Waking Ashland free essay sample

While searching online for new music to check out, my friend found Waking Ashland, a piano-rock band out of Southern California. We instantly fell in love with their music and were ecstatic when we found out they were playing in Boston. Our hopes fell, however, when we discovered the show was at an 18+ club. Our goal of seeing them seemed out of reach. Then, Cara decided we should e-mail the lead singer, Jonathan. She explained how much we loved their music, and our situation. She also asked to interview him for our website. If we couldn’t go to the show, at least we could meet them. He wrote back saying that he would love to do the interview and would see what he could do about getting us into the show. Our hopes rose. After several more e-mails and even phone calls to work out the details, the day finally arrived. We will write a custom essay sample on Waking Ashland or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Cara and I (along with our friends Krista and Julie) found the club and called Jonathan to let him know we were there. Seconds later, he greeted us, saying â€Å"Hey, my friends!† We introduced ourselves and got the interview started. He gave great answers to what he said were great questions, and we all laughed a lot. It was unbelievable what a nice guy he was. Afterward, he broke the news that it was unlikely he would be able to get us in for the show because the club was really strict about the age restriction. To make up for it, he asked if we would like to hear a private acoustic set before they went in for the sound check. We met the other guys in the band and we all talked as they ate dinner. Then they took out their acoustic guitars and played our favorite song, â€Å"Counting The Stars.† We stood there trying to cement this memory into our minds forever. The song sounded even better acoustic, especially since it was played just for us. What a great moment! Then it was time for the sound check and Jonathan asked us to come in, figuring that if the club wouldn’t let us in for the show, they might at least let us in for sound check. He joked that if they didn’t, he would just tell them we were his sisters. He brought us over to the merch table because we wanted to buy some shirts and CDs. They made a lot of money between the four of us! While they set up their equipment, we talked to their manager. The whole time, a club employee glared at us. They got through about half a song before we were told to leave. Reluctantly, we took our stuff and headed for the door. The guys called out their good-byes as we waved and thanked them for everything. Waking Ashland made our night a magical one. Not only did we get to meet one of our favorite bands, we interviewed them, heard them play and caught their sound check. I will always remember this night as one of my favorite memories.

The Damned Human Race Example

The Damned Human Race Example The Damned Human Race – Coursework Example The purpose of Mark Twain’s essay d The damned human race is specifically meant to explore how the human race stoops so low as a result of theirbehaviour contrary to widely held beliefs that human beings are higher animals. What is mind boggling to the Twain is that the human race originates from one distinct species (1). The paper is written in a logical flow and Twain uses satire to compare human behaviour and animal behaviour. For instance, he states that in a wide range of experiments, animals have shown consistent behaviour unlike human beings. They stock or hunt for food they can consume at a certain period and are not greed like human beings who can continue piling wealth at the expense of others. Twain succinctly states that of â€Å"all the animals, man is the only one that is cruel,† (3). The style used by the author plays a significant role in proving his point. By comparing the behaviour of man and animals, Twain is trying to prove a point that animal behavi our can be better compared to men at times. Twain uses a strong hook in the introduction where he starts by comparing and contrasting human beings to animals. The author is disgusted by the behaviour of human beings. For instance, Twain (1) states that the new Darwinian theory, â€Å"the truer one should be named the Descent of Man from the Higher Animals.† This shows that the behavior of men is lower than that of animals. In conclusion, Twain notes that there is nothing below the human race and this is the reason why their behavior should be improved. The main strength of the essay is that it uses satire and the style of writing is convincing to the readers. Works citedMark Twain. The Damned race.

Osmium Facts - Periodic Table of the Elements

Osmium Facts - Periodic Table of the Elements Osmium is an extremely heavy silver-blue metal with atomic number 76 and element symbol Os. While most elements arent know for the way they smell, osmium emits a characteristic unpleasant smell. The element and its compounds are highly toxic. Here is a collection of osmium element facts, including its atomic data, chemical and physical properties, uses, and sources. Osmium  Basic Facts Atomic Number: 76 Symbol: Os Atomic Weight: 190.23 Discovery: Smithson Tennant 1803 (England), discovered osmium in residue remaining when crude platinum was dissolved in aqua regia Electron Configuration: [Xe] 4f14 5d6 6s2 Word Origin: from the Greek word osme, a smell or odor Isotopes: There are seven naturally-occurring isotopes of osmium: Os-184, Os-186, Os-187, Os-188, Os-189, Os-190, and Os-192. Six additional manmade isotopes are known. Properties: Osmium has a melting point of 3045 /- 30  °C, boiling point of 5027 /- 100 °C, specific gravity of 22.57, with a valence usually 3, 4, 6, or 8, but sometimes 0, 1, 2, 5, 7. It is a lustrous blue-white metal. It is very hard and remains brittle even at high temperatures. Osmium has the lowest vapor pressure and highest melting point of the platinum group metals. Although solid osmium is unaffected by air at room temperature, the powder will give off osmium tetroxide, a strong oxidizer, highly toxic, with a characteristic odor (hence the metals name). Osmium is slightly more dense than iridium, so osmium is often credited as being the heaviest element (calculated density ~ 22.61). The calculated density for iridium, based on its space lattice, is 22.65, though the element hasnt been measured as heavier than osmium. Uses: Osmium tetroxide can be used to stain fatty tissue for microscope slides and to detect fingerprints. Osmium is used to add hardness to alloys. It is also used for fountain pen tips, instrument pivots, and electrical contacts. Sources: Osmium is found in iridomine and platinum-bearing sands, such as those found in the Americas and Urals. Osmium may also be found in nickel-bearing ores with other platinum metals. Although the metal is difficult to make, the power can be sintered in hydrogen at 2000 °C. Element Classification: Transition Metal Osmium Physical Data Density (g/cc): 22.57 Melting Point (K): 3327 Boiling Point (K): 5300 Appearance: blue-white, lustrous, hard metal Atomic Radius (pm): 135 Atomic Volume (cc/mol): 8.43 Covalent Radius (pm): 126 Ionic Radius: 69 (6e) 88 (4e) Specific Heat (20 °C J/g mol): 0.131 Fusion Heat (kJ/mol): 31.7 Evaporation Heat (kJ/mol): 738 Pauling Negativity Number: 2.2 First Ionizing Energy (kJ/mol): 819.8 Oxidation States: 8, 6, 4, 3, 2, 0, -2 Lattice Structure: Hexagonal Lattice Constant (Ã…): 2.740 Lattice C/A Ratio: 1.579 Return to the Periodic Table Sources Arblaster, J. W. (1989). Densities of osmium and iridium: recalculations based upon a review of the latest crystallographic data (PDF). Platinum Metals Review. 33 (1): 14–16.Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). Osmium. Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica. 20 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 352.Haynes, William M., ed. (2011). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics (92nd ed.). CRC Press. ISBN 978-1439855119.

Higher National Diploma in Business, Managing Financial Resources and Assignment

Higher National Diploma in Business, Managing Financial Resources and Decisions - Assignment Example The funding of a company’s operations through the use of debentures has become a commonly followed practice in the United Kingdom. Therefore, Excellence Solution Plc. can access debentures as a mode of funding. Share capital is a main form of external financing for a private limited company. Since Excellence Solution Plc. is listed in a premium stock exchange like London Stock Exchange, it would be comparatively easy for the company to sell its shares in the capital market to raise the required finances. Bank loans are usually considered as easily accessible sources of financing. The company may take a term loan which would be repayable at equal monthly instalments and which would carry a predefined interest rate. A bank loan is tax deductible and is feasible for the company because it would help to meet the goal of the company to pay back the loan in a year’s time. The bank loans would be easily accessible by Excellence Solution Plc. This is because, the company is an established company and banks and other types of financial institutions are much interested to extend financing to an established public limited company as compared to the small business entities. Taking loans from the bank would ensure that the company does not experience any dilution of control because the banks do not have any say in the decisions and management of the company. The interests paid on bank loans are tax deductible which would be highly advantageous for a company with high scale operations. But, in case of bankruptcy, the loan would act as a major burden because it is obligatory for the company to pay back the loan irrespective of its financial position. For an established public limited company like the case company, it would be very easy to access share capital. Not only are the shares capable of generating high amounts in the capital markets but also, they are likely to be bought by the shareholders in

Endangered Snow Leopard Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Endangered Snow Leopard - Research Paper Example Global snow leopards’ effective population size is estimated to be about 50 percent of the total population which implies that there are 2,040-3,295 snow leopards in the world (qtd. in Jackson et al.) This paper studies the factors contributing to the threats of snow leopards’ extinction; its impact; and suggested solutions. Snow leopard is found in the high mountains of Central Asia with major regions that include: Altai, Pamir, Hindu Kush, Tian Shan, Kun Lun, Karakorum, and Himalayan ranges (McCarthy et al.).Ecological regions are defined to be Altai-Sayan, Trans-Altai Alashan, Tian Shan, Pamir, Gobi, Hindu-Kush, Himalayas, Karakorum, Tibetan Plateau, and Hengduan Mountains (Williams, 2008 qtd. in Jackson et al.) 2. Causes of being endangered Major factors which contribute to the threats of snow leopards include: decreasing prey base; illegal trade; encounter with local people; lacking conservation activities; inadequate policy and implementation; and lack of awarenes s among people (Jackson et al.).The Snow Leopard Survival Strategy determined major threats to the specie which can be categorized as: habitat and prey; direct killing; policy and awareness; and other issues (McCarthy et al. 31). 2.1 Habitat and Prey Threats   2.1.1.Habitat Fragmentation and Degradation   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Snow leopards utilize several habitat types on marginal basis; however, they have strong association with high alpine tundra which is a very fragile ecosystem itself. Such narrow scale of habitat expose snow leopard to the vulnerability of habitat change in particular. Changes in the habitat over most of snow leopard range do not comply with the common perception of habitat degradation and fragmentation. Construction of roads, large scale natural resource extraction, and urbanization takes place within the snow leopard range; however, its incidence is rare due to remoteness and inaccessibility. Most observed form of habitat alteration is comparatively s ubtle but equally destructive and happens in the form of livestock and their owners’ interference (McCarthy et al. 29).   2.1.2. Natural Prey Reduction   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Snow leopard’s habitat mountain ungulates are hunted, either illegally or without any regulation. They are hunted by locals either for meat or as a symbol of their victory; meat is also used to serve for honored guest or on special holidays. Moreover, wild meat is greatly appreciated due to its medicinal value. Sometimes, illegal hunting occurs as a result of commercial activity. There is nearly absence of legal hunting by locals which disenfranchises them and makes it hard to comply with the law. Legal harvesting exceeds the allowed area which results in the reduction of snow leopard food resources (McCarthy et al. 30). 2.1.3. Legal Hunting of Natural Prey Sheep and goats trophy hunting is quite prevalent and a lucrative business in most of snow leopard rage-states. It generates wealth fo r private and state hunting reserves. However, they can play a vital role in community base conservation by providing local people with the incentives to protect wild life and its habitat. These hunts are not properly manages and lead to either medium-term social instability or long-term genetic issues. Major conflict in interest is created by the major part of income is generated by trophy hunting. Ungulate stock is reduced limiting the surviving ability of snow leopard and other carnivores. Other declining prey species

An Insightful Analysis of A Disgraceful Affair Essays -- Short Stories

Periodically, a relationship between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat can be a clouded perception, only due to the fact the proletariat will not be given the chance to speak from their point of view. This such thing is not true when it comes to the short story, â€Å"A Disgraceful Affair.† The story is based around the Russian interpretation of Marxism, shown in the forethought to the opening paragraph, in which it speaks â€Å"Our beloved motherland was experiencing a renaissance; her brave sons, fired with impulses at once touching and naà ¯ve, were seeking with an uncontrollable yearning for new destinies and hopes.† The thing that determines what they do is their social class and economic position, which in turn, affects what happens to them. The two men used to elaborate the idea are the bourgeoisie Mr. Ivan Ilyitch Pralinski, and proletariat Mr. Porfiry Petrov Pseldonymov. â€Å"Your Excellency,† Ivan Ilyitch had only been known as such for a few short weeks, but with his statue of mind and manner, it seemed like years. He was, in his own mind, always right and if someone did not understand what he was doing or saying, they were idiotic. â€Å"And how could he fail to understand? It was more difficult not to understand than understand,† is not even a statement against a drone, but rather against another even more credible bourgeoisie than himself. To his due, he is a very brilliant man, but he lacks common respect and tries to use his position in authority to gain popularity amongst the proletariat culture. Due to his economic stature, and his social class, he believed he could do anything he pleased; which he showed by walking in on a fellow colleague’s wedding party. Under no circumstance did he know or relate to Mr. Pseldonymov, but only ... ...e with humour, and with shortcomings, the idea of Marxism. Not only did he show two separate and very different views, but he also showed how the Marxist idea is too readily evident in everyday life. Ivan Ilyitch is not a typical bourgeoisie, but none the less he is one, so he fails to comprehend the proletariats correctly. He tries, and wants to because of his idealism, but his view of the events at the wedding party are completely opposite to those of Pseldonymov. What Ilyitch thought was not at all what Pseldymov went through, because he has never experienced it. Through the authentic proletariat voice, we can conclude that what happens to a bourgeoisie differs greatly in comparison to what happens to a proletariat. Even as much as one wants to understand the other, or be the other, society holds the barrier and even the smart well-hearted can not break through.

China’s Relations with African Countries: Strategic Perspective (Case of Madagascar)

Communication University of China 2012-2013 Academic Year 1st Semester Course: MEDIA IN CHINA [pic] TOPIC: CHINA’S RELATIONS WITH AFRICAN COUNTRIES: STRATEGIC PERSPECTIVE (CASE OF MADAGASCAR) STU. NAME: RANDRIANASOLO Fenolanto Salome STU. NO. CLASS SCHOOL LECTUERER: PROFESSOR LUO QING GRADE: Master CHINA’S RELATIONS WITH AFRICAN COUNTRIES: STRATEGIC PERSPECTIVE (CASE OF MADAGASCAR) INTRODUCTION In recent decades, while China can ignore other countries, other countries cannot ignore China.It is beginning to play an increasingly important role in many areas such as economics, political, and socio-cultural. This is a great new rising power at the beginning of the 21st century. This explosive growth of China has generated significant debates among policymakers, scholars and business leaders on a number of levels. China is now building relationships in several countries especially in Africa. There have been a number of contacts between China and African states in recent deca des. This paper seeks to understand this recent shift in China’s relation with African countries such as Madagascar.Historical Background In 1955: 29 African and Asian states create the â€Å"Third world† to strengthen its base in Africa and Asia; Since 1960s: . The Chinese leader Mao supported the African independences. China supports the ambassadors of the emerging countries against Western interference in their internal affairs at the United Nations. In 1978: Deng Xiaoping decided to open the Chinese economy by establishing a new form of socialism; Since the 1990: African economies have opened up for the Asian powers including China; China becomes the spokesperson for developing countries within the WTO (world trade organization)Partnership China-Madagascar: China has become increasingly active on the African continent in recent years and this activity has drawn the attention of scholars and journalists, among others. Diplomatic Relations: Madagascar and China estab lished diplomatic relations November 6, 1972 and bilateral relations between the two countries continue to consolidate, develop and to strengthen since. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1972, their relationship and cooperation in the economic, commercial and various grow without ceasing.In recent years, the leaders of both countries attach great importance the development of relations and exchanges of high-level increase, which gives great impetus to the rapid development of bilateral relations of friendship and Malagasy cooperation. The Minister of Foreign Affairs established the first diplomatic relations between China and Madagascar during the transition (1972-1975); The celebration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relationship between China and Madagascar held on 6th November 2012.Several high Malagasy personalities visited China since the 1990s such as the President of the Republic Albert ZAFY in 1994; Madagascar President Marc R AVALOMANANA arrived in Beijing in 2008. During the current transitional period, Ambassador of China Shen Yongxiang has presented his credentials to the Head of State Andrinirina RAJOELINA. Several high Chinese leaders such as the President of the National People’s Congress Chen Muhua; the Second Prime Minister Jiang Chungun and the Vice President of the Republic Hu Jintao was visited Madagascar.Economic Relations: If China's economic weight is felt in African countries, in particular Madagascar by its commercial dynamism, the country begins to be an investor not negligible. Since 2005, the partnership agreements between Madagascar and China have continued to increase. For example, the establishment of a cement factory, the construction of a large 5 star hotel by a Chinese group, the future construction of a hospital. And even well before the year 2005, investment in China has already had its place in the economy, be it in the industry â€Å"trade†.China is the largest partner of Madagascar in terms of imports; 95% of products from Madagascar benefit from the Chinese treatment tariff exemption; The agreement of economic and technical cooperation between China and Madagascar was signed in 2006. Several Chinese companies investing in Madagascar in the infrastructure, energy, the exploitation of oil and raw materials. Bilateral cooperation in the economic and commercial widens constantly rapidly increasing bilateral trade, investment activates the  day and exchanges in cultural, educational and human intensify.The consultations between the two countries in international affairs reinforce more. Cultural Relation: During 40 years of partnership, China has provided more than 350 scholarships and has trained more than 860 government officials and journalist. CONFUCIUS Institutes were established in three provinces of the Big Island. Impact and perspective: The Chinese presence opens a new perspective for developing countries and it presents many more c hoices in terms of policy and developing model. It allows exploitation of natural resources with higher prices of raw materials and facilitates access to international aid.It promotes the diversification of investment, a new spirit based on the expression win-win more attractive. China's growth is pushing up global demand and therefore  the price of commodities exported by African countries. In addition, China has become the main partner of several African countries: it provides cheaper manufactured goods and reduces their dependence on their ways traditional trading partners. In the case of Madagascar, the local market is still underdeveloped in that 20% of the population live in urban areas and in this context, the abundance of Chinese products (food, textiles, toys, shoes, appliances, †¦ Markets Local penalizes local industries to the extent that the price of Chinese products is well below the cost of local industries and supply is abundant. The competitiveness of local in dustries is low compared to the value of a product Chinese including textiles and food products. In the Capital Antananarivo, expansion and Chinese domination can be analyzed via the rapid development of a shopping center Behoririka (name of district) in the middle Capital in the image of Chinatown. Added to this is the development of restorations.However, these imports improve the well-being of people in that price consumer goods from China are within the powers of purchases population. The development of these businesses creates jobs but the salary level remains insufficient compared to the level of wages in the private sector in Madagascar. Chinese competition also exerts downward pressure on the cost of investment. Chinese equipment (transport, agriculture) is very cheap an alternative to higher quality goods. However, the lifetime of the equipment is not long compared to the same type of equipment from Europe.Chinese growth will boost African exports but will also increase vola tility. China opened its market by treating preferential tariff least developed countries, but this has not yet been impacted on African exports. In the case of Madagascar, export to the China is still insufficient compared to the values of imports and has been a decade. This increases the trade deficit Malagasy and may undermine the external reserves position of the Central Bank of Madagascar. If Europe the main export destination from Madagascar, China still relatively low and represents 2. 2%.In terms of trade between China and Madagascar, relationships become increasingly important during the last decade. Current trends regional trade showed a significant increase and the value of continuous imports from China, and a modest increase in export exports Madagascar to China. Changes in imports and exports of Madagascar with China do not evolve at the same rate, resulting in an imbalance of trade. The exchanges are obviously in favor of China. CONCLUSION In short cooperation with Ch ina is mutually beneficial and China has promoted the cultural development in Madagascar.Projects underway in Madagascar, which involve Chinese aid, are also very visible. In terms of foreign direct investment, the weight of Chinese investors is not negligible and is around 10%. The majority of Chinese capital from Hong Kong. Chinese companies are among the providers of jobs in Madagascar. If the participation of France in the capital is very dominant in Madagascar, China’s participation has increased by 0. 8% to 10. 9% over the same period and has a negative influence on the situation in France.This attests to the strengthening of the position China and offset somewhat the impact of French colonization of the current situation. The friendly cooperation in the field of education, health and trade, have borne remarkable fruit. We think that with the principle of mutual benefit, cooperation between China and Madagascar will have a bright future. REFERENCES †¢ http://www. b bc. co. uk/news/world-africa-13864364 †¢ http://www. irinnews. org/Madagascar †¢ http://www. state. gov/p/af/ci/ma/ †¢ file:///F:/feed%20back%20de%2040%20ans. htm †¢ file:///F:/CCTV%20mirrroir%20d%20afrik%20frappe%20chinoise. htm file:///F:/mada%20chine%202. htm †¢ http://www. xinhuanet. com/english/home. htm †¢ Perspectives economiques en Afrique. OCDE. 2006 †¢ Plan cadre des Nations Unies pour l’assistance au developpement (UNDAF) Madagascar 2008-2011. Systeme des Nations Unies. Juin 2007 †¢ Rapport National sur le Developpement Humain Madagascar 2006 : Les technologies de l’information et de la communication et developpement humain. PNUD. Avril 2007 †¢ Les echanges entre la Chine et L’Afrique : Situation actuelle, perspectives et sources pour l’analyse , Jean Raphael Chaponniere, STATECO N °100, 2006.