Examining Biases free essay sample

An analysis of the book Lies My Teacher Told Me by James Loewen from a personal perspective. The writer of this paper examines his own feelings about the way that history was taught in school after reading this book by Loewen. The paper is written in first person and makes reference to common misconceptions in American history which were made known to the writer by reading Lies My Teacher Told Me. How could my teacher lie to me? What could this author possible mean? One could truly be unpleasantly surprised while reading Lies My Teacher Told Me. Normally, history books have not held my attention, but this book has kept me reading with eyes wide open. I probably learned more from this book than I have from any other history classes or textbooks. As Loewen discusses heroification, Christopher Columbus, and the American Indians, a theme becomes evident with history. The good side of history has always been presented to students while the bad side of history seems to have been pushed aside. We will write a custom essay sample on Examining Biases or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page

Red Book Real Estate Valuation

Introduction The regulation of the services of valuer’s and appraisers in the real estate market is a matter of international concern. In most countries there is some degree of control with the main variation being in relation to the level and nature of this control. In the UK this control is limited to the provisions of the Estate Agents Act of 1979 and the Property Misdescriptions Act of 1991 (Sayce, Smith, Cooper Venmore – Rowland 2006, 31).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Red Book: Real Estate Valuation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The former allows general regulatory power over the process of Estate Agency whereas the latter was designed with a view to preventing estate agents and other property developers from listing wrong information about property (Sayce, Smith, Cooper Venmore – Rowland 2006, 32). The current legislation with regards to property was influenced by the property c rash of 1973 and concerns about professional accounting practices within the industry (Sayce, Smith, Cooper Venmore – Rowland 2006, p. 32). This came after a long history of inconsistencies in valuation and property management (Ley 2000, p. 86). As a result of this the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) developed a set of principles that have been widely adopted to govern the industry. Initially this was not enforced and compliance was not compulsory but since 1992 compliance to the standards was made mandatory (Sayce, Smith, Cooper Venmore – Rowland 2006, p. 32). The RICS has also been instrumental in arbitration in disputes involving property (Alexander 2006, p. 170). The RICS appraisal and valuation standard is also referred to as the Red Book. The standard is a quality control framework that is used to outline a structure and procedures required for a valuation ((Sayce, Smith, Cooper Venmore – Rowland 2006, p. 32)). This red book includes all P ractice Statements to which all the qualified members are required to adhere. Since there is minimal state intervention the regulation of property valuation is largely handled by professionals thus suggesting that the process is well managed. The RICS has large following from many parts of the world and this step has seen UK valuation standards in use in areas other than the UK. This step is considered very favorable as it suggests that the standardization of the valuation and appraisal procedure may be unified in the near future. In this report the information will define the standard, discuss valuation in the UK, analyze inferences from information available and provide a conclusion. What is Property Valuation? The process of valuation as suggested by the name aims to ascertain the value of a property in the market. To accomplish this accurately a valuer needs to posses a set of skills such as research methods, calculation, report writing, negotiation, law, environmental issues, k nowledge on construction and knowledge on management and business finance (Blackledge 2009, p. 20).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More These skills are acquired through academic study, practice and continuous experience. The process of valuation requires a valuer to know the intentions of the person seeking the valuation. This is useful in the process as it may affect the resultant figure due to the possibility of being taken out of context (Fraser-Sampson 2010, p.132). This is the main reason behind misunderstanding, non payment of fees and numerous other problems arising (Blackledge 2009, p. 21). In general a valuer aims to help guide to the best price for a given property on the market at a given date. To establish this valuer must consider changes in social, political and economic environment that are likely to affect prices and what degree these effects will have on the pr ice (Dempster Dempster 2002, p. 10). Legislation may also play a role in the process and a good working knowledge of current legislation is necessary (Blackledge 2009, p. 21). A valuation may be required for varied reasons such as sale, mortgaging, calculation of compensation payable, acquisition of credit, tax assessment, rating or investment advice (Rees Hayward 2002, p. 257). Based on these varied needs a single property could produce various figures even when valued by a single valuer. Valuers are essential in the property market because the market is very volatile and is easily affected by changes in supply and demand (Gallagher Andrew 2007, p. 375). Thus the prices within the market often reflect the changes at a varied degree depending on property type and location. In addition to this it has been observed that each property and the interests of owners are often varied even when the properties are of the same type (Blackledge 2009, p. 22). In addition to this there are con stant changes in legislation that governs property and thus only a specialist with complete knowledge of these laws can interpret the suitably. For these reasons valuation is best performed by a qualified expert in order to ensure the most accurate figure is produced for the case. The process of valuation includes several important considerations and as such is considered more of an art than an exact science. In addition to the application mathematical formulae in the process valuers can also include their subjective opinions based on their individual knowledge of market factors. This is the reason why two valuers will often arrive at slightly different figures in analysis of a single property (Blackledge 2009. P. 26). However, this does not mean the process is performed in a haphazard fashion. It is still crucial that calculation is performed after performing careful and detailed research. This requires that the valuer takes all the relevant factors into account and disregards all irrelevant factors (Blackledge 2009, p. 26).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Red Book: Real Estate Valuation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More After completion of the valuation there are some factors that are open to subjective opinion and hence the slight variation in the final figures. The guiding principle in practice is therefore the adherence to all procedures and principles in performing property valuation. The ability to provide a variation in the price of a property suggests that unscrupulous practitioners are capable of taking advantage of the situation to perform inaccurate valuations. It is for this reason that the profession requires a unifying institution that can encourage members to act objectively, be impartial and carry out their duties without any vested interests (Blackledge 2009, p. 28). When an occasion arises that requires additional independence there are laid down provisions that need to b e met to allow such exceptions. Through such checks and balances the RICS is able to ensure that all valuers in the industry build a commitment to operating under minimal ethical standards. The RICS: Background The RICS is a body that unifies practitioners within the appraisal and valuation profession. This institute was originally known as the Institution of Surveyors and was established in 1868 and later changed its name to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The organization has grown from these humble roots to an organization recognized in over 100 countries and with a membership in excess of 100, 000 (Blackledge 2009, p. 28). Its main objectives include, being the leading source of land, property, construction and environmental related knowledge and seeks to promote best practice, represent consumer interest, and provide impartial property related advice to society (Blackledge 2009, p. 28). This organization is among the most respected and recognized high profi le standards and membership organizations for professionals in the industry. Its main roles being; maintenance of highest education and training standards; consumer protection through strict regulations of professional standards and to become a leading source of information on property, land, construction and environmental related issues (Blackledge 2009, p. 29). In 2001, the institute launched 17 faculties to address the wide spectrum of specialist issues covered by quantity surveyors (Wilkinson 2004, p. 4). These faculties have an international outlook and are coordinated by individual faculty boards. In 2009, the faculties changed to become professional groups with responsibilities such as training and development, research, guidance and standards, contribution to formation of policy and quality control (Blackledge 2009, p. 29).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More RICS Valuation Standards: The Red Book The RICS has a printed version of its valuation standards and notes for guidance in hard copy with a red cover. This is the source of the commonly used name, The Red Book. The book was first presented in print form in 1980 and has since undergone several reviews. It is divided into two main sections; the first containing rules and guidance applicable to registered members anywhere in the world and as such is consistent with International valuation standards (IVS) and the second section containing information that is specific to only certain countries (Blackledge 2009, p. 124). The IVS was formed due to the need for uniformity between international bodies (Zyla 2010). The uniformity is expected to increase the capacity within the construction industry as is the case in the EU which provides as much as 70% of the directives utilized in the UK (Luff, 2008).The sixth edition that was available from January 2008 was a culmination of evolution throug h six editions and the content is heavily influenced by reports commissioned by the RICS (Blackledge 2009, p. 124). An example of these reports is the Mallinson report from 1994 that was carried out due to public unrest due to widely varying valuations of specific properties by different valuers. Among the most conspicuous being the Queens Moat Houses (QMH) hotel group valuation. In this valuation in the space of a year the value declined from slightly over 2 billion Sterling Pounds to slightly over 850 million Sterling pounds (Blackledge 2009, p. 125). The huge difference led to huge doubt over the validity of the procedure. Further reasons for the report includes continued criticism of valuation bases and practice within the profession and losses incurred by mortgages resulting from failed developments after the 1990’s recession (Blackledge 2009, p. 125). The principal objective of the Red Book is to ensure that its members produce valuations that achieve high standards of integrity, clarity and objectivity. In addition to that the book seeks to ensure that reporting is done in accordance with recognized bases which are suitable for the purpose (Blackledge 2009, p. 125). The standards define a criteria used to identify appropriately qualified members, steps needed to deal with threats to their independence and objectivity, matters to address when agreeing in conditions of engagement, bases used in valuation, assumptions, minimal reporting standards and matters that need to be disclosed where valuations may be relied upon by third parties (Blackledge 2009, p. 125). The document contains practice statements and guidance notes (Enever Issac 2002, p. 81). Practice statement are arranged in categories as follows; compliance and ethical requirements, agreement of terms of engagement, bases of value, applications, investigations and valuation reports (Blackledge 2009, p. 125). Valuation Standards in the UK In the UK the process of valuation is regulated to a great extent by the RICS. The institution enhances accountability, establishes education and training requirements, set standards and imposes discipline on the membership (Wyatt 2007, p.101). The standards also provide a basis for specific statutory violations and regulation of procedural protocols with client bodies (Wyatt 2007, p. 101). Owing to the high standards set for valuation by the RICS in the UK it has been observed that on an international level UK valuations elicit a much higher confidence level (Dijkman 2007, p. 421). The financial crisis of 2009 has also played a role in bringing the role of quality valuation to the fore. The RICS standard is also widely used for valuation of commercial properties such as two or three star vacant and occupied hotel lots (Harper 2008, p. 99). It is used in conjunction with another method known as DCF as a check for most four to five star properties currently vacant in the UK and Europe (Harper 2008, p. 99). It also is used for several deals in the market, simple investments and deals in mid market sections within the UK market. It is also used in conjunction with DCF in most investment deals in the UK and Europe. This is due to the fact that valuers are taught the first principle that the best evidence of value is set by the market. However, in the case of hotels it is uncommon to find two hotels with similarities in their trading patterns and potential to allow for accurate comparison (Harper 2008, p. 104). Valuation Standards around the World The wide acceptance and recognition of the efficiency of the RICS standards for valuation has seen them spread across many other regions of the world (Hines 2001, p. 106). By the year 2007 the RICS membership had grown to almost 130,000 with members from almost 120 countries (Dijkman 2007, p. 40). The institute operates in five regions around the world and has 41 national associations registered. The institution has reported that the recent increase in global membership c ould be as a result of global trends that have seen significant changes in business (Idowu Filho 2009, p. 236). This trend has boosted RICS institutional capacity in providing international and professional standards. This has seen the institute get recognition by governments, non governmental organizations and has resulted in RICS qualification’s appearance improved to the status of an international passport (Dijkman 2007, p. 40). This is because the institute responds rapidly to new developments by maintaining a constant review process. This is seen in the revised APC in 2006 which included new innovations such as the pathway in Property Finance and Investment. This innovation reflects the need for additional professional edge skills in this profession. In addition to that the review saw emphasis increase on environmental issues, health, safety and business skills (Dijkman 2007, p. 40). In addition to this the institution constantly makes efforts to identify emerging needs within the market and develop leading edge knowledge. As a result of this vigilance members are able to ensure best practices in their endeavors and avoid pitfalls in the course of transacting business. The institution appears to help investors with advice that has seen an increase in confidence as the same standards can be expected to be applied across the world by RICS professionals. As a result the huge real estate market in Asia has been targeted and the membership in mainland China has doubled (Dijkman 2007, p. 40). The RICS has begun to play an increasing role in arguably among the most developed world economies, the USA. In the USA international reporting standards have been brought to converge with RICS guidelines (Fishman, Pratt Morrison 2010, p. 280). This has been brought about mainly due to the transfer of foreign currencies into and out of the US market. Though one still requires a license to practice in the US there has been an increase in the hiring of RICS qualifie d staff (Dijkman 2007, p. 41). This is an extremely encouraging trend given that it is still quite difficult to become a member as the institute has adamantly declined to reduce standards to increase the membership. This position is likely to see international valuation practices improve with a view to increasing business opportunities that can be accessed due to large membership. Financial Crisis and Housing The housing market in the UK has exhibited a great deal of fluctuation especially since the period around 1970. There have been four booming periods in the duration and three periods that have seen the industry go bust (Stephens et al. 2008). The distinguishing feature that characterized the recession that run from 1983–93 was a decline in house prices. This recession was the first to take place in a context of financial market deregulation. This recession was the result of failure of the government to accurately interpret the potential of deregulation within the financi al market (Stephens et al. 2008). The result was in 1987 the stock market crashed and with it came the increases in base lending rates and major pressure due to the degree to which people had borrowed with property as their security. Following the political situation in the UK at the time the government responded by offering some restructured options to assist the burdened borrowers (Stephens et al. 2008). The worst affected being individuals who had recently taken mortgages to improve their home owner status (Watson 2008, p. 304). A glance at financial crisis of the past allows us to observe that there has been patchy progress within the real estate industry with regards to the development and spread of valuation standards and valuation professionals (Dijkman 2010, p. 28). It has been observed that real estate plays a role in the macro economic events that trigger such crisis (Edwards Ellison 2004, p. 122). This is based on reports from Asia (Mera Renaud 2000, p. 229). There are similar reports from financial crisis in Latin America suggesting real estate affects macro economic issues (Horowitz Heo 2001, p. 3). It has been suggested that the recession of the mid 70’s saw the establishment of the RICS standards and IVS. The rampant trend of uncontrolled development and poor valuation caused the collapse of the Thai financial system to collapse leading to the project that saw the government enlist the services of RICS to introduce a single standards training regime for valuers. Conclusion In this report the discussion has been mainly on the topic of valuation of property in the UK and the role of the RICS in the process. The discussion begins by providing some data on the role of a property valuer. In the discussion it is noted that valuation is a process that follows some laid down guidelines and also allows for subjective interpretation. As a result of this it is possible to have a single property valued by two valuers and produce different results. Following this observation the discussion continues to highlight some background information on the RICS or The red book. In this section it is observed that the institution aims to establish high standards in practice and education within the industry. The discussion also continues to provide information that indicates the constituents of the book. It is noted that the book has provisions that are used to govern both members who are registered and specific sections for non registered members. It is observed that the membership of the RICS has grown significantly in the recent past and a large number of nations in Asia and South America have expressed interest in joining the institute. This increased interest in joining has been attributed to global business trends that suggest a need to bring valuation practices under a single umbrella body. In line with this the institute has welcomed applications but insisted upon maintaining the existing standards so as to maintain highly profe ssional standards. The discussion also identifies the standards of valuation in UK and other parts of the world based on the RICS. It also indicates the special circumstances in which the RICS standards are used in the UK. In addition to that the discussion also provides data on the financial crisis that have rocked the globe in the period from the 70’s to date. The role of standardization is mentioned and how it may help in future financial crisis. This is due to the observation that among the main reasons for the financial crisis is attributable to poor valuation and deregulation within the financial sector. References Alexander, NM, 2006, Global trends in Mediation, Kluwer Law International, Alphen aan den Rijin. Blackledge, M, 2009, Introducing Property Valuation, Routledge, Oxon. Bond, P Brown P, 2006, Rating valuation principles into practice, Bell Bain Ltd, Glasgow. Dempster, MAH Dempster, MAH, 2002, Risk Management: value at risk and beyond, The press syndicate of the University of Cambridge, Cambridge. Dijkman, M, 2007, Europe Real Estate Yearbook: assets, Industry trends, market players, Real Estate Publishers B. V., The Hague. Dijkman, M, Europe Real Estate Yearbook 2010, Real Estate Publishers B. V., The Hague. Edwards, V Ellison, L, 2004, Corporate Property management: Aligning real estate with business strategy, Blackwell Publishing Company, Oxford. Enever, N Issac, D, 2002, The valuation of property investments, Gulf Professional Publishing, USA. Luff, P, 2008, Construction matters: Report, together with formal minutes, Volume 2, The Stationary Office. Fishman, JE, Pratt, SP Morrison, WJ, 2007, Standards of Value: Theory and Applications, John Wiley and Sons Inc, Hoboken. Fraser-Sampson, G, 2010, Private equity as an asset class, John Wiley and Sons Inc, West Sussex. Gallagher, TJ Andrew, JD, 2007, Financial Management; Principles and Practice, Pearson Education Inc, USA. Harper, D, 2008, Valuation of Hotels for Investors, Progress Press, Malta. Hines, MA, 2001, Investing in International Real Estate, Greenwood Publishing Group Inc, Westport. Horowitz, SA Heo, U, 2001, The political economy of international financial crisis: interest groups, Institute of South East Asian Studies, Singapore. Idowu, SO Filho, WL, 2009, Professionals perspectives of corporate social responsibility, Springer, London. Ley, AJ, 2000, A History of building control in England and Wales 1840-1990, RICS Business Services Limited, Coventry. Mera, K Renaud, B, 2000, Asia’s financial crisis and the role of real estate, M. E. Sharpe Inc, New York. Rees, WH Hayward, REH, 2002, Valuation: Principles into Practice, CPI Anthony Rowe, Eastbourne. Sayce, S, Smith, J, Cooper, R, Venmore – Rowland, P, 2006, Real Estate Appraisal: from value to worth, Blackwell Publishing Limited, Oxford. Stephens, M, Ford, J, Spencer, P, Wallace, A, Wilcox, S Williams, P, 2008, housing market recessions and sustainable home ownership, http://ww w.publicnet.co.uk/features/2008/10/31/housing-market-recessions-and-substainable-home-ownership/ Watson, M, 2008, ‘Constituting Monetary Conservatives via the ‘Savings Habit’: New Labor and the British Market Housing Bubble’, Comparative European Politics, 6(3), pp. 285-304. Wilkinson, J, 2004, Supervisors and Counselors Guide to the APC: help your candidate to succeed, RICS Business Services Limited, Coventry. Wyatt, P, 2007, Property Valuation in an Economic Context, Blackwell Publishing, Oxford. Zyla, ML, 2010, Fair value measurements: Practical guidance and implementation, John Wiley and Sons Inc, Hoboken. This essay on Red Book: Real Estate Valuation was written and submitted by user Robert Baldwin to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Hispanic American Culture and its Impact in America

Hispanic Americans population in USA has been increasing over the last few decades. Today, Hispanic Americans make up about 16 percent of United State’s population and are minority group in the country.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Hispanic American Culture and its Impact in America specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Their presence is felt in various sectors; from work places, business, entertainment, to politics (Cafferty Engstrom, 2002). As the number of Hispanic Americans increases, their culture is slowly becoming part of American culture. The term Hispanic is used to refer to a diverse ethnic group united by their use of Spanish language. However, Hispanic Americans originate from various Spanish speaking countries especially in Central and Latin America. The cultural group share common values by their shared Spanish culture but differ slightly by their country of origin. Hispanic Americans is a hig hly cultured ethnic group. Hispanic Americans’ family values, language, rituals and religions, etiquette, and eating habits are unique to other ethnic and cultural groups in the country. The culture of Hispanic Americans has attracted high attention in the recent years. Many of Hispanic Americans maintain their cultures because most are recent immigrants. Family values, etiquette and use of Spanish language are the most distinguishing elements of Hispanic American. Hispanic Americans have high value for their families. Hispanic American family extends beyond nuclear family and family members relate closely (Clutter Nieto, 2008). The family is considered as the most important social unit and each family member considers helping other family members as a social responsibility. Family ties are such tight that Hispanic Americans have a habit of visiting one another or even living with other family members. Spanish language and assent is what is most associated with Hispanic Amer icans. Most Hispanic American use both English and Spanish but the old and recent immigrants have difficulty in using English. Spanish, however, is the common language that used in Hispanic Americans homes or when speaking to other Hispanic Americans. Apart from language, Hispanic American’s etiquette is unique.Advertising Looking for essay on cultural studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Most Hispanic Americans tend to be formal. For instance, a firm handshake is the common practice for greeting though slight hug and a kill on the cheek can be used among close family members (Clutter Nieto, 2008). Another cultural feature of Hispanic Americans is religion and rituals. Most of Hispanic Americans are Roman Catholics and religion takes a central place in their lives (Clutter Nieto, 2008). Religious rituals such as prayers, attending daily and Sunday mass and celebrating patron saints make part of Hispanic Americans culture. In addition, Hispanic Americans’ eating habit reflects their origin and culture. Impact of Hispanic Americans culture in American is evident. The most obvious impact is increased usage of Spanish in United States. Today Spanish is used in most parts of the country where Hispanic Americans live or work. A part from spreading Spanish, Hispanic Americans have been successful in small scale business, entertainment, sports and politics and their significance is being respected. For example, Hispanic American musicians such as Jennifer Lopez, Gloria Estefan and Julio Iglesias and baseball players such as Juan Marichal have been very successful. In addition, Hispanic Americans interact with other cultural and ethnic groups in the country; in work places, schools, churches and other places and share culture. Consequently, Hispanic Americans culture is slowly being accepted and integrated in American cultures. Hispanic foods, music, dance, clothing are becoming common with ot her cultural groups. Hispanic Americans are the most culturally influential minority cultural and ethnic group in United States today. The Hispanic cultural heritage month (15th September to 15th October) set aside by United States government, demonstrates the impact of Hispanic Americans in the country (Lamb Johnson, 2008). The action by the government shows that cultural diversity is something to celebrate and invites all Americans to embrace cultural diversity.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Hispanic American Culture and its Impact in America specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Reference List Clutter, A. Nieto, R. (2008). Understanding the Hispanic Culture. Web. Lamb, A. Johnson, L. (2008). Latino – Hispanic Heritage. Web. Cafferty, P. Engstrom, D. (2002). Hispanics in the United States: an agenda for the twenty-first century. New York: Transaction Publishers. This essay on Hispanic American Culture and its Impact in America was written and submitted by user Asher Sheppard to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

June Themes and Activities for Elementary Students

June Themes and Activities for Elementary Students If youre still in the classroom when summer starts,  use these ideas for inspiration to create your own lessons and activities or use the ideas provided. Here is a list of June themes, events, and holidays with correlating activities to go with them.   Celebrate Month-Long June Themes and Events National Safety Month - Celebrate safety by teaching your students tips about fire safety, how to avoid strangers, or other safety topics. National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month - Celebrate National Fruits and Vegetable month by teaching your students about the importance of nutrition. Dairy Month - This is the time of the month when we are all reminded of the great importance of everything dairy. During this month try this milk paint recipe with your students. Great Outdoors Month - June is a special time to celebrate the great outdoors! Plan a field trip with your class and dont forget to set the rules for a successful trip! Zoo and Aquarium Month - Teach students about the zoo with a few animal crafts, and all about the aquarium by having students create an ecosystem. June Holidays and Events June 1st Donut Day - Whats a better way to celebrate Donut Day than to eat them! But, before you do that, first have students use a plastic knife to try and cut the donut into different sections to reinforce fraction skills.Flip a Coin Day - Sounds like a silly day to celebrate, but there are endless opportunities for students to learn from just flipping a coin! Students can learn probability, or you can have a coin toss challenge. The ideas are endless.Oscar the Grouchs Birthday - Kindergarten classes will love celebrating Oscar the Grouchs birthday! Celebrate by having students make birthday cards and sing Sesame Street songs.Stand for Children Day - Honor Stand for Children Day by making sure they will be college ready. June 3rd First U.S. Spacewalk - Celebrate Ed Whites spacewalk by having students participate in space-related activities.Egg Day - National Egg Day is a fun day to promote eggs. Use this day as an opportunity to teach your students the importance of eggs. Egg carton crafts would also go perfectly on World Egg Day!Repeat Day - Repeat Day can be a fun opportunity for students to review what they have learned. On this day have students repeat everything they did the day before. From wearing the same clothes to eating the same lunch, and learning the same things. June 4th Aesops Birthday - This is a day for students to discover all about Aesop by reading his famous fables.Cheese Day - Celebrate Cheese Day by having students bring in different cheese snacks and singing the Cheese song.First Ford Made - In 1896 Henry Ford made his first operational car. On this day have students discuss what life would be like if we didnt have cars. Then have students write a story about their ideas. Use an essay rubric to assess their work. June 5th First Hot Air Balloon Flight - In 1783 Montgolfier brothers were the first to take a hot air balloon flight. Celebrate the Montgolfier brothers great accomplishment by teaching students the history of balloons.National Gingerbread Day - Celebrate this yummy food by having students create gingerbread crafts.Richard Scarrys Birthday - Richard Scarry, born in 1919 is a famous author of childrens books. Celebrate this magnificent author by reading his book, The Best Christmas Book Ever.World Environment Day - Celebrate World Environment Day by learning unique ways for reusing and recycling items in your classroom. Plus, teach your students about how to take care of our earth with these activities. June 6th D-Day - Discuss the history and show pictures, as well as read some personal stories about that day.National Yo-Yo Day - Buy enough Yo-Yos for students to have a contest. The first person to keep it going the longest wins! June 7th National Chocolate Ice Cream Day - Celebrate this fun day by eating ice cream during snack time. June 8th   Frank Lloyd Wrights Birthday - Celebrate this special birthday by having students make an airplane craft.World Oceans Day - Take a field trip to your local Aquarium to celebrate this day. June 10th Judy Garlands Birthday - Judy Garland was a singer and actress who starred in the Wizard of Oz. Honor her great accomplishments by viewing the movie she was best known for.Ballpoint Pen Day - This may sound like a silly day to celebrate, but students will love being able to write with different color pens throughout the day instead of the same old boring pencil. June 12th Anne Franks Birthday - Born in 1929 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, Anne Frank was a true inspiration to all. Honor this beautiful girls heroism, by reading the book Anne Franks Story: Her Life Retold for Children.The Baseball Was Invented - What is a better way to celebrate the day the baseball was invented then by having students participate in a class baseball game! June 14th   Caldecott Medal First Awarded - In 1937 the Caldecott Medal was first awarded. Honor the winners of this award by reading your students the books that won.Flag Day - Celebrate this day with Flag Day activities. June 15th Fly a Kite Day - This is a special day to celebrate with your students because it is the anniversary of Ben Franklins Kite Experiment in 1752. Celebrate this day by making a kite with your students. June 16th Fathers Day- Every third Sunday of June we celebrate Fathers Day. On this day have students write a poem, make him a craft, or write a card and tell him how special he is. June 17th Eat Your Vegetables Day - Its important to eat healthily. On this day have students bring in a healthy snack, and discuss the importance of healthy eating and getting enough sleep. June 18th International Picnic Day - Have a class picnic to celebrate International Picnic Day! June 19th Juneteenth - A day to celebrate the commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Discuss famous women in history, and slavery statistics. June 21st First Day of Summer - If you are still in school you can celebrate the end of school with fun Summer activities.World Handshake Day - Have students describe their ideal world and draw a picture of their interpretation of World Handshake Day.United Nations Public Service Day - Help students recognize the importance of giving back by taking a field trip to your local food shelter or hospital. June 24th International Fairy Day - Have students write a fairy tale to honor this special day. June 25th Eric Carles Birthday - This beloved author should be celebrated every day. Honor Eric Carles birthday by reading some of his famous stories. June 26th Bicycle Patented - Where would our world be if we didnt have the bicycle? Use that question as a writing prompt for your students. June 27th Helen Kellers Birthday- Born in 1880, Helen Keller was deaf and blind but still seemed to accomplish a great deal. Read a collection of inspiring quotes by Helen Keller while teaching your students her back-story.Melody for Happy Birthday Song - Have students use the melody of the Happy Birthday song to re-write their own version of the famous song. June 28th Paul Bunyan Day - Celebrate this fun-loving giant lumberjack by reading the story The Tall Tale of Paul Bunyan. June 29th Camera Day - On Camera Day have students take turns taking photographs of each other and turn their photos into a class book. June 30th Meteor Day - Show students how a meteor shower  actually works.

PROGRAMMING AND CULTURE IN ARCHITECTURE WAY Assignment - 1

PROGRAMMING AND CULTURE IN ARCHITECTURE WAY - Assignment Example The outdoor spaces and areas such as the porches, decks and gardens are also an important element in the design of the house. They speak the importance of the outdoors lifestyle of the Eressos community. The superfluous elements identified in the design of the house included the fitting of air conditioners. The house will be designed in a â€Å"green† manner to enable plenty of airflow during the warm summer periods. Unnecessary resource in the bathroom will be minimized as these are superfluous. The bathroom will be compartmentalized, instead, in a manner that will still provide functionality and privacy. Based on what I have read about Eressos, I would consider housing design in other contexts as being innovative and creative. The use of other materials besides stone in construction is quite creative and less costly. Such materials include bamboo that not only construct good houses but whose use also helps in the conservation of the

Beveridges Social Security Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Beveridges Social Security - Essay Example "There is world economy, but there is no world polity". (Altiero Spinelli and Brit Federa: Writings by Bevirdige, Robbins and Spinelli) The Beveridge Report is based on certain principles that put forth the cause of the lower strata of the society and social security. Firstly, the main principle underlines in the Report is that all the proposals for the establishment of a Welfare State and to promote the interests of the society, need to be unbiased and non-partisan. The proposals need to be commonly targeted and certainly not in the interest of a section of the society. Besides using past experience and knowledge in governance, proposals need to highlight the positive impact they would bring about, on the entire society, and not only the affluent strata. Secondly, the Report highlighted that social insurance must be incorporated into the process of bringing about social welfare.

Mexican Politics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Mexican Politics - Research Paper Example This country’s 2006 election was chaotic and led to months of disputing the outcomes of the elections, where riots were held all over the capital streets. There have been some deep-seated political problems that Mexico has been trying to shed off, although at a much slower pace due to its entrenched customs (Carruthers, 1996). The politics of this country are influenced by so many factors and the war against narcotics that was started by PAN government led by Filipe Calderon in 2006 when it took over leadership of the government. The narcotics war has led to serious concerns over the future of Mexican political stability and has put bear many unanswered questions. The militarization of the narcotics war has led to some political pundits arguing that Mexico could soon be classified under failed states. This label seems very disturbing and paints the country as being on the verge of collapse, which might not be the case. However, there are numerous challenges that the political platform of Mexico faces when issues of social order and political stability are considered. The political future of this Mexican state is of importance to its Northern counterparts (Manaut, 2004). A factor that has always posed challenges to those who get into analyzing the politics of Mexico is the fact that Mexican society is complex in nature and its massive geographic size, as well as demographic figures, is quite phenomenal. It has over 32 states with an estimated 112 million people and has a metropolitan area that hosts over 21 million inhabitants (Merrill & Miro, 1996). This country has over 62 indigenous languages, although Spanish is the most dominant of them all. 60% of Mexicans are Mestizos, 30 % are Amerindians, while 10% are groups of European, Asian, and others. It has a federal form of government, a system that makes it possible for it to accommodate this demographic diversity and size. Mexican politics is quite an interesting field of study (Hal, 2010).   Analysis Mexico is a country that has very sharp definitions of regionalism and these regional variations have had a serious impact on the political landscape of this country. Many observers argue that this regionalism is to blame for the civil conflicts witnessed in the past and currently being seen, and also gives this as the best explanation for Mexico fitting well in the states where an assertion of authority by the central government is necessary. This was most evident during the Zapatista uprising in Chiapas in 1990. There was also the need to suppress Yucatan during the Caste War of the 19th century. As is the case with many federal governments, Mexican states that are away from the capital city have expressed issues with the service given by the federal government and feel they have not been well served. This has led to the central government’s ineffectiveness to administer these marginalized states and some basic facilities such as schools have failed, leading to high levels of discontent (Harvey, 1994). An interesting twist to the politics of Mexico is the claim of democratic governance since independence.  Ã‚