Galactic type Essay Example for Free

Galactic type Essay Galaxies can be explained as massive systems of stars, dust, gas as well as other types of matter that are bound together by gravitational forces to form a single physical mass. As Binney and Merrifield (1998: p 34) explain, on the basis of extensive imaging surveys that have been carried out, it is estimated that there are more than 40 billion galaxies in the universe, that are spread out in a complex large-scale systems for example, clusters, super-clusters. There are also boundaries of huge empty spaces referred to as voids. The sun is just part of galaxy called the Milky Way. This galaxy is a much flattened spiral galaxy that could be comprised by more than 400 billions stars. Through the use of telescopes, it is possible to view these galaxies. Gravitational Lenses Gravitational lenses can be described as galaxies and clusters of galaxies, which are so huge that they cause bends to the route of light objects towards their directions, thus they distort the forms of backdrop galaxies into curves as well as rings. At times these gravitational lenses can even lead to photos of galaxies and quasars to be seen in symmetrical outlines around them. However such cosmetic arrangement is very rare and only occurs in out of a thousand elliptical galaxies. Galaxy merges It has been noted that galaxies comes together to create merges. In such a case galaxies can merge in two different ways. One is through forming stars, and the second way is by merging together. Basing on the present theories of how galaxies are formed, it is expected that they are must be extensive merging going on. In fact, there are many examples to attests this point. However, it is very hard to consistently measure the extent of merging that is happening; it calls for huge samples and keen measuring machines and eyes. (http://www. galaxyzoo. org/science) Understanding these galaxies is a significant part of contemporary astronomy. Galaxies are basic units of matter within the space, and explaining the way they are formed as well as how they have achieved their present form is very critical for various aspects in astronomy. Indeed it is significant to note that what is presently known regarding galaxies started with just a simple classification of how the galaxies appeared through the photos taken using huge observatory telescopes. From these photos, galaxies present a broad diversity of forms, or shapes and can basically be divided into various classes just like living things are classified. Classification of galaxy Visual galaxy classification has continued to be helpful at a moment when galaxies still are not better understood. Classification of galaxies offers an outline for more studies and proposes a sound approach to studying these complex galaxies. Classification of galaxies Binney and Merrifield (1998 pp 36) tells us that, different schemes have been formulated to bring some order to galactic zoo; this has been done through pigeonholing galaxies in relation to one or various properties that include shape, luminosity and spectrum. This section has listed some galaxy classification. Hubble classification The well known and mostly used general scheme of galaxy classification is the Hubble classification. In this classification, galaxies are classified according to how they appear. This system was formulated by Edwin Hubble, and it splits the galaxies into spiral (normal as well as barred), elliptical and irregulars. This scheme is characterized by the well known turning-fork figure. Elliptical galaxies are further grouped from spherical (E0) to highly elongated (E7) in relation to their increasing eccentricity. Generally, spirals vary from Sa (those with arms closely wound) to SBc (those with arms extensively spaced). Irregulars are referred to as Ir. However, Alan Sandage added an extra category to this initial scheme. What was added is S0 for describing lenticular system that has a nucleus that is surrounded by a circle-like structure that does not have spiral arms. Accordingly Buta, Corwin and Odewahn (2002, p, 3) explains that, Galaxies are as well usually termed as ‘early’ for those designated as E and S0 or to be ‘late’ for those designated as Sb, Sb and Irr, in essence this is a remainder of early ideas that galaxies physically evolved alongside the Hubble order. Sadly, this classification is contrary to that of the leading stellar population among these types, and it is also contrary to the early-late classification used in the Yerkes nomenclature. The figure bellow shows some of the galaxy classifications Source: http://www. daviddarling. info/encyclopedia/G/galaxies. html Morgan classification William Morgan also formulated a scheme of classifying galaxies that applies the integrated spectrum of stars and their shapes (apparent and real) together with the degree of the galaxy central concentration. This scheme spells out the galactic spectral form as, a; af; fg; g; gk or k (the letter/s corresponds to the various integrated stellar forms). There are other form used for example, S for spiral; B for barred spiral; E for elliptical structure; L for low surface brightness and N for tiny bright nucleus. Numbers are used to classifying the inclination line of vision, thus, 1 is used for face on while 7 is used for edge-on (numbers 1 to 7 are used). Accordingly, Andromeda Galaxy classification is as kS5 De Vaucouleurs-Sandage classification In this classification, SA designates ordinary spirals, while SB designates barred spirals. Then a lower case s in brackets designates S-shaped spirals. Alternatively r will designate ringed shape. Lastly, various transitional phases have been incorporated between SA spirals and Magellanic irregulars Im. Thus using this classification, Andromeda Galaxy is classified as Sa (s) b. Van den Bergh (DDD) classification This classification comprises two parameters. The first one is galactic type (this are Sa; Sb; Sc and Ir). The second parameter is the luminosity class (designated as I, II, III, IV and V). Just like the MKK structure of stellar luminosity classification, the notations S- as well as S+ are applied to designate sub-giant species that have low or high resolution, correspondingly. S (B) notation has created to designate objects that are intermediate between real spirals and the barred spirals. Conclusion Galaxy classification is very useful since it provides a lot of insight information on physical aspects of galaxies. In classifying galaxies, there are various schemes that are used; however, the scheme formulated by Edwin Hubble though revised over the years still remains the most widely used. Classification of galaxy has laid down the foundation of future study in understanding the galaxies. Through correct classification we gain better understanding of these complex galaxies and indeed of our universe. Reference: Binney, Joseph and Morrison Merrifield: Galactic Astronomy: Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1998: pp 34-37 Buta, Ronald; Howard Corwin and Stephen Odewahn: Galaxy classification: Cambridge University Press, 2002, p 2-4 Galaxy Zoo: The Science: Accessed from: http://www. galaxyzoo. org/science on 12/6/2009 Galaxy Zoo (2009): The Story So Far Accessed from: http://www. galaxyzoo. org/story on 12/6/2009 The internet Encyclopedia of science: Galaxy classification: Accessed from: http://www. daviddarling. info/encyclopedia/G/galaxies. html on 12/6/2009

Financial Analysis of the British Petroleum (BP) Foundation

Financial Analysis of the British Petroleum (BP) Foundation British Petroleum Foundation British Petroleum (BP) is one of the worlds leading integrated oil and gas companies, and it is the third largest energy company and the fourth largest company in the world. It provides customers with energy for heat and light, fuel for transportation, lubricants to support the performance of engines and petrochemicals products to diversify daily use items. BP was founded in 1908 by William Knox DArcy to exploit oil discoveries in Iran. Nowadays key persons are Carl-Henric Svanberg (Chairman) and Bob Dudley (CEO). The BP Foundation, Inc., established in 1952, is a private non-operating foundation and an independent charitable organization separate from, but funded entirety by, BP that exists for the public benefit. It supports philanthropic activities around the world, helps communities by supporting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education programs across America, economic development, and by drawing attention to environmental issues. First of all, BP Foundation is widely known for contribution to the development of STEM educations. It has supported several initiatives in Illinois by donating $5 million to the Museum of Science and Industry; $400,000 to the University of Chicago Collegiate Scholars Math Science Initiative; $100,000 to the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Energy Center; and $135,000 to the Chicago State University. Moreover, the BP Foundation supports organizations such as the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering, the aim of which is to showcase talents of American Indians, Hispanics and African Americans. BPs initiative of donating $1 million every three-year has supported 200 engineering scholarships for students, who attend one of NACMEs 51 partner universities. In general, since 2012 BP Foundation has donated around $65 million for education, that shows a desire to expand economic opportunity, develop a highly skilled workforce and inspire the next generation of innova tors. In 2005, BP united with the Association of Science- Technology Centers in order to launch the Energy Education Initiative, objective of which is to train and equip STEM teachers. Besides, it joined the Million Women Mentors project to help young women to learn more about STEM careers. Second, BP Foundation has Employee Matching Program, that enables BP employees to match fund from BP to eligible charitable organizations and to help support the community where they work. Since 2006, the BF Foundation has matched over $82 million on behalf of its employees to charitable organizations worldwide. In 2014 employees volunteered about 207,866 hours and raised around $1.6 million by taking part in sponsored pledge events. In appreciation of their efforts, the BP Foundation additionally provided matching grants in the total amount of $10.4 million to educational institutions and charitable organizations. Also, BP supports military men both during and after their service. In 2005, BP was rewarded with the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, that the US government gives to employers for their support of workers serving in the Guard or the Reserve. Also, it helps veterans return to civilian life by, for example, supporting adaptive sports such as Paralympic programs and the Warrior Games, that help disabled or injured veterans while they pass procedure of rehabilitation and reintegration. To sum up, it must be said, that BP Foundation is one of the biggest supporters of programs designed to promote education through STEM, but at the same time it invests in economic development through job training, sustainable community projects and enterprise development; and the environment through projects that further the understanding of global environment issues. Financial Analysis Monetarily, the company is performing great. From its financial position, the company has many long-term assets, which are used by the company as a source of income especially when leasing as well as securities while borrowing loans which gives the company an advantage when it comes to loans for future. The long-term assets are known to increase in value as years proceed which places the company at a better place. Additionally, the company has short-term assets which includes revenue and short-term income, which is used by company to provide for most of its expenditures as it, acts as a source of income. From the given information, it indicates that organization has a positive liquidity. The assets of the organization exceed its liabilities, which explains the organization can meet its financial obligations without much pressure. There are the total assets of about 11 million while there are about 7 million of total liabilities which basically leads to the positive deficit of roughly 5 million. The company has short term liabilities, which explains that the company can easily settle them down and cannot lead to the closure of the business. The company also has a lot of sales which shows that the company is performing well in the market. In addition, the company has gross sales of assets which is worth more than 44 million dollars which specifies that the company is better placed and have a lot of disposal capital. The contributions, grants and gifts do not contribute a lot to the company source of income and capital like the company assets which are sold. When comparing its expenses and income, we noticed that the company doesnt incur a lot of expense when it comes to hiring of services as well as equipments used in the office which basically reduces the company liabilities as well as expense. After the financial year, the net assets are greater than net liabilities which shows that the company performed well at the end of fiscal year. The current ratio of the company is greater on the assets side when compared to the liabilities side. The company also has a higher book value of more than 14 billion dollars, which they can use for attracting investors since it indicates that the company is performing better and not in debt. The company also has a higher fair market value which shows that the company is performing well in market and that its products are considered among the best in the market which basically increase its market value. The company investments on the corporate stock is higher both in book value and the market price which illustrates that the company is performing good in the market and that its bonds are among the highly purchased in the market. However, the organization has some grants which are payable and are higher at the end of year as compared to the beginning of the year. This indicates that the company incurred some more expenses between the year which explains that the organizations will incur more expenses on paying the grants. The company lacks any deferred payments and mortgages to pay which reduces the amount of debts that they owe other companies. The business has other investments around $ 175,000, which indicates that the company source of income and revenue is high. Funding of the Organization British Petroleum Foundation is funded through a program called Employee Matching Program. The employees who are linked with this program called Employee Matching Program. The employees who are linked with this program are those working for British Petroleum Corporation. This company is one of the worlds biggest enthusiasm companies and it delivers energy products and services to people around the world. In the employee matching program, a maximum amount of $ 5,000 or equivalent to local currency per employee for each calendar year that has been allocated. They also have the options that are well outlined on how each employee may choose to participate and use this fund. An annual budget from the BP foundation would be allocated to this fund. All employees of British Petroleum and any of its designated partners or exclusively owned subsidiaries are eligible to participate in the program. The recipient organizations must function on a Not for a Profit Basis. The organizations that are located in United States must be qualified for tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Service Code 501 (Gong, 2). Fundamentally, British Petroleum Foundation has done countless things to the entire world and especially with touching many lives. The foundation has donated more than $ 218 million to community and enterprises in the United States. In 2015, BP foundation logged more than 55,000 hours of volunteering that raised approximately $6 million grants. Apart from above, the foundation also assists organizations such as National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering (NACME) which obtains to create an Engineering workforce. The foundation contributed $1 million to support 200 scholarships for students who are attending one of NACMEs universities. British Petroleum foundation also provides financial support to natural disaster areas. In cooperation with local BP businesses, it contributed $125,000 to provide food and health services to those affected by floods in 2015. The foundation is dedicated to support worldwide organizations that meet the British Petroleum foundation donation approach which includes economic development, education and education, economic development and ecological programs. They do not accept unwanted offers but they do request reviews submitted by BP businesses around the world. BP foundation has also partnered with sports and support social enterprises which began in September 2011 to create employment legacy from London 2012 Olympic games. The British Petroleum has also worked with social enterprises in East London and West London to provide training and knowledge to support projects to allow the enterprises grow in future. Therefore, we can conclude that British Petroleum Foundation has contributed to make the Earth the better place for everyone. The BP foundation is also funded from three sources which includes contributions and grants received, interest on investments and profits from sale of assets (Form 990). The foremost source of funding in 2015 tax return is the grants of $ 5.7 million from BP America, Inc. In 2014, they received $ 209,713 from BP Products North America; from which $208,929 was a noncash transaction. The second source of funding is the Interest on Investments. In 2015, the interest was less notable amount of $16,920, however in 2014, the interest was $ 95,338. There was decrease of interest income in 2015 because there were the sales of $44,613.321in 2014 which was initially obtained by the foundation. The third source of funding is profit from sale of assets. In 2015, it amounted to be $(4,651), however in 2014, the profit was $38,734. Therefore, in 2015, its contributions became negative of 0.08%, however the contribution was reported for 26.70% in 2014. The major source of funding is grants which was received from British Petroleum. Issues facing the Foundation Just like any other organization operation in the economy, BP foundation faces some issues in its day to day operations. The first one is financial challenges. BP foundation is exclusively reliant on its parental company. They do not receive any support from other government, private or public organizations. BP foundation is not able to encounter its operating and managerial expenditures from its own resources. There are many more people who need to be reached by the charitable works of BP foundation but finance remains a limiting factor. The foundation needs more funds to be able to extent its charitable services to every corner of the globe. It is therefore up to its management to generate ideas on how they will be able to raise these funds to smoothen their operations. Another issue is operational level. The operations of the foundation revolve around dynamic sectors of the society like education particularly science, economic development and environmental issues. The organization contribution is mainly restricted for providing scholarships for education to its employees but not to community. Also, they are inhibited by the fact that they are suffering losses economically and the company is not in situation to make investments. The foundation should set a lot of funds for research of new ways of doing things. This will enable those students who are under the foundation to be part of the new discoveries made every day. By doing that, the foundation will be able to leave back a legacy to the forth coming generations for being part of those people who contributed to the great innovations ever made in the globe. Information about the Foundation The information on the foundation is very limited. It needs extensive research for one to obtain the information about this foundation because of the nature of their work. They are doing charitable work and it is not always published in newspapers or covered by bloggers. Because of the nature of this information, it needs to do a lot of research to access them. The website of British Petroleum has a very limited information about BP Foundation. The websites like CNN and NASDAQ didnt have any information regarding the financial statements. The other websites provided very limited information about the BP Foundation. The main information came from the BP Foundations Form990 tax returns for 2014 and 2015. Other than that, it is very difficult to find the information regarding the BP Foundation. Integration of BP Foundation The foundation is integrated into British Petroleum Corporation by several levels. The foundation specially gives grants to STEM education, which basically follows the British Petroleums core values of safety and energy. Similarly, in case of when natural disaster occurs, the foundation gets help from BP to help those who got affected during the incident. Another level is excise tax, which is based on investments income, which shows that statement regarding its activities and if the company controlled any entry or exit of any company in the market. Moreover, the company donations to any organization and other transactions outside the book value. The file also shows the credit payments and any other penalty the company was fined. The company through shares and taxes is tied with British Petroleum Corporation as well as the company assets. Work Cited Gong, Ning, and Bruce D. Grundy. Charitable Fund-Raising Matching Grants or Seed Money: An Application to Employee Matching Grant Schemes. SSRN Electronic Journal (n.d.): n. pag. Web. 12 Mar. 2017. Employee Matching Fund. BP Life Benefits (Core US Benefits) Employee Matching Fund. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Mar. 2017. BP Foundation. Bp.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Mar. 2017.

Sophocles Antigone - Creons Fatal Flaw Essay -- Antigone essays

Antigone - Creon's Fatal Flaw A master artisan and innovator of the Greek tragedy, Sophocles' insightful plays have held their value throughout countless time periods and societies. Through the use of common literary techniques, Sophocles was able to express themes and ideas that reflect all of humankind. On particular idea was that Sophocles believed that hubris is destructive and will eventually lead to one's demise. Creon, the proud king of Thebes has such a fatal flaw. His hubris alienates Teiresias, Haimon, and his people. Teiresias attempts to explain to Creon the severity of Creon's actions, but Creon only shuns Teiresias. No matter how potent the signs, Creon "would not yield," (Scene 5, Line 47). Creon's hubris prevents him from recognizing his self- destructive behavior. Instead, he accuses Teiresias of disloyalty and succumbing to bribery. He feels Teiresias has "sold out" (Scene 5, Line 65) and that Creon was "the butt for th...

Prison Studies Considered Essay -- Essays Papers

Prison Studies Considered In "Prison Studies" Malcolm X briefly details how, during his incarceration, he embarked on a process of self-education that forever changed him and the course of his life. Malcolm writes of his determination to learn to read and write, born out of his envy and emulation of Bimbi, a fellow prisoner. His innate curiosity, sense of pride, and ambition to learn and be someone of substance motivated him to study relentlessly. As he learned more about the world he developed a great thirst for knowledge that left him with a lifelong desire that only his continued studies could satisfy. He believed that prison offered him the best possible situation in which to educate himself. This idea of Malcolm's, that prison was the best situation in which to educate himself bears some examination. He dismisses the idea of going to college as being inferior to the education he received in prison. He speculates that college is perhaps filled with too many distractions (both ideas are found in the last paragraph of his essay, 19). While Malcolm states his argument in a way that is simple, direct and compelling, it is not an argument that is appropriate for every potential student. One would do well to consider Malcolm X's particular circumstances and his intended audience. As far as his education in prison being superior to one he would receive in college, one should consider why he would think in this way. It is obvious that his education would have put him at about the junior high school level. For a man of his age and race and resources, at the time in which he lived, there were probably very few options available for remedial education. It is remarkable and admirable that Malcolm was invested with the intelligenc... ... distractions. There are, however, a number of disadvantages to prison studies beside the obvious threats to life and limb. The requirements of colleges are intended for a greater purpose than to extract the maximum amount of time and money from the hapless student. The requirements of higher education are intended to provide a wide-ranging and well-balanced view of the world and our place in it. A complete education is intended to provide us with the tools to understand and interpret what we study. A balanced education teaches us the hard-learned lessons of history, the logical methodology of mathematics and philosophy, the transcendent vision of the poet and the artists and the skeptical review of the scientist. While I have great respect, admiration and even affection for Malcolm X, I suspect that even this great man would have benefited from a formal education.

Early Childhood Education Diversity Case Study Essay -- Inclusive Earl

Tom is a four year old boy and is attending preschool for the first time. He suffers from a condition called Cerebral palsy. According to Alvarez, (2014), Cerebral palsy (CP) is an abnormality of motor function, the ability to move and control movements and is acquired at an early age, usually less than a year of age. Tom and his parents represent the Rastafarian culture. His parents have long dreadlocks, but his dreadlocks appear to be in the initial growing stage. He is wearing a foot brace that serves as additional support for his body movements. Tom’s parents are eager to have him enrolled in the school, but is faced with a dilemma during the registration process. The teacher clearly demonstrated her lack of experience and the school’s inability to offer an environment that caters to the diverse needs of children. I will be examining the types of discrimination highlighted in the case study and reflect on examples of educational practices that respect and recognize the fundamental rights of children. I have explored numerous readings to validate my statements, perspectives and personal belief. My overall reflection is based on an understanding of the importance in creating an environment that is inclusive and represents diversity. I am deeply saddened that both Tom and his parents first encounter in a learning environment is tarnished by a negative experience. Issues Relating to Discriminatory Practices There are quite a few issues identified in the case study, the focus here emphasizes the importance of recognizing, addressing, and providing acceptable practice. The teacher reveals that the school is a faith school and Tom w... ...ional Research Journal, 27 (1/2), 31-44. Soodak, L. C. (2003). Classroom Management in Inclusive Settings. 42(4), 327-333. Retrieved fromhttp://muse.jhu.edu.library.open.uwi.edu/journals/theory_into_practice/v042/42.4soodak.html Trejack, P. (2010-2011). Highscope in the diverse and inclusive classroom. 29 (2), Retrieved from http://www.highscope.org/file/NewsandInformation/ReSourceReprints/Winter2010-2011/ReSource2010-11Winter_72.pdf Rouse, M. (N.d.). Developing inclusive practices: A role for teachers and teacher education. (16), Retrieved from www.abdn.ac.uk/eitn/uploads/files/issue16/EITN-1-Rouse.pdf‎ Winter, E.D., & O'Raw, P. (2010). Literature review of the principles and practices relating to inclusive education for children with special educational needs. Retrieved from http://www.ncse.ie/uploads/1/ncse_inclusion.pdf Poster Images: Retrieved from: Google

Praise Song for my Mother by Grace Nichols Analysis Essay

What are the poet’s feelings about family and how does she convey these ideas? Grace Nichols writes Praise Song for my mother as ode, or letter, as a celebration of her mother. Having moved from Guyana to the UK, the ‘ode’ is in a Caribbean style, praising her mother for all that she has done. Nichols writes about what family is, and what it means to her, and the poem seems to be positive, in adoration of her mother, but there are also other standpoints that say the poem could have a deeper, negative meaning. Nichols conveys the powerful, protective love that she receives from her mother in the poem in a variety of ways. She writes that she was ‘water to [her], deep and bold and fathoming’. As water is a necessity to live, she creates the image that her mother was a necessity to her life, and that she ‘couldn’t live without her’. She uses many of these metaphors, using the term ‘You were’ to convey the different roles her mother played in her life, that although she was just a woman, she was to her, the ‘moon’s eye’ and the ‘sunrise’. The use of the past tense in ‘you were’ shows that her mother may have passed away, and that this is not only a celebration of her mother, but also a celebration of her mother’s life, and that the poem is a sort of mourning of her mother. However, this can also be interpreted as the memories of her childhood, when she lived in Guyana with her family, written in the past tense, to convey her feelings in the past. The fact that this poem is written in 14 lines, as a sonnet, shows the ode of love from Nichols to her mother, and the loving bond in family. Nichols could also be trying to convey the message that family is about growing, and allowing the children to develop and learn. Although this at first sight, a poem of positivity, and ‘praise’ for her mother, there could be a more negative, possibly sarcastic side to the poem. The phrase ‘you were water to me’ initially seems positive, but when paired with ‘deep and bold and fathoming’, makes the reader think that there was possible ‘too much water’, and that Nichols’ mother was possibly overprotective or that she enveloped Nichols in her care. The words ‘deep’ and ‘bold’ make you think of the ocean, and possibly that she was drowning in it. In addition, Nichols writes ‘go to your wide futures, you said’. This initially strikes the reader as a message of hope from Nichols’ mother, that she wanted her children to go out into the world and grow. The fact that ‘futures’ is plural, shows that there is essentially a ‘world of oppurtunities’ available, rather than a controlled, decided future. However, this may have been written as a sarcastic ‘you said’, showing that Nichols’ mother expected too much of them, and that life is actually much harder than going ‘out to your wide futures’. This resentment may be a product of Nichols’ mother being overprotective, and not allowing her to learn on her own, and being overprotective. It may also mean that her mother may have essentially abandoned her, and left her to her own actions after she left to England. However, given the circumstances, it is most likely written as possibly a memory of the last thing her mother said to her, before passing away, or before their relationship became too distant. In this way, there are many differing interpretations for this message. Nichols seems to be conveying the message that family is a sort of nutrition, or nourishment. She uses lots of metaphorical language such as ‘You were water’ and ‘you were sunrise’ to make family seem like a very positive factor. She also writes ‘the fried plantain smell replenishing replenishing’, with the repetition of ‘replenishing’ making the reader focus on the word. The lack of punctuation in the phrase, and also the lack of punctuation throughout the whole poem possible harks back to Nichols’ less educated childhood. The words ‘replenishing’, ‘water’ and ‘sunrise’ creates the image of the mother fulfilling all the bare necessities for the Nichols’, and shows the different roles that Nichols’ mother played in her life. The poem itself is very orderly for the first three stanzas, with same sized lines, but the fourth stanza is one line longer, this line being longer still, and then the fifth stanza being one line only. This poem could possibly portray a ladder or staircase, symbolising the ‘steps’ to adulthood and success. As the poem is about Nichols’ mother, this could be creating the image that her mother was the aid to her success. This is all the picture of how family is a sort of nutrition and aid to life. Overall, Grace Nichols provides many different standpoints on the importance of family in ‘Praise Song for my Mother’. Although it is written as a positive poem of ‘celebration’ of her mother, there could also be more negative standpoints and alternative views, highlighting possible sarcasm in the poem. In conclusion, Nichols seems to generally have very positive views on family and uses lots of metaphorical language to create the image that her mother was ‘everything’ to her’. She also uses literary techniques to showcase her memories of childhood, and the importance of family in her upbringing.

Natural disasters are often not natural Essay

Natural disasters are often not natural disasters, but are in fact human disasters. Discuss this statement in relation to seismic events. The word ‘natural’ indicates that humans have not caused the disaster. However, human activity can certainly interfere with nature, which in turn may either cause a natural disaster or make its effects much worse. Earthquakes can affect people in many different ways in countries all over the world. They are a product of intense seismic activity where plates are interacting, at a destructive of transform faults, particularly leading to a build up of tension below the Earths surface. When this tension is released the buildings, bridges, pipes etc which lie in the line of the seismic waves can often not withstand the force and strain of the earthquakes and can potentially harm people. However is it the people’s fault that the earthquake occurred in the first place? Earthquakes induced by human activity have been documented in a few locations in the YSA, Japan and Canada. The cause was injection of fluids into deep wells for waste disposal and secondary recovery of oil, and the use of reservoirs for water supplies. Most of these earthquakes however were minor. The largest and most widely known resulted from fluid injection at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal near Denver, Colorado. For decades scientists have been researching induced seismicity, or how human activity can cause earthquakes. Such a link gained attention in the early 1960s when hundreds of quakes were recorded in Colorado after the Army began injecting fluid into a disposal well. There are many ways human activity can trigger earthquakes. In the 1930s for example, the construction of Hoover Dam in Arizona unleashed a burst of seismic activity in the vicinity that reached a magnitude of 5 on the Richter scale. Geothermal- energy projects have been known to make the ground shake. This process involves pumping pressurised water a mile into the Earth, then sucking up the heated liquid to make steam and drive turbines to generate electricity. A dam cannot cause an earthquake by itself. The risk factors, specifically unstable fault lines, have to be there already. With the right conditions in place, though, a dam can trigger the event earlier than would have happened naturally, and perhaps even increase its magnitude. ‘Human engineering has been triggering earthquakes for more than half a century’ says Leonardo Seeber, professor at Lamont-  Doherty Earth Observatory, and manmade quakes may be more common than acknowledged. However Dr. Seeber says that ‘distinguishing natural from triggered earthquakes is generally difficult’ he said ‘Agents triggering the earthquake often refuse to admit responsibility and make it difficult to obtain the data that could prove it’. Even a smell stress increase can cause a fault to fail, Dr Seeber said: humans tend to do it in two ways. One is by changing the load on the crust, typically with artificial lakes, which increase the load, and with quarries and oil fields, which decrease the load. The other ways is increasing the pressure of the interstitial fluid. This isn’t to say that all earthquakes are caused by humans. They are typically natural occurrences. They’re most often caused by the shifting of plates of rock under the surface od the earth. These plates move along fault lines, which are places where the otherwise solid rock of Earth’s crust has cracked. When the plates slide against each other, or away from each other, the Earth vibrates violently. Less often, earthquakes are caused by natural occurrences like volcanic eruptions. But vibrations felt at the surface of the Earth can also result from Earth-shaking, manmade events like underground bomb testing and mine collapses. In conclusion, my view is for the most part, the accumulating stress that creates the stress build up until it’s great enough to overcome that friction, at which point seismic energy is released violently as the blocks catch up on decade’s worth of motion in just a few seconds is much too large for human activities to make a difference. We can, however, affect the friction that locks up the fault. Hydraulic fracturing, where fluids are pumped into the ground at extremely high pressures to crack rocks that release natural gas and oil, has been shown to do just that in certain situations. Increasing the fluid pressure inside the fault partially de-stabilises the friction-lock, lowering the stress threshold necessary to trigger an earthquake just enough for one to occur. Despite the obvious negative effects that humans have on prematurely causing an earthquake, the natural factors of the earthquake are fundamentally the reason they occur because without these then the earthquake wouldn’t happen. Human impacts speed up and may make the earthquake worse however they are in fact natural disasters with human elements thrown into the equation.  ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­Ã‚ ­