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)."
This paper is a complete research study focusing on the absorption of immigrant pupils from the former Russian Union into Israeli schools. Extensive literature review included.
Abstract This paper explains that the research is designed to examine if Israeli pupils and immigrant pupils perceive the school atmosphere and immigrant integration differently, and if immigrant and Israeli pupils differ in the intensity of their relationship in their grasp of school atmosphere and integration. The research involved 303 junior high school pupils, aged 12-15, in two schools; one school had a majority immigrant pupil population, whereas the other had relatively few immigrants. The author reports that pupils evaluated themselves in terms of their adjustment to school, their attitudes towards immigration, and the degree to which they identify with the State of Israel. The paper reports that the greater the number of immigrants in a school, the greater their sense of power, to the point where they are unwilling to pay the price for friendship with Israelis.
Table of Introduction
Theory and Literature Review
Immigration to Israel
Key Approaches to Immigrant Absorption
Immigrants? Encounter with Israeli Society
Adjustment and Psychological Difficulties in Emigration
Adolescence as a Period of Change and Transition
Culture, Government and Family in the Former Soviet Union and its Impact on Adolescent Adjustment
Adolescent Attitudes towards Emigration
Parent-Adolescent Relations during Emigration
The Education System
Priming for Absorption and the Reality
Organization of Teaching and Integration Activities that Create Difficulties for Immigrants in Israeli Schools
Various Coping Mechanisms Adopted by Schools for Immigrant Absorption
Social Integration with Peer Groups in Israel
School Atmosphere
Research
Method
Research Population
Research Tools
Research Hypotheses
Research Process Description
Research and Findings
Interviews with Staff Members
Analysis of How School Copes with Immigrant Absorption based on Four Parameters
Summary ? Diagnosis of Coping Mechanisms
Discussion
Summary
From the Paper "The education system and schools were chosen to bear the brunt of this task of merging the communities because pupils spent so much time there and because of the school's influence in teaching language, the curriculum and teacher activities as well as peer pressure. The merger was formulated and implemented in the education system via the curriculum and teachers via full assimilation, discipline, adoption of the norms, rules of behavior and values held by the majority by the minority in order for the latter to resemble the former."
Abstract A brief examination of the demographic history of West Islip, New York. It looks at the diversity within the community and explains the history behind the development of such a diverse population.
From the Paper "West Islip is a community located on Long Island, New York near the Great South Bay. While the island of Long Island itself is fairly diversified, as far as race and ethnicity goes, the community of West Islip is not. According to the 2000 census, West Islip has a population of 28,907, making it a relatively small community, as far as communities go. Of this population, the numbers of males and females are about evenly split. The largest age group on West Islip is the group between the ages of twenty-five and forty-four. The age group that includes those age fifteen and younger is the second largest age group. This gives the indication that West Islip is a community of young families with children. The average household income for those living on West Islip is about seventy-five thousand dollars a year. This shows that most of the people living on West Islip make good money. Therefore, Wet Islip is likely an up-scale community with high housing costs."
Abstract This paper begins with a brief geographical description of Morocco. It then examines the country's water and land resources before moving on to its manufacturing industry. The paper focuses on one specific example of Morocco's primary manufacturing industry nowadays: the plastics manufacturing industry.
From the Paper "Because of the increased addiction on hashish, the government cut back on its resin plant cultivation. However, due to the beneficial effects of resin production in the economic growth of the country, kif plantations were restored, and resins are used to manufacture chemicals such as turpentine, wax, benzoin, myrrh, and frankincense. However, for the plastic industry, synthetic resins are used to produce plastics, which are used to make containers and strong but lightweight materials to be commercially used domestically and internationally."
Abstract This paper examines the country of Jordan, focusing on the more recent years of political liberalization. The paper begins with a brief history of the political situation in Jordan, starting with its first parliamentary elections in 1989. The writer explores how the monarchy of Jordan was affected by the change to a democratic and open political make-up.
Contents
Jordan
Political Liberalization
What: Democratic Discourse and Monarchical Praxis in Jordan
Jordan's Democratic Discourse: Reading Between the Lines
Why? Explaining Recent Political Liberalization
Liberalizing Monarchy
Bibliography
From the Paper "This extraordinary rate and level of political opening in current years in and of itself creates Jordan commendable of additional study. As well this, on the other hand, more than a few other issues make the case of particular concentration. Primary, Jordan symbolized a case of liberalization in a monarchical management. Such political systems, increasingly uncommon in the contemporary world, but excessively established in the Middle East, have mostly been unnoticed in most of the accessible literature on Third World democratization. In order to understand the political liberalization in Jordan, we must analyze the political history, as well as the recent transformations in the political structure so as to comprehend the real political players and their role in Jordanian politics."
Tags: kinf, abdullah, democracy, monarch, israel, liberal
Abstract This paper briefly explains that there are many issues facing underdeveloped nations today. It examines whether these countries should give up their agriculture sector in order to become well-developed nations.
From the Paper "There are several factors which have a negative impact on the agriculture industry. There are few paved roads to transport the goods, creating a longer delivery time to the markets, and a high rate of spoilage. Erosion and deforestation are reducing the amount of cultivatable acreage, bad weather such as drought or flooding can devastate entire crops, and lack of irrigation systems in these areas can result in a shortened growing season."
Abstract This paper presents a comparative analysis of two cities in regard to the current trends in economic growth or decline; economic features, both historic and cultural factors that play a role in the economic structure; and current conditions and trends such as age, race etc., that contribute to GSP. It provides a comparative analysis of the states' focus and identifies products or capital contributing to the GSP through exports or imports. The two cities are Cincinnati, Ohio, and Lawrenceburg, Indiana.
From the Paper "By far the number one impact on GSP from the Cincinnati and Lawrenceburg area has been the contribution in community revenues directly received from gambling and the Argosy Casino organization. Community leaders agree that the economic and social impact by the area's new gambling industry has benefited all. With employment figures at all time highs and local income positively effected, Cincinnati and Lawrenceburg have contributed higher revenues in per capita taxes to their respective state coffers. The area currently boasts of higher revenues in the tourism industry such as hotels, motel, and convenience stores; the local travel industry such as gas stations, restaurant and entertainment facilities. Although the gambling revenues are not a complete solution for solving all revenue problems, the Cincinnati and Lawrenceburg area are enjoying the new found prosperity."
Abstract This work compares the demographic structure of the United States and South Africa and further discusses issues associated with cooperation between the two nations.
From the Paper "Geographic location as well as the diverse cultural configuration of South Africa and the fact that many more people within the country are what would be considered indigenous to the area lends to the greater percentages of non-European centered faith practices. Where as many faiths are practiced with in the United States those not relying upon what is known as the Old Testament only constitute 4% of the population, less than half that of those who proclaim to have no faith. Yet, it seems clear that more of the total population of South Africa proclaim affiliations with some form of faith."
Abstract This paper explains the historical and geographical importance of the Mississippi River. It looks at the symbolic nature of the river as being the separation point between East and West. The paper focuses on the early history of the river and looks at the Native Americans who lived nearby.
From the Paper "The Mississippi River is one of the world's great rivers. It is the longest river in the United States, more than twenty-three hundred miles in length, as it forms the borders of ten states, almost bisecting the continent (Currie,2003, 8). The river has a long history as well, and it has touched the lives of many people. The Mississippi is said to begin at Lake Itasca in Minnesota. In 1832, explorer Henry Schoolcraft named this lake, not after any local Indian name, but from the Latin words for "true head" which are veritas caput shortened to "Itasca" (Currie, 2003, 4). However, long before its source was named it was a navigational river."
Abstract This paper provides a brief history of Spain. It looks at the economic and social condition of the country today. An examination of the country's political history is also included.
From the Paper "Spain, which is part of the Iberian Peninsula, has been conquered by many different civilizations. Spain was first discovered by Phoenicians in 1100 BC, where they established a trading colony in Cadiz. It remained like this until 228 BC, when the Carthaginians gained control of most of the Iberian Peninsula. Eight years later, in 220 BC, the Romans fought the Carthaginians in the Second Punic War. It lasted until 218 BC and Rome won, therefore gaining control of the Iberian Peninsula. The Romans controlled Iberia for six centuries. When the Roman empire fell in the fifth century, the Visigoths came and claimed Spain. The Muslims of North Africa started to invade Iberia in 711, and took over it within a few years. Starting in 800 A.D. many of the European Christian kingdoms began to drive the Muslims out of Spain. In the 1400s the remaining Muslims were driven out. In 1492 King Fernando and Queen Isabel allowed Christopher Colombus to set sail and discover the New World. Starting in the 1500s Spain sent over explorors called conquistadors um who explored most of Florida, Central America, and South America. After they explored those territories they began to colonize them. In 1588 Spain sent a fleet of ships, called the Spanish Armada, to invade England, but was defeated. Because of the defeat Spain never became the great power they once were and continued to decline there afterward. In April 1898 the Spanish-American War began. It was a very short war, but it did had major effects. For the United States it was an effective battle because they gained territories, but for Spain it had a bad outcome, they lost their empire. From 1936 to 1939 the Spanish Civil War went on. It was a bloody battle, and in the end General Francisco Franco established a dictatorship. In 1975, General Franco died and Juan Carlos de Borbon was made king. After Borbon became king, Spain was made a constitutional monarchy."
Abstract During the Ice Age, a great deal of the northern part of North America was engulfed in glaciers. As the climate warmed, these great ice caps advanced and receded many times, creating a complex and diverse geography in what is now the Great Lakes region. This paper discusses the various geological processes that formed the features and natural resources of the Great Lakes, as well as provides a summary of the geologic history of the area.
From the Paper "Fast-flowing rivers, glacial ice, and the pounding of waves against the shore occurred over the next 300 million years, wearing down most of the mountains. There was no vegetation protection to slow down these geological processes. As a result, the mountains disintegrated.
The eroded rock debris built up as thick layers of sand, gravel, silt and clay eventually transformed into sedimentary rock. Thus, volcanic activity was the major geological process in the Great Lakes area. Gradually the sand grains cemented together forming sandstone, which can be found in all the lakes."
Tags: Precambrian, Era, Lake, Ontario, Pleistocene, Epoch
Abstract This paper explains that the Southern way of living, earning bread and butter through plantations and power over black slaves, was destroyed completely after the Civil War. The author points out that the major problem the South experienced after the war was a reduced labor force, as blacks wanted to work for themselves and not for masters. The paper concludes that all the changes after the Civil War cost the Southerners a great deal of their wealth and property, but it ended with greater developments and benefits resulting in a changed life style for everyone and allowed the blacks to live a life of freedom.
From the Paper "A few years after the Civil War, there were some large scale construction projects. After the 1880s, an era of prosperity commenced. Subsistence and diversified farming gave way to commercial agriculture. Construction of railroads resulted in the creation of new towns. Later the plantations were divided into fragments and families who worked as tenants on others farms rose gradually. During the period between 1880 and 1910 a great number of buildings were constructed both in small and large towns. Hence, architectural modifications brought about a number of changes in the living style of people. The huge market for the cotton and tobacco nurtured."
Abstract City sprawl throughout the world led to the idea of "smart growth", which is the increase in density of urbanized areas. In a recent list of 100 of the largest urbanized areas in the U.S. (1970-1990), Los Angeles ranked only sixth, but it is considered the champion of "smart growth". This paper shows that those behind the principle of "smart growth" believe that the denser an urbanized area, the better. Their policies draw from the concept that a city's population can grow indefinitely without causing a lot of sprawl by confining more and more people into already existing urbanized areas. This paper discusses whether Los Angeles is indeed the "sultan of sprawl" and a "smart growth" model.
From the Paper "As to air quality, that of LA has reportedly improved dramatically year after year, even during the rapid growth phase in the 80s. Also, more compact development has insignificant impact on air quality because of more frequent but shorter automobile trips. Meanwhile, markets continue to allocate resources, including farmland, feeding millions more on less land on account of better farming methods (Gordon and Richardson). It should also be observed that the telecommunications evolution has followed people where they live, not people following the jobs, whereby job growth is focused on the rural areas. This refutes the conclusion that people today prefer to live in more compact environments, like downtown."
