Baguio City radiates a perfect blend of country and modern feel like no other and draws a large

number of locals and tourists no matter what season. Aside from these, people come to Baguio for
the city’s biggest and most exciting celebration – the flower festival or popularly known as the
Panagbenga Festival.

In local dialect, Panagbenga refers to a season for blossoming of the flowers. First held in 1996, the
popular festival is a complete showcase of culture and tradition Baguio and the Cordilleras, and the
successful flower industry. Panagbenga has greatly contributed to the continuous rise of the city since
the earthquake in1990, which caused grave distress in the city. Panagbenga is held every February in
honor of Baguio’s abundant beautiful flowers. Local exhibits, contests, competitions and other social
events are held during the month-long festivity.

Highlights of this annual flower festival, which has been likened to California’s Pasadena Rose Parade,
are two most anticipated events usually celebrated during the last weekend of February, the street
dance parade and the grand float parade.

The grand street dance parade includes the display of banners created by different schools, companies,
and associations in the city. One of the most awaited street dancers are those from Philippine Military
Academy Band and cadets. The street dance parade usually includes locals in native clothes who
perform cultural dances while other participants, clad in distinctly colorful and lively costumes. The
grand floral parade features artistic floats decked with arranged flowers. Watched by thousands of
spectators, the floral parade, the flower festival is a tradition and a showcase of beauty and loval
craftsmanship where large floats are adorned with attractive flowers of different kinds, colors, and sizes,
as well as other organic products, all grown in the mountains of Baguio.

The flower festival is a cultural awareness delivered through a uniquely dynamic approach, brought
together by the commitment and shared goald of the locals. It is a bridge between the indigenous
people and the present generation which relives the locals’ artistry, values and traditions. Panagbenga is
where the people of Baguio shine.
Depression is a quite widespread disease in today’s modern society.
Scientific sources and mass media already have some success in conveying
to society the thought that depression is a disease, and like any other
disease, it requires treatment There are different views about this issue.
Some researchers claim that the main cause of depression is genetic. Others
claim that environment is more important in the context of depression.
However, as it often happens, and as the studies confirmed, the both sides
have correct suggestions and the both causes, genetic and environmental,
are important for the development of depression.
As it was already mentioned above, there are some researchers who claim
that genetic factor is the main cause of depression. For example, Lohoff
(2010) noticed in the study that genetic factors play important roles in the
development of major depressive disorder (MDD), “as indicated by family,
twin, and adoption studies, and may reveal important information about
disease mechanisms” (p. 539). As one can see, there are some studies that
confirm the importance of genetic factor for the development of depression.
However, not only the studies about the family, twin, and adoption show
such results. England & Sim, (2009) refer to the studies of Kendler et al.,
(2006) and Sullivan, Neale, and Kendler, (2000), claiming that “about one-
third of the risk for major depression in adults derives from genetic
differences between individuals.” Moreover, the researchers even point to
the specific genes that are related to the development of depression. Thus,
England & Sim (2009) noticed that there are “several genetic polymorphisms
have been linked to increased risk of depression in response to stress.
Foremost among these are genes of the serotonin system (5-HT).” The fact
that there are specific genes that take part in causing depression make the
thesis about genetic as the key factor that causes depression especially
strong. In any case, it must be clear that for depression, as for any other
mental disease, genetic factor has quite an important role. Thus, Hyman
(2000) wrote that “family, twin, and adoption studies have shown that, for
schizophrenia, autism, manic depressive illness, major depression, attention
deficit hyperactivity disorder, panic disorder and other mental illnesses, the
transmission of risk is due to heredity” (456). In this way, there is a list of
many mental disorders caused by genetic factors, and it is logical that
depression can be among them. Besides, as it was mentioned above, the
studies found specific genes that are related to the development of
depression.
However, there is one more view on this issue. As far as depression is
mental health, it is related not only to the physical state of human body,
including all complex process and part of it but also with the human psyche.
It is known the fact that human psyche and state of the body are related.
Depending on the human emotions, the body produces different types of
hormones which can affect the state of the body in one or another way and
causes a person’s mood. Taking this into account one can consider an
environmental factor as that which causes depression, comparing it with
effect on low temperature on a human body. It is known fact that if a human
is under the influence of low temperature long enough, he or she can get
sick. However, it is also known that the low temperature by itself is not the
reason for disease. Impact of low-temperature affects the human body, in
particular, reduces the immunity, and that is why risks to get sick increases
after the cases of freezing. The environmental factors can have the similar
relationship with the depression. Even though the negative environmental
factors can not be the main reason for depression they can have a generally
negative effect on the mental state of the human, thus, they become the
key factor that causes depression because without their impact it could not
develop. There are some studies that confirm that the environmental factors
cause depression. For example, Saveanu & Nemeroff (2012) claim that
“onset of mood disorders such as depression is undoubtedly impacted by
stressful life events that occur in childhood” (p. 59). The authors considered
the study in which the researchers paid attention to the experience of
approximately two thousands women of various socioeconomic levels, and
came to the conclusion that “those with a history of childhood physical or
sexual abuse had an increased risk of depression and anxiety” (p. 59). The
study also showed that women with a history of childhood abuse “have a
four-fold increased risk of developing depression” and “early life trauma has
also been shown to impact the clinical course of depression” (p. 59).
Generalizing the conclusion of the study, the researchers identified four main
points about patients with depression who have a history of childhood
trauma. The researchers wrote that such patients have “(a) lower rates of
remission and recovery, (b) longer episodes of depression, (c) a more
chronic disease course, and (d) earlier onset of depressive symptoms”
(Saveanu & Nemeroff, 2012, p. 59). Tese results clearly show that the life
experience and environmental factors are significant as causes of
depression.
However, it is not only one study that shows the importance of
environmental factors in the context of depression. Beattie (2005) also
identifies interpersonal relationships among the others factors that cause
depression. Considering the types of interpersonal relationships that can
cause depression Beattie (2005) identifies the following types: “(a) within
the family, such as between the parents and between parents and children;
(b) the social environment where differences in ethnicity and social class
come into play; and (c) interactions between genders across age groups for
both females and males.” These interpersonal relationships are quite clear as
the causes of depression. The first two types are environments where a
person is forced to be the most of the time. It is clear that issues in the
family when it is not occasional difficulties but the permanent tensity, it will
cause a permanent stressful state in which person can be vulnerable to
mental disorders. The same is with another type of social environment in
which a person forced to be almost every day. Interactions between
genders, or, in some cases it can be within one gender, also can be
significant for causing depression. Interpersonal relationships such as
friendship or romantic relationships can be significant for personality; thus
their breach or absence can have a negative impact on a person’s mental
state, and that also can be the cause of depression. Moreover, there is one
more study that confirms relation of environmental factors and depression.
Peyrot et al. (2013) wrote that “stressful life-events, sexual abuse, and
childhood trauma were significantly more frequent and educational
attainment was significantly lower in major depressive disorder patients
compared to healthy controls” (p. 94). It can be clear that there are some
traumatic life-events, which can affect the mental state of a person during
the whole life, especially if such events happened in childhood. In this way,
the facts shown above proves that there is a strong relationship between
environmental factors and depression and that environmental factors can be
the factors that cause depression.
As one can see from the facts shown above, the both factors, genetic and
environmental, are important for the development of depression. In fact,
this is the correct answer on the question about the key factor which causes
depression – the both of them. One can notice that it is not only the
compromise found between two opposite but the fact confirmed by the
scientific studies. Thus, Saveanu & Nemeroff (2012) wrote that between
genetic predisposition to depression and the impact of early traumatic
experiences during critical phases of development there is a strong
relationship. The researchers noticed that even though early life stress
increases a risk of depression, “there are important differences in the way
individuals respond to the same stressful event, and these differences may
be explained in part by genetic factors” (Saveanu & Nemeroff, 2012, p. 60).
In this way, the authors claim that the both factors – genetic and
environmental are important for the development of depression. Some
researchers paid attention to the specific impact of the genes and noticed
that “the short form of the gene triggers a more intense activation of the
amygdala, also known as the cerebellar tonsil, a brain structure involved in
emotions and in the recognition of danger signals” (CNRS (Délégation Paris
Michel-Ange), 2011). The researchers also noticed that “the activity of the
amygdala varied according to not only to the form of the gene, but also to
the type of mental activity” (CNRS (Délégation Paris Michel-Ange), 2011).
They came to the conclusion that “the stress experienced during the year
also affected the influence of the gene on the activation of the amygdala –
such “genetic-environmental” interaction being itself modified by the
individual’s mental activity” (CNRS (Délégation Paris Michel-Ange), 2011). In
this way, an importance of impact of both, genetic and environmental
factors are confirmed by the facts shown above. England & Sim (2009) also
come to this conclusion writing that that gene-environment correlations
contribute to outcomes and appeals to the example when “genetic factors
may influence a depressed person’s parenting styles as well as the
offspring’s heritable traits so that the child’s genotype and rearing
environment are correlated.” In this way, the authors show the importance
of the genetic factors. However, they also pay attention to their correlation
with environmental factors, writing that “youth with particular heritable
characteristics evoke reactions from others and select or create experiences
that are congruent with their heritable characteristics—processes that might
increase the likelihood of depressive outcomes under relevant conditions”
(England & Sim, 2009). Carola et al. (2008) also pay attention to the
correlation between the genetic factors and environmental factors. They
used scientific approach and paid attention to the functions of gene, writing
that “alterations in hippocampal gene expression and function underlie at
least part of the interaction between 5-HTT and rearing environment and
point to a role for this structure in the increased anxiety and depression-
related behavior that is a risk factor for major depression” (Carola et al.,
2008, p. 845). This result shows the correlation between the genetic factors
and environmental factors in the context of the depression on the level of
chemical processes in the human body. Considering the correlation between
genetic and environmental factors one can see their close correlation. On the
one hand, the genetic factors cause some predisposition to depression. On
the other hand, without some environmental factors, this predisposition can
never develop. However, in some cases, the impact on the only one factor –
genetic or environmental can be enough for development of depression
Summer is the hottest season season of the year. It begins on the day of Summer
Solstice and ends on the day of Autumnal Equinox. Southern and Northern
Hemispheres are located in opposite directions; so, when it is summer in Southern
Hemisphere, it is winter in the northern hemisphere.

It is the season of excessive temperature and dry weather including violent monsoons
which causes rising death tolls. Weather, during this season, grows warmer because of
the high temperature which leads to droughts with short water supply. It may even
lead to water scarcity or completely lack of water in some regions. Heat waves and
spikes in temperature make this season an extremely hot weather which creates
number of problems to the, people and the environment.

Many summer deaths are caused by dehydration due to heat waves. High heat waves
are the reason of deadliest extreme weather in summer. So, it is good to stay well
hydrated all through the season. According to the National Academy of Science’s Food
and Nutrition Board, women should normally take 2.7 liters of water and men 3.7 liters
on daily basis in the summer. However, people involved in vigorous exercises must take
more water than normal.

It has been recorded by the NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center that year 2014 was
the hottest summer. According to NASA, global heat is increasing during summer year
by year because of the human created global warming. And, it seems that, this rising
temperature will soon make this world a summer-like place all through the year.

Conclusion:
As we are human being, the most intelligent creation of God, we must think and act
positively towards this ever increasing temperature. We should enjoy the summer
season by using all the comfortable resources however we should not cross the limit.
We should enjoy within limit and always save water and electricity. We should not
waste water and electricity because there is very less percentage of clean water on this
earth and unnecessary use of electricity cause global warming. Come on! We can do it
by joining our hands together.
In the 1970’s, women’s history was almost unknown to most people and to address this situation,
Education Task Force of the Sonoma County California Commission on the Status of Women initiated a
“Women’s History Week” celebration for 1987.
The local Women’s History Week activities met with enthusiastic response, and dozens of schools
planned special programs for Women’s History Week. Over one-hundred community women
participated by doing special presentations in classrooms and an annual “Real Woman” Essay
Contest drew hundreds of entries. The finale for the week was a celebratory parade and program
held in the center of downtown Santa Rosa, California.
When other people in different States learned about the success of the Sonoma County’s Women’s
History Week celebration, they decided to initiate similar celebrations within their own organizations,
communities, and school districts. They also agreed to support an effort to secure a “National
Women’s History Week.”

The first steps toward success came in February 1980 when President Carter issued the first
Presidential Proclamation declaring the Week of March 8th 1980 as National Women’s History
Week. In the same year, Representative Barbara Mikulski, who at the time was in the House of
Representatives, and Senator Orrin Hatch co-sponsored a Congressional Resolution for National
Women’s History Week 1981. This co-sponsorship demonstrated the wide-ranging political support
for recognizing, honoring, and celebrating the achievements of American women.

As word spread rapidly across the nation, state departments of education encouraged celebrations
of National Women’s History Week as an effective means to achieving equity goals within
classrooms. Within a few years, thousands of schools and communities were celebrating National
Women’s History Week, supported and encouraged by resolutions from governors, city councils,
school boards, and the U.S. Congress.
Each year, the dates of National Women’s History Week, (the week of March 8th) changed and
every year a new lobbying effort was needed. Yearly, a national effort that included thousands of
individuals and hundreds of educational and women’s organizations was spearheaded by the
National Women’s History Project.
Fashion is a part of so many different aspects of people’s lives. It could be clothes, cars, home furnishing or
electronic devices. The people who follow current fashion trends do so as a way of expressing themselves, personal
preferences and sense of style. Sometimes, other people may not understand the need to follow fashion trends. In
simple terms, it is mostly a matter of personal preferences. Just like someone follows a certain sport match by
match, another one feels that he or she has to be up to date with the latest fashion trend.

Fashion is known as a way of identifying oneself. People with this belief include celebrities and young individuals. By
following fashion trends, an individual is able to show his identity and express himself for the world to see. For
example, a person who considers himself as a German automobile enthusiast could buy every new model of his
favorite Mercedes Benz vehicle. This way, everyone would appreciate him as a passionate trend setter when it comes
to the automobile industry. That is exactly what such a person wants. In addition to proving one’s identity, a person
is also able to derive confidence by keeping up with the latest fashion trend. Confidence is usually determined by
how a person perceives himself or herself more than what other people perceive such a person. Therefore, for
instance, when a person wears the most stylish clothes since they are part of the latest collection, such a person is
able to be more confident. He or she is able to speak with some air of authority when holding conversations with
friends or during public speaking such as hosting an event.

By following fashion trends, people are able to impress others. This impression could be on a personal relationship
level or a business level. This is because most people appreciate individuals who have a unique lifestyle. A business
client could award someone a contract simply because he likes the way he dresses. On a personal level, a person could
impress someone else for purposes of starting a relationship. A person can also advance his career through this kind
of lifestyle. At an interview stage, this could sway the interviewers your way simply because of the way you dress and
carry yourself. Most people follow fashion trends in order to gain success in one way or the other.

It is clear enough that

This is a very interesting subject. A lot of research is still in progress that aims at coming up with some answers that
could shed some light on the significant differences that are observed between men and women. It is widely believed
that these differences are mainly caused by differences in the brains of the two sexes. These beliefs are not confirmed
and it makes it really difficult to tell how authentic they are. It is still anticipated that future researchers will shed more
light on this crucial and exciting subject. There are also some myths and beliefs that show that there could be significant
differences in the brains of that of men as compared to that of women.

Structural Difference
In nature, men are taller and bigger than women. This is also believed to implicate to the size of the brain. Men are
said to have a larger and heavier brain than that of women. However, this does not necessarily implicate to greater
intelligence in men than in women. The other major difference is that of the composition. Men are believed to have
more of the white matter than women. This is however compensated by their grey matter that is less than in women.
This leads to women having a thicker cortex. The cortex of women is also believed to be convoluted. Men are also
thought to have a bigger hippocampus than women. This makes them have better memory and stronger in emotions
that women. Another significant difference in the brains of the two sexes is in the size of the hypothalamus. In men,
it is believed to be twice that of women. Another fascinating difference is that it differs significantly in heterosexists
and is believed to be a major influence on their behavior.

Myths and Stereotypes

There are many differences that are seen in the two sexes. Some of these differences attempt to be explained from
myths that people believe in about the differences between brains of men and women. One of the most talked about
that of multitasking. Women are said to be better at multitasking than men. This myth may be explained by that women
have a larger nerve fiber that is used to link the two halves of the brain. Women are also good listeners and are said
to be keener than men. Some people, however, ignore all these issues of brain differences and believe that behaviors
are attributed to by the way people are brought up and how they socialize.
Narcissism is one of the most common problems of personality. It is when individuals are so taken by their attributes.
They admire them so much and are willing to brag about them all over. Narcissism is seen as a personality disorder. It
will pose a significant challenge in dealing with both yourself and others. Narcissism will not only ruin your relationship
with others but may also make you pathetic and miserable. The traits of Narcissism include self-admiration, a feeling
of authority, arrogance and entitlement. Most of the times, people with this problem do not want to view things in the
dimension that others do. They thus become hard to relate and deal with. They always feel and claim to be better than
others. They will write off those who do not admire them and flatter those admiring them. They can also be very
vulnerable and sensitive.

Effect of Narcissism in relationships

It will be very difficult to maintain a relationship with these people because they think mostly about themselves and it
will be hard for them to understand the feelings of the other people. The needs of other people do not matter to them
either. This will dent the relationship. Relationships are built on complementing each other and being compassionate.
The building basis of a relationship, more so a romantic relationship; is that both partners have to compromise. There
has to be giving and receiving. Individuals suffering from Narcissism will have a hard time to meet these commitments.
They are more into what they get than on what they give. In most cases, they are the ones that will feel hurt and
offended. This makes it complicated to keep a fruitful relationship with them.

How to Deal with Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

To deal with a person with a narcissistic personality disorder you must assess the relationship and know if the person
has invested anything in understanding your feelings and needs. Once you have looked into all the issues, you can
then tell if it is right to stay in the relationship or not. You should be keen not to be caught in a confrontation with such
persons. Then let both of you set the goals for your relationship so that you can work towards your goals.
Child soldiers have been used in most third world countries in past centuries because of their easy manipulation,
vulnerability, and obedience. In the twenty-first century, their exploitation and abuse has widely increased according
to United Nations research. In Liberia, where there is conflict since 1980, the abduction and use of children as forced
soldiers has increased from an estimated 21,000 children, 5,000 of which were girls, to 8,500 girls after 2003. Restoring
unity is an important part of change in a post-conflict society and the rehabilitation of these children is very important
because of the psychological, emotional, mental, and physical damage that is caused during their most vulnerable
developmental stages, taking away from proper growth and maturity into adulthood.

Many NGO’s such as Human Rights Watch (HRW) have been forming rehabilitation programs for child soldiers in Liberia
since 1994, this is where the children receive counseling, basic educational instruction for reading, writing, math and
other activities that they were denied because of the war and/or their involvement as a child soldier. They are taught
trade skills in order to help make them stable with an occupational ability. One main focus of the HRW in their program
is to reunite the child soldiers with their families. When the term ‘child soldiers’ is used however, the international
community conjures the idea of only boy soldiers; girl soldiers are often forgotten or not acknowledged.

Female child soldiers have been seriously. Often these young girls, who suffered just as much, if not much more,
sexual, physical, and mental exploitation than the boy soldiers, have received less attention because of societal views
of gender. Girls are not to be considered as equal as the boys and thus are less important. Instead of working to help
them heal from sexual exploitation while enlisted in armed forces, they are often referred to as ‘whores’ and rejected
from their community.

As in many societies, the females fall victim to sexism as they are stigmatized as having brought upon their own fate.
There is a lack of international recognition of this problem that simply allows the gender roles to remain. While
overlooking female child soldiers in their reintegration and rehabilitation is an issue that need be dealt with, careful
research must be taken to work with the current societal views and governances in helping to form a better future
instead of trying to impose a Westernized and perhaps more ‘modern’ view of feminization.
 Not all thieves lurk in dark alleys and parks. Some sit with their faces lit by the
glow of their computer monitors, copying, pasting, and printing.

It may seem like just another helpful source of information, but the Internet has
taken the theft of “intellectual property” to a new level. Part of the problem is that most
students don’t really know the exact definition of plagiarism or its consequences. Some
say that using someone else’s ideas without attributing them is a form of theft, but most
people don’t think of it as a serious crime.

For teachers, Internet plagiarism has been especially problematic compared to

“theft” from other sources. This is because it is so difficult to locate the origin of Internet
material. To counter student plagiarism, Internet services designed to detect copied
material have emerged to aid teachers. One company, TurnItIn.com, has developed a
system for detecting material plagiarized from the Internet. Teachers can upload student
works onto the site, which searches for similarities to material from all over the Web.
The teachers then receive an “originality report.” To utilize this technology, teachers
have students submit all papers electronically.

“The threat of using [these programs] will stop a lot of students. They will be afraid
they’ll be caught. Unfortunately, fear is what works,” English teacher Judy Grear said.

English teacher Barbara Swovelin said, “With all the info that’s on the Internet, it’s
understandable that we go to it to get information. It’s understandable that people would
use it as a resource. The legal and moral issues come in when students use it
improperly.”

A main concern is not only the use of a few plagiarized sentences, but of entire
papers. “Paper mills” like SchoolSucks.com and Evil House of Cheat are some of the
most popular sources for pirated papers. Sites like these, which have achieved fame
and notoriety among slackers everywhere, were the motivation for TurnItIn.com and
similar sites.

In addition to such blatant “cut and paste” plagiarism, most teachers agree that
students must be wary of the theft of ideas. One plagiarism-detection program, Word
Check, asserts through their Web site, “Whether you agree or disagree on how
information should be used or reused in digital form, one thing is clear: protecting
intellectual property from theft and infringement is the number one security issue.”

By some definitions, it seems like everyone plagiarizes. But for many students
who feel that they might unknowingly plagiarize, programs like TurnItIn.com are
intimidating. The detection system on TurnItIn.com, which is a part of plagiarism.org,
claims to detect plagiarism down to the eight-word level, which many fear could include
accidental lifting of words.

“You might lift an idea or a line or two. Everybody does that. Some writers don’t
read other writers because of it,” Grear said.

Swovelin responds positively to the new technology that detection programs use.
“What we would try to produce would be students who would be ethical. People learn
lessons when they do something wrong,” she said about the program.

“I think that the idea is good,” Chris M., a senior, said. “But it might be a little
extreme because some phrases are common enough that they might be in more than
one essay.”

The thieves are out there, and they aren’t wearing stocking caps. They’re not
robbing banks; they’re stealing words.
 In the perfect situation, smoking policy would be set by bar or restaurant owners,
and customers would patronize the establishments with the policy they prefer.
Customers would decide—without the government’s help—if they want to avoid smoke-
filled rooms or enter them. They might even choose to sit in an area sectioned off for
smokers or non-smokers, but the ultimate issue is choice (Ruwart 1). When the
government starts telling restaurant owners what their customers can and cannot do,
the government is overstepping its boundaries.

Our government aims to protect us—to save us from society’s evils. However, in
an attempt to protect the public from the effects of passive smoking (second hand
smoke)—of which, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service in
1994, “the statistical evidence does not . . . support a conclusion that there are
substantive health effects . . .” (Krauthammer)—the feds have failed to protect a vital
part of the U.S. economic population: business owners. Many people who drink also
tend to smoke; banning drinkers from smoking has hurt business in some bars and
restaurants. “According to the California Licensed Beverage Association, business has
dropped as much as 85 percent . . . since the prohibition took effect” (“Bar Owners Vow”
1). The decrease in customers and subsequent loss of revenue has far-reaching effects
on employers. A study by the American Beverage Institute entitled “Effect of 1998
California Smoking Ban on Bars, Taverns, and Night Clubs” asked 300 respondents
about the effects of the ban on their businesses. When asked if the ban caused owners
to lay off employees or cut working hours, 29.7 percent of respondents answered “yes”;
59 percent gave the same answer when asked if they experienced a loss of
tips/gratuities for bar and serving-staff employees (1). The plight of restaurant and bar
owners is often ignored, but it is a serious issue for them and for their employees.

While the argument rages over the effects of smoking on public health, the
question that remains is this: “How much is society entitled to penalize smokers for their
decisions because—in society’s view—those decisions are unhealthy?” (Samuelson).
Smoking tobacco is not an illegal act, yet the 25 percent of Americans who do smoke
are often treated as if they were criminals. They are incessantly nagged, blamed for
numerous illnesses and unpleasantries, and made to feel guilty by self-righteous
nonsmokers (Bork 28). The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that living with
a smoker increases your chance of lung cancer by 19 percent. What they fail to tell you
is that, in contrast, (firsthand) smoking increases your chance 1,000 percent (Buckley).
Why is the act of smoking tobacco, which merely injures oneself, so scrutinized and
shunned by society, while drinking alcohol, which is by far more deadly to innocent
bystanders, is accepted by society and virtually unregulated? (Krauthammer). One may
not wish to be seated near an extremely obese person in a restaurant, but it would
certainly be unconstitutional to deny service to these patrons. In modern society, the
government knows better than to discriminate against minorities, senior citizens, or the
physically handicapped; it does not hesitate, however, to discriminate against smokers.

Personal choice is a simple principle that is highly valued in American society.

Banning smoking in all public restaurants violates this principle and jeopardizes our
freedom. Smoking should not be banned in all restaurants. A ban on smoking imposes
unnecessary governmental interference in private business, affects business owners
negatively, and discriminates against smokers. Like the black Southerner turned away
because of racial segregation, the smoker is unfairly treated. Sadly, just when our
government claims to be whisking away the clouds of smoke, it is legislating a cloud of
discrimination.
The expansion of the world population is a major problem that should be
solved in order not to confront, in the future, big social problems such as
bad economic circumstances and lack of resources, food and housing. Birth
control, although may lead to religious, cultural and moral objections, is the
fastest way to reduce the population growth rate. So some governments
have begun programs of birth control even in a compulsory manner due to
the fact that group survival is more important than individual freedom.

A high birth rate means an ever-growing population, which means more

accommodation, education, and health care. When you fail to control high
birth rates, this will bring about an expansion in the population. Increasing
needs of the expanding population cannot be provided easily, and as a
result, it will cause malnutrition, health problems and dissatisfaction among
people. Furthermore, with a high birth rate in a rapidly growing population,
social problems will lead to social crises and explosion.

Further, high birth rate leads to reduction of the natural resources. The
diminishing natural resources causes high inflation rate and unfavorable
economic conditions. When natural resources fail to meet the growing
domestic need, prices increase and living standards decline. So in a
developing country, the government should not let the population increase
uncontrollably.

According to some research, birth control is the fastest solution to stop an

increasing population. A common criticism of the practice of birth control is
that involuntary birth control would not work properly because most people
believe that enforcing people to practice birth control cannot be a solution.
High birth rate is a real problem, which the government should actively
participate for a guaranteed solution. The government should launch a
campaign to promote the necessity of birth control and to increase
awareness among the people.

Because awareness raising programs will take a long time, until then for a
faster solution, the government, which has the power to enforce such
programs, should start compulsory birth control programs while raising
consciousness and conducting publicity campaigns.
Debt can make a person’s life more stressful. There is constant worry the debt will continue to grow or
having to deal with the struggle of having to pay every last penny back plus interests.
Society has brainwashed people to want that which they cannot have. People put themselves beyond
their means to buy objects and houses they cannot afford to own. The credit card companies are
monsters that prey on peoples wants and needs, and turns on their customers when payments are not on
time. However it is not entirely their fault and it would be foolish to place all the blame on these
companies.
The reason why people get into credit card debt is because they do not understand how they work.
People do not want to save their money to buy the items they want or think they need because this can
take a great deal of time. Also people often think that by having expensive items other people will think
highly of them and buy these things to boost their egos and show off to their friends.
People do not truly understand how credits card work. There is more than swiping and paying for the
items later. The credit card charges interest on items that people buy with their cards and these people
end up paying big time for those little items later. If people were taught how credit cards work and were
exposed to calculation charts before they used their plastic cards, less people would probably use credit
or use it for only emergencies.
One of the most common problems today that are making people sick, all is smoking. Many
people start this habit because of stress, personal issues, peer pressure and curiosity. Some
people began showing off or some people wanted to enjoy it. One cigarette can result in
smoking more cigarettes, which can lead to major addiction. When someone smokes a
cigarette they are not only harming themselves, but they are also harming other people
around them. Smoking does many horrible things to the human body that most people are
not aware of.

Almost everyone knows that smoking causes cancer, and heart disease; that it can shorten
your life by 10 years or more; and that the habit can cost a smoker thousands of dollars,
pesos, yens, dirhams, etc., a year. So, why people are still smoking? The answer is
obviously, addiction. Smoking is a hard habit to break because tobacco contains nicotine,
which is highly addictive. There are several effects and causes of smoking;
First, people smoke because they want to fit in, people see their friends smoke and they
think it makes them look cool or independent or that they belong. The primary cause of
smoking is Nicotine. It is an addictive and harmful substance contained in cigarettes. It
reduces tension and it is also believed that it can have a calming effect on people who are
anxious and worried. Although, people smoke when they are depressed, lonely or bored and
it helps them to reduce the stress. Second, is “psychological factor” which seems to be a
very important factor for people to get the habit. In many cases, smoking is started at a
young age due to high blood pressure, tobacco. Many people who start smoking have a
family member or close friend who smokes. Smoking is like a slow death. There are various
examples of smoking. Smoking leads to lung cancer, heart disease, strokes, asthma and
wide variety of other diseases. Smokers experience more coughs and colds as compared to
non- smokers. Besides affecting oneself, it also has a negative impact on others around
smokers which is also known as second hand smoking. Also any pregnant women who are
exposed to cigarettes smoke will have an increased risk of having abnormal baby. Did you
ever wonder what's in the cigarette that millions of people love to smoke every day? Well,
there are over 4000 toxic substances in a cigarette. Some of these are: Arsenic (found in
rat poisons), Acetic acid (found in hair dye developer), Ammonia (found in household
cleaners), Benzene (found in rubber cement), Butane (found in lighter fluid), Carbon
Monoxide (found in car fumes), Hydrazine and Methanol (both found in rocket fuel), Tar
(found in roads).

Smoking is a habit which people find difficult to quit. Many people make preparations for
months in their effort to get rid of the habit, Many teenagers smoke because of depression
and stress, but they should know by now that smoking kills you from the inside the are
many ways to solve problems like those but one of them is NOT smoking. It's just madness
and it will give you cancer. People like teenagers don’t think. SMOKING is BAD for YOU!!!!!!

Always try to avoid what your friends say about smoking, just say Alhamdulillah by what
Allah has given to you, So Alhamdulillah for everything, and please stop smoking.
The banking system that involves accepting deposits and lending money initiated
centuries back in various parts of the world. The system or process improved over the
time and the banks these days offer various other facilities in addition to the basic
depositing and lending of money.

People are encouraged to keep their money in the banks because it is a safer and more
secure way to store the money. The money stored in the bank in the form of fixed
deposits and recurring deposits also generstes a good amount of interest. In addition to
money, one can also keep jewelry, important papers and other valuable things in the
bank lockers.

Lending money, which is another primary function of the banks, is also beneficial for
individuals and businesses in many ways. Working people with salaries can build their
assets such as property, house, car, etc easily with the help of loans from the bank.
Businessmen, on the other hand, can expand their businesses with this banking service.
A number of other services are also provided to the businessmen to ease their financial
transactions and aid in the growth of their business.

Today, online Banking has further enhanced the process of banking. Various banking
services such as checking balance, transferring amount, applying for loan are now
provided on the bank’s website. All the customers require doing is opting for internet
banking service.
Everybody knows that parents have an important impact on their children's learning. In today’s
society,, some may hold the opinion that parents are the best teachers but others have a negative
attitude. As far as I am concerned, I hold the idea that parents are the best teachers for their own
children in that teaching can be started at a very early age by parents, the parents can direct
their children in line with their abilities, and children can be more succesful when they are
educated by their parents.
To begin with, I agree with the statement that education should start at early ages, because
children can learn easily while growing up. Professional education starts at six or seven years
old, until these ages children live with their parents and learn many things from them. What I
am trying to say is that parents are the first teachers of their children, and they work hard to
teach them in the most correct way.
Another reason why I agree with above statement is that I strongly believe that parents know
their children more than other people, because they can observe them since they are born. In
other words children grow up with their family, and show their abilities and strengths to their
parents. So, their parents can decide correct teaching methods and areas for their children.
Last but not least, although some people may disagree, I personally think that people can be
more successful if they do not feel under stressed. To illustrate, a professional teacher can be
more authoritative than the parents of his or her students, then they learn some things as a
responsibility from their teachers and forget these things after a while, but their parents do not
create stress on children and they can learn things intentionally. So they can be more prospering
in this way.
All in all, teaching can be made by parents at little ages correctly, the education which is
compatible with the children's abilities can be provided by the parents, and the children can be
more successful with the education given by their parents. Taking into account of all these
factors, we may reach the conclusion that the parents can be the best teachers for children.
The bond between parents and children is incredibly strong. A main reason is that parents and children are linked because
of their ties of blood. This unique tie distinguishes it from any other interpersonal relationships. The love between parents
and children is special. It grows for so many years without judgment, without limit. Our parents simply love us beyond all
bounds. They love all the things belong to us, not only our strengths and gifts but also our weaknesses and faults. This
strong love is from parent's hearts, there is no interests mixed in it at all. It is such a pure and exquisite emotion that
parents will do things for their children that no one else would dream of. They give completely selfless devotion to their
children. You could ask a parent if he or she would cut off an arm for a child and without hesitation, even thinking, he or
she would answer yes. You could also ask a mother about her rage if someone does her children harm. I think it will be an
unusual rage that we who don't have such experience can imagine. We often see and hear some moving things, for
example, one mother saved her child desperately in an sudden accident, regardless of her own life. This is what we called
great love of mother, I think.

I think parents are the most important factor in their children's lives. Whether they are with their children two hours a day
or twelve, parents are special to children. They make the most difference during their childhood. Furthermore, they make
the great impact on the rest of their lives. As I have mentioned above, parent's love towards their children is a strong
feeling that it is even beyond life. But usually they keep this beyond-life feeling deep in their minds. What parents do most
for their children are ordinary, small and mundane. It is true that parents are the first teachers in their children's lives.
They, as living examples, influence their children little by little, step by step. Mostly, they help children conduct their daily
lives, help them with their manners, with homework, with habits, with their sense of right and wrong, of justice and
morals. They teach their children in the ways that they can understand, for instance, through discipline, play, explanation
and talking. Take me as an example, when I was a little girl, my mother asked me to set the table every evening. This
helped me to know "to gain something, you should also put in your work". And when I grew up a little, my parents let me
feed a cat at home. At the same time, I learned about the responsibilities that come with ownership. You see, it was
through these small and common things, I have learnt the codes of conduct and developped my attitude towards life.

Education of family is always a hot topic. Regarding that nuclear family have become to dominate the family forms in
today's society, education of family turns out to be more and more important. Here, I just want to mention one point, that
is, as the unique and special people in their children's lives, parents need to spend as much time as possible with their
children. By this, I don't mean that parents should spend twenty-four hours a day with children. In today's society,
everyone is busy making their lives, especially our parents. To improve the standard of the whole family, they have to
devote themselves to their work. And of course, they all need time for themselves. So, some parents would leave their
children to the babysitter or to the day care center. But you see, babysitters come and go; day care center staffs turn over
regularly whereas parents are the constant presence in a child's life. Nobody can take its place in children's minds.

Being parents doesn't only mean providing children for material comforts, what parents should do is to have more and
better time to be with their children. In my opinion, a good parent ought to try to talk with their children and exchange
thoughts with them more often. Father and mother should learn to stand in children's shoes, to fully understand them.
This is very important for both toddlers and young people like us. The key word, I think, is giving children the sense that
they are the most important and precious treasures parents have. Of course, this doesn't equal spoiling children.

We say that family is special because of its constancy and staying power. Both parents and children are members of a
family. We, as children, should not sit idle and enjoy the fruits of our parent's work, we should also give our love and
respect to our parents. Only when both sides realize this, a harmonious family can be made.
Every April 22, communities across the country observe Earth Day. Bringing
Earth Day into the classroom allows students to explore the purpose and
significance of the holiday and raises their awareness of environmental issues.
Through writing assignments, students research deeper into the topic and then
show their understanding in the final essay. Because Earth Day encompasses a
wide variety of environmental activities and issues, from recycling to pollution
to energy conservation, your essay topics can be as diverse as your classroom.

Along with raising awareness of the physical waste piling up in landfills, Earth
Day activities raise awareness of wasted energy, whether in the home or on the
road.

One of the environmental problems that prompted the founding of Earth Day
was the amount of pollution spewing into the air, water and ground without any
laws or regulations to prevent long-term damage. Current laws regulate
emissions from factories and vehicles, the use of chemical pesticides and
fertilizers that can pollute the waterways, and the disposal of hazardous
materials like batteries and electronics. Although this topic may seem advanced
for elementary students, the children can still write about the effects of different
types of pollution, including tossing that gum wrapper on the ground.

Increasing instances of drought and ground water depletion are the result of climate
change. We outrage when we hear of farmer suicides in the country but have we done
our bit to reverse the damaging effects of global warming? Our actions must reflect our
concern for the survival of the human race. India is one of the worst affected when it
comes to ground water depletion. The burgeoning population, high concentration of
industries and reckless urbanization is making matters worse.
 Plant trees – as many as you can, as often as you can
 Adopt rainwater harvesting techniques
 Opt for solar powered devices and solar rooftops
 Reduce carbon footprint
Waste management is another damaging battle that India is currently fighting. Lack of
adequate waste separation, processing and composting facilities in rural and urban areas
alike is the main cause for the decline in health and hygiene in the country. While the
recent drive by the government to construct toilets in the country is a commendable one,
till about 2014 there were 130 million households that lacked toilets.
 Do not litter or throw trash in the open
 Invest in a composting machine for the neighbourhood
 Construct a toilet if your household lacks one
 Promote waste management awareness
We celebrate Earth Day each year to remind ourselves of the natural resources that our
planet generously offers us aplenty. But with such a precious gift also comes an enormous
responsibility to use them judiciously, conserve them and to hand them to our future
generations. Recklessness and human callousness can be calamitous to this planet that
we call our home. Earth Day, then, is more of a call for action than a celebration. Let us
step out this year and set an example for the rest of the world by making India a cleaner
and greener place to live in.
The dog is a loving companion to a man. He is happy to go everywhere with his master.
He shows his affection for his master by wagging his tail and licking his hand or face.

If his master is blind, the dog helps him to cross the street and acts as his loving guide.
No man can feel lonely when he has a dog for company.

A dog keeps watch over his master’s house. He will not allow anyone to touch anything
belonging to his master. He will bark when a stranger approaches the house.

He might even bite a thief who is not scared away by his bark. A dog is useful to a
shepherd to look after his sheep. If any of the sheep stray from the flock, the dog will
bring it back. He will not allow a wolf or fox to attack the sheep.

A dog is useful in catching thieves and criminals. The thief may hide anywhere. Yet the
dog will use his keen sense of smell to find out where the thief is hiding.

Police dogs are used to catch murderers and criminals. The dog by his sense of smell
will lead the police to the hiding place of a murderer.

A dog is loyal and faithful to his master. Nothing will induce him to leave his master. His
master might be a poor man or even a beggar but, still his dog will not leave him to go
with anyone else. A dog worships his master as if he were a God.

A dog has a sharp sense of hearing and smell. He can hear footsteps from a great
distance. At night he will be up and about at the least sound. He can smell his master
from far off. He will rush out of the house to jump on his master and welcome him home.

A friend is one who is ready to help a man in his moment of need. So a dog is really
man’s best friend. He is prepared to die rather than allow any harm to come to his
master.

Dogs have been known to die to save their masters. A dog might even die of grief after
his master is dead. He is certainly a true and faithful friend. It is right to call him man’s
best friend.