Why you cannot prepare a tax return showing these deductions unless he Assignment

Why you can't set up an expense form indicating these conclusions except if he can give the receipts - Assignment Example The IRC Section 274 endorses severe and explicit documentation prerequisites for all operational expense asserted for movement purposes. Because of this solution, the receipts will be required to completely prove your movement reasonings (Pope, Anderson, Kramer, and Bandy, 2007). It is against the government law to finish assessment forms without the back up records to check the revealed data. Besides assessment forms are set up under the punishment for prevarication and thusly it is similarly fundamental to affirm all the subtleties during the time spent finishing the government forms. Taking into account this, I am under the norms recommended in the IRC Section 6694, which requests that I demonstrate the recorded data before I set up the assessment forms for you. The way that the detailed figures can't be enough validated because of the nonappearance of receipts, the advantages related with a portion of these enormous findings will be lost. Truly, there is a high probative incentive in these contemporaneous records of which it is for your own preferred position that you benefit them before the expense forms are

Government Spending & Budget Essays - Fiscal Policy,

Government Spending and Budget The same number of Federal divisions and organizations reel into a time of running without reserves, the pioneers of the two gatherings of Congress are investing less and less energy scanning for a trade off to adjust the spending plan, and increasingly more time concluding how to utilize it to their advantage on the battle field. In the interim cash is handily acquired to pay for government overhead. While trying to change this, on June 29, Congress casted a ballot for HConRes67 that required a multi year plan to balance the Federal Budget constantly 2002 (Hager 1899). This would be finished by joining $894 billion in spending cuts by 2002, with a anticipated multi year tax reduction of $245 billion. On the off chance that this arrangement were executed, in the year 2002, the U.S. Government would have the first adjusted financial plan since 1969. There is question by residents that a reasonable spending will turn into reality. An ongoing Gallop Poll from January, 1996 demonstrated the financial plan as the #1 worry among citizens, yet 4/5 of those met said they question the GOP will carry out the responsibility (Holding 14). In the interim, an ABC survey from November announced that over 70% of those surveyed dislike the current execution by Congress, and most censured lawmakers for inability to make a move (Cloud 3709). These allegations of inability to finish accompany recorded verification that Congress and Clinton have neglected to bargain and resolve the issue. All things considered, current spending plans are subject to some degree ridiculous forecasts of keeping away from such calamities as downturn, national catastrophes, and so forth., and incorporate minor escape clauses. History has demonstrated that each spending understanding that has fizzled was excessively careless. One may recall the Gramm-Rudman-Hollings charge that endeavored to adjust the financial plan, however left such a large number of exclusions, and was at long last deserted in 1990 (Weinberger 33). So after a torment marking preliminary for GOP Republicans to make, advance, and pass their financial plan, as guaranteed on battle field 94, Clinton dismissed the very bill he requested. This basically brought the government financial plan starting over. Clinton thought such an interest on Republicans to create a financial plan would deliver internal gathering squabbles what's more, cause the GOP to implode. Rather, they delivered a financial spending plan that passed the two places of Congress, just to be stalemated by a difficult Democratic President Clinton. In the interim, Clinton skiped back with a CBO scored plan with lighter, less unsafe slices to strategically touchy regions like qualifications. Clinton's arrangement additionally spared dollars for instruction and did exclude an assessment increment, yet most cuts would not remove impact until he is from office, in the year 2001. In spite of the fact that Clinton is in some cases scrutinized for creating an impasse in spending plan talks, the White House brings up that the obligation has gone down since Clinton got to work, with joblessness additionally falling. Republicans are speedy to express that Clinton initially expanded assessments in 1993 and cut safeguard programs, however his general arrangement was for an expanding financial plan without shortfall decrease. Frightening Facts about the spending plan: Starting at 1996, the national obligation was at a record-breaking high of $5 trillion dollars, with enthusiasm running at an incredible $250 billion for each year (Rau M-1). This equivalents out to an individual obligation of more than $50,000 per citizen. About 90% of that obligation has gathered since 1970, and somewhere in the range of 1980 and 1995, the obligation developed by 500%. As of now, the obligation develops by more than $10,000 every second (Rau M-l), and at current rates, an infant conceived in 1992 will pay 71% of his or her pay in net duties. At current rates, our administration is going to arrive at its limit. On the off chance that that is insufficient to frighten a citizen, by 2002, 60% of government spending will be for privileges, and by 2012, these projects are anticipated to take up all administration income (Dentzer 32). Economic turn of events, yet in addition family salary is hurt by obligation. With the average cost for basic items going up, it gets more earnestly to get a new line of work. As indicated by the Concord Coalition, genuine wages crested in 1973 and have gone down from that point forward. On the off chance that the economy developed as quick as it did in 1950, without an obligation, the middle family pay would be $50,000, contrasted with the current middle

Some Features Of Writing A Character Letter

November 5, 2019 A personal reference is one of the most important and serious forms of writing. Thanks to this letter, employers, and representatives of other fields will be able to get acquainted with the detailed information about a certain person. Unlike a curriculum vitae that talks about professionalism and skills, a character letter is more extensive. It highlights the best features and can help to achieve the main goal or even save your life. There are many situations in which we need to provide our characteristics in the form of a personal reference. Moreover, sometimes we can become the authors of this letter. It does not matter who you are, the recommendations below will help with this task. Why Is It so Important As it was mentioned above, many areas require this kind of writing. For instance, a person who is accused of breaking the law may need to show a personal reference. After reading the magistrate will decide on his future fate. This example demonstrates the role and significance of this letter. Employers may also ask job seekers to attach a cover letter to their curriculum vitae. In some cases, it can be provided and characterized during an interview. A person reference also can play the role of the last fragment, after which the head of the company will make a decision. Sometimes a character letter is not a prerequisite when you apply for a job. However, you can provide it by yourself. Additional data about your professional skills and strengths certainly will not be superfluous. It is especially important if you are looking for your first job, while there are no recommendations. You can also resort to this method after a long break at work. Ask for Help Any of your close ones can write a personal reference. However, remember the role of this assignment and choose only those in whom you are absolutely sure. This individual should have sufficient information. Your colleague or person who works in the same field can also become the author of your character letter. We have indicated some possible variants below. Your personal trainer; A supervisor or academic teachers; Your colleagues; Neighbors; Members of your family; Friends and acquaintances; A person from your academic group; An employee of the same professional field; Your chief. Despite the fact that a relative one knows you better than any other person, it is better to avoid his help. Family members can ignore the need for objective judgment and embellish real facts. For this reason, the respective readers usually do not consider such works or take them seriously. Letters, which are written by your mentor or coworker will be a better variant. These people have knowledge in the necessary field and will be able to describe your professional qualities well. However, you also have to be involved in the process of creating a reference letter. Your task is to provide pre-prepared information about work experience and underline the unique features. How to Write a Personal Reference If you are approached for help with writing a character letter, do not make hasty decisions. Make sure that you know the person well and can correctly emphasize the best sides of his personality. Moreover, you should have an idea of the scope this individual is associated with. Otherwise, it will be better if you refuse. We highlighted several important aspects that should be present in the character letter. Indicate your attitude to the person you are writing about. Here you need to talk about your role in his life. Duration of dating. Write the number of years. Strengths. Here you need to choose a few basic qualities (three or four) that can show the best features of a person’s character. Explain why the organization should be interested in working with him. You can describe such character traits as an optimistic way of thinking, sociability, self-confidence, attentiveness, leadership, and others. Your own recommendation. In the final paragraph, you have to express your attitude to the person you wrote about and recommend it on your behalf. Do not forget about the contacts. The last part of the reference letter is the ways in which members of the company can contact a person. Some More Tips Both people who turned to others for help and the authors of the reference letter should pay attention to the following details of the work: Positive attitude. The character letter should not contain a description of weaknesses. People will always choose the work that characterizes them only from the best side. If a person is not sure that you will cope with this task, he will never ask you for help. Give specific situations. Despite the importance of mentioning the best character traits, concrete examples will greatly improve the perception of personal reference. By illustrating these qualities, the reader will be able to understand how an individual puts his knowledge into practice and copes with the possible difficulties. Be concise. Often the reference letter takes up only one page. Imagine the number of texts, which are read by representatives of the famous companies every day. A short and at the same time informative letter will not only facilitate their work but also can cause an interest. Do not talk about too personal things. A character letter should not contain describing a person’s inner experiences or romantic relationships. Imagine that you are a candidate and avoid the details that you would like to keep in secret. Do not forget about the format of a personal reference. Follow the rules that writing any other formal letter also requires. Be sure to include a date. If you are writing a letter that will be read by the court representative, remember to indicate the appeal to The Presiding Judge/Magistrate. Your letter should begin with the words ‘Your Honor’ (if you are writing according to the violation of the law). Remember to leave your recommendation and sign up. If you are writing for a person who may be sent to prison, hand over a written personal reference to a representative of his defense. You need to cope with this task before the day of the hearing. A possible option is a telephone or written conversation with a lawyer, during which you can discuss all the necessary details. Do it before and after writing. How to Write a Personal Reference to Employers Gathering the information is the starting point of this long process. It will be best if you can personally meet the person you are writing about. In this case, you will ask all the questions and have a clear sketch of the future text. Remember that your task is to be able to combine honesty and positive description. All official letters have an end address. After you finish working with these details, you can proceed to work on the content. First of all, state your name and describe the reason why you are writing this letter. You can also briefly tell the story of acquaintance and communication with the person who you characterize. Thanks to this, the employer will be more confident in the written information. The main part of a personal reference consists of revealing certain character traits and professional skills. Forget about the flaws! The purpose of the letter is to convince the employer of the need to invite this person to work. However, you should be as honest as possible. If the description of real things seems boring or incorrect to you, try looking at the situation from the other side and rephrase what written pieces of text. Even if you really want to warn about one or another weakness of the individual, refrain from this. Avoid unnecessary stories. You do not retell the biography of a person, but briefly and clearly describe his skills and dignity. This type of letter is official and requires only relevant information. Also, you should not use informal words. Information, brevity and respectful tone are the main components of a powerful character letter. In addition to the contact details of the person who is characterized, you can add your own email address and mobile phone. Thanks to this, the employer will be able to contact you. If writing a personal reference still seems too complicated task or you cannot find a suitable author, do not despair. There are many professional services that can help. The success of any character letter lies in a detailed, positive and at the same time a brief description of the merits of any person. This form of writing plays an important role in many areas of life. Treat this work as responsibly as possible.

Preventing Substance Abuse - 940 Words

Preventing substance abuse involves developing numerous strategic partnerships. Substance abuse is a multidisciplinary issue, and requires a correspondingly multifaceted and multidisciplinary approach. The strategy for drug abuse prevention must begin with segmenting the market, or analyzing the needs of the community. Is the greatest proportion of abusers in the community youth? If so, what kinds of drugs are most commonly used in the community? Are seniors in the community abusing prescription medications? The strategy will be more effective when there is a better idea of the demographics of the target population. Beginning with the assumption that substance abuse will be a problem in community schools, it is important to engage educators, school administrators, school board representatives, and parents. Community organizations, including recreational facilities, and also local businesses, will also be involved in promoting strategies that prevent substance use and abuse. Regarding school board and school administration, curriculum needs to reflect the goal of substance abuse prevention. Teaching prevention in schools must be done with a concerted effort that involves parents. Moreover, changing the minds of students about drugs would require the involvement of young role models that can steer at risk youth away from drugs. At-risk youth need to be better identified early, so that their substance use issues never fester into substance abuse problems. In addition toShow MoreRelatedPreventing Teen Substance Abuse Within Rural Areas1205 Words   |  5 PagesPreventing Teen Substance Abuse in Rur al Areas Teenagers living in rural communities are more susceptible to drug and alcohol abuse than their urban counterparts. Although it may seem that living in a less populated area would present teens with less opportunity for trouble, the lack of stimulation creates an atmosphere conducive to substance abuse. PsychologyToday.com has listed boredom among the top reasons that teens get themselves into trouble (Lohmann, 2010). Public programs and activities provideRead MoreRelapse in Substance Abuse Treatment Essay1165 Words   |  5 PagesRelapse Prevention in Substance Abuse Treatment In relation to drug abuse, relapse is resuming the use of a chemical substance or drug after a period of abstinence. The term can be said to be a landmark feature of a combination of substance abuse and substance independence. The propensity for dependency, repeated use, and tendencies that take the form of the substance being used, are some of the issues that drug users’ experience. Substances that enhance most severe tendencies in users and pose highRead MoreCritique of School Based Programs654 Words   |  3 Pagesis a school based intervention; the goal of the program is to prevent alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use along with violence. This is done by targeting major social and psychological factors that increase the start of substance abuse and additional risky behaviors. Substance abuse problems are multifaceted; LST addresses multiple risk and protective factors. Core Components The core components of the program teach 1) personal self-management skills; that encompass decision making and problem solving;Read MoreSubstance Abuse And Smoking, And How It Affects Family Relationships1463 Words   |  6 PagesThe topic that will be discussed in the following paper will focus on the issues of addiction; in specific, substance abuse and smoking, and how it affects family relationships. Living with someone who struggles with substance abuse is a very difficult battle amongst many families worldwide. When we were brought into this world, we were not born with a set of values and expectations, but rather, that is something that we learnt over our years of development. Primarily, we spend most of our time withRead MoreCognitive Behavioral Therapy For Substance Abuse1574 Words   |  7 PagesSubstance abuse consists of an individual exhibiting dysfunctional behavior as a result of consuming psychoactive substances that eventually culminate in adverse consequences. A ccording to the 2013, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 24.6 million Americans over the age of 12 were current illicit drug users; moreover, 136.9 million Americans were current alcohol users, which is more than half (52.2%) of the American population (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services AdministrationRead MoreThe Cost Of Addiction / Substance Abuse Essay936 Words   |  4 PagesAnalysis of the Cost of Addiction/Substance Abuse Stevens Smith (2013) ascertain that alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs have cost $180-$484 billion dollars annually, yet that dollar estimate does not include what damage it causes to the family and victims of substance abuse users. In contrast, research indicates to use caution when deciphering the costs of substance abuse due to new data that is constantly changing (Single, 2009). Furthermore, some associated costs may not be reported becauseRead Moreprescription drug abuse1523 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿Prescription Drug Abuse Millions of people throughout the world are taking drugs on a daily basis. If you were to ask someone why they take prescription drugs, most people would be taking them for the right reason. However, it’s estimated that twenty percent of people in the United States alone have used prescription drugs for non-medical reasons.1 Prescription drug abuse is a serious and growing problem that often goes unnoticed. Abusing these drugs can often lead to addiction and even deathRead MoreDrug Abuse And Its Effect On Society Essay1167 Words   |  5 Pageschemical substance applied into treating, diagnosing and preventing one from disease infections or a substance that is used by a person to enhance his or her physical and mental state in the perceived effect. Drugs used for different purposes and their effect depend on which cause for usage. It causes both positive and negative consequences directly to the user and in the long-run it affects the whole society or community. Drug addictio n is the activity of uncontrollable dependence on a substance by theRead MoreBenefits And Limitations When Prevention Providers Are Looking For Successful Programs Essay1722 Words   |  7 PagesThere are many benefits and limitations when prevention providers are looking for successful programs. The National Institute on Drug Abuse, or NIDA, provides a large research-based guide of the most effective prevention programs. This research should be the number one tool when looking into different types of programs, although it does not include every single program. A common problem in the prevention field consists of registries missing important strategies, including environmental approachesRead MoreUnderstanding Drug Use And Addiction. The National Institute1116 Words   |  5 PagesUnderstanding Drug Use and Addiction The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) describes addiction as a, â€Å"chronic disease characterized by drug seeking and use that is compulsive, or difficult to control, despite harmful consequences† (â€Å"Understanding Drug Use and Addiction,† 2016). Long-term use can effect and change a person’s ability to learn, judge, and make decisions. Stress, memory issues, and behavior problems are also common side effects of extended drug use. There is not one single factor

De-Scalers free essay sample

When water is heated limescale deposits can form, especially in machines such as fully automatic coffee makers, espresso machines and all hot water units. In this context you often hear about hard and soft water. The hardness of the water indicates the proportion of limescale. Your water supply company will provide more information about hardness of your water. If your groundwater flows through calcareous rock layers, eroded magnesium and calcium carbonate will cause limescale deposits in your water. Why do I need to remove limescale? In addition to loss of coffee flavor limescale deposits can severely damage your machine and shorten its lifespan significantly. Limescale deposits in your machine lead to: Longer scalding time with higher electricity charges Lower water temperatures causing inferior coffee flavor Blocked machines pipe Corrosion of metal parts and sealing gaskets Expensive repairs Only regular and timely descaling with a high-quality descaler, such as ceragol ultra Premium Descaler, ensures a long lifespan and optimal coffee flavor. We will write a custom essay sample on De-Scalers or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Your coffee maker is a high-tech machine which needs regular, gentle care. What do you expect from your descaler? Limescale deposits are removed by acids in the descaler. Only the right mixture of effective acids and gentle additives for the metal parts and sealing gaskets allows for optimal results during descaling. The quick reaction time and immediate reusability of the machine after rinsing are basic demands on a premium descaler. Why amidosulfonic acid? Descaling with citric or acetic acids The big problem when descaling with citric or acetic acids are the released flavor additives which cause an obtrusive smell during descaling. The plastic parts of your fully automated coffee maker tend to taken on these smells and influence the smell and taste of your coffee negatively. Plastic parts and sealing gaskets of your unit can be attacked by the vinegar or acetic acid. Citric acid tends to flake during descaling. This can block the valves and water pipes and lead to high repair charges. An additional problem is that the limescale is actually sealed in by an indissoluble layer which occurs repeatedly when using descalers based on citric acids. Descaling with vinegar, acetic acid or citric acid takes significantly longer than descaling with ceragol ultra Premium Descaler. Descaling with amidosulfonic acid Descaling with amidosulfonic acid, the active ingredient of our ceragol ultra Premium Descaler, does not require any reaction time. During the descaling program the limescale is dissolved and flushed away. This process is completely odorless and neutral in taste. After thorough rinsing your machine is once again food-safe. The additives in ceragol ultra Premium Descaler guard and protect the metal and plastic components of your fully automatic coffee maker. The right time to descale Automatic coffee machine w. auto descaling indicator Please ask your water supply company about the hardness of your water and set the water hardness according to the operating instructions of your manufacturer. Your machine will indicate when descaling is needed. Automatic coffee machine w/o descaling indicator Descaling becomes necessary as soon as you notice a delay in operation or irregularities during coffee preparation. Another telltale sign is the reduction of the amount of foam produced on the coffee. The machine must be descaled periodically and in due time.

Japanese Obon Festival free essay sample

A Buddhist monk, able to see the dead, saw his mother struggling in the afterworld of Hungry Ghosts, the Hell of Starvation. Horrified by his clairvoyant vision, the Buddhist monk, Mokuren, ran to Buddha and was instructed to give each Buddhist monk offerings on the fifteenth day of the seventh month. Doing so and seeing his mothers release, Mokuren realized how much she had sacrificed for him and danced in great joy and gratitude. Much like the story of Mokuren, the Japanese Obon (pronounced o-bone) festival is a family oriented celebration which appreciates the sacrifices of ones ancestors. Japans fashion of celebrating their ancestors sacrifices has its origins steeped in Buddhist culture. Obon has been celebrated annually since its introduction by the Chinese in the seventh century (more accurately 657 A. D. ). Abbreviated from Urabon (the Japanese transliteration of the Sanskrit word Ullambana), Obon means to hang upside down, which communicates the retched suffering of either body or spirit, literally or metaphorically, of being hung upside down. We will write a custom essay sample on Japanese Obon Festival or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Obon is a ritual, which operates according to Sakyamuni Buddhas Urabon Sutra, the story of Mokuren. This ritual was practiced the same way Sakyamuni Buddha instructed Mokuren to do, on the fifteenth day of the seventh month. This tradition changed over the centuries and is now more commonly practiced August 13-16th, though most places in Okinawa (southern Japan) still celebrate Obon on the Lunar Calendars seventh month. Like the story implies, Obon is not a mournful celebration and is known as the Festival of Light or the Festival of Joy. For the three days of Obon, people may dance, eat good food, play games, and pray to show the joy they have for what their ancestors had to give up when they were alive. These celebratory features however, must be prepared for to adequately honor the ancestors spirits. Before the Obon festival begins, families gather and prepare their homes and the familys shrine in order to show thanks to their ancestors. Once the family has gathered, the home first must be cleaned, which functions to purify the area for the arrival of the ancestors sprits. To feed the spirits, food offerings, mostly vegetables, fruits, and rice are placed at the butsudan throughout the three days of Obon. The butsudan (a Buddhist altar) is an essential part to a traditional Japanese home, especially during Obon, being that it is the center of spiritual faith of the house. Positioned at the butsudan altar to help direct the spirits home are Lanterns, called chochin, and flower arrangements, called ikebana. Incense sticks are placed at the altar, which is thought to sooth and please the familys ancestors and chase away malignant spirits. Praying at the butsudan alter is also done at this time, sometimes asking a Buddhist or Shinto priest to invite the spirits home. It isnt uncommon to also position a lantern with the familys crest at the doorway (referred to as mukae-bi), to guide the souls to the right home. The family then will set out to their familys shrine and do much of the same thing; using chochin lanterns to bring the spirits home (the term for this being mukae-bon). This work is implemented to show how grateful the family is for what their ancestors have given up and sacrificed during the time they were alive. Once the set up is accomplished, fun gatherings take place so the people may show their appreciation to their familys ancestors. Due to the sweltering summer heat in Japan, yukata or cotton Kimonos are worn to the carnival-like celebration. Takoyaki (rounded fried dough often containing octopus), fried squid and chicken, sushi, dango (tofu and rice dessert), manju (Japanese confectionary), chocolate-dipped bananas, and snow cones with red beans are just some of the common food items of the Obon festival. A variety of games are also a large feature of the celebration. These games vary anywhere from catching fish from a kiddy pool using a small net, to throwing rings at bottles for prizes. Although the food and games have a significant role to play, the bon odori (Obon folk dance) is the pinnacle of the Obon gala. The bon odori dancing is done to welcome the spirits of the dead back to the living world. Different areas in Japan have different dances as well as unique songs to match them. Some songs have a pertinent spiritual significance to them and thusly, the bon odori will too. Hokkaido, far north of Japan, entertains with the folk song Soran Bushi, where in Kagoshima, the far south, uses the song Ohara Bushi. Anyone may participate in this special dance, allowing those who do the ability to show thanks and joy to their ancestors. The Buddhist teachings, which has soaked Japan in its colours, preaches not the joy of getting what you want, but rather the bliss of awareness. Completing the celebratory festival, the souls must be sent back to the afterworld to rest peacefully. Toro nagashi, meaning floating lanterns, is the final tradition of the Japanese Obon. Once th e sun begins to set, the people will take their family in-crested chochin lanterns to the waters edge. Lighting the lanterns, they send them off floating to the other side. The fire lit in these lanterns are said to guide the spirits wherever they go and here, they guide them back to the afterworld. Families that live by the coast, use the ocean as the sending place for toro nagashi, but for those not near the ocean will often use rivers or lakes to send off their ancestors. Regardless of which is used, this process of Obon is beautiful, but melancholy. Sending off the spirits of grandmothers, grandfathers, parents, wives, husbands, and children is often a very emotional process for the Japanese. Each family, on land or on boat, will watch as their lanterns float farther and farther away. The glow of each lantern causing the water to look much like the starry sky, spotted with many warm lights. Those who participated in toro nagashi have a heightened awareness of the challenges and sacrifices their ancestors had to take. For centuries Obon has been a sacred gathering for the dead and the living to teach and celebrate the awareness appreciating anothers sacrifice brings. Japanese Obon Festival free essay sample A Buddhist monk, able to see the dead, saw his mother struggling in the afterworld of Hungry Ghosts, the Hell of Starvation. Horrified by his clairvoyant vision, the Buddhist monk, Mokuren, ran to Buddha and was instructed to give each Buddhist monk offerings on the fifteenth day of the seventh month. Doing so and seeing his mothers release, Mokuren realized how much she had sacrificed for him and danced in great joy and gratitude. Much like the story of Mokuren, the Japanese Obon (pronounced o-bone) festival is a family oriented celebration which appreciates the sacrifices of ones ancestors. Japans fashion of celebrating their ancestors sacrifices has its origins steeped in Buddhist culture. Obon has been celebrated annually since its introduction by the Chinese in the seventh century (more accurately 657 A. D. ). Abbreviated from Urabon (the Japanese transliteration of the Sanskrit word Ullambana), Obon means to hang upside down, which communicates the retched suffering of either body or spirit, literally or metaphorically, of being hung upside down. We will write a custom essay sample on Japanese Obon Festival or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Obon is a ritual, which operates according to Sakyamuni Buddhas Urabon Sutra, the story of Mokuren. This ritual was practiced the same way Sakyamuni Buddha instructed Mokuren to do, on the fifteenth day of the seventh month. This tradition changed over the centuries and is now more commonly practiced August 13-16th, though most places in Okinawa (southern Japan) still celebrate Obon on the Lunar Calendars seventh month. Like the story implies, Obon is not a mournful celebration and is known as the Festival of Light or the Festival of Joy. For the three days of Obon, people may dance, eat good food, play games, and pray to show the joy they have for what their ancestors had to give up when they were alive. These celebratory features however, must be prepared for to adequately honor the ancestors spirits. Before the Obon festival begins, families gather and prepare their homes and the familys shrine in order to show thanks to their ancestors. Once the family has gathered, the home first must be cleaned, which functions to purify the area for the arrival of the ancestors sprits. To feed the spirits, food offerings, mostly vegetables, fruits, and rice are placed at the butsudan throughout the three days of Obon. The butsudan (a Buddhist altar) is an essential part to a traditional Japanese home, especially during Obon, being that it is the center of spiritual faith of the house. Positioned at the butsudan altar to help direct the spirits home are Lanterns, called chochin, and flower arrangements, called ikebana. Incense sticks are placed at the altar, which is thought to sooth and please the familys ancestors and chase away malignant spirits. Praying at the butsudan alter is also done at this time, sometimes asking a Buddhist or Shinto priest to invite the spirits home. It isnt uncommon to also position a lantern with the familys crest at the doorway (referred to as mukae-bi), to guide the souls to the right home. The family then will set out to their familys shrine and do much of the same thing; using chochin lanterns to bring the spirits home (the term for this being mukae-bon). This work is implemented to show how grateful the family is for what their ancestors have given up and sacrificed during the time they were alive. Once the set up is accomplished, fun gatherings take place so the people may show their appreciation to their familys ancestors. Due to the sweltering summer heat in Japan, yukata or cotton Kimonos are worn to the carnival-like celebration. Takoyaki (rounded fried dough often containing octopus), fried squid and chicken, sushi, dango (tofu and rice dessert), manju (Japanese confectionary), chocolate-dipped bananas, and snow cones with red beans are just some of the common food items of the Obon festival. A variety of games are also a large feature of the celebration. These games vary anywhere from catching fish from a kiddy pool using a small net, to throwing rings at bottles for prizes. Although the food and games have a significant role to play, the bon odori (Obon folk dance) is the pinnacle of the Obon gala. The bon odori dancing is done to welcome the spirits of the dead back to the living world. Different areas in Japan have different dances as well as unique songs to match them. Some songs have a pertinent spiritual significance to them and thusly, the bon odori will too. Hokkaido, far north of Japan, entertains with the folk song Soran Bushi, where in Kagoshima, the far south, uses the song Ohara Bushi. Anyone may participate in this special dance, allowing those who do the ability to show thanks and joy to their ancestors. The Buddhist teachings, which has soaked Japan in its colours, preaches not the joy of getting what you want, but rather the bliss of awareness. Completing the celebratory festival, the souls must be sent back to the afterworld to rest peacefully. Toro nagashi, meaning floating lanterns, is the final tradition of the Japanese Obon. Once th e sun begins to set, the people will take their family in-crested chochin lanterns to the waters edge. Lighting the lanterns, they send them off floating to the other side. The fire lit in these lanterns are said to guide the spirits wherever they go and here, they guide them back to the afterworld. Families that live by the coast, use the ocean as the sending place for toro nagashi, but for those not near the ocean will often use rivers or lakes to send off their ancestors. Regardless of which is used, this process of Obon is beautiful, but melancholy. Sending off the spirits of grandmothers, grandfathers, parents, wives, husbands, and children is often a very emotional process for the Japanese. Each family, on land or on boat, will watch as their lanterns float farther and farther away. The glow of each lantern causing the water to look much like the starry sky, spotted with many warm lights. Those who participated in toro nagashi have a heightened awareness of the challenges and sacrifices their ancestors had to take. For centuries Obon has been a sacred gathering for the dead and the living to teach and celebrate the awareness appreciating anothers sacrifice brings.

Cooperative Learning Tips and Techniques

Cooperative Learning Tips and Techniques Cooperative learning is a teaching strategy classroom teachers use to help their students process information more quickly by having them work in small groups to accomplish a common goal. Each member that is in the group is responsible for learning the information given, and also for helping their fellow group members learn the information as well. How Does It Work? In order for Cooperative learning groups to be successful, the teacher and students must all play their part. The teachers role is to play the part as facilitator and observer, while the students must work together to complete the task. Use the following guidelines to achieve Cooperative learning success: Arrange students heterogeneously in groups as few as two and no more than six.Assign each member of the group a specific role: recorder, observer, bookkeeper, researcher, timekeeper, etc.Monitor each groups progress and teach skills necessary for task completion.Evaluate each group based upon how well they worked together and completed the task. Classroom Management Tips Noise Control: Use the talking chips strategy to control noise. Whenever a student needs to speak in the group they must place their chip in the middle of the table.Getting Students Attention: Have a signal to get students attention. For example, clap two times, raise your hand, ring a bell, etc.Answering Questions: Create a policy where if a group member has a question they must ask the group first before asking the teacher.Use a Timer: Give students a predetermined time for completing the task. Use a timer or stopwatch.Model Instruction: Before handing out the assignment model the instruction of the task and make sure every student understands what is expected. Common Techniques Here are six common cooperative learning techniques to try in your classroom. Jig-Saw: Students are grouped into five or six and each group member is assigned a specific task then must come back to their group and teach them what they learned.Think-Pair-Share: Each member in a group thinks about a question they have from what they just learned, then they pair-up with a member in the group to discuss their responses. Finally they share what they learned with the rest of the class or group.Round Robin: Students are placed into a group of four to six people. Then one person is assigned to be the recorder of the group. Next, the group is assigned a question that has multiple answers to it. Each student goes around the table and answers the question while the recorder writes down their answers.Numbered Heads: Each group member is given a number (1, 2, 3, 4, etc). The teacher then asks the class a question and each group must come together to find an answer. After the time is up the teacher calls a number and only the student with that number may answer the question .   Team-Pair-Solo: Students work together in a group to solve a problem. Next they work with a partner to solve a problem, and finally, they work by themselves to solve a problem. This strategy uses the theory that students can solve more problems with help then they can alone. Students then progress to the point that they can solve the problem on their own only after first being in a team and then paired with a partner.Three-Step Review: The teacher predetermines groups before a lesson. Then, as the lesson progresses, the teacher stops and gives groups three minutes to review what was taught and ask each other any questions they may have.