Abstract Examines the impact of human technology on the concept of a place and the importance of geography, history, and culture in defining a people and their resources. Describes the town, its history, its residents, and its geography.
From the Paper "The Impact of Nature: The Case of Jackson Hole, Wyoming
John Brinckerhoff Jackson (p. 17), referring to New Mexico, wrote that "It is not easy in this landscape to separate the role of man from the role of nature." This comment can also be applied to ..."
Abstract Examines the East Asian country that made the transition from developing to industrialized status, or NIC (newly industrialized country) and the country's economic progress and per-capita gross domestic product (GDP).
From the Paper "Taiwan is one of the select group of countries .. concentrated, like Taiwan itself, in East Asia .. that has in recent decades made the transition from "developing" to "industrialized" status. The t..."
Abstract Discusses how this is an important archaeological site. Contains some of the oldest recorded artifacts found in North America. Considers samples taken from the Caves and describes the eastern Great Basic area.
From the Paper "Danger Cave is in Utah, in the eastern Great Basin area (Aikens 1983: 169). It is a cluster of dry caves in the Great Salt Lake region and contains artifacts from before the Paleo-Indian period through the Archaic period, and up to 25..."
Abstract This paper discusses how Indonesian culture is an amalgam of the traditions of many civilizations and religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Southeast Asian, Polynesian, Chinese, Arabic, and Dutch. It looks at how, since the country achieved its independence from the Dutch colonialist rule in 1945, the Indonesian culture has been influenced by the political and economic conditions prevailing in the country. It also examines some notable Indonesian customs, as well as the psychographics of the Indonesian people.
From the Paper "Although most Indonesians are Muslim, there are various ethnic divisions that make the country a multi-cultural country. For example 45% of the population is Javanese, while 14% are Sudanese 14%, 7% Madurese, and 8% ?coastal Malays.?(Forbes, 2003) There is also a marked rural/ urban division, with the urbanized middle class influenced by the Western culture but also bitter at the perceived "betrayal" by institutions such as the IMF (perceived to be controlled by the US) at not having helped the country out of its predicament at the time of a major economic crisis in 1997. The attitude is a reflection of the "collectivism" of the Indonesian people."
Abstract This paper examines how Switzerland, as a country, ideally is situated at the center of the most industrially developed part of Europe, which runs from Southern Germany to the parts of Northern Italy and Eastern France. It looks at how it is one of the richest countries in the world with the highest levels of gross national per capita income. It shows how the nature of the economy is liberal and highly competitive and occupies a position among the top ten positions in the world in any study. It also discusses how it is an open economy and dependent on foreign trade.
From the Paper "For the trade with the EU, the applicable principles include free movements of goods and services, free movement of capital and liberalized labor market, which is opening up even further. One can invest into Switzerland through a partnership or a new corporation in the form of a joint stock company, through setting up a subsidiary as a corporation which may be totally independent or a branch of the foreign company, through setting up a partnership with Swiss nationals or through an existing company in Switzerland, through acquiring an interest or buying an existing business in Switzerland with a majority interest, through a merger with previous Swiss partners, or through strategic alliances which may or may not involve equity shares."
Abstract A look at the demographic make-up of Great Neck, New York, and an examination of the history of this region. Includes statistics and figures about the population make-up, society levels, religious break-down, and other facts.
From the Paper "The racial makeup of Nassau County is 79.30% White, 10.09% African American, 0.16% Native American, 4.73% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 3.57% from other races, and 2.12% from two or more races. Great Neck has 1/4th or less black people than the county it is in. 9.99% of the population is Hispanic; this is approximately the same as Great Neck. Of the 447,387 households in Long Island, 35.30% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.10% are married couples living together, 10.90% have a woman whose husband does not live with her, and 22.40% are non-families. The average household size is in the county is 2.93 and the average family size is 3.34. The median age is 38 years. For every 100 females, there are 92.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 89.00 males."
Abstract This paper discusses how Peru faces many problems common to many developing countries around the world, including economic difficulties. The problems include underdevelopment in its infrastructure, including underdevelopment in its health, education, industrial, and transport sectors, and environmental difficulties, including deforestation, overgrazing, desertification, pollution; there is severe air pollution in Lima and river pollution from unregulated industries. It also examines how Peru has the added problem of coca and the illicit drugs trade. The paper looks at three global issues, in particular, the struggling economy, deforestation, and the illicit drug trade, and discusses how they directly affect the country of Peru. It also analyzes these three issues in relation to three other countries, Colombia (an Andean neighbor), Uganda (an African example of a developing country), and India (an Asian example of a developing country).
From the Paper "In terms of the problem of illicit drugs, Uganda and India are not fair comparisons with Peru, as these two countries do not suffer from such a problem: Uganda has problems with smuggling of precious stones, but not drugs. The direct comparison here will therefore again be Colombia. As we have seen, those connected with the illegal drug trade in Colombia import coca leaves from Peru for processing to cocaine, for export to drug-users in the US and Europe. The same problems, i.e., falsely inflated economies, leading to unemployment and economic difficulties upon the collapse of this economy, also apply to Colombia. Businesses and communities in the heart of Cali have been destroyed by coca dollars, and again through their withdrawal from the local economy."
Tags: coca, columbia, india, uganda, developing, countries.
Abstract This paper addresses the historical reasons for the 1994 Rwandan genocide. In addition, the genocide itself is discussed, as well as the implications for surrounding nations and the future.
From the Paper "It is perhaps the late twentieth century's worst, most misunderstood, and most ignored horror. In the short space of 100 days, the world looked on in absolute horror as nearly one million human beings in a small Central African republic were put to death and a country ripped asunder. While the world watched on, it surreally did very little to intervene in the murderous, genocidal chaos, even as the crisis spilled over the borders of the nation into neighboring countries. The Rwandan genocide of 1994 occurred with breathtaking and horrifying swiftness; out of an original population of 7.5 million between 800,000 and one million people were murdered and half of Rwanda's population fled to neighboring nations. The genocide and resultant refugee crisis that followed destabilized a vast swath of Central Africa, causing civil wars and other massacres in neighboring nations, namely the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, colonial influence cannot be ruled out as a cause of the genocide as many of the ethnic groups and borders were defined by former colonial powers. The historical influences and meddling of European colonial powers led to the ethnic tensions that fomented the 100-day genocide in 1994, and the resultant refugee crisis led to the destabilization and chaos of the Central African region."
Abstract This paper is a geographical and demographic account of King's Point. It provides different data and figures to explain the population make-up of the area. It also provides a brief history of King's Point. It explains that King's Point is a predominantly Jewish community and is, in many respects, dominated by the mansions of the Jewish Mashadi Diaspora community, which migrated from Iran following the 1979 revolution.
From the Paper "Not only is the average home value in excess of 846,500 dollars, but the average home value of the lowest quartile is 452 thousand dollars, nearly twice the median Nassau County home value of 221,100 dollars. 761 of King's point's 1733 owner-occupied housing units are valued at in excess of one million dollars. Median real estate taxes in King's Point are over 10 thousand dollars, whereas those of Long Island itself are "merely" 5,600 a year. The average home value has increased significantly since 1990, however, this can mostly be accounted by a housing boom created by low interest rates and a previous NYC area housing boom created by the city's prosperity in the 1990?s. The Great Neck Park District, Great Neck Station on the Long Island Railroad, and the Great Neck School District are all accessible to residents of King's Point."
Abstract This paper begins by providing some basic facts about Switzerland's geography, culture, and history. It then examines the politics and government of Switzerland and discusses the roles of the legislature, executive, and judiciary councils. The economy is examined, and the tax and fiscal policies of the government are discussed.
From the Paper "With its high per capita income and its prosperous and liberal trade-based economy, Switzerland presents much opportunity for foreign import and export businesses. The country's close links to the economies of Western Europe and the United States provides private business with a strategic point of entry into the European market. After the economic setback in the mid-1990s, Switzerland has bounced back with steady economic growth since 1997. The country saw an economic growth rate of 2.2 percent in 2002, a rate that many economists believe will continue in the long-term."
Abstract The focus of this paper is on Portuguese explorer, Prince Henry the Navigator, and the tools and techniques he introduced to his sailors, which revolutionized sailing and furthered exploration more than anyone else had up to that point.
From the Paper "The Portuguese are an adventurous people, and Henry knew that if he could just capitalize on this, he could drive his sailors to go farther and do more than anyone else had up to that point. From the Muslims, ?[the Portuguese] had learned better ship design, cartography, sailing, and navigation and math skills (European Age of Exploration).? To that end, Henry established an observatory and the first school for navigators in Sagres, Portugal, where he lived. Before the sailors could be taught anything new, however, Henry had to work to convince them that their fears would not come to pass. "Expeditions moved slowly due to the [sailors"] belief that waters at the equator were at the boiling point, that human skin turned black, and that sea monsters would engulf ships (Mariner's Museum).?"
Abstract The discovery of the New World opened new markets for European colonizers, as well as new sources wealth. In the Americas, the rich and abundant land meant much wealth could be generated through industries such as agriculture. The only missing factor was a cheap source of labor in order to clear and farm the land. For this purpose, European colonizers turned to Africa. The kingdoms of Mali and Ghana were particular sources of slaves, since those kingdoms already had a system of slavery in place. This paper examines the cultural and political history of the kingdoms of Ghana, Mali, and Songhay. It examines how the systems of slavery in these kingdoms differed significantly from the system of slavery in the Americas. Furthermore, the paper looks at how the African slaves sought to preserve their African heritage, despite the different system of slavery predominant in the New World.
From the Paper "Another significant difference lies in the end of slave status. In the African kingdoms, slaves could earn their freedom through work. If they satisfied their debts, they could be removed from slavery. As an example, Sundjata rose from the ranks of slave to become ruler of the Mali Empire. Among the Songhay, slaves were treated not as outcasts, but as part of the extended family (Davidson 209)."
Abstract This paper explains that the people who came during the California Gold Rush ultimately revolutionized the West by lighting the spark of consumerism and greed, seeking their fortune, and the so-called "American Dream". The paper points out that, just as the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 stimulated intrigue about what was in the Ohio Valley, the annexation of Texas and the acquisition of Oregon spurred intrigue and excitement and spawned the mass movement Westward. The paper relates that the confirmation of gold discovery in California in May, 1849, by President Polk, had great influence over the American public and created a mass hysteria to seek gold in California.
From the Paper "California, which was once a colony of Spain and then a part of Mexico, remained virtually untouched. When the Spanish occupied this area, they did little to improve the area. The population consisted of few; however, the few that were in the most northern region of Mexico had a distinct class relation hierarchy. Government officials were made up of Spanish aristocracy, who intermarried with natives. The Spanish military also intermarried with the natives, missionaries and convicts. Spain had discouraged foreign immigration into California. Her object was neither to attract settlers nor to develop the country; the object of California was to retain political control and make it a possible asylum for Spanish people. The few settlers that came before 1822 were mainly of substantial character, possessing a real interest in the country and an intention of permanent settlement. Most of them became naturalized, married Spanish women, acquired property and became trusted citizens."
This paper is a guide for helping the relocating employee to understand the cultural, traditional, economic, and environmental changes they will experience when moving to Australia from Southern California.
Abstract This paper explains that Australia is underpopulated as far as its size, but over two-thirds of the population resides in any one of the ten major cities on the coast, which makes Australia one of the most urbanized counties in the world. The author points out that, even though the national language in Australia is English, the accent, style of speaking, and parts of the traditional vocabulary greatly differ from American English and is slightly difficult to get a grasp of in the beginning. The paper lists many social customs: Hand shakes are a common way to greet someone, Australians are keen on answering their invitations at the first possible moment, and an invitation to a dinner, even by a friend or a peer, usually means separate checks.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Housing
Business and the Economy
Currency
Travel
Employment
Income Tax (PAYE)
GST
Domestic Rates
Education
Utilities
Shopping
Health Service
Import Requirements
Entertainment and Leisure
Food and Eatables
Climate and Weather
Adjusting to a New Environment
Common Australian Characteristics (Values)
Differences in Australian vs. American English
Important Social Customs
Developing Friendship
Some Common Australian Facts
Conclusion
From the Paper "Australian Dollars (AUD) are the official currency, and it follows the same format as America with a 100 cents making a dollar and notes available in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and a $100. Coins are available in 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, and $2 denominations. The exchange rate is 1.39 Australian dollars for every US dollar and currency can be converted throughout Australia with relative ease at any bank or licensed money changer."
Abstract In the states of Wisconsin and Georgia, geographical studies have helped experts gain better knowledge of the vegetation, soil, and climate in the regions tested. In order to give an idea of the specific approach that studies have adopted, this paper considers Waycross in Georgia and Madison in Wisconsin. In assessing the climate, soil, and vegetation in these areas, the paper deciphers the similarities and differences between the two regions.
From the Paper "Roadways that are constructed or repaired in urban and suburban activity experience loss of resource at much higher rates. Research reveals that without vegetative protection erosion takes place much quicker. It is estimated that without proper vegetative cover, erosion may exceed 350 tons per acre annually in this region. Erosion at Madison isn"t as much as it is at Waycross, and hence agriculture isn"t affected negatively. Employment in the agricultural industry does not suffer the way that it does at Waycross (Arnalds, 1995)."
