Graduate Management Admission Test Preparation Tips

Top business schools and management institutions around the globe recognize the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) results as an effective predictor of success and efficiency. The GMAT is considered the primary admission criterion in management schools that provide high-level education and training. The test's structure consists of verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing assessment sections. The test is typically administered on the Internet by means of temporary computer-based testing centers or as a paper-based test at local ones.

Preparing for the GMAT can be daunting and tough without help from experts. Although the GMAT measures fundamental grammar, reasoning, and mathematical skills, an average test taker only gets half of all the attainable points on the exam. If you're planning to take the GMAT soon, it helps to brush up on your high school mathematics and review technical English grammar to refresh your understanding of such subjects. Analytical writing is different from conversational grammar you use every day. Rehashing your high school notes and acquiring assistance from your loved ones and pals can enable you to go a long way.

Acquaint Yourself with the GMAT

Many people had no thought about the GMAT when they first began preparing for it. Folks didn't know what subjects were included, how many questions every single section has, or how the test is graded. By means of the assistance of technologies, nonetheless, you may familiarize yourself with GMAT as a whole and learn its subtleties by reading articles, blogs, and review sites on the Web. You may also peruse GMAT reviews suggested by top academic organizations. It is possible for you to devote a significant portion of your review time learning GMAT's intricacies and therefore get a general understanding of the entire picture.

Prepare a Study Strategy

Right after extensively reviewing such useful information resources, you are able to design a study strategy to systematically scan all of GMAT's sections and probable questions. For a comprehensive GMAT preparation experience, you can tackle reading comprehension, sentence correction, and critical reasoning, and at the same time data sufficiency and problem solving sections and therefore get a clear notion about what each component involves. You can try your hand at answering problems, comprehending review explanations, and analyzing errors to determine your strengths and weaknesses.

Accomplish Practice Tests

Previous GMAT takers absolutely recommend taking mock GMAT exams in a computer-based program that stimulates the actual testing atmosphere. You can take an online GMAT practice test and develop the kind of stamina vital to sit through a three-and-a-half-hour test. Such mock examinations allow your physique, mind, and emotions adjust to the GMAT demands and thus adapt to the actual test time.

Take a GMAT Prep Course

A full-length and comprehensive GMAT course online combines the freedom and flexibility of a self-guided study program with a conventional classroom course structure and personal. Such courses guide you through math, verbal, and essay portions and help increase your test-taking abilities and understanding.

Bacteria, Shared Pairs, Quantum Theory, and the Future of Bio-Inspired Thought Swapping

There have been some noted experiments in Africa with tribes who went hunting, and the rest of the tribe was back at their encampment, and they knew just when to start the fire to get it good and hot, and prepared and ready to cook the meat which would be brought back from some 35 miles away by the hunters which were tracking the herd after several days. Now then how did they know when to start the fire? Apparently the researchers who were observing this, noted that the tribe; just knew. Okay so, let's talk about this for second shall we.

Is it possible that since they ate the same food, and had the same bacteria in their bio-systems, and they also slept together very closely, that they were all on the same wavelength, and using the same brainwaves. Now then, since the human brain is an electromagnetic device, albeit an organic one, is it possible that they were using some kind of thought swapping communication? Theoretically this could be possible under quantum theory and the idea of shared pairs. The bacteria could respond a certain way based on the excitement of the kill of the hunters in the bodies of those doing the hunting.

This would trigger a neuron response in the guts of those back at the encampment of the same tribe, triggering that same brainwave. In other words, they were communicating vast distances using thought, and they were enabled by the bacteria in their system - perhaps, due to the fact that they had evolved over 1000s of years to do this, using that symbiotic bacterial relationship.

Although this seems like a paranormal type activity, it could easily be explained away by science, and therefore, we should be considering this rather than trying to dismiss this incident - especially considering that stories of other human tribes and other parts of the planet confirm this ability.

Lastly, shouldn't we understand how this works, and try to mimic this ability in modern day humans, perhaps we have lost the ability to do this over the last few thousand years, because it is not needed. It is doubtful we will find this skill again if we don't figure out how it works now due to the fact that we have cell phone technology, and instant communication through text messaging and social networks.

If we want to promote "thought swapping" future technologies with a new type of social networks interfacing with the human bio-system using computer chips, then we need to look for clues in these other human tribes, and then borrow these strategies to propel us forward. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

A New Teaching Model for Advanced Education

Indeed, I think just about anyone who has ever stopped to consider the challenge of education in the future would agree that it won't be long until everything is different. The way we have taught humans previously by sitting them down in rows, and making them memorize various facts seems to be quite archaic in a world flowing with information.

Obviously, it makes sense to leverage all of these new technologies, such as virtual reality, simulation, spectral imaging, electronic textbooks, the Internet, game-ification, dream technologies, and direct information downloading to the brain for the future. Okay so, let's talk about all this for moment shall we?

There was a very interesting article not long ago titled; "Stanford concludes raising $6.2B for new research, teaching model," published in the Silicon Valley and San Jose Business Journal on February 8, 2012 and written by Lisa Sibley. The article stated;

"The Stanford Challenge has transformed the way our faculty and students work," said Stanford President John Hennessy in the statement. "We've undertaken a new model in higher education, with experts from different fields joining together not only in research, but also in teaching. This kind of collaboration has enabled Stanford to assume a larger role in addressing global problems. We are already making a greater difference."

Now then, I totally agree that a new teaching methodology and model is needed, very much so, which is something we do indeed discuss here often enough at our think tank. There is no reason we can't turn the world of education on its head, it's time to upgrade all we know about the way we instruct our students. In fact, Stanford itself has done experiments with online professor videos and their online lecture series. It is amazing how folks all over the world can tune in and get this information at little or no cost.

If we really want to train people for the new future, then it makes sense to figure out a way to do it less expensively, and more efficiently. That is what Stanford is trying to do, and with that level of infusion into their research budget, they ought to be able to do just that, and why not? Have you looked at the increases of tuition costs in the United States? It's been going up at between 8 to 10% per year, for quite a while.

In fact, the information that's being learned by upper division degreed college students may not even be useful by the time they get out of school with that degree in hand. It will be outdated, but those loans will have to be paid back for decades to come. You can see the challenges and it's good to see that Stanford is working on it. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

Ancient Chinese Weapons and Armor

Similar to ancient Japanese Samurai swords like the katana, ancient Chinese swords like the Sanmei are works of art. Unlike their Japanese counterparts which are created purely for sword fighting, the Sanmei is supposed to be used in tandem with martial arts training. Wushu is the perfect example to this. Sword wielding is done in conjunction with movements of basic martial arts kicking, punching and for blocking.

Let's go into a little bit more detail about these Ancient Chinese weapons.

The Sanmei is composed of a hardened central layer with two softer steel layers on the outside. The softer steel provides the sword's resilience while the harder core carries the wicked sharp edge. Looking more closely at the blade, one sees the unique lines and fold marks left by the forging.

The Chinese sword fall into two categories, the Jian and Dao. The Jian is a single hand double edged straight sword. Grips for Jian swords were made of fluted hardwood. They were sometimes wrapped in ray skin or in cotton cord.

The Dao is a single edged curved sword longer and heavier than the Jian. It is often referred to as a Chinese broadsword or saber. Dao blades curve moderately and have a canted hilt, curving in the opposite direction to the blade. There is also a disc-shaped or S-shaped guard.

Chinese Sanmei metamorphosed for 2,500 years beginning with bronze then moving on to iron and then steel. At first, during the Han Dynasty, the weapon of choice for mounted cavalry was the Dao. Later on, the lighter Jian became the most commonly used infantry and cavalry sword because of its lightweight.

Like the history of Chinese swords, ancient Chinese armor also went through a metamorphosis. Early Shang Dynasty armor was light plated turtle shells tied together with cord. Later on, these were replaced with one-piece leather or bronze breastplates. In the 2nd Century B.C., plated wrought iron armor began to appear. These were laced together with leather and sometimes had overlapping leather plates as well.

During the period of the Ming Dynasty, light plated armor woven into leather and cloth fabrics became the norm since this did not hinder martial arts movements. It only covered the most important body parts vulnerable to injury. Trading with Arab and Persian neighbors introduced the Chinese to the European chainmail which was widely copied by many rich nobles, officials and military officers.

Astronomy Binoculars Can Be A Great Alternative To An Entry Level Telescope

So you've finally gotten the bug to get a telescope and really start seeing what is up there in the night sky. I know the feeling. But now you've got to decide what kind of telescope you want and what you can afford as well. Of course, a good quality telescope is the best choice for the serious amateur astronomer, but it is a big investment and maybe you aren't quite sure. There are so many options to choose from, each option adding to the price tag. Perhaps you might consider using a good quality pair of astronomy binoculars, rather than an entry level telescope instead to start your hobby.

Usually we think of binoculars as only to be used for bird watching or for hunting or for trying to see your favorite rock star at a concert when you are in the nose bleed section, but these are not binoculars that are designed mainly for astronomical viewing. If you are just starting out, do your research and evaluate your options and I believe that you will see that a good quality astronom binocular beats out an entry level telescope of similar optical quality every time. The following are a few advantages and disadvantages of buying an astronomy binocular.

Advantages 

Budget - You can usually buy a pair of good quality astronomy binoculars for around $250. To buy a telescope of similar optic quality you would need to spend around $500. To buy a good quality telescope your investment will most likely be in the thousands. You may decide at a later date that you desire more observing power, but you can get a great start with astronomy binoculars.

Portability - Unless you live in the Boonies, you will probably have to transport your telescope to a more remote area where there is less human light (city lights, street lights, etc). Anyone who owns a quality telescope knows what a pain it can be to transport, and if not done correctly, the alignment can be off and your viewing disrupted. Binoculars on the other hand can be transported easily and gives you more viewing time without set up and tear down.

Learning Curve - To operate a telescope takes some trial and error. You have to learn how to set it up correctly, tune it for optimum viewing and how to diagnose problems and fix them when they happen. All of this takes away from your stargazing time while with a pair of astronomy binoculars; you just put them up to your eyes and start looking.

Versatility - Binoculars are lightweight and easy to use for almost anything. Although they are designed for use in stargazing, they can be used for most any activity where you want to see images closer up - even Bon Jovi.

Disadvantages 

Magnification - Of course, a telescope will have a much greater ability to magnify objects than will the binoculars. Astronomy binoculars tend to have a static magnification of around 20X, while telescopes can usually magnify up to 100X or more depending on your options. This will limit the detail that you will be able to see.

Light Gathering - A telescope will be much better at light gathering than will the binoculars and that is due to the aperture size. A larger aperture will allow more light to enter your instrument. Binoculars, even those designed for astronomy usually have an aperture of around 10 cm while telescopes can go up to 30 cm and more - but you will pay dearly for that ability.

GPS Technology - Many telescopes these days come with standard GPS technology that will help you to know exactly what heavenly objects will be in your viewing range. It will also let you program exactly where to move the telescope to see certain objects. Obviously, the astronomy binoculars will lack this feature, but again, it all depends on budget.

Viewing - Since your objective lens will generally be smaller with binoculars, you may not be able to orient yourself to what you are seeing as easily as you would with a telescope, meaning that you may spend more time consulting your star chart at first than actually viewing objects.

So let's say you've decided that maybe a pair of astronomy binoculars is in your future. How do you know what to look for to get a good pair? Here are a few tips to get you started. Binoculars always are rated with 2 numbers. You'll see things like 10X20 (pronounced 10 "by" 20) in their product descriptions. The first number refers to the ocular lens closest to your eye which will tell you how much magnification you will get - in this example - 10X.

The second number represents the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters at the far end of the binocular - in this case 20 mm. The larger the objective lens, the more light that will be gathered and the better the viewing, but this will also determine the physical size and weight of your binoculars. There are tripods available for larger astronomy binoculars though, so don't let size be the only deciding factor.

As with any purchase, you will have to take all factors into consideration before making your decision. If you are not sure how serious you will be with this hobby, or are starting out on a shoestring budget, astronomy binoculars can be a great alternative to an entry level telescope for you.

Ancient Chinese Weapons and Armor | The Kung Fu Connection

Throughout a long period of time, archeological discoveries continuously unearth ancient Chinese weapons, some of them ancient kung fu weapons. Recently, a 2,200 year old metal and jade weapon was unearthed. While jade is considered as a decorative element, forging a weapon of this type has never been within the bounds of imagination of many archeologists, up until now.

In many Hollywood films, these Ancient Chinese Weapons and Armor have been featured. Just what is the history of these Kung Fu accessories and how has the art of creating such weapons evolved since then?

As far back as 6,000 years ago, the ancient Chinese fashioned many types of weapons ranging from meteorite metal, iron, bronze, bamboo, wood, stone and jade. Because they were martial arts weapons, some of them were supposed to mimic or simulate the movements of animals and insects, whether real or in myth. Long before Hinduism and Buddhism brought Kung Fu from India, the Chinese had already mastered the art of melee weaponry and combat. The influence of Kung Fu merely improved ancient Chinese fighting styles. In actual fact, weapon fabrication, technique of usage, materials and shape greatly depended on the ruling dynasty or emperor at any period of time. A single dynasty may last for many centuries so weapons of a future dynasty may also have been influenced by a previous one.

With the discovery of iron, many types of iron weapons could now be forged and mass produced at a faster rate. In practical terms, iron was, of course, stronger and could last longer and so the quality of ancient Chinese weapons and armor greatly improved.

Normally, Chinese ancient weapons are organized into different categories depending on their use. Here are a few of the most widely accepted categories of ancient Chinese weapons and armor.:

1. Daggers 

2. Sai (thrusters) 

3. Broadswords 

4. Long-handled swords 

5. Double-edged swords 

6. Long swords 

7. Sweepers 

8. Axes 

9. Halberds 

10. Spears 

11. Butterfly knives 

12. Flutes 

13. Cane, staff and hook weapons 

14. Firewheels 

15. Fans 

16. Hammers 

17. Bows (longbows and crossbows) 

18. Chain weapons 

19. Shovel blades 

20. Forks 

21. Sectional sticks 

22. Shields

Each category can often have hundreds of sub-categories. For example, spears can come in sub-categories of long, short, very short, soft and projectile sub-categories, each having its own sub-categories as well. The same holds for Chinese swords. Shields are the only objects considered as "defensive weapons" while flutes, canes, staffs and fans are what is referred to as "covert" weapons used by spies and assassins.

Renting College Textbooks - Three Big Advantages

Going to college can be expensive and often students have no options when it comes to saving money. However, one way a student can save money is with college textbook costs. If you want to save money on textbook costs, the best way to do it is to rent the textbooks, rather than buy them. Textbook rental companies will rent college textbooks for a price that will save the student more than 50% over purchasing costs.

There are three big advantages to renting college textbooks. The first big advantage to renting textbooks is the cyber advantage. Textbook rental is done completely online. The student can access a rental company's online catalog from the convenience of their dorm room, apartment or library. If you have a computer, you can rent textbooks. The student doesn't have to fight lines in the bookstore at the beginning of the semester waiting in line to pay for his or her books. Online rental saves money and time.

Another advantage to renting textbooks is comparison shopping. Online rental companies boast that their catalogs have everything. However, the only company that has everything is the Library of Congress! The student may find prices vary widely from company to company. Plus, some rental companies may favor certain subjects such as science or history over health or education. Since comparison shopping is easy to do online, you may as well take advantage of it, especially if it saves you money.

If you take courses that tend to not be in the mainstream, such as music, library science, or theology, to name a few, you may want to find those books in the catalog first to see which company offers them for rent. Most online rental companies have large catalogs and you should be able to find what you need. But certain courses may not be as well stocked as others.

In some areas, college freshman are required to take remedial writing or math courses their first semester. Buying such textbooks to accompany these classes would not be advisable since their worth greatly diminishes when the course is over.

Lastly, the advantage of offering free shipping when returning the textbooks at the end of the semester is a huge incentive. Have you ever gone through an unbearable course only to say on the last day "I never want to think about that class again." Just think how nice it would be to put the textbook in a bag and ship it back for free. No more packing up heavy textbooks to bring home for the summer. Why bring them home when you have no intention of looking at the?. Usually students simply bring the textbooks back to college in the fall with the hope of selling them at a used book sale for a fraction of what they paid for them.

EMT Training for Providing Better Emergency Care

People needing emergency care are people who became seriously injured or seriously ill. They don't have a medical regular doctor that they could turn to. They often end up in emergency rooms and ambulances with EMTs and paramedics. When they are involved in car accidents, natural disasters, or fatal heart attacks EMTs and paramedics come to their aid and take them to the emergency room for more treatment.

EMTs and paramedic should have the proper and specialised EMT training needed to do a proper job in the field. They will learn many things and become familiar with what to do and what to expect during emergency cases. Most of the time these medical emergencies may just be one of the several conditions or scenarios they learned during their EMT training in EMT courses. They have to practice and learn what to do during these situations to pass the course.

Quick reaction to situations like trauma is just one of the many essential skills that a professional emergency medical technician have to obtain. Training and practicing starts preparing the students for the emergency medical services field by developing their competency to provide emergency medical care. Several EMT training courses are available to students to develop their skills.

EMTs and paramedics provide the necessary emergency medical care to people who need it the most. They stabilize the patient and take them to the nearest hospital. Special training is absolutely necessary when you want to become an EMT or paramedic. You'll have to provide accurate emergency assessments and medical care in a variety of situations.

There are different levels in various areas but you usually have to start at the basic level of competency. And as you get more experienced and knowledgeable you'll be able to take on better challenges and situations. To advance in the emergency medical services field you have to continue training and learning. You'll also earn more as you progress and gain more experience in the field.

Each level of training has its own skills and set of knowledge you can acquire and use during emergencies. From the very basic to the advanced level, each are equally important and should be improved even after you're working as a professional. These EMT training are also required to provide the students the knowledge to get certified. Each state has its own courses and programs approved and monitored in every level from the initial training to maintaining certification.

Different Kinds of Chromatography

Chromatography is a technique used to isolate the various components of a mixture and this makes its application in analysis of biomolecules very important. It is used to separate and analyse the complex DNA sequences and other compounds, and also the concentration of the samples. There are many types of chromatography used in the study of biomolecules which range from DNA/RNA to recombinant proteins and antibodies. Here are some types of chromatography that you should know about.

High Performance Liquid Chromatography

Small particles and High pressure is required to carry out this type of liquid chromatography. HPLC has many forms and its application revolves around drug analysis and other forensic applications. There are forms of HPLC which specifically deal with enzymology and purification of other biomolecules.

The reversed phase chromatography has a larger application in industry. In this the stationary phase is non-polar, while the solvent or mobile phase used is polar which is opposite to normal chromatography where stationary phase is polar and the mobile phase is non-polar. The advantage of reverse phase liquid chromatography is that it allows the separation of a large variety of samples, with a wide range of molecular weights and polarities involved. It is easy to use and results are attained rapidly.

Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography

FPLC is also a form of liquid chromatography and it specializes in separating proteins from complexes, as the name suggests. FPLC is popularly used in enzymology, with a complete setup designed especially for separation of proteins and other biomolecules. Cross linked agarose beads are used.

Aqueous- Normal Phase Chromatography

This type of chromatography has a special feature, it has a mobile phase which is somewhere between polar and non-polar. The mobile phase is based on an organic solvent and a small amount of water which results in it being semi polar.

Affinity Chromatography

This type is again used in the purification of proteins which are bound to tags. The proteins being analysed are marked or labelled with compounds like antigens or biotins. To get pure proteins in the end, the labels are removed; the labels are just there to provide accurate separation of proteins. The mechanism uses a property of biomolecules i.e. affinity for metals, hence various metals are used in the chromatography columns. Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography is an advanced and much refined version of affinity chromatography used in identification of biomolecules these days.

A Benefit for Astronomers

Astronomers have realized that all the time they spend in the arrangement and set up of their telescope and other instruments can be saved with the help of observatory domes. Without an observatory, the astronomers have to spend most of their time in arranging the instruments and material involved in taking photographs. There are two reasons for this. First is that all such equipments are highly technical as well as sensitive to use. With more technology they are more difficult to use. The larger the telescope is, the harder it is to manage the settings. Secondly, the constantly changing trend of weather makes it more difficult. Once the instruments are ready, the weather changes and all the efforts go futile. Ignoring the modern technology is almost impossible in every single field. Everyone has to work and adjust with the modern pieces of technology to live in the modern society and compete. Observatory domes makes it easy for the astronomers to manage and arrange their instruments. These domes take sixty percent less time in the arrangement and there is more probability that the results would be best. The astronomers would not need to carry their equipment and set it all over again when they need to use it. For private domes, there are two options. First one is a home dome and the second one is a pre dome type dome. Both are available in certain specifications which matches the demand of astronomers.

The observatories for sale have different types of material used today. Some parts of the domes are made from high quality fiberglass while some parts are constructed with high density HDPE/polythene. The fiberglass used is totally free from forming any corrosion and the polythene is strong, weather resistant and durable. Both of these materials are chosen because of their characteristics which makes them perfect for the outdoor constructions. Such observatory for sale can be organized anywhere. A pre dome type can be positioned on any leveled ground or field. The dome can be installed on a base of wood or gravel. A good rotating dome depends on a good and firm foundation, so foundation must be strong and firm. The foundation of the dome is costly part of the whole process.

An automatic observatory would work and rotate without the help of human hands. The dome can also be automated so that the shutter would open or close according to the use of telescope and also to protect the delicate parts in strong or worse weather condition. The dome will need to be unplanned with electric rotating system. Nowadays, the DDW or digital dome works is very common in observatories. Mostly it is not necessary to add electrical equipment in the initial construction of the dome. The customers would prefer to purchase physically operated observatories first and then they would slowly shift to the automatic and motorized system.

After sale of these observatory domes, there is mostly one year warranty on them. The domes must be observed and checked properly by the purchaser even though they offer warranty. You can also make changes or repair but can't give them back and get whole cost back. So a careful analysis is important in purchasing a dome. Also, a buyer must make sure he has a good foundation and place for the dome. It must be positioned at the best location for great results and proper service. An observatory dome has gained high importance in the eyes of astronomers. All their work is now as simple as it could be with the help of an observatory dome.

Designing The Dorm Room Will Be Fun

Living in a dorm can be a great deal of fun but setting up the perfect dorm room can present challenges especially when you and your roommate diverge on styles and colors that you each prefer. Of course, sharing such a small space with an individual that you don't know will most definitely come with a few hurdles, only the first of which will lie in decorating your dorm room. By learning to work together before you even meet and coordinating your dorm room together you can start off on the right foot in creating a relationship with one another.

Making this transition a pleasant one for you both will require a little bending and finding some common ground in your decorating styles. Usually you won't meet your roommate face to face until moving day so it is best to use all the modern tools available to coordinate the plans for your dorm room. The internet can really help to bridge any communication gaps that may exist and help you to show pictures back and forth to make sure that you are both on the same page.

On the internet you will find many retailers of dormitory supplies and decor items. This can really help you to get an idea of what your new roommate likes and you can bounce ideas off of each other before you begin purchasing your bedding and decor items. More than likely you won't want the same bedding items but shopping online can enable you to color coordinate the room decor and this can make for an overall more pleasing environment for you both in the long haul.

This type of synchronization can also be a bonding experience allowing you and your roommate to take on a project together and start getting to know and understand each other. Coordination can also help to avoid bringing duplicate items along with you which can help to minimize clutter and unnecessary expenditures as well.

On the whole online shopping provides you with the availability to synchronize decor items with a long distance roommate, help save you money, and can help you to locate those hard to find items. When you order online you can also have the items you bought shipped directly to the campus which can also help to save you the time and money of either shipping these items or transferring them on your own. No matter what type of college or roommate you have if you follow these few simple tips you will have everything organized and a dorm experience that will not only meet but exceed your hopes.

When you are searching for dorm essentials to use in your college dorm room, click on rhl.org today. They have specialists to help you sort through their large selection of dorm stuff and can also help if you have questions.

An Associate's Degree Might Be A Good and Flexible Option For Some Students

An associate's degree is a great option for the person who has a busy work schedule or otherwise not enough resources to obtain a bachelor's degree. This degree is flexible and affordable and will benefit the person who chooses to take steps to earn an associate's degree.

There are two types of associate's degrees someone can choose to earn. An occupational degree prepares a person to enter directly into the work world. A transfer degree will give a student the ability to transfer credits to another school in order continue their education, so if a student decides that later they would like to advance their degree, they can use what they've already earned during their associate's degree to meet that goal.

Employment rates are higher for someone who has earned their associate's degree than for someone who has a high school diploma. An associate's degree will make you more qualified to perform a job and therefor give you more job security.

An associate's degree is also more affordable than heading right into a bachelor's degree, so it is a great option for someone without the money to fund a bachelor's degree at the time but still with a desire to eventually earn one. It is more affordable because credits are less expensive for that type of degree. Also, since this degree is typically earned at a local college, students will save money on the commute and room and board because they will be able to live nearby.

Two years is the average amount of time it takes to complete, however, it can be stretched out over a longer period of time if the student does not have the ability to dedicate this much time to the degree at this time. The amount of courses required for this degree is usually about twenty, which translates into sixty credit hours.

Job security is not the only benefit. Someone holding an associate's degree is likely to earn about $500,000 more in their lifetime than someone who has a high school diploma. A higher starting salary is often awarded to the person holding any type of degree at the beginning of a job.

The application materials required when going to earn this degree are pretty straight forward. Applicants will want to have an official copy of their transcripts from high school sent to the college they are applying to. Also, many schools will ask for a personal statement explaining what you want to do and why you want to do it, as well as your standardized test, or SAT, scores.

Earning an associates degree online is a very accessible way for someone to enhance the quality of their life and career. Colleges understand that not everyone can be a full time student, so they make the class schedule flexible for students who need to take night classes as well as offering affordable prices to people entering into a degree program. Job security and income could also increase.

An Exploration of the History of Ecuador

As you might imagine, the history of Ecuador is rather vast and complex as it can be traced back over 9000 years. Before you attend Spanish classes in Ecuador, it is a good idea to learn something about the country's history. As a result, you will have a more enriching experience and get more out of visiting museums and various cultural landmarks. The history of Ecuador is often broken up into 5 periods: the Pre-Columbian period, the Conquest, the Colonial Period, the War of Independence and the Republican Era. Let's take a brief look at these periods to prepare you to learn Spanish in Ecuador.

In Ecuador's Pre-Columbian period, the native peoples were invaded and conquered by the Incas. This conquest began in 1463 under the leadership of Pachacuti Inca Ypanqui. His son Tupa commanded the army and led the takeover. They quickly colonized the region. Of course, many native tribes fought hard to resist the Incas, in particular, the Canari. This Inca Empire was called Tawantinsuyu. The Emperor really liked Quito and made it one of the capitols of Tawantinsuyu.

The next period in Ecuadorian history was the Conquest, as Spanish landed in Ecuador in 1531 and sought to defeat the Incans. In addition to the fighting, disease also played a role in destroying the Incan empire. Although there were far more Incans than Europeans, the Spanish had better weapons and tactics. Due to their technological advantage, the Spanish quickly captured the Incan Emperor.

The Spanish Colonial Era commenced as the Incans were defeated and more and more Spanish colonists arrived. The country was one of Spain's colonies between 1544-1563. The Spanish had a very paternalistic attitude and adopted a system called encomienda so that they could "take care" of the native people. Basically, they divided all the natives up amongst the colonial estates. The Spanish instructed the natives in Spanish and Catholicism. In return, they asked for labor as well as gold. Encomienda was considered to be quite unfair and many viewed it as enslaving the native people of Ecuador. Throughout the 18th century, there was an economic depression in the country. Even the elites became very poor by 1790.

The next historical era was the War of Independence, when those in Spanish-controlled America revolted against colonial rule. Citizens began organizing juntas. In 1811, the Juntas demanded a congress and declared that the area should be free of all governments based in Spain. However, the Viceroyal of Peru stopped this rebellion in 1812. Later in 1820, another junta declared independence. Stronger military forces were organized to support this movement. The natives met with a series of victories in battle. Even after the country was liberated from Spanish rule, they ended up in the middle of a fight between Peru and Gran Colombia over border issues.

The Republic of Ecuador started off with 15 turbulent years that included a great deal of fighting. One of the country's significant leaders from this time period, Gabriel Garcia Moreno, was considered to be Ecuador's best nation builder. He saved the country from falling apart in 1859 and then ruled it with an "iron fist." In the period leading up to 1890, the exports from the country grow tremendously. Since that time, there have continued to be a variety of political upheavals and changes to and from democratic rule.

If you decide to learn Spanish in Ecuador, you will have the opportunity to gain a better understanding for the country's complex history. If you read the newspapers and listen to the radio, you can even gain tremendous insight into the political climate today. It is interesting to note that currently a social democrat is president of the country. When you attend Spanish classes in Ecuador it also makes sense to spend time visiting museums and various historical landmarks.

Advice for Adjusting to University Life and How to Be Successful in Further Education

So it has come to one of the most important times in your life, choosing weather you should go to university/college. Well it is a nerve racking time for anyone, you have to weigh up so many different costs and benefits of enrolling at a university/college. If you do choose to go to university/college the key to doing well is to preparing! Here are a few tips for anyone looking to go to university and to help you with the transition from high school to university.

Studying comes first.

Sure up till now you may have managed to get through school with a decent grade and have put in hardly any work, well that stops now. Most drop-outs say that the main reason for leaving college was the change in the workload. At university you are expected to learn outside the classroom, and study of your own accord. Many other college students get caught up with their social activities and neglect their work. If you want to succeed at university you need to put your studies first!

Take a light course load.

In your first year of college you should try to be easy on yourself and give yourself some time to settle in. Try to take courses that you are familiar with, and try to keep your course-load to a minimum. This will give you time for getting adjusted to your new environment, and remember it is always better to have a few courses which you do really well in rather than having tons of courses that you do really badly in.

Make use of Resources.

Before I joined university I had never even taken out a book or sat in my school library or even asked a teacher for help. That all changed once I flew the coop. Colleges pride themselves on the resources they provide for their students, they are there to be used! Keep on good terms with your lecturer/tutors and do not be afraid to ask them questions. Use your colleges facilities, including both sports and academic offerings.

Refresh.

Before going to university it may be worthwhile just taking a week or two to familiarize yourself with content you have covered in the past. Try to read around what your degree is about, so you have a general idea of what sort of work you will be doing. Remember if you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.

Keep in touch.

Stay in touch with your family if you are moving away! People often forget that their family is there to support them and encourage them, almost like a support net. Talk to your family and friends about what you are studying, it helps you get motivated to do well.

Learn to use Computers.

You do not have to be a complete geek, but computers are a very important part of university life. You use computers to write your essays as well as read course material you have missed or to interact with other students. If you are not too computer-savvy check to see if there are any introductory computer courses offered by your college, there is a very high chance there will be.

Take care of yourself.

Remember health is wealth. There is no point getting a really good grade if your well-being is compromised. Take care with what you eat, many college students end up eating a diet filled with fast-food and takeaways, which is not only not good for your body, but it is not good for your mind too. Remember to eat as many fresh fruit and vegetables as you can and try joining a gym!

Factors to Consider When Buying A Telescope

When you first become interested in buying a telescope, it can be somewhat of a daunting task. What kind of telescope do you really need? There are so many different kinds to choose from and a very large price range too. What do you want your new telescope to do, and do you really need all of the bells and whistles available? You don't want to pay good money for a telescope that won't give you a satisfactory experience, but neither do you want to pay for features that are just not necessary for what you need.

Here are a number of tips to keep in mind when you are thinking of buying a telescope.

Type of Objective - There are basically 2 kinds of telescope objectives available for home use. These are:

1. Refractor telescopes - these telescopes use a series of lenses to focus light onto the eyepiece. These telescopes are very rugged because they are a closed system and there are no mirrors to adjust so there is virtually no maintenance involved. These models produce some of the sharpest images available, but can be much more expensive to get a really good one.

2. Reflector telescopes - these telescopes use a series of mirrors to focus light onto the eyepiece. These telescopes are usually much more economical, but they are an open tube, so dirt and dust can collect on the mirrors. The mirrors will also need to be periodically aligned as well. However, you can get the most for your money with one of these if you don't mind the maintenance.

Aperture Diameter - The telescope's main function is to gather light, therefore the diameter, or at least the proportion of the objective's aperture is very important. The telescope's light-gathering strength is proportional to the objective's surface area, so bigger is not necessarily better unless the proportions are correct. A good rule of thumb for aperture width is about 3 inches (8 cm) for Refractors, and 4 - 8 inches (10 - 20 cm) for Reflectors.

Eyepiece - One of the most important things to check out when buying a telescope is the eyepiece. If you can afford it, get an eyepiece that is adjustable so that you can adjust the magnification - or at least get a telescope that has interchangeable eyepieces. A good steady focuser is also very important as you don't want the telescope to shake while focusing.

Magnification - Most beginners think that the most important feature in a new telescope would be high magnification, but that is not always the case. If the telescope's light gathering ability is insufficient, all the magnification in the world won't help. A magnification of 40X to 60X per inch of aperture is usually sufficient. The ability of the scope to enlarge an image and keep it sharp mainly depends on the lenses used and the focal length of the telescope.

Mounting - Last but not least, consider how your telescope will be mounted. Will it be mounted rigidly or will it be a portable mount? Make sure whatever mount you get has a low center of gravity so it won't tip over, and that it is the right size for the telescope you get. Mounting it at the right height as to avoid back fatigue is also very important.

Buying a telescope can be very exciting and challenging. Really the most important thing to do is to do your due diligence and research before you buy. Looking at the stars and seeing our planets up close and personal is one of the most incredible experiences a person will have, so you want to make sure you do it right. These tips should point you in the right direction when you consider buying a telescope.

Why Can't We Take Biology 101 to a Higher Level to Keep the Student's Interest?

Let me ask you something? Are we selling our kids short with the No Child Left behind Act? Shouldn't we be pushing our kids to think, reason, and adapt? Shouldn't they be using the information which we force into their heads through rote memorization in positive ways? There are many programs which NASA is doing in our local schools around the country. When it comes to such difficult subjects such as biology, I say we take it all to a higher level. How high you ask?

How about as high as we can get, how about space?

"Why Can't We Take Biology 101 to a Higher Level to Keep the Student's Interest?" How so you ask? Well, for instance why can't our high-schools talk about NASA's Astrobiological Research and ask the students the tough questions and have them do real inquiry and research, perhaps look stuff up in the latest scientific journals. Let me give you an example;

Solar Radiation is a problem for Private Space Flight, future space hotels, moon base due to no atmosphere if it the buildings are on the surface, which might be wise due to Moon Quakes, out gassing, etc - should we worry about Solar Maximum periods, and plan to set up our construction during a time of solar minimum?

12-year solar maximum/minimum cycles, we are in a maximum cycle, so should we get everything ready to go now, so it can all be built during the next minimum, or do we wait one more full cycle, which is pretty far out time wise and hope that new materials such as carbon nanotubes and graphene coatings can solve these challenges, even while we build?

Do we build on the back side of the moon, and then live underground when the Sun shines, which isn't often, but of course it does occur - if we build on the back side of the moon, perhaps for mining or other reasons, what about shielding for meteorites during construction? How do we reduce the oxygen needs, something we will have to produce there from other compounds already there? How do we keep humans healthy in less-gravity?

How about; Sports in Space? Interestingly enough, teenagers would love these topics as they play sports, and it is right up their alley and amongst their interests. In fact, I had once nearly completed an eBook on that topic, still in progress somewhere on my old computer in fact, but consider the discussion of human performance in zero or low gravity dwells, now that's absolutely a cool biological thought to think on for the future.

Why don't we challenge our younger generation in a way that we ourselves were never challenged? Perhaps they can rise to the occasion, we shouldn't count them out, we shouldn't consider them stupid, and we shouldn't retard their minds with frivolous nonsense and silly tests. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

GCSEs - Exploring Your Options

In the United Kingdom, GCSEs are the main qualification that children between the ages of 14 to 16 years take up. If you want to know more about GCSE as a prospective student or as a parent, details are explored below.

GCSE or General Certificate of Secondary Education is a qualification that is highly valued by schools, colleges and employers. Your academic future is determined by this course and you can study it full-time at school or college, taking five terms to complete. Now, depending on your grade, you can do GCSEs at levels 1 and 2 on the National Qualifications Framework. The framework is a way of determining how various qualifications match up based on the demands they place on learners.

There are many types of GCSEs as they are available in more than 40 academic and nine 'applied' subjects. When we say applied subjects, we mean subjects related to a broad area of any profession. So it can be engineering or tourism that you can take up as applied subjects depending on what sort of career you want. There are many short course GCSEs available as they are taken in half the duration of a full GCSE course. Students usually team up a short term GCSE with extra subjects like a second foreign language.

When it comes to choosing GCSE subjects, you can take guidance from your school or college about the subjects available to you. Do a little research to find out the courses and qualifications available in your area. However, you must know that while pursuing GCSE, it's compulsory to study some subjects as part of the National Curriculum.

Once you are clear on the subjects you want to take, you start with regular classes following the course of your curriculum. Then comes the time of assessment, where you will be assessed mainly on written exams. In the case of certain applied subjects like art and design, you will be assessed on your coursework more.

Usually GCSEs involve exams at the end of course. Now, there is a single level exam for some subjects; but in the case of some subjects you have exams of two levels. These levels are: 'higher' or 'foundation' level exams. Usually your teacher will decide what tier of exams suits you more, but you will get a different range of grades for each tier. Exams are normally held in the months of January and May/June.

You will be graded A*-G and U (unclassified). The grades A*-D are obtained after higher tier exams, whereas with foundation tier exams, you get grades C-G. Once you have cleared your exams, there is a plethora of opportunities waiting for you. You can either work, or study further or sign up for an apprenticeship.

Students choosing to further their education have the option of moving on to other courses at levels 1 or 2 after completing GCSEs at level 1. After completing GCSEs at level 2, you can take up other level 2 courses and level 3 courses of all types. For taking up an A level course in a certain subject, you need to have a GCSE in the same subject.

If higher education and universities are your goal, then you need to take up GCSE courses in certain subjects and should have five GCSEs grades A*-C, including English and Math.

The writer of this article recommends Chelsea Independent College, one of the leading sixth form colleges in London. The college offers GCSE and A levels and also train students for a GCSE retake.

Human Biology and Space Radiation Issues

Sometimes natural disasters remind us of just how fragile human beings really are, and then afterwards we realize how resilient humans can be, as we find inspiration to rebuild and not give up - it's just amazing to me really. Although they may not seem so at the time, natural disasters here on Earth are not the end of the world. If you have a few moments I would like to discuss this with you from a philosophical standpoint, and offer some guidance on what we can learn by studying and doing research on these things for the future.

You see, after the giant Japanese Earthquake, I'd written an interesting piece titled; "We should study the radiation effects of the Japanese Earthquake/Tsunami Fukishima Nuclear Power Plant Disaster and Apply What We Learn for Future Space Missions." Why you ask? Simple really, in space our astronauts and travelers will be subject to a massive amount of space radiation.

An individual reading that article gave me some positive feedback for which I thanked them profusely and I added that; indeed, I would say that our discussion on this topic is more than apropos to the current solar flares which are happening, and the biological effects for those at the international space station. Our astronauts will be subjected to space radiation, and the X-Flares which ensue during the solar maximum period. We should be studying these things, and understanding the biological effects.

One thing that folks are not talking about is the challenges to human eyesight. In fact we might someday find out that folks who have gone on space missions have severe challenges with their eyesight when they get back from the radiation of space. Long-term spaceflight is quite serious, especially within our solar system close to our Sun, outside of our solar system we do not know yet how much space radiation there will be, we cannot assume that it will be void of such radiation, in fact it could be much worse, and there could be challenges to severe cosmic frequency bombardment.

Humans returning to Earth may end up blind by the time they get here. Living inside of a space capsule, they will eventually know where everything is, and even if they do go blind they can probably deal with it. They may need to have special goggles which they will have to wear all the time to protect their eyesight, and perhaps other types of protective clothing to protect other sensitive organs. These are things we must study for the future if we are to boldly go. Please consider all this and think on it.

Radiation Therapy Schools - How to Select One?

Radiation therapy is the science of getting rid of cancerous cells from the body. The ionizing radiation produced is focused on the affected area. This causes the tumor to shrink and finally disappear. This therapy also proves useful as a preventive measure, since a tumor is known to reappear in the future and radiation therapy helps check such malevolent growth. A radiation therapist can expect to make 70 to 80 grand per year. Besides, strong and consistent growth in the number of radiation therapist jobs is expected in the future.

What Courses Qualify You To Work As A Radiation Therapist?

A bachelor's degree in radiation therapy is an employer's most preferred degree, even a two-year associate program holds good acceptance. You can also pursue a degree in radiography and augment it with certification. There are about 100 radiation therapy schools in this country. These need to be granted recognition by the American Registry of Radiology Technologists or ARRT in short. Before applying to any one of these, please check if they have the necessary accreditation. You may also want to find out which are the top radiation therapist schools in this country.

What You Learn?

What are the courses taught in radiation therapy schools? Apart from courses imparting the knowledge of modus operandi of radiation therapies and the theories behind its working, a student also needs to study of body's structure and composition, computer science, math and so on. A student must know how to ensure protection from radiation, guarantee excellence, have sound knowledge of medical concepts pertaining to radiation oncology, setting up and conducting a treatment. You need to master how to calculate exact doses of radiation that a patient will be subjected to. Besides, a radiation therapist should be good at communication skills and this is essential to be able to educate patients about the process. Cancer patients are sick and emotionally weak. Thus, at times, you will need to provide emotional support to cancer patients.

After passing from radiation therapy schools, you will need to pass the ARRT exam. This may vary from state to state. As a rule, you should check what norms are in force in your state before opting for this course. In addition, you need to address the possibility of getting job in a different state than from the one where you went to school.

Nowadays, one can also study through online radiation therapy schools. This option is for those who cannot find time to attend school due to work or home duties. Studying online grants you the flexibility of studying at your own pace. A few things you ought to consider here are verify all the subjects and inclusive program of study before enrolling into any such program. Various schools offer diverse choice of syllabi, for that reason one must always make a comparison with other online programs. Check for all the indispensable requirements in the prerequisite area of the course description. You should hunt for the best online programs and check out reviews and testimonials by other students. However, if you have the time, it is better to opt for a traditional and time-tested mode of formal schooling.

The Popularity And Importance Of College Today Is Evident Through The Various Education Options

As job markets are becoming increasingly competitive things are getting more and more muddled. The recession caused many highly qualified professionals to lose their jobs, and they are currently forcing less skilled workers to upgrade their resumes with advanced training. This can be taxing and confusing, and in several ways can make the average employee feel trapped, within their job or within the system itself. This point of view is incredibly detrimental though, and there are so many new and exciting things to consider instead!

For this reason, many campus-based and online colleges are introducing more Ph.D. programs, as well as many other options. What's even better is that many of these programs are in fields that did not traditionally require such advanced degrees, though they may now. However, they are helping job seekers become more competitive in lucrative and exciting career fields. Things may seem bleak but there are ever expanding reasons not to let yourself get despaired.

As many people say now, college is the new high-school. But in a very serious way this may be the truth. In the past many individuals may have argued for perhaps forgoing college all together because the costs outweigh the means, but this is no longer true. The options that are provided by schools these days are boundless anyway, and the choices for funding are also nearly as diverse.

For example, many schools are now offering doctor of business administration (DBA) degrees. A New Jersey-based business school recently began offering the degree, which is designed to help mid-level professionals take their careers to new levels, according to the Press and Journal. This is lucrative new option in a world with an ever-increasing demand for health-care and health professionals.

Master's degrees were formerly the gold standard in business, and practically guaranteed career advancement, or at least a higher degree of desirability. However, in today's competitive job markets, professionals are finding it necessary to return to school for even more advanced degrees such as Ph.D.'s and the like.

Returning to college may seem like no easy task these days, especially for those who are already in the job market. With lower wages and longer hours it may seem like a daunting task to consider. A Ph. D. may seem even further out of reach than a Masters. If an individual already has a job they may feel trapped within it, not even considering higher education. Grasping on to whatever you can get is not the best option though, and flexibility is a worthwhile skill to have in many ways.

There are countless options to consider though, especially now-a-days. Cutting yourself off from further education is the quitter's way of seeing things anyway. With many colleges growing, and university systems raising the online options, a busy professional who's dedicated and cunning can use these new tools to get that Ph. D. degree. In this way they can also make themselves better equipped to fill positions, and to expand their horizons.

Individuals who earn Ph.Ds in business may have many career opportunities, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that they may be eligible for executive positions at companies or teaching jobs at universities. With that in mind, start your research on doctorate degree programs online today. There is certainly a college or university that will accommodate your education preference.

What You Need To Know About Telescope Optics

The main function of a telescope is to gather light, magnify it and focus it so that you can see more than you can with your naked eye. Telescopes have been around for centuries and although great improvements have been made in the quality of the telescope optics (and in how they perform) and in the electronics and software available, the telescope optics have remained virtually the same over the years. There are really four main things to know about your telescope optics. These are the aperture, the magnification, the focal length and the focal ratio.

Aperture

Probably the most important telescope optics feature is the aperture diameter. This is related to the size of the lens (for a refracting telescope) or the mirror (for a reflecting telescope) and gives you the ability to focus the light gathered. In general, you should try to buy as much aperture as you can afford as this will give you the sharpest image. However, bigger telescope optics mean a bigger telescope so you have to consider just how big and heavy the telescope will be if you will be needing to transport it to an area with less background light. Usually a 3 inch (80 mm) aperture is considered good for a refractor telescope and a 4 to 8 inch (100 to 200 mm) aperture for a reflector telescope is about right.

Magnification

Most people think that magnification in the thousands is necessary for telescope optics, but this is not the case. All the magnification in the world will do you no good if your image is not sharp and that depends on the amount of light you can gather and how you focus it. Usually it is desirable to be able to have about 40X to 60X magnification per inch of aperture. It is also nice to get a telescope that either has an adjustable eyepiece or one that has interchangeable eyepieces so that you can change the magnification.

Focal Length

Focal length is defined as the distance from the optical center of a lens (or mirror) to its point of focus. Since focal length is a linear measurement, a conventional telescope must be at least as long as its focal length. This is not the case in some compound telescopes as they have folded light paths and can be in a much shorter tube. Basically, a telescope with a shorter focal length will be shorter and have a wider field of view. One with a longer focal length will be bigger and have a narrower field of view and will usually be lower in price.

Focal Ratio

Focal ratio is the feature of telescope optics that refers to the "speed", or the brightness and field of view of the telescope and is found by dividing the focal length by the aperture size. This is usually called an f-stop and is expressed as f/#. A telescope with a focal length of 480 mm and an aperture of 80 mm would be an f/6 ratio. A small focal ratio means less magnification, wider field of view and a brighter image. Fast ratios (f/6 and below) are best for deep space viewing while slower ratios (f/10 or higher) are best for looking at lunar features or planetary viewing. A good all-around focal ratio is about f/8.

These are the most important telescope optics to consider when shopping for a home telescope or even one for the biggest observatory telescopes as well. Although it always seems that bigger is better, remember that your telescope will probably not be mounted permanently unless you live on the top of a mountain somewhere. You will have to cart it around with you and you want that to be a pleasant experience - not a chore. So you will have to make a few decisions about what is most important for your individual astronomical viewing experience. Whatever you decide we wish you happy viewing.

Biological Systems Predicting Earthquakes as Well as Technologically Advanced Sensors

The other day, I was talking to a fellow intellectual thinker on the topic of biology. Whereas they were busy in school studying from their textbook all the required reading, which is all well and good, I wanted to take it to a higher level. So, jokingly I stated; okay so, yes, let's pick another topic - "Biology for $1200 Bob" - and we will see why a human is still valuable next to "Watson" the IBM Jeopardy Super Computer!

Then I asked a question, one which probably doesn't have an answer, or it doesn't have an answer that we know of;

"Why are Elephants and other animals able to predict Earthquakes? Is this real, myth, and if so, how can we use this?"

A few years back, I sat in a lecture once where a gentleman had "running mice" which were bred for running after subsequent generations. I asked him if they ran more the night before an earthquake, he didn't know. But perhaps they do, I would guess they do, but cannot prove it without empirical evidence, and there are good applications for knowing the answer to this question, for instance, using frequency to steer various species away from human populations, or to safety, even send ocean mammals away from beaching. Do the elephants run because the rats and underground rodents scurry about, they don't like mice or rats, they seem to have a phobia which is innate.

Or, is it because they are flat footed and they can easily feel the vibrations running up their legs, or due to their big ears which pick up vibrational sound waves, for instance the "S" or surface waves, or the deep "P" waves? If so, wouldn't humans also be able to do this, not modern day humans in their New Balance and Nike shoes, but bare-footed tribal humans closer to nature? Do locust swarms also have something to do with "Earthquake" type vibrations + shortage of water and food supply? If so, can we steer locust swarms away from farm areas using vibrational directed energy?

How can we interface our technologically advanced society with biological systems, not just human beings interfacing with their computers in social networks, but rather other life-forms and species on the planet? And why wouldn't we? And why shouldn't we ask these questions, and explore the potential answers? Indeed, I will leave you with that thought, and I hope you will please consider all this and think on it at your earliest possible convenience.

Free CNA Training | Easy Career Option

If you are looking forward do making a career in medical industry and feel comfortable dealing with patients and medications, then free CNA training can come to your rescue. Since their inception, CNA courses have become very popular. The main reason for this could be hefty salaries that CNAs fetch. Moreover, the course demands no special merit requirements for enrolling, as two years of college post school is enough to get you certified. In addition, unlike registered nurses, you need not have to wait over three year and complete your internship for getting a job, as with CNA certification, you become eligible to practice nursing soon within a few weeks of time.

Financial Independence:

Youths due to this reason are inclined towards free CNA training courses these days. Nowadays, a large number of youth seek for early financial independence to be able to fulfill their demands. CNA certification allows them to achieve these dreams. They act as a platform to those desiring an early ownership of responsibilities and independence. A CNA course could have duration between few weeks to few months including the span of internship. Moreover, with certification, you become entitled to work in similar environment as doctors and registered nurses do. In fact, a CNA goes through parallel course works similar to as RN (Registered Nurses) and LPN (Licensed Practitioner Nurse) do. However, comparatively the syllabus is less in-depth. The syllabus more stresses on the practical side of job and thus, equips you with better skills at work.

Fees:

You might be well aware on what it takes to become a doctor. Apart from strong merit requirements, you require paying high educational fees. However, if you compare to CNA jobs, then they might look comparatively simpler to opt. Most certification provider ask for $ 800 as the total course fee. In case you lack employment to support those fees, then you have a choice of approaching unemployment agencies that pay your certification fees. Moreover, the free CNA training has also attracted government's attention towards providing a faster means of getting jobs for unemployed.

Loans:

In addition to approaching government agencies, you can also opt for conventional routes such as getting educational loans to avail free CNA training. Loan providers may merrily credit your loans owing to early prospects of you finding a job. Moreover, owing to flexible eligibility rules and lack of merit-based admissions, most loan lenders provide quick loan, as chances of getting admission are higher other than most medical courses. Thus, loan lenders sanction your loans quicker than other courses in the medical field.

Placements:

Free CNA training doubtlessly offers good placement opportunities, as post certificate, you get enrolled with best medic facilities that ensure you a good career track. You can expect to improve your skills along with your practices, as in short span of few weeks, you aptly learn what is essential and core to your job. Moreover, with experience, you can improve your skills to fetch a good salary as well.

An Associates Degree May Be A Wise Choice For Students Who Struggle With Funding And GPA Scores

Most high school seniors dream of the day that they can pack their gear and travel to an out of state university. Unfortunately, a small percentage of high school students actually realize their dream. Some lack financial resources and others lack the test scores and GPA rating. What they are left with is a choice of enrolling in a technical school or pursuing an Associates Degree at a nearby community college.

Community colleges offer many advantages to students seeking an Associates Degree. Time spent in a 2-year program give students the ability to concentrate on the standard required classes, such as Psychology, Biology, Algebra, English, and History without the added pressure of concentrated classes. This is especially beneficial if students have yet to decide on a major. They can take electives in between to explore various degree options in case they decide to follow up the Associates Degree with a Bachelors Degree.

Associates Degree programs, especially at local community colleges, have very reasonable tuition rates. Some surveys claim that these programs are less than 1/3 the cost of in-state public university tuition. Students are able to take advantage of government grants, school scholarships, and work-study programs to cover the cost of tuition, student fees, books, and personal expenses. Some students can easily walk away with an Associates Degree without a balance due tag hanging over their head.

An Associates Degree is a great starting place for older, first time college students and single parents. The less restricted structure of a community college and the flexibility of the classes make it fairly easy for this demographic to transition back into a learning environment. The small student-teacher ratio helps to facilitate effective learning for students who have been absent from the education scene for a long period of time.

Community colleges offer non-credit classes that help low GPA students gain a solid foundation before progressing to credit courses. This is especially significant for Math, Reading, and Writing courses. All three subjects are progressive courses, which require students to master the basics before advancing to higher-level courses. Community Colleges have these services readily available to students.

Another vital student service is day care provision. Many of the community colleges have on-campus day care centers that care for children while their parent is in class. This offering is a lifesaver for single parents, as childcare issues is often the determining factor as to whether they can pursue their education aspirations. On-campus daycare services relieve the student-parents of stress and anxiety, which allows them to focus on classroom instruction.

For those who plan to take the next progressive step, an Associates Degree is an entrance ticket into a four-year university of their choice. With an Associates Degree and a community college transcript chocked full of A's and B's, students can apply to any four-year college or university in the country. That is why students should take advantage of all of the learning resources and one-on-one instruction that is typically associated with Community Colleges.

Securing an Associates Degree or an online associate degree can definitely yield great benefits. One chief benefit of this degree program is the exceptionally low tuition. Another is the personalized instruction, fundamental course offerings, and essential tutorial services that help students succeed in every class.

Where Did All the Water Go? - This Planet Is Dry!

How might a watery planet lose all of its water? How might a watery planet gain new water? Well, there are many speculations as to how water arrives on a planet, such as a near miss from a comet glancing the atmosphere, or one hitting the atmosphere and the severe temperatures turns the ice-water to steam, and when it cools it becomes rain putting water on the planet. There are other theories as well, but that one stands to reason. Okay so let's talk about this for a second, shall we?

Obviously when humans travel to other planets and moons they will be looking for water, because this life form requires it. If we can find it we need to make it, or extract hydrogen and oxygen putting them together so we have water to drink. Now then let me ask you a question; What happens on a watery planet or moon with barely any atmosphere and low gravity when a geyser shoots off and the water easily reaches near escape velocity? Well it just turns out that other people have been asking similar questions and come up with some rather interesting theories, theories which actually do hold water.

There was an interesting article recently in Space Ref Online News Titled, "Tidal Forces Could Squeeze Out Planetary Water," posted on February 9, 2012 - discussing an article in Astrobiology Magazine. The article stated,

"Alien planets might experience tidal forces powerful enough to remove all their water, leaving behind hot, dry worlds like Venus, researchers said. These findings might significantly affect searches for habitable exoplanets. Although some planets might dwell in regions around their star friendly enough for life as we know it, they could actually be lifelessly dry worlds."

If there is a large moon, or a planet which is tugging on a moon - that could create seismic events and heat within the planet or moon, and that would push hot energy and out gases up through its surface. Any water on that surface could be shot quite a distance into space. Perhaps even enough to escape the gravity dwell and drift away.

Certainly a moon could lose its water that way. Regardless of how the water got there in the first place. A planet with quite a bit less gravity than Earth could have the same problem, or similar circumstances causing it. Indeed, I hope you will please consider all this and think on it, as the scientists and researchers in this matter just might have something there.

Trust Self and Let Your Brain Steer You Right!

A few months ago, someone told me that we knew less about the human brain than the dark side of the moon. In fact, he was quoting an intellectual psychologist of a past period. However true that was at the time that quote was produced - I don't think it is quite true today. Further, I would say that there's a lot more to know about the human brain, than the dark side of the moon. Okay so, let's talk about this for a moment shall we?

It seems that every single day I read something in the science news about new discoveries of the brain. We are unlocking all the secrets in rapid succession. Each incremental gain of knowledge in neuroscience is bringing us closer to the merging of computers and machines. There was an interesting article in Medical Express Online News which was titled; "Warning! Collision imminent! The brain's quick interceptions help you navigate the world," posted on February 7, 2012, which stated;

"Researchers at The Neuro and the University of Maryland have figured out the mathematical calculations that specific neurons employ in order to inform us of our distance from an object and the 3-D velocities of moving objects and surfaces relative to ourselves."

Sure, well, this is excellent research, and I would submit to you that this same principle works in reverse, as in when a human being is about to crash into something hard, such as the ground, or tree stump, or after striking something moving or fixed and about to hit something else. Why do I suspect this and believe there are more mathematical calculations to discover? Well, I've been involved previously in racing motorcycles, and as a high performance athlete with an intensive and often reckless training routine.

It's amazing what the brain can do, running over big rocks and knowing exactly where to put your feet, or when you start to fall, your feet instinctively and in a split second reflex catch your balance. The mind is doing all of this and it is amazing fast at it and incredibly good at it. So, there are more mathematical formulas to discover you see.

Obviously, without the ability of humans to have these attributes, they probably wouldn't have survived and made it through the evolutionary process to where they are today. Therefore it should not surprise anyone. Nevertheless, the ability to watch this in real time and put a mathematical formula to it is quite intriguing. In fact, this will help us in the future as we merge man and machine, or we get to the point where we can drive our cars by thought, just as today folks are able to operate prosthesis devices with their brain.

This would eliminate quite a bit of reaction time, and it would make everything much safer. There are also applications for exoskeletons, public safety, and military robotics. It figures that evolution would have figured out a way to solve these problems, and now that we have the mathematics behind the brain's process in all this and its understanding of its environment around it, we are that much closer to our future reality. Indeed I hope you will please consider all this and think on it.

Types of Telescopes: Modern Versions

Telescopes have been around for hundreds of years and their birth is commonly associated with Galileo although in reality Hans Lippershey, Zacharias Janssen and Jacob Metius all laid claim to inventing earlier models. These "original" telescopes that were created are still mostly what people associate with when they think of telescopes but it is a universe away from what modern telescopes have evolved into.

This original telescope design is known as Refracting or Refractor telescopes and consist of a singular tube that light passes down in a straight line to the eyepiece. These types of telescopes are still around today but they have some limits in modern astronomy. They are rugged, great for lunar or planetary viewing and good in light polluted urban areas, but are limited when used for deep space viewing. Because the lenses are expensive to produce the modern consumer is a world away from buying a powerful, high quality refracting telescope. They also have other negative aspects associated with them in that they are often bulky and space consuming. The images viewed through refracting telescopes are also subject to color aberrations around the edges of the viewed object.

These problems were solved in 1733 by Isaac Newton who built the first reflector or reflecting telescope. Today these are also known as Dobsonian or Newtonian telescopes. These telescopes utilize mirrors to reflect light out a side opening to the eyepiece. Modern reflectors provide bigger bang for your buck because mirrors are cheaper to produce meaning they come with wider apertures. They are superior for viewing deep space images. They do come with drawbacks however. They are not as durable as their refractor counterparts and they require more maintenance. In addition to this the mirrors may need recoating after a number of years.

The new kid on the block these days is a hybrid design utilizing lenses and mirrors. These modern telescopes are based on a design, which was developed by Bernhard Schmidt and they have all the positive attributes of both refractor and reflector telescopes. This design is used in a range of scopes from small amateur backyard versions to professional observatory models. The one and only drawback is that they tend to be more expensive than the other two types of telescope.

Telescopes have come an incredibly long way in both design and technology since their formative years. Today a lot of modern telescopes are computerized and you view the image on your screen. The control interface allows the user to move and save co-ordinates in their computer so they can easily view the same point repeatedly. Computer controlled versions also allow photographic and video recording of the night sky.

Today it is easier than ever to get into astronomy and is an especially positive experience to share with the family. Decent introductory telescopes can be purchased online or at good department and specialty stores for under $300. These will let you introduce your kids to the night sky and give them a good appreciation of the cosmos. If you want to educate your kids more there are several Internet sites that are hooked up to more powerful telescopes in observatories around the globe. You can logon and in some cases control these telescopes from their website and get the feel of having your own observatory with having to leave your home or spend any money.