How to Stand Out From the Applicant Pool

How do you stand out in an increasingly competitive college applicant pool? I remember attending a small middle school in New York City where there were 30 students in a grade. Everyone knew each other by name and each person stood out in his/her own way. I was always energetic and jumped on every opportunity that passed by me. On the first day of high school, I realized that everything would be different. With 750 students in each grade, it was hard to find a way to make yourself stand out. Colleges and universities are always searching for a diversity pool of students to fill their campuses. They search for students who excel at various academic fields, compete in sports or have a special skill that no one else does. With some schools receiving thousands of applications for limited spots, it becomes hard for colleges to differentiate applicants. It comes down to you to show colleges that you can contribute to their community. Academic performance qualifies you as a student, but by no means does it guarantee that you are accepted. At elite colleges and universities, for every person that is accepted, there are at least three or four more applicants who were not accepted and had similar academic records. With an increasing number of applicants and a more diverse applicant pool, it becomes more important for you to show colleges that you are unique. Personally, I found that the best way to show colleges who I am is through my extracurriculars and personal essays. These two parts of the application can be crafted by the applicant and should be strategically used to present a profile of yourself. For extracurriculars, rather than spreading yourself thin between a myriad of different clubs, you should focus on a handful of activities that you are passionate about. For me, I joined a large community service organization where I eventually became a regional executive officer and consulted the organization on an international level. By focusing in on one extracurricular activity, I showed colleges that I had a passion for a subject, was willing to commit myself to it, and advanced in leadership roles within the organization. The personal essay should include information that helps colleges understand your background, passions and goals. I used vivid vocabulary to describe myself in my personal essay so that the college would have an understanding of who I am and what makes me different from other applicants. Typically centered around an experience, make sure you show how that moment helped define or highlight your identity, passions, and worldview. It is imperative that your uniqueness is reflected in the personal essay; if you handed this essay to a close friend, they should be able to hear your voice within the writing rather than a generic story. Remember that there are many students who apply to colleges and have the same grades and talent as you. You have to show colleges your idiosyncrasy. Even if you do have perfect grades, each college follows different criteria for accepting students so don’t expect to get into every college. You’re more than just a letter grade, and a college will take your personal experience within your essays into thoughtful consideration.

Free Essays on Latin American Atrists

Alexis Leyva Machado, also known as â€Å"Kcho†, was born in 1970 on the Isla de la Juventud, a small island off the southern coast of Cuba. Today he is known as the island’s most internationally established artist since Wiferdo Lam. His sculptures are known for not only his hidden political meaning but also his use of materials out of the norm. He uses left over materials that have to do with the water to make his sculptures. He uses such things as old rowboats, fishing nets, oars, rafts, and other similar objects in his art. Kcho comments on the themes of his work stating â€Å"Where I grew up, all the limits were liquid.† He has been featured in more than 50 group shows and over 15 solo exhibitions around the world. He has one many awards such as the Saiz brothers prize in 1990, a scholarship from the Ludwig foundation, and the Unesco prize in 1995 awarded from Geneva, Switzerland. Although Kcho is from Cuba and is under a repressive regime his work has transcended a dictatorship country and is known in the U.S. and abroad. He was able to travel outside his home country in 1992 for the first time to participate in shows in Spain, Mexico, Holland and Belgium. Sly political references are blended into his work such as in one of his pieces from the Madrid show. This work was a series of drawings of docks, each dock in the shape of a letter that spelled out Elian, the name of the Cuban boy that survived a boat wreck and was therefore in the spotlight of mass media attention for months. Kcho currently resides in Havana and continues to put out impressive art works that are laden with his feelings and political statements that bring up to $4,000 for a drawing and up to $75,000 for just a small sculpture. His work can be viewed at www.ciac.ca/expos/kcho.html. Carmen Borrase Povedano de Mills is a painter born in Costa Rica. The artist uses fabrics and other elements such as strings, roses, and religious medals in her p... Free Essays on Latin American Atrists Free Essays on Latin American Atrists Alexis Leyva Machado, also known as â€Å"Kcho†, was born in 1970 on the Isla de la Juventud, a small island off the southern coast of Cuba. Today he is known as the island’s most internationally established artist since Wiferdo Lam. His sculptures are known for not only his hidden political meaning but also his use of materials out of the norm. He uses left over materials that have to do with the water to make his sculptures. He uses such things as old rowboats, fishing nets, oars, rafts, and other similar objects in his art. Kcho comments on the themes of his work stating â€Å"Where I grew up, all the limits were liquid.† He has been featured in more than 50 group shows and over 15 solo exhibitions around the world. He has one many awards such as the Saiz brothers prize in 1990, a scholarship from the Ludwig foundation, and the Unesco prize in 1995 awarded from Geneva, Switzerland. Although Kcho is from Cuba and is under a repressive regime his work has transcended a dictatorship country and is known in the U.S. and abroad. He was able to travel outside his home country in 1992 for the first time to participate in shows in Spain, Mexico, Holland and Belgium. Sly political references are blended into his work such as in one of his pieces from the Madrid show. This work was a series of drawings of docks, each dock in the shape of a letter that spelled out Elian, the name of the Cuban boy that survived a boat wreck and was therefore in the spotlight of mass media attention for months. Kcho currently resides in Havana and continues to put out impressive art works that are laden with his feelings and political statements that bring up to $4,000 for a drawing and up to $75,000 for just a small sculpture. His work can be viewed at www.ciac.ca/expos/kcho.html. Carmen Borrase Povedano de Mills is a painter born in Costa Rica. The artist uses fabrics and other elements such as strings, roses, and religious medals in her p...

Leading theories of free will Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Leading theories of free will - Essay Example Free will has been described as; having the ability to make decisions or choices, devoid any kind of limitations. As such, anybody who desires to make a decision out of free will, should not be influenced by any external forces or interferences whilst making such a decision (Kim et al, 2009). However, in reality, this is not often the case. Most decisions people make out of free will are, often based on some kind of influence, either from personal preferences or external interference. It is for this reason that hard determinism best describes the concept of free will. Hard determinism, as described earlier, claims that free will is inexistence. This is true because while it affirms to the philosophy of determinism, it does not agree that it is compatible with free will. It is next to impossible for one to make a free will without determinism and at the same time carry the belief that determinism affects free will, as claimed by compatibilists. A case in point is a situation where one needs to be morally accountable. It is agreed that most institutions or nations have certain morally guiding principles. In such a situation, one is expected to choose from two options; the moral option or the immoral stand. In the case of libertarianism, one should not be held morally accountable if he or she chooses the ‘immoral’ option since it supports free will, devoid of external or internal influences. It is for this reason that hard determinism comes into place and justifies the need to act ‘morally’ since that choice is influenced by a deterministic factor. The application of hard determinism can be justified through creation of ethical standards to correct wrong doers in a society. If everyone had the free will to do anything that they deem logical, then criminal behavior and other vices in society could be justified. It is for this very same reason that there exist standards to regulate human behavior to ac t according certain prescribed code of conduct (Kim, et al, 2009 p 47). This means that no one has the free will, like in the case of libertarianism or Compatibilism, to

One Hundred Years of Solitude Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

One Hundred Years of Solitude - Research Paper Example eceived its inspiration from European and North American Modernism and on the other hand it also drew influence from the Cuban Vanguardia or more popularly known as Vanguard Literary Movement. The novel founded its plot on the story from the historical context or this can be also taken as a sort of chronicle turned into drama. The novel is based on the life of the multi-generational Buendia Family. The patriarch of the family, Jose Arcadio Buendia was the founder of the town named Macondo. This town is actually metaphoric of the township on which the plot of the novel throbs, the metaphorical Columbia. The story is basically non-linear in pattern and the narrative structure of the novel is unique as it is narrated through different time periods. This technique was adapted by Garcia from the Argentine author named Jorge Luis Borges. He used this technique in his creations like ‘The Garden of Forking Paths’ of 1941. It is important to note that in style and theme, the novel ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ is representative of the literary creation of the Latin American Boom period of 1960s and 1970s (Wood, â€Å"Garcia Marquez 100 Years of Solitud e†). The novel ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ written in the year of 1967, presents the story of seven generations of Buendia Family and their lives at the town founded by them called Macondo. The founding member of Macondo, Jose Arcadio Buendia and his wife Ursula who was also his first cousin, are shown leaving Riohacha at Colombia and headed towards a new destination in search of a better life. The search for a better life and a new home launches them to build a city of utopia and hence they find themselves on a riverbank from where their dream for a world is decked up with visionary mission starts. While camping on the riverbank itself, Jose dreams of a city of mirrors that shall bear the reflection of the world in and about it. After awakening form that dream, Jose decided to shape his dreams and starts

Greek Mythology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Greek Mythology - Essay Example Everything the people do is monitored by the gods and any deviation or disobedience is punished. Human beings are also able to judge among themselves and punish whom they deem wrong. In the play, however, the most common form of punishment was death. Many cases arose from previous actions where an aggrieved individual took matters into their own hands and acted as they pleased. Agamemnon attacked Troy so as to avenge the kidnap of Helen. He was also killed because of his father’s role in the death of Thyestes’ children. In this essay, I will demonstrate the different cases of justice in the play and how they were carried out. I will also show how humans overcame the gods in the end when they decide to punish Agamemnon themselves. When the play starts, the chorus reminds us that Artemis had demanded the sacrifice of Iphigenia- it was her that was taken away their wind for the ships, and the priests Calchas stated to them what their goddess needed. As much as the decision was hard for Agamemnon to take, it was needed to appease the gods for the sake of his army. As the general, he did not want to disappoint neither his crew nor the gods. The decision, to sacrifice his child is very unpopular with the people as indicated in the chorus, clearly indicates that the gods were the final authority in terms of justice. When Troy is conquered by Agamemnon and his army, Clytemnestra as the ruler in charge, is quick to thank the god Hepthaus. However, she also prays that the passion of the Greek should overwhelm them and disrespect the gods. Moreover, she asks that their men not to plunder the gods alter or assault any of the women of Trojan. The fear Clytemnestra exhibits clearly show the gods are ready to punish anyone who disobeys them. After returning from the war, the king of Argos owes his success to both the soldiers the gods. In the end, the gods turned against Troy and the city was destroyed for the sake of Helen. The

Brood Parasitism of the Common Cuckoo

Brood Parasitism of the Common Cuckoo Brood parasitism by the common cuckoo Cuculus canorus has excited wonder, interest and speculation like few other bird behaviors. Its a species which had been studied and observed well before Darwins time, generating a wealth of information that has provided a deeper understanding of interactions among species. However, recent studies are bringing up more details of the coevolutionary relationship between the cuckoo and its hosts. The aim of this paper is threefold: to provide a concise review of the evolution of brood parasitism in the common cuckoo, to outline the different strategies that host species have evolved to deter parasitism, and to identify some of the counteradaptations the cuckoo has developed against those strategies. Introduction The extraordinary plasticity in breeding behavior of the family Cuculidae has no parallel among the worlds bird families. Of the 136 species of cuckoos, 83 provide parental care while 53 species parasitize nests, where eggs are incubated and parasites young are raised by a host species [1]. Of those 53 parasitic species, the common cuckoo Cuculus canorus (hereafter, cuckoo) is the most widespread in Europe, inhabiting a diverse array of habitats and having at least 15 different host-specific races [2]. Throughout history the cuckoo has attracted a wealth of attention and generated much fascination. In the fourth century BC, Aristotle accurately described the parasitic habits of the cuckoo, noting that the nestling cuckoo ejects the hosts eggs or young, casting out of the nest those with whom it has so far lived [3]. Despite these very early accounts of the cuckoos breeding behavior, it was not until the 1700s that cuckoos biology regained attention by scientists. However, the cuckoo literature generated prior to the mid-twentieth century was a mix of speculative observations and misconceptions. For instance, well into the 1750s it was thought that the female cuckoo upon laying the egg will carry it with her beak to the hosts nest [3]. Such an idea was mistakenly reinforced by observing cuckoo females carrying an egg, which later was proven to be the hosts eggs, but assuming it was the cuckoos egg [3]. This idea was later rejected by British physician Edward Jenner whose accurate observations led to the current description of the cuckoos parasitism [3]. Generally, cuckoos lay a single egg in a host nest. Upon hatching, the young cuckoo pushes out the host nestlings, and any unhatched eggs. The cuckoo nestling then demands undivided care from its hosts with an extraordinary begging display, which consists of bright orange gape and rapid calls to simulate several nestlings [4]. Evolution of cuckoo parasitism It was Charles Darwin who first intended attended to explain the evolution of brood parasitism in European cuckoos. In The Origin of Species Darwin described an example of brood parasitism by an American cuckoo species. The cuckoo was reared by a Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata until it fledged the nest. This observation led Darwin to suggest that brood parasitism has evolved through a repetitive process in nature in which the young cuckoo inherits its mothers parasitic habits due to advantages gain in survival [3]. Darwin proposed that cuckoo parasitism evolved from parental cuckoos and phylogeny studies have supported his view. However, there is no consensus on how brood parasitism evolved. Taxonomists suggest that brood parasitism evolved as a separate event in two subfamilies of brood parasites, independently, the Old World Cuculinae and the New World Neomorphinae [1]. On the other hand, a phylogeny study based on bone characteristics suggests that brood parasitism evolved as a sing le event in the family, placing Cuculinae and Neomorphinae together, while the genus Coccyzus found in the New World, re-evolved parental care from a parasitic ancestor [1]. Yet another study on molecular phylogeny proposes three independent origins of brood parasitism, in genus Clamator, and other cuckoos of the Old World and cuckoos in the American continent [5]. Avian brood parasitism between distinct species is currently thought to have evolved from an ancestral line with parental care breeding or as an indirect consequence of brood parasitism between conspecifics [3]. However, while the argument still exists over which of the the two pathways leads to the parasitism of other species nests, there is greater support for the evolution of parasitism from a normal breeding behavior [1,3]. It is considered that the ancestral form of modern day cuckoos probably was a parental care, non-migratory inhabitant of tropical forest, and that changes in habitat, migration patterns, range size and foraging provoked the evolution of brood parasitism as a way to reduce order the cost of reproduction [1.3]. When comparing energy expenditure on reproduction, it was estimated that a parasitic cuckoo spends half the amount of energy of a parental cuckoo in achieving comparable reproductive success[1]. In fact, within the Cuculidae family there are important dis similarities between species with parental care and brood parasites. Cuckoos have a lower body mass, lay smaller eggs, and feed on prey of lesser size. [1]. In the comparative analysis done by Krà ¼ger and Davies (2002), it was concluded that the evolution of cuckoo parasitism was the result of changes in the ecology of a parental ancestor and that once a parasitic behavior was adapted further specializations occurred. a. From raising your own offspring to be a brood parasite Before brood parasitism evolved, there were key changes in the ecology and behavior of forest cuckoos. Initially, forest cuckoos expanded their range to include more open and seasonal habitats. This habitat expansion provoked a more migratory behavior, an increase in breeding-range size and the availability of new food sources [1]. These changes in ecology required a reduction in energy invested in reproduction. When comparing energy expenditure on reproduction, it was estimated that a parasitic cuckoo spends half the amount of energy of a parental cuckoo in achieving comparable reproductive success[1]. Therefore, selection for brood parasitism became the emerging consequence of the ecological changes mentioned above. b. Brood parasitism caused the evolution of specialized parasitic adaptations Upon the adaptation of obligated brood parasitism, cuckoo eggs became smaller. Kruger and Davies (2002) suggest two hypotheses for the reduction in egg size. First, parasitic cuckoos were able to increase clutch size which may have been possible upon the reduction of overall egg size. Since most hosts are smaller than their parasitic cuckoos, an adaptation to a decrease in egg size would have been selected in order to avoid host rejection while improving incubation efficiency. A preference for smaller hosts increases the number of egg-laying opportunities since there is a greater abundance of smaller species than larger ones [1] . An adaptation to a parasitic behavior might have also freed the cuckoo of the diet restraint when selecting breeding habitat. By relying on the host parental care, cuckoos are able to exploit a diversity of breeding habitats for breeding even those habitat where adult cuckoos cannot forage. Kruger and Davies (2002) note that some common cuckoos are required to travel large distances when breeding in marshlands while foraging in woodland areas. This independence from breeding habitat restraints have enabled the common cuckoo to increase its range through Europe. Factors that affect brood parasitism by the Common Cuckoo The size of the host and its abundance is an important predictor of host parasitism [3]. There is a greater diversity and abundance of small bird species; which provides the cuckoo a larger pool of possible hosts. The density of the cuckoo at a given area also plays a crucial role. It was found that rejection rate increase as the rate of parasitism goes up in a given area [6]. A greater density of female cuckoos at the breeding area of the selected hosts increases the chances that the hosts see a cuckoo female and proceed with egg rejection or nest desertion [6]. This might be one of the multiple explanations for the fact that cuckoos are more widespread and their breeding-range is significantly larger than parental species of the same family. Additionally the choice of nesting site affects brood parasitism. Nests located nearby trees have a significant increase on the risk of being parasitized [7]. Female cuckoos perch on trees to gather information on the hosts nest building activi ty and therefore the availability of visual points are crucial for the cuckoo to determine hosts nest location [7]. Therefore, it is expected of the cuckoos hosts to show a high degree of plasticity in choice of nest site in order to decrease the distance to visual vantage point and to increase nest concealment [7]. Interestingly, female cuckoos seem to gather cues from the host behavior not only to determine nest location but also to reveal the hosts parental capacities. Males that sing more actively during breeding season tend to attract females that built larger nests. It was found that in great reed warblers Acrocephalus arundinaceous nestlings raise in larger nests receive more feeding than those in a small nest [8]. It will be expected to see a larger rate of parasitism in hosts that are more vocal and active during nest construction. However, it was found that hosts with a high degree of signal expression nearby the nest are also more eager to defend the nest against intruder s and to reject cuckoo eggs. Therefore, cuckoos may favor a host with a smaller nest and whose activity is less visually conspicuous [8]. Polacikova et al. (2009) also found that great reed warblers affected by cuckoo parasitism have higher body condition than individuals freed of parasitism. Additionally, females hosts had higher body mass and presented less uniformity in egg coloration [9] Host defensive strategies against cuckoos parasitism Brood parasitism by the cuckoo brings multiple costs to the host [2]. The primary cost is the loss of an egg once the female cuckoo lays hers. Additionally, rejection requires the expense of energy and time (for recognition) and it includes the risk of discriminating the hosts own eggs. By accepting the cuckoos egg the reproductive success of the host is then jeopardize since upon hatching the young cuckoo pushes out the hosts nestlings [4]. Furthermore, the host parents must raise a much larger chick which demands more food than the hosts own nestlings. This costly is highly increased in the extraordinary case when the host and cuckoo nestlings grow up together like in the parasitism of the Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus [2]. Due to the multiple costs associated with brood parasitism, many host species have evolved adaptations to cope with parasitism; such as egg rejection and nest desertion [10]. However, these adaptations only partially offset the costs of parasitism since they take place once the nest has been already parasitized. Therefore, some host species have also evolved adaptations to eliminate laying opportunities for the cuckoo. Nesting in safe places, constructing well hidden nests, or an active protection of the nest from intrusions are example of adaptations that host species have evolved to avoid being parasitized [10,11]. Mobbing behavior The reed warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus is one of the species most readily selected by cuckoos as host for their eggs and therefore has evolved adaptations that demonstrate a coevolutionary arms race with the common cuckoo [12,13]. Mobbing, the attacking or harassing of cuckoos by reed warblers has been determined to be an effective first line of defense against parasitism [12]. It has been well documented that reed warbler use audible and visual displays that in occasion lead to direct physical attacks to dissuade parasitism. Such defensive behavior reduces the probability of parasitism and it is a direct cost to cuckoos which might lose feathers or suffer injuries during physical attacks by reed warblers [12]. Additionally, mobbing attracts predators, and other brood parasites thus posing an indirect cost since the cuckoo or its eggs might be at risk of predation [12]. The costs inflicted on the cuckoo can also be associated to the costs suffer by the reed warbler that mob brood p arasites. First of all, there is a physical similarity between common cuckoos and sparrowhawks Accipiter nisus [10], a potential predator of reed warblers. Therefore, reed warblers may need to spend time to identify the type of threat, parasitism or predation, before engaging in a mobbing display [12]. In addition, the same indirect costs that mobbing brings to the cuckoo are also to the reed warbler which unknowingly might be attracting more parasites and predators to the nesting area [12]. Therefore, the costs inflicted on the host select for a defensive behavior that discriminates between the type of threat and the degree of parasitism [12]. Although some passerine birds will mob a possible predators, nesting adult reed warbler have not been observed doing it. Welbergen and Davies (2008) note that adult reed warblers seek cover and remain silent in the presence of a sparrowhawk near the nest [10]. Since sparrowhawks are a direct threat to the adults while cuckoos are to the nest, it makes sense that reed warblers mob the latter and not the former [12]. Reed warblers also show plasticity in their mobbing behavior in terms of risk of nest parasitism. In areas where there is a higher probability that the cuckoos are able to find hosts nest, mobbing is the best strategy, while in areas with a low probability the best defensive method may be to avoid active and visible displays and remain hidden but alert [12]. By presenting reed warblers with taxidermic mounts of cuckoos, Welbergen and Davies (2009) concluded that mobbing is an adapted, phenotypically trait with high plasticity in the defense against parasitism [12]. Alarms Calls and Nest Guarding It was previously noted that cuckoos and sparrowhawks share a resemblance that might pose a challenge for reed warblers in their nest defensive strategies. However, reed warblers have shown to vary their auditory displays accordingly to the kinds of danger and the subsequent response by conspecifics [10]. Welbergen and Davies (2008) showed that reed warblers are able to identify cuckoos from sparrowhawks with alarm calls that attract not only mates but nearby neighbors. The alarms signals by reed warblers in the presence of a cuckoo are characterized by rasps and snaps. Rasps have a sharp commencement and a wide frequency range, which are important features that enable the location of the emitter [10]. Alarms calls therefore are an important communal defensive mechanism against parasitism. Nest attendance and egg rejection by reed warblers might increase due to the information provided by the alarm calls emitted by neighbor conspecifics [10]. Additionally, alerting on the presence of cuckoos might trigger the mobbing of the parasite by multiple reed warblers which could eject the cuckoo. Nest guarding has also been identified as a defensive strategy against parasitism. However, it is more passive and less conspicuous than mobbing and alarm displaying [11]. An increase in nest guarding has been observed after laying has begun and is usually done by the male. This behavior might able the reed warblers to gain information about cuckoos presence and chance of parasitism. Spotting a cuckoo before laying has begun might trigger nest desertion whereas the sighting of a cuckoo once laying commences might increase the likelihood of rejection of the cuckoos egg [11]. Egg rejection Hosts species have evolved two mechanisms in order to eject cuckoo eggs. In the case of hosts with large beaks, the eggs are grasped and evicted out of the nest while species unable to grasp the egg, puncture and then eject the parasites egg [14]. The reproductive success is minimal if a host accepts a cuckoo egg due to the innate behavior of the cuckoo nestling of evicting hosts eggs and nestlings. Therefore, species parasitized by cuckoos should strongly select for an ejection adaptation to parasitism if the host is physically able of ejecting cuckoo eggs [14]. For those species whose beak is too small to grasp the beak and that puncturing the egg would be too costly or impossible, nest desertion is the strategy selected once parasitism has been identified [14,15]. The cost to the hosts when trying to puncture cuckoo eggs has been demonstrated in marsh warblers Acrocephalus palustris which after unsuccessfully attempting to puncture the eggs have damaged their own eggs [15]. Cuckoos Responses to Overcome Hosts Adaptations Cuckoo parasitism has led to the selection of defense mechanisms by the hosts. At the same time, in this coevolutionary arms race, more sophisticated trickeries are selected by the cucook [1,16]. Egg mimicry and vocal mimicry by the nestlings are of the most significant traits evolved in the cuckoo to cope with hosts defensive responses. Egg Mimicry The recognition and ejection of cuckoo eggs have selected for an increase in mimicry of the host egg by the cuckoo whose eggs display a high variability in color and/or spotting due to the diverse number of hosts it parasitizes [16]. In a reed warbler study of parasitism by the common cuckoo, Avilà ©s et al. (2006) found the surprising speed in which egg similarity between the two species evolved in recently parasympatric poputions of reed warblers and cuckoos. Using museum egg collections, it was found that in 23 years, the degree of egg matching increase considerably [16]. Avilà ©s et al. note this rapid improvement egg matching a micro-evolutionary response to host removal of eggs differing in color or size and that egg mimicry has coevolved with this rejection behaviour [16]. The importance of egg mimicry was exemplified by Antonov et al. (2008) on a study of cuckoo egg rejection by marsh warblers. On the study, unmanipulated cuckoo eggs were accepted more readily than painted cuckoo and great reed warbler eggs placed in marsh warbler nests [15]. The aim of the Antnovo et al. was to determine the importance of egg shell strength in deterring egg rejection. However, since painted cuckoo eggs suffered a higher rejection rate, it was indicated that egg mimicry is pivotal in determining the probability of rejection [15]. Vocal or Visual Mimicry by Parasite Nestlings Brood parasites can be differentiated into two categories: Nonevictors which are parasites that grow up alongside the hosts young and evictors in which the young parasite either kills the hosts nestlings or expels them out of the nest along with any unhatched eggs [17]. Nonevictor species include the brown-headed cowbird, Molothrus ater, finches of the Vidua genus and great spotted cuckoo, Clamator glandarius. While the common cuckoo is a evictor brood parasite. Nonevictors showed certain mimicry of the host chicks as a counteradaptation against the host adult learning of the characteristics of the chicks during first brood. These imprinting of its own chicks characteristics will later permit the rejection of chicks that are different [17]. For example, Vidua finch young show great resemblance of the mouth spot patterns of their hosts chicks [17]. On the other hand, this adaptation has not been selected in hosts of evictor parasites. Since the cuckoo nestling is raised alone, imprint ing the characteristics of the parasite chick will be detrimental to future broods [17]. Butchart et al. (2003) found that the begging calls produced by four different common cuckoo races did not differ which lead to the conclusion that in evictor species there is not selection for evolution of visual or vocal mimicry by the parasite chick [17]. However, it should be advantageous for the cuckoo nestling to respond to the host alarm calls given in the presence of a predator [18]. Davies et al. (2006) concluded that cuckoos that specialize on reed warblers have not only well-matched eggs but also chicks that are well-tuned to the hosts alarm calls [18]. Summary Coevolution relationship among species are significant in order to understand how species select for adaptations accordingly to the other species. In the case of brood parasitism by the common cuckoo, that relationship is truly an arms race. For instance, egg rejection lead to egg mimicry which in turn might lead to clutch variability in the host. However, before egg rejection is selected, hosts have evolved a first line of defense that includes direct confrontation against the parasite. The costs of parasitism are evident for the host species but also the parasite carries its own costs. As a relation observed well before Darwin and his theory of evolution, the cuckoo-host interaction was provided with a solid framework to be better study and understood once Darwins work became public. However, necessity for further research remains. There is limited work on the biology and ecology of cuckoo nestlings. Also there is still no detailed explanations on the failure of hosts to recognized cuckoos young as a different species [3]. Furthermore, as anthropogenic actions change natural ecosystems at a rapid scale, further research is needed in the relationship between cuckoos and hosts and the factors affected by habitat alterations. [7].

Judaism - Role of Women :: essays research papers

Judaism – The Role of Women If there are differences among various different cultures, it’s the way they portray women. For example, the overall role of women in our society is mainly two different things – to clean the house, take care of the kids, and to be used as a ‘sex tool’. In other cultures, such as Judaism, women are viewed as more spiritual and intellectual. Today, I am going to define the way women are viewed in the Judaism culture as well as how it applies to the culture today.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  First of all, I’d like to say that the role of women in traditional Judaism has been vastly misunderstood. The modern man thinks that the Judaism culture belittles the women in their culture and are low on the chain of command; however, the role of women in halakhah, or Jewish law, whom dates back to the biblical period are in many ways better than the position of women who are under American civil law, as recent as a century ago. (Jewfaq.com) Most of the high powered feminist leaders of the twentieth century (such as Gloria Steinem) are Jewish women, and some commentators have reiterated that this is no coincidence: the respect accorded to women in Jewish tradition was also a part of their ethnic culture.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In traditional Judaism, women are for the most part seen as separate, but at the same time are seen equally. Women’s obligations and duties are different from a mans, but it isn’t less important; in fact, there are some ways in which women’s responsibilities are considered more important than men’s.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The equality of men and women was first begun at the highest possible level, which was referred to as G-d. In Judaism, unlike Christian, G-d has never been viewed as exclusively as male or masculine. Judaism has always maintained that G-d has both masculine and feminine qualities. G-d has no body, no genitalia, therefore the idea that G-d is either male or female is completely wrong. G-d is referred to by using masculine terms simply for convenience’s sake, because Hebrew has no neutral gender; G-d is not is no more male than a table is. (Faith.org)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  One more thing about G-d: both man and woman were created in the image of this level, G-d, but according to most Jewish scholars, â€Å"man† was created in Gen. 1:27 with both men and women genitalia, whom was later separated into male and female.

Urdu †The Origin and History of the Language Essay

The term Urdu derives from a Turkish word ordu meaning camp or army. The Urdu languagedeveloped between the Muslim soldiers of the Mughals armies who belonged to various ethnicities like Turks, Arabs, Persians, Pathans, Balochis, Rajputs, Jats and Afghans. These soldiers lived in close contact with each other and communicated in different dialects, which slowly and gradually evolved into present day Urdu. It is for this reason that Urdu is also referred to as Lashkari Zaban or language of the army. During its development Urdu language also assumed various names like the term Urdu-e-Maullah meaning the exalted army which was given by Emperor Shah Jahan and the term Rekhta meaning scattered (with Persian words) which was coined by the scholars for Urdu poetry. History and Evolution of Urdu Language Evolution and development of any language is dependent on the evolution and development of a society where that language is spoken. Various invasions and conquests on a place affect the development of its language. Urdu is no exception as it also underwent various stages of development. Urdu belongs to the Indo-Aryan family of languages. Urdu by origin is considered to be a descendent of Saur Senic Prakrit. The term Prakrriti means root or basis. It is a later version of Sanskrit. As Prakrit language began to develop, it was influenced by Western Hindi dialects of Khari Boli, Brij Bhasa and Haryanvi. With the coming of Insha’s Darya-e-Latafat*, a need was felt to differentiate Urdu with other languages especially Hindi. It became a Hindi-Urdu controversy and as a result Khari Boli and Devanagari became the identity of Indians while Urdu and Persian of Muslims. In this context, Persian and Arabic words replaced with Sanskrit served the purpose of differentiating Hindi from Urdu . Urdu emerged as a distinct language after 1193 AD – the time of the Muslims conquest. When the Muslims conquered this part of the continent, they made Persian the official and cultural language of India. As a result of the amalgamation of local dialects and the language of the invaders – which was either Persian, Arabic and Turkish, a new language evolved which later became Urdu. During the Mughals reign, Urdu was  spoken in palaces and court and till the end of the Mughal rule; Urdu was the official language of most of Mughal states. This was the time when Urdu had become Persianized and enriched with Persian words, phrases and even script and grammar. With the coming of the British, new English words also became part of the Urdu language. Many English words were accepted in their real form while others were accepted after some modifications. Currently, Urdu vocabulary contains approximately 70% of Persian words and the rest are a mixture of Arabic and Turkish words. However, there are also traces of the French, Portuguese and Dutch language in Urdu. But these influences are little. Urdu was taken to other parts of the country by soldiers, saints and sufis and by the common people. As a result of the political, social and cultural contacts amongst the people of different speech and dialects, a mixed form of language formed called ‘Rekhta’ (Urdu and Persian in mixed form). Soon people started to use the new language in their speech and in literature which resulted in the enrichment of Urdu language and literature. Urdu Literature The origin of Urdu literature dates back to the 13th century in India during the Mughal rule. One of the most eminent earliest poets who made usage of Urdu in his poetry is Amir Khusro who can be called the father of Urdu language. In literature, Urdu was usually used along side Persian. Mughal kings were the great patrons of art and literature and it was under their rule that Urdu language reached its zenith. There used to be a tradition of ‘Sheri Mehfils’ (poetic gatherings) in the kings’ courts. Abul Fazal Faizi and Abdul Rahim Khankhana were the famous Urdu poets of Mughal court. Likewise, Mirza Ghalib, Allama Iqbal, Hakim Momin, Ibrahim Zauq, Mir Taqi Mir, Sauda, Ibn-e-Insha and Faiz Ahmed Faiz have contributed to the evolution of Urdu language through their literary works. It is indeed true that Hindi and Urdu are descendents of the same language i.e. Prakrit, but where the Hindi took influence from Sanskrit and adopted Devanagri script of writing, Urdu absorbed words from Persian, Turkish and Arabic languages and adopted Persian-Arabic script and Nastaliq calligraphic style of writing and emerged as a separate language. But beside common ancestry, the two languages are as different as can be. There are marked grammatical, phonological and lexical differences in both languages. Urdu was also used  as a tool by the Muslims for freedom struggle and for creating awareness among Muslim communities in South Asia to unite under the banner of Independence from British Raj. For this, services of Maulana Hali, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan and Allama Iqbal are notable, who through their poetry and prose provoked the necessary spark in the lives of the Muslims. Urdu was chosen to become the national language of Pakistan at the time of Independence from British. Urdu is now the national language of Pakistan, spoken and understood thoroughly by majority of the population Urdu Poetry and Its Impact Anything written in any language has its own effects on its readers. And it influences their emotions and feelings. Urdu is the most progressive language and it has dramatic effects on the social, culture and literature of the generations. The most important role ofUrdu language is that it integrated the communities in the oriental societies. The defeaters and conquerors of the countries India ,Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries has accepted the social ,cultural effects of their language. These conquerors were spoken Arabic and Persian. And these regions were speaking many different languages. To interact with each other they needed one common language. .this interaction developed a common communicative language called Urdu Basic source to spread Urdu language is poetry. Poetry played a very important role for establishment of the language As T.S. Eliot says, â€Å"Poetry should help, not only to refine the language of the time, but to prevent it from changing too rapidly.† Sixteenth to till nineteenth century has the masters of Urdu poetry .it is the golden time period for theUrdu poets. The poets of these days are following the grand masters. The noticeable effects of poetry are in the â€Å"Gazal† it also has romantic effects. People of different languages like to listen and read â€Å"Gazal†. Our history has the masters of the â€Å"Gazal†. The most popular names of the Gazal master are Mirza Galib, Mir Taqui Mir, Etc. nazam (poem) is also a form of poetry. Nazam (poem) depicts a continuous single theme ad mostly associated with philosophy. Nazam has marvelous social and political effects Nazam has changed the social and political structure of nations. The most  popular nazam writers are Allama Muhammad Iqbal and josh. Both nazam and Gazal played a tremendous role to transform the thoughts of individuals and groups alike. In the history of Urdu literature Josh Mallihabadi was the grand poet who’s contribution is remarkable in the Urdu literature. Other forms of Urdu poetry are also contributed but for the short time period. The mixture of Arabic and Persian gave the richness to Urdu but with the concept of modernization and popularity of west culture in the East Urdu language in distorting

Business Skills in travel and tourism Essay Example

Business Skills in travel and tourism Essay Example Business Skills in travel and tourism Essay Business Skills in travel and tourism Essay Scenario: you have just finished school and are now working as a travel agency. The agencies manager has decided to create a handbook on financial and administrative procedures. As you have just received training and have the skills to design the booklet. Task 1 Produce a word processed booklet which describes the administrative and finical procedures. Set out your booklet in 3 sections The administrative procedures used to process sales Enquire forms It is important that for the organisation to record every enquiry so that it can be followed up, to try to convert the enquiry into a sale. The organisation needs to record some customer details. This can be done either on a standardised form or on a computer. Booking Form Booking forms is when a customer books a product or service, this information also needs to be recorded. You would have to record the customers details and the details of the product that the customers booked. A copy of this information needs to be given to the customer so that he or she knows what has been paid for and to give the customer peace of mind Invoices Invoices must be sent out with every item that has been bought on credit. This is done because the customer has to nave a statement of how much he/she has paid for the product and the balance which is owed to be paid. An invoke should include all the details of the product or services that are being purchased as well as a statement of the account to date and amounts received. Confirmations Confirmations are sent out to verify any information or payments that have been arriving. This confirmation supply two purposes * It informs the customer that payments have been received. * It provides a record of incoming monies for the customers file. Customer Files Every customer must have an individual private file, which should be set out on a computerised record The information on it must be kept up to date at all times. Letters Most organisations will have a standard letters which will deal with discrepancies. The advantage of having standardized letters is that all staff within the organisation will know what the letter says It will also have on time confusion. How to deal with discrepancies and inaccuracies Incorrect details on a booking form * To deal with this problem the customer would have to complete a new booking form as soon as possible. The employer must cancel the mistaken one from the record and add the new one with everything up to date. The employer must inform the organisation of where they have booked of this incident. Incorrect price on an invoice This is a major problem because you can end up paying extra money that you didnt need to pay for. To deal with this you would have to send a letter to the customer explaining what has happened, and also over charging would signify that you must refund monies to the customer. Incorrect address on a customer file * Since there are many different ways of communication used today, it would be doable to telephone or email the client to get their correct address and details. The Financial procedures used to process sales * Payment methods accepted (debit cards, credit cards, travellers cheques and cash). The benefits of each one of the organisation and to customers Travellers cheques This is used to gain foreign money. You can buy the cheques in different currency. Travellers cheques can only be redeemed for money with identification and the signature of the person who originally signed travellers cheques when it was purchased. Cash- cash is easier because youre paying straight up with simple cash with the right amount or not with change given Debit cards ; Credit cards are very much the same; you can make simple and quick purchase on the card with just one swipe and your pin number, there is certain amount of money on the card which will come up o the computer once you insert the card and enter your pin to check if you do have enough for you to purchase your item. When and how Invoices are issued Invoices are set to customers each time they have purchased an item, invoices are given out to customers to ensure that they are aware of what they have bought and how much they bought it for and how much they have left to pay. Invoices are giving on a piece of paper with all the details needed. Payment procedures Deposits- this is the first payment made towards your purchase, some deposits are not likely to be refundable depending of the organisation. Balance- this is the remainder that the customer needs to pay for their purchase Balance date- this is the due date when the money must be received by. This can be staggered. Full amount- this payment has to be made in order for the product or service to be taken in. How transactions are carried out This should be a process which is routine and has a logical approach Step one- you need to establish which technique the customer wants to use to pay and weather the company accepts that technique. Step two- A receptionist should be issued to the customer as a record that payment has been made. Step three- complete appropriate financial documentation, you need to ensure that the customer file is kept up to date and that the account reflects this. How to deal with discrepancies and inaccuracies Declined card ; returned cheques Debit or credit card payments will be declined if the credit limit is over beyond or if there is no fund in the account of the card. If the customers card has been refused you must ask the customer to pay by another method. If a cheque has been refused from a bank, you need to contact the customer to inform them that the cheque has been rejected and that they must use another method of payment. * This must be done in writing, so that you have a written copy of the customers file.

Pick One By Yourself Example

Pick One By Yourself Example Pick One By Yourself – Book Report/Review Example number 24 March Article Review: As Pollution Worsens in China, Solutions Succumb to Infighting In this short article review I will dwell on the environmental problems in China covered by New York Times reporter, Edward Wong, in his article titled As Pollution Worsens in China, Solutions Succumb to Infighting. This New York Times article is focused on the air pollution issues in China and investigates obstacles that stand on the way of solving the problem of the unbearable level of sulfur and carbon dioxide emissions, which has become one of the most burning issues in contemporary China over the past decade. A couple of photos, which show thick smog that veils downtown Beijing, illustrate the article that offers a reader an utterly painstaking research of the problem. According to the article, the air pollution hit record levels in north China in February, 2013. The point is that the biggest coal-firing plants and state-owned oil refinery factories are located in this very region of t he country. The situation with air pollution in China has worsened drastically over the past years. In fact, the deterioration of the air quality in big cities and huge industrial regions has gone so bad that the highest government officials who used to overlook the problem in the past cannot help but acknowledge the alarming level of the environmental threat. For instance, the sulfur levels of diesel are more 20 times as high as that in the United States of America, which are way far from being the flagship of elaborated environmental policy themselves. According to the statistics published in the article by the Edward Wong, the author of this New York Times expose, vehicle emissions are responsible for 22 per cent of the deadly particulate matter in the air, while around 40 per cent come from the coal-fire factories in the capital of China and its nearby provinces (Wong). Unfortunately, while the Ministry of Environmental protection of China push through higher fuel standards, th e biggest state-owned companies, such as Sinopec and PetroChina, as well as the coal-firing factories do their best to lobby just the opposite measures or simply sabotage the implementation of the stricter emission standards. Unfortunately, in the future the situation with air pollution in China is going to worsen even more as the number of cars is increasing rapidly and the solutions succumb to infighting.Work CitedWong, Edward. "As Pollution Worsens in China, Solutions Succumb to Infighting." New York Times. Web. 21 Mar. 2013.

How to increase productivity Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

How to increase productivity - Assignment Example ity include taking medical covers for the employees, enhancing communications within the firm and sponsoring advanced studies to sharpen the skills and expertise of specific employees in a firm. These are some of the actions that a management team can adopt to increase the productivity in a firm. Taking medical covers for the employees ensures that the workers are not worried of their health and whenever a health issue arises, it is quickly controlled and the person resumes to duty (Chowdhry et al). Communication is also important in regard to productivity because with proper communication all the challenges facing performance can be controlled. Managers should ensure that both up-ward and down-ward communications are effective and all departments are in harmony in their operations. In order to precise determine the factors that affect productivity and the measures that can be undertaken to increase productivity, it is important to conduct a research. The main objective of the research will be to confirm and ascertain whether the factors mentioned above contribute to the increase in productivity in organizations. The research should involve interviewing employees and the management teams of a least five top performing firms. The information required can be collected through interviews, questionnaires and surveys on their

Language and Literacy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Language and Literacy - Essay Example Mellix, on the other hand, explains how it felt uncomfortable writing in Standard English arguing that she could not express her true self. She claims that after â€Å"reading, practicing, writing, rewriting, and experimenting,† she learned that â€Å"one can, through writing, bring out new lives, each with new complexities, possibilities, and difficulties. Remarkably, I continually write and give birth to myself† (Mellix 111). Mellix found out that she was able to reinvent herself through writing. Coincidentally, Malcolm X also had a similar experience while in prison. Through reading and enhancing his knowledge of Standard English, he saw his situation and himself differently. â€Å" I had increasingly become frustrated because of being unable to express my thoughts in the letters I wrote to a public figure† (Malcolm 99). While Malcolm learned and became comfortable using Standard English through copying out of the dictionary and reading, Barbara Mellix learned and became comfortable with Standard English through revising and writing. It is certain that all these authors, Malcolm, Mellix, and Gloria, viewed themselves differently and got an identity as a result of language. Learning to use Standard language enabled Mellix and Malcolm discover new possibilities. Both Douglass and Baca were illiterate; they were not able to read or write. They both learn how to read and write by employing certain unconventional strategies and without the help of a regular teacher. â€Å"In learning how to read and write, I employed various stratagems. I had no regular teacher† (Douglass 5). The authors felt less empowered and humiliated simply because of they not able to read or write and as such could not express themselves. â€Å"There was nothing more humiliating than not being able to express one’s self†¦I felt so intimidated, vulnerable, scorned and ridiculed† (Baca 4).