD support contiguous bands) The scenario and deployment of 4G in the near future 4G refers to the fourth generation of cellular wireless standards. It is a successor to 3G and 2G families of standards. The first was the move from 1981 analog (1G) to digital (2G) transmission in 1992. This was followed, in 2002, by 3G multi-media support, spread spectrum transmission and at least 200  kbit/s, soon expected to be followed by 4G, which refers to all-IP packet-switched networks, mobile ultra-broadband (gigabit speed) access and multi-carrier transmission. Pre-4G technologies such as mobile WiMAX and first-release 3G Long term evolution (LTE) have been available on the market since 2006 and 2009 respectively. According to the members of the 4G working group, the infrastructure and the terminals of 4G will have almost all the standards from 2G to 4G implemented. Although legacy systems are in place to adopt existing users, the infrastructure for 4G will be only packet-based (all-IP). Some proposals suggest having an open Internet platform. Technologies considered to be early 4G include: Flash-OFDM, the 802.16e mobile version of WiMax (also known as WiBro in South Korea), and HC-SDMA (see iBurst). Question 8 The public cellular service operator in Malaysia are subjected to mandatory standards for Quality of Service (QoS) or Grade of Service (GOS) by Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). List various parameters and schemes used for providing QoS/GOS in cellular network and discuss their advantages/disadvantages to the subscribers and operators. How can QoS provisioning be managed in the future 4G cellular network? There is two ways to measure the quality of voice services, Grade of Service (GoS) and the Quality of Service (QoS). GOS can be describe as a chances of a call in a circuit group being blocked or delayed for more than a specified interval and can be expressed as a vulgar fraction/decimal fraction. This is likely to happen to the busy hour when the traffic intensity is the greatest. Grade of service can viewed from the perspective of incoming versus outgoing calls, and is not necessarily equal in each direction or between different source-destination pairs. Quality of service (QOS) can also be called as voice grade or program grade which is a single circuit that is designed or conditioned to provide. Equalization for amplification over a specified band of frequency or for this case of digital data transported via analogue circuit can be one of the quality criteria for such circuit. One of the aspects for mobile quality of service in cellular telephone circuits is the probability of abnormal termination of the call. There is a lot of factor can affect the quality of service of the telecommunication network. From the customer`s point of view looking at this QoS can be describe as common phenomena and its judged by the user. However there is a standard metrics of QoS that can be used by the customer to measure the QoS. The coverage, accessibility and the audio quality is the indicator for this quality. For coverage, strength of the signal is measured using test equipment and this can be used to estimate the size of the cell. For accessibility its about determining the ability of the network to handle successful calls from mobile-fixed networks and from mobile-mobile networks. For audio quality it can be considers monitoring a successful for a period of time for the clarity of the communication channel. All these indicators are used by the telecommunications industry to judge the quality of service of the network. QoS provisioning be managed in the future 4G cellular network Nowadays, cellular network operators across the world have seen a rapid growth of mobile usage. Data usage per subscriber is increasing daily in particular and with the introduction of flat-rate tariffs and more advanced mobile devices. Services provider are moving from a single-service offering in the packet-switched domain to a multi-service offering by adding Value added services (VAS) that are also provided across the mobile broadband access. One of the examples of these Services is multimedia telephony and mobile-TV. These kind services have a different performance requirement in terms of the required bit rates and packet delays or any other examples. However solving these performance issues through over-provisioning typical is uneconomical due to the relatively high cost for transmission capacity in cellular access networks which includes radio spectrum and backhaul from the base stations. 4G broadband wireless technologies such as IEEE 802.16e/m and Third Generation Partnershi p Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) have been designed with different QoS (Quality of Service) frameworks and means to enable delivery of the evolving Internet applications. QoS specifically for evolving Internet applications is a fundamental requirement to provide satisfactory service delivery to users and also to manage network resources. QoS refers to the probability or ability of the network to provide a desired level of service for selected traffic on the network. Service levels are defined in terms of throughput, latency (delay), jitter (delay variation) and packet errors or loss. Different service levels are defined for different types or streams of traffic. To supply QoS, the network identifies different types or streams of traffic and processes these traffic classes differently to achieve (or attempt to achieve) the desired service level for each traffic class. The efficiency of any QoS scheme can be measured based on its ability to achieve the desired service levels for a typical combination of traffic classes. 4G wireless communication systems feel the requirement of transparent and seamless user roaming with end-to-end connectivity. These systems also required higher data rate, higher mobility support and QoS guarantees due to rapid development of wireless and mobile networks. All this requirements is possible for the operators to increase their service portfolio and for the users to experience context-rich and personalized services. Advantages for Subscribers and Operators: Subscribers Know that when the call was busy Users may call for a long time without queuing Easier for users to choose the best mobile phone operator. So, they know which one the operators has the best coverage. Operators Will know when the time is busy and how to solve the problem faster. Always to take the opportunity to improve their network coverage. Disadvantages for Subscribers and Operators: Subscribers Cannot make a call especially during the emergency call. Operators Increase the cost in order to improve the network. Will increase the number of cell in order to handle the large amount of subscribers. SATELLITE COMMUNICATION QUESTION 10 The Very Small Aperture Terminal, VSAT service is becoming more popular in Malaysia. Obtain information on VSAT service operator in Malaysia including examples of application, network topology, user equipments, lease procedure and services offered and their data rate. How can a VSAT system accommodate subscriber that need higher data rate services. Introductions of VSAT A Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) is a two-way satellite ground station with a dish antenna that is smaller than 3 meters (most VSAT antennas range from 75 cm to 1.2 m). VSAT data rates typically range from narrowband up to 4 Mbit/s. VSATs access satellites in geosynchronous orbit to relay data from small remote earth stations (terminals) to other terminals (in mesh configurations) or master earth station hubs (in star configurations). VSAT can be used for data, voice, video or internet applications [10]. It is used to communicate with to link together locations using satellite connectivity. Figure 3.1: A typical VSAT network depicting two way communications from remote terminals through a VSAT satellite to a central hub. MAXIS VSAT VSATs are an ideal means of communication in areas where terrestrial infrastructure is unavailable or unreliable. As such VSAT services are able to bring distant or remote business communities closer by eliminating geographical barriers and challenges that previously existed. This in turn transfers to an increase in productivity and overall cost efficiency for such communities. In addition to providing communication to remote areas, VSATs are also suitable in providing private networks in urban areas for organizations with many geographically dispersed branches that require connectivity to their Headquarters. VSAT services generally offer service reliability and availability that is equal to or higher than terrestrial services. Below are examples of type Maxis VSAT Services that can be used depends on the complexity of the network and the communications requirements; SCPC (Single Carrier Per Channel) Satellite bandwidth is dedicated to a single source. SCPC based design provides a point-to-point technology making it the VSAT equivalent. Supports voice, data, video communications. Advantages; Simple and reliable technologies. Low-cost equipment. Figure 3.2: SkyLine (SCPC) Service hub to remote configuration TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) Is a channel access method for shared medium network. Allows several users to share the same frequency channel by dividing the signal into different time slots. In Figure 3 (d), all VSATs share satellite resource on a time-slot basis and the remote VSATs also use inroutes for communicating with the hub or TDMA channels. There could be several inroutes associated with one outroute. Several VSATs share one inroute, so it also sharing the bandwidth. Typical inroutes operate at 64 or 128 Kbit/s. Critical to all TDMA schemes is the function of clock synchronization what is performed by the TDMA hub or master earth station. The VSATs may also access the inroute on a fixed assigned TDMA mode, where in each VSAT is allocated a specific time slot or slots. Figure 3.3: Typical SkyNet (TDM/TDMA)-configuration supporting various interactive data applications. ; Summarization of Maxis VSAT Services [6]: Services Service Description Typical Users SkyWayTMVSAT Broadband data and Voice service. Corporations with many branches requiring Broadband Data and telephony. Corporations requiring Internet access. Corporations or communities in remotes areas without telephone connectivity, i.e. plantations, timber camps and remote villages. SkyLine VSAT Dedicated leased line for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint connectivity. Corporations requiring dedicated links for communications between its HQ and branches. SkyLine-Plus VSAT Dedicated leased line with Frame Relay technology for mesh connectivity. Corporations requiring dedicated links for communications between sites within the VSAT network. Gyro-Stabilized VSAT Specialized VSAT service for maritime and offshore oil rigs. Upstream oil and gas corporations Shipping companies. The benefit of Maxis VSAT Services Uniform service quality All sites in the VSAT network receives the same high quality services, whether the location is urban or rural areas. Reach VSAT is a service that available anywhere no matter the place, whether in a remote area, forest or anywhere in the world. High relaibility availability VSAT networks offer high reliability as the points of failure are limited to two points means at any two locations in a communications link. This ensures minimal downtime while the service availability for VSAT networks. Question 11 Global Positioning System, GPS satellite is a navigation satellite that can offer services based on locations. Investigate among the service offered in Malaysia, user hardware and equipments, subscription (if any), and their limitation in term of accuracy. Identify similar service to complement GPS system particularly for mobile and handheld environment. The Global Positioning System (GPS), also known as Navstar, is a satellite based navigation system that can be used by anyone with appropriate receiver to pinpoint location on earth. The array of GPS satellites transmits highly accurate, time coded information that permits a receiver to calculate its exact location in terms of the latitude and longitude on earth as well as the altitude above the sea level [10]. GPS was developed by the U.S Air Force for the Department of Defense as a continuous global radio navigation system that all elements of the military services would use for precision navigation. GPS consists of three parts: the space segment, the control segment, and the user segment [10]. The space segment is composed of 24 to 32 satellites in medium Earth orbit and also includes the boosters required to launch them into orbit [10]. The space segment is the constellation of satellites orbiting above the earth. It contains transmitters which send highly accurate timing information to GPS receivers on earth. The receivers may be used on land, sea or air. Figure 4.1: GPS mapping aids are small enough to be mounted on a dashboard or stashed in a backpackers pack. They are popular with boaters too. Figure 4.2: The GPS space segment Figure 4.2 shows the fully implemented GPS consists of 24 main operational satellites plus 3 active space satellites. The satellites are arranged in six orbits, each orbit containing 3 or 4 satellites. User hardware and equipments GPS satellites circle the earth twice a day in a very precise orbit and transmit signal information to earth. GPS receivers take this information and use triangulation to calculate the users exact location. Essentially, the GPS receiver compares the time a signal was transmitted by a satellite with the time it was received. The time difference tells the GPS receiver how far away the satellite is. Now, with distance measurements from a few more satellites, the receiver can determine the users position and display it on the units electronic map [13]. f A GPS receiver must be locked on to the signal of at least three satellites to calculate a 2D position (latitude and longitude) and track movement. With four or more satellites in view, the receiver can determine the users 3D position (latitude, longitude and altitude). Once the users position has been determined, the GPS unit can calculate other information, such as speed, bearing, track, trip distance, distance to destination, sunrise and sunset time and more[13]. The GPS receivers are extremely accurate, thanks to their parallel multi-channel design. Garmins 12 parallel channel receivers are quick to lock onto satellites when first turned on and they maintain strong locks, even in dense foliage or urban settings with tall buildings. Certain atmospheric factors and other sources of error can affect the accuracy of GPS receivers. Garmin ® GPS receivers are accurate to within 15 meters on average [13]. Newer Garmin GPS receivers with WAAS (Wide Area Augmentation System) capability can improve accuracy to less than three meters on average. No additional equipment or fees are required to take advantage of WAAS. Users can also get better accuracy with Differential GPS (DGPS), which corrects GPS signals to within an average of three to five meters. The U.S. Coast Guard operates the most common DGPS correction service. This system consists of a network of towers that receive GPS signals and transmit a corrected signal by beacon transmitters. In order to get the corrected signal, users must have a differential beacon receiver and beacon antenna in addition to their GPS [13]. GPS satellites transmit two low power radio signals, designated L1 and L2. Civilian GPS uses the L1 frequency of 1575.42 MHz in the UHF band. The signals travel by line of sight, meaning they will pass through clouds, glass and plastic but will not go through most solid objects such as buildings and mountains. A GPS signal contains three different bits of information a pseudorandom code, ephemeris data and almanac data. The pseudorandom code is simply an I.D. code that identifies which satellite is transmitting information. You can view this number on your Garmin GPS units satellite page, as it identifies which satellites its receiving [13]. Ephemeris data, which is constantly transmitted by each satellite, contains important information about the status of the satellite (healthy or unhealthy), current date and time. This part of the signal is essential for determining a position. The almanac data tells the GPS receiver where each GPS satellite should be at any time throughout the day. Each satellite transmits almanac data showing the orbital information for that satellite and for every other satellite in the system [13]. The service offered in Malaysia /GPS Applications The primary application of the GPS is military and related navigation. GPS is used by all services for ships, aircraft of all sort, and group troops. Civilian uses have also increased dramatically because of the availability of many low-cost portable receivers. Most cavitations applications involve navigation, which is usually marine or aviation- related. Hikers and campers and other outdoors sports enthusiasts also use GPS. Commercial applications include surveying, mapmaking and construction. Vehicle location is a growing application for trucking and delivery companies, taxi, bus and train transportation. Police, fire, ambulance and forest services also use GPS. GPS based navigation systems are now widely available as accessories in cars to provide a continuous readout of current vehicle location. GPS is finding new applications every day. For instance, it is used to keep track of fleets of trunks. A GPS receiver in each trunk transmits its position data by way of a wireless connection, such as a wireless local- area network or cell phone. Many new cell phones contain a GPs receiver that automatically reports the location of the user people makes a 999 call. Most location based services will be used for 999 calls, eventually other location services may be developed for cell phones. Not all cell phones use GPS. Some use a unique triangulation method based on the cell phone being able to be in touch with at least three call sites. Finally, GPS receivers are so inexpensive an accurate that they have led to a new hobby called geocaching. In this sport, one team hides an item or treasure and then gives the other team coordinates to follow to find the treasure within a given time. Limitation in term of accuracy Factors that can degrade the GPS signal and thus affect accuracy include the following: Ionosphere and troposphere delays The satellite signal slows as it passes through the atmosphere. The GPS system uses a built-in model that calculates an average amount of delay to partially correct for this type of error. Signal multipath This occurs when the GPS signal is reflected off objects such as tall buildings or large rock surfaces before it reaches the receiver. This increases the travel time of the signal, thereby causing errors. Receiver clock errors A receivers built-in clock is not as accurate as the atomic clocks onboard the GPS satellites. Therefore, it may have very slight timing errors. Orbital errors Also known as ephemeris errors, these are inaccuracies of the satellites reported location. Number of satellites visible The more satellites a GPS receiver can see, the better the accuracy. Buildings, terrain, electronic interference, or sometimes even dense foliage can block signal reception, causing position errors or possibly no position reading at all. GPS units typically will not work indoors, underwater or underground. Satellite geometry/shading This refers to the relative position of the satellites at any given time. Ideal satellite geometry exists when the satellites are located at wide angles relative to each other. Poor geometry results when the satellites are located in a line or in a tight grouping. Similar service to complement GPS system particularly for mobile and handheld environment. GPS-enabled Cell Phones Motorola and Blackberry were the first GPS-enable phones to proliferate the United States. Initially, MotorolaiDEN phones were commonly used for employee tracking on the business-oriented Nextel network. Then GPS enabled Blackberry phones, once used almost exclusively by corporate and government VIPs, began to penetrate the consumer market stimulated by the demand for phones with advanced messaging capability. Next came specialty devices produced under the names of Disney Mobile and Wherify Wireless targeting use by children and elderly. Now in 2009, a variety of GPS-enabled phones and tracking services are available, as you can see from the ads on this page. Locating People in an Emergency Stimulated by the events of 11 September 2001, the demand for enhanced 911 (e911) emergency calling capabilities pushed forward GPS tracking technology in cell phones. At the end of 2005, all cell phone carriers were required to provide the ability to trace cell phone calls to a location within 100 meters or less. Wireless Networks Your phone may have GPS and know exactly where it is, but it cant tell anyone else where you are unless you are connected to a wireless network. Here in the United States, the wireless networks used for GPS tracking are primarily those operated by cell phone carriers. It is not likely that you as an individual will negotiate network access with a carrier. It is more likely that you will select a solution including a cell phone provisioned to communicate in a certain way on a specific wireless network. List below are some carriers recommended for use with GPS cell phones and services. T-Mobile / Cingular / ATT The Global System for Mobile (GSM) communications as adopted by these carriers represents the network with the largest coverage footprint. Roaming agreements between these carriers provide end users with service throughout the country. GSM is also the prominent cellular network abroad. Sprint / Nextel, not so much because of coverage, but because of their emphasis on data. Nextel has created their own data formats and communication protocols for high bandwidth mobile electronics applications. This company, who gave new meaning to the term walkie-talkie, provides the most flexibility for the communication of GPS data between cell phones and location-based service pro