Kanoa K. Essay Example for Free

Kanoa K. Essay Kanoa K. is by far one of the most unforgettable characters of my life. He is not only my boyfriend, he is my best friend, someone I know would help me through difficult times, and someone who has helped me through tough times. If Kanoa were a fictional character, it would be very difficult to determine whether he is a believable character. He is one of the most perfect and awesome people I know, making him unbelievable. Kanoa is always helping his friends and me; he has a kind heart and is a good person, which is something I only truly find in a few individuals. Another thing that makes Kanoa an unbelievable character is his uniqueness. He is not your ordinary boy, Kanoa is masculine yet sensitive; he knows himself very well and is different from most. Kanoa is a â€Å"skater† but isn’t a jerk, punk or fool, I believe that this is because he knows what he is and what he’s not, he doesn’t let stereotypes get to him. It is not typical for a sixteen-year-old to know himself or herself so well. Some things make Kanoa Kruse a very believable character. He is a deep, complex individual who has hopes and dreams just as everyone else does. He has a direction in life; an idea of what he wants to do with his future, a notion of what he wants his lifetime occupation to be. Because Kanoa is a human being, he does make mistakes. Whenever Kanoa makes a mistake, he learns and grows from the experience. Kanoa has changed over the years, as anyone does. At first, he started of as a person I passed by in the hallways. The first day I saw him, I was eleven. I didn’t know who he was, not even his name, the only thing I can remember thinking was, â€Å"oh, he’s cute†. He was 13, an eighth grader. Since I was a sixth grader, the â€Å"lowest class†, I didn’t make a single effort to know him; he was just a pretty face. A year passed and I made some new friends, one of my friends was a fair-haired, English boy named Jacob. Jacob and I began to talk a lot; one reoccurring topic of our conversation was Kanoa. Jacob told me that I would get along really well with Kanoa; the three of use should hang out sometime. I didn’t remember whom Jacob was talking about, I only knew Kanoa by face and not by name. Kanoa and I did not get to meet each other that year. In December 2007, I cut out my horoscope for that month out of a fashion magazine. My horoscope stated that on the twenty-sixth of this month, one of my close friends would try to hook me up with one of their friends. At the time, I just rolled my eyes and tacked the clipping to my corkboard, I didn’t believe, even in my wildest dreams that this horoscope would come true. On December 26, I woke up to the buzzing of my cellphone, it was my close friend Jacob, He told me that his friend Kanoa wanted to be â€Å"hooked up† with me. Jacob had been telling Kanoa about me and Kanoa wanted to give things a chance and see how they end up, I decided to accept his offer and get to know him. Since then, Kanoa and I have been dating. At first, he started of as a pretty face, then he became a friend of a friend and now he is one of the most important people to me, I know he will always be here for me when I need him.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee :: essays research papers

Scout learned a number of things in the book, but most of them all refer back to a statement that Atticus and Calpurnia said, which goes, â€Å"It’s a sin to kill a mockingbird because all they do is sing their hearts our for us.† (Lee, pg. 90). Scout learned that about people, too. She learned that some people don’t do anything to you, so it would be a sin to do something mean in return. Over the course of the story Scout becomes more mature and learns the most important facts of life. She was living through a very difficult time and most of that helped her get through.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  While watching Atticus during the trial, Scout learned a lot about her father. She learned that he was more than just an ordinary man to the Negroes. He was defending Tom Robinson, which meant a lot to them, because not many white people in the county would do a thing like that. Very few, if any, white men would defend a black man in a trial in a segregated county during the 1930’s. Because of what Atticus did more people, both white and black, gained respect for him. Scout saw that to the neighborhood people, Atticus was a very wise man, and a very good man, also. While Scout was watching from he balcony, she saw her father do something she had never seen. He told Bob Ewell to write his name on a sheet of paper. Scout saw that Bob was left handed, so he couldn’t have beaten up Mayella, because her black eye was on the right side of her face.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Outside the jailhouse before the trial began, Scout learned that as a child she could make angry men stand in Atticus’ shoes for a minute. There was a crowd who was made with Atticus, and they wanted to hang Tom Robinson. She talked to Walter Cunningham directly about his own family, which reminded him of what a decent person he really was. He then led the group away. (â€Å"Last night you made Walter Cunningham stand in my shoes for a minute. That was enough.†Ã¢â‚¬â€Atticus (Lee, pg. 157)). Mr. Cunnigham was only in that group of people because he (and most of the other men) were afraid something bad would happen to them if they turned on Atticus’ side.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Jem told Scout a lot of bad things about Mr.

English Language Teaching and Ict

ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING AND ICT BY BANDELE ADEBOYE SOGBESAN SENIOR LECTURER IN ENGLISH, DEPT OF LANGUAGES, TAI SOLARIN UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, IJEBU ODE. INTRODUCTION Language has been described by various scholars over the years according to the perceived roles it plays in different circumstances. Sapir (1921) sees it as a system of arbitrary vocal signs and symbols used for the purpose of communication. It can also be seen in the light of Christophersen’s (1981) view as a conventional tool of self expression adopted by a society in carrying out its socialising functions. Language in both its written and spoken forms, is a vehicle through which man relates with and interpretes the world in which he lives. Various human groups and societies are typified by the language they speak, hence a Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, French or Ghanaian is identified not just by the geographical boundaries which separate them, but also by the distinct linguistic instrument by which they express themselves. Cultures are integral parts of languages, and it is almost impossible to fully express one cultural experience in another language. It is a mainly human attribute which, going by Chomsky’s claim, is however not inherent but is learned or acquired as part of the normal maturational process. In a second language situation as the English Language is in Nigeria, the learning of a target language is not as easy or involuntary as a first language (L1); apart from the deliberate, planned and largely artificial process of teaching and learning, both teachers and learners are constantly searching for improved ways of acquiring cognitive, affective and psychomotor perfection in the new language. It becomes understandable therefore why over the years, there have been changes in pedagogical approaches to language teaching, ranging from the traditional practice of teaching the rules of the target language, through emphasis on practice and repitition without teaching the rules (Williams, 1999), to the more recent integrative approach. This approach combines the inclusion of useful aspects of various theories with contemporary practices and influences in the wider society. It is in this light that we shall examine the relationship between Information and Communicatins Technology (ICT) with the teaching and learning of English Language at the basic level of education in Nigeria. THE NATIONAL LANGUAGE POLICY The National Language Policy as enunciated in the National Policy on Education (1998 Review) prescribed the language of the environment as the medium of instruction in the first three years of formal schooling while English was to be taught as a subject. English was to become the medium of instruction from the fourth year of schooling upwards. The intent of the policy formulators was to enable the child attain a reasonable level of linguistic competence with its attendant cultural awareness. Ironically, the average Nigerian parent appears to prefer their going ‘straight for English’, a factor which could have engendered the mushrooming of private schools in the country and painting the picture of a failing public school system (Sogbesan. 2006). Unfortunately, a large part of the teaching workforce in the private schools are not so much academically quallified or experienced for effective teaching results. LANGUAGE TEACHING AND ICT In Nigeria, English Language has proved to be the most viable link to the outside world. Myriad textual materials, including books and periodicals, videos, journals exist alongside various softwares on the computer and internetwhich enhance the abilities of teachers and learners alike to improve their mastery of English both as a subject and as a service subject. It is expected that with increased ICT awareness, even the pedagogy of English with the various innovations and new avenues for retraining are available online. Some of the accessible ICT facilities that the English Language teacher can avail himself of accross language skills include; The virtual library, This online library provides access to thousands of books and journals which government, schools and private subscribers can consult regularly to update their knowledge and abilities. Packages like Mirosoft Encarta, Encyclopaedia Britannica e. t. c. provide both online and offline acess to vital information in the areas of content and pedagogy. (instantiate) Audio tutoring facilities like radio, television, e. t. c. The information highway also provides access to news and educational materials on a regular basis. Some of the language teaching-learning uses to which ICT can also be put to include; Aural/Oral drills- e. g. phonetic symbols are available on the computer, words and sentences can be heard in the L1 form. (demonstrate) Vocabulary Development and Semantics- e. g. Online / Offline dictionary, Spell Check, Grammar Check, Translator, e. t. c. Where direct contact with original English language forms is required, various softwares are available for both teachers and students to use. Essay Writing- Models and formats are available and teacher/learner can join groups or networks to exchange essays or have them assessed online and offline (e-pen). Furthermore, imaginative recreation, the hallmark of a good essay, can also be enhanced via access to news (print and electronic), great public speeches and events, e. t. c. Also, creative and interesting drills through games like ‘Scrabble’, ‘Who wants to be a millionaire’, e. t. c. are available. Advantages of ICT teaching/learning include; i. It is largely interractive and individualised- The teacher or learner does not need to go through a period of tutelage to master the use of programmes. He masters the various dimensions of use as he goes along. Each learner can therefore develop at his own rate. ii. It is learner –centred, learner- friendly and often exciting to use, thus making sustained contact with subject content less cumbersome. The young learner is encouraged by the excitement of self actualisation and is easily motivated to carry out independent study. ii. It guarrantees consistently high quality of instructional matter that meets global standards. This is moreso because new packages are constantly being turned out for consumers in a seemingly unending race towards perfection. iv. Information provided is quite contemporary and new trends in pedagogy, as well as quick, cheap and easy exchange of new information is guaranteed. Disadvantages of ICT teaching/learning include; i. ICT hardware and packages ma y not be easily affordable to many students in the public school system. The teacher should however be creative and the school should make available at least the minimal materials needed for teaching and learning. Government and the other stakeholders should be quick to come to the aid of needy schools as the need arises. ii. The erratic nature of public power supply could be frustrating to the average teacher or student, but schools should endeavour to procure necessary support materials to enhance subject delivery. Teachers and students should also visit private service providers like cyber cafes as may be necessary. iii. Many teachers are averse to change . There is therefore an urgent need to continuously reorientate teachers accross all levels of basic education to enhance receptivity to modern trends. iv. Unguarded exposure of underage children to the information highway could expose them to items of information which could be distractive or even destructive for them. CONCLUSION In conclusion, teachers and students at various levels of basic education in Nigeria need to endeavour to catch up with the global trend not only to facilitate teaching and learning, but to also package for the future a generation of Nigerians who are able to hold their own in the contemporary world. REFERENCES Rufai, K. I. (2008). ‘Computer in Human Endeavours’ in Sotonode et al (eds) Effective Teaching and Learning of Primary Science Practicein Public Schools in Ogun State. Ijebu Ode. ACUFES Prints. Sogbesan, B. A. (2006). ‘Teaching in The English Language in a non- native situation:Problems and Prospects in Nigerian Education’ in Ayodele et al (eds) Aspects of Language and Literature: A text for Tertiary Institutions. Ibadan, Olu Akin. Williams David(1999). English Language Teaching: An Integrated Approach. Lagos, Spectrum.

Aids in India

Why is the A.I.D.S. epidemic prevalent in India? There are several factors that contribute to the spread of the disease but in my opinion, two are more pronounced than the rest. Prevailing cultural practices and economic factors would count as one. This will prove beyond a doubt that my observation is acceptable, as the factors below would reveal.If we observe the geographical boundaries of India, it appears that the AIDS epidemic is more concentrated with the Southern provinces than it is in the North. The reason of course is the disparity in the context of economic conditions.While the South enjoys a much better standard of living, it likewise becomes more susceptible to the spread of the AIDS virus. Remember that AIDS/HIV transmission transpired first in more advanced urban centers like the West and East Coast of the United States (Atwal & Alexander).In India, the epidemic follows the same route; the influx of migrant workers is a take off point. Naturally in the course of their s tay, they are bound to have a casual rendezvous with the local sex workers. This is typical with workers coming from the Northern States (Uttar Pradesh) for example enters Mumbai to become part of the labor force, so in effect they are the source of HIV transmission.This phenomenon likewise limits the spread of the disease to the Northern States because said migrant workers stay indefinitely and often postpone trips back home, thus delaying the transmission of the virus to their wives (Atwal & Alexander).Another factor that definitely promotes the spread of HIV points to the cultural upbringing of the populace. Did you know that sex, as a topic, is taboo to most in India? Moreover, discussion of sex in public is inviolable where age-old traditions of the religious denominations abhor even the slight mention of the word. So what happens next (Indo-Asian News Service)?Besides, the majority of the population are illiterate and unschooled, so you can rule out the possibility of educatin g them on the merits of HIV prevention. Culture further contributes by keeping residents mum about the disease.Even though the symptoms manifest in them, still they refuse to enter treatment centers because of the stigma that is likely to follow. Even monogamous women become inflicted with the HIV virus, simply because their partners have illicit affairs with other women. In fact there the incidence for HIV is higher in women (Frith).Due to these cultural barriers, health workers cannot educate the majority and up to this day, inhabitants still practice unsafe sex where low condom use has been found responsible for 84% of reported cases.Migration and mobility – due to economic reasons, workers prefer to extend working hours that keep them away from a healthy social environment surrounded by their families and community. This eventually puts them at risk, being prone to unusual behavior (â€Å"Preventing HIV/AIDS in India).Recent studies indicate that a number of drug users t oday are switching from the inhalation to the injection of drugs, which is relevant to HIV transmission that is more often triggered by the use of unclean needles and syringes. Infections have also been attributed to the low status of women under the norms of Indian society.Given unequal power in relations as well as limited access to human, financial, and economic assets weakens the stance of protection in the context of demanding safer sex, thereby increasing the risk (â€Å"Preventing HIV/AIDS in India).The ethnic composition in India is likewise a big factor as the population has roughly 800 million Hindus and 150 million Muslims. This is vital because these religious sects never practice circumcision. And the health manuals are explicit in the assumption that circumcision indeed can reduce health risks, the risk being seven times for uncircumcised males (Russell).As mentioned above, aside from economic factors that helps spread the virus, cultural leanings as well helps to hid e the actual incidence of HIV transmission. Government figures are so low that they seem to downplay the seriousness of the situation.Even President George Bush of the United States has been disheartened by the fact that India shows no interest and restricts the outside world from helping curb the AIDS epidemic. That is the reason why the United States’ campaign against AIDS has been transferred to Vietnam (Russell).As of today, 22 million lives worldwide have been lost to the HIV/AIDS virus and most of these casualties originated from Southern Africa. Will India be next? All indicators point out to India to likely suffer the same fate, as 200 million of its population are already infected with the virus and a little over 5 million are actually suffering from a full blown AIDS infection (Indo-Asian News Service).When will HIV/AIDS reach uncontrollable proportion? The HIV/AIDS situation in India is starting to manifest its ugly head through government neglect and unsound progr ams. Detailed below are the failed attempts of the government as well as the unfruitful intervention of NGOs and private foundations in the drive against the spread of HIV/AIDS in India.The sub-Saharan region of Africa already registered 13 million deaths due to the HIV/AIDS epidemic while another 25 million are reported be infected with the virus. Recent reports from other countries once categorized as heavily infected have shown signs of abating (Beaubien).Thought of as the main reason for the onset of the AIDS epidemic happens to be poor rain conditions that have made a significant impact on local harvests; adding most likely to the severe food crises.During its heyday, the African epidemic pulls out healthy and productive workers from the fields due to sickness or to aid in the care for a sick relative. And due to this shortage apart from the desire to avert hunger, some women traded sex for food, which thereby increases the risk further.Africa has the highest rate of HIV infect ion in the world to date, but not anymore because as mentioned, figures could be deceiving (Evers).Given the present rate of HIV infection in India, the number for AIDS could reach a total of 25 million by the year 2010 to eclipse the cases registered in Africa. That is if the Government in India would disregard all efforts to curb the disease.The government should accept the fact that the infection has reached epidemic proportion, so a world effort from the United Nations, donor countries and NGO’s could help thwart the virus in its tracks (â€Å"World AIDS News†).A medical expert from India, Dr Ishwar Gilada presents a bleak assessment of the situation. Sooner or later, India will be home to half of the world’s HIV-infected people with around 200 million of its population infected with the virus, of which around 10 million already contracted a full-blown status where roughly 1 million patients have already died.And if the Government fails in its endeavor to co ntrol the epidemic, then the projected 25 million cases could be expected in the next two years (â€Å"World AIDS News†).The projection is bleak indeed since the Global Fund intended for the prevention of AIDS urgently needs some 700 million dollars to support its outlined projects. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for example has pledged 200 million dollars in its India AIDS initiative.The grant will be used to help support HIV prevention measures in the Indian States of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Manipur and Nagaland (â€Å"World AIDS News†).What has the Government done so far? India’s fight against AIDS started in 1992 through the World Bank-financed National AIDS Program. The effort was nationwide in scope that set-up AIDS control offices in 32 states and union territories.The program somehow increased access to information, education and communication programs, using media and regular communication mediums such as folk music, festivals, HIV consciousness campaigns and even elephant parades to broadcast the risks involved in HIV (â€Å"India: Stemming the AIDS Epidemic†).Other Government initiatives include blood safety measures or the mandatory screening conducted by most blood banks, which banned professional blood donations while promoting it as voluntary and systems-wide strategy to improve blood banks services.All these somehow raised public awareness on the evils of HIV/AIDS, informing around 80% of the population; 64% in the countryside, particularly the high-risk group.Some positive observations have already been stipulated with reports coming from the states of Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, all presenting encouraging feedback for their HIV programs (â€Å"India: Stemming the AIDS Epidemic†).There are still persistent reports that the Government effort does not suffice with the continued rise of the HIV/AIDS. The information drive and prevention measures seem to have failed in its drive to educate t he majority.The think-tank in New Delhi failed to show remarkable strides in the desire to contain the epidemic. The world may just as well brace for a 19% full-blown AIDS infection rate by 2020 or that would be around 200 million cases.

Nueva interpretación de las leyes de deportación en USA

Nueva interpretacià ³n de las leyes de deportacià ³n en USA Si usted o una persona querida est en riesgo de ser deportada puede que esta situacià ³n le cause gran inquietud e, incluso, dolor.   En este artà ­culo usted puede informarse de quià ©nes pueden ser deportados y tambià ©n de cules son los à ºltimos cambios de interpretacià ³n de las leyes   de deportacià ³n, cules son las protecciones para los migrantes, cules estn previstas pero todavà ­a no se aplican y cà ³mo luchar una deportacià ³n y, si finalmente tiene lugar, cules son las consecuencias.   Quà © inmigrantes pueden ser deportados La realidad es que puede ser deportada de los Estados Unidos cualquier persona extranjera que est como indocumentada o que es condenada por ciertos delitos o ha cometido ciertas violaciones migratorias.   Esto quiere decir que en determinadas circunstancias muy concretas incluso los residentes permanentes legales pueden ser deportados. Nueva interpretacià ³n de las leyes de deportacià ³n Despuà ©s de varios aà ±os consecutivos con nà ºmeros muy altos de migrantes deportados, el gobierno dio por cerrado el programa conocido como Comunidades Seguras y ha comenzado a aplicar un sistema de prioridades de deportacià ³n.   Esto hay que entenderlo de la siguiente manera: cualquier persona indocumentada o que cometa una violacià ³n migratoria o un delito que lleva aparejada una deportacià ³n puede ser deportada, pero no todos son prioridad.   Y el gobierno se va a centrar principalmente en esos casos que sà ­ lo son. Adems, se han aprobado una serie de medidas legales que protegen frente a la deportacià ³n a ciertas categorà ­as de indocumentados. Protecciones frente a la deportacià ³n   Destacan tres: En primer lugar, el programa de la Accià ³n Diferida, conocido por sus iniciales en inglà ©s como DACA. Beneficia a muchachos que llegaron a Estados Unidos siendo nià ±os y cumplen otros requisitos de estudios, rà ©cords, etc.   En segundo lugar, el programa de Parole in Place (PIP, por sus siglas en inglà ©s) para indocumentados que son familiares de ciudadanos que sirven en el Ejà ©rcito. Y, finalmente, la igualdad migratoria que se concede a los matrimonios entre dos hombres o dos mujeres   como  la que se da a los de un hombre con una mujer. Esto es asà ­ por una decisià ³n de la Corte Suprema relativa al reconocimiento del matrimonio homosexual. Protecciones pendientes y que no estn en vigor por el momento El gobierno tiene previstas las siguientes protecciones para migrantes indocumentados: DACA extendido, para alcanzar a ms muchachos que el programa que ahora est vigente.Y DAPA, para los paps y mams de ciudadanos americanos. Por el momento estos dos programas no se pueden aplicar y estn pendientes de una resolucià ³n de las Cortes. Mientras se decide a su favor o en su contra los derechos de los padres de los ciudadanos americanos son limitados. Cà ³mo luchar contra un proceso de deportacià ³n Cuando se inicia un trmite de deportacià ³n es importante saber que hay caminos para intentar lucharlo. Y en estos momentos es fundamental considerar contratar a un abogado. Ya que aunque pueden resultar caros, lo cierto es que las estadà ­sticas son muy claras y muestran una gran diferencia de resultados cuando un inmigrante se presenta con abogado que ha estudiado bien el caso y lucha por salvarlo a cuando el migrante se representa por sà ­ mismo.  En estos casos el gobierno nunca paga por el abogado.   Relacionado con este asunto, recordar que no presentarse ante una Corte de inmigracià ³n cuando se tiene una cita puede tener consecuencias muy negativas. Incluso es posible acabar con una orden de deportacià ³n sin saberlo.   Si no es posible acudir el dà ­a y la hora que dice en la carta de citacià ³n, considerar cambiar antes la fecha. Incluso es posible cambiar el estado, si el migrante se ha mudado. Es muy importante entender que la deportacià ³n es un asunto grave y lo mejor es estar informado antes de tomar decisiones que pueden tener consecuencias dolorosas. Consecuencias de la deportacià ³n Si un inmigrante es deportado, hay un castigo y por un tiempo tiene que esperar fuera de Estados Unidos antes de volver a aplicar para poder ingresar de nuevo al paà ­s, aunque en circunstancias muy especiales se puede pedir solicitar un perdà ³n. Adems, es conveniente tener en cuenta que es muy arriesgado ingresar ilegalmente a Estados Unidos, si se ha sido previamente deportado, porque eso es un delito (felony) y tiene consecuencias muy serias.   Quà © hacer En casos de posible deportacià ³n es importante conocer las posibles opciones y asesorarse con un abogado competente que forme parte de Aila, que es la asociacià ³n de abogados de inmigracià ³n de Estados Unidos. Es muy importante evitar fraudes y no caer en las mentiras de personas inescrupulosas que a cambio de dinero prometen resultados que, simplemente, no son posibles segà ºn las leyes actuales.   Por à ºltimo, si se considera que este artà ­culo contiene informacià ³n relevante, por favor, compartir en las redes sociales. Si se desea recibir ms informacià ³n sobre visas, green cards, ciudadanà ­a y dems temas migratorios en Estados Unidos, por favor suscribirse a mi cuenta de Twitter, FB o a la newsletter semanal.   Este artà ­culo es meramente informativo. No es asesorà ­a legal para ningà ºn caso concreto.

10 Fast Facts about Sin City

10 Fast Facts about Sin City Las Vegas is the largest city in the  state of Nevada. It is the county seat of Clark County, Nevada. It is also the 28th most populous city in the U.S. with a city population of 567,641 (as of 2009). Las Vegas is known around the world for its resorts, gambling, shopping and dining and it calls itself the Entertainment Capital of the World.   It should be noted that in popular terms, the name Las Vegas is mostly used to describe the resort areas on the 4 miles (6.5 km) Las Vegas Strip on Las Vegas Boulevard. However, the Strip is mainly in the unincorporated communities of Paradise and Winchester. Nevertheless, the city is most well-known for the Strip and downtown. Facts About The Las Vegas Strip Las Vegas was originally established as an outpost to western trails and in the early 1900s, it became a popular railroad town. At that time, it was a staging post for mining in the surrounding area. Las Vegas was established in 1905 and it officially became a city in 1911. The city declined in growth shortly after its founding, but in the mid-1900s it continued to grow. In addition, the completion of the Hoover Dam, about 30 miles (48 km) away, in 1935 again caused Las Vegas to grow.Most of the early major development of Las Vegas occurred in the 1940s after gambling was legalized in 1931. Its legalization led to the development of large casino-hotels, the earliest of which were managed by the mob and were associated with organized crime.By the late 1960s, businessman Howard Hughes had purchased many of Las Vegas casino-hotels and organized crime was run out of the city. Tourism from around the U.S. grew considerably during this time but nearby military personnel were known to frequ ent the area which caused a building boom in the city. Most recently, the popular Las Vegas Strip has undergone a process of redevelopment that began with the opening of The Mirage hotel in 1989. This resulted in the construction of other large hotels on the southern part of Las Vegas Boulevard, aka the Strip, and initially, tourists were driven away from the original downtown area. Today, however, a variety of new projects, events and the construction of housing has caused tourism to increase downtown.The main sectors of the economy of Las Vegas are within tourism, gaming, and conventions. These have also caused the related service sectors of the economy to grow. Las Vegas is home to two of the worlds largest Fortune 500 companies, MGM Mirage and Harrahs Entertainment. It also has several companies involved in the manufacturing of slot machines. Away from downtown and the Strip, residential growth in Las Vegas is rapidly occurring, so construction is also a major sector of the economy.Las Vegas is located in Clark County in southern Nev ada. Geographically, it sits in a basin within the Mojave Desert and as such the area surrounding Las Vegas is dominated by desert vegetation and it is surrounded by dry mountain ranges. The average elevation of Las Vegas is 2,030 feet (620 m). The climate of Las Vegas is an arid desert with hot, mostly dry summers and mild winters. It has an average of 300 sunny days per year and averages about 4.2 inches of rainfall per year. Because it is in a desert basin, however, flash flooding is a concern when precipitation occurs. Snow is rare, but not impossible. The July average high temperature for Las Vegas is 104.1 °F (40 °C), while the January average high is 57.1 °F (14 °C).Las Vegas is considered one of the fastest growing areas in the U.S. and recently it has become a popular destination for retirees and families. Most of the new residents of Las Vegas originate from California.Unlike many major cities in the U.S., Las Vegas does not have any major-league professional sports team. This is mainly because of concerns over sports betting and competition for the citys other attractions.The Clark County School District, the area in which Las Vegas lies, is the fifth most populous school district in the U.S. In terms of higher education, the city is near the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in Paradise, about 3 miles (5 km) from the city limits, as well as several community colleges and private universities.

Leadership question 4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Leadership question 4 - Essay Example My code of leadership is focused on respecting other people according to their rank in the organization. One of my greatest weaknesses is inability to keep time; however, I am planning to make strict schedules that I will adhere to in order to keep time in attending duties and appointments. My code of behavior concentrates on handling people politely, pleasantly, and with consideration; this involves patiently listening to people’s problems and solving them in the best way possible. Other areas of focus of office etiquette include honesty, loyalty, cooperation, diplomacy, judgment, and accuracy. Knowledge, skills, and experience are the major determinants of worker productivity. I intend to ensure acquisition of relevant academic and professional qualifications and experience that will enable me to achieve exceptional performance. I also need the skills that can enable me perform my duties with the highest standards of accuracy. The organization cannot thrive well in the context where there is no discipline. I have designed programs that are aimed at training people to obey rules and other codes of behavior. I believe it is difficult for people to obey the rules of the organization without discipline. I plan to have an effective disciplinary system for correcting disobediences when they arise. I have the knowledge and skills concerning the theoretical aspects of leadership. I have studied several courses about leadership and diplomacy, which have enabled me to identify ways of leading people effectively. Although I believe in trait theories of leadership, contingency proponents usually make sense to me; this is because contingency theories focus on specific variables related to the environment in determining the most suitable style of leadership for that context (Kets and Korotov 23). I believe in change when it comes to handling people with individual differences. Democratic style of leadership is the best for