Understanding The Chemistry Of Foods

Understanding The Chemistry Of FoodsCation and anion are the basic elements of all chemical reactions, and they are also very important to understanding the chemistry of foods. The properties of these molecules can be described in terms of their roles in the formation of food chemistry. Cations and anions have opposite effects when reacting with one another, and they both have the ability to form bonds with other substances and molecules.The term 'anion' refers to an alkaline substance, while 'cation' is a basic substance. In relation to food chemistry, Cations are often neutral substances that the body uses to help fight infection or maintain the normal pH level in the blood. Because of their capacity to form hydrogen bonds with each other, Cations can also bond with other substances and molecules to form a solid bond. The oxygen in the blood is considered to be an anion, as it has the ability to hold water into its molecular structure. Ammonia is another neutral compound that may b e used in conjunction with anions to help maintain the acidity level in the body.The term 'cation' means that an anion will bond with a neutral molecule or a metal to form a solid bond. One can use acids such as lemon juice to add cation to a solution to form a solution with acid properties. Some common anions are chloride, which forms a stable ionic molecule; calcium, which is protonated sodium; potassium, which is a major component of potassium chloride; and aluminum, which is another salt and a metallic compound. While some cations can be formed directly from acids, many cations will not be produced from acids but must be produced by a reaction of two different substances.Bromine is the most common cation and it is also the most commonly used in laboratory tests. Bromine is more commonly known as a browning agent, and it is the reason for the appearance of brown paint on coffee cups and the destruction of a barbecue that has been cooked over an open flame. For this reason, it is used to reduce the possibility of excessive heat damage in laboratory experiments.In food chemistry, the anion is often referred to as a non-acidic substance. Examples of cations include the acidity of some fruits, and vegetables like oranges. Because of this, a number of fruits and vegetables have high levels of cation in them. The majority of foods contain anions that are neutral, but some examples of acidic foods include citrus fruits, strawberries, and oranges.In food chemistry, anions are used as a part of some food preparations. An example of this is when foods are prepared by heating them at very high temperatures, as in the case of deep frying, or even by freezing, as in the case of salad dressings and even ice cream. These foods are often cooked at higher temperatures, and by using a non-acidic substance as a bulking agent, they will be more palatable. They will also have a better taste when they are heated.In the context of food chemistry, anions and cations are used in co mbination to improve the taste and texture of the food. For example, foods that contain a large amount of cation would not be suitable to be eaten by young children, because they would not digest the food properly. In comparison, foods that contain a large amount of anion would be best suited to eat by young children, because they would have a better chance of being digested easily.

Kumon Program Completer Conquers Tennis on the National Stage

Kumon Program Completer Conquers Tennis on the National Stage Kumon Program Completer Conquers Tennis on the National Stage Kumon  Program Completer  Conquers  Tennis on the National Stage     Ena  Shibahara has received many tennis accoladesâ€"Intercollegiate Tennis Association Rookie of the Year, Pac-12 Newcomer and  Freshman of the Year,  All-American honors  and even the 2016 US Open Junior Girls’ Doubles Champion. She went into her sophomore season at UCLA ranked as the number one collegiate singles player in America. Amongst all of that, when asked what achievements she’s most proud of, she still mentions  completing the  Kumon Math and Reading Program.   Ena  enrolled  at Kumon Math and Reading Center of Palos Verdes at the  age of four years old  because her older  brothers were seeing a great  deal of success in the program. She quickly developed  the  confidence and perseverance  necessary to join her brothers as program completers.       Her older brothers also inspired her to take up the game of tennis at five  years  old. As the youngest and smallest sibling, she was often the odd one out, which forced her to work that much harder.  Her first goalâ€"beating her older brothers! She said at seven  years  old, after winning her first tournament, she realized she wanted to play tennis for the rest of her life.     Ena  took time out of her busy schedule at UCLA  to  tell us about her Kumon experience and how it impacted her life.       What did you enjoy most about Kumon?   Kumon really helped me gain confidence  and the composure  needed  to succeed. It helped me know how to stay calm when I hit a wall academically and think outside the box to solve the problem. Because of Kumon, I was always one or two levels ahead of what I was learning at school. It  allowed me the leisure to focus on other activities and classes.       What was the most beneficial thing you learned from Kumon?   The most beneficial thing I learned from Kumon is the ability to think fast and efficiently. Kumon always challenged me  and I believe that’s why I’m always a step ahead of my peers.       What is the biggest life tool you received  from Kumon?   The biggest learning tools that I received were  increased  focus and  the ability to think critically. Because of Kumon, I can stay focused for long periods of time.  And I believe that critical thinking leads to problem solving, which connects to resilience.       What advice would you give to kids just starting Kumon?   Congratulations on taking the first courageous step towards success by enrolling in Kumon. The journey won’t always be easy and you may hit some walls, but every time you break through that wall, you will gain this feeling  that you are invisible! There are no problems that you cannot solve and no goals you cannot achieve, as long as you put in the work.       Studying towards a degree in communications,  Ena  credits all of her success in-and-out of the classroom to her supportive family.  She hopes to join the Women’s Tennis Association’s professional tour someday. We look forward to following her continued success.       Discover even more  Kumon  success stories.       You might also be interested in: Meet Marco, a Program Completer, Who Inspired Other Family Members to Reach their Highest Potential with Kumon Kumon Program Completer Earns Perfect SAT Math Score as a 7th Grader From Struggling Student to Kumon Dual Program Completer Inspired by a Kumon Program Completer, This Student Became One Himself Kumon Program Completer Conquers Tennis on the National Stage Kumon Program Completer Conquers Tennis on the National Stage Kumon  Program Completer  Conquers  Tennis on the National Stage     Ena  Shibahara has received many tennis accoladesâ€"Intercollegiate Tennis Association Rookie of the Year, Pac-12 Newcomer and  Freshman of the Year,  All-American honors  and even the 2016 US Open Junior Girls’ Doubles Champion. She went into her sophomore season at UCLA ranked as the number one collegiate singles player in America. Amongst all of that, when asked what achievements she’s most proud of, she still mentions  completing the  Kumon Math and Reading Program.   Ena  enrolled  at Kumon Math and Reading Center of Palos Verdes at the  age of four years old  because her older  brothers were seeing a great  deal of success in the program. She quickly developed  the  confidence and perseverance  necessary to join her brothers as program completers.       Her older brothers also inspired her to take up the game of tennis at five  years  old. As the youngest and smallest sibling, she was often the odd one out, which forced her to work that much harder.  Her first goalâ€"beating her older brothers! She said at seven  years  old, after winning her first tournament, she realized she wanted to play tennis for the rest of her life.     Ena  took time out of her busy schedule at UCLA  to  tell us about her Kumon experience and how it impacted her life.       What did you enjoy most about Kumon?   Kumon really helped me gain confidence  and the composure  needed  to succeed. It helped me know how to stay calm when I hit a wall academically and think outside the box to solve the problem. Because of Kumon, I was always one or two levels ahead of what I was learning at school. It  allowed me the leisure to focus on other activities and classes.       What was the most beneficial thing you learned from Kumon?   The most beneficial thing I learned from Kumon is the ability to think fast and efficiently. Kumon always challenged me  and I believe that’s why I’m always a step ahead of my peers.       What is the biggest life tool you received  from Kumon?   The biggest learning tools that I received were  increased  focus and  the ability to think critically. Because of Kumon, I can stay focused for long periods of time.  And I believe that critical thinking leads to problem solving, which connects to resilience.       What advice would you give to kids just starting Kumon?   Congratulations on taking the first courageous step towards success by enrolling in Kumon. The journey won’t always be easy and you may hit some walls, but every time you break through that wall, you will gain this feeling  that you are invisible! There are no problems that you cannot solve and no goals you cannot achieve, as long as you put in the work.       Studying towards a degree in communications,  Ena  credits all of her success in-and-out of the classroom to her supportive family.  She hopes to join the Women’s Tennis Association’s professional tour someday. We look forward to following her continued success.       Discover even more  Kumon  success stories.       You might also be interested in: Meet Marco, a Program Completer, Who Inspired Other Family Members to Reach their Highest Potential with Kumon Kumon Program Completer Earns Perfect SAT Math Score as a 7th Grader From Struggling Student to Kumon Dual Program Completer Inspired by a Kumon Program Completer, This Student Became One Himself

5 Great Reasons to Volunteer this Summer

5 Great Reasons to Volunteer this Summer 5 Great Reasons to Volunteer this Summer All high school students need a certain number of volunteer credits to graduate. It can seem stressful to volunteer while also studying for standardized exams, writing college personal statements, and taking advanced placement classes, However; volunteerism is a great way to discover valuable information about college and career. Students can take the opportunity to experiment in a few different areas or put their focus towards one particular field. Because the academic year can be so time-consuming, summer is an excellent opportunity to gain a lot of those volunteer credits and start building the student resume. 1.Making a difference within the community Students who volunteer over the summer will have a great opportunity to make a difference within their local community. This can lead to a lot of self-satisfaction and a feeling of productivity that can build self-esteem and help set priorities for the future. If a student has a particular talent or if theyre interested in a specific cause, they are encouraged to see if volunteer opportunities exist in the area. Unlike school work, students get to choose which volunteer programs they participate in (READ: 5 Things to Do Before You Leave For College). 2. Networking and letters of reference Summer volunteerism can also result in some awesome networking opportunities that can help students later on when they want to apply to college or get a part-time job. Students can talk to professionals in the field and in their community as well as potential future classmates. Students who are serious about volunteering will also build a great student resume and have a better chance of getting into the college of their choice. When students start their volunteer commitment, they are encouraged to introduce themselves to each adult member of the team and ask what would be most helpful. This is a great ice-breaker and lets the other volunteers know that the student is serious about pitching in and being a helpful member of the team. 3. Exploring potential career fields For the most part, high school-aged students dont know exactly what they would like to do for their career. A great way to explore potential fields in a low-risk environment is to arrange for summer volunteer work. Students can get a taste of what working in that field might be like without committing to an internship or job. This is a great situation for students to either get excited about a possible field or perhaps eliminate certain opportunities that werent as interesting as they had originally thought. 4. Practice professionalism It can be a challenge to adjust from being a full-time high school student to exhibiting the professionalism required to work in an internship at college as well as during the college interview process. Volunteerism is a fabulous way to start practicing professionalism while gaining high school graduation credits. It takes a lot of effort and patience to communicate and interact as a professional, so its a great idea to develop some of these skills before getting to college (READ: Getting your community service credits). 5. Get recommendations from teachers In some cases, classroom teachers will arrange volunteer opportunities and invite students to join who they think will be a good fit for the service project. If this is the case, its a great way for students to develop a community service oriented relationship with that teacher and give them something to write about when theyre asked for a recommendation later on. Teachers only provide recommendations to students they know well and who they think will succeed in the college environment so its great if students can let them know theyre serious about college and their community. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.

BREAKING NEWS! Journalists Warn Of Loss Of Free Speech

BREAKING NEWS! Journalists Warn Of Loss Of Free Speech image from http://www.koeppeldirect.com The internet exists for a variety of reasons, but the reason a huge portion of it is free (other than your Wi-Fi bill) is because of advertising. Advertising ensures that sites like YouTube, Facebook and Twitter are free for public usage. These have premium services, but they are overwhelmingly unpopular and not heavily used by the general public. As such, big media companies know that they can make money by the number of clicks they get on a page. The more people click on the page, the more the ad is seen, the more the company can charge for space on their page. It’s just like the two million dollar Super Bowl ads. As such, people invest lots of money in market research to see what gets the most clicks. Recently, YouTuber content creator CGPGrey posted a video talking about media interaction and specifically with anger and sharing. His video explained how anger-provoking material was spread around and why certain emotions brought out by content were more likely to be shared. Overwhelmingly, Grey explained, posts that provoked anger, or indeed any emotional response other than sadness, showed increase in sharing. This is why your Facebook feed is flooded in puppies, quizzes and anger-provoking hate spam. This idea is not old. If you know anything about the late 19th and early 20th centuries, you’ll know that they were characterized by sensationalism or “yellow journalism.” This form of reporting is taking simple events in everyday life and blowing them way out of proportion. image from memegenerator.net Some have blamed wars of the period largely on newspaper tycoons wanting to sell newspapers. Phrases like “Remember the Maine” resonated in this era of bad reporting. If you believe, however, that the news does not do this today, I have some ocean front property for you in Montana. With the rise of the Digital Age, social media, and the internet, yellow journalism is alive today. While sensationalism is formally shunned by journalists, media agencies still utilize it as a means to get clicks: the more clicks, the more ads views, the more money made. So headlines are getting increasingly sensationalistic. Conjectures that belong in the body of the article are seeping into headlines. Bare bones get put into the summary that do not reflect the complexities of the issues at hand. All this is fine, some would argue, so long as people write about the whole issue and people pull from a variety of sources. However, statistics from the New York Times Video Study in 2013 suggest that Millennials do not spend a large amount of time on individual pieces. They move about from topic to topic, tab to tab. Attention spans are not down, but target switching between topics is up and if another, more interesting topic comes up, they are likely to switch to that. So while the need for clicks is met, the information sent out is jaded and not complete. People do not have all the information they think they do. So the journalists and media are claiming that as long as you do your research and read the articles in their entirety, you’ll get a better picture. Sadly, this is too true. (image from joyreactor.com) Millennials, it’s on us now. We have to engage. Our attentions are vied for by a variety of media now. We get 24 hours in a day and have to decide how to spend that time. If you do not spend time finding out about issues and really finding answers, you are not going to be able to participate in your democracy or the world at large. You have the ability to access more information in 20 minutes than most people in history could hope to see in their entire lives. Be a good global citizen and educate yourself. Find outlets and sources of information that are useful to you. That might be a big outlet like CNN, an independent non-media group, or somewhere else, but find sources of information. If you do not choose to find information, you are as good as censoring yourself. If you have the privilege of reading this article, you have an ability some would die for and indeed have. Be an active world citizen, find information and act on it.

Chemistry Courses for a More Reliable Education

Chemistry Courses for a More Reliable EducationAfter studying at the University of Washington, the Department of Chemistry there has taken a bold step. The University has officially placed chemistry as a major for all students in a number of departmental and schoolwide programs. The list of major programs includes the introductory courses in the popular, major chemistry course such as organic chemistry and introductory physics courses.At first glance, this seems like an outstanding move that reflects the sense of importance science and technology are getting in our society. But then again, these are the first steps towards improving and diversifying the student population in the area of chemistry.A number of other institutions have also taken a path similar to this Oregon State University. The University of Oklahoma recently started offering their major in chemistry. This not only allows Oklahoma students to get a stronger background in this field but also provides them with an oppor tunity to collaborate with various industries in the world. Although Oklahoma has offered a good education, the problem still remains that many students do not have a better option in the area of career in chemistry and other areas.The issue of getting the right education in the area of chemistry is tackled differently in different places. In many places, students get ample opportunity through various tutoring centers while others opt for on-campus chemistry classes. However, a field like chemistry presents unique challenges since the subject involves numerous cutting-edge discoveries and advancements every year.Although these developments are very relevant to modern world, students have to do well in the fundamentals in order to get proper training in chemical processes. In recent years, a number of universities and other institutions have opted for teaching science in classrooms rather than the traditional way of doing things.One of the reasons why chemistry is being taught in cla ssrooms is because the discipline of chemistry deals with information and technical processes. These processes involve a lot of complex scientific principles. This is why it is very important for these processes to be taught using a combination of hands-on learning and technical approaches in order to come up with a highly accurate educational experience.Besides, students who end up going to university for their degree in chemistry will find it to be more intellectually stimulating. Unlike previous years, they have a wider range of options to explore in the area of chemistry since the curriculum has been enhanced to accommodate students who have a holistic view of life and the universe. With the Oregon State University, students can surely find a wide range of institutions which will offer a more comprehensive education in the area of chemistry.

BCCC Tutoring Center Offers Online Education Programs

BCCC Tutoring Center Offers Online Education ProgramsThe BCCC Tutoring Center offers different kind of online schools for students. Its range of programs include family education, ESL, adult education, reading skills, math skills, language and vision center, music, physical education, social studies, science, and many more. This centre is fully accredited by the National Council of Accreditation for Special Education Schools and Colleges and its certified teachers are qualified to teach in some colleges and universities around the world.A basic requirement of such institutions is that they must be an online college or university. So, if you want to get enrolled in any of these institutions then you have to visit the proper website and submit your required details. This helps to clear the verification phase of the institution and enables you to get registered in that institute.BCCC Tutoring Center is one among the best known online schools for offering different kinds of educational i nstitutions for different learning methods. Apart, from offering different types of courses for students it also provides courses like corporate training, technology training, communication and media training, business, management, and many more. Students, both high school students and adults can take advantage of the facilities offered by these institutes. This provides variety in the available courses and the mode of training that students can choose from.It is advisable that before applying for enrolling in any online college or institution that you take a first hand look into the internet sites that you may want to pursue. You will find the best tuition options, after taking a look at the courses and make sure that the classes being offered are really worth your attention. Make sure that you carefully check out the kind of course which you may need to take and from where you will get the tuition fee.Online college will offer many benefits to the student who goes for enrolling. O ne of the most important benefit is that you can save time as you will be able to pursue your studies anywhere you want.Nowadays there are various online colleges and institutions offering various kinds of online colleges. Some of them are government, non-government, online and private. This is beneficial for those students who do not have enough time or inclination to attend any of the traditional universities. Most of the online colleges and institutions today provide distance learning classes, which are quite convenient and affordable.If you are having troubles with a student, you can contact the BCCC Tutoring Center and find an online student mentor who can help you with the whole process. However, one of the most important aspects of the BCCC Tutoring Center is that the teachers and students are well trained and educated to conduct the course. So, if you want to have better future then this is the right place for you.

Four Reasons to Consider Buying a Zumdahl PDF Chemistry Book

Four Reasons to Consider Buying a Zumdahl PDF Chemistry BookIf you're looking for a high quality chemistry textbook that will suit your needs, you'll want to consider purchasing a Zumdahl PDF book. There are several reasons why a great chemistry textbook is such a valuable investment, and this article will examine some of the reasons you should consider purchasing this book. By the time you're finished reading this article, you'll be armed with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about what to purchase.The first reason you should consider buying a Zumdahl PDF book is that it is incredibly comprehensive. In fact, in comparison to some of the other chemistry textbooks on the market, Zumdahl is extremely well put together. It contains hundreds of pages of accurate illustrations, and it is written in a way that is easy to understand. This makes it perfect for students who are working on a college level in chemistry, as they won't need to worry about missing anything impor tant.The second reason you should consider buying a Zumdahl PDF book is that it comes with so many benefits. You can customize the eBook to fit your needs and make sure you get everything you need. You can also customize the eBook by choosing the chapters you want and the readings you want. You can even include flashcards and test cases to make sure you have everything you need to be successful.The third reason you should consider buying a Zumdahl PDF book is that it comes with many extras. For example, you can choose which chapters you want to include in your eBook. You can also choose what features you want included, and there are hundreds of options available. Finally, if you buy the eBook online, you can also find other Zumdahl PDF books and add them to your collection. This way, you can get many different benefits from one product.The fourth reason you should consider buying a Zumdahl PDF book is that it's affordable. This means that if you are looking for a high quality book t hat is affordable, you'll want to consider this option. Even if you don't want to buy your own books, you can still find excellent books for a very reasonable price. In fact, there are thousands of books available online for less than $100, and many of them are as good as the top selling textbooks.These are four of the most important reasons you should consider buying a Zumdahl PDF book. They are all highly recommended because of the benefits they offer, and the high quality of the material contained within. Make sure you read each section of this article before making your final decision, because there are many more benefits that you can find.As you can see, if you're looking for a good quality chemistry textbook and have a busy schedule, you'll find this is the perfect option for you. You can also choose what features you want in your textbook to ensure you get exactly what you need.

Geopolitics Around the World

Geopolitics Around the World How do Geopolitics Shape Our World? ChaptersWhat Are Geopolitics?Geopolitics in AfricaGeopolitics in the Middle EastEuropean GeopoliticsGeopolitics in RussiaAsian GeopoliticsGeopolitics in Latin AmericaWe humans are social animals. Being social â€" interacting and cooperating in spite of our differences, has everything to do with ensuring our continued survival.A part of what shapes our experiences is the environment we live in: the resources available and how they are employed, whether nations covet riches in lands not theirs and how such conflicts are resolved.The definition of politics includes ‘... the debate or conflict among individuals having or hoping to achieve power.’How does that definition change when placing the prefix 'geo-' in front of 'politics'?Today, countries don’t (necessarily) engage in the use of force to access riches enjoyed by people in other lands â€" and thus gain power.We tend to settle transnational disputes or come to an arrangement for sharing resources through mediation and trade a greements.Still, the foundation for both the disputes and the resolutions lies largely in the resources that can be brought to the table. When seen from that aspect, geography plays a large part in the politics of today.But just how far-reaching is geopolitics? Can one nation have an impact on a country that is not its immediate neighbour? And which lands hold the riches that would make it a world power?Now, we look at global geopolitics as well as the geopolitics of individual regions; the effects of such politics and the prospective benefits to humankind’s future.Government: internal policy issues, economic policy, foreign policies and how they manage rivalries with other countries and within their borders.Does economics play a role in geopolitics? Find out in our full-length article on the subject...Geopolitics in AfricaHaving thrown off the shackles of European colonialism only in the last 70 years or so, the nations that make up the world’s second-largest continent are stil l trying to find their way onto the global political stage.While relations between African nations are mostly neutral, some countries have risen up against authoritarian regimes, causing their internal politics to endure seismic shifts in power.Strangely enough, while the great powers of the world cast anxious (or covetous) eyes on other global political hotspots such as the Middle East and Latin America, in Africa, it is only the most dramatic incursions that seem to make headlines.The tensions in African nations have little to do with global security or world politics... yet.There is one superpower that has taken a special interest in developing countries in Africa. It is providing funding opportunities and helping to build up infrastructure.Find out who that global power is in our African geopolitics article.Political instability in the Middle East is no longer due solely to religious affiliation Image by Sharon Ang from PixabayGeopolitics in the Middle EastThe region we refer to as the Middle East is actually on the Eurasian continent. Nevertheless, in geopolitical terms, that collection of countries is thought of as an entity in its own right.And quite correctly, too!Many of the world’s affairs centre on Middle Eastern countries; in part because they account for nearly 70% of the world’s petroleum supply.Another, far less flattering reason that Middle Eastern affairs are so closely scrutinised is that some of the doctrines born in that region have a dramatic impact on international security.To date, the Islamic State has done more to cause chaos in the Middle East as well as elsewhere in the world, including causing friction between Turkey and Egypt, both of whom are considered emerging powers.Strategic studies reveal that their unique geographic position â€" the link between East Asia, Africa and Europe provides each of those nations with the ability to destabilise the entire region’s balance of power.Thus, those states, even though they are only m arginally included in international affairs, bear heavy influence on our current world order.Who is the great power of the Middle East region?Although the Iran nuclear deal that the Obama administration brokered currently has the spotlight in Middle East politics, the real mastermind of global politics... is revealed in our companion article on the subject.France and Germany, in particular, have crafted a balancing of power, with Germany considered the economic leader and France’s president actively courting international relations through his uncanny use of soft power.In fact, so adept have these two political leaders become at managing their interdependence that their combined political clout actually threatens the global American hegemony!When you think of their relationship from a historical perspective, it might seem odd that France’s former invader would be so warmly embraced.And what standing will the UK have in their international policy once our exit from the European U nion is finalised?Would you like to take a closer look at how Europe's unique dynamic evolved from being competing powers to becoming world leaders in international politics?Will the UK leaving the European Union weaken its global standing? Image by Adam Derewecki from PixabayGeopolitics in RussiaNaturally, not all is rosy in Europe, especially Eastern Europe.Many of those countries are still struggling to build a competitive economy and, after years of being controlled by their larger neighbour, finding their place in the international system of politics.Russia’s grand strategy at the end of the Second World War was to establish a buffer between herself and the unpredictable powers in Europe.To that end, the lands between Russia and western Europe were absorbed into what became known as the Soviet Union.Thus began the Cold War, a time when diplomacy failed and armed conflict was a very real possibility.Or was it?For all that the Soviet Union comprised of vast lands â€" approximat ely 1/6 of the earth’s habitable territory, it had vast  natural resources but few skilled enough to work them; a dire situation made worse by a faltering economy.And, although Russian leaders enjoyed a show of might, they actually had little the way of materials or money with which to build up military power.The end of the Cold War came about when the people behind the Iron Curtain grew so restless that Russia’s imperialism could not withstand their multi-pronged assault.Following the Cold War, Russia and associated nation-states endured an economic recession that lasted nearly a decade; some countries are still trying to recover from the economic devastation they suffered during the Cold War.As for the former Soviet Union, she’s doing only okay. She has as her head of state a crafty man who knows how to command attention; in fact, that is a major part of his foreign policy!In our Russian Geopolitics study, you can find out how Mr Putin is influencing international developmen t.Asian GeopoliticsMany people embroiled in the study of political science and international relations wonder why Soviet leaders did not more forcefully pursue their alliance with China.The fact is that the Chinese leader felt that the philosophies evolving in Russia undermined the purity of the Leninist doctrine â€" the catalyst that led to the Sino-Soviet split.Immediately after breaking off relations, Mao Ze Dong gave up on foreign affairs to focus exclusively on his vast nation-state. His  brand of nationalism proved to be particularly damaging as international institutions repeatedly condemned his practices.His successor saw China’s potential for global leadership early on; in fact, he could hardly wait to open up, welcoming international organizations and taking part in global economic affairs.Today, thanks to Deng Xiao Ping’s vision, President Xi Jinping has the power (and the capital) to tap emerging markets as far away as Venezuela, making China one of the fastest risin g stars of global governance.By no means is China the only influencer in Asia; other regional powers give the largest country in Eurasia a run for its money in world affairs...Do you know who the other heavy hitters in Asia are?Water scarcity is an increasing concern that impacts global affairs Source: Pixabay Credit: J ConegoGeopolitics in Latin AmericaAs mentioned before, China is making inroads in far-flung places such as Africa and even in South America.South America, like other regions, is a collection of nations bound by geography as well as history. These countries share several cultural elements such as language and religion.Many of them also enjoy multilateral relations through the World Trade Organisation but, as far as  their political economy, it lags behind other countries of similar development.The reason for it is that most of the population, especially in South America, is dotted along the coastline, with little development made inland â€" meaning that coastal region s have significant infrastructural development while inner provinces are nearly primaeval.Learn how Latin America's energy security outshines the rest of the world in  our longer exposé of that region's geopolitics.In Summary:Western Europe’s liberalism contrasts with the ethnic conflict and civil wars that plague African nations. Meanwhile, Russia still struggles to prove itself a leading world power.The rise of China and her perceived hegemonic tendencies clash with their constructivism and world economic endeavours â€" providing financing and resources to undeveloped countries.In our globalized world, policymakers no longer think in terms of deterrence so much as conflict management and cooperation. And, if we’re really lucky, they aim for conflict resolution.Still, flareups do occur, even in these times post-Cold War, when the threat of nuclear annihilation was at its highest.Military buildup in the South China Sea, North Korea (and the U.S.) bragging of missiles, jihadist groups still active...With all of these diverging factions, is it really possible to hope for an end to international conflict and strive for peace and security?

Ask a Law School Admissions Expert Jean Webb

Ask a Law School Admissions Expert Jean Webb Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Jean Webb works as a Law School Expert at InGenius Prep, an expert admissions consulting service that helps students get into the college, law school, medical school, or business school of their choice. Jean previously served for 17 years as the Director of Admissions at Yale Law School, where her duties included management, planning, strategy, file-reading, and pre- and post-admissions recruitment. How much time should be set aside to adequately prepare for and complete a law school application? Jean: Assuming you are starting senior year and that this does not include LSAT study time, I would recommend spending three hours a week from mid-September until you submit your application. Activities included in these three hours are researching and visiting schools, speaking with your pre-law advisor, creating and editing your resume, brainstorming and writing your essay, and strategizing your letters of recommendations. Its important to carve out time in your schedule during which you can completely focus on the application for hours at a time, instead of time here and there. What is the single most important thing applicants should focus on with this application? Jean:Applicants should focus on the question: Do I really want to go to law school? Ask yourself, and keep asking yourself, this question. You dont have to know the answer for sure, but the question has to be in the back of your mind. The answer, or the quest for the answer, will wrest your strengths from within and make for a compelling application. What are the biggest mistakes a student can make on a law school application? Jean:Its a big mistake to spend too much time saying how much you love the schools to which you are applying. Admissions officers at top law schools already know that you want to go there and statements like this do not add any value to your candidacy. Instead of simply stating that you want to go Yale Law School, for example, you should mention the undergraduate research you did at Yale with a law school faculty member. Talking about a research project will trigger a better result than just saying you want to go to the school. Remember: show, dont tell. What do law school admissions officers look for most in an applicants essays/personal statements? Jean:Admissions officers look for evidence of strong writing, thinking, reasoning, and editing. Applicants must demonstrate the strengths they will contribute to law schools. Its not always about the topic; rather, its that you write about the topic well. As an admissions officer, you dont know what kind of law an applicant is going to study. Everything can change once a student gets to school. What makes a student succeed as a student and eventual lawyer is good writing, thinking, reasoning, and editing. Is there anything on a students application that would automatically disqualify him or her from being considered for the program? Jean:Misconduct without remorsein the past or on the application. Ill add that being too far below the LSAT and GPA median will also disqualify applicants. People tend to think that the LSAT and GPA are just numbers. In reality, the GPA represents four years of academic work; the LSAT reflects skills gained over a lifetime. There is an intense focus on these scores because they are distillations of a persons academic ability. While there are no formal cut-offs, admissions officers rarely seriously consider someone whose numbers are way below the median. What about the law school admissions process differs the most from undergraduate admissions? Jean:Law schools are not necessarily looking for well-rounded people or students who will contribute well to the social life of the law school. As the Director of Admissions at Yale Law School, I looked and advised my staff to look for people who would be strong contributions to class and who wanted to be involved in the law. While schools do have personalitieslike Northwestern, which has strong ties to the business worldadmissions officers are not necessarily looking for a diversity of interests. At the undergraduate level, admissions officers are looking to fill all types of slotsthe cellist, the athlete, the debater; this is not the case at law school. What kinds of things (experience, grades, etc.) might a student lack that would lead you to advise him or her not to apply? Jean:If there is no evidence that a student is a good fit for the law, I would advise him or her not to apply. This evidence can take many forms. On the academic side, if there is no academic experience related to legal workhistory, political science, economics, international relations, philosophy, government classes or majorsI would ask myself, Why does this person want to go to law school? On the extracurricular side, if there is no evidence of skills or experiences showing you are a good fit for the lawdebate, summer internships, mock trial, community serviceI would ask myself the same question. That being said, Ive seen math majors make excellent law school applicants. Some faculty members at Yale Law School even told me that math is the best preparation for law school because of the precision it requires to succeed. In cases like this, students will need to focus on weaving their unique background and skills into a story that shows they are a good fit for the law. Is there anything you might see on a students application that would quickly put him or her ahead in the running? Jean:When I was at Yale Law School, all else being equal, excellent writing and insightful letters of recommendation quickly put students ahead in the running. If a distinguished faculty member with a lot to do raves about a student in a way that is not boilerplate, I would pay special attention. More on recommendations below! What advice do you have regarding LSAT test prep? Jean:I advise students to take LSAT practice tests under timed conditions. Use officially released tests and study books. If you arent getting the scores you want, consider a LSAT tutor or test prep course. What do law school admissions officers look for in recommendation letters? Jean:Admissions officers look for corroboration of a grade well-deserved. A professor or TA can give you an A, but as Director of Admissions, I wanted to see more. I wanted to see the reasoning behind the A and statements like, this was the best paper Ive read in 10 years. Letters should also contextualize excellent performance. In order to fully understand the students academic success, admissions officers need context. Letters should tell readers about the school, the cohort, the strength and competitiveness of major, etc. Was this student the top-performer in class? Was this class competitive? Do students have to apply to even get into this class? This is the type of context that helps set the scene. Letters should also speak to what kind of student this person would be in the classroom. Letters should include evidence that an applicant would be a good lawyer. These are letters that typically come from the fieldinternship supervisors, mentors, or coaches. My InGenius Prep students often ask me who should write letters of recommendation. The answer is: someone who knows you and your work should write your letters. Your letters need to be intimate. When I tell students that it might be better to receive a letter from a teaching assistant over a professor, they look at me like Im crazy. In reality, if a professor has no idea who you are and cannot speak to your work, ability, and potential, your letter will not have the impact you are looking for. Visit InGenius Prep for more information. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.