Reflective Log

In the following essay I will provide a reflection on my experience of the course LSC 2103, Academic Reading and Writing 2, Thanks to my teacher Mr Gregory Vrhovnik .

In this course my skills had improved in reading and writing, also i have developed new skills on summarization and citations. this course is more challenging than any english course from reports and Research reports, the best parts was when Mr.Gregory Vrhovnik made us choose one of the world wonders and to write about it , And one more part that made it so Interesting was the finial project on  Fossil fuel .

In conclusion i would like to thank Mr.Gregory for his hard work  to make us learn all the skills. the course is nice and improves many things  for any student. 

Final Report Fossil fuel in Japan

Introduction

            In a general sense, fossil fuel can be defined as a source of energy which is formed in the outside of the earth primarily from decayed organic material. Some of the most common fossil fuels include petroleum, natural gas and coal (United States Department of Energy, 2013). Regardless the existence of difference in the supplies of fossil fuel resources which are used in the production of energy in different countries and regions around the globe (O’Brien & Woolverton, 2009), it is an apparent fact that fossil fuels have gained increased importance in the contemporary world. This is founded on the fact that they can be burned through oxidation to CO2 and water to produce substantial amounts of energy per unit weight. Nonetheless, despite this urgent position of fossil fuels in the modern world, they are challenged by wide problems. These include the fact that they are non-renewable and their limited supply will finish one day(McLamb, 2011) as well as their harmful impacts on the environment. If nothing is done about seeking alternative energy sources to substitute fossil fuels as the primary sources of energy, the prices of petroleum products are bound to inflate and possible collapse of the food system (Tomkzak, 2006). In this case, the Renewed alternatives include nuclear energy, hydro-power and geothermal among other renewable energy sources, some of which are explored below.

Possible energy solutions

            The most viable solution is increased investment in alternative energy sources which simply implies to energy whose production is from sources other than the current primary energy supply; fossil fuel (McLamb, 2011). This is best epitomized whereby investments in nuclear energy can be elevated to increase the energy grid in various countries. Nonetheless, there are some apparent dangers in increased reliance on nuclear energy, mostly related to the inherent safety concerns in this energy source as evidenced by Melik (2011). The other solution is conservation and the use of clean alternative energy sources like biomass, wind, geothermal, wind as well as hydroelectric energy which have been credited of being in an ideal niche of ensuring increased energy security into the 21^st century and beyond.

Energy in Japan: Case study

            According to the World Nuclear News (2012), fossil fuels have been credited of currently providing some 90 percent of electricity in Japan, mostly occasioned by the collapse of the nuclear plants which remain shut down. This has culminated into a situation whereby consumption of crude as well as heavy oil for electricity purposes has reached a four-year high as evidenced in the following figure

           

Consumption of crude and heavy fuel oil in Japan, 2007-2012

Source: World Nuclear News (2012)

On the other hand, the use of nuclear energy in this country has seen fluctuating trends mostly after the damaging of a nuclear facility in the north of Tokyo by an 8.9-magnitude earthquake and tsunami which culminated in the deaths of more than 1,000 people and at least 10,000 missing (Melik, 2011). The above phenomenon has seen increased criticism of nuclear energy in Japan by environmental groups and others who have quickly pointed out that this occurrence was a total justification of their stand against any form of nuclear-sources energy. However, supporters of nuclear energy options have continued to insist that this source of power has the lowest carbon footprint and cited that the latest reactors which have been established are perfectly safe and key in the production of sustainable energy which is cost-effective when compared with other methods (Melik, 2011).

            However, recent times have seen increased planning of alternative energy utilization in Japan which is projected to address the current and future energy demands. In this case, hydro, wind and solar energies have spiraled to the top of the Japanese energy agenda as the popularity of nuclear power continues to decline (Demetriou, 2011). The above fact is epitomized with the passing of a bill aimed at promoting renewable energy such as geothermal, solar and wind energy among others. This new law is bound to oblige power utilities to purchase renewable sources-generated power at fixed prices, while at the same time permitting them to pass on some extra costs to the consumers (Demetriou, 2011). It is thus planned and projected that within the next decade, a total of 20% of energy supply in Japan will come from renewable energy sources which more than double of the current share. Additionally, about 30 million buildings in this country are projected to have solar panels by 2030 (Harlan, 2011).

Conclusion

            The previous analysis has defined the concept of fossil fuels, their importance in the modern world, the different problems associated with these energy sources and the alternatives. Additionally, it has explored the possible solutions energy solutions including nuclear, hydro, solar and wind among other sources. Lastly, the current fossil fuels, nuclear energy and renewable sources usage in Japan has been investigated joined with the analysis of plans to increase the use of renewable fuels in the next near future.

References

Demetriou, D. (2011). Japan's hunt for alternative energy sources  - Telegraph. Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph online, Daily Telegraph, Sunday Telegraph - Telegraph. Retrieved May 28, 2013, from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/japan/8752902/Japans-hunt-for-alternative-energy-sources.html

Harlan, C. (2011). Japan takes a shine to renewable energy - Washington Post. Featured Articles From The Washington Post. Retrieved May 28, 2013, from http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2011-05-27/world/35232580_1_fukushima-daiichi-nuclear-power-nuclear-plants

McLamb, E. (2011) Fossils Fuels vs. Renewable Energy | Ecology Global Network. Ecology Global Network | News and Information for Planet Earth. Retrieved May 28, 2013, from http://www.ecology.com/2011/09/06/fossil-fuels-vs-renewable-energy-resources/

Melik, J. (2011). BBC News - Nuclear power: Energy solution or evil curse?. BBC - Homepage. Retrieved May 28, 2013, from http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12730473

O’Brien, D. & Woolverton, M., (2009). World and U.S. Fossil Fuel Supplies - Agricultural Marketing Resource Center. Agricultural Marketing Resource Center. Retrieved May 28, 2013, from http://www.agmrc.org/renewable_energy/energy/world-and-u-s-fossil-fuel-supplies

References

Tomkzak, J. (2006). Implications of Fossil Fuel Dependence for the Food System. Resilience.org. Retrieved May 28, 2013, from http://www.resilience.org/stories/2006-06-11/implications-fossil-fuel-dependence-food-system

United States Department of Energy (2013). What are fossil fuels? - Alternative Energy - ProCon.org. Alternative Energy - ProCon.org. Retrieved May 28, 2013, from http://alternativeenergy.procon.org/view.answers.php?questionID=001245#answer-id-006472

World Nuclear News (2012). Fossil fuels rule Japan. (2012, January 1).       World Nuclear News. Retrieved May 28, 2013, from http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/EE_Fossil_fuels_rule_Japan_3105121.html

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Research Project The Great Sphinx

Submission 1

The great Sphinx is a very crucial monument not only to Egypt where it stands but also to the entire world. It is a very unique landmark associated with ancient Egypt.  There has been overwhelming evidence that this landmark monument was built by Pharaoh Khafre of Egypt during his rule that existed between 2520-2494 BC (AERA, 2002). This has been recorded in fields of archeology, geology and architecture. The purpose of the Great Sphinx was to display and relate the king with the god of sun. It was the mere part of several structures that were built to be used for cult by the sun god and the then king. King Khafre is believed to have ruled for 26 years and Great Sphinx bears his face. The archeologists have been convinced that this monument took around 26 years to be built (Chukwunyere, 2007). The scholars have come to conclusion that this monument was built by excavating millions of cubic meters of limestone that were in turn used to construct the pyramids. The monument is still standing up to now and it is found in Giza plateau of Egypt. This report will provide a deeper research on the Great Sphinx found in Egypt.

Submission 2

In term of materials that were used to construct this monument, it is believed to have been carved in to a shape resembling face of ruler Khafre. Those who were charged with mandate of overseeing the building of this monument by the then ruler, they employed a technique of transforming a rock knoll that was used by masons that were building pyramids of Khufu. This is how they managed to build a shape of stone that replicated face of Khafre and lion body (Sergio, 1993).   The archeologists have noted that the body of Sphinx is made of poor quality layers of mother rock material with a lot of cracks and fissures. Also important to note is that the base of this monument is made up of a harder type of rock that is very brittle and rough. There exist large fissures that are visible on the lower part of lion body and at the base of the monument. The Great Sphinx was carved from the natural limestone that was of poor quality formed from geological process.

Since this monument was formed through carving, it implies that there no much needed form of transportation since the main work was through excavation and carving tools. However, it is still a huge mystery of how the workers were able to move huge pieces of rocks (Goth, 2004). On the other hand, thousands of men were used to build this monumental statue and this gives hint that the same men were used to remove the carved stones from the site. There is no existing record or literature showing the name of the person designed the great sphinx but it was generally designed and built by 4^th Dynasty builders (David, 2002).  However, it is known that the king designers did not have Great Sphinx in their mind on their initial design. This structure was improvised to do away with knoll of limestone rocks that blocked the king’s view of the pyramids. This reveals that the King had one of the most brilliant designers in that time.

The Great Sphinx was built by thousands of slaves of Pharaoh Khafre and this is how he managed to obtain a huge work force to accomplish a project of such mammoth scale. The slaves were used to carved this structure from limestone (Holly, 2009). The carvings obtained from this structure were also utilized to built tombs and pyramids. After the Great Sphinx was constructed, it was faced with a major problem; a threat of erosion by rough desert winds. This process of erosion defaced the structure and this called for the successors to undertaking activity of restoring it. It was repaired to maintain its previous shape.

Submission 3

The importance of the Great Sphinx in the recent time and throughout the history is that it is a vital symbol revealing kingship of ancient Egypt. It has also displayed the architecture has been part of human race since time in memorial. Additionally, the structure has been remained as one of major iconic landmarks that are associated with modern Egypt. Due to its status, it has served as a huge attraction to both scholar and tourist. As a result, it has economic importance in the current Egypt.

 

References

AERA. (2002). Sphinx Project. Retrieved April 17, 2013, from

www.aeraweb.org/projects/sphinx/

Chukwunyere, K. (2007). The Little African History Book - Black Africa from the Origins of

Humanity to the Assassination of Lumumba and the turn of the 20th Century. London: Orisa Press.

David, K. (2002). Newsletter of ancient Egypt Research Associates. Aeragram , 5 (1), 1-16.

Goth, R. (2004). Book of the Sphinx. New York: Tseng Information press.

Holly, H. (2009). Frommer's 500 Places to See Before They Disappear. New York: John Wiley

& Sons.

Sergio, D. (1993). The Great Sphinx at Giza: Date and Function. Comitato Organizzativo del

Congresso , 2 (1), 602-629.

Mini Reports Jobs in UAE

Youth Emirati prefer skills over salaries, At Emirati youth forum in January 2013 30 per cent of participants choose growth and promotions. Within the voting results showed that students believed in working at private sector, therefor questions have been asked why do you prefer private sectors they say that its more challenging. Private sectors believe that most of youths Emiratis aim for salary, benefits and working hours, However fresh graduates says that they would like to have jobs after graduating. Private sectors would like to get Emiratis but they say that they can’t give what Emiratis want from high salary, but the problem that privet sectors did not provide a sufficient motivation for emirates. Now a day Emirati youth has become more challenging and ask for experiences.

Words: 130

References

Gutcher, L. (2013, January 29). Emirati youths put skills ahead of money - The National. Latest and breaking news | thenational.ae - The National. Retrieved March 20, 2013, from http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/industry-insights/economics/emirati-youths-put-skills-ahead-of-money

Zaman, S., & Sabry, S. (2013, January 28). Career growth top criterion for Emirati jobseekers. UAE - Education. Retrieved March 20, 2013, from gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/education/career-growth-top-criterion-for-emirati-jobseekers-1.1138991

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summary 1 How do Gulf corals beat the heat?

In Abu Dhabi corals don’t die because they managed to beat the heat, many question were asked according to this statement so Prof Burt take sample and make an experiment to range the temperature with the corals. They found that coral live in symbiotic, its type of algae that live inside the coral tissue that provide the shelter for corals and they are co-dependent species that if one dies the other is unable to feed itself. In 2010 was hot too and they accepted to increase by 2 to 3 C warmer by 2100 and the atmospheric carbon dioxide would have its own corrosive effect.  Corals white Skelton is made of calcium carbonate same as human bones and its sensitive to change in water chemistry. However, coral reproduce in one of two ways through fragmentation or larval production. Coral larvae are produced in massive spawning they float around the sea up to a week until reach the rocky surface, and the slight increase in stress can push them over the edge.

171 words

References

Olson, M. (2012, May 13). How do Gulf corals beat the heat? - The National. Latest and breaking news | thenational.ae - The National. Retrieved March 4, 2013, from http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/environment/how-do-gulf-corals-beat-the-heat

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Summary 2 Is mars the key to our origins?

In the last mission to mars by NASA was a huge victory. That was eight months journey across the abyss of space. NASA engineers learned to reach the red planet and have succeeded in every last seven missions.  The red planet occupant’s resulted resistance is useless; however there were two mysteries’ questions about what happen in 1970’s. In 2008 when Phoenix, found Perchlorates (salts) in the samples, therefor this may have destroyed all the trace of life. Dr. Levin has co-authored a study reanalyzing the original Viking results were they found them consistent with the existence of life. In the mid-1990s scientists discovered a chemical reaction between water and rock. However alien life seems likely that there some common with life on earth. As scientists has found around 100 meteorites from mars.

References

Matthews, R. (2012, August 25). The start of life as we know it? - The National. Latest and breaking news | thenational.ae - The National. Retrieved March 13, 2013, from http://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/science/the-start-of-life-as-we-know-it

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Words: 139