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Ecological Footprint of a Luxury Good Purchasable in Canada

Introduction

Nespresso, the brand name for Nestlé Nespresso, is a coffee product manufactured in Vancouver, Canada. Nonetheless, their products can be purchased in Nespresso stores in other major cities in Canada and around the world, through mail orders, or many other consumer appliance supplies. Nespresso prices usually average at 0.5 USD per capsule. Although, the climatic conditions in Canada do not favor the growth of coffee, the raw material of Nespresso coffee, it has always been imported from other countries. A coffee plant begins to generate flowers from which the fruits of the plant emerge. The plant takes around five years before the initial harvest is realized. After the emergence of the cherries, it takes around eight months for them to ripen, notably with the color turning from green to red. When the cherries turn red, they are ready to be picked.

History of Coffee

Coffee, being the raw material of Nespresso, has become the most poplar beverage in Canada and since it was introduced in 1607 (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 2011). It was first discovered in Eastern Africa in the present day Ethiopia and was first used by a local resident who was a herdsman and legend. It is said that he had observed a peculiar behavior on his animals after they had consumed berries from a certain bush (Hewitt 86). It is from this observation that the herdsman set out to try the raw berries to understand as to why the goats were frisky after consuming the berries. After eating the berries, the native discovered that they had a stimulating effect that gave them renewed energy (BellissimoInc, 2011). News about the new fruit named after the legend of kaldi widely spread very fast through out the region.

Arabs became the first people to process coffee raw berries as well as pioneering the trade both in local and transnational areas (Hewitt 97). The Nespresso’s raw material was easily adapted by the Arabs as a beverage as the Holy Quran forbids alcoholic drinks. Therefore, it acted as a religious compliant substitute for alcoholic drinks.

Processing of Coffee

Nespresso coffee is prepared by grinding the roasted seeds of the Arabica tree and its taste is like that of overcooked cereals. The beverage has harmful effects since it contains high levels of caffeine and tannin that accord adverse health issues. For instance, the identified elements affect males by making semen acquire a thin texture, a condition that causes early ejaculation (Mi yerba Mate, 2011). It has been proven that caffeine found in Nespresso coffee reduces reproduction power in both males and females. Additionally, it has a bad effect on the skin in terms of coloration; a heavy coffee user tends to acquire a much darkened and rough skin.

Canada acquires most of its raw material for the production of Nespresso from Colombia and Brazil. Picking of the berries is the most important step in the entire processing procedure. There are two types of picking namely, strip picking and selective picking. Strip picking involves a general harvest of the entire crop, inclusive of the ripe and unripe berries. This method is not very suitable and is least favored between the two. Strip picking on the other hand involves a careful picking of the ripe Nespresso coffee berries that are normally red in color. The berries are then dried and ground into desired textures.

Transportation

Dried Nespresso coffee is known to absorb humidity and other odors; owing to this fact, transportation of dried coffee becomes a delicate operation to avoid contamination during the transit process. Nespresso coffee is transported in jute sacks or containers, categorized as standard and the ventilated containers. The standard container has unique materials used for the walls and ceiling for protection purposes. These include steel sheets, fiberglass reinforced plastic and plywood. Note that, the floor should be covered in wood (BellissimoInc, 2011). The ventilated containers have the roof and floor ventilated with the active hatches for cooling purposes, with the wooden floor kept clean and dry between thirty and thirty-five degrees. Long trucks and rail journeys are avoided owing to the vulnerability to damage that the trucks and rails are exposed to on transit. The amount of time taken and distance to be covered when this means are used is prone to risks like pilferage. Containers are normally offloaded within twenty-four and forty-eight hours to prevent the occurrence of damages. The delay period is as a significant determinant factor on whether or not shipping bulks survive.

Picking methods

Mostly, coffee plants only offer a single harvest yearly as flowering occurs once in a year. Owing to the fact that most of the coffee producing countries are third word countries, picking is mostly done by hand as opposed to the mechanical process. These labor-intensive approaches are rather quite expensive compared to the mechanical process. While picking, green cherries are not to be picked as, the seeds therein are not fully matured for processing. Therefore, selective picking is the most preferred method to do so. After this stage, the coffee fruit that is later turned into Nespresso coffee is transported from the farmer to the processor. This is followed by technical processing either comprising of the dry or wet processes. In the wet process, fruit casing is detached from the cover then the seeds are left to dry. By the immersion of the fruit in water, the ripe and unripe fruits are separated since the ripe berries sink while the unripe float on the water. This process can also be employed using automated equipment in a process called machine-assisted wet processing.

The dry process of making Nespresso coffee also known as dried coffee is the most basic and ancient method of coffee processing. After harvest, the entire cherry is dried out in the sun on tables or simply spreading the harvest outside on sacks (Ihsan, 2011). This is done after the cherries have been cleansed and separating the ripe from the unripe. The drying process takes up to four weeks before the berries are fully dried and ready for the next step. It is a very important process since it determines the ultimate final quality of the coffee. The dried seeds are then taken for milling and packaging, before it is ready for sale.

Commercial benefits

Individuals benefiting from this trade are not the farmers who cultivate the fruit but the importers who buy it. Out of the estimated seventy billion dollars coffee sales noted in Canada each year by the sale of Nespresso coffee, only five billion dollars of the value is pulled back home to the farmers (Markets & Market Systems, 2011). The superfluous amount is retained by the importers in the developed world at the expense of the developing nations. Coffee farmers who maintain the flow of Nespresso coffee in the market only dig up a fraction of the amount collected from their produce, evidencing an unfair form of transaction.

The role of women

The role of women in Nespresso coffee’s raw material plantations is to pick the cherries and to provide food for the men during cultivation activities on the farm (Tensaye, 2010). Female roles were largely defined as taking care of the children, making meals, housework and the same are excluded from farming contributions, although activities dealing with household chores comprise of the bulk of women activities. To attain sustainable production, improvements have to be incorporated in agricultural production methods of planting, weeding, mulching and other farm activities. Respect for human workers’ rights and reasonable remuneration is necessitated for pragmatic sustainability to be achieved.

Improving production

Weed control is vital since such plants compete with coffee for nutrients and water and may strain the coffee plant leading to slow growth. Pruning also helps to rejuvenate the plant by removing the unproductive parts and thus contributing greatly to the total yield of the plant (Ibero Limited, 2011). Environmental safety is crucial and it is necessary for new coffee trees to be planted to replace those that have been lost through wilting diseases. Mulching as a way of covering the soil in a bid to prevent it from losing moisture should be considered in coffee plantations. It is a simple undertaking as grass is mostly used for the task that aids with slowing down runoffs and suppressing weed growth. When the mulch decomposes, it acts as a source of soil enrichment (Ibero Limited, 2011).

Water is a fundamental ingredient in terms of the yielding capacity. Controlling erosion and harvesting rainwater is a certain way to ensure sustainability in coffee plantation, especially during dry periods within the production states. Measures to prevent erosion will save the farmer loss of nutrients required for plant growth (Defares 127). This is not only to protect the top soil from eroding but also to ensure high rainwater content and retention in the farming regions. This helps to maintain soil moisture and thus leading to higher productivity.

Conclusion

Nespresso is a popular beverage in Canada and its consumption can be projected to increase in future. This calls for a careful research on its market viability and its availability to the consumers. More importantly, addressing the methods by which its production can be sustained would be an appropriate approach. Fair renumeration for the farmers is probably the first step to take if the raw material has to enjoy an uninterrupted supply. This would avail resources to them to maintain the soil’s fertility for a better yield. Nespresso coffee is on the rise in publicity and the trend should keep on growing on an upward scale if better sales are to be achieved.

Works Cited

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. 2011. The Canadian Coffee Industry. 2011. Web. 14 Oct 2011.

AS Markets & Market Systems. Market for Coffee. 2011. Web. 14 Oct 2011.

Bellissimo, Inc. The Art and Craft of Coffee. 2011. Web. 14 Oct 2011.

Defares, R .S. Inter-America Institute for Cooperative on Agriculture Inter-America. Jakarta, Indonesia: USAID/Indonesia, 2010. Print.

Hewitt, Robert. Coffee: Its History, Cultivation, and Uses. NY: Forgotten Books, 1986. Print.

Ibero Limited. Coffee plantation management. 2011. Web. 14 Oct 2011.

Ihsan, D. Aceh’s Organic Coffee Production. 2011. Web. 14 Oct 2011.

Mi Yerba, Mate. Harmful Ingredients in Coffee and Tea? 2011. Web. 14 Oct 2011

Tensaye, A.W. Marketing & Promotion Opportunities of Ethiopian Coffee. 2011. Web. 14 Oct 2011.

 

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Globalization and its impacts on the importance of the state

Introduction

Globalization refers to the integration of cultures and economies through the sharing of global political framework facilitated through global means of communication, transport and trade. In most cases, globalization in terms of economics refers to the amalgamation of economies of different countries to result to a single international trade platform, which in turn offers opportunities for social and cultural integration (Calomiris 56). Globalization has been used in the description and explanation of global phenomena. As a result, it has received positive outburst by supporters of economic integration without the barriers imposed by national borders. On a similar account, globalization has been significantly criticized basing on the perceptions that it imposes significant threats on social cohesion and that globalization facilitates the progression of free capitalism, which in turn results to an undermining of the welfare state (Jones 78). The animosity concerning the controversial debate on globalization needs the use of a holistic analysis towards the issue. Globalization is mainly a prismatic concept, which should be evaluated basing on the ways that it manifests itself and from diverse perspectives such as its impacts on the reducing the importance of the state and the state can be re-evaluated in such a way that it can benefit from globalization. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate whether globalization is reducing the importance of the state.

The elimination of the trade barriers, advancement in technology and the opening of the global capital markets has resulted ton an increase in the movement of people, goods and information. As a result, they have widened the issues that spill over the country borders requiring significant international regulation. This has imposed increased consultations and negotiations on a global and regional platform. A significant proportion of the issues that the world is currently facing like poverty, terrorism and pollution are transnational, and cannot be effectively addressed using the tools at the disposal of the state (Mintz et al. 78).

Increasing levels of interdependence from a social and economic perspective has the potential of affecting the decision-making processes at the state level in two core ways. For instance, globalization results to a transfer of the state decision making to an international level. Secondly, an increase in the demand for involvement implies that many decisions are transferred to the local government. This complexity in decision-making serves to reduce the significance of state level of government. In fact, political scholars have predicted an end to the power of the state due to the increasing need for cooperation and regulation at the different government levels. Some claim that the state level of government have the only option of adjusting to the impacts of globalization, and that it has no active role in globalization; and this is likely to make the state superseded, reducing its significance (Jones 89).

A contrasting view is the proposition that the state is a key player at both the domestic and international platforms irrespective of the increasing concerns regarding the loss of the state sovereignty due to globalization. The common viewpoint that the onset of a global civil society and the increasing amounts of cross border trade and investment flows are likely to render the state worthless is misrepresented. In an international platform, interstate cooperation serves to strengthen state sovereignty. Therefore, such as an action does not serve to reduce the importance of states. On the contrary, it strengthens the states by the establishment of an international environment characterized by stability and offering an opportunity for the state to expand its scope with respect to the exchange of diverse fields (Calomiris 102).

Another dimension to evaluate the impacts of the globalization on the state is to assess the extent to which the aspect of nation-state has strengthened or weakened due to globalization. Globalization played a significant role on the inception of the nation-States, which has assured security at both internal and external levels in accordance to the provisions of the law, financed by the welfare systems at the national level. During the 20^th century, there has been a significant expansion regarding the roles and the responsibilities of the state in all the above-mentioned fields. Jones (89) points out that the need to offer joint public services and the management of externalities is there to stay irrespective of increased globalization. Jones further asserts that there is no evident that underpins globalization to a reduce significance of the state at both local and international level, and that globalization has not served to reduce the relevance of the state functions. On the contrary, globalization has increased their necessity, therefore strengthening the state. Therefore, the viewpoint of a borderless state that has minimal relevance is a misconception. The underlying argument is that globalization, in itself increases the need to have a strong state, which in turn helps in increasing its relevance and importance (Mintz et al. 100).

Conclusion

            In order to determine whether globalization reduces the importance of the state or not, it is important to have an empirical analysis of both sides of the equation. An standpoint that can be derived from the above viewpoints is that globalization, in itself imposes the need for the state to expand its capacity and function with higher level of openness, but it does not serve to undermine the role of the state at the national and international frameworks. Therefore, globalization does not reduce the role and the importance of the state, but serves to exert pressure on the state to expand its scope in order to accommodate the challenges and opportunities presented by globalization.

 

 

 

Works Cited

Calomiris, Charles. “A race to the bottom or governance from the top?” Prakash, Aseem and         Jeffrey Hart. Coping with globalisation. New York: Routledge, 2002. 56.

Jones, Barry. The World Turned Upside Down? : Globalisation and the future of the state. New     York: St. Martin’s Press, 2000.

Mintz, Eric, David Close and Croci Osvaldo. Politics, Power and the Common Good: An Introduction to Political. Toronto, Ontario: Pearson Education, 2011.

 

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Going Green in American Universities

American universities have joined in the worldwide campaign of going green. In terms of the courses provided, universities have instituted studies and courses that include environmental studies. American universities have also engaged in a competition dubbed the Green Power Challenge under the environmental protection agency. In the competition, the universities compete to find out which university can purchase the greenest and cleanest energy. This encourages the schools to offset their power and substitute it with green power to the highest percentage. The colleges are also incorporating environmentalism in their orientation process for new comers. The universities train students on how to minimize the impact they have on the environment when they are both on campus and off campus in the orientation programs.

The topics taught include ecological literacy and sustainability, recycling, living without a car, consuming organic foods and conserving energy. The students also tour various places to meet the people behind the environmental efforts in the various colleges. The dormitories in the schools are also being constructed in accordance to the leadership in energy and environmental design or LEED. The dorms are rated in terms of gold silver and bronze for the best, second best and third best. The students in the dorms also think of green decorations and how to install them in their dorm rooms (Fine, 2009).

The colleges are introducing organic food in their diet system. The organic food, which ranges from gourmet to fast foods, is being included in the schools’ dining hall menus. The universities are also growing organic foods in farms and form composts with the waste coming from it. Blogs have also been instituted where students could discuss their various efforts to go green and share new ideas. There are fully-fledged eco-friendly colleges in America where only environmentally minded people are allowed, universities which offer human ecology as a course and an Earth university that is located in Costa Rica (Fine, 2009).

As a student at the University of Texas at San Antonio, my recommendation would be to institute many of the strategies above if not all where we could hold competitions with other colleges and universities to challenge one another in the spirit of going green. Moreover, the university staff and tutors require leading by example and engaging in the activities that involve making the earth a better place to live in. For instance, the staff could join the in their dining rooms while they have their organic food. This would show their support for the cause. The school should also have a green day where people do no attend class and everyone comes to school to plant trees, collect litter around the school, unblock drainages and cut the grass to make the school as green as possible. With these moves and the incorporation of pre-orientation lessons to all freshmen about the environment, it shall promise that every year in the UTSA there shall be a team of environmentalists that are going to dedicate their time and energy to take care of the school’s environment and make UTSA the leading green university in America and the world.

 

Works Cited:

Fine, Doug. Farewell, My Subaru: An Epic Adventure in Local Living. New York, NY: Random House Publishing Group, 2009. Print.

College Cost Reduction Act of 2007. New York, NY: DIANE Publishing, 2007. Print.

Kemp, Roger L., and Stephani, CarlJ.Cities Going Green: A Handbook of Best Practices. McFarland, 2011. Print.

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Music Class

Biography

Born in Cambria, Guillaume Dufay was a musician whose impact cannot be overlooked, as he is one of the few renowned performers of the 1550s. Dufay initial singing career began with his participation in a choir. Later as he developed in his career, he was considered as the best composer of his times, making him very famous and influential in the world of music. Using a contemporary approach, Dufay’s music marked a permanent revolution touching on every existing genre of music that had been established within the given period (Kallen 72). Many sources talk of him, as an apprentice though his early life is not very well documented. Dufay was the most famous composer in Europe with great and all time compositions such as Adieu ces bons vins de Lannoys.

Dufay received his musical training at the Cathedral School of Cambrai, under the instruction of Bishop Pierre d’Ailly who also held the Chancellor’s position in the University of Paris. Dufay’s stay in Savoy accorded him a degree in law from the prestigious University of Turin. Following this, Dufay became a canon as he had also received a canonicate award from Cambria. Note that, it was this form of exposure to the church that supported Dufay in terms of effectuality towards creating musical content and other writings such as liturgies and other musical works. Dufay was all rounded in terms of musical information and resources owing to his numerous connections with the Burgundian court.

It was not until 1428 that his musical career begun taking course when he joined the Papal becoming a member for close to five years then later leaving the choir and venturing into a solo. Dufay became well established through out France in the 1430s, interacting with well established singers and composers within the music industry. During this period, Dufay had attained a doctor of canon law and therefore, his counsel was sought after on various ecclesiastical events (Ambrosini and Michael 11). In addition, Dufay had become a household name in his home town of Cambria; he was an affluent individual and he decided to settle in Cambria after establishing his solo singing profession.

Dufay was largely celebrated for his simple music, comprising of very beautiful melodies and clear harmonic sensations. His compositions branded him as a diverse music composer with a very wide range of musical assortment ranging from religious melodies, secular songs, to isorhythmic motets performed and meant for special occasions Dufay’s compositions depicted a full mastery of writing and an admirable control of melody in his music. In fact, it was impossible to accord a specific or particular individual style in his works as the music took different angles foe varied purposes.

Dufay’s Significance and Contribution in Music

            Dufay is considered as one of the principals responsible for inaugurating renaissance in music (Ambrosini and Michael 69). Dufay is honored for the role he played in enhancing Italian music, where he is associated with notable influence he had on the musical life of active Italians by incorporating ideas that changed and intrigued known composers during the given time. This change instituted sanity in Italy’s musical class, a factor that many felt was the efforts of the young Dufay. His smooth flowing melodies were more appealing compared to the intricate musical touch of the past medieval period. This accorded Dufay ascendancy as he changed the course Italian music to a better level of presentation in terms of appeal.

Dufay is remembered in his role as a significant link acting between the Medieval and Rebirth periods. For instance, he created of one of the most popular melodies, L’homme armé. This is roughly translated to mean that, every man should arm himself against some threat that is not mentioned in the work. Dufay is also credited for infusing professionalism in the music arena and creating a flexible form of music writing in the practice of music compositions in Europe, more specifically in Italy where he resided (Kallen 114). His works have been used diversely used in musical studies in countries where polyphony is practiced. While in Italy, most of Dufay’s compositions were secular with a few of the songs actually done in Italian. The rest of his works are mostly in French since at the given period it acted as the most recognized and venerated language.

Dufay’s music was very influential in the enhancement of the polyphonic style and therefore his pieces were highly practiced in locations where the given technique noted prominence. He contributed greatly to the current development of music notably in changing musical patterns. Composers all over copied numerous aspects of his works with his style being endorsed by subsequent generations. Dufay is most respected for his mastery in the various forms of musical work he incorporated in his writing; this is reflected in composed masses, chansons, and motets, in a smooth and careful harmonic style (NHCS, 2011).

Dufay’s expertise in vocal works gave him a remarkable platform in the musical arena. It is noted that his music did not encompass the use of instruments since he successfully adopted the three voice vocal range in his works with a remarkable talent. Besides being highly talented, Dufay’s was also very intelligent and highly educated. This partly serves as the reason why he had such a remarkable success in his musical profession that transformed the direction of the conservative composing method into a more flexible approach. Dufay spent most of his time writing, masses liturgies, and Italian ballates.

Musical development has ascended since the late 1930s, beginning with the medieval period when vocals and tone took precedence in music. These changed and a few musical instruments were added to the art in a periods1400 and1600. This actually marked the renaissance period, which in literal terms means rebirth owing to such developments as evidenced by Dufay, the pillar of the changes experienced today by writers allover the world (Li, 2011). Dufay’s critical intelligence supported effectual style incorporation that is still present in today’s music industry; the style has adopted Dufay’s approach of integrating more art than music in any performances.

The composer emphasized on the presentation of musical work other than the input. Although at the initial period the given contributions were held as little causes, they fashioned a major new approach within the musical field. Many musicians and music composers solely depended on the innovative approach that placed music as an art that was perceived in varying different dimensions, a proof that growth potential and technological progression largely fostered musicality.

With Dufay’s experience stemming from the church and academic backing, he was able to modify musical setups that are still employed in polyphonic musical compositions. Note that, in the middle ages, musical instruments were used for both vocal music and independent instrumental music (Li, 2011). The introduction of country love as infused by Dufay played a major role in the revolution of musical composition. The English middle age music was influenced by the publicized crusade of Arab songs and the backing of medieval nobles. The growth of Christianity was what led to the introduction of secular music as well. This type of music was initially presented in unison on key C, with the notes comprising of the same length and with time it was slowly accepted in the twelfth century.

In conclusion, the renaissance musical period can be traced back to the 1400s to 1600s when major changes were experienced in the musical scene. This acted as a notable shift from the ancient styles of music compositions (NHCS, 2011). In the given era, the spirit of arts works depicted independence and much autonomy that relieved future composers of the ancient troubled forms of compositions. This creativity helped artists to overcome the strict writing ways of the previous periods, especially the medieval era. The given developments were influenced by Dufay in the musical reconstruction period. His endeavors have offered lasting musical findings and his views have been conceptualized by other composers towards creating remarkable changes and refinements in the same field.

Following the fact that changes in musical periods are a gradual and lengthy process careful research has been done to prove the credibility of the given events (Li, 2011). Additionally, the increased utilization of musical instruments accompanying singers presently is attributable to the second music revolution period that primarily centered on the outlined milestones infused by Dufay.

 

Works Cited

Ambrosini, Armand, and Michael Lee. Introduction to Western Concert Music. Dubuque: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company, 2003. Print.

Kallen, Stuart. The History of Classical Music. Farmington Hills: Lucent Books, 2002. Print.

Li, Anna. Honors World History. 2011. Web. 9 Oct 2011.

NHCS.  Renaissance Musicians. 2011. Web. 9 Oct 2011.

 

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1. A.    How students’ prior experiences, interests, and thought processes can influence the learning of current content area concepts

The link between past experiences, student interest, and present learning

Prior experiences are an essential tool that can be deployed in mentoring the students since they always attach a new meaning to it, while the student interest should be taken into consideration for the students to learn what they want. An integration of student interest and prior experiences plays a significant role in determining present learning. It is notable that student interest and prior learning are elements of student-centered learning, implying that students are part of their own education; this is in concurrence with John Dewey’s views regarding education and learning (Lefrancois, 1997). Dewey argued that learning should not be centered too much on the pupil; rather, it should be balanced through the development of an educational curriculum that balances between the aspect of knowledge delivery and student experiences (Lefrancois, 1997). All of these are ultimately influenced by nature and nurture. There is evidence from studies that supports the proposition that the learning environment should be designed in such a manner that it serves to help students to reflect on their own previous learning and experiences. In case where the teacher fails to engage the student’s interest, there is likely hood that, the student will not engage in the lesson content because of boredom (Hardiman, 2003). Past experiences, student interest and present learning should be incorporated when designing lesson plans. Past experiences can be incorporated in the development of lesson plans through the use the daily activities that the student encounter while undertaking the daily routines. Student interest can be implemented in lesson plans by developing learning approaches that take into account what interests the students most. These assessments can facilitate the development of lesson plans with the main objective of activating the prior knowledge of the student and involving their core interests

1. B.     Brain-based learning

Brain-based learning is administered depending on the structure and functionality of the brain, and is based on the premise that learning usually takes place provided the brain is not barred from performing its usual functions. Meaningful learning is an important aspect of brain-based learning whereby the learned knowledge is wholly understood by the learner and that he/she knows the relationship between the learned knowledge and other facts that have been stored in one’s brain. When meaningful learning takes place, knowledge is usually stored in the brain in a relational manner, this is say that information is stored together because they are somewhat related, resulting a concept called spread of activation, whereby an attempt to recall one fact recalls all the other facts that are related to it (Lefrancois, 1997).

Knowledge background

Research studies have reported that prior learning and experience poses significant impacts on student learning. With this regard, learning is considered most efficient when it is connected to prior knowledge and experience. Numerous approaches can be deployed when accessing the prior knowledge and experience of a student. These assessments can facilitate the development of lesson plans with the main objective of activating the prior knowledge of the student and involving their core interests. Hardiman (2001) argues that prior knowledge is an integral element of the learner’s neural history, which incorporates aspects such as character, the learning context, peers and the past experiences.

Activating prior knowledge

Enough research has been undertaken regarding prior knowledge and the activation of this knowledge. In addition, it has been established that understanding of content can be enhanced if there is activation of prior knowledge through which new content can be added on to the previous knowledge. The teacher should have the capability to evaluate the level of prior knowledge and offer the required interventions in case prior knowledge lacks and offer a familiar learning environment for the learners (Lefrancois, 1997). There are diverse strategies that can be deployed in order to activate prior knowledge. Introducing new content material in itself can serve to stimulate prior knowledge. Prior knowledge can also be activated by offering a review of the specific concepts that will be required. The classroom diversity in the present day learning implies that teachers have to be cautions and take into consideration the fact that not every student will comprehend the review of concepts. For example, the title “Green cars”, not all the students would have knowledge that green is more than just a color (Hardiman, 2003).

Levels of processing

Brain-based research has facilitated the identification of the levels of natural processing in the process of learning and the underlying factors that affect learning. It is notable that emotions and stress are core factors that influence learning. When a student is under immense stress, there is excretion of chemicals that have an influence on neural processing, which in turn plays a significant role in blocking the pathways and limits processing in the emotion center of the brain since they restrict access to the frontal lobes. It is during such times that the student is not prepared to learn. Brain-based learning research has also established that student learning takes place both centrally and peripherally within the brain. Factors that are not related to the content or the classroom context can also influence the student learning (Hardiman, 2003). This implies that problems that are experiences outside the classroom setting are likely to affect the level of processing and ultimately understanding. In case where the teacher fails to engage the student’s interest, there is likely hood that, the student will not engage in the lesson content because of boredom. Brain-based research has also established that learning also takes place when an individual sleeps, whereby an individual’s mind organizes knowledge from the previous days and categorizes it as meaningful or not. Meaningful information is then incorporated into the neural networks, contrary to information that is not meaningful, which is the ignored.

 

Development of neural connections

According to neuroscience, new content helps in the creation of new neural connection. This implies that the present connections can be subject to extension, modification and reinforcement in case the new content is linked to previous knowledge. Feedback can be considered an important tool for reinforcement of neural connection development, meaning that it should be done on a timely and regular basis (Hardiman, 2003).

Relevance

With regard to relevance, students usually have a short span of attention. In order to maintain the attention of the student, it is important to make sure that the content is relevant. Research studies have reported that relevant content material and student interests can be deployed in the activation of prior knowledge (Hardiman, 2003).

 

References

Hardiman, M. (2003). Connecting the Brain Research with the Dimensions of Learning.    Educational Leadership , 52-55.

Lefrancois, G. (1997). Psychology for teaching. Belmont, CA: Wadswork Publishing.

 

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Views from both sides of the encounter of the Spanish and the Native peoples of Mexico in the early 16th Century

The 16^th century history about the encounter of the native people and Spanish voyages are documented in numerous historical records. Mexico produced complex native civilization before being conquered by the Spanish during the 16^th century. The Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire and Aztecs Empire of the Spanish colonization were among the significant campaigns of the time. The Inca Empire was a historical process of military conquest, which was made by the Spanish conquistadores and their indigenous allies. The Incan empire was ambushed by the Spanish soldiers and their indigenous allies. It was the first campaign that took decades of fighting to suppress the powerful empire in the Americans. Since the Spanish conquest in the 16^th century, Mexico combined its long-created native civilizations with the European culture. Mexico was a colony with a high number of native populations that were more than half of the population. Thus, the biasness of some historical sources makes it difficult to understand the encounters from each side but the Mexico conquest reveals the true accounts of events.

How do the accounts differ and how do they tell the ‘same’ story?

There are diverse historical ways though which the accounts between the Spanish and native people of Mexico differ. First, there is a difference between the Aztec Empire of the Spanish conquest of Mexico and the Yucatan Spanish conquest. The Aztec conquest campaign was led by Herman and other native people of Mexico against Aztec empire and it took the shorter period. The Yucatan Spanish conquest was the longer campaign and it took place from the early 16^th century to the late 16^th century (Schwartz 152). The conquest campaign was against the Maya people living in the Yucatan part of Mexico and northern Central of America. Many accounts from the Aztec Empire are predominantly from Spanish. The areas that were conquered by the Spaniards were considered as part of the region which was originally known as the Hispania. The conquest campaign continued and those Aztecs who survived were prohibited from living in Mexico City and the Isles’ surroundings. The royal families were imprisoned and the last Aztecs’ emperors were imprisoned after they were defeated. The Spaniards were helped by the Tlaxcala. The Tenochtitlan received better treatment unlike the native nations and forty years after the conquest, the Tlaxcalteca had to pay same tribute to any other native society.

Secondly, the cultural historical backgrounds of both accounts differ. For instance, the ‘chicano’ was considered offensive when it was first introduced in Mexico but the native people of Mexico have since deemed its acceptance. It is vital to understand the common terms that were used in describing the Spanish or Mexican descent. The cultural identities that were commonly used to identify the Mexicans were the Mexicanos, which was shortened as the Chicanos. The term was considered insulting and it was somewhat similar to the phrase which was used such as the ‘Chinaman or the negro’. The native people of Mexico decided to embrace the term into an informal way. Additionally, other racial terms were differently used in the two accounts in identifying the native people of Mexico and the Spanish.

Both accounts tell the same story in the following ways. First, Mexico’s legends reflect on Native American and the influences of the Spanish. Many people in Mexico trace their ancestry from Native Americans to the Spanish people who controlled Mexico for three centuries. The legends, religions and myths of Mexicans are a combination of Indian tradition and European influences. The Indian villagers especially the Maya people believed that the ancient rain spirits were controlled by Jesus Christ who was accompanied by Virgin Mary. Mexico was a land of diverse cultures even before the Europeans arrived in Mexico. People who shared the same languages such as the Nahua family dominated the north while the Myan who were the native people of Mexico were widely spread in the south. Migration, war as well as trade made people of diverse cultures to share cultures of Mexico and thus the same cultural language.

Secondly, the native people of Mexico started sharing the same culture. When the Aztecs of northern Mexico started the conquest wars to build an empire in the central part of Mexico, they absorbed the religious practices of the conquered people. The legends and religious practices of the people of North Mexico were adopted in the southern part of Mexico and they influenced the Maya family of the Indian people. Spain conquered Mexico and continued to govern it until the 1821, when the Mexicans became self-governing. The new syncretism emerged during the three centuries of the colonial rule whereby one of the centuries combined the beliefs of Europeans and Indians. The Native Americans were converted by the Spanish missionaries to Christianity and pagan religions were squashed out.

What bias do you see from each side of the encounter?

The biasness of some historical sources makes it difficult to understand the encounters from each side. On the side of the Spanish, some historical sources reveal that the Spaniards were forced to flee out of the city and they decided to look for refuge in other surrounding cities. Additionally, they signed the treaty with the Tenochtitlan thus offering the Tlaxcalans liberty from any kind of tribute and the Tenochtitlan control. The sons of the Moctezuma were murdered by the Aztec during the blockade of the city when they wanted to surrender. The Aztec empire was entirely surrendered to the Spanish (Williams 73). The daughter of Moctezuma became the heir and inherited the wealth of the king following the Spanish customs. She later got married to diverse conquistadors who claimed the heritage of the Aztec emperor. Moreover, the biasness is indicated where Motecuhzomas received Cortes and other six hundred Spaniards believing that they were other gods (Schwartz 122). This occurred when Cortes Hernado who was accompanied by other Spaniards and many native allies to Mexico.

Another side, which has biasness, is the side of the native people of Mexico. The accounts of the Indian conquest present diverse stories whose dramatic interests are equal to those of great classical epics. The Indian history describes the difficulties, which the Aztec emperor faced. Many native people were reported to be deity worshipers, which was named after the ruling of Aztec. The part of the myth defied that someday Moctezuma would return to defend his people. Many historian sources describe Moctezuma as the weak-willed and someone unable to make up his mind. It is through this biasness that makes it difficult to understand his actions during the Spanish assault.

Is there any sense of superiority on either side?

There is a sense of superiority in the side of the native people of Mexico. Cultural aspect was one of the superiority in the side of native Mexicans. For instance, the Mestizo was a term, which was traditionally introduced by the Spanish to refer to people of mixed European and native Mexicans. The term originated as a cultural type in the Casta system that existed during the control of the Spanish empire. Mestizo was used in describing those members of native population. In the Casta system, the Mestizo individuals had fewer powers than the Europeans born to two same European parents who had more powers than those who were nicknamed Negros. The Mestizo became the majority of the group during the colonial period. When the colonies started achieving self-governing or independence from Spain, this group became dominant and decoded to unite. Their aim of uniting was to form a new self-governing identity, which was neither wholly native Mexicans nor Spanish. They eventually achieved a sense of superiority after a long struggle thus these name was removed from the census counts and it is no longer used in Mexico. This is an indication of the cultural or racial superiority that the indigenous people received.

In addition, racial superiority is indicated especially where the indigenous people who were identified by different racial terms such as Negros, Peninsular, Criollo and Indio managed to overcome racial discrimination. The Negro was a term, which was used for African slaves, and the Indio was a term, which was used to refer to anybody who was indigenous to Americans. The Criollo was a Spanish individual born in American and Peninsular was a person born in Spain. These terms were used to classify diverse categories of the native people and cultural policies were set which discriminated the native people. These policies made them not to receive same or equal rights with the non-indigenous people. The native people made efforts until policies were designed well thus the native people started receiving the same services as the rest of the society. This marked the end of cultural discrimination and some terms that discriminated indigenous people and it became rarely in use thus an indication of cultural superiority.

Another sense of superiority is viewed from the side of the Spanish. Some historical records present one side of the story that is the Spanish as the conquerors. The Spanish assaulted the native people in the 16^th century. The Spanish gained a sense of superiority especially when they managed to conquer the native people. The native people feared the Spanish because of their powerful and technological superiority. Other historical sources reveal that when the native people saw the Spanish ship moving at the sea, they were astonished because during the 16^th century, ships were rare. The indigenous people feared the Spanish and they respected them, something that indicates a sense of superiority in the side of the Spanish (Schwartz 109). Additionally, the Spanish managed to extend the nation’s authority through territorial acquisition and they built many empires in diverse places such as America, India and the eastern part of India. This is an indication of superiority because they exercised domination over others.

Which perspective seems to be a ‘truer’ account of the events?

The perspective that seems to be a truer account of the events is the Aztec account of the Spanish conquest in Mexico. The Mexican conquest is one of the central events of the world history. The Mexicans conquered much of what is now present in the modern Mexico. There are diverse historical resources that provide the Spanish conquest account. These provide a clear and truer picture of indigenous people in Mexico and the events that took place during the Mexican conquest. During the early fifteenth century, the Spanish conquistadors entered Mexico City. The Spaniards arrived from different directions of Tlalpan, southern part of the city and passed across the causeway connected with the island and mainland. After they arrived at Xoloco, Motecuhzomas welcomed them because he believed that the white men were the gods. The journey was led by Hernado Cortes who was their leader until they entered the city. This was the first encounter of the Spanish conquest account (Diaz 96).

The historical event presents only one side of the true story of the Mexican conquest whereby the historians have judged the conquest as one of the greatest civilizations in the American history. The event includes the native people of Mexico whereby many of them managed to survive persecution and others were assaulted. Moreover, the historical event reveals Indian conquest accounts in Mexico with diverse passages whose dramatic interest is the same as those of great classical epics. A few paragraphs from the text of Victors and Vanquished present true and clear historical accounts of the Mexico conquest. It explores diverse emperors of the era and some religious beliefs, which were dominant. Some of them include the belief of a god known as deity. The Spaniards destroyed many cultural practices of the indigenous people in an attempt to eliminate ancient beliefs. Some of the campaigns such as the Spanish conquest of Inca and Aztec empires were the significant campaigns done in the Spanish colonization of the Americans.

In conclusion, there are different ways that reveal on how the accounts differ. First, there is a difference between the Aztec Empire of the Spanish conquest of Mexico and the Yucatan Spanish conquest. The Aztec empire took a shorter period whereas the Yucatan took a longer period. Secondly, the cultural historical backgrounds of both accounts differ. However, both accounts tell the same story. First, Mexico’s legends reflect the Native American and the influences of the Spanish. Secondly, the native people of Mexico started sharing the same culture, which was adopted through simulation. Nevertheless, each side of the story has biasness. For instance, the account of Spanish has biasness especially when Motecuhzomas received Cortes and other six hundred Spaniards believing that they were gods. There is sense of superiority in each side of the accounts. The Spanish accounts reveal superiority when they became conquerors of the native people. The accounts of the native people of Mexico reveal cultural superiority because they united and formed a new self-governing identity. This enabled them to overcome racial discrimination and they thus started receiving equal rights like the Spanish. Lastly, the perspective that seems to be truer is the conquest of Mexico. This is because it provides clear events of what happened during the history of the sixteenth century in Mexico.

 

Works Cited

Diaz, Del.The True History of the Conquest of Mexico. Ann Arbor: University Microfilms,

1966. Print.

Schwartz, Stuart. Victors and Vanquished: Spanish and Nahua Views of the Conquest of

Mexico. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2000. Print.

Williams, Andrew. Liberalism and War: The Victors and the Vanquished. London, UK: Routledge, 2006. Internet resource.

 

 

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Fluoride Is Not Safe

Introduction

Fluoride has been known for its positive effects especially by the public. However, the specialists also know its bad qualities and negative effects. One of its major positive effects is that it makes the teeth strong and thus resistant to cavities. This is how fluoride has been used in toothpastes, mouthwashes and water for a very long time. Nevertheless, its negative effects cannot be ignored. Fluoride in water is the main cause of the dental problem known as fluorosis. It also increases ones chance of getting bone cancer, gene mutations, bone fluorosis, neurotoxity, and reproductive problems, amongst others. Due to such negative effects, many countries stopped using it in water two decades or more ago. However, there are countries that are still using it. The following annotated bibliography proves the credibility in the sources on the negative effects of fluoride.

Annotated Bibliography

Anderson, J., (February 1, 2011). Less Fluoride Recommended (Policy Brief). Pediatric News, 45 (2). Retrieved from http://www.pediatricnews.com/index.php?id=7791&cHash=071010&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=78273

In this article, Anderson tells of how the Human Health Service (HHS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have joined forces in order to comply with the FDA policies of reducing the amount of chorine in water. This is because the department feels that enough is already found in toothpastes and the dental checkups administered regularly. These agencies had a target of reducing the amount of fluoride put in water from 0.7-1.2mg/L to 0.7mg/L. This change was to take effect from the spring of 2011.

As many specialists have recommended, there is no need of having fluoride in the water at all. The fluoride gotten from the other sources mentioned above is enough. In fact, some countries stopped using it some time back. It is too unfortunate that the country is still using it. As earlier indicated, it has other effects apart from causing fluorosis.

This article is of significance to this study as it confirms the federal’s intention of only reducing the amount of fluoride in water but not completely doing away with it despite the known risks and negative effects. Having been written by a known doctor in the field of pediatrics Dr. Jane Anderson, the information is credible and reliable. It also appears in the Pediatric News, a medical journal, which features peer-reviewed articles from all fields in medicine.

Basha, M. & Sujitha, N. (2011). Chronic Fluoride Toxicity and Myocardial Damage: Antioxidant Offered Protection in Second Generation Rats (Study). Toxicology International, 18, (2), 99-104. Retrieved from http://www.toxicologyinternational.com/article.asp?issn=0971-6580;year=2011;volume=18;issue=2;spage=99;epage=104;aulast=Basha

The article focuses on the myocardial damage in rats due to chronic fluoride intake, which leads to toxicity. Through a study, Basha and Sujitha affirm that fluoride has negative effects, which can cause damage to the major organs, heart damage, skeletal fluorosis and dental fluorosis amongst others. The writers further state that the biological membranes are critically injured due to the accumulation of oxidative damage. The accumulation of the oxidative damage is one of the main reasons that cause heart failures or the ischemic heart disease.

This article is significant to the study because the writers are from the department of zoology in BangaloreUniversity. The article is also peer-reviewed. The article study includes experimentation thus a concrete conclusion at the end of the article. The article also affirms, through the experiments conducted, the damage caused by fluoride on rats, which have the same metabolic systems as human beings.

Bryson C., (2004). The Fluoride Deception. New York, NY: Seven Stories Press.

In this book, Bryson tries to put across the insignificance of fluoride in water. He further mentions that the United States is one of the few nations that still use fluoride in water even in its low quantities. Bryson further affirms the negative consequences of using fluoride especially in water. Bryson states that fluoride is mostly used in the manufacturing of Sarin gas, enriching uranium and in the manufacturing of steel. When the people consume fluoride, they are not only receiving medication but also an overdose of it. The author further lists those firms in defense of the use of fluoride. Examples of such firms are U. S. Steel, Alcoa and DuPont. These firms defend it since fluoride is a business that brings in multi-millions not to mention the high profits.

This is a good book written by Christopher Bryson, who has reported for many major stations in the science news department. Such stations include Christian Science Monitor, BBC, and Discovery channel amongst others. With a foreword from Dr. Theo Colborn, the journalist writes an interesting book about fluoride’s negative effects. He also gives some of the reasons why the federal still allows its use in water. The book is significant to this study because it has been written by someone with a lot of experience in the Science world and it affirms the negative effects of fluoride and the key role players in its administration.

Connet P., Beck, J. & Micklem, H. S., (2010). The case against fluoride: How hazardous waste ended up in our drinking water and the bad science and powerful politics that keep it there.White River junction, VT: Chelsea Green Publishing Company.

In this book, the authors discuss the studies done on fluoride affirming that fluoride did not lower the rate at which people were getting cavities. The studies also show the toxic effects of fluoride in our bodies. Some of the health complications revealed and discussed in this book are ostosarcoma, hypothyroidism and impairment in mental development, amongst others. It is also stated that there is a fluoride hypersensitive reaction in one out of every a hundred people.

The authors of the books have attained a PhD, MD &PhD, and a DPhil respectively in the field of Science. This makes them credible enough to talk on such a topic. In-text citations have also been included in the book in order to give further evidence of the information given. The information given is directly related to the topic as it reveals the negative effects of fluoride on humans. It further gives studies that have confirmed this hypothesis.

Lexi-Pals Drug Guide, (2011). Fluoride Definition. Retrieved from http://web.ebscohost.com.yosemite.wbu.edu/ehost/detail?vid=3&hid=105&sid=7ef6abfc-c582-4a08-a0a0-ea5bf7111d23%40sessionmgr111&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=hxh&AN=31262592

This article shows the types of drugs and their use. In this guide, fluoride is stated as a drug that prevents teeth cavities and enhances the teeth’s resistance to decay. In addition, a list of fifty-six items with fluoride that are used on a regular basis is listed. The guide also states measures to be taken if an overdose of the drug is detected.

This source is significant as it gives a guide of the frequently used drugs and their effects on people. It also gives the measures to take when one feels that an overdose of a particular drug has been administered. Since fluoride is part of this information, it is also of significance to this study. Many people do not view fluoride as a drug. Hence, this can lead to its misuse and be fatal if the right measurements are not taken.

Groves, B.A., (2008). Fluoride: Drinking Ourselves to Death?New York, NY: Newleaf.

One of the main reasons fluoride has been put in water for all these years is because it has been known to protect the teeth against cavities and tooth decay. The book shows current researches done in order to determine the true effects of fluoride on the people’s health. Before these researches, the effects of fluoride were not taken seriously and a lot of research was not done on the component fluoride. The book gives a discussion of the studies done on fluoride that have proved its toxic and lethal effects on people.

The book is necessary to this study as it affirms the toxic effects of fluoride on people, especially when in water, a daily used commodity. The author of the book is a researcher who has written more books on different fields. The study is also significant as it adds more researches to the researches discussed by the other authors in the previous sources.

Kauffman, J. M., (2005). Water fluoridation: A review of recent research and actions. Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons, 10 (2), 38-44. Retrieved from https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:oohZHrxQCzAJ:www.jpands.org/vol10no2/kauffman.pdf+Water+fluoridation:+A+review+of+recent+research+and+actions&hl=en&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESj1Rk1lBxuaffiMHyELI398Texb26KEax9y7YAEzjiz-PcZxpheJ-xbjn-7JUjEEyIPwQSJVq0h44H91L2Ic-SkQs7QP2LeeSH9Hf86QHCSvIsfPvRejI_j1CqWs3bIgy9tD3Fa&sig=AHIEtbQ9f_6egQiFqNmiu1a-_-5KZ0qIiw&pli=1

This journal article gives a brief history of fluoride. The article continues and puts statistical information regarding the occurrence of cavities in people. As if in agreement with the previous writers, Dr. Kauffman agrees that fluoride should no longer be used in water due to its toxic effects. The writer further adds the fluoride been drunk currently in water has turned to be hexafluorosilicic and hexafluorosilicate acid and not calcium fluoride, which was formed earlier. Instead of making the teeth and the bones strong, these acids formed cause cancer, tooth and bone fractures.

This article is of essence to this study because it will supplement the study with the rich fluoride history it provides. The author has attained a PhD level in the science field and so the article written is from a credible person. The articles in this journal are also peer-reviewed thus making the source more credible.

The Story of Fluoridation, (25 March 2011). Institute of National Craniofacial Research. Retrieved from http://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/Fluoride/TheStoryofFluoridation.htm

This source also contains a brief history of fluoride and the initial reasons of how it was put in water. The discussion starts with one of the earliest dentist, Dr. Fredrick McKay, who discovered the effects of fluoride on teeth. This is after he found residents of Colorado Springs having browned teeth. The doctor, with a co-worker, Dr. G. V. Black, also found out that the browned teeth were resistant to cavity and decay. This is the reason fluoride was adapted as a component to use in water in order to avoid tooth decay and cavities. They also found out that if it could be used in small quantities, chances of browning the teeth would be minimal.

The article is of significance as it allows one to get the history of fluoride and the reason for being used in water. It also gives more information on fluoride and its effects. The article is written by an institution that majors on craniofacial research. This makes it a credible source because of the amount of research carried out in that institution, the experience and the professionals involved. It also affirms the information provided by the other sources concerning the negative effects of fluoride and the recommendations of removing it from the water that is used for consumption.

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October 3, 2011

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Why Marriage Divorce Rates Are Increasing

Marriage has always been considered as a sacred union between man and woman with each playing a role in the matrimony. Today the meaning of marriage is changing with many people having little regard for it. Marriage is supposed to be a happy union meant as a life companionship for the couple, and providing social support and emotional satisfaction. However, for two people to live together there must be good understanding and perseverance. Today many marriages have fallen apart due to many reasons resulting to divorce especially due to changing times. The advancement in modern life such as the advocacy for equality between man and woman where women are liberated, coupled with changing laws, changing roles for women, individualism, and ease of marrying and divorcing have led to the increase of divorce rate in the modern society (divorceguide.com, 2011).

Today, women and men are all equal in the eyes of the law, and all are entitled to equal opportunities without discrimination (articleclick.com, 2011). Today, unlike several decades ago, women are entitled to the same education as men, equal employment opportunities and ownership of property where anybody has a right to own what they can irrespective of their gender. Several decades ago, women in most parts of the world never owned property nor did they get equal education levels to men. Women were taught about housekeeping, laundry and cooking, which are household chores. Therefore, they remained at home waiting for the man to provide. Today, women are independent and do not have to rely on a man for upkeep. Hence, in case the marriage goes wrong or becomes unsatisfying they opt for divorce to live alone with their children especially when it is considered that most women retain custody of children. Previously women would remain in a failing marriage since they had no means of living on their own and thus divorce was less likely (divorceguide.com, 2011).

Today laws are changing, becoming more relaxed and allowing divorce to occur easily. In America, divorce can be obtained without having to prove fault of the partner. Today the law has recognized divorce and goes ahead to make provisions for it, ensuring that both parties are represented equally in the divorce proceedings. There are clear rules suggesting division of property among the parties, and where children are involved, women no longer fear having to support them considering the law requires the man to provide for the children through paying upkeep money to the mother. This encourages women to file for divorce when they fill unhappy in marriage and probably want to be free again

Today, marriage has changed from formal to cohabiting where a couple enters into an agreement to live together like man and wife, without having to go through the traditional marriage where families would come together in a ceremony. Young couples who are not legally married can live together as boyfriend and girlfriend, which was never openly allowed before. This has led to a changed notion of marriage where people no longer regard it as a sacred tie between man and woman. Today, various forms of arrangement have been considered as marriages in order for people to establish families (Stevenson & Wolfers, 2007). Divorce has become just a simple task of signing papers where the lawyer is left to make all arrangements as long as all parties to the marriage have decided to move on with a divorce. With a divorce this easy and couples craving to find freedom from their unfulfilling marriage, divorce comes in as the best solution to end their problems. Very few people today consider fighting to save their marriage through tackling the problems at hand. Consequently, this has contributed to serial monogamy marriages where couples divorce before thinking of settling their differences only to realize their mistakes later and remarry again.

In retrospect, the increase in marriage divorce rates has been caused by the changing society that human beings live in today. These causes have led to diverse forms of marriage and social systems to deal with modern life. Today, single parenthood is on the rise with many children lacking fathers as a role model. This has an impact on children who are young and who do not understand the basic structure of a family. The configuration of the family today has broadened where single families are considered as a normal family today. In addition, more households with a single person are arising everyday unlike in earlier times when families stuck together. The causes of an increase in divorce rates has been largely due to changing roles of women in the modern society where today’s women are independent and do not need to rely on men for upkeep. Today, anybody can live by himself or herself and there is no need for women to stick in unhappy marriages.

 

References

articleclick.com. (2011). Reasons for the Ever Increasing Divorce Rate. Retrieved from

divorceguide.com. (2011). Why is the Current Divorce Rate Increasing in America? Retrieved from

Stevenson, B., & Wolfers, J. (2007). Marriage and Divorce: Changes and their Driving Forces. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 21 (2): 27-52.

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Software Architecture

In the present times, a steady increase in the number of business activities has facilitated an enormous expansion in the use of software. Through this, software architects have been placed under pressure to design appropriate software that is relevant to customer’s needs. During the designing process of the software, architects encounter some challenges relating to the relevant needs of the end user. He has to consider their consequences before they can lead to any future disappointments to the customer. Some of the reasons include designing and implementation of software systems.

For instance, the architect has to consider the compatibility of the software being designed with the customer’s machinery. This is an important factor because if no precautions are taken, the customer’s business may not run as it is supposed to. The architect has to implement the software according to the customer’s needs to ensure efficient provision of service. The architect also has the obligation to ensure that the designed software operates in accordance to the customer’s business. Another challenge the architect faces is the maintenance, planning and the management of the system. Because technology is advancing at a significant rate, the architect has the duty to upgrade his programming system in accordance with the current times. Through this, he assures the customer that the software he produces is recent and capable of performing the intended work for which it was designed.

The continuous increase in the complexity of software can cause major problems if the architect refuses to adapt to the changes. These problems include the failure to meet deadlines of the assigned job, the constant buildup of costs during the design and development of the software, and the continued increase in the cost associated with software maintenance. Software planning, management and maintenance not only rely on the user’s guidelines and requirements but also on various market issues. Many of these issues depend on the market share, market size, and revenue. However, the main concerns are minimizing on the customer’s cost structure and increasing the value of the software to be used. The manipulation of the supplier’s cost structure normally depends on the software distribution, the management of maintenance cost, and the reuse of particular software. Therefore, the architect needs to consider these relevant aspects during the software design process.

The software architects must ensure that they perform their work in stages and in a timely manner. It is therefore important to consider the various stages that the architect goes through in the development of software. There are seven main stages. First is the analysis stage. This stage comprises of the guidelines and the specifications of the user on the software to be developed. The user can give information on the type of software he or she would prefer, the usability of the software and the time to be allocated to the entire process of creating the software. Through this process, the architect is able to know which software design process to use in order to benefit the customer’s business or institution.

The second stage is the planning process. Proper planning helps in coordinating, implementing, maintaining, and upgrading the software. In addition, planning facilitates consultation with relevant people and revising the resources considered as necessary in the development of the software by the architect. The third stage involves modeling the software. This process is time-consuming since it is the most difficult aspect of software designing. The architect is therefore supposed to arrange his work structure in order to save time and perform his work in an efficient manner. After modeling, the architect should research on the platform that is appropriate for the software to be designed. During this stage, the architect examines the compatibility of particular software, its reliability, portability, and the preferred language to be used. After research, the architect can compile his work .This stage enables the compiled work to be subjected to testing in order to see the effectiveness of the software created. The architect can check any part of the software for inconsistencies and rework the code in order to rectify them.

Lastly, after effectively going through these steps an architect can introduce the design into the market. He or she should explain the full workings of the project in a brief summary in order for any interested party to understand the details of the software. When dealing with software design for a particular individual, an architect should design the code according to the guidelines and procedures given by a particular end user. All the aforementioned stages should be followed as stated in order to produce effective software. Software development is a process that has to be followed keenly and systematically to avoid the production of flawed machine code. Therefore, it is of importance to follow these procedures in order to obtain suitable software. The completed software can therefore be utilized to perform the work for which it was intended in order to satisfy the needs of the client.

The overall organization process accords the architect with the responsibility for the production and assessment of the software. The architect ensures that the software is of advantage to the user and possesses all qualities of efficiency including compatibility. This entails the software’s ability to be used in many organizations to suit diverse needs, and that it can be used for more than one purpose. The overall organization also ensures that the software designed is not created to offend the public or to cause any malicious damage to business and institutions. Keen users should inspect the work done by the software architect before they authorize the release of the designed software into their businesses. The software architect should also develop the promotion strategy on how the products they create reach the market and consequently generate income. This income can be used in upgrading software and other facilities necessary in the architect’s work.

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Book Summary

            “Strong Medicine” Speaks: A Narrative American Elder Has Her Say is a book by Amy Hearth that tells of the story of an American native woman and her experiences in life. The book narrates the ordeals of her tribe such as racism that forced many Native Americans to live in secrecy. Many were considered colored people because they were neither black nor white, some were dark while others were brown. This enabled them to fit in many communities. In the book, a story is told of a woman of Lani Lenape Indian origin, but who grew up in New Jersey. Her tribe’s ways are narrated and ideas of what a Lenape woman was regarded as are well evidenced, giving the thoughts and major points in this book.

The book has in a great way talked about the tribe of Lenape and their struggle to survive during the racial discrimination in the Twentieth century when they were not considered black or white and were left out especially during the Civil Rights movement era. This happened after the arrival of the Europeans when the natives had to live in hiding. From the story of this tribe, much has been revealed about the way things have changed and their struggle to have an identity. Much of the ideas held by the tribe are revealed that are still present today although most have changed with the modern times. Strong Medicine further narrates how living in an extended family gave her strength to live and cites that lack of unity among families today has contributed significantly to problems faced in the modern society.

To the Lenape, a woman was regarded as a key figure in making decisions. A woman was regarded as a partner to her husband and both made decisions equally, except that a man would be considered the wheel. One strong point in this book is that women are not weak because they are feminine, and both feminism and strength can go together unlike many people believe. Strong Medicine believed that she could do anything that a man did; sometimes even feeling that a woman’s work in her younger days was boring and she preferred the man’s chores. She gives one example of her life experience when she had to clean a blocked gutter by herself when the men she asked to do it refrained.

Another point that Strong Medicine makes concerning changing times is that the way children are brought up is quite different. For instance, she asserts that in her younger days, disciplining children was easier since they could spank and reprimands them. Today, however, parenting has changed and children state their demands such as what to eat or wear and yet they are not punished or reprimanded. In this regard, she states that young people should know what is expected of them and should be observed to do things not as they want but as is right. This should be extended to other instances in their lives where they interact with their community.

The book also makes a point that this tribe has been influenced by the modern times considering that Strong Medicine managed to get education in her early days. Many people would however expect that Indians did not get any education since they lived like outlawed people. One of the influences in modern society that has changed people’s perspective of Native Indians is the movies in Hollywood where they are depicted as the bad people. Strong Medicine asserts that people should not believe the movies and should seek reality from the Natives themselves rather than sources of popular media. Hollywood has also depicted them as outdated suggesting they should get on with time while the opposite was the truth. Strong Medicine describes how she loved wearing modern outfits or moving with fashion, a situation unlike the Hollywood depiction of the natives always in traditional attire. The major point put across in this book is the need to have a public identity where this tribe struggled because of lack of recognition and the change in times forced them to abandon their culture and values.

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