Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Other courses

A. Meeting and Follow-Up

I'm writing to arrange a time for the meeting next week. We had arranged a meeting for tomorrow to discuss our business plans. Following conversations with our distributors, following a meeting of the ..., it has been decided to cut our training budget by... Due to the suggestions that our staff gave us, we have decided to promote this fact.

B. Requests and Apologies

I would be grateful if you could (give us a sample/ inform)-(send us details of your services). We would be pleased if you could inform us about how... I wonder if you could tell me what time... I apologize again for the changes, and I hope we can meet in the near future. If you are interested in working with us, please contact me at the above number to arrange... Continue reading "Essential Business English Phrases and Vocabulary" »

A. Meeting Arrangements and Business Communication

I'm writing to arrange a time for the meeting next week. We had arranged a meeting for tomorrow to discuss our business plans. Following conversations with our distributors. Following a meeting of the board, it has been decided to cut our training budget. Due to the suggestions that our staff gave us, we have decided to promote this fact.

B. Requests and Apologies

I would be grateful if you could give us a sample information or send us details of your services. We would be pleased if you could inform us about how... I wonder if you could tell me what time. I apologize again for the changes, and I hope we can meet in the near future. If you are interested in working with us, please contact me at... Continue reading "Essential Business English Phrases and Grammar Tips" »

Chapter 1 Introduction to Services

3.1. Service Terminology Service

a service is a software program that makes its functionality available via a technical interface, called a service contract.

Figure 3.1. The symbol used to represent an abstract service.

Service Contract

The symbol used to represent a service contract is displayed in Figure 3.2.

Service Capability

A service contract can be broken down into a set of service capabilities, each of which expresses a function offered by the service to other software programs.

Figure 3.4. A Purchase Order service contract with four service capabilities.

Service Consumer

A service consumer is software program when it accesses and invokes a service—or, when it sends a message to a service capability

Service

Introduction to Geology Fundamentals

The Development of Geological Thought

The understanding of Earth's history evolved through competing theories:

• Mid-1600s – James Ussher: Catastrophism
  • Proposed that Earth’s landscapes were shaped primarily by sudden, short-lived catastrophes.
• 1795 – James Hutton: Uniformitarianism
  • States that the physical, chemical, and biological laws that operate today have operated throughout the geologic past.
  • Famous maxim: “The present is the key to the past.”

Energy Sources of the Earth System

The Earth system is powered by two main sources:

External Processes (Solar Energy)

The Sun drives external processes occurring in the:

• Atmosphere
• Hydrosphere
• At Earth’s surface

Internal Processes (Earth's Interior Heat)

The Earth... Continue reading "Fundamentals of Physical Geology: Structure, Systems, and Rock Cycle" »

If this story had been told differently, it wouldn't have mattered to anyone. The best thing about this film is the narrative. It has such an attractive and comical principle that it catches anyone. Showing the characters with insignificant details brings them closer to the ordinary mortal, so full of obsessions or supposed oddities. They and not the protagonist of the story are, in my opinion, the success of this film. Amelie is a normal character who becomes the centerpiece of a story because of her kindness. Here she appears as a modern fairy godmother, even if she replaces the magic wand with toothpaste, slippers or intentional phrases. That's why the first part of the film, where the different human stories appear, is the one I liked the... Continue reading "Amelie: A Modern Fairy Godmother and the Power of Narrative" »

Social Media: A Balancing Act

Social networks like Twitter and Facebook have become integral parts of our lives. They offer numerous advantages, such as connecting with new people, staying updated on current events, and engaging in discussions. However, it's crucial to use them responsibly and be mindful of potential drawbacks like privacy concerns and excessive time consumption.

Advantages of Social Media

• Connecting with new people and making friends
• Staying informed about current events and news
• Engaging in discussions and sharing opinions
• Entertainment and leisure

Disadvantages of Social Media

• Potential for addiction and excessive time spent online
• Privacy concerns and data security

In conclusion, social media platforms can be valuable tools for communication... Continue reading "Exploring Travel, Pets, and Social Media: A Personal Perspective" »

He has been a blacksmith for over 30 years and has created weapons for over 200 films. This is Man at Arms.

"The weapons of anime are always my favorite, and I know that the fans have been asking for this for a long time. This is Elucidator from Sword Art Online." He begins by sketching the Elucidator by hand and transferring the design onto 1075 SQT steel. Using a band saw with a bimetal blade, he cuts out the heart of the sword and refines the edges with a belt sander. He marks the internal cut with a soapstone marker and uses a plasma cutter to create the symbol. Another piece, cut from 3/8 gauge carbonized steel, will cover the main section. The edges are leveled, the surface is polished, and any leftovers are trimmed with a Dynafile.

Crafting

Hercule Poirot's Unexpected Journey

At the Hotel Tokatlian in Istanbul, private detective Hercule Poirot receives a telegram asking him to cancel his commitments and return to England as soon as possible. He decides to travel on the Orient Express, which departs that very night. During the journey, Poirot encounters an American named Ratchett, whom he had previously seen at the Tokatlian. Ratchett believes his life is in danger and attempts to hire Poirot, but the detective refuses, telling Ratchett that he "does not like his face."

A Snowstorm and a Murder

During the second night of the trip, the train is halted by a snowstorm near Vinkovci. Poirot is awakened several times by various noises and disturbances, including a cry from Ratchett's compartment.... Continue reading "Hercule Poirot's Orient Express Investigation" »

California Property Tax & Budgeting Sector Differences

California's Prop 13: A Non-Neutral Tax System

Property tax in California operates under a non-neutral system, initiated by Proposition 13 in 1978. This landmark legislation linked the tax rate to a property’s sales price at the time of acquisition, with a maximum 2% annual increase on the assessed value. As noted by Bland, this structure means the tax rate is determined by the sales price, primarily benefiting owners who retain their properties for extended periods. The low annual increase on property tax has resulted in significant tax disparities, allowing long-term property owners to realize substantial tax benefits over time, especially upon sale.

Impact on State Revenue and Local