Four Criteria for Identifying a Rock

What is a rock, exactly? After some thought and discussion, most people will agree that rocks are more or less hard solids, of natural origin and made of minerals. But to geologists, all of those criteria have exceptions. Are All Rocks Hard? Not necessarily. Some common rocks can be scratched with your fingernails such as shale, soapstone, gypsum rock, and peat. Others may be soft in the ground, but they harden once they spend time in the air (and vice versa). And there is an imperceptible gradation between consolidated rocks and unconsolidated sediments. Indeed, geologists name and map many formations that dont consist of rock at all. This is why geologists refer to work with igneous and metamorphic rocks as hard-rock geology, opposed to sedimentary petrology. Are All Rocks Solid? Some rocks are far from completely solid. Many rocks include water in their pore spaces. Many geodes  -- hollow objects found in limestone country -- hold water inside them like coconuts. Two rocks that are barely solids include fine lava threads known as  Peles hair  and the fine open meshwork of exploded lava reticulite. Then theres the matter of temperature. Mercury is a liquid metal at room temperature (and down to -40 F), and petroleum is a fluid unless its asphalt erupted into cold ocean water. And good old ice meets all the criteria of rock-hood too...in permafrost and in glaciers. Are All Rocks Natural? Not entirely. The longer humans stay on this planet, the more that concrete accumulates. Concrete is a mixture of sand and pebbles (aggregate) and a mineral glue (cement) of calcium silicate compounds. It is a synthetic conglomerate, and it acts just like the natural rock, turning up in riverbeds and on beaches. Some of it has entered the rock cycle to be discovered by future geologists. Brick, too, is an artificial rock -- in this case, an artificial form of massive slate. Another human product that closely resembles rock is slag, the byproduct of metal smelting. Slag is a complex mixture of oxides that has many uses including road-building and concrete aggregate. It has found its way into sedimentary rocks already. Are All Rocks Made of Minerals? Many are not. Minerals are inorganic compounds with chemical formulas and mineral names such as quartz or pyrite. Coal is made of organic material, not minerals. The various types of stuff in coal are instead called macerals. Similarly, what about coquina...a rock made entirely of seashells? Shells are made of mineral matter, but they arent minerals any more than teeth are. Finally, we have the exception of obsidian. Obsidian is a rock glass, in which little or none of its material has gathered into crystals. It is an undifferentiated mass of geological material, rather like slag but not as colorful. While obsidian has no minerals in it per se, it is unquestionably a rock.

High School Drug Use Among High Schools Essay - 1424 Words

High School Drug Use There are many contributing factors that can lead to heroin and other drug use among high school students. Factors such as the availability and the growth of drugs in society, the enormous weight of peer pressure students face, the socio economics issues that students are a part of that can lead high school students down this destructive path. The use of harmful drugs by high school students has been on the rise ever since our country has declared war on drugs. Drugs such as heroin, cocaine and marijuana has been smuggled into the nation at an unprecedented rate. The influx of heroin and other harmful drugs has become so widespread and available that it’s easily attainable for high school students. The availably of heroin, cocaine, and other drug has no boundaries, it affects students in urban areas as well as rural areas. The availability of heroin and other drugs is so vast that Norco kingpins from countries in South America, Asia and Europe reap enormou s profits from drugs being consumed in America. The amount of heroin and other drugs available to high school students from these countries is at an all-time high. The accessibility of these terrible drugs is one of the leading causes for the increased use of heroin for high school students. The inquisitive nature of high school students will lead some of them to experiment and even become addicted to terrible drugs such as heroin and cocaine. Being taught and semi educated against theShow MoreRelatedEssay on Routine Drug Testing For High School Athletes1045 Words   |  5 Pagescreate more miracles than any wonder drug† (Neal). However, many teenagers of this era, large part athletes, seem to think differently and they constantly use illegal drugs. 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This institute collected all the data through out the years and does graphs and reports the statistics of their findings. I will be discussing the trend with high school students and the drugs most of teens do. Also I will be talking about the nation trend, that most is common and comparing it to other years. And then I will discuss the number of hospital

Transitional Birthday free essay sample

Transitional Birthday I stare blankly at myself in an old and dirty mirror. Every year I somehow end up in my parents’ bathroom on the day of my birthday. Today is my 13th birthday. As I stare into the mirror, I realize that I am scared to grow up. I can’t imagine life as a grown up. On top of that, my parents walk into their bathroom where I am standing and exclaim, â€Å"Wow! Marlee looks so grown up! She is getting so old!† My dad wraps his arms around me and gives me a huge bear hug. Tears slowly roll down my cheeks as I begin to sob. I remember back to the good old days, elementary school years, when life was careless and free. All the neighbor kids would gather in my yard and we would make up the most random games to play. Sometimes we would even set up our own Olympics. We will write a custom essay sample on Transitional Birthday or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Now many people may be familiar with the real Olympics, but our version was a whole different story. Two people would be on bikes and they would race around the block trying to beat the other person to the center of the block. We would play this for hours. The person who won the most races got the gold medal which was a cookie. We would also play the ultimate game of hide-and-go-seek; it was hide-and-go-seek tag. Because of all the tagging and pushing, there were neighbor kids on the ground every five seconds, that’s how intense it was. Sometimes the girls and I in the neighborhood would get together and put on dress up clothes and the most hideous make-up ever. After getting beautiful, we would sing into these fireplace utensils (used to move the fire wood) to song we all know for example, â€Å"Shape of my Heart† by Backstreet Boys. Sometimes we would even tape it and watch it later (our performances were definitely a sight to see). My dad was always part of the fun action. When I was three, he would give me the best horsy rides ever. All I would have to say was, â€Å"Daddy, horsy!† And he would know right away what I wanted. I would ride on his back, while he was crawling with me on top of him, for hours. I would laugh and laugh and have the best time in the world. The horsy rides always made me happy and the best part was at the end of it all my dad would say, â€Å"Whoa, I’m tired, you piggy.† My come back would be, â€Å"I’m not a piggy, daddy!† As my mom hands me a Kleenex and I settle down, she explains to me how growing up will be a fun experience. She tells me about her teenage years and all that she experienced in her life. And of course as every mom does, she brought up marriage. She says how she can’t wait to see me get married and have a family. I just reply, â€Å"Okay mom, okay I get it.† It is then that I realize that growing up won’t be so bad. I will get to start my own family and own a house. I will get to experience new things and learn the values of life. I also realize that I just grew up a little in my parents’ bathroom because when I was a kid I was scared but as a teenager I am excited and ready. The last thing my mom and dad say is, â€Å"All these things that happen today and tomorrow and in three years will shape who you are in the future.† As they walk out, I stare in the mirror once again, and this time I don’t see a child I see a teenager growing up.

Vodafone

Introduction Vodafone Limited (1) suggested that the company is the first mobile operator of the UK, which started its journey in 1985; however, for its innovation, investment and appreciated customer service, the company has turned into the number one mobile operator in Europe and the rest of the world.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Vodafone – International Marketing Plan specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In 2010, the company gained the ‘Best Network’ award in the UK, providing one million satisfactory business solutions, connecting mobile and landline numbers, launching Vodafone VIP, Apple iPhone, 400 retails store, World of Difference programs, and service agreement with Twitter, and Secure Remote Access for the customers globally. However, this report will discuss the affect of environmental variables on Vodafone, positioning strategies, competitive advantage, the marketing mix, timing a nd mode of entry and so on. Affect of Environmental Variables on Vodafone Economic Factors It is important to note that the KSA consists of a prosperous oil- based economy with well-built administrative power in about seventeen percent of globe’s fuel assets, making approximately eighty percent of budget-revenues, forty-five percent of GDP, and ninety percent of export-profits; yet, it is extremely helpful for the international marketing activities of Vodafone to sustain in this market. This is because the government of the country is supporting the enlargement of private sector for expanding the market and creating more employment; in addition, as the expansion works are concentrating on power generation and telecommunications, Vodafone is greatly supported by the country’s authorities to conduct international marketing activities in a profitable way. Moreover, it is important to note that, as the people of Saudi Arabia are generally quite rich, with high-income level s and high purchasing powers, so while formulating the international marketing plans, the company is able to keep this in mind and structure the pricing strategy accordingly, in a profitable approach. it is essential to note that last year, the per- capita gross domestic product of the country was 25700 American dollars, buying capacity parity was more than 740 billion, and expansion- rate was about six percent; this indicates that this country is highly lucrative for any international business for allowing its operations to flourish in the global market (Indexmundi 1). However, the following figure gives more informationAdvertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Figure 1: GDP overview Source: Indexmundi (1) On the other hand, the key economic indicators of the country shows that on average, its government invests more than twenty- one percent of its gross domestic product and the b udget surpassed about 12 percent in 2012; however, the inflation rates were less than five in the same year. Figure 2: Economic indicators Source: Indexmundi (1)Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Vodafone – International Marketing Plan specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Political Factors The political condition in this modern monarchy in Saudi Arabia is quite stable and instable conditions such as strikes, protests, political uprisings, and other forms of unrests are quite rare. This has meant to be greatly helpful for the international marketing activities of Vodafone, as it is able to operate without any hassles, interruptions, and any predicted losses. As a result, compared to Asian countries like India, where political unrests is regular problem for business operations, in Saudi Arabia the peaceful political environment ensures prospective business atmosphere without any threats. Legal Factors While con ducting its operations, this company needs to ensure that it conforms to all rules and regulations of the country in which it operates. It is important to state that without due compliance to the country’s laws, it would be nearly impossible for the company to sustain in long run, and there are chances for it to get engaged in lawsuits and other legal hassles. However, it is quite good to know that Vodafone complies with all laws of the kingdom, which, for example, includes the environmental laws, labor laws, employment laws, health and workplace safety laws, company laws, taxation rules, as well as other rules and directives. Culture Even though this is one of the largest Muslim countries in the world with almost hundred percent of the population being Muslims, it is important to note that the old characteristics of the country contained numerous chronological customs and folk-traditions which included dance or music; however, most of the conventional cultural factors are su bject to lawful-prohibitions since Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In addition, people who belong to other religions are also banned by rule from practicing their respective religions within the country; on the other hand, intoxicating drinks are proscribed as well; moreover, girls are not allowed to go outside alone by driving their own, and they are always in complete veil so that nobody could even see their toes. The kingdom has its own religious polices, who arrests anyone who break this rules or do not veil themselves in a proper manner. In so much of religious conventions that are even binding on the foreigners, it would not be possible for Vodafone to sustain without complying with their customs and traditions.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As a result, while conducting the international marketing activities, or creating the advertisements, this company complies with all these rules having regard to the strict Muslim laws. Strategic Planning Muhammad (2) stated that Vodafone was seriously concentrated on joint venture and acquisitions strategies to gain cost advantages, to gain market share and to become technological leader in the mobile telephony industry; however, this report will analyze Positioning strategies and Competitive advantage of this company. Positioning strategies According to the annual report 2012 of this company, the motto of this group is to ensure simple, reliable and richer communication system at anywhere and anytime; however, the marketers of Vodafone considered positioning strategies of Hutch to develop world class marketing campaign to increase brand image. On the other hand, Vodafone took over Hutch in 2007 for which this company redesigned positioning strategies and implemented it within the next four months, for example, it introduced simpler advertisement campaigns. However, the following strategies helped the company to become popular in the marketplace, such as- It never disappoints the subscribers and respect the customers; In addition, it ensures high quality services to the subscribers Each advertisement of this company is used to promote a specific value added service; customer care and happy to help attitude ensure better services and create strong position Competitive advantage: Vodafone has long experience to operate in the telecommunication industry and its ranking is second in world; According to the annual report 2012 of this company, it has 86,373 high qualified employees in 65 countries (Vodafone Group 1); Chronological development, strong brand image in the global market, customer relationship management, outstanding supply chain and communication system; It has loyal customers base, for instance, 439 subscribers are the key success factors of the co mpany (Vodafone Limited 1) Product line, new product development, product features and design help the company to gain competitive advantage over the global market players; Strong position in the market and financial capabilities enhance business opportunities such as enter new international market; Timing and Mode of Entry Vodafone considered several mode of entry strategy in order to penetrate global market place, such as, acquisitions, strategic alliance, and licensing; however, the decision markers have researched on the risk factors of global market place and alternative entry mode strategies to take decision in this regard. At the same time, Keegan and Mark (68) argued that acquisitions and strategic alliance are the effective entry mode strategies for the late entrants; however, this company has reputation as the first mover to bring new technologies as well as buy 3G licenses in the global market. Former CEO, Chris Gent turned the company into a global company, for instance , the acquisition of Mannesmann started in1999, and it acquired a large mobile company in Japan called J-Phone in 2001, it took-over Hutchison Essar in India, and so on. The Vodafone Group (1) added that the company at its tenth anniversary of international operation, it has established partnerships with the mobile operators of more than 40 markets all over the world where the successful strategic associations have generated reliance of technology and excellence of customer service. Still the company has been striving to expend its global operation with superior market knowledge and experience in terms of both sides beneficial for Vodafone and its global partners with special attention to get entry in the emerging markets. Vodafone’s Relationship with Zain KSA Zain (1) pointed out that Zain Group is a Kuwaiti company started its journey in 1983 and now established itself as a regional telecommunication leader in the eight MENA1 countries including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with 6000 workforce serving 44.1 million active mobile services to the individuals and business communities. In September 2012, the Vodafone Group and Zain Group signed a partnership agreement that contributed the company to extend its services in the MENA countries, under the agreement Zain gained the capabilities to meet the growing demand of complicated voice and data communications solutions for eight countries including KSA by accessing devices and services of Vodafone with enhanced network coverage. Zain has already introduced ‘Vodafone Passport Service’ to the mass market of KSA that enhanced roaming data transfer with a rate of 0.75 SAR, such wonderful roaming solution has generated significant revenue boosts for Zain and encouraged this vender to enhance its further partnership with Vodafone for upcoming innovations and welcomed for major network improvement in this region. The Marketing Mix Products Services As a pioneer in the mobile network and service prov ider, the Vodafone has a large array of products and services to serve and support the global mobile industry and its enthusiastic customers, for better understanding, the company categorized its product and services into three types such as Business, Corporate, Public sector and the industry as a whole. For business solution, the company aimed to resolve the business challenges with perfection of its business phone, internet solution, One Net Express for landline to mobile access, Dongles Mobile Wi-Fi, Office 365, iPad tablets including secure mobile working and Vodafone Data Sharer and so on. For corporate solution the company provides secure mobile working, one net enterprise, mobile email, mobile voice and coverage, fixed network services, remote access, contact centre solutions, while its public sector solution works for all the above including enterprise telephony, remote access, machine-to-machine solution. Promotion The promotional strategies of this company actually diver ge correspondingly along with altering buyer drift, wants, and other external situation in Saudi Arabia; however, Vodafone prepares the promotional offers by studying the issues, for example, special time of year, New Year, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Eid-ul-Adha, Eid-ul-Fitr, Ramadan month, as well as other countrywide holidays, like Shab-e-Barat, Eid-e-Miladunnabi, and so on. In addition, irrespective of special occasions, this company all of the year broadcasts commercials on television channels, hoardings, periodicals, newspapers, radio, social media, blog, as well as in supplementary intermediate outlets that catches huge group of people, transmitting brand-image efficiently; the company’s outlets also have extraordinary offerings, promotions in addition to point-of-sale placards to draw people within the outlets. Consequently, Vodafone attains viable benefit in comparison with the rivals through boosted sales in annual term Price In the Kingdom of Saudi Ar abia, due to the fact that the economy is quite rich from the overall point of view and because of the fact that the purchasing power parity and GDP per person in very high, the company considers that the pricing strategies can be placed in rather high levels, as people of KSA can afford it. However, the company does this in a smart way so that it does not impose too high call rates on the customers so that they stop buying the products and do not stay loyal. The key strategy is actually to balance the offered rates in a way to charge high, but still enough affordable for the people of KSA that they will not find themselves being exploited. Place Vodafone places itself in Saudi Arabia though numerous outlets within the country; it also sells by self- governing vendors, where clients are capable to observe and test the items they deem to purchase; employees are present to ascertain clients’ requirements with perfect products and to clarify diverse choices accessible. Extent of Standardization Vs Adaptation Considering Market Entry It would have been almost impossible for the company to make a successful market entry without aptly adapting to the Saudi Arabian culture. As a result, it has adapted its price, place, and promotional strategies with the Saudi market; however, even though no big alteration is brought in the products or services to fit the traditional distinctiveness, in case of price the company does not use permanent strategy at every global market. In KSA, it charges the customers considering their income levels and local competitive situations; on the other hand, rather than using standardized distribution arrangements the company does the placement by modified allotment, and promotes itself by making particular transformations to suit customary circumstances: Figure 2: standardization v adaptation Source: Self-generated Managing, Measuring and Controlling the Marketing Effort Keegan and Mark (135) stated that managing the marketing effort is one of the most important processes, which deals with measuring the attainment of the objectives; however, marketing efforts should be different for foreign countries due to different social, cultural and economic background of the foreign nations. In this situation, the board of directors and head of marketing department controlled the marketing efforts and focused on many areas particularly cultural and economic environment of particular country to make string position. Works Cited Indexmundi. Saudi Arabia Economy Profile. 2013. Web. Keegan, Warren, and Mark Green. Global Marketing, London: Prentice Hall, 2011. Print. Muhammad, Usman. Vodafone Strategic Planning. 2013. Web. Vodafone Group. Vodafone and Zain Group Announce Multi-Country Partner Market Agreement. 2012. Web. Vodafone Limited. Our company history: Vodafone through the years. 2013. Web. Footnotes 1 Middle Eastern and North African This report on Vodafone – International Marketing Plan was written and submitted by user Griffin Hurst to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.