read the novel Murakami Norwegian Wood and answer

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We are spending 3 weeks on this novel, and we will carry these same questions throughout those three weeks. Each week I will shift around the question you are to focus on though, to provide a more versatile interpretive experience. 

–In exploring your assigned question, i would like for you to focus in on the reading section for that week (this week up to page 199) with this particular frame of reference to consider in mind. Then develop a 200-300 word post around this theme.

–Note I have placed the lecture notes for murakami in the file under course docs, but it contains spoilers, so you can wait to read the lecture notes until you are well into the book if you wish.

–The initial 200-300 word post, carefully thought out, due Tuesday, midnight, is worth 75% of the week’s db grade. Please only focus your post around the material up to page 199.

–The subsequent response period, due thursday, midnight, is worth the additional 25% of the week’s db grade. In these responses work to advance discussion in substantive ways.

–please remember in bringing in any quoted or referenced passages to indicate page numbers so as to facilitate the response experience. 

–Keep quotes to a minimum, since the important thing is to be developing your response, your ideas, with reference to the reading. 

–Please remember to proofread your writing so that the reading experience goes more smoothly for all of us. 

–
The events Norwegian Wood relates take place in the late sixties, a period of widespread political unrest paralleling the protests of various of the nations of Europe as well as here in the United States. You might have noticed the conspicuous opposition or duality of political left and right in the novel. Explore that opposition with examples from the novel. Briefly summarize those examples in a sentence or two in a way that reflects close reading of the book. Then explain why or how that contrast is significant for the book overall. 

one page – 6hours

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Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices

Select a 1-5 grade level and a corresponding Arizona College and Career Ready Standard or other state standard from the Measurement and Data domain. Compose an aligning learning target and select a group of three to four students, from the “Class Profile,” who would benefit from the use of augmentative and/or alternative communication devices. With your identified learning target and small group in mind, complete a lesson plan, using the COE Lesson Plan Template, that specifies applicable assistive technology and includes differentiated activities to facilitate students making comparisons; and Uses models of measuring units; or Uses measuring instruments; or Represents and interprets the data. In addition to your completed lesson plan, rationalize your augmentative and/or alternative communication device choices in a 250-300-word summary. Support your choices with 2-3 scholarly resources. Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required. This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

 

 

 

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices 

 

 

1
No Evidence
0.00%

2
Nominal Evidence
69.00%

3
Unacceptable Evidence
74.00%

4
Acceptable Evidence
87.00%

5
Target Evidence
100.00%

70.0 %Content

 

15.0 %Lesson Plan Content

No submission.

Lesson plan does not include learning objectives and instructional activities related to the Measurement and Data domain; modifying and extending skills taught in the lesson plan and aligning to the identified learning target/s.

Lesson plan includes inappropriate instructional activities related to the Measurement and Data domain; modifying and extending skills taught in the lesson plan and aligning to the identified learning target/s.

Lesson plan includes appropriate instructional activities related to the Measurement and Data domain; modifying and extending skills taught in the lesson plan and aligning to the identified learning target/s.

Lesson plan includes engaging instructional activities related to the Measurement and Data domain; modifying and extending skills taught in the lesson plan and aligning to the identified learning target/s.

  

10.0 %PLANNING: Instructional Script and Materials

No submission.

Lesson plan does not use effective, verbal, nonverbal techniques in a way that would create opportunities for learning and collaboration.

Lesson plan does not adequately address student or class needs, and/or include thinly designed use of verbal, nonverbal techniques to create opportunities for learning and collaboration.

Lesson plan includes basic, appropriate use of student-centered verbal, nonverbal techniques to create opportunities for learning and collaboration.

Lesson plan demonstrates well-developed and skillful use of effective, student-centered verbal, nonverbal techniques to create opportunities for active inquiry, collaboration and supportive interaction.

  

10.0 %PLANNING: Meeting the Varied Learning Needs of Students

No submission.

Lesson plan instruction and instructional supports ignores the learning needs of the students.

Lesson plan does not fully differentiate instructional activities and supports. It inadequately addresses the needs of the students.

Lesson plan includes basic differentiated instructional activities and supports that are designed to generally meet the needs of students.

Lesson plan has creative, well-developed differentiated instructional activities and supports clearly designed to meet the needs of specific individuals or groups with similar needs.

  

10.0 %PLANNING: Meeting the Language Needs of Students

No submission.

Planned assessments do not clearly measure the stated learning targets, and/or do not include modifications for the individual needs of the student.

Lesson plan only cursorily describes content-based vocabulary and includes underdeveloped instructional support for the use of vocabulary and additional language demands associated with the language function.

Lesson plan identifies content-based vocabulary and includes general instructional support for the use of vocabulary and additional language demands associated with the language function.

Lesson plan clearly and comprehensively incorporates content-based vocabulary, targeted instructional support for the use of vocabulary, and additional language demands associated with the language function.

  

10.0 %PLANNING: Assessments to Monitor Student Learning

No submission.

Planned assessments do not clearly measure the stated learning targets, and/or do not include modifications for the individual needs of the student.

Planned assessments are inadequate for monitoring the understanding and skill development of students in the content area. Assessments are not well aligned to the stated learning targets and do not include adequate modifications for the individual student.

Planned assessments provide clear, basic methods to monitor the deep understanding and skill development of students in the content area throughout and at the end of the lesson. Assessments are generally aligned to the stated learning targets and include simple modifications for the individual student.

Planned assessments creatively allow for multiple forms of evidence in order to monitor the understanding and skill development of students in the content area throughout and at the end of the lesson. Assessments are well aligned with the stated learning targets and standards and include well-crafted modifications for the individual needs of students.

  

15.0 %Communication Device Rationale

No submission.

Communication device rationale in supporting choices specific to the individual students, to include the established learning targets.

Communication device rationale is insufficient in supporting choices specific to the individual students, to include the established learning targets.

Communication device rationale is sufficient in supporting choices specific to the individual students, to include the established learning targets.

Communication device rationale is comprehensive and professional in supporting choices specific to the individual students, to include the established learning targets.

  

20.0 %Organization and Effectiveness

 

20.0 %Mechanics

No submission.

The lesson plan contains inappropriate, incoherent language and/or sentence structures.

The lesson plan contains mechanical and conventional errors or non-relevant language that affects meaning and clarity.

The lesson plan has a few mechanical and conventional errors present that do not significantly affect meaning or clarity. Word choice reflects basic, consistent, appropriate use of practice and topic-related language.

The lesson plan is free of mechanical and conventional errors. Word choice reflects well-developed use of practice and topic-related language.

  

10.0 %Format

 

5.0 %Research Citations (in-text citations for paraphrasing and direct quotes, and reference page listing and formatting, as appropriate to assignment and style)

No submission.

Reference page is present. Citations are inconsistently used.

Reference page is included and lists sources used in the paper. Sources are appropriately documented, although some errors may be present.

Reference page is present and fully inclusive of all cited sources. Documentation is appropriate and citation style is usually correct.

In-text citations and a reference page are complete and correct. The documentation of cited sources is free of error.

  

5.0 %Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and assignment)

Template is not used appropriately or documentation format is rarely followed correctly.

Appropriate template is used, but some elements are missing or mistaken. A lack of control with formatting is apparent.

Appropriate template is used. Formatting is correct, although some minor errors may be present.

Appropriate template is fully used. There are virtually no errors in formatting style.

All format elements are correct.

  

100 %Total Weightage

 

  

Diagnostic Essay.

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 i need this 12 hours. just use simple English, no high vocabulary words.

Diagnostic Essay.

 I want you to define two terms for me and submit this writing (at least 250 words combined) on Blackboard. Step 1: Come up with your own definition of the word “sport,” clarify what people mean when you use that word. What do football, diving, rhythm gymnastics, bobsledding, boxing, and target shooting have in common? What separates a sport from a game? DO NOT USE A DICTIONARY OR OTHER SOURCE. Dictionaries offer non-controversial definitions that are intentionally very broad. The dictionary I have here says that a sport is “a physical activity done for exercise or enjoyment.” When you watch the Superbowl, are the players having fun? Do they need the exercise? My dog chases her tail until she is exhausted and has a great time doing it, is that a sport? This is your definition; don’t take shortcuts. (The trick of starting an essay by quoting a dictionary is the elementary school version of the sort of research you will do in this class. You can do better. I expect you to) You are not finding the “right” or “correct” definition of the word; you are redefining it into a shape that YOU feel confident you can use to help your reader to sort those items on the border of sport. Use this form: “All sports are defined by __A___, ____B___, and ____C___.” A, B, and C are CRITERIA that all sports share. Step 2: Before you write anything else, test your definition in your head. Does your definition fit those things that most people would categorize as sports? Hockey, tennis, boxing, diving, etc. Step 3: Now I want you to take this a step beyond just defining and write a brief categorical argument answering this question: Is cheerleading a sport?” Based on your definition, write an argument categorizing cheeleading as belonging in your definition of sport, or outside of it. Explain how it does and doesn’t fit your definition. “Cheerleading is/is not a sport because all sports are defined by A, B, and C.” Step 4: Do this a second time by defining the word “art.” Consider the Mona Lisa, Picasso’s Guernica, The Beatles’ song “Yesterday,” and other acknowledged examples to test your definition. 

 Step 5: Categorize the image I have posted on Blackboard in the WP#1 folder under the heading “Diagnostic Essay” Is the piece titled “Understanding Joshua: The Cocktail Party” art based on your definition? Your answer to these questions can be submitted as two (or more) paragraphs for a total of at least 250 words on Blackboard before class Tuesday in the assignment titled “Diagnostic Essay.” This is in the WP#1 folder. You submit by clicking on the title “Diagnostic Essay” 

 Step 6: In addition, at the end of your submission, add three complete thesis statements on different topics that you may be interested in using for the Categorical essay. Try to avoid “sport” and “art” as categories, since we have already played around with them. 

 ex. “The comic book series The Walking Dead is an example of literature, because all literature uses the traditional tools and constraints of its form to capture truths about the world the authors live in and make something that will present that world to future generations.”  Use 12pt Times New Roman, double-spacing.

 The attached image is the subject of the second part  remember the formula for the theses is as follows:  Devising a formal thesis:  Your thesis statement should follow this model: X (controversial subject) is a Y (category) because A, B, C, etc. (criteria). Both X and Y must be nouns or noun phrases. “ Comic books are literature because literature is defined by A, B, and C” Writing the essay: Define your category first by the criteria. Spend the time to prove how literature is defined by A, B, and C. Then do the same with comic books. This process is called criteria matching. The logic of your paper will then have two stages: 1) If the category = A+B+C. 2) then the Subject= A+B+C in the same way.  

Supreme Court Case Reflection

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Supreme Court Case Reflection

This Supreme Court Case Reflection is brief – at least 300 but not more than 600 words – written double-spaced Times New Roman 12 point, one inch margins. It’s worth up to 20 points.

Your Reflection should, of course, be based on any court case from the following list. You should include, as with any assignment you ever do for any class, citations to any sources you consult. Use a standard MLA format Works Cited page. Ensure that I can easily navigate to any source you cite. I’m actually less worried about the technical detail of constructing proper citations than I am my ability easily – hopefully with one click – to access any source you use, assuming you use online sources. If you use other, non-online sources, be sure to use an appropriate citation.

Here are the court cases you may choose from:

Church of the Lukumi Babalu Aye, Inc. v. Hialeah (1993)
Snyder v. Phelps (2010)
Brown v. Entertainment Merchants Association (2011)
Walker v. Texas Division, Sons of Confederate Veterans (2015)
Edwards v. Aguillard (1987)
Ashcroft v. Free Speech Coalition (2002)
Abington School District v. Schempp (1963)
Engel v. Vitale (1962)

In your Reflection you should
a) Briefly (VERY! briefly. Not more than one short paragraph or you’ll lose credit.) describe the case in your own words. You may assume I’m familiar with the case and only need the briefest description as a reminder. If you spend a lot of time describing the detail of the case you will lose a lot of points. I know the story and this is not a book report. Move on to the following items!
b) Discuss why the case is important. Include political, social, cultural, etc. importance.
c) Discuss any subsequent developments that have resulted from the decision, if any.
d) Give your personal assessment of the decision.

It is critical that you remember not to simply cut and paste, or use too much of the actual wording of sources. Plagiarism is not acceptable, as you know. In an assignment like this, I have found that it is easy for students to use too many of the words of the source, without even realizing it. Be mindful so that you do not lose credit. One thing you can do is check the SafeAssignment upload after you have completed it. You will be able to see how much of your submission was flagged by SafeAssign. If you look and think there’s a problem, you can let me know and we can work it out so that you can submit it again, so long as it is before the due date.

Also remember that quoting long stretches from a source is not appropriate, even if you cite it correctly. In an assignment this short, (and this is VERY short) quoting more than a line or two is too much. This assignment is supposed to be your work. Not someone else’s.

The point of this assignment is for you to think deeply about the case and its significance to American law and society. 

What does the case mean?
Why is it important?
What legal doctrine is at stake?
What in society was changed by the case?
What impact has it had since it was decided?
What other cases have cited it to support other decisions?

Do not necessarily try to answer all those questions. And do not necessarily limit yourself to only these questions. They are simply intended to give you a start on the kinds of things you should be thinking about.

Professional Cover Letter

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Assignment #5: Professional Cover Letter
Completing this assignment will help you name and identify the skills and abilities that will move your career forward.

Find a specific job opening posted online within the last 9 months. You will develop a Job Application Cover Letter (as though you were applying to that position) that highlights and emphasizes why you are the most suitable candidate for this position. For the purposes of this assignment, you can present yourself as a recent graduate if needed.

Complete the cover letter on page 1 of the submission and then include a link to the job posting on page 2 (a copy and paste of the link is acceptable and the link must work). 

The message should take the form of a business letter; however, you will submit your assignment to the online course shell.

The job letter / application message must adhere to the following requirements:

  1. Content
    1. Highlight relevant background and job history information specific to the opening.
    2. Emphasize significant qualifications and exclude nonessential ideas.
  2. Format
    1. Follow proper letter formatting techniques per business letter format.
    2. Use an appropriate and professional greeting and closing.
  3. Style
    1. Use professional language.
    2. Paragraphs effectively developed and efficient. Note: Six (6) or seven (7) lines when possible.
  4. Mechanics
    1. Make sure there are no grammar or spelling errors.
    2. Eliminate wordiness and unclear sentence construction. 

This course requires use of Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). The format is different than other Strayer University courses. Please take a moment to review the SWS documentation for details.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

  1. Plan, create, and evaluate professional documents.
  2. Write clearly, coherently, and persuasively using proper grammar, mechanics, and formatting appropriate to the situation.
  3. Deliver professional information to various audiences using appropriate tone, style, and format.
  4. Develop presentation skills for use in the professional environment.

To download the assignment instructions provided above and assignment rubric, click here.

speech

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Story: superheroes are on the way to recuse Rapunzel, Batman sister.
Rapunzel: This is the story of how I almost died. Don’t worry, this is actually a very fun story. And the truth is, it isn’t even mine. This is the story of how all the superheroes come together to save a princess, Rapunzel, which is me. Now, once upon a time, a single drop of sunlight fell from the heavens. And from this small drop of sun, grew a magic golden, flower. It had the ability to heal the sick and make people look young forever. There was a rich woman, well she was about to have a baby, and she got sick, really, sick. She was running out of time. And that’s when people usually start to look for a miracle. Or in this case, a magic golden flower. It healed her. No longer after that, a healthy baby girl, me, born with beautiful strong hair that has the magic golden flower. I grew up in a rich family and I have a big brother who is a superhero, Batman. One time I was looking at the mirror, I saw a lady with an evil smile. Then a lady rapped my hand and dragged me through the mirror. She wanted my magic hair to keep her beauty. All I can count is my brother to save me. And that how the story started.
Joker- hey guys! My name is Jason Todd Im a joker i worked in a circus tried to make people laugh and be a comedian but i failed there and i’ve done my masters in chemical engineering. I tried everything that could make me a funny comedian but then i couldn’t be one so after trying so hard i just went back to the lab and started working with chemicals in star labs. I was working on a chemical that could help grow seeds into plants within minutes and while i was working on it i had a fight with my coworker(Matthew Murdock) as our thoughts didn’t match. He pushed me real hard and i fell in the big tank of the chemical we were working on. Unfortunately that chemical burned my skin made me white like chalk, my hair green and lips bright red and it all drove me insane. I am obsessed with killing people and with wealth now I possess no superhuman abilities but it made me a mastermind and a psychopath.i can also heal myself mentally i might not actually heal but feels like i have healed that’s the only superhuman power you can say i have it’s not really a power but just psychological thinking but it could be one I started using my expertise in chemical engineering to develop poisonous or lethal concoctions, and thematic weaponry, including razor-tipped playing cards, deadly joy buzzers, and acid spraying lapel flowers. I started working with criminals(penguin and Two face) in Gotham city trying to get my criminal background and these relationships collapsed due to JOker’s desire for unbridled chaos. So i had no option left but to work by myself after working for years as a criminal i found the love of my life ‘’Harley Quinn’’ who became my sidekick. We were in so much love she was ready to jump in the tank of the chemical like i did and become a psychopath like me. Eventually, that happened we had a great life robbing banks and killing people two psychopaths who cared, loved each other killing people together saving each other assaulting, robbing, killing, and shooting. Then after a few years of happy life a guy in a black bat suit shows up called batman and whatever we do wherever we go he’s there to stop us. We had a really bad chaos where i we were trying to fly away where batman comes and tries to stop us and to do that he tried to crash our plane. I somehow survived and made it out. My love on the other hand, she couldn’t. I was devastated by what he did to me, he took the one and only person who loved me for actually who i was. And i had to take my revenge from him. I decided
to torture him before i kill him. I kidnapped batman’s father tortured him and killed him. I killed his best friend “James Hughes” and his love “ Sarah Lance” now it’s his turn to die.
SCRIPT:
Once upon a time, a single drop of sunlight fell from the heavens. And from this small drop of sun, grew a magic golden, flower. It had the ability to heal the sick and make people look young forever. There was a pregnant woman saw that and ate it. No longer after that, a healthy baby girl was born with beautiful strong hair that has the magic golden flower. She grew up in a rich family and she has a big brother who is a superhero, Batman.
Scene 1:
Rapunzel: Hey, brother. Whats up!!!!
Batman: I am good. Just going through my work so kinda have a busy schedule. What about you???
Rapunzel: Just getting ready for party tonight.Are you gonna join me???
Batman: Maybe!!
Rapunzel:But why????
Batman:I may or may not be attending party as I am working on very important project. (Batman goes out of the room)
Scene 2:
Rapunzel she goes in front of mirror to put on makeup so that she looks elegant in the party and evil queen appears at the mirror and dragged princess inside and from here the conversations between the rapunzel and evil queen ates from here.
Evil queen: Hello darling!!!!!How you doing??? (Rapunzel gets bewildered)
Princess:Who are you?? Where am I?
Evil queen:Wait a minute darling.I will go through this topic later.First tell me how are you feeling at my palace.
Princess: Untie me then I will tell you.
Evil: oh I am sorry I can’t do that, now my darling. U must be very curious about who I am why I kidnap u. Now let me tell you. I am known as a Evil Queen, the most powerful wizard on the world. I am cold,cruel and extremely vain,owning magic mirror. I can do anything except one thing: keep my beauty forever. I want to look younger for rest of the time. That is why I asked my magic mirror. The answer is you, princess.
Rapunzel: I can sing a song for you.

Evil: oh my silly princess. I don’t want a temporary beauty. I want permanent. Rapunzel:(She gets shocked).oh my god!!!!That means I need to stay with you for rest of my life.Just leave me please!!!!!!!
Joker:Watching news looking at the story of batman’s sister getting kidnapped by some weird looking evil. (He passes on a sarcastic smile)
Joker: oh well looks like y’all got something serious going on here
Evil: Who would be you now?
Joker: Doesn’t matter what matters is you want her hair. So i have a plan. Evil: oh! And why do you think i would take your help?
Joker: You need my help because her brother is batman and you cannot fight him alone, you know that. And i have some unsettled business that i want to settle with him so this will be the best opportunity for both of us to get what we want.
Evil: Hmm! I guess i’ll have to agree on that with you. So what’s the plan?
Joker: (creates a tank of chemical that made him a psychopath and ties the princess with a chair on the edge of the tank) So what we do is wait for the batman to arrive. I get him you get princess hair and then they both die.
Evil: I guess we can work together on this one. But you ain’t ever gonna contact me after we’re done here.
Joker: Ohhhh! Well i don’t need to contact you ever after but i think you’ll be needing my help someday ( Evil Smile).
Scene 3:
Batman found out Rapunzel is gone.
Scene 4:
Batman hire superhero
Scene 5:
They found the place Rapunzel is kept.

WK6 Respond (2)

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  • Elizabeth

Shannon

                                                         Bullying in Adolescence

I chose to write about bullying. I know there are many things I could have chosen, but I feel bullying could never be talked about enough. I myself was a victim of horrific bullying and I have a niece that is being traumatized right now by this behavior. I find it appalling, with all the information out there, that we are still in crisis when it comes to bullying. I am learning that teachers and school administration are still just as slack now days as they were when I was younger. I understand that it must be hard to control a huge group of kids, but it is causing many things to happen to the victim when no one is paying attention. We are seeing kids lash out and kill other kids. We are seeing kids take their own lives. We are seeing teachers push the blame on the parents and the parents push the blame on the teachers. It is everyone’s fault when no one stands up for someone that is being victimized. The teacher that was to scared of retaliation from a students parents if they step in and the parents who don’t believe their child could ever be a bully. Why are we letting this happen? Why did my sister in law have to go to her daughters school and threaten with legal action if the school does not take care of their bullying problem? Why are parents not paying attention to what their children are writing on social media and text messages. They live under your roof. Do something to prevent them from being the reason someone takes their own life. There are so many things, as parents and educators, that we can do to stop bullying. It takes only one person to step in and say enough is enough to help out a child. 

Elizabeth

As a early childhood educator it makes sense the topic I choose, I choose child obesity. I chose it because of my history with it and other peoples as well. I did not come from a low income family, we were more of middle income family. I had siblings, four to be exact. I was the youngest of 5 and the I sort food as more of comfort because of bullying and not being able to make friends. I understand the what children go through and I wanted to write this paper to maybe help shred more light on this issue. I think the most insight so far on this paper I have found out is the focus of obesity and when it really started to be a focus. Digging deep into the beginning of obesity has really shred a light on eveything. 

Board 5-530-3

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In not less than 150 words, reply to this post. Reference in APA,

 

Other student response

 

Company Cash

            Companies are valued in different ways.  One way to determine what the market value of a company is by using the Weighted Average Cost of Capital, or WACC.  The WACC is simply the rate a corporation must earn to keep the return positive for their investors (Henderson, 1979).  If a company is struggling to maintain viable cash flow, they have many options available to them.  They can raise more capital through bonds, bank notes, preferred equity and common equity.

Bonds

While there are some differences between stocks and bonds, companies are wise to use both to raise much needed capital.  As with any investment, there are different levels of risk and reward with bonds.  High risk can bring high reward, but it can also bring high losses.  “The capital asset pricing model suggests that the mix with the best prospects for the future, considering both expected return and risk, will include bonds and stocks in proportion to outstanding market values” (Sharpe, 1973). 

Bank Notes

            Another way to raise capital is by issuing bank notes.  A bank note is risky though, and it does not gain any interest.  However, it can be presented by a customer at any time for its original value (Gorton, 1999).  It allows to company to have cash up front, that they can hopefully turn into profit.  That profit will then be used to repay the debt.

Preferred Equity

            A favorite of investors is preferred equity.  Preferred equity is usually a direct investment into the company.  They tend to have a fixed, preferential return that can be distributed back to the investors prior to other distributions.  One downside of preferred equity is that it tends to lack documentation.  However, they are becoming more and more popular for both investors and companies (Heller, 2012).

Common Equity

            If preferred equity is the favorite for investors, common equity is the opposite for many companies.  Common equity an expensive way to raise capital.  There are usually fees involved and unique pressures of supply and demand from existing shares.  One way that companies can manage that cost is by choosing the right exchange to issue it through.  While the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) is mandate by law to protect investors; the reality is that the market itself may impose tougher sanctions than the SEC (Bethel & Krigman, 2008).

Conclusion

            WACC is one of the more favorable ways to value a company.  However, you cannot just use it in any way you wish.  However, is used correctly, “WACC-based real-option valuation as an alternative to risk-neutral-based real-option valuation…may be preferable for educating associates, clients, and colleagues about risk-neutral pricing” (Arnold & Timothy, 2004).  Much like the wise woman of Proverbs 31, companies and investors both need to do quality research before attempting to raise capital.  “She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard” (Proverbs 31:16, King James Version).

Creating an Argument: The Electoral College

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This week we learned about the presidency, the powers of the presidency, and the unique way our president is elected via the Electoral College. In this assignment you will be guided in creating a complete argument regarding whether or not you think the Electoral College should be kept or eliminated.

This activity will be useful practice in how to create and present and thoughtful argument. The ability to create and communicate a thoughtful argument will help you out in future studies and in any career.

 

Follow these steps to create an argument in the form of an essay:

Step 1: In one or two very clear sentences state whether or not you think the Electoral College should be kept or eliminated. This is called writing a thesis statement.

Step 2: In three paragraphs describing three (3) arguments that support your position regarding the Electoral College. Give each argument one paragraph. Do not just list three arguments in support of your position regarding the Electoral College. You must tell the reader why each of your three arguments supports your position on the Electoral College.

Step 3: In three paragraphs describe three (3) arguments that go against your position regarding the Electoral College. This is called addressing counterarguments. Give each counterargument one paragraph. Describe the counterargument and then tell the reader of your essay why that counterargument should be dismissed.

Step 4: Write one paragraph concluding your essay. Restate your initial position on the Electoral College. And review the one or two arguments that you found to be the most compelling in support of your position.

Step 5: Write a reference list. In any good argument you will present your ideas but then include evidence from credible external sources to support your ideas. Always include a reference list.

In outline form your paper should look like this.

  1. Introduction: Thesis statement of your position regarding the Electoral College.
  2. Three arguments supporting your position.
    1. Describe argument 1 and why it supports your position.
    2. Describe argument 2 and why it supports your position.
    3. Describe argument 3 and why it supports your position.
  3. Three counter arguments opposing your position.
    1. Describe counter argument 1 and why it is not sufficient.
    2. Describe counter argument 2 and why it is not sufficient.
    3. Describe counter argument 3 and why it is not sufficient.
  4. Conclusion paragraph.

Discussion 6

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Genetically Modified Foods

Scientists have developed the technology to genetically modify plants. They can, for example, make them more nutritious, more resistant to pests, or more apt to survive harsh weather.

There is no doubt that these modifications can be a benefit. They can result in millions of children not going blind or dying from Vitamin A deficiency. They can result in higher yields because plants can resist pesticides. They can result in reduced tillage and herbicide use and even less need for irrigation.

Yet fears about GMOs (genetically modified organisms) remain. Some are worried about potential negative health and environmental impacts. Some are worried about impacts on farmers because many of the GMO seeds are patented and in some cases must be “re-bought” each year. And some are more concerned with the philosophy of altering “natural” plants, thinking there may be some unanticipated harmful future effects.

It is clear that the scientific community is largely supportive of use of GMO products. But this support has not led to universal public and political acceptance of their use.

What do you think? Should we approve of increased use of genetically modified crops to increase food availability and nutrition? Or should we resist the attempt to introduce more GMOs in the food supply?

As always, I encourage you to research this question before responding. I’m including a couple of links here to help you get started. I’m being totally slanted in what I’m linking to. That’s not because I am trying to influence you, and it’s not because I’m trying to support “my side,” which I am not revealing to you. It’s just because when you go online, you see thousands of links for one side (anti-GMO) and relatively very few for the other side (pro-GMO). So I’m trying to balance just a bit.

You understand, I’m sure, that seeing a lot more sources in a Google search on a topic is not in any way an indicator of the “truth.” Facts, rather than counting the number of advocates, are what we use to make the best decisions.

Remember you need to make your “Initial Post” of at least 250 words and you need to complete at least two responses (the “Final Posts”) of at least 200 words each to classmates by the dates shown in the course schedule. 

Remember there is one date for your Initial Post and a later date for your Final Posts.

Unhealthy Fixation: Unhealthy Fixation.docx

Most scientists think GMOs are safe: Scientists overwhelmingly think GMOs are safe to eat.docx  
How I Got Converted to GMO Food: How I Got Converted to G.M.O. Food.docx  
Sense About Science – GMOs: Sense About Science – GM Foods.pdf