Buddha and his sermon :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hindu Kshatriya, who was warned by â€Å"Brahman soothsayers†, let his son leave home to live among the seekers of the forest. His son was Gotama Siddhartha, known to most historians as Buddha. What is said to be Buddha’s first sermon was delivered briefly after his enlightenment. The sermon contains what eventually becomes the way of life for people who follow the Buddhist religion; the four noble truths, the eightfold path, and the middle way. Since Siddhartha was so sheltered from reality, he set out on a journey to find out where he would fit in his life, and through this he became extremely enlightened.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Siddhartha questioned many things on his daily adventures in the park. Why people aged, why people died, why some pursued religious beliefs, and why illness fell on certain people. He asked himself what these people have done to deserve these things. The raja did not like the fact that his son was feeling sorrow for these people. From then on he made sure that Siddhartha was surrounded with only blissful sights. The raja figured if he kept seeing these things, he would never want to become a ruler. Throughout this story it seemed as though Siddhartha lived, until this point, a very unrealistic life. (Reilly, 164)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In Siddhartha’s journey he witnessed a man with a yellow robe, and no hair. The charioteer explained to him that he was a very religious man and valued everything in life. He then went home and shaved off all of his hair and wore a yellow robe. (Reilly, 171) The people were outraged that the prince took these actions, and thought it was foolish; because by doing these things did not make him religious. Siddhartha became known as Gotama the Bodhisat. All he wanted was to find a way for people to escape their sufferings and misfortunes. Siddhartha then started becoming enlightened on his journey to become religious.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The real meaning of Buddhist thought involved the following; four noble truths, the eightfold path and the middle way. The four noble truths contained four statements of logic. Stating that life is sorrow, sorrow is the result of selfish desire, selfish desire can be destroyed, and it can be destroyed by following the eightfold path. The eightfold path is eight steps to a peaceful mind. The eight steps included right views, right resolve, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

Origins Of Agriculture In African Sahara Essay

Several decades ago, Harlan et al. (1976) suggested that Africa, outside of the Nile River Valley, might be the most useful setting for developing a fuller understanding of plant domestication and agricultural origins (Harlan et al. , 5). It seems that in Africa the earliest indigenous plant domestication occurred relatively late (ca. 2000 BC) compared to most other regions of the world (Harlan et al, 7-8). Whether this was due to a method of harvesting that was not artificially selective, such as beating versus cutting with stone or iron sickles, a lack of intentional re-sowing of harvested grains, or reliance in some cases on non-domesticable plants remains unknown, but it seems clear that wild grain collection was part of a variety of adaptive strategies until at least about 2000 BC. Unlike the Near East, most of Africa’s native domestic plants appear to have different temporal and geographic origins. In other words, crop domestication in Africa did not arise in a single region, but developed from diverse vegetative zones (Harlan et al, 12). From the critical and historical perspectives, it is important to understand and analyze the development of agricultural patterns in any historio-geographical region, African Sahara in this particular case, because it is from there that the first evidence emerges of village-based communities, pastoralism and intensive use of wild grains. Over the past 75 years, theories of the origins and spread of agriculture have been numerous and diverse. Explanations have ranged from cultural progress, climate change, diffusion of agriculture from single hearths, to population pressure, status enhancement, feasting, and to simply viewing the variety of agricultural approaches around the globe as increasingly extractive adaptations of foraging behavior. Increasingly, however, it appears that multiple factors led to the development of agriculture and that the processes may have been different in each region of the world. Archaeological evidence from centers of independent domestication provides numerous opportunities to explain the process, but from the critical viewpoint, it gives little insight into what might have been the ultimate stimulus for such a broad shift. Today, the Egyptian Western Desert (also known as the Eastern Sahara or the Libyan Desert) is extremely inhospitable with little or no rainfall, high daily temperatures, relentless sandstorms, and life that can be supported only near the occasional well or oasis (Wendorf and Schild, 1984, 1-5). Increased rainfall around 9000 BC led to the formation of seasonal ponds around Bir Kiseiba and Nabta Playa (Wendorf and Schild, 1984, 2). Although the Eastern Sahara remained unpredictable, peoples migrating west from the Nile Valley or from the desert to the south began to temporarily inhabit its better-watered areas (Close and Wendorf, 64). No structures, storage pits, or wells were recovered from the earliest sites, and pottery was rare (Wendorf and Schild, 1984, 5). Grinding stones were present in the oldest levels, and the plant remains suggest reliance on wild grasses (Wendorf and Schild, 1998, 99). Wild animals such as hare and gazelle comprised the majority of faunal remains, and domesticated cattle were possibly included in the subsistence regime (Wendorf and Schild, 1998, 103). By 8000 to 7000 BC, the area around Nabta was scattered with desert lakes and dotted with the trees of Tamarix, Acacia, and probably Ziziphus, swampy plants (sedges), and wild grasses (Close and Wendorf, 68). Occupation of the Western Desert was still likely seasonal, with abandonment during the summer monsoons. The sites were larger than those of the previous period, and the remains of small and large huts, bell-shaped storage pits, and deep wells suggest intensified habitation (Close and Wendorf, 69). Lithics, bone points, grinding stones, and pottery were present (though pottery was still somewhat rare), and the fauna continued to consist mainly of hare, gazelle, and possibly domesticated cattle (Wendorf and Schild 1998, 107). The evidence for domesticated cattle in these earliest levels is debated. Bones, tentatively identified as such, mainly teeth and foot remains, are morphologically similar to both modern domesticated and wild cattle (Bos primigenius f. taurus and B. rimigenius, respectively), but not to other large bovids in the area. Gautier argues for the presence of domesticated cattle rather than wild cattle because the latter probably could not survive on their own in an arid climate without the aid of humans to guide them to known water sources (qtd in Close and Wendorf 1984, 61-62). Support for domesticated cattle comes also from the lack of bones from medium-sized bovids that typically roam with wild cattle (Wendorf and Schild 1998, 108). Cattle bones are present but not common in the assemblages, which is used to argue for cattle-keeping (for milk and blood) rather than for cattle-eating (Close and Wendorf, 66). Interestingly, Close and Wendorf suggest that it was this expansion into the Sahara that might have pushed cattle-herders towards cattle-keeping and not slaughter, as during the same time in the Nile Valley, cattle apparently were being killed for consumption and not maintained for their products (Close and Wendorf, 68). In addition to hunting, and cattle milk and blood, the collection of wild plants also provided food. The best studied plant remains come from the site of E-75-6 at Nabta Playa, dating to around 6000 BC (Wasylikowa, 128). Wendorf and Schild interpret the sites of Nabta Playa as representing an important transition in prehistory, that of incipient domestication (Wendorf and Schild, 1998, 105). The intensive use of wild grains by pastoralist-hunters suggests a broad-spectrum approach to subsistence, but one that also incorporates semi-sedentism and delayed use of resources. Although the pastoralists at Nabta Playa apparently revisited the same locations on a seasonal basis, they probably were forced to remain mobile due to their reliance on cattle and the need for abundant grass cover. Archeologists and historians suggest that groups migrating from the west introduced domesticated African grains to the upper Middle Niger Delta (MND) is has been supported by material remains through various archeological sites (McIntosh, 56). For instance, ceramics and bone harpoon-type points with affinities to sites in the Mema and Dhar Tichitt suggest that there was some early interaction or occupation at Dia by fisher-forager and agro-pastoralist groups from these more western areas. Evidence from Dhar Tichitt suggests that domesticated millet was introduced prior to 1900 BC, and that millet farming and herding existed well before 600 BC (McIntosh, 71). Ceramics from Mema sites indicate that indigenous fisher-foragers first inhabited the Mema area, but by 1300-800 BC, pastoralist immigration into the region had begun. It has been proposed by Mcintosh that these groups of herders and fishers might have assimilated to some degree in the Mema, and then perhaps fissioned into proto-Bozo and Nono groups upon entering the modern MND sometime between 800 and 400 BC (McIntosh, 79). Movement into the deeper channels of the upper MND was likely one response to increasing desiccation of the ancient floodplain margins and encroachment of the Sahara during the early first millennium BC. The human-plant relationship at MND appears from the earliest times to be based on rice farming and collection of wild plant resources. This trend continues throughout the occupation of the sites, even during periods of seasonal habitation or partial abandonment (Horizons II and III of Dia). Early in the second millennium however, several species (pearl millet, bread wheat, and cotton) occur that suggest the development of new or intensified relationships between Dia and the outside world. The increased presence of pearl millet noted especially on Mara probably signals enhanced trade or exchange with other communities, or perhaps the movement of new peoples into the area. Mcintosh writes of oscillating drying trends during this time that might have allowed cultivation of pearl millet in areas previously too wet, perhaps at Dia or at outlying hamlets (Mcintosh, 83). This important cereal was likely domesticated somewhere between the Sahara and the Sahel of West Africa. The earliest evidence of domesticated pearl millet comes from Tichitt, dating 1900-1500 BC, and from Birimi in northern Ghana, where two grains were directly dated to 1740 BC and 1130-1250 BC (McIntosh, 93). Pearl millet occurs frequently at later sites and is a common and important cereal across much of West Africa. The four bread wheat grains found on both Shoma and Mara, one grain directly radiocarbon dated to AD 779-1157, may also signal trade, or more likely, visitors from abroad. Native to west Asia and introduced into North Africa by way of Egypt, these wheat grains probably made their way to MND via one of the major Saharan trade towns such as Sijilmasa, where to according to medieval Arabic travelers and traders, wheat was cultivated (McIntosh, 99-100). In sum, it increasingly appears that there was an independent domestication of cattle in the eastern Sahara around 8000 BC, well before the introduction of cattle, goat, and sheep from the Near East around 5000 BC. Practicing a broad-spectrum approach to food getting, these early herders spread west and south across the Sahara, eventually entering West Africa around 2000 BC. The earliest domesticated grass (pearl millet) occurs around this time in a broad band across the southern Sahara and Sahel beginning earliest at Dhar Tichitt (Mauritania) and moving rapidly eastward to Lake Chad (northeastern Nigeria) by about 1200 BC (Wendorf and Schild, 1998, 122). These sites are invariably associated with the remains of domesticated cattle, suggesting that Saharan pastoralists introduced domesticated grasses into sub-Saharan Africa and played a pivotal role in the development of other African regions.

Napoleon Iii

An Assessment of Whether Napoleon Bonaparte or Louis Napoleon Had More Significant Reforms in France Both Napoleon Bonaparte and his nephew Louis Napoleon Bonaparte were important rulers of France. They ruled with great power and control, they implemented many sweeping reforms and laws that greatly changed the course of French and European life. Napoleon Bonaparte and Louis Napoleon, also referred to as Napoleon III, each directed France through many reforms under their rule.However, the leader with the more significant reforms and impact on France was Napoleon III. Napoleon III had longer lasting reforms in the likes of rebuilding and modernizing Paris, constructing the French railway and heading a strong French foreign policy that included the unification of Italy. He also led France through a period of prosperity and industrialization. Louis Napoleon Bonaparte was elected the president of France at age 40, and capped a quite remarkable, and unlikely rise to power. Cavendish, 1998, para. 1). Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, named after his uncle Napoleon I, had never held a government position, nor had he even shown any sort of political capability, he rose to power solely through widespread support in France that he was the rightful heir to Napoleon I. (Cavendish, 1998, para. 1,2). In essence, Louis Napoleon rode into control of France on the coattails of his uncle and then he took his uncle’s rule and furthered the reforms and French power.Louis Napoleon campaigned that he would return France back to the glory that they had once had under the first Napoleon, and that he, as a ruler, was destined to bring France once again to the top of Europe. (Cavendish, 1998, para. 5). His strategy successfully swept him into the office of President of France’s Second Republic. The Professional Politicians in France couldn’t believe that Louis Napoleon had won, and they were even more shocked when he did away with them.But this didn’t satisfy the ambi tious ruler and he quickly took advantage of an economic slump in 1851 and posed himself to be the man that the French needed, not as president but as emperor. (Cavendish, 1998, final paragraph). Louis Napoleon Bonaparte can now be called Napoleon III, for in 1852 he declared himself the perfect fit for the job to keep France from collapse and socialism, the Emperor of the second French Empire. (Cavendish, 1998, final paragraph).The citizens of France, so scared of anarchy, and still believing in the â€Å"Napoleonic Ideals† that Napoleon I had left behind, overwhelmingly accepted Louis Napoleon as their new Emperor. The new parliamentary constitution that Napoleon III set up gave him the executive powers; it allowed him to nominate the members of the law-making council of state and the senate. (â€Å"France History-Second French Empire† n. d. , para. 1). Now that Louis-Napoleon had full control of France, he could freely implement actions and reforms that he couldnâ⠂¬â„¢t have easily achieved as President.One of Napoleon’s keen interests was in architecture, and it was his desire to make Paris a new modern city that ultimately turned Paris from an overcrowding, ancient, disease-ridden cluster of districts into the thriving beauty it is today. (Kirkman, 2007, para. 2). Napoleon’s interest was the foundation that would produce the plans for a rebuilding of Paris’s streets, its sewers, and all other aspects of urban planning. It would change the sight of Paris to something unlike anyone had seen. (Kirkman, 2007, para. 2).For hundreds of years, certain areas hadn’t been improved, and the daunting task of a renewal of Paris was laid on Baron Haussmann. Haussmann was a big time planner and was an advocate for beautiful sights, perfect balance and exactness. (â€Å"Paris† pg. 18). Haussmann’s desire of linear symmetry surfaced in his first step, which was to put Paris on a grid. He added streets to Paris that ran east and west, and north and south. These new streets were also wider, allowing for more public safety and safer traffic engineering. (Kirkman, 2007, para. 4).The rapid population growth mixed with fierce industrialization made some changes to Paris an absolute necessity. An example of this was shown in the growing demand for water closets, which directly led to the need to funnel the human waste effectively into the sewers. (Kirkman, 2007, para. 6). The old ways of dumping the waste in the rivers was rejected, and it was now an objective to keep the clean and dirty water separate. This new practice allowed for cleaner water, cleaner streets, cleaner people, and a much-improved healthy environment. (Kirkman, 2007, para. , and final paragraph). Under Napoleon’s constant input and watch Haussmann unified Paris with visual themes and facades that generated all around in the city. The horizontal style of Haussmann can be seen throughout Paris. (Kirkman, 2007, para. 7). Perha ps the most unifying aspect that Paris received during its makeover was the improvement of the transportation systems. The railroads underwent massive modernization as train stations were constructed in strategic locations to connect Paris with the rest of France and to the rest of Europe. (Kirkman, 2007, para. 10).These new train stations benefitted agriculture, industrial growth, international markets, employment opportunities, and they represented the overall feeling of a more modern city and nation that could be envied from surrounding countries. (Kirkman, 2007, para. 10). Napoleon III exemplified the prosperity and excellence of the time period by this complete rebuilding of Paris. With the help of grand scale designer Baron Haussmann, Paris â€Å"slashed boulevards through tangles of slums, began the modern sewer and water systems† and set the standard high for the beautiful city that still thrives today. â€Å"Paris† pg. 18) Napoleon III didn’t just focus on the improvement and his influence inside of France. Napoleon III headed a strong French foreign policy that occurred in the Second Empire. Particularly important was Napoleon III’s indispensible role in the Italian unification process. Count Camillo di Cavour was the prime minister of the Kingdom of Sardinia, most commonly known as Piedmont, and it was his revolutionary ideals and actions that pushed Italian unification forward. But Cavour needed the help of a strong ally in order to achieve is goals; this ally came in the form of Napoleon III and France. Oracle ThinkQuest, n. d. , Section III para. 2). Napoleon III always had a specific future planned out for Italy, he even once pushing for his cousin to rule there. (Geddes, 2010, para. 2). Napoleon III attempted to influence these rising movements of unification in Italy following the Revolutions of 1848. Whatever Napoleon’s intentions were for Italy, whether it was to use Italy as an asset to serve France in the future or if it was to genuinley support the Italian unification, Napoleon saw himself as one that was obligated to be the leader of these â€Å"free peoples of Europe. † (Geddes, 2010, para. ). Without the help of the Frech army and the support of Napoleon III, Piedmont would have had no chance to unify Italy. Napoleon III’s influence in this unification process was so extensive he alone put all of Italy together, and kept Rome out of it so as to keep the support of the Catholic church. (Geddes, 2010, final paragraph). There is also an argument that Napoleon I, Napoleon Bonaparte, had the more significant reforms in French history as opposed to Napoleon III. Napoleon I led the French, the the most powerful army in Europe, across the continent in conquerring much of Europe. History, n. d. , opening paragraph). Napoleon’s reforms included the new ‘Napoleonic Law Code’ that he implemented in France and in the countries he conquerred, a stronger army, a renewed relationship with the pope, banking and education improvements, and support for the arts and sciences. (History, n. d. The Coup of 18 Brumaire section para. 3). But Napoleon I’s reforms were self destructed when Napoleon made several key mistakes that ultimately doomed his reforms and his plan to establish stability back into the post-revolutionized France. History, n. d. The Coup of 18 Brumaire section para. 3). One miscue included the flop of the continental system, or Napoleon Bonaparte’s attempt the ruin the British economy but in backlash it only ruined the French economy. Another mistake was the catastrophic invasion of Russia. The Russian army destroyed French supply lines and Napoleon abandoned his army in the Russian winter where they attempted to retreat. Only 100,000 of the original 600,000 French survived. (History, n. d. Napoleon’s Downfall section para. 1). The French momentum was killed, and so was Napoleon I’s popularity. Napole on I was then forced to abdicate the throne by the combined powers of Britain, Prussia, Russia, and Austria and he was exiled to Elba. Those same powers, in order to ensure that France wouldn’t try to do the same thing again all but eliminated what Napoleon I had long been working for and France was sent back to square one. (History, n. d. Napoleon’s Downfall section para. 2,3).Therfore, although both Napoleon Bonaparte and Louis Napoleon implemented great reforms in France, Napoleon III had the more significant reforms. Napoleon III’s reforms had more of a long-lasting effect on France and Europe. Some of these long lasting reforms included the modernization and rebuilding of Paris, improving the French railroads, and influencing the unification of Italy. Thus it is Louis Napoleon Bonaparte that deserves the credit for achieving the more significant reforms in France.

The Relevance of Political Parties in Presidential Elections essays

The Relevance of Political Parties in Presidential Elections essays As I survey the list of candidates on my absentee ballot for the 2004 general elections, one thing sticks out. Republican, Democrat, Green, Libertarian, and Conservative- the list of Political Parties are endless. Even though no mention in the Constitution was made of parties and James Madison, in Federalist no. 10, defines a faction as a "number of citizens...united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adverse to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community (Madison, 1787)." Certainly this sounds an awful like what many Americans would consider a Political Party. However, the modern-day political party has differed greatly than the party's of yesteryear. These days' political parties, specifically the two major ones, concern themselves more with nominating and electing candidates, emphasizing winning of office in the short term as opposed to governing and influential policy making (Cotter, 1984, p. 3). This is a far cry from the party bosses and political machines of the early 20th century, like Ohio Republican Party Boss Mark Hanna who was widely believed to have wielded great power behind the scenes of the McKinley presidency. The Republican and Democratic Parties of today serve as powerful surrogates for their respective candidates' campaign, helping out with propaganda like TV commercials, internet ad campaigns and post-debate spin, or "get out the vote" efforts, but they don't have the influence over a candidates' position on the issues or actual day to day operations of a campaign like they used to. As will be shown, political parties are still very important for understanding American electoral politics today, as without the backing of a major one, a candidate could not be elected president. As mentioned previous, political parties at one time exerted a great deal more influence on a presidential candidate. An example of this would be the presidential e...

14 Life Hacks Youve Never Heard of That Can Be Used Every Day

14 Life Hacks Youve Never Heard of That Can Be Used Every Day Life hacks can be incredibly useful in helping us in our daily lives. Here are 14 life hacks you’ve never heard of but can apply to your everyday life. Source: [SlipTalk]

Mantis Shrimp Facts (Stomatopoda)

Mantis Shrimp Facts (Stomatopoda) The mantis shrimp is not a shrimp, and except for the fact that its an arthropod, its not related to the praying mantis, either. Instead, mantis shrimps are 500 different species belonging to the order Stomatopoda. To distinguish them from true shrimp, mantis shrimps are sometimes called stomatopods. Mantis shrimps are known for their powerful claws, which they use to bludgeon or stab their prey. In addition to their fierce hunting method, mantis shrimps are also known for their extraordinary sense of sight. Fast Facts: Mantis Shrimp ï » ¿Scientific Name: Stomatopoda (e.g., Odontodactylus scyllarus)Other Names: Stomatopod, sea locust, thumb splitter, prawn killerDistinguishing Features: Eyes mounted on movable stalks that can move independently of one anotherAverage Size: 10 centimeters (3.9 in)Diet: CarnivorousLife Span: 20 yearsHabitat: Shallow tropical and subtropical marine environmentsConservation Status: Not evaluatedKingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ArthropodaSubphylum: CrustaceaClass: MalacostracaOrder: StomatopodaFun Fact: A strike from a mantis shrimp claw is so forceful it can shatter aquarium glass. Description There are over 500 species of mantis shrimps in a range of sizes and rainbow of colors. Like other crustaceans, the mantis shrimp has a carapace or shell. Its colors range from brown to vivid rainbow hues. The average mature mantis shrimp is around 10 centimeters (3.9 in) long, but some reach 38 centimeters (15 in). One was even documented at a length of 46 centimeters (18 in). The mantis shrimps claws are its most distinctive feature. Depending on the species, the second pair of appendage- known as raptorial claws- act as either clubs or spears. The mantis shrimp can use its claws to bludgeon or stab prey. Vision Stomatopods have the most complex vision in the animal kingdom, even exceeding that of butterflies. The mantis shrimp has compound eyes mounted on stalks, and can swivel them independently of one another to survey its surroundings. While humans have three types of photoreceptors, a mantis shrimps eyes have between 12 and 16 types of photoreceptor cells. Some species can even tune the sensitivity of their color vision. Peacock Mantis Shrimp (Odontodactylus scyllarus) eyes. Sirachai Arunrugstichai / Getty Images The cluster of photoreceptors, called ommatidia, are arranged in parallel rows into three regions. This gives each eye depth perception and trinocular vision. Mantis shrimps can perceive wavelengths from deep ultraviolet through the visible spectrum and into far red. They can also see polarized light. Some species can perceive circularly polarized light- an ability not found in any other animal species. Their exceptional vision gives the mantis shrimp a survival advantage in an environment that can range from bright to murky and allows them to see and gauge distance to shimmering or translucent objects. Distribution The mantis shrimp lives in tropical and subtropical waters worldwide. Most species live in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Some species live in temperate marine environments. Stomatopods build their burrows in shallow water, including reefs, canals, and marshes. Behavior Mantis shrimps are highly intelligent. They recognize and remember other individuals by sight and smell, and they demonstrate an ability to learn. The animals have a complex social behavior, which includes ritualized fighting and coordinated activities between members of a monogamous pair. They use fluorescent patterns to signal each other and possibly other species. Reproduction and Life Cycle On average, a mantis shrimp lives 20 years. During its lifetime, it may breed 20 to 30 times. In some species, the only interaction between males and females occurs during mating. The female either lays eggs in her burrow or carries them around with her. In other species, shrimp mate in monogamous, life-long relationships, with both sexes caring for the eggs. After hatching, offspring spend three months as zooplankton before molting into their adult form. A peacock mantis shrimp carrying its egg ribbon, Anilao, Philippines. Brook Peterson/Stocktrek Images / Getty Images Diet and Hunting For the most part, the mantis shrimp is a solitary, reclusive hunter. Some species actively stalk prey, while other wait within the lair. The animal kills by rapidly unfolding its raptorial claws with an astounding acceleration of 102,000Â  m/s2 and speed of 23 mps (51 mph). The strike is so quick it boils water between the shrimp and its prey, producing cavitation bubbles. When the bubbles collapse, the resulting shockwave hits prey with an instantaneous force of 1500 newtons. So, even if the shrimp misses its target, the shockwave can stun or kill it. The collapsing bubble also produces weak light, known as sonoluminescence. Typical prey includes fish, snail, crabs, oysters, and other mollusks. Mantis shrimps will also eat members of their own species. Predators As zooplankton, newly hatched and juvenile mantis shrimp are eaten by a variety of animals, including jellyfish, fish, and baleen whales. As adults, stomatopods have few predators. Several species of mantis shrimp are eaten as seafood. Their meat is closer in flavor to lobster than shrimp. In many places, eating them carries the usual risks associated with eating seafood from contaminated waters. Conservation Status Over 500 species of mantis shrimps have been described, but relatively little is known about the creatures because they spend most of their time in their burrows. Their population status is unknown and their conservation status has not been evaluated. Some species are kept in aquaria. Sometimes they are unwelcome aquarium denizens, as they eat other species and can break glass with their claws. Otherwise, they are valued for their bright colors, intelligence, and ability to craft new holes in living rock. Sources Chiou, Tsyr-Huei et al. (2008) Circular Polarization Vision in a Stomatopod Crustacean. Current Biology, Vol 18, Issue 6, pp. 429-434. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2008.02.066Corwin, Thomas W. (2001). Sensory adaptation: Tunable colour vision in a mantis shrimp. Nature. 411 (6837): 547–8. doi:10.1038/35079184Patek, S. N.; Korff, W. L.; Caldwell, RL. (2004). Deadly strike mechanism of a mantis shrimp. Nature. 428 (6985): 819–820. doi:10.1038/428819aPiper, Ross (2007). Extraordinary Animals: An Encyclopedia of Curious and Unusual Animals. Greenwood Press. ISBN 0-313-33922-8.

High School vs College Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

High School vs College - Essay Example Students in both community colleges and high schools tend to have some common and different experiences as far as school life is concerned. High school students in major occasions are usually younger than the community college students. This discourse tends to compare and contrast experiences in community colleges with that of high school. Students in community colleges tend to have few interactions with their teachers compared to those in high school. The community college students may be required to spend classes on certain intervals for a period like thrice a week. On the other hand, those in high school have a daily educative routine meaning they attend classes on a daily basis unless it is a public holiday or the school is in recession. This fact is attributed by the fact that high school has a determined curriculum and syllabus which must be completed in good time before the students sit their end semester examinations. This is different from community colleges as there is no c lear syllabus or even curriculum. Such schedule compel the students in high school to concentrate more on academics while those in community colleges may create some time for extra-curriculum activities like sports, art and technology among others. There are more students in classrooms in high school compared to community colleges. Being few enable students in community colleges to have good interactions with teachers and ask relevant questions as far as education is concerned. However, this may be impossible with the high school students as their teachers may not have all that time to have a private teaching session with each student. This is a big disadvantage to the academically weaker students who may require some special tutor after the normal classes. Some parents have really blamed the routines and traditions in high school since weaker students are not well taken care of. Community colleges tend to help students grow their talents and passions as there is ample time for one to practice and research more on the talents. Researches indicate that the majority of innovative individuals, gifted athletes, and musicians went through community colleges. Community colleges tend to help the students identify their areas of interest while high school prepare them to join universities among other units of tertiary education and pursue their dream courses. Students in high school tend to pursue general courses in their first years but they later concentrate in their majors after the second year. It takes some good grades to major in certain courses and this compels the students to work extra hard and meet such targets. This does not apply with the community students as they have no specific targets or competitions. College life between community college students and those in high school tend to have some differences. Students in high school may live in some dormitories or hostels which enable them to mingle and promote their social lives. However, some students may opt to commute from their homes to cut the accommodation charges. However, the majority of community colleges reside from their respective homes meaning there is limited time to mingle, learn from one another, and generally develop their social skills. High schools have various clubs like debating, drama, art, social affairs, science and mathematics clubs among others where students tend to meet on regular intervals. Students tend to make new friends, break monotony, and develop their personal skills as they mingle together (Hamed, 79). However, this does not apply in the community colleges as there is no such clubs and the fact that there are few students to create such forums. High school is never an alternative but a