Affirmative Adaptation And Modernize Resulting From The...

Affirmative Adaptation and modernize resulting from the scandal In today’s society the desolation of Enron has been one of the greatest disasters to hit a major United States corporation, nevertheless the actions of this deception let to Varity major future benefits. The effects of Enron without a doubt are primarily disadvantageous. However, although Enron has made illegal and unethical choices the company has paid the ultimate penalty by â€Å"Declared bankruptcy on December 2, 2001 after restating earnings in the 3rd-quarter 10-Q, indicating major problems with special-purpose entities. Investigations by the SEC, Justice Department, and others; executives indicted and class-action lawsuits filed (Giroux. 2008). Whereas many perceive the Enron scandal as a total disaster there has been many optimistic out comes that has surfaced from this scandal. To prevent future financial fraud the U.S congress developed The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,which was enforced by the U.S. Secur ities and Exchange Commission.The Sarbanes-Oxley Act is one of the most monumental acts issued by the U.S congress to safeguard investors and shareholders from company’s misrepresentation their financial information. This also forced companies to follow specific guidelines and if they did not comply they could be audited or faced with legal action. In my perspective I found this outcome of the Enron scandal constructive, many of the guidelines created by the United StatesShow MoreRelatedFailure And Fraud Of Enron1161 Words   |  5 PagesIn 2001, Enron, the seventh largest company in the U.S participated in fraudulent activity. The fraudulent activity committed by Enron was the beginning of an inevitable ripple of failure in the company’s future. Although Enron performed the major scandal, the auditing agency Arthur Andersen was highly responsible for their negligence and their participation in the deception of the financial investors. The general public didn t easily predict the downfall of Enron because it was one of the most thrivingRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pageslittle significance. But there is little agreement over when the twentieth century c.e. arrived, and there were several points both before the year 2000 (the collapse of the Soviet Union, the reunification of Germany, the surge of globalization from the mid-1990s) and afterward (9/11, or the global recession of 2008) when one could quite plausibly argue that a new era had begun. A compelling case can be made for viewing the decades of the global scramble for colonies after 1870 as a predictableRead MoreProject Mgmt296381 Words   |  1186 Pageswith teaching awards from both the Oregon State University MBA program and the University of Oregon Executive MBA program. He has been a member of the Portland, Oregon, chapter of the Project Management Institute since 1984. In 1995 he worked as a Fulbright scholar with faculty at the Krakow Academy of Economics on modernizing Polish business education. In 2005 he was a visiting professor at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand. He received a B.A. in psychology from Claremont McKenna College

Essay Topics in Ielts Explained

Essay Topics in Ielts Explained Details of Essay Topics in Ielts You might also have to talk about many aspects of an issue and then outline your ideas for solving it. You will have to generate ideas during the test and produce examples from your own wisdom and experience. An interesting mixture of complex grammar structures will also need to be produced. Stick to the conventional structure To find maximum points, you should adhere to the conventional structure. Scripts under the mandatory minimum word limit is going to be penalised. Additionally, there are daily practice activities on our FB page. By way of example, management board in a business is usually made up by more than 1 person. Failing to complete one of the demands of the task ends in a lowly score! Understanding Essay Topics in Ielts Lots of people will get the job done remotely, including in a different country from the business that employs them or even from their own houses. Other individuals feel that it's important to rest the mind during leisure time. On the flip side, living in an owned house doesn't provide the facilities that you can avail whilst living in an apartment. By way of example, people may access news, medical advice, online education courses and a lot more via the web. The Basic Facts of Essay Topics in Ielts Other scientists think that it is a lousy idea and would be dangerous. You need to set up facts, possess the confidence and demonstrate the v ery clear evidence of your private viewpoint to certain phenomenon. You desire a very simple idea that you could clearly describe and justify. While the function of mother is of extreme importance, women are underrepresented and can offer vital support to each sector of society. You might find similarities between two direct questionsand locate the solution. There are a lot of reasons that mean that recycling isn't done as effectively as it could, the principal problem being the attitude of the overall public. When you're picking your topic, bear in mind that it's much simpler to write about something which you currently have interest ineven in case you don't know a great deal about it. The Characteristics of Essay Topics in Ielts The absolute most efficient technique to compose an improved essay is to include your own personal opinion in the essay. If you're not acquainted with a topic, utilize the internet to learn more. Each topic is broken into subtopics that you should prepare. If you're genuinely interested in a topic then it is a lot simpler to study and you're not as likely to stop. Although there's a consistent essay formula which will help you to structure your essay and paragraphs, you will need to be careful of the various forms of essay questions there are. You are able to add paragraphs only and just if needed. For this reason, you must have the ability to compose your introduction fairly quickly so you may begin writing your body paragraphs. Classifying the question, can help you be certain that you're answering the task response correctly. Read what you've written Go back and read the paragraph you've just written before you begin the subsequent one. Anyway, below, it is possible to find topic that are best for both instances. Don't be concerned if it's not your very best explanation, worry about whether it's your clearest explanation. In the written portion of the IELTS exam, you'll need to display your vocabulary's rich. After some practice, you will find that it gets simpler to generate ideas and your planning and brainstorming stage will end up quicker, leaving you a lot of time to finish your IELTS Task 2 writing! You also ought to realise that IELTS is a worldwide exam and once the writers of the exam are making the questions, their principal concern is writing questions that may be understood by nearly everybody in the world. You are able to take my online IELTS Writing Practice Test anywhere on the planet and find a score, corrections, and feedback in only two days. Put simply, it's not a platform for a single individual. Also, make certain to check at the word in a sentence to be conscious of the way it relates to other words. It is likewise very important to review words regularly. It's highly possible that you won't have the ability to learn all new English words, so you need to compose your mind which sorts of new words you need to pay focus on. In many nations, schools have severe issues with student behaviour. Young men and women who don't have qualifications from a university or college is not going to have the ability to compete. Other people think education will not operate. Childhood education is just one of the latest topics nowadays as folks are becoming more attentive to the significance of children's upbringing.

Importance Of Time Management And Working Against Deadline

Although I have not been able to participate as much in class, due to the things going on in my personal life, I have still been able to grasp and understand the information within this course. Majority of what I have learned has been a related to government regulation relating to medical records. Coding regulation and the importance of being detailed with accuracy as it relates to billing. The importance of time management and working against deadline specially in regards to assignments. Governmental regulation is in place at every level of healthcare from the highest to the lowest level. Guarding the confidentiality of health information has always been an essential part of the health care system. As the handling of confidential information is routine for medical records coders, it is vital that the coder protect and safeguard all confidential information at all times in accordance with state and federal rules and regulations. A coder is held to certain standards in having privy access to clients’ files, and part of that standard is their confidentiality which is regulated by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA). Due to HIPAA’s privacy standard limits the nonconsensual use and release of private health information, gives the patients the right of entry into their medical records and receive written notice who has accessed their records. It restricts most disclosure of health information to the minimum needed know purpose. The act establishedShow MoreRelatedTriple Constraint Essays1279 Words   |  6 PagesConstraint? The triple constraint of project management is the balance of the project’s scope, time and cost. Triple constraint is used to determine whether or not a project’s objectives are being met. During the planning phase of a project, a project manager will define the scope, time, and cost of a project. As the planning phase continues, the project manager discovers that there may be some changes or adjustments needed in the project’s scope, time and/or cost. When one aspect needs change orRead MoreTime Management Tips For Employers953 Words   |  4 PagesTime Management Tips for Employers If you are an employer and small business owner, time management becomes critical for making the most of your business, achieving your goals and even fostering loyalty from customers and employees. The following five time-saving tips will help you get more done in your available time without generating stress or working 80-hour weeks. 1. Planning Your Work Planning your work is the most important strategy for effective time management. The small business ownerRead MoreKey Goals For Effective Time Management Essay1245 Words   |  5 Pages1. List at least two specific examples of technological systems you will use to organise and prioritise tasks. Active scheduler or time management plan is a plan that allows me to schedule and complete tasks according to their level of priority, and identifies how I will use and manage my time effectively. Urgent and important time management matrix. This helps us to determine what tasks are urgent and need immediate attention, those that are important and those that can be done later. 2Read MoreEssay Application1718 Words   |  7 Pagesefficiently, accurately, and quickly, will make me an invaluable asset to the USPTO. I believe these traits combined with my unique skillset, developed as a result of experiences working for the Arizona Diamondbacks of Major League Baseball (Diamondbacks), Nike Inc. (Nike), and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office, Liability Management Department (AG Office) make me a qualified candidate for this position. A position I hope to occupy for many years. Additional information about my background and answersRead MoreThe Nut Island Effect Case Analysis Essay1408 Words   |  6 Pagesgroup. Every person working at Nut Island wanted to be there and would not let anything get in the way of their team. When looking at only the cohesiveness of a team, Nut Island would be a good example. They worked together and enjoyed what they did at the sewage plant. Employees worked overtime without being paid for it and without complaining. The y used everyone’s skills to take care of the plant and the plant equipment. The Nut Island disaster occurred because senior management paid little or noRead MoreTime Management1849 Words   |  8 PagesIntroduction It is rightly said Time and Tide wait for none. An individual should understand the value of time for him to succeed in all aspects of life. People who waste time are the ones who fail to create an identity of their own. My Rational on my first action plan was: I have poor attitudes towards managing time, such as managing time to study. Developing effective study habits is important as they will help me to use my study time more productively and will also help to handle stressRead MorePrinciples of Management1306 Words   |  6 Pagesthe many questions I asked to multiple managers within the company that I work for. Being a relatively new employee, working there for a little over a year, I wanted to ask these questions. Not to see how different managers felt about specific employees, but to get an overall view of how their jobs as managers directly affected each and everyone s job performance. Management is a science of how an individual works with a group of people, oversees their performance, and tries to effectively andRead MoreWhat Are The Policies And Procedures For The Protection Of Vulnerable Adults From Abuse772 Words   |  4 Pagesresources available and deadlines. Professionals must give the ‘active offer’ in Wales and ensure assessments are carried out in the individual’s preferred language (Beckett, 2010). Wales follow ‘interim policies and procedures for the protection of vulnerable adults from abuse’. It is intended to guide professionals who are concerned about the welfare of vulnerable adults. It is based on some of the principles set out in the Human Rights Act 1998 that focuses on the importance of rights. There is aRead More Principles of Management Essay1288 Words   |  6 Pagesquestions I asked to multiple managers within the company that I work for. Being a relatively new employee, working there for a little over a year, I wanted to ask these questions. Not to see how different managers felt about specific employees, but to get an overall view of how their jobs as managers directly affected each and everyone’s job performance. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Management is a science of how an individual works with a group of people, oversees their performance, and tries toRead MoreThe Affordable Care Act And Its Corresponding Implementation Of The United States Of America Government s Healthcare Marketplace1611 Words   |  7 Pagescontributing to the unsuccessful launch of the software has been attributed to problems with project management, staffing, implementation and technology which can be further broken down into several problematic areas such as the gathering of requirements belonging to the project management category and change management which is handled in the implementation stage. Requirements gathering and poor management have been identified as major causes for the failure of Healthcare.gov at the launch date. This

Erik Erikson s Social Stages Of Development - 1080 Words

Erik Erikson was born in Germany to a Danish mother and three years later, a German stepfather. He never knew his real father from Denmark. Growing up in Germany in a Jewish environment was sometimes difficult for him because of his Nordic features among his brown eyes, brown haired peers. Erikson was largely influenced by Sigmund Freud and expanded upon his Human Development theory with his own, the Psych-Social Stages of Development. Erikson moved to America in 1933 with his family to Boston, becoming the first child analyst in that area at Harvard Medical School. He taught other institutions such as Yale and UC Berkeley. During his long career, he wrote about a variety of topics ranging from issues of race and sexuality to influential figures in history. Erikson’s Psyco-Social Stages of Development was extremely influential the field of developmental psychology because it laid down stages for ages to come. There are eight stages that span the human life expectancy. The first stage is called Trust vs. Mistrust, which deals with infants. The infant is developing trust within the mother and parental figures and with that trust, stability is either established or not. The mistrust that infants may develop comes from a lack of stability with their caregivers. The second stage is Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt, between the ages of a year and a half and three. Children are either encouraged or criticized by their parents as they seek independence. The autonomy comes from beingShow MoreRelatedErik Erikson s Stages Of Development1608 Words   |  7 PagesThe Psychosocial Development The View on Erik H. Erikson s Stages of Development Frank Phan Cosumnes River College Psychology 300 Abstract This paper will touch over the aspects of Erik H Erickson s eight stages and how they affect everyday lives from infancy to adulthood. The paper will go over the approximate ages and the psychosocial crisis that they will eventually come to. Neglecting a child can lead to a cause of mental negligence in the form of Arrested Development. Within differentRead MoreErikson’S Contributions To Human Development. Erik Erikson1033 Words   |  5 PagesErikson’s Contributions to Human Development Erik Erikson was a man whose interests varied widely. He studied art and a variety of languages during his schooling. He did not prefer the atmosphere of formal schooling and decided to travel around Europe instead of going to college (â€Å"Erik Erikson†, 1997). He then returned to Germany for art school and later on taught to children who had come for Freudian training. He became Boston’s first child analyst and obtained a position at Harvard Medical SchoolRead MoreDevelopmental Psychologist Erik Erikson s Stages Of Psychosocial Development1729 Words   |  7 PagesDevelopmental psychologist Erik Erikson changed the way that people viewed the psychosocial development in humans throughout their lifespan. Using the foundation provided by Freud’s psychosexual stages, he modified the concepts to where they demonstrated external impacts on development as well as making it more about emotional conflicts than necessarily physical drives. This eight-stage theory is se quential, and requires the person to overcome conflicts in each stage to become a productive memberRead MoreCompare and contrast the developmental life span theories742 Words   |  3 PagesUrie Bronfenbrenner perspective on lifespan development was the bio-ecological approach which suggest that five levels if the environment simultaneously influence indviduals. He tagged different aspects or levels of environment that influences a child’s development. Urie Bronfenbrenner five major systems are called microsystem; which is everyday immediate environment in which children lead their daily lives. Second is the mesosystem; which provides connections between the various aspects of the microsystemRead MoreErik Erikson s Theory Of Psychosocial Development884 Words   |  4 PagesErik Erikson Erik Erikson was born June 15, 1902. Erikson is best-known for his famous theory of psychosocial development and the concept of the identity crisis. His theories marked an important shift in thinking on personality; instead of focusing simply on early childhood event, his psychosocial theory looked at how social influences contribute to personality throughout the entire lifespan. Erik Erikson died May 12, 1994 due to prostate cancer. (Erik Erikson, 2015). Stages of Psychosocial DevelopmentRead MoreAnalysis Of Eriksons Theory On Early Childhood Education1212 Words   |  5 Pagesthe education profession. Erik Erikson Hope is both the earliest and the most indispensable virtue inherent in the state of being alive. If life is to be sustained hope must remain, even where confidence is wounded, trust impaired. - Erik Erikson Erik Erikson (1902-1994) was a Germon born developmental psychologist and psychoanalyst known for his theory on psychosocial development of human lie. He is most famous for devising the phrase â€Å"identity crisis.† Erikson was a Harvard professor althoughRead MoreSigmund Freud And Erik Erikson1110 Words   |  5 Pagesdiscontinuous psychosexual and psychosocial theory takes place in stages in one course moving through drives that are biological along with societal expectations (Berk, 2013). The contributions to this perspective include both Sigmund Freud and Erik Erikson. Freud examined psychosexual theory and how those first childhood years of drives shape the personality. Thus, such drive names are the id, ego, and superego. The id emergences in the early stages of infancy, between 3 to 6 years of age the superego orRead MoreErik Erikson s Psychosocial Development Theory1518 Words   |  7 PagesABSTRACT This research paper will show a thorough review of Erik Erikson s Psychosocial Development Theory, specifically the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Psychosocial Development, according to Erik Erikson, is a continuity of crisis throughout our lifespan; these challenges will shape our personality and the way we perceive our surroundings. In addition to this, the different stages mentioned in this Theory complement each other and help us to develop the tools to achieve a sense ofRead MoreThe Eight Crisis Stages Of Erik Erikson Development Theory1456 Words   |  6 Pagescoherent set of ideas that help to explain phenomena and facilitate predictions. With development the series of age-related changes that happen over the course of a life span which theorist observe these developments as a series of stages during which individuals displays qualities of behavior patterns. There are five theoretical orientation to development such as psychoanalytic, cognitive, behavioral and so cial cognitive, ethological, and ecological. It is a fact that these developmental theoriesRead MoreAnalysis Of The Book Mcadams 1154 Words   |  5 Pagesby pointing out Erick Erickon’s development concept of the ego identity. He addresses the fifth of eight stages of Erick life spam of the individual development. To understands a little bit about Erikson’s life and his eight developments of stages. The Erik Erikson’s was born June 15, 1902, Germany, His mother was Jewish, Karla Abrahamsen and his biological father, who was on unnamed Darnish man. Erikson’s biological abandoned him before he was born. Erikson grows up by his mother and stepfather;

Fat Tax free essay sample

This report proposes that these costs and problems need to be addressed, and one avenue through which they can be is a junk food tax. This report proposes that there be a federal tax placed on junk food purchases, similar to the taxes placed on gasoline and tobacco products. This tax would dissuade people from purchasing unhealthy food items. At the same time it would help the nation offset some of the financial costs that obesity has generated. The proposition is not a fix-all, but it is a good start. Taxation of Junk Food, A Proposition to Battle the Obesity Epidemic in America Obesity is a condition that can be found in nearly every social class, geographic location, and age group in our society today. Every year there are more people who fit this profile; more people who are obese. While many view this condition as merely a cosmetic one, the truth is that there are serious consequences to being overweight. We will write a custom essay sample on Fat Tax or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Some of these consequences include: the health risks such as diabetes and heart disease, early death because of those conditions, economic impacts due to lower productivity, astronomical health care costs, and numerous social problems that arise due to the lethargy and early mortality of obese parents and the inactivity of overweight children. These issues are significant, and need to be addressed in order to solve the problem. First, the causes of obesity must be understood, so that adequate solutions can be generated. Then solutions need to be created and put into effect such that the causes of the epidemic will be addressed at a minimal social cost. The information in this report shows that a large portion of those who suffer from obesity can attribute a large portion of their weight to junk food. This food is high in calories and low in nutritional value. This report also shows that many of these people choose to consume these products due to its convenience and relative low cost. I propose that in order to address this cause, and decrease consumption of junk food due to convenience and low cost, a federal tax should be levied against all foods that fit the profile of a junk food. I propose that this action would decrease economy purchases of less nutritious foods, and encourage consumers to consume more healthy diet options based on economic feasibility. Â  The Obesity Epidemic The issue of obesity is one that is complex and widespread. In order to understand the scope and implications of this condition, one must first understand what it is, and who it affects. Not everyone who is overweight is obese. Scott Ingram describes the difference between obesity and overweight as overweight being anyone who weighs more than the someone in the normal range for how old and tall they are, while in order for a person to be labeled obese, they must have enough body fat to put them 20 percent higher or more than their ideal weight (Ingram, 2005, p. 23). In other words, if a person’s ideal weight for their height and age is 140 pounds, and they weigh 150 pounds, they are overweight; but if they weigh over 168 pounds they are obese. This difference is important, as it indicates exactly how much overweight obese people are. They are all more than 20 percent over their target weight, which is significant enough to cause the problems that are being discussed in this report. The health and social issues caused by the state rest of the population that have not reached the 20 percent mark, but are still overweight are not even considered in this report. However, these issues will be positively affected by this proposal as well. It is also important to note that this problem is not isolated to a specific group of individuals, although there are groups that are higher risk than others.

A Socio-Economic Study on Rural Women and Food Security in Some Selected Areas of Mymensingh District free essay sample

Background of the Study Bangladesh is known as one of the developing countries in the world. With a per capita income of US$ 750, an estimated 49. 8 percent of its population is living below the national poverty line and 41. 3 percent are living in absolute poverty earning US$ 1 per day or less (UNDP, 2007). It is highly populated country having about 146 million. Female population constituted 74. 4 million of the total population. There is a great deal of gender discrimination, subordination and subjugation in every sphere of life. From their childhood, women are neglected in food sharing, education, work, freedom of choice, right to property and decision making aspect. Over the last decade, both government and non government organization have taken many initiatives and enacted several legislative measures in favour of upgrading women’s status basically empowering women. In Bangladesh, women constitute about half of the total population of which 80 percent live in rural areas (BBS, 2006). But their status has been ranked the lowest in the world on the basis of twenty indicators related to health, marriage, children, education, employment and social equality. We will write a custom essay sample on A Socio-Economic Study on Rural Women and Food Security in Some Selected Areas of Mymensingh District or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page It is a well established fact that in a patriarchal society like Bangladesh, women are ascribed a lower status than men who have the sovereign power to control households and society as a whole, while women are often secluded in their homes (Balk, 1997). The World Bank study in Bangladesh highlights that women have limited role in household decision-making, limited access and control over household resources (physical and financial assets), low level of individual assets, heavy domestic workloads, restricted mobility and inadequate knowledge and skills that leading to women’s vulnerability (Sebstad and Cohen 2002: 44). 2. Empowerment of Rural Women within the Context of Globalization Rural women play a critical role in agricultural production and in the rural economies of developing countries. In the developing world as a whole, agriculture accounted for about 63 per cent of total female employment in 1997 and it is still the most important sector for female employment in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia. Rural women make major and multiple contributions to the achievement of food security and produce more than half of the food grown worldwide. In sub-Saharan Africa this figure is higher, with women contributing 60 to 80 per cent of the labour in food production both for household consumption and for sale. In Asia, women do 50 to 90 per cent of the work in the rice fields. Women diversify and perform multiple tasks simultaneously to sustain their livelihoods, working on farms and engaging in off-farm activities, as well as continuing their critical role in terms of reproduction. Their responsibilities include the collection of water and fuel, activities that are particularly burdensome in areas with a poor social infrastructure (Olumakaiy and Ajavi, 2006). Women must not only have equal rights, capabilities and access to resources and opportunities, but they must also have the agency to use those rights, capabilities, resources and opportunities to make strategic choices. Empowerment of women in rural areas is dependent on several factors, including ownership and control over land; access to diverse types of employment and income-generating activities, access to public goods (such as water, village recreational area and forests), infrastructure, education and training, health care and financial services and markets; and opportunities for participation in political life and in the design and implementation of policies and programmes. i. Land and Property Rights Despite efforts to diversify, most households in rural areas still depend on land and natural resources for their basic subsistence. Without secure land rights, farmers have little or no access to credit, rural organizations, irrigation systems and other agricultural infrastructure and services. Land and property ownership increases women’s food security, their bargaining power within the household and their social status as members of the community. Women have benefited less than men from these programmes. For example, a survey of land distribution conducted in Brazil, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay and Peru found that women represented only one third or less of landowners (Olumakaiy and Ajavi, 2006). In Eastern Europe, agricultural reform has mainly involved tenure rights. Previously collectively or state-owned land has been privatized as private and corporate farms and either been returned to pre-socialist-era owners or to ex-collective or state-farm workers. Although land reform took diverse forms in the 1990s, private property became the predominant form of land ownership and new owners have mostly been men. For example, in Kyrgyzstan, a land distribution survey in 2002 showed that only 450 of 38,724 farms belonged to women (Olumakaiy and Ajavi, 2006). Ownership rights to agricultural land remain in the public domain, but the right to exploit farmland has been privatized. Traditional attitudes and stereotypes regarding the role of women and men in society have given men control over land. In Nepal, for example, according to the 2001 census, only 11 per cent of the total households reported women owning land. In sub-Saharan Africa, reform has often sought to transform customary tenure land into state property or individualized private property. Men have tended to acquire legal ownership of the land (Olumakaiy and Ajavi, 2006). ii. Credit Credit enables producers to initiate, sustain, or expand agricultural production and increase productivity. However, producers with limited resources, especially rural women, receive only a minor share of formal agricultural credit even in countries where they are major producers. As land is the major asset used as collateral to obtain rural credit, women have limited access to credit facilities. Withdrawal of credit provided by the Government in rural areas as the result of an increased liberalization and privatization of the financial sector can make access to credit even more difficult for women. Lack of information and knowledge concerning how to apply for credit and mutual distrust between banking institutions and agricultural producers constitute additional obstacles. Over the last decade, considerable attention has been given to micro credit nterventions for the empowerment of women. However, mixed results have been seen in South Asia, one of the most active regions in promoting micro credit for women. Some studies showed that the bargaining position of women within the household was strengthened by access to credit and control over income and assets. Assessment of credit programmes in Bangladesh, however, showed that men either significantly or partial ly controlled the credit, women brought into the household and that loans were used for purposes different from the ones applied for. iii. Employment and Income-Generating Activities The spread of agro-industry and rural industrialization has increased the possibilities for women to access cash income through self-employment or the setting up of rural enterprises. Wage employment allows women to get out of the relative isolation of the home or their small rural communities and gain self-esteem and confidence. A survey of households conducted in two townships in China confirmed that the division of labour and gender-specific decision-making patterns in households changed as the source and structure of household income changed. The role of women in decision-making increased as their incomes increased. When the contribution of women to the purchase of agricultural inputs increased, their share in decision-making increased from 25 to 29 per cent and when the labour input of women to marketing increased from 47 to 56 percent, their share in related decision-making increased from 53 to 61 percent (Olumakaiy and Ajavi, 2006). iv. Education and Training A successful agenda for the empowerment of rural women requires the dismantling of values, structures and processes that maintain women’s subordination and that are used to justify inequality in access to political, social and economic resources. Education plays an important role in this process. Studies in many countries have shown that education for girls is the single most effective way of reducing poverty, although it is not sufficient by itself. Inequalities in education and skill acquisition can explain the fact that women benefit less than men from economic opportunities as well as the trend towards the increase of women among the poorest in the population. Gender inequalities in access to education are well documented in rural areas. The situation varies considerably between countries and regions, and although there is no exact data about the situation in rural areas, global figures indicate that approximately 60 per cent of the illiterate people in the world are women, with only 69 per cent of women over the age of 15 being literate, compared to 83 per cent of men (Olumakaiy and Ajavi, 2006). In addition to increasing women’s access to the formal education system, it is important to provide women with access to training, including on marketing, rural entrepreneurship, farm and household management and financing. Rural women’s access to training and education is essential if they are to develop livelihood strategies that build on the opportunities created by globalization (Olumakaiy and Ajavi, 2006). v. Decision-Making Rural women continue to face a number of constraints on their ability to participate in formal and informal decision-making processes. The predominant responsibility for household tasks continues to be assigned to women and girls and limits their time and opportunities to be actively involved in educational, social and political activities. Discriminatory and stereotypical attitudes, lack of education, security concerns and freedom of movement may also limit opportunities for women to participate. Where rural women participate in decision-making, there are signs that women in local government have a tangible impact on allocation of resources, for example in relation to services and amenities such as water supplies and public health, as well as positive effects in terms of building social acceptance of women’s political authority. Gender-sensitive budget initiatives have been undertaken to promote the needs of rural women, but studies indicate that these initiatives only lead to women’s empowerment if they are accompanied by the creation of an enabling environment that eliminates inequalities in other areas such as household division of labour. 1. 3 Status of Women in Rural Bangladesh In a developing country like Bangladesh, participation of women in national economy is inevitable. They should play vital roles not only in family economies, but also in national economies. But the situation of women in Bangladesh presents a dismal picture. They are dominated by patrimonial and patriarchal kinship systems which maintain a set of social relations with a material base that enables men to control property, income and women lobour and to enforce dependence of women on males. They do not have individual identity socially. Status of women is an important factor affecting the socio-economic development of a country. There is no single indicator to measure the status of women in a society. Purdah (veil) system acts as the major obstacle for rural women to establish their rights (Begum, 1987). Despite the system of purdah women have to perform jobs such as ensuring food for their whole family, collecting firewood and cooking, feeding and rearing up children, feeding poultry birds and cattle, taking care of the households animals and birds, processing agricultural products, washing cloths and gardening in the homestead premises. No doubt, the contribution of women to their families is very significant and is not necessarily less than that of the male member of family. But their contribution in terms of labour and their roles in agriculture do not get social recognition. There is a clear division between male and female in a society like Bangladesh. Various indicators reveal that the status of women is much lower than that of men. The rate of literacy, particularly of women, is low in Bangladesh. The literacy rate for both sexes is 53. 3 among them 49. 8 per cent of women are literate compared to 57. 1 per cent of men (BBS, 2006). Table 1. 1 shows the percentage distribution of women’s education levels. Moreover, in each education level, percentage of male population is higher as compared to that of the female population. On the other hand, girls are conditioned to accept inferior status compared to boys and realize that they are liabilities, not assets like their brothers. Status of women in the society is dependent upon the role they play as daughter, wife and mother. Prior to her marriage, a girl has to learn cooking, cleaning and taking care of siblings and domestic animals. Some girls are married between the ages of 13-16. About 80 per cent of them are married before 18 years of age. Women are married at a much lower age than men. Their mean age of marriage is 19. 0 years compared with men’s mean age of 25. 3 years (Von harder, 1977). The health situation of the female population of the country is also unsatisfactory. But the average life expectancy of female is higher than that of their male counterpart. Average life expectancy is 64. 4 years for men and 65. 7 years for women . Nutritional status of women and girls is marked by sharp differences with that of men than boys. Health care for women is often restricted to their pregnancy. General health of women for all ages is often neglected. Early marriage, repeated pregnancy and long child bearing span have serious implications for women’s low nutritional status and high maternal mortality rate, for example, 3. 5 per 1000 live birth (BBS, 2006). The Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, in a special report in 1993, showed that women death due to unnatural causes (suicide, murder, burn, snake bite, poisoning, accident and drowning) is almost three times higher than pregnancy related cause. 1. 4 Role of Women in Farm and Non-farm Activities Women in rural Banglade sh are mostly underutilized, largely unrecognized. Official labour force statistics have not yet recognized the vital role that women play in agriculture production process. Women are involved in different works related to production, processing and household activities. The activities of women are mainly restricted within home like cooking, child care, washing, cleaning, tailing, crafting etc. due to the socio-economic backwardness and also deep rooted socio-cultural norms, rural women in Bangladesh do not participate in income generating activities in a modern sense. But the rural women in Bangladesh perform various economic functions as a member of the farming households. From a number of micro surveys it has been found that since independence in 1971, there has been a steady upward trend in the participation of women in income generating ctivities. Economic hardship is the main reason for such changes. Rural women work very hard but the activities they perform are often excluded from the national income statistics. Besides their household works (Table1. 1), women in rural areas are engaged in wide range of activities at different stages of the production process, but rarely do. They become beneficiaries or women’s of the means of productio n. The religion of Islam grants the right of property to them but due to their low socio-economic status, their legal rights can hardly be exercised.

Merger and Acquisition Strategies-Free-Samples-Myassignementhelp

Question: Analyze the Merger that is place between ADMA-OPCO and ZADCO. Answer: Introduction A merger took place between two oil-producing companies that is Abu Dhabi Operating Co. and Zakum Oil Development Co. The merger that took place will lead to a formation of a new oil company at the name of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. Both the companies that are included in the merger are the offshore operating companies. In the merger the ADNOC holds 60 percent of the interest and other companies that holds the interest are BP PLC, Japan Oil and other. Both ADMA-OPCO and ZADCO were involved in the production and processing of crude oil. ADMA-OPCO produces crude oil from Lower Zakum, Umm Lulu and others, while ZADCO produces the same from Upper Zakum, Satah Fields and others (ArabianBusiness, 2017). The paper discusses about the merger that is happening between these two oil-producing nations. It further analyses the benefits that comes occurs due to the merger with some future recommendations. Discussion Merger and formation of ADNOC The merger usually takes place when two companies decide to form a new entity by sharing their operations and shares (Von Kalinowski, et al., 2016). The merger that took place between two oil producing company ZADCO and ADMA-OPCO was done to enhance the efficiencies of the companies. The merger that took place will facilitate and modifies operational performances of the company (The National, 2017). There merger was planned by the company in order to improve the operations of both the entities. In the merger, the overall operation of both the company will be dissolved and a new operating entity will be formed. The merger was decided with the aim that consolidating the operation of main offshore oil producing companies will not affect the fiscal term of the partners. The merger will be completed in 2018 by a steering committee and with some of its partners BP, ExxonMobil and others (Fareed Rahman, 2017). Benefits of the Merger The merger that takes place between companies has a lot of beneficial effect on the new company that is formed. Thus, merger takes place with the aim of getting the benefits after the merger (Ferris, Jayaraman, Sabherwal, 2013). Similarly, the two oil producing expected to get a lot of benefits from the merger that is being processed. The most important benefit that both the company will get from the merger is financial and operational benefit. After the merger, the bet operational tactics of both the company will be used to end up with the best production. Further, with best production the company will be able to earn better revenue and become financially strong. The operational performance of the consolidated firm will be enhanced and offer strategic benefits. The merger will not only unite the companies, it will also unite other aspects as well such as offshore experience, decision making and governance. Thus, a more upstream business and future growth will be formed with such a merger benefitting ADNOC, the consolidated company (ArabianBusiness, 2017). It is seen the consolidation also allows for the synchronization of various offshore fields used by the merging companies. Conclusion From the above analysis, it can be concluded that the merger will prove to be beneficial for both the oil producing companies and the new company that is being formed. Adnoc is benefitting a lot in its operation and financially by getting profitable returns from the merger. Th company has planed the merger with a well planned strategy and holds a 60 percent share in both the merging oil producing companies such as Zadco and Adma-Opco. Even though the merger is continuing and will be completed in 2018, yet the benefits from the merger can be seen on the process. Recommendation The merger will be beneficial on various grounds and as planned by the merging companies and new formed company, yet it could face some difficulties. The company is doing the merger for saving their cost; however, the company will be facing threat from the lowering price of the offshore oil. Thus, the company will face difficulty to cope up with the revenue compared to the cost, compared to the recent falling prices. Thus, it is necessary for the company to be strategic in their operations and compete successfully. Thus, the merger might prove to e a failure if such steps are not taken appropriately. However, keeping in mind the lowering prices the newly formed company should formulate a new strategy, while the merger is going on. It will be useful if the strategies are formed and they are ready to succeed before 2018. References ArabianBusiness.com. (2017). ADNOC plans to merge offshore oil firms in cost-saving measure. Retrieved 17 November 2017, from https://www.arabianbusiness.com/adnoc-plans-merge-offshore-oil-firms-in-cost-saving-measure-647683.html Fareed Rahman, S. (2017).Adnoc to integrate offshore oil firms amid drop in oil prices.GulfNews. Retrieved 17 November 2017, from https://gulfnews.com/business/sectors/energy/adnoc-to-integrate-offshore-oil-firms-amid-drop-in-oil-prices-1.1906947 Ferris, S. P., Jayaraman, N., Sabherwal, S. (2013). CEO overconfidence and international merger and acquisition activity.Journal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis,48(1), 137-164. The National. (2017). Adnoc combines its two largest offshore units, part of Abu Dhabi state oil firms streamlining efforts. Retrieved 17 November 2017, from https://www.thenational.ae/business/adnoc-combines-its-two-largest-offshore-units-part-of-abu-dhabi-state-oil-firm-s-streamlining-efforts-1.162610 Von Kalinowski, J. O., Sullivan, P., McGuirl, M., Folsom, R., Fine, F. (2016).Determining Legality and Defenses(Vol. 2). Antitrust Laws and Trade Regulation, Second Edition.

Oral Health of the Pregnant Patient Essay Example

Oral Health of the Pregnant Patient Essay Oral health care during pregnancy is often avoided and misunderstood by patients and clinicians. It is very important to the mom to be to get regular checkups throughout the pregnancy. Many oral manifestations can occur at anytime, such as gingivitis, pregnancy tumors and Periodontitis. Periodontitis is associated with preterm birth and low birth weight, cariogenic bacteria in mothers can also lead to increased caries in the infant. Every pregnant should be examined for possible oral health risks, educated on proper oral hygiene and take any necessary action on any problems that have occurred.During the second trimester it is safe to provide restorative treatment, take xrays, and provide periodontal treatment. As clinicians, it is our responsibly to effective identify and diagnose problems before they become serious and hazardous to the patients health. Introduction Only 22 to 34 percent of women in the United States see a dentist during pregnancy. When an oral health problem does oc cur, only one half of pregnant women attend to it. Women may be more motivated to make healthy changes to their life style during pregnancy.This is the perfect time for clinicians to encourage healthy dental care. In order to start with those healthy changes, Clinicians must understand oral manifestations that can occur throughout pregnancy so we can well address the issue and educate our patients. Common Oral Problems The most common oral disease in pregnancy is gingivitis. About â€Å"one half of women with preexisting gingivitis have significant exacerbation during pregnancy†(Silk et al. , 2008). Gingivitis in pregnancy is caused by fluctuations of estrogen, progesterone levels, oral flora and a decreased immune response.To manage gingivitis, thorough oral hygiene measures are taken including tooth brushing and flossing. Patients with severe gingivitis may need professional cleaning and a prescription mouth rinses such as chlorhexidine may be prescribed. Periodontal diseas e can occur if gingivitis is not managed. The second most common problem associated with pregnancy is morning sickness. The oral cavity is exposed to gastric acid that can erode the enamel. Later on during pregnancy upward pressure from the gravid uterus can cause or exacerbate acid reflux.To reduce erosion of teeth, have patients with a teaspoon of baking soda in a cup of water after vomiting can neutralize acid. After vomiting, patients should be advised not to brush their teeth immediately after. Dental caries is another concern among pregnant women. These women are at a high risk because of carvings that are sugary and are frequently consumed throughout the day. Increased acidity and limited attention to their oral health is a contributing factor. Pregnant patients can decrease their risk of caries by brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and limiting sugary foods intake.Pregnancy tumor is another less common problem that can occur during pregnancy. This occurs in about 5% of pregnancies. It is a benign tumor caused by increased progesterone, local irritants and bacteria. Pregnancy tumors are most common after the first trimester. They grow rapidly and typically stay throughout whole pregnancy. They will recede after delivery, but sometimes they do need to be removed. Teeth can become loose during pregnancy, even when gum disease isn’t present. This happens because of increased levels of progesterone and estrogen affecting the periodontium.Clinicians should reassure patients that the condition is temporary, and will not cause tooth loss. Dental Treatment Dental procedures should be scheduled during the second trimester of pregnancy, ideally. At this time organogenesis is complete. Urgent dental care can be performed at any gestational age. During the third trimester additional problems may occur. A pregnant patient may feel discomfort lying back because the weight of the uterus pressing on the major vessels. To relieve this discomfort have p atient lay on left side and place towel under right hip.If dental care is postponed until after delivery it can be problematic because the new mom may be to busy with their newborn. Dental xrays may be taken in pregnancy for acute diagnostic purposes. If possible xrays should be delayed until after first trimester. To limit radiation exposure to mom to be and fetus avoid retakes, use fast film and lead aprons with a thyroid collar. Conclusion Every pregnant woman should be seen by a dentist during their pregnancy to prevent or treat any oral conditions that can arise.Catching problems early will benefit the mom to be and the unborn fetus. Many women neglect the dentist because they don’t know how important it is. By spreading the word and educating patients who are planning to become pregnant clinicians can prevent or manage these conditions. . References Silk, H. , Douglass, A. , Douglass, J. , amp; Silk, L. (2008). Oral Health During Pregnancy. American Family Physician, 77 (8), 7. Retrieved March 19, 2013, from the EBSCO Host database.

Gupta Empire free essay sample

Used by permission. Photograph of three Pygmy Chimpanzees (Image No. KA001090), copyright  © by Karl Ammann/Corbis. Used by permission. Excerpt from â€Å"The Ride Home† by Natale Ghent, from No Small Thing, copyright  © 2003 by Natale Ghent, ? rst U. S. edition 2005. â€Å"Once Upon a Time† by Beverly Patt from Guideposts for Kids Magazine, copyright  © 2000 by Guideposts, Carmel, New York. Used by permission. â€Å"Freaky Farm† by Teresa Milanese from Boy’s Life magazine’s October 2003 issue, copyright  © 2003 by Teresa Milanese, photograph courtesy of the Cz Family. Used by permission. Excerpt from The Island by Gary Paulsen, text copyright  © 1988 by Gary Paulsen. Used by permission of Scholastic, Inc. Developed and published by CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC, a subsidiary of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. 20 Ryan Ranch Road, Monterey, California 93940-5703. Copyright  © 2008 by New York State Education Department. We will write a custom essay sample on Gupta Empire or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of New York State Education Department. Book 1 Reading D irections In this part of the test, you will do some reading and answer questions about what you have read. For the multiple-choice questions, you will mark your answers on the answer sheet. For questions 27 and 28, you will write your answers directly in the test book. Go On  ¦ SECURE MATERIAL  ¦ Do not reproduce. Do not discuss contents until end of designated makeup schedule. Book 1 Page 1 D irections Read this article. Then answer questions 1 through 4. Conversations with Apes by Aline Alexander Newman Raring to go! Panbanisha, a female bonobo (buh-NO-bo), often hitches a ride—but she’d probably rather drive. One day, while out in the woods of Georgia, Panbanisha suddenly leaped into a parked golf cart. By pushing the accelerator with her foot, she started the engine. Gripping the steering wheel with both hands, she looked over her shoulder and backed up. Next she shifted gears and zoomed ahead. The only reason she stopped was because she rammed the cart into a tree! (She wasn’t hurt. ) â€Å"We never taught her to drive,† says Sue Savage-Rumbaugh, the primatologist in charge of the Georgia State University Language Research Center in Atlanta. But that didn’t prevent this smart ape from teaching herself. Of the great apes—bonobos, gorillas, orangutans, and chimpanzees—bonobos are the most like humans. Savage-Rumbaugh decided to study them to see whether they could pick up language on their own, as humans do. It turns out that they can. In fact, Savage-Rumbaugh has discovered that bonobos can learn to do lots of things on their own. Growing up in the language center lab, Panbanisha and her brother, Kanzi, had human caretakers, watched TV, and played with toys. Both drink from a glass, brush their teeth, and use the toilet. They also communicate. At ? st, the apes simply listened—picking up the meanings of words by hearing people talk. Later they learned to say things by pressing symbols on a portable computer. One day, a young female bonobo named Tamuli stole Savage-Rumbaugh’s keys. The researcher begged and pleaded and even offered food in exchange. But the mischievous ape laughed and refused to give them back. Finally Savage-Rumbaugh asked Kanzi to tell T amuli to return the keys. â€Å"Kanzi turned, made a series of sounds to her, and she came right over and handed them to me,† says the scientist. Did Kanzi actually â€Å"speak† to Tamuli? Savage-Rumbaugh thinks he did. She knows they communicate in many ways. She wasn’t surprised when Panbanisha took a piece of chalk and drew a long line on the ? oor leading to the door. â€Å"She wanted to go outside,† the researcher says. Page 2 Book 1 Do not reproduce. Do not discuss contents until end of designated makeup schedule.  ¦ SECURE MATERIAL  ¦ But on another occasion, Panbanisha’s behavior astonished even Savage-Rumbaugh. The ape hadn’t been allowed outside for days and was staring longingly out a window. Suddenly she hopped down and drew on the ? oor. SavageRumbaugh looked at her sketch and gasped. Panbanisha had written an upside-down V—the symbol from the portable keyboard that stands for a hut in the forest. Clearly, Panbanisha was telling Savage-Rumbaugh she wanted to go there! Savage-Rumbaugh frequently takes the apes hiking in the forest. â€Å"Kanzi likes to make ? res,† she says. He learned by watching her make them. Kanzi walks around picking up sticks, which he snaps with his foot and piles in a heap. Then he borrows a lighter to ignite the blaze. The apes use the ? res for roasting marshmallows! When it’s time to leave, Kanzi douses the ? mes with a bucket of water. Savage-Rumbaugh hopes that as people learn more about bonobos, they’ll grow to respect them and feel as strongly as she does about protecting them in the wild. 1 According to the article, which of the great apes are the most like humans? A B C D bonobos chimpanzees gorillas orangutans 3 What will most likely happen to Panbanisha a nd Kanzi next? A B C D They will speak just like humans. They will teach each other to drive. They will begin to live by themselves. They will learn more human behaviors. 2 Which detail best supports the main idea of the article? A B C D Bonobos sometimes live in language labs. Bonobos can take hikes through the forest. Bonobos can learn language on their own. Bonobos sometimes take objects from humans. 4 Read this sentence from the article. When it’s time to leave, Kanzi douses the flames with a bucket of water. The word â€Å"douses† means about the same as A B C D contains in? uences seizes soaks Go On  ¦ SECURE MATERIAL  ¦ Do not reproduce. Do not discuss contents until end of designated makeup schedule. Book 1 Page 3 D irections Read this passage from the book No Small Thing. Then answer questions 5 through 10. The Ride Home y Natale Ghent In this passage, Nathaniel and his sisters, Cid and Queenie, cannot believe their luck when they are the ? rst to answer an advertisement for a free pony. They waste no time in claiming Smokey as their very own. Since Smokey has never been ridden, they need to tame him enough to ride him. I take the reins and walk Smokey through the gate and down the lane. Queenie is skipping along next to me. We haven’t even hit the road when Cid starts in about how she wants to ride him. â€Å"You have to wait. I don’t want them to see us riding him in case Smokey kicks up and one of us falls off. â€Å"You’re not the boss of everything,† Cid says. At this point I want to hit her with the reins, because I know it would hurt a lot. â€Å"Just wait until they can’t see us,† I hiss at her, my eyes squinting. She can see that I’m serious and backs off. Queenie is walking with one hand on Smokey’s neck. She hasn’t said a thing, but her eyes are as wide as saucers. I run my hand along the pony’s neck. I can feel his muscles moving in an easy rhythm as he walks. His eyes are dark and kind, and his nostrils are bright pink and dewy on the inside. When we can’t see the farm anymore, I tell Cid she can ride him. I’ll hold the reins while you get on. † She hands me the bag of brushes, then swings her leg up. Smokey quickly steps to one side. Cid hops on one foot like a pogo stick, her other leg still slung halfway over Smokey’s back. â€Å"Hold him still! † she says angrily. â€Å"Just hurry up and get on! † I tell her, and then I talk to Smokey the way cowboys do in the movies. â€Å"Whoa now, easy, boy. † I stroke his muzzle for extra assurance. He snorts and tosses his head. He doesn’t know what to think. I rub his forelock and talk softly in his ear until Cid slings herself up. Smokey’s back legs buckle slight ly as he considers her weight. I hold the reins near the bit and hand the rest over Smokey’s head to Cid. When I let go, Smokey lays his ears ? at. I can tell he doesn’t like the idea. Cid taps his sides with her heels—and the ride is on! Page 4 Book 1 Do not reproduce. Do not discuss contents until end of designated makeup schedule.  ¦ SECURE MATERIAL  ¦ Smokey springs forward, then steps quickly to one side. His back legs compress, and then he prances like a Lipizzaner. 1 Queenie watches with her big eyes. Cid holds the reins tightly with one hand and clutches a handful of Smokey’s mane with the other. She keeps her legs pressed to Smokey’s sides. Her teeth are clenched and her face is serious. I have to admit I’m impressed with her guts— really impressed—but I would never tell her that. Horse Terms in the Story †¢ reins: narrow straps used to guide a horse †¢ muzzle: the part of a horse that includes the nose, jaws, and mouth †¢ bit: a bar connected to the reins that goes into a horse’s mouth †¢ withers: the part of a horse between its neck and back â€Å"Give him another little kick,† I say, when Smokey stops. Cid kicks him, and he lunges forward again. Despite all the snorting and stamping, Smokey never goes really wild. I can tell by his eyes that he feels obliged to put up a bit of a fuss—for dignity’s sake—but that his heart isn’t mean at all. He soon settles and gets used to the idea of the weight on his back. He walks quickly, blowing through ? ared nostrils and swinging his head from side to side. His mane dances up and down and his tail streams out behind him like a comet. Queenie trots beside him, her hand against his neck like she’s afraid to let go in case he disappears into the summer air like a mirage. 2 By the time Cid lets me on him, Smokey is pretty much broke. He doesn’t try to step away when I get on, but stands and waits for me to gather the reins. He whinnies loudly while he waits, and I can feel the air pushing through him, his sides quivering against my legs. His coat is soft and warm, and I ? t comfortably behind his withers like he was made for me. I give him a nudge with my heels, and he lurches forward, picking along the gravel road w ith quick, even steps. The sunlight is fading now. We move in and out of the shadows, the trees casting long, dark bands across the road. I am so happy, I feel like I could ride forever. 1 2 Lipizzaner: a breed of horse trained for jumping mirage: something unreal 3 broke: tamed Go On  ¦ SECURE MATERIAL  ¦ Do not reproduce. Do not discuss contents until end of designated makeup schedule. Book 1 Page 5 5 This passage is told from the point of view of A B C D Cid Smokey Queenie Nathaniel 6 At the beginning of the passage, why is Nathaniel irritated with Cid? A B C D She refuses to take the reins from him. He realizes she is a stronger rider than he is. She pesters him to let her ride Smokey. He thinks he should ride Smokey before she does. 7 Overall, Nathaniel’s behavior is best described as A B C D friendly sel? h responsible uninterested 8 Which statement is most likely true of the characters in this passage? A B C D Nathaniel is older than Queenie and Cid. Nathaniel likes to tease Queenie and Cid. Cid and Queenie have fallen off Smokey before. Cid and Queenie have always wanted to own Smokey. Page 6 Book 1 Do not reproduce. Do not discuss contents until end of designated makeup schedule.  ¦ SECURE MATERIAL  ¦ 9 The author helps the reader understand Smokey’s nature mostly through the use of A B C D Cid’s behavior toward Smokey Nathaniel’s descriptions of Smokey Nathaniel and Cid’s dialogue about Smokey Nathaniel and Queenie’s dialogue about Smokey 0 Read this sentence from the passage. Smokey’s back legs buckle slightly as he considers her weight. Now read the dictionary entry below. buckle v. 1. Become fastened. 2. Surrender to authority. 3. Prepare with vigor. 4. Bend under pressure. Which de? nition is closest to the meaning of â€Å"buckle† as it is used in the sentence above? A B C D de? nition 1 de? nition 2 de? nition 3 de? nition 4 Go On  ¦ SECURE MATERIAL  ¦ Do not repro duce. Do not discuss contents until end of designated makeup schedule. Book 1 Page 7 D irections Read this article about clocks. Then answer questions 11 through 15. Once Upon a Time by Beverly Patt Imagine three of your closest friends are late for school. When the teacher asks them, â€Å"Why are you late? †: Friend #1 says, â€Å"Sorry, but the wind blew out my alarm clock. † Friend #2 says, â€Å"My dog drank up my alarm clock. † Friend #3 says, â€Å"I have a cold and couldn’t smell what time it was. † As weird as it sounds, all three of your friends are telling the truth. They’re just a little behind the times. If you go back in history far enough, you’ll come to a time where there were no clocks, watches, or VCRs blinking 12:00. But people still needed a way to keep track of how long they worked, how long to leave the bread over the ? e, and when their favorite TV show was on (just kidding! ). Shadow clocks, such as sundials, were a â€Å"hot† item around 1500 B. C. But these were only useful during the daytime—and only on sunny days! Soon better ways to mark time were invented. In the â€Å"Wick† of Ti me Ever set your clock on ? re? Many cultures did! The Chinese took a dampened rope, knotted it in equal intervals, and set it a? ame. As ? re passed each knot, a period of time was counted off. (They dampened the rope to make it burn more slowly. ) Later, they spaced weights evenly along the rope and placed something like a bell beneath it. As the rope burned, the weights would drop and â€Å"chime† the time! Other cultures did the same thing with evenly spaced pins in a candle. When the candle burned down low enough, the pin would drop and strike the pan below. (It must have been â€Å"quiet enough to hear a pin drop! †) There were also calibrated1 candles—they had numbered lines along one side where the time could be read as the candle burned down. Oil lamps had lines on their reservoirs, marking the time as the oil level dropped. The award for the most unusual burning clock goes to the Chinese. They could actually smell time passing! Incense was laid in a maze-like tray, with different types of incense used for different hours. As the incense burned, sniff, sniff, they knew it was time to get up! 1 calibrated: marked for measurement Page 8 Book 1 Do not reproduce. Do not discuss contents until end of designated makeup schedule.  ¦ SECURE MATERIAL  ¦ Filling Time From time to time you may play a board game that uses an ancient clock. Can you guess what it is? Time’s up! It’s called a sandglass—or hourglass (although in your game it probably measures minutes or seconds instead of hours). And can you guess what these ancient sandglasses were ? lled with? Time’s up! If you said, â€Å"Duh, sand,† you are wrong! In most cases, the available sand was too coarse to trickle smoothly, so powdered eggshells were used instead. Ancient Greeks used the sandglass to measure cooking time, and in medieval Europe sandglasses were employed to time church sermons! Contrary to what their name implies, hourglasses can measure anywhere from two minutes to four hours, depending on the amount of sand, er, eggshell in them! Clocks using ? owing water were popular, too. A clepsydra came in two styles, both using two bowls, one with a hole in the bottom. One clepsydra measured water dripping from the â€Å"holy† bowl into the other. In the second style, the holy bowl ? oated (and slowly ? lled) in a bigger, water-? lled tub. These bowls had markings on the inside to tell the â€Å"time† indicated by the rising or sinking water level. And if your baby sister spilled the bowls and made you late for class? You had to convince your teacher you had a good excuse for being tardy. That’s a timeless fact! clepsydra 11 What does the author mean by the phrase â€Å"behind the times†? A B C D imperfect outdated overlooked unusual 12 Read this excuse for being late to school. â€Å"My dog drank up my alarm clock. † According to the article, which type of clock is this student most likely using? A B C D a sandglass a calibrated candle a clepsydra a shadow clock Go On  ¦ SECURE MATERIAL  ¦ Do not reproduce. Do not discuss contents until end of designated makeup schedule. Book 1 Page 9 13 Which sentence from the article best supports the main idea of â€Å"Once Upon a Time†? A B C D â€Å"But people still needed a way to keep track of how long they worked, how long to leave the bread over the ? e, and when their favorite TV show was on (just kidding! ). † â€Å"Later, they spaced weights evenly along the rope and placed something like a bell beneath it. † â€Å"Oil lamps had lines on their reservoirs, marking the time as the oil level dropped. † â€Å"Contrary to what their name implies, hourglasses can measure anywhere from two minutes to four hours, depending on the amount of sand, er, eggshell in them! † 14 The information in this article would be most useful for someone who wants to A B C D ? nd an ancient clock measure time exactly learn about the background of clocks arrive at school on time in the morning 5 Read this sentence from the article. Ancient Greeks used the sandglass to measure cooking time, and in medieval Europe sandglasses were employed to time church sermons! What does the word â€Å"employed† most likely mean in this sentence? A B C D applied ? lled suited used Page 10 Book 1 Do not reproduce. Do not discuss contents until end of designated makeup schedule.  ¦ SECURE MATERIAL  ¦ D irections Read this article about a man with an interesting hobby. Then answer questions 16 through 19. Freaky Farm by Teresa Milanese In the 1930s, an Ohio farmer had the creepiest pumpkin patch in town. David Pethtel walked through the overgrown grass and weeds on a farm he bought in 1986 in Madison, Ohio. Most of the ? elds had been neglected for years. Suddenly, he stumbled upon a pile of metal objects shaped like human heads. Aged and covered in grime, the heads would reveal an interesting story about the farm’s previous owner, John Cz. Cz, a pumpkin farmer, was determined to grow pumpkins that looked like humans. The hobby brought Cz international fame. Molding His Craft During the 1930s, Cz shaped human heads in plaster and had metal molds made from these forms. He used each mold to encase a young pumpkin while it was still on the vine. During the initial growth phase, the pumpkin took on the shape of the mold. When the mold was removed, the pumpkin grew to full size, retaining its form. Grow Somebody You Know Local legend says Cz’s pumpkin patch was a scary place at night. Moonlight shone on the grinning heads in the ? eld. Sharp explosions periodically sounded when an iron mold burst open under the pressure of a growing pumpkin and a human-like head popped out. Later, Cz patented several kinds of aluminum molds, which held up better than iron. Many were made to look like celebrities of his day. He gave his pumpkins a life-like appearance by painting in eyes and other features. Some of his creations sold for $10 to $50—a substantial amount of money in the 1930s. Getting a Head Cz and his pumpkins made national and international headlines. A German magazine ran a feature story on his pumpkin-growing methods. Curious people from all over the United States sent him letters asking about his molds. In 1938, he received a round-trip railroad ticket and an invitation to appear on Dave Elman’s â€Å"Hobby Lobby† radio program in New York City. Go On  ¦ SECURE MATERIAL  ¦ Do not reproduce. Do not discuss contents until end of designated makeup schedule. Book 1 Page 11 After more than a decade of growing unique pumpkins, the duties of operating a large farm left Cz little time to pursue his hobby. He packed away his molds, along with an idea he was developing for a new plastic mold. Cz died in 1984. But his pumpkin molds have become collector’s items in Madison and surrounding communities. 16 According to information in the article, John Cz could best be described as A B C D hesitant ? exible stubborn imaginative 7 Which statement best summarizes the information in the section titled â€Å"Getting a Head†? A B C D Cz decided to create a new plastic mold. Cz had an unusual hobby that people found interesting. Cz grew pumpkin heads that resembled famous people. Cz made molds and planted pumpkins in them. Page 12 Book 1 Do not reproduce. Do not discuss contents until end of designated makeup schedule.  ¦ SEC URE MATERIAL  ¦ 18 Read this sentence from the article. Sharp explosions periodically sounded when an iron mold burst open under the pressure of a growing pumpkin and a human-like head popped out. The author most likely included this sentence to show A B C D that the pumpkin ? eld was a dangerous place the dramatic way in which some pumpkins appeared that the pumpkins looked like celebrities the inappropriate size of the pumpkin molds 19 Read this sentence from the article. After more than a decade of growing unique pumpkins, the duties of operating a large farm left Cz little time to pursue his hobby. Which word means about the same as â€Å"pursue†? A B C D change discuss follow start Go On  ¦ SECURE MATERIAL  ¦ Do not reproduce. Do not discuss contents until end of designated makeup schedule. Book 1 Page 13 D irections Read this excerpt from The Island. Then answer questions 20 through 28. The Island by Gary Paulsen Wil Neuton had just gotten used to city life in Madison, Wisconsin, when his family moved again—this time to a small house in the woods, far away from the nearest town. At this point in the story, Wil has gone for a bike ride and has discovered a lake with an abandoned rowboat pulled up on its shore. It took him only a minute to jump in, push off with an oar, and get settled on the old dry seat in the middle. As heavy as it was, water-soaked for years, the boat still moved easily to the oars, and in ten more minutes he was bumping against the small rocks at the south edge of the island. He hopped out, standing in the water in his tennis shoes, and skinned1 the boat up onto the rocks. Then he turned it on its side and stuck the oars up inside and turned and looked around. â€Å"See,† he said aloud. â€Å"See what I have found—an island all for myself. † He felt only a little strange talking to himself, and he smiled and walked along the shore wondering why he had taken the boat out to the island in the ? st place; what pull had brought him? He had seen other islands, yet there was something about this one. It . . . ?t him, somehow. Seemed to ? t him. He went to the right and soon was up on the north end of the right side of the U, where he turned left, started around the corner, and came to the large, square table rock that jutted out into the bay. Two mallards2 lifted off the bay—a male, all green-headed 1 2 skinned: scraped mallards: a kind of duck  ¦ SECURE MATERIAL  ¦ Page 14 Book 1 Do not reproduce. Do not discuss contents until end of designated makeup schedule. ith white wing ? ecks, and a dappled gray-brown female—and Wil jumped when they took off. There were birds singing, and some insect sound, but the sun was keeping the mosquitoes down and the quiet was very peaceful. He walked onto the rock and sat on the outer edge, letting his feet dangle over the side. His heels almost touched the water, and when he rocked his toes forward they just broke the surface; some small sun? sh came to investigate the disturbance, which might be a meal. They hovered in the shade of the rock, darted in and out with each ripple, ? shed their sides in the sun, golden blinks that came up through the water into Wil’s eyes and into his mind. He sat for some time, watching the ? sh, looking across the bay, listening to the birds, and the place felt, in a way, like home. It felt like he was supposed to be there, and when he stood and brushed the rock dust off his pants and walked back t o the boat, some of the day was gone. But the newness ? lled him, and he did not think of Madison or feel lonely as he rowed back to the main shore, left the boat upside down in the brush, found his bike, and got out on the road. He did not think of Madison or his friends there; he thought only of the island, the sun? sh coming to his toes, the mallards jumping into the sky the way they did, the sun, the birds. And he knew he would come back. He knew it with a kind of basic, fundamental knowledge; he would breathe in and out—and he would come back to the island. 20 What is this passage mostly about? A B C D a boy watching wildlife on an island a boy learning how to use an old rowboat he ? nds a boy easing his loneliness when he explores a nearby island a boy realizing how much he misses his old home and friends 21 This passage is told from the point of iew of A B C D Wil’s family Wil’s friends an outside narrator the main character Go On  ¦ SECURE MATERIAL  ¦ Do not reproduce. Do not discuss contents until end of designated makeup schedule. Book 1 Page 15 22 What does the island most likely represent to Wil? A B C D the past a hardship old friends new freedom 23 Which statement from t he passage best shows how important the island is to Wil? A B C D â€Å"He hopped out, standing in the water in his tennis shoes, and skinned the boat up onto the rocks. † â€Å"He went to the right and soon was up on the north end of the right side of the U, where he turned left. â€Å"He walked onto the rock and sat on the outer edge, letting his feet dangle over the side. † â€Å"He sat for some time, watching the ? sh, looking across the bay, listening to the birds, and the place felt, in a way, like home. † 24 The author’s description of the wildlife on the island helps to create a sense of A B C D calmness pride sadness tension 25 Read this sentence from the passage. Two mallards lifted off the bay—a male, all green-headed with white wing flecks, and a dappled gray-brown female—and Wil jumped when they took off. In the sentence, the author creates an image in which Wil is A B C D chasing the ducks surprised by the ducks pleased to see the ducks pretending to ? y like the ducks Page 16 Book 1 Do not reproduce. Do not discuss contents until end of designated makeup schedule.  ¦ SECURE MATERIAL  ¦ 26 The next time Wil feels lonely, he will most likely A B C D row out to the island search for a new island bring his parents to the island call his friends from the island 27 At the end of the passage, the author says that â€Å"the newness ? lled† Wil.

Welcome to The City of God Rethinking the Movie Experience

Welcome to The City of God Rethinking the Movie Experience Whenever there is a major feature film interpretation of a painfully topical issue, the audience takes the on-coming film with a grain of salt, which is quite understandable – there is practically no way in which the movie director can handle the complex issue; as a matter of fact, a movie adaptation is often not about how good the directors’ interpretation is, but how much the movie twists the original idea.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Welcome to The City of God: Rethinking the Movie Experience specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, much to the audience’s surprise, The City of God turned out not as much palatable as the source material, i.e., the numerous criminal reports on the Rio de Janeiro suburbs, but also quite unique and different from the original in its own way. With the help of elaborate planning and the use of various technical approaches, as well as the casting choices and oth er essential elements that make a bulk of a good movie, The City of God manages to convey a number of messages concerning essential social issues in the Latin countries, as well as stet the existing problems within a typical Latin society. The first and the foremost planning element to speak about are the actors. The cast defines the movie, shaping it and giving it additional shades. In the given case, the cast was truly brilliant. Taking into account that the movie was shot as a crime drama, it was crucial to pick the cast who would not overact yet add drama to the movie, and Alexandre Rodriguez handled this task perfectly well. He obviously knows what to say and when to: â€Å"The sun is for everyone, the beach is for those who deserve it† (The City of God), yet he does not have the answer to every question, which makes him a believable character. The rest of the cast leaves rather vague impression, yet there is also nothing terrible about their performance. Like any crime movie, this one is packed with all sorts of stunts and smooth movements. However, the tricks in The City of God concern not the artists, but the movie itself, or, to be more exact, the way in which different eras are switched. The transition between the epochs is rather smooth, which is achieved with the help of rather unusual means. For instance, I one of the transitions, the gap between the two epochs is marked near a car passing by (The City of God). In addition, it is still questionable whether the level of the stunt performers matches the existing standards. The given edits make one think of the gaps between different social groups, which are as hard to cross as the time boundaries. Speaking of the way in which the movie floats between two time periods, the visuals of the two worlds are quite stunning, too. Meirelles managed to capture the striking reality of both eras in a bottle. The Rio de Janeiro suburbs are your typical Rio de Janeiro suburbs, the way an average stranger w ould think of them, yet the stylization of the background does not stretch to the point where an average Rio de Janeiro dweller will consider it offensive.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In regard to the settings, the color cast of the movie is to be mentioned as well. It is rather peculiar that the color balance is shifted in the movie in such a way so that every single detail in it looks extremely sharp. The given shift is especially obvious in the scene where one of the kids during the conversation asks another one, â€Å"Shall I shoot you in the hand or in the foot?† (The City of God). Adding much to the atmosphere in general, the sharpness of the colors allows to stress the tension within the society and the anger that has been brewing there for the last few decades. The sound effects and the sounds in the background are not to be forgotten, either. It is e ssential that the movie uses the traditional Latin American music for the background in most of the scenes; adding the unforgettable genuine effect, it helps create the atmosphere and allows to plunge into the Latin world completely. Finally, the story comes as the most important element of the movie planning. Helping to reveal even more ideas which the director and the author of the book wanted to convey, the plot must be on par with the visuals, i.e., the most important detail of the entire movie. It is quite impressive that the reference to the book by St. Augustine of Hippo is there in the movie, which makes the latter all the stronger. On the other hand, the comparison of the modern movie about the gangs of Rio de Janeiro to the book written centuries ago with a completely different idea in mind and for completely different purposes might seem inappropriate, there is still a common thread in the two. Both convey the idea of justice as it should be. The only difference is that A ugustine’s work conveys the message of ideal state showing what the perfect order must look like (St. Augustine), while The City of God, the movie states its moral grounds by showing the audience the lowest of the low. Hence, the idea of what the City of God must not be, is shaped. Indeed, the negative imagery can be as impressive as the positive one; sometimes, the effect of the former can be even stronger, since it does not possess the loathsome taste of moralizing. Moreover, when referring to Augustine’s work, it is necessary to keep in mind that Meirelles did not go with taking all the ideas from the book by Augustine – on the contrary, Meirelles created a modern story only slightly seasoned with the moral concerns which have been voiced in St. Augustine’s book. Hence, Meirelles managed to locate the movie in the present-day reality and add a couple of modern features to it, keeping the key characteristics of the genre intact.Advertising We wi ll write a custom essay sample on Welcome to The City of God: Rethinking the Movie Experience specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Hence, it is obvious that the specifics of the movie planning, especially the ones concerning the visual elements, contribute to the effect that the movie makes considerably. With the help of a careful, well-developed planning, the movie conveys such social issues as the reasons for high criminal rates in Rio de Janeiro, as well as explains the specifics of the city development, touching upon its history. Therefore, the background for a number of current social issues which are extremely topical for the present-day Brazil is being set as the plot of the movie unwraps. Unmasking the social and political flaws of the existing system, the movie sets a number of moral dilemmas for the audience, leaving the latter to guess whether the leading characters have chosen the right track. The City of God. Ex. Prod. Fernando Mei relles. New York City, NY: Miramax Films. 2003. DVD. St. Augustine. The City of God. Edinburgh: TT Clark, 1871. Print.

Budgeting for Your Indie Novel

Budgeting for Your Indie Novel Budgeting for Your Indie Novel Michael Doane is the author of   "The Crossing"  and book strategist at Writing Inbound. When he’s not writing novels, he’s working with other authors to promote, launch, and sell their books. In this article, he talks about the budget he set for self-publishing his debut novel, "The Crossing" and how he was able to stick to it.  A couple of months ago, Reedsy put together a comprehensive infographic on what it costs to self-publish a book. The infographic breaks down costs associated with the various stages of editing as well as cover design and typesetting. According to the data, a 60,000 word book will cost you an average of $5,260 if you purchase each service individually. That’s a fair amount of money if you’re going into self-publishing for the first time and aren’t generating any revenue from your books yet.While Reedsy has the data on average costs, I’d like to share what authors really care about: a story. My debut novel, The C rossing is just under 60,000 words, so I’m going to judge my own progress up against Reedsy’s $5,260 average.My budgetWhen I got serious about publishing, I set a budget of $3,500 on editing and design services. This was money I had in my PayPal account from helping other authors market their books. That meant I had to find shortcuts and alternatives to cut costs and save myself money. One thing I wasn’t willing to compromise on, however, was quality.This was going to be quite the challenge: save about 50% on professional publishing services and STILL come to market with a quality, professionally designed product that’s been vetted by top-notch editors. I also didn’t want to haggle with professionals by negotiating unnecessary discounts.Spoiler alert: I was able to stay within budget.The steps I took to get my book ready to self-publish1. I started with myself†¦The first thing I did was read my own book. I read it critically and made lots and lots of notes. Then I edited the thing. I cut about 15,000 words from the first draft and added an additional 7,000 words to the manuscript.Then I did it again. I re-read, cut, and re-wrote. It’s not easy. Some may even call it soul-shattering. The thing is†¦ it’s necessary.I made "The Crossing" the best possible product I could make on my own before sharing it with anyone.2. I shared with friends and family†¦I have a funny story about the ending of "The Crossing"†¦It is late, about 1am on a Tuesday night, and I have to get up for work at 5am the next morning. My wife, Emily, is always my first-reader and she is just finishing the first draft of the manuscript. She is so disappointed with the ending that she wakes me up, shaking me. â€Å"Mike, Mike. What the†¦!? This book is SO GOOD, but the ending†¦Ã¢â‚¬ It was so bad, she said, she couldn’t sleep. I love my wife, so I got up and wrote her an acceptable ending. I was up until about 2 am making it work. I brought it back to her and watched her read it. â€Å"This is better,† she said, â€Å"but still not the best it can be.†It took three more tries and two editors to get to the best possible ending - the one that made her cry!All this to say, it’s important to share with family and friends. Most of them will tell you they like it (giving you a slight boost in confidence). The best ones will be totally honest with you and encourage you to make art that’s beautiful and worthwhile. Share your writing with friends. It'll encourage you to make something worthwhile.†@medoane 3. I enlisted a small but dedicated group of beta readers†¦My beta readers are my most important asset. Seriously.I put it out there - on my blog and social media - that I was looking for people to read my book and provide feedback. About 50 people signed up and out of those 50, about 15 gave me good, valuable feedback.I sent my manuscript for "The Crossing" to them no strings attached and, over a few months, scheduled calls and exchanged emails with them to solicit direct feedback. I had a very diverse group, who gave me amazing perspective on my work.Once I was finished with all my calls and emails with my beta readers, I made yet another round of personal edits based on the feedback.4. I hired  an editor for an assessment†¦At this point, I knew there was little more I could do on my own and with the honesty and encouragement of my friends, family, and beta readers. I turned to Reedsy and put out proposals for an editorial assessment.I ended up hiring Rebecca Heyman, who was not the least expensive nor the most expensive of the five editors I’d reached out to.While I don’t want to share exactly what I paid for her services, I’ll say that it was (what I thought at the time) a big chunk of change. I’ll also say that the big chunk of change was totally worth it.Becca delivered an 8-page document detailing the parts of the narrative that worked and - more importantly - the parts of the narrative that didn’t work. We then had a pretty heated conversation via Skype about details and alternatives.The best part of working with Becca is that she brought me back to earth, tore down the hard work I’d already done, and pointed me back to the drawing board.What an editorial assessment does for an author is provide perspective. It gives you insights on your work from an experienced professional. Becca was able to create a comprehensive overview of my manuscript for "The Crossing" and help me refine it to a publishab le work. "What an editorial assessment really gives an author is perspective.† @medoane 5. I went back to the drawing board†¦I didn’t make all the edits Becca suggested (there’s that freedom of self-publishing coming into play), but what I did do was re-read the book with fresh eyes and tended to the problem areas that Becca pointed out. I ended up cutting and adding a lot more. Re-read, re-consider, re-write. That’s what it’s all about.Then I recruited more beta readers and had a few from the original group have another go at it and give me feedback. This time they were giving me pointers on not only the narrative, but also grammar and spelling.6. I hired a  cover designer†¦While my beta readers were busy reading, I went back to Reedsy and put out quotes for a cover designer. I ended up going with Matthew Cobb, who just so happens to be a Reedsy co-founder as well.We spent time going back and forth on different iterations and I was able to have complete control over the final product.7. I hired copyeditor/proofreader†¦Since I used so many other resources, like my beta readers, for copyediting and content development, I put out a final round of proposals on Reedsy for a mix of copyediting and proofreading services. I ended up hiring Rachel Small.Rachel’s profile mentioned that she dealt with YA, coming of age, and travel stories, so I knew I wanted to work with her before I even heard any responses back. I also read Reedsy author  Stacey Dyer’s article about working with Rachel, which seemed like a wonderful, collaborative process. Luckily, Rachel came back with a quote on point with what I expected to pay.At this point "The Crossing" was a pretty solid, final, and publishable narrative. I read through one more time, made most of the edits Rachel suggested, and made some tweaks to the narrative that the beta readers had suggested (such moving around chapters, and adding some overlooked elements).8. I  did my own typesettingWith the average cost of typesetting being $840 (according to R eedsy’s infographic),  this could’ve easily been the expense that took me over budget. However, I used the free Reedsy Book Editor  to do the typesetting for me.  You simply copy and paste your chapters into the tool (or use it to write your book), then hit export and you get a nice print-ready PDF and ebook reader-friendly ePub file.So, what does self-publishing a book really cost?Time! Writing, editing, learning how to publish, working with various editors and beta readers, sharing with friends and family and waiting for a response. Having your work torn down by editors so you can build it back up. Patience and effort. This is the true cost of self-publishing. "Time is the true cost of self-publishing."@medoane From the time my first draft was complete until the time the book was published, everything took about two years. I approached it like a second job and spent hundreds of hours, during nights and weekends, learning how to publish a book. But if you’re up to learning new processes, putting out the upfront investments, and working with a team of skilled professionals, the costs certainly are worth it.Thankfully, I was able to stick to the budget I set for myself. According to my $3500 budget, I spent an average of $145 per month in expenses, and if I did extend past my budget to the average cost based on Reedsy’s infographic, it still would have only been about $219 per month. With my current sales numbers, I’m set to make back these costs within the next few months.What’s next?Here is some  last minute advice for those who are ready to take the same path:Set a budget before anything else.Find an audience early.Promote to friends and family.Engage your beta readers.Hire a professional editor (or two).Get a well-designed cover.Learn as much as you can about the industry.Network with other authors.If you’re a detail-oriented and you want to bypass the publishing industry’s red-tape, then self-publishing is definitely worth the cost. Just know that it’s a long road if you’re going to do it right - and come into it with an entrepreneur’s perspective, because you  need to invest money if you want to create a beautiful product that will earn you money in return.  Good luck!"The Crossing" is available on Amazon in paperback and on Amazon Kindle.  Mention this article to get a 25% discount on your next book marketing plan through Michael Doane on Reedsy.Michael set himself the task to not cut corners, to create a book he would be proud of, but also to stay within his allocated self-publishing budget. And he did! What have been your experiences with taking on the cost of publishing yourself?  Leave y our thoughts, experiences, or any questions for Michael  in the comments below.

The Writers Diet

The Writers Diet The Writer’s Diet The Writer’s Diet By Mark Nichol How does your writing style rate regarding balanced use (or overuse) of parts of speech? An online test will evaluate your compositions for you. The writing handbook The Writer’s Diet: A Guide to Fit Prose has a companion website that features not only a blog (and a newsletter you can subscribe to) but also a test that analyzes writing passages. Naturally, I took a test drive (seven test drives, actually). Choosing some of my favorite essay-type posts on DailyWritingTips.com, I plugged them into the Writer’s Diet Test, which scores content in parts-of-speech categories equivalent to the ones the book’s author, academician Helen Sword, focuses on in the book: verbs, nouns, prepositions, adjectives and adverbs, and what she calls â€Å"waste words† (it, this, that, and there). The test scores on a scale labeled in keeping with the health-conscious them: Lean, Fit Trim, Needs Toning, Flabby, and Heart Attack. One by one, I copied and pasted seven of my posts into the tool and read the results of my writing physical. I was not surprised to see that for the most part, my writing tended to be at the Lean/Fit Trim end of the spectrum. (I’ve been writing professionally for four decades, so I’d better be in good shape.) However, four of the seven cumulative scores were in Flabby territory. Why? My use of nouns was usually restrained, though the test result for one post registered their use as decidedly unhealthy. Apparently, however, I’m living on borrowed time because of an excessive employment of verbs. And though my restraint with prepositions is admirable, and I was generally carefully about not overdoing it with adjectives and adverbs, I did binge once in the latter category. In addition, I was usually pretty good about minimizing the little words that Sword lists as inimical to clear, concise writing, though I had a couple of lapses. What does this mean? Objectively, it means that I should be more alert to avoiding inserting too many of what Sword calls â€Å"academic ad-words†- the adjectives and adverbs ending in -able, -ant, -ary, and the like- that are often used in stodgy scholarly writing. And though I am vigilant about avoiding using expletives (â€Å"it is,† â€Å"there are,† and so on) and repeating the pronouns it and that, I could do better. And especially, it seems, though I often advocate using vivid verbs and minimizing use of forms of â€Å"to be† (is, am, being, and the like), I am remiss in practicing what I preach. You may, after taking the test, argue that you know you’re a good writer and don’t deserve your check-up to result in admonitions to go on a diction diet. Or perhaps, after you slyly copied and pasted a passage from a Work of Great Literature, you scoffed when Tolstoy or Twain, or Faulkner or Fitzgerald, earned â€Å"failing† scores. Sword acknowledges that the test is a â€Å"blunt instrument†: Good writing can earn low scores, bad writing can result in a complimentary result, and titans of literature sometimes simultaneously break the rules of composition and produce masterpieces. (Hello, Samuel Beckett.) Furthermore, the test is not a directive to adopt a prose style of Hemingwayian simplicity. It merely calls attention to areas that may need some attention. Check out the website for an outline of the principles Sword advises that you attend to in order to achieve a lean (or at least fit and trim) compositional composition, or read the book for more details. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Writing Basics category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:English Grammar 101: All You Need to Know41 Words That Are Better Than GoodHow to Punctuate Introductory Phrases