Monday, January 24, 2011

Passionate English Majors



Enrolling in an English degree program might not seem like the most practical of higher education pursuits. There is, after all, great demand for nurses, a need to fill a pipeline of future workers with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) degrees. If you're considered underrepresented in one of these fields - a male nurse, for example, a female engineer or a biotechnologist who hails from a racial or ethnic background that's considered a minority - you might even expand your college and university scholarship opportunities.

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Different people have different talents and interests, however. For those who are passionate about the English language, an English degree might be a more appropriate choice for college and university studies. Who is the typical student who pursues such a degree? According to an Illinois university, that student is likely to be one who is more passionate about education than those in degree programs targeted more toward vocations. Some view graduates with degrees in English as caring about more than the financial rewards in life and as appreciating literature's artistic worth as it relates to articulating human nature, the website for this university contends.
Some of the well-known former college and university students who studied English, or English Literature, include Edward Estlin (E.E.) Cummings, Reese Witherspoon, Joan Didion, George Plimpton, Elizabeth Bishop and Matt Damon. While these former students of English followed career paths within the arts - literary and performing - an English degree recipient-turned-entrepreneur who serves as chief executive officer of an Internet company suggests that innovation is a product of the liberal arts.
English programs are a part of the liberal arts. The entrepreneur and English degree advocate, in a 2006 edition of a publication produced by a Washington university suggested that, because learning itself is the focus of liberal arts programs, students are better prepared for life. He likened liberal arts students to the "Swiss army knives" of employees in that, through reading, they might come to better understand a wide array of people and situations and in that they tend to be "generalists" able to communicate, manage and adapt.
While studying English in college, the entrepreneur served as public relations writer for a museum. Graduating with his English degree in hand, he worked first as communications director for a college and then in production and marketing for Microsoft, according to the Washington university article in A&S Perspectives. He has since established a company that designs websites, publishes a corporate Intranet site and designs Internet software programs and applications.
Technology itself has changed the arts in terms of digital video and photography, even the way that English degree recipients-turned authors are read. Books, fiction and non-fiction, are also available on hand-held readers as well as in audio format for iPods. The Illinois university contends that English is the international language, which could enhance worldwide job opportunities for these degree recipients interested in teaching English as a Second Language.

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English Class vs Language Arts in Education



Most schools do not put enough emphasis on the fine arts, namely, as an example--the art of language. In an English class the teacher will focus on reading skills, reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary--but language arts is recognizing written word as an art form.
Yes we do want our students to study and master the English language. But the fine arts should be reserved as different kind of lesson, preferably in a creative writing class that is separate from English class. But every English class, if there is no specific language arts class required, should at least include a unit that focuses on the beauty and importance of literary accomplishments throughout the ages. Poetry, plays, song lyrics, screenplays, novels, from authors like Shakespeare, Dylan Thomas, Ken Kesey, Harper Lee etc.

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Language is composed of words--words carry specific meaning and sometimes carry double meaning. So the primary tool of language is words, another is sound. Words are, in combination with an almost musical goal, can show the transformation of words and basic communication into art.
The empty page means to the writer what the score of music means to the musician or singer. The empty page is the blank canvas, the untouched page in a sketchbook and so on, the empty page is--the thing that the any artist of the written word must make to come alive.
As I mentioned before, there is a musical aspect and technique to literary language that is hard to grasp without providing prime examples of it. The musical technique involved in the art of language is well exemplified by the works of William Shakespeare, but he is just one of many. The poem, when read silently or aloud. Whether it in written in iambic pentameter, as a sestina or in the more modern style of free form, the music should be there. For example in a poem by Dylan Thomas, the first stanza reads:
" Do not go gentle into that good night
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
The poem was written as Dylan Thomas watched his father lay dying, and there is a beautiful song here. Note the repetition. Note the syntax in which the words are used which is different than regular speech--there are articles like "the" or "a" that the author will drop--removed for the sake of rhythm. This particular poem is easy to find at the library or on the Internet, and I highly recommend it as a tool for any Language Arts instructor.
There is technique and beauty, form, use of syllables, pitch, pacing and sound even in prose. So demonstrate to your students the versatility of words.
If there is one thing I loved best about high school--it was what I learned in my Advanced English class, which was exclusive to the analysis of the literary arts.

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Travel Tips to Jakarta



Jakarta is the largest city and the capital of Indonesia. It is also the central of economy and commerce of this country. Business opportunities are plentiful, and so are recreational spots.
The following tips can also be applied to visiting Indonesia in general.

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1. Airport
Located approximately 26km west of the heart of the city. Soekarno Hatta International Airport can be reached at about 20 minutes drive from the business district. 32 Major International airlines come in and out of Terminal 2, while the local flights using the Terminal 1.
2. Airport Tax
An airport tax of Rp150.000 is levied by airport on departing passengers on International Flights, and 40.000 for domestic ones.
3. Customs
Maximum items allowed by customs when you visit Indonesia:
1 liter of Alcoholic Beverages.200 Cigarettes or 50 Cigars or 100grams of Tobacco.Reasonable amount of perfume per adult.Cameras, Video Cameras, Portable Radios, Cassette Recorders, Binoculars and Sport Equipment are admitted provided they are taken out on departure.They must be declared to customs.
You are prohibited to carry:
Firearms, Narcotic Drugs, Pornography Materials, Chinese printing and medicines, Transceivers and cordless telephone, Films, Pre Recorded Video tapes, Laser Discs, VCDs, DVDs must be screened by Censor Board, Import or Export of Foreign Currencies and Travelers Checks are allowed. However, the import and export of Indonesian Currency exceeding 100 Million Rupiah is prohibited.
4. Tipping
Most hotels add a 10% service charge to the bill on top of the 10%tax. In restaurants where service charge is not added, a tip of 5 to 10% of the bill will be appropriate depending on the service and type of establishment.
5. Weather
Located in the tropical zone, Jakarta's climate is hot and humid. The average temperatures range from 26' Celsius at night and early morning and up to 33' Celsius at noon. April to October is usually dry season, While November to March is wet season.
6. Languages & Ethnics
Like the rest of Indonesia, Citizen of Jakarta speaks the national language, "Bahasa Indonesia". Current population of Jakarta consists of various ethnic groups from different parts of Indonesia, including Chinese, Arab and Indian descendants in commercial areas.
7. Electricity
Outlets and Voltage of 220 Volts. Small appliances such as hair dryers, irons, razors, etc.can be used in Indonesia. The frequency of electrical current in Indonesia is 50Hz.
8. Transportation
Taxis in Indonesia is cheap and plentiful, and thankfully air conditioned, making them the best way to get around, especially in the cities.

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Komodo Island



Komodo Island is one of the beautiful and unique islands that you can use as your main destination if you visit Indonesia. The island will offer a panorama of nature that you will not find in any other places in the world, the charm of the island reptiles that may only exist in our minds or prehistory movie-theme.
Komodo Island is not only the pride of Indonesia but also will become part of the world pride. Komodo Island is located at the westernmost tip of Nusa Tenggara Timur province which borders the province of West Nusa Tenggara. The park is located on the volcanic island of Indonesia Wallace region is home to more than 5700 komodo or the giant dragon lizards. In this place also lived 4000 people.

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The island is located in the Komodo district, West Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. To be able to reach this island available there are a wide range of accommodation ranging from hostel accommodation to the local communities to set up an international resort.
Since 1980, area of 1817 km2 National Park was made by the Government of Indonesia, which is then recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. In addition it is also the only natural habitat Komodo dragons in the world, and recognized by the World Wildlife Federation and the International Conservation as a global conservation priority.
On this island you can enjoy tours Komodo National Park to observe the life of Komodo dragon up close. In addition you can also enjoy various water sports here. You can try to dive in the waters north and south islands. The water around the island of Komodo is special water because the water is warm.

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Simple Math is the Key to Healthy Weight Loss



There is one simple to key to losing weight in natural and healthy manner, and that is by utilizing what simple math skills you learned in the third grade. Yes, that is correct math is the key to weight loss for any person. Certainly engaging in exercise on a regular schedule will thrust your results into high gear, but to lose weight anywhere from five pounds to fifty pounds you must apply simple math to get to your goal.

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The math theory in losing weight naturally is applied by creating an initial goal weight and how many weeks you are giving yourself to get to that goal. For example, if you are seeking to lose twenty pounds in six weeks then you would need to lose around three pounds each week. The average thirty old female that leads a fairly active lifestyle (fairly active being going to work, walking the dog, completing household chores) would require 1500 calories per day. In order to lose just one pound of fat the human body must dispose of 3,500 calories to rid of that one pound of fat. Before you become quickly discouraged, realize that when an individual aims to lose twenty pounds those pounds will not all be pounds of fat as some will be water weight and water weight loss is very simple and comes off quickly.
Continuing on your math journey for weight loss, the key to success is to expend more calories each day than you would consume to lose any weight. If you need to take in 1500 calories to maintain the current weight you are at then you would need to decrease that number by a few hundred each day to lose the pounds. By only consuming 1100 calories per day you would be taking 2800 calories per week away from your body which would be a step in the right direction. If you engage in exercise each week of jogging just three times per week for one hour you would lose an additional 1500 calories on top of your 2800 that you took away from your daily diet, equally a total calorie loss for each at around 4300 calories per week. Those 4300 calories would be a few pounds in the form of two for water weight and one pound of fat each week which is right where you want to be to lose your twenty pounds in the six week allotted time period.
You do not need to be on any crash diet or starve yourself, if you take the time to research online how many calories are in the foods you would be consuming during your weight loss schedule you would find that you can eat quite a bit of food for only 1100 calories per day. The foods that are healthy for you such as green vegetables and fruit are not generally high in calories making it simple to prepare meals for the day and plan your snacks as well. Make meals and snacks for the week in advance and you are sure to lose the weight in your allotted time table and feel great about completing the achievement on your own and in a healthy manner.

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Math Study Habit Secrets



Do you or your child find it difficult studying math effectively? Do you continually have low grades in math? If you answer YES to these questions, then this article is for you. I have compiled math study habits secrets for you or your child.

USE THE SYLLABUS / SCHEME OF WORK
You can't do everything at every point in time. It is advisable you do required things at every stage of your life.

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You are not expected to pick a text book and begin to learn how to differentiate or integrate a mathematical equation in your first year in secondary school. You are also not expected to waste most of your time solving problems on addition and subtraction of Directed numbers in your final year in secondary school.
You can get to know what is required of you at every stage of your academic life through a detailed syllabus or the scheme of work.
A student in an examination class (a student preparing for a final external examination) should get the detailed syllabus of the examination he intends to write. In the same vein, all students should have the terms' scheme of work on the first page of their mathematics note books. If the teacher fails to give it to them, they should ask or request for it.
It is not advisable for you to go into a personal study period without the syllabus / scheme of work by your side. I will state the advantages of working with the syllabus / scheme of work as mathematics students. Firstly, the syllabus / scheme of work show you at a glance what you're expected to know at every stage of your mathematics life in school. If you know this, you won't waste your time doing what you're not expected to do. Even though you will still end up doing it in future but you have succeeded in wasting your precious time on what you'll not be examined on at that particular time. If after your first year in secondary school, you should have successfully completed ten topics, but you find yourself as a result of misinformation struggling with a topic that is to be offered in the third year, then you'll have yourself to blame if you can't master or have a good understanding of those ten topics.
The syllabus / scheme of work present you the domain where you're to reside at a point in time in your academic life. You may move out of this domain when you must have understood all the topics in your present domain.
Secondly, the syllabus / scheme of work give you the opportunity to look at a glance those topics that are given you problems and which you may require help. You're to tick any topic that you have understood the concept and also that you can easily be examined on. You're also required to note those you're still struggling to grasp.
Thirdly, the syllabus / scheme of work also help you to know your limit on any particular topic. When I say limit I mean areas you're not supposed to touch under any particular topic.
For example, a second year secondary/college student is not expected to go beyond the use of measuring instruments to find angles of elevation and depression. During my school days, I don't toy with the idea of not working with my syllabus / scheme of work. It is a useful tool which many students are not using presently.
SEEK HELP
At particular times in our lives we need the helping hands of somebody. This is applicable to everybody so it is not out of place for anybody to seek help from the right quarters.
Help can come from your mates. You don't have to be ashamed going to your mates for help. They are the closest to offer help. It is only when they cannot find solution to your problem, you can then pay a visit to your teacher - you may even consider getting the needed help from students in higher classes before you go to your teacher.
During my days in school, I feel comfortable seeking help / assistance from my mates. We're familiar with each other and so we can help each other whenever the need arises. Today, I always instruct my students to seek help from their mates before coming to me.
When it finally dawn on you that you can't find a solution to your problem, go after your teacher immediately. Your teacher will be in a position to provide solution to the problem. You should not relent on your effort to solve the problem if the teacher turns you down or fix another appointment with you on your first visit, go to him/her again and again. You may also go to other mathematics teachers in the school if you find it difficult getting the attention of your math teacher. Your major goal is to solve a problem, so you should be ready to go to any length to achieve your aim.
You can also belong to a study group. You can get sufficient help from your study group. You must be sure people in your study group have like minds as yourself. They must be students you know are capable of helping whenever you need help. It is of no use belonging to a study group where most of the students are below average. At least in a study group of six for example, four of the students must be above average.
Help can also come from some other quarters like your brother, sister, your parent, a neighbor, the internet and so on.
So my dear student, seek help today when you need one and avoid committing a great blunder on the day of the examination.

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Social Sciences Offering Interesting Career Opportunities



Social sciences include disciplines that are not part of natural sciences. Political science, sociology, journalism, anthropology, linguistic, history, behavioral science, and women's studies are some of the study programs offered by a social science department in any university or college. These study programs are quite popular, because they offer great career opportunities.
In ancient times, mathematics, history, and literature were all considered the same. However, with the passage of time, social science became a distinct field of study. Today these subjects have their own theories, methodologies, and study principles. These sciences are quite different from natural sciences, such as mathematics, in the way they are taught and in their area of focus.

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Study Of Society
Social sciences explore the human society from various angles. For example, political science explores the development and functions of government. One of the ways it explores the development of government is by studying the behavior of various rulers throughout the history.
Sociology, on the other hand, studies human behavior and pattern of human interaction within the society. In sociology, students study how human behavior is influenced and governed by factors like, religion, society, and laws.
Therefore, those who are interested in studying society, government, or human behavior should take up one of the social sciences as a major subject. If you are not quite sure whether to choose political science or sociology, you can always talk to a counselor who will be able to guide you properly.
Career Options For Political Science Graduates
These study fields are quite popular, interesting, and offer great career opportunities. For example, political science graduates can become future politicians or civil servants. With a graduate degree, one can become a high school teacher. Those who are interested in becoming a professor in political science at a college or university will need to first get a masters and PhD degree in that subject.
A degree in political science, which is one of the favorite subjects among social sciences, also opens door to becoming a legislative aid, campaign manager, district attorney, or judge.
A degree in sociology also opens many doors to graduates. Business, counseling, journalism, politics, correction facilities, and administration are just the areas that a sociology graduate can pursue as a career.
It is very clear that all the study fields in social science are rewarding in terms of learning experience and career options. Moreover, social science study programs are offered in almost every college or university. Besides opting for degree programs in social sciences, students can also opt for diploma or certificate programs. Whatever study program you choose, make sure that it matches your study interests and career dreams.
The Cost Factor
Though there are plenty of social science study programs to choose from, yet many students cannot pursue them due to cost factor. You can apply for scholarships or financial aid to pay for your tuition cost. As far as saving on college textbooks is concerned you can buy secondhand books. Better yet, you can shop online for your college textbooks. Online stores offer cheap college textbooks and can help you save hundreds of dollars every semester.
With proper planning and budgeting, you will be able to pursue your studies in social sciences and enjoy a great career in the future.

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Free Market Economics Versus The Minimum Wage



The minimum wage, or the lowest possible rate at which a worker is paid, is a staple feature of all developed countries. A majority regard this law as an offspring of a greater sense of social responsibility among the big players in a national economy. However, more than just philosophical ideals, any law or proposal should also be subject to scrutiny in as far as its financial or economic feasibility.
Globalization, the process by which the whole world has become interconnected has now reached its peak. Western companies, in the face of increased competition from the outside, are now finding ways to enhance their global competitiveness by minimizing the prime factor that dictates business viability - operation costs.
Today, the global phenomenon of business process outsourcing has taken the front seat. Basically, companies contract labor from outside their companies to do some of their business processes to cut down on capital outlay. Initially, outsourcing was a domestic affair. However, with the advent of the Internet, it has now crossed national borders.

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The outsourcing phenomenon has caused countless headaches to many developed countries. In the United States for example, hundreds of thousands of customer service jobs were lost with the development of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), a telephone system that makes international calls cost almost the same as local calls. These jobs were moved to offshore locations like Panama, India and the Philippines, as a company can simply pay a foreign representative a tenth of what they would at home.
Even writing jobs, accounting, legal, and pretty much everything else that does not need on-site service can be outsourced offshore. With the existence and strict implementation of the minimum wage law in most countries, local businesses find it difficult to reconcile business needs with government policy. However, a total repeal of the law will expose the average salaried worker to labor abuses that warranted the law's existence to begin with.
With this paradox, is the Minimum Wage Law in need of drastic revisions?
Probably, but it would take one heck of Nobel laureate to find the perfect answer.
For one, the concept of a minimum wage has become deeply ingrained in the consciousness of the average person. However, this leads many multinationals to move jobs overseas in search of cheaper labour.

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