Saturday, November 30, 2019

Property Taxes for Owners of Habitat for Humanity Houses

Table of Contents Introduction Quantification Arguments in favor of a property tax break Arguments against a property tax break Suggestion resolution Conclusion Reference List Introduction Property tax rates are an essential source of revenues for the majority of local governments which ensure their local fiscal autonomy. The procedures of determining the property tax rates are complicated and extremely important for the functioning of the internal financial administration in general.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Property Taxes for Owners of Habitat for Humanity Houses specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In most cases, the property tax rates are calculated based on the market value of the property. However, in particular cases, due to the specifics of the situation, this method can be inappropriate. This paper will analyze the complex process of quantification of property tax rates for the owners of Habi tat for Humanity houses, detect the main inconsistencies in the current procedures, provide two arguments in favor of giving this category of taxpayers with a tax break and two arguments opposing this decision and offer a resolution for the existing problem. Quantification The property tax bills received by taxpayers combine some rates imposed by different jurisdictions and can be compared to a layer cake. Similarly, the process of quantification of the property taxes paid by the owners of Habitat for Humanity houses in a particular municipality is somewhat complicated and depends upon a wide array of influential factors. The rate of property taxes is defined by property tax administration, consisting of the property assessors determining the value of parcels, the local bodies responsible for evaluating the amounts of money which are needed for the budgets of particular jurisdictions and should be taken from the property tax revenues, auditors calculating the property tax rates for different authorities and treasurers collecting the taxes and distributing them among the corresponding governments. One of the primary goals of the property tax administration is to measure property value and adjust it to the taxpayers’ capability to pay the tax. Market value is the commonly accepted standard used for appraising the property (Mikesell, 2010, p. 496). Market value can be defined as the price at which the property could be sold in a competitive and open market. Therefore, the quantification of property taxes paid by owners of Habitat for Humanity houses in a particular municipality depends upon the market value of these houses and the decisions made by the local jurisdictions.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, taking into account the specifics of the Habitat for Humanity programs in which partner families from vulnerable categories of popul ation are selected and then take part in building and/or restoring the houses they will live in and receive zero-interest mortgages for buying these houses, it can be stated that there is a substantial deviation of the acquisition price from the market value. Arguments in favor of a property tax break Taking into account the inconsistency in the current system of determining the real property taxes paid by the owners of the Habitat for Humanity houses due to which the property taxes become an overwhelming burden which can tax people of their homes, it can be stated that a property tax break is required for adjusting the tax rates to the house owners’ capability to pay. The first argument for developing the appropriate tax break programs for the owners of the Habitat for Humanity houses is the deficiency in the procedures of measuring the tax breaks. The use of the standard of the market value based on the principle of possibility to use the property for different purposes for determining the tax rates for this category of taxpayers is inappropriate. Because of the deed restrictions preventing the owners of this property from selling their houses or getting home equity loans before their 20-year mortgages are fully paid. Therefore, the principle of the potential use of this property for profit is excluded because of the deed restrictions and the market value is not related to the case of the Habitat for Humanity houses. The second argument for establishing a tax break for the owners of the Habitat for Humanity houses is the patent unfairness of the current system of determining the tax rate for this category of property taxpayers. The existing provisions contradict the constitutional requirement for equal protection. Taking into account the fact that the initial objectives of the Habitat for Humanity program were to provide the low-income categories of the population with opportunities to buy affordable houses, it can be stated that the tax system contra dicts the main principle of this program. It understates the efforts of the Habitat for Humanity (20 year zero-interest mortgages) and hundreds of hours of ‘sweat equity’ the owners spent on building work due to which the residents received an opportunity to buy houses at the cost significantly different from their market value.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Property Taxes for Owners of Habitat for Humanity Houses specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Arguments against a property tax break Regardless of the apparent deficiency in the current tax system determining the property tax rates for the owners of the Habitat for Humanity houses, the application of a property tax break for this category of taxpayers can have some negative implications. The first argument against giving a property tax break to owners of Habitat for Humanity houses is the potential inconsistency in the tax administration func tioning as a result of such a decision (Schick, 2000, p. 151). The property tax is the source of revenues used by the local jurisdictions for financing the schools. Consequently, the reduction of the property laws in particular spheres can result in deficits of school financing (Mikesell, 2010, p. 485). Therefore, a property tax break given to a specific category of taxpayers can lead to the imbalance of budgets and deficits in certain expenditures covered at the expense of particular tax revenues. The second argument against giving a tax break to the owners of Habitat for Humanity houses is the destruction of uniformity and the possibility of imposing different tax rates for similarly situated individuals. Tax breaks result in the gradual erosion of  the integrity of general taxes, which in their turn have some negative consequences. Rubin (2009) stated that tax breaks result in a reduction of revenues and require cutting back spending, searching for alternative sources of revenu es or permitting constant budget deficits (p. 68). Additionally, the tax break for the owners of Habitat for Humanity houses can produce the impression of unequal treatment of equals upon other low-income citizens. It can encourage different low-income categories of population to look for the opportunities to reduce their tax payments, further erosion of the integrity of the tax system and budget deficits. Suggestion resolution As can be seen from the case under analysis, the current property taxes based upon the market value of property overburden the owners of Habitat for Humanity houses and should be reconsidered.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Taking into account the fact that the owners of these houses pay higher taxes than their mortgage payoffs and some of them have to leave their homes because of the high fees, it can be stated that there are significant inconsistencies in the current tax system. Analyzing possible negative implications of giving a tax break to this category of taxpayers, it can be stated that a substantial reform instead of local measures are required for improving the existing situation. One of the possible solutions which can be suggested for adjusting the property taxes to the owners’ capability to pay is to change the procedures of determining the tax rates and using the acquisition-value assessment instead of the market value standard. Additionally, changes need to be made in the ordinary appraisal procedures, which assume that an owner can use the property for different for-profit purposes. Therefore, it is recommended to take into account the specifics of the case of the owners of Habit at for Humanity houses, including the circumstances under which they receive this property and the restrictions in use of these houses imposed by Habitat for Humanity. Generally speaking, analyzing the case of the owners of Habitat for Humanity houses, it can be stated that the acquisition value assessment procedure can be an effective alternative to the commonly used property tax rates based upon the market value of property in determining the property tax rates for low-income property holders. Conclusion Bearing in mind the importance of property taxes as a source of revenues for the local fiscal administration and taking a close look at the principles of taxation of the owners of Habitat for Humanity houses, it can be concluded that a resolution of the existing problem is not an easy one. Though the inconsistency in the existing procedures of determining the tax rates contradicts disregards the specifics of the situation of the holders of Habitat for Humanity houses, a tax break for this category of taxpayers can have several negative implications. Therefore, more fundamental changes in determining the property tax rates are needed, and using the acquisition-value assessment instead of the market value standard can be one of the possible resolutions. Reference List Mikesell, J. L. (2010). Fiscal administration: Analysis and applications for the public sector  (8th ed.: 2010 custom edition). Mason, Ohio: Cengage Learning. Rubin, I.S. (2009). The politics of public budgeting: Getting and spending; borrowing and  balancing (6th ed.). Washington, DC: CQ Press. Schick, A. (2000). The federal budget: Politics, policy, process. Washington, DC: Brrokings Institution. This case study on Property Taxes for Owners of Habitat for Humanity Houses was written and submitted by user Korbin Banks to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

History Of Baseball Essays - Origins Of Baseball, Town Ball

History Of Baseball Essays - Origins Of Baseball, Town Ball History Of Baseball The History of Baseball Deeply embedded in the folklore of American sports is the story of baseball's supposed invention by a young West Point cadet, Abner Doubleday, in the summer of 1839 at the village of Cooperstown, New York. Because of the numerous types of baseball, or rather games similar to it, the origin of the game has been disputed for decades by sports historians all over the world. In 1839, in Cooperstown, New York, Doubleday supposedly started the great game of baseball. Doubleday, also a famous Union general in the Civil War, was said to be the inventor of baseball by Abner Graves, an elderly miner from New York. In response to the question of where baseball first originated, major league owners summoned a committee in 1907. Abner Graves stepped before the committee and gave his testimony. In Graves' account of the first game, the Otsego Academy and Cooperstown's Green's Select School played against one another in 1839. Committeeman Albert G. Spalding, the founder of Spalding's Sporting Goods , favored Graves' declaration and convinced the other committeemen that Graves' account was true. As a result, in 1939, the committee and the State of New York named Cooperstown and Abner Doubleday as the birthplace and inventor of baseball, respectively. Today, many baseball historians still doubt the testimony of Abner Graves. Historians say the story came from the creative memory of one very old man and was spread by a superpatriotic sporting goods manufacturer, determined to prove that baseball was a wholly American invention. According to Doubleday's diary, he was not playing baseball in Cooperstown, but attending school at West Point on that day in 1839. Also, historians have found that nowhere in Doubleday's diary has he ever claimed to have had anything to do with baseball, and may never have even seen a game. This leads many to the conclusion that Abner Doubleday did not invent baseball, but it is still a disputed and provocative issue. Sports historians have presented impressive evidence showing that American baseball, far from being an independent invention, evolved out of various ball-and-stick games that had been played in many areas of the world since the beginnings of recorded history. But in early America, precursors of baseball included informal games of English origin such as paddleball, trap ball, rounders, and town ball. The latter was a popular game in colonial New England and was played by adults and children with a bat and ball on an open field. Printed references to base ball in America date back to the eighteenth century. Among these accounts is one of Albigence Waldo, a surgeon with Washington's troops at Valley Forge who poetically told of soldiers batting balls and running bases in their free time. Similarly in 1834 Robin Carver's Book of Sports related that an American version of rounders called base or goal ball was rivaling cricket in popularity among Americans. Indeed, cricket played a role in the evolution of organized baseball. From this British game came umpires and innings, and early baseball writers like Henry Chadwick used cricket terminology such as batsman, playing for the side, and excellent field in describing early baseball games. Likewise, the pioneer baseball innovator Harry Wright, a cricket professional turned baseball manager, drew heavily on his cricket background in promoting baseball as a professional team sport in the United States. By the 1840s various forms of baseball vied for acceptance, including the popular Massachusetts and New York versions of the game. The Massachusetts game utilized an irregular four-sided field of play, with the four bases located at fixed, asymmetrical distances from each other and the striker's, or batter's position away from the home base. Scouts, or fielders, put men out by fielding a batted ball on the fly or on the first bounce, or by hitting a runner with a thrown ball. But this lively version of the game was overshadowed in the late 1840s by the New York game, a popular version of which was devised by the members of the New York Knickerbocker Club. Organized in 1845 by a band of aspiring gentlemen and baseball enthusiasts, the Knickerbocker version was devised by one of their members, Alexander J. Cartwright. Cartwright prescribed a diamond-shaped

Friday, November 22, 2019

The Present Tense of Verbs in English Grammar

The Present Tense of Verbs in English Grammar In English grammar, a present tense is a form of the  verb  occurring in the current moment that is represented by either the base form  or the -s  inflection  of  the third-person singular, contrasting with the past and future tenses. The present tense may also refer to an action or event that is ongoing or that takes place at the present moment. However, because the present tense in English can also be used to express a range of other meanings- including references to the past and future events, depending on the context- it is sometimes described as being unmarked for time.   The basic form of the present indicative is commonly  known as the simple present. Other verbal constructions referred to as present include the present progressive  as in are laughing, the present perfect  as in have laughed, and the present perfect progressive  as in have been laughing.   Functions of the Present Tense There are six common ways to use the present tense in English, though the most common function is to designate an action that is occurring at the time of speaking or writing like she lives in the house or to indicate habitual actions like I run every morning, and in some cases may be used to express general truths like time flies, scientific knowledge like light travels, and when referring to texts like Shakespeare says a rose by any other name would still smell as sweet. Robert DiYanni and Pat C. Hoy II note in the third edition of The Scribner Handbook for Writers that present tense also has some special rules for their usage, especially when indicating future time wherein they must be used with time expressions like we travel to Italy next week and Michael returns in the morning. Many authors and literary scholars have also noticed a recent trend in literary works to be written in the hipper present tense, whereas most works of great literature are written in the past tense. This is because modern literature relies on the use of the present tense to convey a sense of urgency and relevance to the text. The Four Present Tenses There are four unique forms of the present tense that can be used in English grammar: simple present, present progressive, present perfect, and present perfect progressive. The simple present is the most common form, used primarily to express facts and habits, detail the action of scheduled future events and to tell stories in a more compelling and engaging manner than past tense entails. In the present progressive sentences, a linking verb is often attached to the present progressive verb to indicate events that are ongoing in the present, such as I am searching or he is going while the present perfect tense is used to define actions that began in the past but are still ongoing like I have gone or he has searched. Finally, the present perfect progressive form is used to indicate a continuous activity that started in the past and is still ongoing or has recently been completed as in I have been searching or he has been depending on you.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Qualitative Research Processes Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Qualitative Processes - Research Paper Example This, being an easier method, has been opted for by me, a nurse who is still a novice. The phenomenological design has been selected as I would be studying the lived experiences of the post-operative patients. Data collection would be a continuous process till saturation is reached. Transcripts and audio-tapes would accompany the written data or oral data. Researcher bias will not be allowed to distort the picture of the lived experiences. The credibility of the study will not be interfered with. Readers will be able to follow the research all through in a systematic manner. The reality experienced by the participants would be related wherever possible in their words more like a narrative or story. The richness and meaning of the findings would be complete as no editing would be done by the researcher. The possibility of interactions deviating away from the focus would be prevented. The information may be collected at more sittings. The participant would be given all liberty to speak and convey his experiences. The researcher would be faithful to the research and focus on the reality of the experiences. Data analysis would consist of looking through every line of the data and selecting prominent phrases or thoughts of experiences. Constant comparative analysis would elicit lesser and lesser categories which could be selected for themes. The significance of the study is that reliable information would be obtained about the changes the surgery has made in the lives of the patients. The quality of care accorded in the hospital could be inferred and the results of the surgery would be available. Whether the surgery has eased the strain of knee problems would be an essential component. Information may be studied for loopholes in the surgery or hospital stay and efforts made to plug these loopholes. The final aim is to raise the quality of patient care. Quantitative study. Evaluation of patient satisfaction following cataract surgery in co-relationship to the informa tion about the surgery provided prior to surgery. It would be appropriate to use the quantitative method for a descriptive study for evaluating the relationship or association between two things or variables. Here the possible variables would be the prior information concerning cataract surgery provided to the patients before the actual surgery and the other would be the patient satisfaction after the surgery. The study would evaluate whether patients undergoing cataract surgery were informed earlier, whether the level of information was sufficient and if they were satisfied with it. Lack of provision of information could lead to patient dissatisfaction. The purpose is to co-relate the information provided before cataract surgery (independent variable) to the patient satisfaction (dependent variable) after it. This would be a descriptive audit study which provides the association between patient satisfaction and information provided and patients would be measured only once. The effe ctiveness of the information prior to surgery will be evaluated against the level of patient satisfaction. The hypothesis that would be proposed is: â€Å"Information provided prior to cataract surgery will improve the level of satisfaction after it†. The sample would be the 40 patients in the post-operative ward in the eye department where I work. Bias would not be a problem as all the patients would be selected. A questionnaire with appropriate questions would be used for interviews. Threats

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Public Health and Health Care Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Public Health and Health Care Paper - Essay Example Generally, the private sector in any health care system of a nation consists of diverse nongovernmental institutions of varying scale and scope. Public health is basically financed with government’s funds solicited from tax revenues. In the United States, â€Å"the public sector includes official (or governmental) agencies, voluntary agencies, and nonprofit agencies.† (Delaune & Ladner, 2006, 60) This essay is hereby written with the objective of describing public health and its role in the delivery of health care services. It aims to describe a selected public agency and determine its contribution to the core functions of public health. The essay will also examine specific ways the agency influences the workplace and health care provider. Finally, the roles of the agency workers are to be identified, including specific responsibilities, competencies, and skills. At the top of the hierarchy in the public sector’s delivery of health care is the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) which is the sole governing body tasked with the responsibility of delivering health care services to the public. Next in line are state departments of health which vary in providing health care to their constituents. The state departments of health eventually relegate and coordinate health activities of local health units. A report from the USDHHS on Public Health in America proffered the public health sector’s vision as â€Å"healthy people in healthy communities† with the mission of â€Å"promoting physical and mental health and preventing disease, injury and disability†. (DHHS, n.d., 21) The national governing body ensures that its role in the delivery of health care services to the public encompasses the following core functions, to wit: â€Å"prevents epidemics and the spread of disease; protects against environmental hazards; prevents injuries; promotes and encourages healthy behaviors; responds to disasters

Saturday, November 16, 2019

Discussion Board Forum Essay Example for Free

Discussion Board Forum Essay Property Martin has decided to retire after many years as a deputy in a small North Carolina town and as a detective in Raleigh. Though Martin sometimes appeared to be a bumbling law enforcement officer, it turns out that he was a dutiful saver and a shrewd investor, and now he owns an interest in some prime real estate in the North Carolina mountains, as well as a second home on the North Carolina coast. Mountain Property: Martin purchased the mountain property 31 years ago as joint tenants with a right of survivorship with his friends Peter, John, and Thomas. All of the friends ha= passed away, and Martin has not been back to the property in more than 20 years. Peter had apparently indicated in his will that he was leaving his interest in the property to his son Andrew. A few years back, Andrew took out a personal loan using his purported interest in the property as collateral. When Andrew defaulted on the loan last month, the lender initiated a legal action to foreclose on the property. Martin hired an old friend with whom he used to go to church, who is now an attorney in Raleigh, to address the lender’s legal action. The matter is still pending. Remembering that a trout-filled stream ran through the property, Martin decided to do a little fly-fishing. When he drove out to the property, Martin was surprised to see smoke rising from the stone chimney of a little cabin that someone had constructed in the center of the land since the last time Martin had visited. When he approached the cabin, Martin suddenly heard a shot ring out and a bullet whiz past his head. Ducking for cover, Martin heard a familiar voice. It was Otis, from the small town where Martin had been a deputy, yelling and telling him to â€Å"Git off my land.† Gathering his senses, Martin identified himself and told Otis it was actually his land and that he had the deed to prove it. Otis replied that he didn’t care about the deed, and that he had lived on the property openly and notoriously for some 20 years, and, as far as he was concerned, it was now his. Deciding that discretion was the better part of valor, Martin hopped into his 1966 Pontiac GTO, which he had bought at auction from the sheriff’s office, and headed back east. He stopped in Raleigh to contact his attorney and asked him to deal with Otis’s claim as well. Coastal Property: Since his fishing trip was spoiled, Martin decided to head to his beach house in Wilmington, NC. Martin noticed several signs for a new Tar Heel Family Resort along the way. The signs all said, â€Å"Coming Soon.† Martin half-smiled as he thought about how sorry he was for whatever poor souls owned property next to that tacky place. Turning the corner to the street where his beach house was located, Martin was horrified to see several of his neighbors’ properties were being torn down and that there was a sign stating, â€Å"Future home of the Tar Heel Family Resort† positioned right next door to his beach house. When he pulled into the driveway, Martin noticed a bright orange envelope attached to his front door. Inside the envelope, Martin found a notice from the city authorities saying his property was being taken by eminent domain in order to make way for the new resort. The notice had a letter attached talking about all the new businesses and jobs the resort would bring to the community. Having just survived the encounter in the mountains and now being faced with the loss of his beach house, Martin became enraged and marched down to the city offices to challenge the city’s actions. The city attorney told Martin he was sorry, but that there was really nothing he could do about the seizure of the house. He assured that Martin would receive the full market value for his property in compensation. Martin returned to his property and placed another call to his attorney for assistance in dealing with the seizure. Personal Property: As Martin was hanging up the phone he heard a knock at the door. Upon opening the door, Martin was pleased to see a former girlfriend, Miranda. After exchanging pleasantries, Miranda told Martin that she had decided to leave the small town where they had both lived and resettle at the beach. Caught up in the excitement of the reunion, Martin invited Miranda out to dinner at the swankiest restaurant in town: the Riverboat Bistro. Embarrassed, Miranda said she wasn’t sure she had an outfit that was fancy enough for the Riverboat, but Martin assured her that even the fancy restaurants at the beach allowed casual attire, so her casual dress and his polo shirt and shorts should be fine. When he drove up to the restaurant, Martin noticed a sign that indicated valet parking was available. A young man in a neatly pressed Riverboat uniform, who identified himself as Benjamin, approached  the vehicle and asked Martin if he would like his car parked. Martin handed over his keys and walked around to the other side of the car to open the door for Miranda. Taking her arm under his, Martin proudly escorted his date into the Riverboat Bistro as the young man drove off in the GTO. When he entered the restaurant, Martin was horrified to see that everyone inside was wearing formal dress attire. He quickly ushered Miranda back out the door and looked for the valet. Not seeing the young man anywhere and noticing the sign indicating that valet parking was available was now folded up and lying under some bushes, Martin went back to the entrance and asked the hostess if she could call the valet to retrieve his car. â€Å"Valet?† asked the hostess. â€Å"We have no valet service tonight sir. Only on weekends.† â€Å"But what about Benjamin?† argued Martin. â€Å"We had a valet name Benjamin,† she responded, â€Å"but he quit yesterday. We are still waiting for him to return his uniforms.† The Wilmington police officer couldn’t help but snicker as he took the police report. â€Å"1966 Pontiac GTO, huh? Shouldn’t be too hard to find that.† On the cab ride home, Martin felt a mixture of anger and mortification. â€Å"It’s fine, Martin,† said Miranda. â€Å"I never was that fond of seafood and I’m sure your car will turn up.† Martin’s car was found three weeks later at the Classic Car Show in Mount Olive, NC. The man showing the car had purchased it from a used car lot in Kinston, NC, which had taken the vehicle from a young fellow matching Benjamin’s description, as a trade for a 1967 Mustang convertible. Neither the man who was showing the car nor the used car dealer had any idea that the vehicle had been stolen. Martin asked for the car back, but the man in possession said he was not giving it up until somebody reimbursed him for the $5,600.00 that he had paid for the vehicle. Martin placed another call to his attorney.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Respecting Teenagers Will Deter Conflict Essay -- Argumentative Persua

Respecting Teenagers Will Deter Conflict TEENAGERS ARE KNOWN FOR their bizarre mood swings, questioning minds and incessant energy. These traits mixed in with a parent's habit of denying a teen's request without a justification are common causes for many of the conflict between parents and teenagers. This occurs because in childhood "no" is accepted without question--a child is not mature enough, in many cases to question, but that is not in a teen's nature. They are no longer children and should not be treated as such. It is wrong for parents to say "no" without any reason. In doing this they are inciting a teen's anger and encouraging rebellion, therefore causing conflicts that disrupt the peace in a house hold. For example, a classic fight between parents and their teens can be...

Monday, November 11, 2019

God and the ancient Chinese Essay

I have read the whole book and understand the whole concept. According to the Book of Isaiah, the Chinese people were mentioned in the Prophecy. They were known as Sinim. When the Chinese Empire was first established; it was first form under God’s law. God was with each of the 4 dynasties. God chose each King for each dynasty if one King has failed to keep God’s Commandment. He would raise up a new King to conquer over the old King. China was established by two legendary rulers. Their names were Yao and Shun. They worship the God of Noah and through the Chinese Classics. It was believed that Yao and Shun witness the great flood. During the time of Babel; God confused the people language. Yao and Shun formed a similar language group and traveled from Mesopotamia to Sinim according to God’s will. In the Chinese classic there were some similar accounts to the Bible story. For example: â€Å"Boat†, â€Å"Eight†, â€Å"People†. We could Understand that the Chinese classics was referring to the story of Noah’s Ark. During the Qin Dynasty, King Qin Shi Huangdi prepared a feast for the Chinese Scholars. The feast was to bring all the scholars in one place so the King could punish them. The King was upset that the Scholars were not teaching the Chinese children present teaching instead they taught the past teaching. He asked advices from his Prime Minister. Li Si, the Prime Minister was against the teaching of Shangdi (God). Therefore, he advised the King to burn all the Chinese classics writing. Most of the writing were gather in one place and pile up and burnt. Fortunately, there were some Scholars who had hid away the book of Confucius so it could be read by younger generation. Some of these writing still exist to these days. There are Chinese sages that were compared to the Biblical characters. I will illustrate four Sages. Mencius was one of the Sages. He had an amazing prophecy about the King. This King is no ordinary earthly King. He is the Heavenly King. He prophesied that 500 or more years will another King rule according to God’s will. Like worth, Daniel’s prophecy was alike Mencius. Tang was a minister during a dynasty. He was compared to Joseph. Tang was appointed to gather grains and foods for the kingdom to supplies foods for the people to survive during the seven years drought. Pen Gen was chosen by Shangdi (God) to lead the people from the Shang Dynasty to the land that was chosen for them by God. He was compared to Moses, who led the Israelites across the Red Sea from Egypt. Lao Zi was a promising Chinese Sage. No one knows for sure who he was or what background he came from. He was compared to John the Baptist because he went to make way for the Great Dao [God]. All the event had happened simultaneously after one another and synchronous to the Biblical events. Both the Chinese Classics and the Bible contain the Seventh-Day as the day of rest. The early King had kept this commandment. On the seventh-day, the whole kingdom was to rest. The merchants and workers were to close their stall. The kingdom main gate was to be close on the seventh-day so no businesses would continue working. God had laid the law for the Chinese to live by and it was the Chinese’s duty to follow it. The Chinese Classics also talks about the sacrifice to Shangdi. After the first deception, men were to offer lamp to Shangdi. There is a pictograph showing a man and a woman offering their sacrifice. The sacrifice is call, â€Å"Border Sacrifice† which was done in the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. God might have chosen the Chinese Sages to tell the people to come to God. Confucius was a messenger of Dao (God). He spent most of his life teaching about the Dao. In the book of Yi Jing which was written by Confucius contained the redemption Plans of God. During the year, Chinese Sages lost track of God’s teaching and new religions began to come into the country. Therefore, the Chinese begin to worship idols and believing in sinful rituals. The true Dao [God] was lost and when the Dao come again; he will judge them fairly according to their sins. I have studied Church History about Christianity in China and I was really impressed how far back Christianity begins in China. My first impression on china before studying about the history was just broad. I thought their very first religion was Tao or Buddhist but Tao [Dao] God was the teaching of God but as times passes by the true teaching of God have been lost with it. Buddhism later influences the false teaching. I would have never thought after the Tower of Babel, the Chinese Dynasty would rise up as well. I am disappointed with this book because it was focusing too much on the Chinese Classics and the prophecy. Some of the Classics are riddle which is hard to understand. When I was studying Church History, the teacher would show us some statues and sculptors that have similar account to the Bible Story. From my perspective, I would love to see more statues or pictures rather than riddle which I can’t even understand. This is the third book; I have read that is related to china and by far the most details related to Christianity in China. I have always been interested in the history of china and this last book really shed some light for me about God’s love. Most of the events happen almost simultaneously with each other. One last history facts that really shock me is the belief of Confucius. I have always known him as one of the great Chinese Sage but he was more of the messenger of God [prophet] in China and he was a Christian.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Career Guidance

WHAT FACTORS INFLUENCE A COUNTRY'S STANDARD OF LIVING? Judy Newsome Purpose: Students will examine geographic information to make inferences about the factors that influence a country's economic development and standard of living. Objectives: The student will be able to: 1. analyze information on a map to generalize a country's economic status. 2. compare geographic information and develop hypotheses about the economic development and standard of living in various countries. 3. examine geographic information to test hypotheses. 4. make inferences about other factors that influence the economic development/ standard of living of a country.Standards: 1,11,15,16 Skills: 1,2,4,5 Materials: Maps showing resources Map of Africa Chart showing per capita GNP Pictures to stimulate discussion Procedures: PREPARATION: 1. Label 10 x 13 size envelopes (3 per group) as follows: Group 1 Envelope A Group 1 Envelope B Group 1 Envelope C. Repeat for groups 2 – 7. 2. Copy the attached copy of th e seven individual countries seven times and make a transparency of it. Cut out the seven map keys and one copy of each individual country. Attach one country and the map key to half a sheet of construction paper and laminate if possible.Place country A in Envelope A for Group 1, country B in Envelope A for Group 2, etc. 3. Make seven copies of a blackline map of Africa and seven copies of a chart showing per capita GNP figures for Africa. Mount the map and the chart on construction paper and also laminate, if possible. Place a copy of the map and the chart in Envelope B for each group. 4. Find pictures to represent the various factors to be discussed (as many as possible). You would need seven pictures to represent each factor (one for each group) or seven copies. Mount these on construction paper and laminate.Place pictures in Envelope C for each group. 71 GROUPS: Divide the class into groups (up to 7). QUESTION: Ask: When you hear the term standard of living, what does it mean to you? After the Discussion, which should include the definition of standard of living (see definitions), explain that the first factor that influences a country's standard of living is the material wealth as evidenced by a country's natural resources and agricultural products. BRAINSTORM: Distribute the 3 envelopes to each group but ask them not to open any of them until they are asked to do so.Tell them that Envelope A contains the map of an individual country and the map key. All names have been removed so that they will not be able to bring any prior knowledge to this activity. Have them open Envelope A and examine the map and the key. List the resources and products shown and then brainstorm about what can be done with those resources and products and how to obtain anything they need but don't have. (approximately 5 minutes) MAKE COMPARISONS: Show transparencies of all seven countries. Let each group report. Write their finding on the transparency beside the appropriate country or on the chalkboard.HYPOTHESIZE: Based on the brainstorming, which country is wealthiest? Rate them from 1 to (varies). (Depends on number of groups used). Write the ratings on the transparency. INTRODUCE VOCABULARY: Explain that the reason you examined the resources and products of each country first is that a country's resources and products influence the material wealth and therefore the economic development and standard of living of a country. One measure of a country's standard of living is per capita GNP. Define per capita GNP. (See definitions) EXAMINE MAP AND CHART: Tell your groups to open Envelope B.Compare the map of Africa and identify the particular country they were working with. They should raise their hands and tell you so you can mark it on the transparency as soon as they find it. Then ask them to look up their country's per capita GNP and add it to the information already on the transparency. Now check your hypotheses. How do the countries really rate? If all is well, you should have them rated incorrectly so you can point out that there are other factors that playa part. (See introduction. ) EXAMINE PICTURES: In Envelope C, which may be opened now, you will find pictures related to a country's standard of living.Take about 2 minutes to identify the factor each picture represents. Put a list on the overhead and tell your groups that they are now going to draw some conclusions about these factors and how they influence a country's standard of living. (If you made copies of pictures you may want to put the originals up in the room and/or make transparencies of them). 72 DRAW CONCLUSIONS: Have groups discuss and come to some conclusions about how each of the factors influence a country's economic development/standard of living. Then ask about any other factors they can think of. See attached list as a hint but there may be others). VOCABULARY: Economic systems – the approach or technique that a country uses to deal with scarcity and ach ieve its economic goals. Standard of Living -ca measure of the amount of good and services an individual or group considers essential to well-being. GNP or gross national product – a measure of the value of all the good and services produced by a nation in a given time period, usually one year. Per capita GNP – GNP is divided by the population. The amount of money per person the people of a country or in a certain region earn.Life expectancy – the average number of years people can be expected to live. Literacy rate – the ratio of the number of people in a population who can read and write of the total number of persons in a population. Birth rate – the ratio of the number of live births during one year to the total population, expressed as the number of births per year per 1000 population. Death rate (mortality rate) – the ratio of the number of deaths during one year to the total population, expressed as the number of deaths per year per 1 000 population.Infant mortality rate – the ratio consisting of the annual number of deaths of infants not over one year old to the total number of live births during that year. Infrastructure – the basic structure of services, installations, and facilities needed to support industrial, and other economic development; included are transport and communications, along with water, power, and other public utilities. Natural increase – the number of births in a country minus the number of deaths Population growth rate – natural increase plus migration into a country minus migration out ofa country. o FACTORS INTRODUCED IN PICTURES: . 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Water (affects the economic and agricultural development) Sanitation (affects health and life expectancy) Health care (affects life expectancy, infant mortality rate, birth rate, death rate) Population growth (natural increase and population growth rate) Nutrition (affects health and life expectancy) Education (affec ts literacy rate) SOME OTHER POSSIBLE FACTORS: 1. War 2. Infrastructure 3. Political instability 4. Environment/topography 73 o L I o I I iii , I 200 400 600 ! , , 800 Miles I I 400 800 Kilometers 74 Activity 2 † 1 V' ~ cattle Coal Cocoa Coffee .. /Itt:; ?'Diamonds FISh Gold . Grapes Iron Ore · c:::J e P8Irn Oil Peanuts RIce Sheep e .! i't .0 a ~. ~ Com Cotton Copper Oat.. I 1 †¢ † ~ dfI Lumber Oil Other City IA , †¢ Tea Tobacco Identify each country based on shape and resources Note: Shapes are accurate but country size is not to scale Wheat Capital 75 Western Sahara Tunisia Sudan Libya · Morocco Egypt N. AFRICA Algeria 0. 25 9. 619 29. 49 . 5. 114 28. 778 68. 344 31. 471 173 Population mid ·2000 (millions) 2. 86 1. 58 2. 16 1. 69 2. 48 1. 98 2. 36 2 Natural Increase (annual %) 24 44 32 41 28 35 29 34 â€Å"Doubling Time† in years 150 35 69. 5 37 33. 3 52. 44 51 Infant Mortality Rate 0 B C B B B B Data Availability Code 61 N/A 27 54 86 44 49 46 Pe rcent Urban 47 69 51 69 75 65 69 64 Life Expectancy at Birth, Total 35 N/A 43 34 40 37 39 38 Percent of Population of Age < 15 2060 N/A 290 1240 1290 nla 1550 1200 GNP Per Capita, 1998 USD Population mid ·2000 (millions) Natural Increase (annual %) â€Å"Doubling Time† in years Infant Mortality Rate Data Availability Code Percent Urban Life Expectancy at Birth, Total Percent of Population of Age < 15 GNP Per Capita, 1998 USO Guinea Ghana Burk. Faso Cape Verele Cote d'lvoirE Gambia W. AFRICA Benin 19. 534 1. 05 15. 98 0. 401 11. 946 6. 396 234. 456 2. 4 2. 41 2. 19 2. 82 2. 94 2. 83 2. 8 29 29 32 25 24 24 25 56. 2 130 76. 9 112. 2 105. 3 93. 9 89 C C B B C B B 37 37 46 44 15 38 35 58 45 47 68 47 50 51 3 3 3 3 6 3 3 340 390 700 240 1200 380 340 7. 466 2. 38 29 98 ~ 26 45 3 530 N. AFRICA Population mid ·2000 (millions) Continued Natural Increase (annual %) â€Å"Doubling Time† in years Infant Mortality Rate Data Availability Code Percent Urban Life Expectancy at Birth , Total Percent of Population of Age < 15 GNP Per Capita, 1998 USO Nigeria Senegal Mali Mauritania Niger Liberia G. Bissau 10. 076 11. 234 2. 7 123. 338 3. 164 1. 213 2. 97 3. 23 3. 1 2. 72 2. 84 2. 22 25 23 21 22 24 31 123. 1 139. 1 122. 5 92 77. 2 130 C C C C C C C 45 26 54 17 22 36 50 53 54 41 45 52 4 4 3 2 4 3 410 200 160 N/A 250 300 ————— 9. 481 2. 79 25 67. 7 41 52 3 520 â€Å"†'–‘—–~-~~————————————– Congo, Oem. Equatorial Guinea Congo Cameroon Cen. Af. Rep Chad MID ·AFRICA Angola 0. 453 51. 965 2. 831 3. 513 7. 977 15. 422 Population mld ·2000 (millions) 96. 425 12. 878 2. 4S 2. 4 3. 19 3. 29 Natural Increase (annual %) 2. 58  ·2. 03 2. 96 3 28 29 22 21 â€Å"Doubling Time† in years 34 27 23 23 108. 108 108. 6 109. 8 Infant Mortality Rate 96. 7 125 77 106 C 0 C B C Data Availability Code C 0 41 29 37 Perce nt Urban 44 39 22 32 32 48 49 50 Life Expectancy at Birth, Total 48 55 45 47 49 43 48 43 Percent of Population of Age < 15 44 43 44 46 48 GNP Per Capita, 1998 USD 680 110 610 300 230 1110 320 380 Namibia South Africa MID_AFRICA Gabon Sao Tome S. AFRICA Botswana Lesotho 2. 143 1. 771 Population mid ·2000 (millions) 0. 16 49. 915 1. 576 continued 1. 226 2. 07 1. 667 Natural Increase (annual %) 3. 4 1. 3 1. 55 2. 16 33 45 42 â€Å"Doubling Time† in years 20 52 32 84. 5 68. 3 57. 50. 8 51 Infant Mortality Rate 87 C B B Data Availability Code C C B Percent Urban 16 49 73 44 42 27 Life Expectancy at Birth, Total 53 64 54 44 46 52 Percent of Population of Age < 15 47 41 35 41 44 39 GNP Per Capita, 1998 USD 270 570 4170 3100 3070 1940 I 43. 421 1. 27 55 45. 4 i 45 551 34 3310 (:: S. AFRICA  ·Populatlon mld ·2000 (millions) continued Natural Increase (annual %) â€Å"Doubling Time† in years Infant Mortality Rate Data Availability Code Percent- Urban Life Expectancy at Bir th, Total Percent of Population of Age < 15 GNP Per Capita, 1998 USD Swaziland 1. 004 1. 5 37 107. 7 C 22 38 47  ·1400 —- ——— N. AFRICA Population mid-2000 (millions) continued Natural Increase (annual %) â€Å"Doubling Time† in years Infant Mortality Rate Data Availability Code Percent Urban Life Expectancy at Birth, Total Percent of Population of Age < 15 GNP Per Capita, 1998 USD Sierra Leone Togo E. AFRICA Burundi Comoros Djibouti Eritrea 5. 019 246. 235 0. 578 0. 638 5. 233 6. 054 2. 78 2. 64 3. 07 2. 4 2. 28 2. 49 23 25 26 29 28 30 79. 7 157 102 74. 8 77. 3 115 C C B 0 C C 31 37 20 29 8 83 49 45 46 59 48 47 . 48 3 45 42 3 41 370 N/A 140 3~0 140 4. 14~ 2. 9~ 2~ 1. S 1e 55 43 200 Population mid-2000 . (millions) Natural Increase (annual %) â€Å"Doubling Time† In years Infant Mortality Rate Data Availability Code Percent Urban Life Expectancy at Birth, Total Percent of Population of Age < 15 GNP Per Capita, 1998 USD E. AFRICA continued Madagascar Malawi Mauritus Mozambique Reunion Kenya Ethiopia 30. 34 14. 858 1. 189 19. 105 10. 385 64. 117 2. 105 2. 943 2. 19 2. 4 1. 91 ‘1. 05 33 29 24 36 66 32 73. 7 96. 3 126. 8 19. 4 133. 9 116 B C A B B C B 20 43 28 15 22 20 49 46 52 39 70 40 N/A 46 45 26 45 46 46 350 260 100 3730 210 210 N/A 0. 716 1. 1 49 9 73 30. ~ E. AFRICA Population mld-2000 (millions) continued Natural Increase (annual %) I†Doubling Time† in years Infant Mortality Rate Data Availability Code Percent Urban Life Expectancy at Birth, Total Percent of Population of Age < 15 GNP Per Capita, 1998 USD Seychelles Somalia Uganda Rwanda Tanzania Zambia Zimbabwe 0. 082 7. 229 7. 253 35. 306 23. 318 9. 582 2. 29 1. 07 2. 87 2. 86 2. 88 1. 96 65 30 24 24 24 35 120. 9 8. 5 125. 8 98. 8 81. 3 109 0 0 B C B B B 5 59 24 20 15 38 39 N/A 46 53 42 37 28 45 44 49 45 45 6420 N/A 230 220 310 330 11. 343 1 69 80 32 40 44 620

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Movies about da hood essays

Movies about da hood essays I have elected to take a closer look at movies that deal with the ghetto social institution. There have been several movies that attempt to depict the harshness of growing up in predominantly black urban neighborhoods. The three films that I have selected are what I believe to be the top three films in this genre. They are Boyz N Da Hood, Menace to Society, and Juice. All of these films try to send a message about what it is like to live in da hood. The first film, "Boyz N Da Hood" marked the directorial debut of John Singleton, a gifted director. It seems as if he put his heart into making this film. There would be mixed emotions from many people about this film, but specifically you knew Singleton was trying to send a message about the low points, not really all points, of what went down in South Central back in the day. It starts off with elementary kids going to school, and encountering a dead body in an alleyway. Already you're somewhat shocked they aren't crying for mommy or anything. This is different from Bel Air, though. The main character in the story Tre, gets into a fight and is sent home. According to a deal he made with his mom(Angela Bassett), if he got in one more fight, he has to go live with his pop(Lawrence Fishburne.) His father lives elsewhere in south central. On his first day there Tre has to rake the lawn. He has friends, his best friend Dough Boy (Ice Cube), and Dough's brother Chris. Dough tries to pick a fight with some big guy and gets whooped. Later that day Tre and his dad go fishing, talk about how Tre has to try to get out of the hood, do his best to be the best he can. They come back home and Dough Boy gets arrested. We flash a few years ahead, Tre(Cuba Gooding Jr.) is now a senior, he's best friend's with Dough's brother now. Dough Boy(Ice Cube) has just been released from prison. Tre is doing pretty good at school, has a girlfr...

Monday, November 4, 2019

A Brief Note On The Vietnam War Of Vietnam

Vietnam War On November 1, 1995 the North Vietnamese attacked South Vietnam to mark the beginning of the Vietnam War (Tet Offensive). Spanning nineteen years, the Vietnam War was a conflict fought between six different countries and allies over the differing opinions concerning communism. Ho Chi Minh was the leader for the North and believed in a communist government and received help from the Soviet Union and China (Biography of Ho Chi Minh). On the other hand, leader of Southern Vietnam, General†¦ The Vietnam War was an extensive and expensive war between the Communist regime of North Vietnam and South Vietnam, known as Viet Cong. The United States were allies with South Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh was the founder of the Indochina Communist Party and the prime minister and leader of North Vietnam. His Communist party was called the Viet Minh. Ngo Dinh Diem was the first President of South Vietnam. He was not in favor of Communism. The war started on November 1, 1955 and ended on April 30, 1975.†¦ How To Do Business In Vietnam Name: Institution: How to do business in Vietnam Background Vietnam is a Southeast Asia country bordering China to the north, Cambodia and Laos to the west. The country has a population of 90.5 million residents. Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam but Ho Chi Minh City in the south is the most populated and the largest commercial city. The coastline opens up to the Gulf of Thailand. The land area of Vietnam is 331,114 square kilometers. A large†¦ the early days of the Vietnam war, United states involvement was limited to training and assistance to the South Vietnamese to help them defeat the communist soldiers of North Vietnam. The Vietnam War was a military conflict fought between North Vietnam and South Vietnam. South Vietnam was supported by the United States and other anti-communist allies; whereas, the North Vietnamese were supported by their communist allies. The Viet Cong fought using a guerrilla style of war, ambushing in small troops†¦ The country of Vietnam has always been in some sort of disputation. Previous to the Vietnam war, Vietnam was continually on the brink of losing their country to the French. From 1874 to 1954, the French colonization of Vietnam was taking place. After the French conquered Vietnam, they had goals including profiting economically, teaching and spreading the history and language of French culture, and having total dominance over Vietnam. If an individual was Vietnamese at this time they had the choice†¦ Vietnam war was started 12 years just after WW2 had ended. Vietnam war had started because of the struggle between the republic of Vietnam. You had 2 parts of vietnam who couldn 't get along and agree so they made a Line along the 17th Parallel call The Demilitarized Zone. It had separated North Vietnam and South Vietnam. The north was always meaner and the bad country while South vietnam was the nicer and gooder country. The Capital of North Vietnam was Hanoi. The capital of South Vietnam was Saigon†¦ psychologically by a history of war. After the Vietnam War, the country crippled under the leadership of the Communist party, the dominant and only political party in the country. The Communist party spreaded its control over every aspect of the country’s citizens and, at the same time, created a pseudo democratic system. The main cause of such corruption is the connection between the Communist Parties of Vietnam and China. While there exists a psychological border between China and Vietnam that has been around†¦ maintain control over their Indochinese colonies. Lastly, the United States would get involved in Vietnam in an attempt to prop up the southern Republic of Vietnam against the communist Democratic Republic of Vietnam. The following will be a brief summary that compares and contrasts the French and American conflicts in Vietnam by looking at motives for the wars, how the territorial boundaries of the war were defined, differences in understanding of why the Vietnamese wanted independence, and if the†¦ The Vietnam Conflict The Vietnam War, also known as the second Indochina war was fought between the years of 1954 and 1973. Although the American involvement was not as concentrated until 1963. The record for longest war in American history to this day goes to the Vietnam, but the story doesn’t start when America stepped in, it goes way beyond that. Before either of the Indochina wars, Vietnam was a French Colony. The French maintained strong control of Vietnam until the Japanese invaded during†¦ The war in Vietnam lasted for nearly 10 years and took a toll on both the American and Vietnamese people. The war in Vietnam produced large numbers of casualties and a rapid loss of support from the American people. The American leadership, both in Washington D.C. and on the ground had a lot of responsibility for the outcome. This is a piece of history that we don’t want to repeat in the future. This paper will prove that the Vietnam War was almost impossible to win and caused great loss and suffering†¦

Saturday, November 2, 2019

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 204

Assignment Example â€Å"My Papas Waltz† narrates a young son’s frightened encounters with his drunken father. As his father waltzes him around, the poem creates the same dizzying effect on the audience too. These poems evoke the senses to assert that, disorientation may be confusing at first, but they have their enlightening moments. The main subject of these poems is disorientation that can create a feeling of dread. â€Å"In a Station† is a metaphor of contrasting images about seeing an â€Å"apparition† (Pound 1) and seeing â€Å"petals† (Pound 2). An apparition is usually worrisome, while petals tend to evoke appreciation for their delicate beauty. Using these images create opposing emotional effects that result to a sense of disorientation for readers, as if the poem also wants them to feel the confused state of its speaker. â€Å"My Papas Waltz† talks about disorientation too. The speaker is merely a little boy, but his drunken father aggressively tosses him around as his dance ritual before putting his son to bed. The grace and aristocratic nature of a â€Å"waltz† conflicts with the working-class roughness of a father who smells like â€Å"whiskey† (Roethke 1), has â€Å"battered† knuckles (Roethke 10) and â€Å"palm caked hard by dirt† (Roethke 14) , and hurts his dance partner by scraping his ear with his buckle (Roethke 12). Again, this poem puts readers into the place of the speaker- a particularly physically and emotionally dizzying place. These poems have a powerful way of forcing their audiences to step into their shoes and feel their disorientation. To feel confusion, these poems stimulate the senses to create strong visual and emotional effects. The title itself of â€Å"In a Station† easily helps readers see the metro’s darkness, feel its coldness, and smell its wet, dank scents. Adding the description of the â€Å"apparition of these faces in the crowd† heightens the feelings of creepiness and fearfulness of the setting (Pound 1).