Introducing the New Map Template Library! - Focus

Introducing the New Map Template Library! - Focus Introducing the New Map Template Library! - Focus Why create each new map from scratch when you can choose from a myriad of practical templates? Weve completely revamped our map template library and filled it with awesome new templates. Whether youre outlining a sitemap structure or writing a business plan, with a map template youll be off to a great start. If youve logged into your MindMeister account recently, youve probably noticed that your dashboard has a new look. A selection of mind map templates (which were previously accessible via the navigation bar on the left) are now displayed right above your map list. When you click on Show more, the full template library opens. Weve combed through all of our old templates, removed the least used ones, improved the best ones, and added a bunch of practical new ones that youve requested in the past. The library now offers the following four categories: Business: Here, youll find templates for business plans, company org charts, project plans, and other maps you typically create at work. Education: This category features map templates for exam preparation, essay writing, note taking, and more. While some were created for students, others can be used by teachers to help them plan their lessons. Life: Life is full of to-dos, so weve created a few simple templates to help you get things done. Youll also find a template to help you visualize your life plan and reach your goals! Productivity: In this category youll find practical templates to analyze your business and make better decisions, such as a SWOT analysis, an Effort vs Impact Matrix, and more. If you want to start with a blank map but already know that you need a specific map alignment, you can also select your alignment of choice at the top of the library. Aside from short descriptions, some of the less structured templates also offer  demo videos. If youre not sure how to fill out a template, take a minute to watch the videos so you can dive in quickly and get the most out of MindMeister! Templates that offer videos feature a play button in top right corner of their preview dialog. We hope the new map templates will help you create even more awesome mind maps at work, in school, and anywhere else where you need to structure your thoughts. Over the next few weeks, well closely examine the most important templates from each category. Each article will provide step-by-step instructions and best practices, so be sure to subscribe to the FOCUS blog if you want to learn more! Ready to get started with the new templates? Browse Templates Introducing the New Map Template Library! - Focus Why create each new map from scratch when you can choose from a myriad of practical templates? Weve completely revamped our map template library and filled it with awesome new templates. Whether youre outlining a sitemap structure or writing a business plan, with a map template youll be off to a great start. If youve logged into your MindMeister account recently, youve probably noticed that your dashboard has a new look. A selection of mind map templates (which were previously accessible via the navigation bar on the left) are now displayed right above your map list. When you click on Show more, the full template library opens. Weve combed through all of our old templates, removed the least used ones, improved the best ones, and added a bunch of practical new ones that youve requested in the past. The library now offers the following four categories: Business: Here, youll find templates for business plans, company org charts, project plans, and other maps you typically create at work. Education: This category features map templates for exam preparation, essay writing, note taking, and more. While some were created for students, others can be used by teachers to help them plan their lessons. Life: Life is full of to-dos, so weve created a few simple templates to help you get things done. Youll also find a template to help you visualize your life plan and reach your goals! Productivity: In this category youll find practical templates to analyze your business and make better decisions, such as a SWOT analysis, an Effort vs Impact Matrix, and more. If you want to start with a blank map but already know that you need a specific map alignment, you can also select your alignment of choice at the top of the library. Aside from short descriptions, some of the less structured templates also offer  demo videos. If youre not sure how to fill out a template, take a minute to watch the videos so you can dive in quickly and get the most out of MindMeister! Templates that offer videos feature a play button in top right corner of their preview dialog. We hope the new map templates will help you create even more awesome mind maps at work, in school, and anywhere else where you need to structure your thoughts. Over the next few weeks, well closely examine the most important templates from each category. Each article will provide step-by-step instructions and best practices, so be sure to subscribe to the FOCUS blog if you want to learn more! Ready to get started with the new templates? Browse Templates

The Concept of Kami in the Shinto Religion - 704 Words

The concept of kami is integral to the Shinto religion. Kami doesn’t explicitly refer to gods, or an ethereal presence, but rather a combination of the two. For the layperson, kami is difficult to describe. In short, there are several ideas of kami—or rather—different interpretations of the same idea. Kami can be spirit beings, or they can refer to the qualities that a being possesses. In this sense, kami refers to existing beings, or the essence of beings. According to Shinto, everything has kami, but when something displays kami intensely—they are referred to kami beings. If kami refers to the quality that beings possess, then kami is responsible for its inherent nature. The concept of kami may be hard to grasp, mostly because humans are so anchored in this world, which makes us unable to grasp the ethereal quality of kami. For the purposes of this assignment, the function of kami as the godly beings in the Kojiki will be described. The events foretold in the Kojiki takes place during the Age of the Gods, which begins with Japanese creation mythology. Essentially, three grand deities spontaneously drift into existence. At this time, the land was premature, and had the shapeless quality of oil. From this formless mass, came several more beings—the most notable of which were Izanagi and Izanami. These two deities were given one divine command: â€Å"Complete and solidify this drifting land (Kojiki, p. 49)!† They stirred the oily mass with a spear, churned it around, and formedShow MoreRelatedThe Religions : Buddhism And Shinto1678 Words   |  7 Pagesformed. Religion is no exception; there have been many instances where religions have influenced each other and blossomed due to new ideas being presented. A good example of this the relationship between the two religions: Buddhism and Shinto. Buddhism was brought into Japan during the early 6th century from Korea, and was later institutionalized as the state religion in the late 6th century by Prince ShÃ… toku. The Prince was a great patron of Buddhism and by having ma de it the state religion, it wouldRead MoreSimilarities Between Shinto And Shinto Religion933 Words   |  4 PagesOf the many religions in the world, none are quite as unique as Shintoism. Shinto, meaning â€Å"the way of the kami†, is the indigenous religion of Japan. It is believed to have existed since the 6th century B.C.E. However, there is no documented origin nor is there an established founder. At the center of the Shinto religion is devotion toward various kami and the rituals performed to please them. It does not attempt to explain existence or the afterlife. Instead, Shintoism focuses on interactions withRead More Compare and Contrast Kami and Shen, the Japanese and Chinese Words for God1721 Words   |  7 PagesCompare and Contrast Kami and Shen, the Japanese and Chinese Words for God The words kami in Japanese and shen in Chinese both are translated into English as the word god. Although they both refer to somewhat similar supernatural elements, they are by no means identical to each other. Chinese shen is an abstract term referring to spirits and relating to abstract thoughts such as the heavens and the afterlife. In contrast, kami are very often related directly to a person or actual object andRead MoreHinduism, Buddhism, and Shinto1049 Words   |  5 PagesHinduism, Buddhism and Shinto, while vast in differences there is much to learn about these three religions similarities as well. Some facts and history of Hinduism include, Hinduism (being the oldest of the three) is dated back in pre-history before 10000 BC even believed to predate the Indus River Valley Civilization! The Vedas (the holy text of Hinduism) is the foundation for Indian culture and also the basic belief system of Hinduism. The basic belief structure of Hinduism is as follows, theRead MoreJap an Religion Essay1821 Words   |  8 Pages All around the world, religion is a dominant idea for many cultures; exemplifying a certain way of life, serving as a basis for faith, and bringing charity to the world, religion is a extensive concept. For several cultures and countries religion may vary according to demographics, socio-economical class, and ethnicity. Main concepts of religion in Japan are natural and superstitious based. The leading religion in Japan remains Shinto, while other religions have come and go, interweaving themselvesRead MoreHealth Care Provider and Faith Diversity1394 Words   |  6 Pagesvery popular religions this writer will discuss the spiritual perspective on healing, the critical components of healing, and what is important to people of a particular faith when cared for by health care providers. The three religions that will be discussed are Sikhism, Shintoism, and Buddhism. This writer will also compare these faiths to the Christian philosophy of f aith and healing. Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity The first of three religions that will beRead MoreThe Indigenous Religions Of The World1244 Words   |  5 PagesIndigenous Religions of the World Throughout the world there are many various religions, some very common to you and I. However, there are many religions that are common in several isolated places all around the world in Japan, Australia, and the Americas. Many of these religions, called Indigenous Religions are based on nature, and the earth. The practice of these religions is considered sacred to the people that follow them. Many of these indigenous people are fully sacrificed to their religion. TheyRead MoreDifferences Between Islam And Shinto1795 Words   |  8 Pagestheir core all religions are the same. They all follow a structure and share a basic concept of a something greater that can not be fully comprehended by the human mind. What makes them different is that way the religion is practiced and how each group interprets what they believe is the right way to live one’s life, by aspiring to live their similar to the particular religion’s founder or deity. To support my thesis statement, this paper will compare two of the world major religions that are supposedlyRead MoreEssay on Shinto Faith2127 Words   |  9 PagesShintoism is an ancient religion that originated in Japanese culture. Shinto is a general term for the activities of the people of Japanese descent to worship all the deities of heaven and earth, and at the end of the 6th century the Japanese were conscious of these activities and called them the Way of Kami (the deity or the deities). The practice of Shintoism finally recognized when Yomei, the 31st Emperor of Japan, prayed before an image of Buddha for the first time as an emperor for recoveryRead MoreThe Night Watches Of The Buddha1747 Words   |  7 PagesThis research will compare, contrast and exemplify the role of Chi in Daoism and Confucianism thought. Firstly, this research compares these two religion’s basic practice and to see both belief and practice. Then this research examines how both religions inte rpret the role of Chi and Confucianism thought. Both Taoism and Confucianism are originated in China and both visits in Temple to pay homage to their own deities and God (Diffen ). Firstly, Taoism seeks to be one with nature and stresses humanity

Steroids Should Not Be Banned - 2093 Words

Steroids By: Taci Miller For many years people have debated whether not to have steroids in sports, or to keep them away from all competition. However some athletes use steroids anyway to â€Å"get ahead† of the competition. These action can cause athletes being kicked out of a game or even all future competition. Some people ask â€Å"Why use steroids?† Some athletes use drugs, where they can train their bodies hard and then have their bodies recover fast. Different types of athletes use steroids in different ways depending on what sport the athlete is partaking in. Depending on what the athlete is trying to achieve they will combine certain drugs to give them the result that they want(Knight 23). Another reason that some athletes may start to use†¦show more content†¦The use of steroids has forever changed the face of professional sports, making it a world fueled by drug contacts instead of skill and talent. Roids, juice, hype, or pump are names that people may use when talking about steroids. Anabolic steroids are different from steroids medications. Anabolic steroids help build muscle, buy steroids can not help the ability and or skill of the athlete. Genetics, body size, age, sex, diet and how the athlete trains determines ability(State Health Department 1). Steroids fall into the category of ergogenic drugs. A drug that is classified as orogenetic is a substance that can be used to improve athletic performance. Other ergogenic drugs include prohormones, such as androstenedione and androstenediol, growth hormones, and nutritional supplements. While these substances may act on the body in different ways, the goals are the same: to gain muscles, increase endurance, and speed muscle and strength recovery.(Knight 7). Athletes who are doping rarely take one kind of drug. More commonly, they will do what is called stacking, which means combining a number of drugs in order to have the best c hance at success. Unfortunately, stacking can also lead to overdose and greater chances of permanently damaging vital organs.(Knight 23). Even tho stacking is very bad for everyone, people

Acct1101 Exam Final Sample Free Essays

Venue____________________ Seat Number________ Student Number|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__| Family Name_____________________ First Name_____________________ Venue____________________ Seat Number________ Student Number|__|__|__|__|__|__|__|__| Family Name_____________________ First Name_____________________ This exam paper must not be removed from the venue School of Business SAMPLE EXAMINATION ACCT1101 Account for Decis Making This paper is for St Lucia Campus students. For Examiner Use Only QuestionMark 1| | 2| | 3| | 4| | | | MCQ| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Total For Examiner Use Only QuestionMark 1| | 2| | 3| | 4| | | | MCQ| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Total Examination Duration:120 minutes Reading Time:10 minutes Exam Conditions: This is a Central Examination This is a Closed Book Examination – specified materials permitted During perusal – write only on the rough paper provided Materials Permitted In The Exam Venue: (No electronic aids are permitted e. g. We will write a custom essay sample on Acct1101 Exam Final Sample or any similar topic only for you Order Now laptops, phones) Any unmarked paper dictionary is permitted Calculators – Casio FX82 series or UQ approved (labelled) Materials to Be Supplied To Students: x 14 Page Answer Booklet Rough Paper 1 x Multiple Choice Answer Sheet Instructions to Students: * Answer all questions using the writing book and the Multiple Choice Answer * Sheet provided. * This sample exam is intended to be an indication of the content of the main and final exams. It is not intended to be a complete indication of the content of the supplementary exam, as this exam also assesses all course content Question 1 Go Stop Limited is preparing its budget for the quarter beginning 1 January 2013. The bank balance at 1 January is expected to be $10,000,000. The directors have a policy to purchase just enough to cover that month’s expected sales. Purchases are to be paid for by the end of the following month. Sales are on credit as follows: Receipts:| | Current month| 60%| month before| 30%| 2 months before| 10%| Total| 100%| | | Budgeted Sales are: $,000| $,000| $,000| $,000| $,000| November| December| January| February| March| 46,800 | 48,000 | 50,000 | 52,000 | 56,000 | The firm’s gross profit margin is 30%. The following fixed monthly expenses are all paid on cash terms ($, 000): Wages| 15,000| Rent| 6,000| Rates| 3,000| Insurance| 1,500| An expensive piece of equipment was paid for in February, costing $1,200,000 Required: 1) Prepare the company’s cash budget for the three months beginning 1 January showing the balance at the end of each month. Show workings. Use the proforma cash budget sheet that follows 2) Advise the management on the forecast cash position 3) Advise management of the importance of Cash Management Answer Sheet: Go Stop Limited | January| February| March| Total| | $,000| $,000| $,000| $,000| Receipts:| Â  | Â  | Â  | Â  | | Â  | Â  | Â  | Â  | Total Cash receipts| | | | | | | | | | Payments:| | | | | DO NOT WRITE ON THIS PROFORMA IN THE EXAM:USE AS A GUIDE ONLY AND WRITE YOUR ANSWER IN THE NORMAL GREEN ANSWER BOOKLET| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Total cash payments| | | | | | | | | | Net cash flows| | | | | | | | | | Opening Bank Balance| | | | | Closing Bank Balance| | | | | Question 2 Given below is a table that sets out the annual budgeted income statement for a large clothing retailer, together with actual performance figures. The retailer has several stores located all over Australia and New Zealand. Sales are made directly over the counter and also by mail delivery Income statement| for year ended 30 June| Budgeted $,000| Actual $,000| | | | Sales| 4,200,000| 5,000,000| Cost of sales| 3,640,000| 3,430,000| Marketing| 12,000| 40,000| Distribution costs| 10,000| 23,000| Administration costs| 213,000| 316,000| Interest expense| 104,000| 110,000| Abnormal expense| 0| 25,000| Net profit| 221,000| 1,056,000| Required: i. Calculate the variances for each item and state whether t hey are Favourable (FAV) or Adverse (ADV) ii. Comment on each variance in light of the information given about the company and suggest further investigation that will be necessary to better ascertain the cause of these variances iii. Comment on the company’s overall performance during the year and discuss the key areas that the business should be considering Question 3 James Wilson, process engineer, had been given the task of redesigning an existing process to improve environmental performance. He knew that the acceptance of a more environmentally efficient process would depend on its economic feasibility. The process design required new equipment and an infusion of working capital. The equipment would cost $450,000 and its cash operating expenses would total $90,000 per year. The equipment would last for seven years but would need a major overhaul costing $45,000 at the end of the fifth year. At the end of 7 years, the equipment could be sold for $30,000. The annual depreciation for this equipment using the straight line method would be $60,000. An increase in working capital (Current Assets – Current Liabilities) totalling $45,000 would also be required at the beginning. This would be recovered at the end of seven years. On the benefit side, James estimated that the new process would save $202,500 per year in environmental costs by eliminating fines and clean-up costs. The cost of capital is 10%. Required: 1. Prepare a schedule of relevant net cash flows for the proposed project. 2. Calculate the NPV of the project. 3. Should the new process design be accepted? 4. What factors should James consider other than environmental ones when deciding whether to go ahead with this project? Question 4 Sailaway Limited is a small yacht builder. It has operated successfully for many years from a factory that allows for production of 40 yachts per year. In most years the company can sell all the yachts it can produce. The selling price of each yacht is $12 600. Variable labour and materials costs are $7 750 per yacht, and the fixed costs associated with running the business from the present factory are $58 200. The company’s directors are meeting to discuss a proposal to increase the business’s production capacity. A neighbouring factory has become vacant and it would be possible to rent the additional space in order to produce more yachts. The additional capacity in terms of production would be 20 yachts. The sales director is confident that, with the growth in the leisure yachting market, he will be able to sell the additional yachts. Variable costs per yacht will remain the same because the same labour and materials are used. However, the expansion would produce an additional $14 550 in fixed costs. Required: 1. Advise the company’s directors on whether to go ahead with this proposal 2. What would be the break even in number of yachts: a. Without the proposal b. With the proposal 3. What is the margin of safety in number of yachts and percentage of yachts c. Without the proposal d. With the proposal From this comment of which is the riskiest alternative Multiple choice questions: Answer these questions on the separate multiple choice answer sheet Each question carries one mark 1. One of the approaches to setting budgets is known as the ‘top down’ approach. This is best described as: A| production budget set first and working from this to other budgets. | B| setting the sales forecast and working from this to other budgets. | C| budget targets set by senior management. | D| budget targets set at the lowest level of management. | 2. High operating gearing refers to: A| an activity with relatively high variable costs compared with its fixed costs. B| an activity with relatively high fixed costs compared with its variable costs. | C| an activity with relatively low fixed costs compared with its variable costs. | D| an activity with fixed costs equal to its variable costs. | 3. The decision rule for the accounting rate of return method of assessing investment projects is to accept all projects with: A| a positive return. | B| the highest return subjec t to a minimum required return. | C| the highest return. | D| none of the above. | 4. A disadvantage associated with the use of the accounting rate of return method for assessing investment opportunities is: A| it is a method that is not widely understood by business. | B| it is based on an accrual approach rather than cash flows. | C| it ignores the time value of money. | D| B and C. | 5. The time value of money is an important concept in investment decisions as it takes into account that: A| a dollar received tomorrow is more valuable than a dollar received today. | B| a dollar received today is equal to a dollar received tomorrow. | C| it takes time to earn profits. | D| a dollar received today is more valuable than a dollar received tomorrow. | END OF EXAMINATION How to cite Acct1101 Exam Final Sample, Papers

Positive Learning Environment free essay sample

Positive Learning Environment Positive learning environments support the developmental needs of students not only academically but also socially and personally. Students thrive in environments where they feel safe amongst their peers, comfortable amongst themselves, nurtured and respected, and motivated to learn. All students, even those who have learning difficulties and personal challenges, can do well when they are physically comfortable, mentally motivated, and emotionally supported.Creating a positive learning environment will optimize student learning, help you build a cohesive classroom community, and create a pleasant work environment for both you and your students. Since students are unique individuals and come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, a positive environment may not occur naturally but require careful planning and nurturing from the teacher and other educators. Respectful relationships are just one factor for maintaining positive environments. The key for creating positive environments starts at the top levels, modeled via principals to classroom teachers and through to the individual learners. We will write a custom essay sample on Positive Learning Environment or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page A simple assessment of our own environment will help educators to determine some of the factors to consider by asking the questions below, to determine whether we promote a comfortable, supportive, safe, peaceful, and positive environment: 1. How have you fostered the creation and advancement of an engaging learning community and effective learning environment? . Do you create a positive learning environment where students feel valued, prepared to leave their comfort zone, and willing to ask questions? 3. Is your school a place where all feel calm, at ease, and secure? Or are there times when the behaviors of some may lead others to feel agitated, threatened, or ridiculed? 4. Is it a place where all students are able to express personal ideas, views, and feel valued and encouraged?Or are there times when the behaviors of some may lead others to feel awkward, useless, or misunderstood? 5. Is it a place where all people feel respected, feel they can be themselves, that their personal identity – sexuality, gender, age, ethnicity, culture and faith will be honored, that they can express different ideas or views? Or are there times when the behaviors of some may lead others to feel anxious, self-doubting, or vulnerable? 6. Is your school a place where all people feel calm, confident, ree from harm (emotional, mental as well as physical) and know that others are sensitive to their individual needs? Or are there times when the behaviors of some people may lead others to feel in danger, vulnerable, afraid, nervous or violated? 7. Is your school a place where all people feel confident, encouraged, and optimistic? Or are there times when the behaviors of some people may lead others to feel: negative, put-down, in danger, pessimistic, gloomy, unenthusiastic, distrustful and violated.

Analysis of Gryphon by Charles Baxter

Analysis of Gryphon by Charles Baxter Charles Baxters Gryphon originally appeared in his 1985 collection, Through the Safety Net. It has since been included in several anthologies, as well as in Baxters 2011 collection. PBS adapted the story for television in 1988. Plot Ms. Ferenczi, a substitute teacher, arrives in a fourth-grade classroom in rural Five Oaks, Michigan. The children immediately find her both peculiar and intriguing. They have never met her before, and we are told that [s]he didnt look usual. Before even introducing herself, Ms. Ferenczi declares that the classroom needs a tree and begins drawing one on the board an outsized, disproportionate tree. Though Ms. Ferenczi executes the prescribed lesson plan, she clearly finds it tedious and intersperses the assignments with increasingly fantastic stories about her family history, her world travels, the cosmos, the afterlife, and various natural marvels. The students are mesmerized by her stories and her manner. When the regular teacher returns, they are careful not to reveal whats been going on in his absence. A few weeks later, Ms. Ferenczi reappears in the classroom. She shows up with a box of Tarot cards and begins to tell the students futures. When a boy named Wayne Razmer pulls the Death card and asks what it means, she breezily tells him, It means, my sweet, that you will die soon. The boy reports the incident to the principal, and by lunchtime, Ms. Ferenczi has left the school for good. Tommy, the narrator, confronts Wayne for reporting the incident and getting Ms. Ferenczi dismissed, and they end up in a fistfight. By the afternoon, all the students have been doubled up in other classrooms and are back to memorizing facts about the world. Substitute Facts Theres no question that Ms. Ferenczi plays fast and loose with the truth. Her face has two prominent lines, descending vertically from the sides of her mouth to her chin, which Tommy associates with that famous liar, Pinocchio. When she fails to correct a student who has said that six times 11 is 68, she tells the incredulous children to think of it as a substitute fact. Do you think, she asks the children, that anyone is going to be hurt by a substitute fact? This is the big question, of course. The children are enthralled enlivened by her substitute facts. And in the context of the story, I frequently am, too (then again, I found Miss Jean Brodie pretty charming until I caught on to the whole fascism thing). Ms. Ferenczi tells the children that [w]hen your teacher, Mr. Hibler, returns, six times eleven will be sixty-six again, you can rest assured. And it will be that for the rest of your lives in Five Oaks. Too bad, eh? She seems to be promising something so much better, and the promise is alluring. The children argue about whether shes lying, but its clear that they especially Tommy want to believe her, and they try to produce evidence in her favor. For instance, when Tommy consults a dictionary and finds gryphon defined as a fabulous beast, he misunderstands the use of the word fabulous and takes it as evidence that Ms. Ferenczi is telling the truth. When another student recognizes the teachers description of a Venus flytrap because hes seen a documentary about them, he concludes that all her other tales must be true as well. At one point Tommy attempts to make up a story of his own. Its as if he doesnt just want to listen to Ms. Ferenczi; he wants to be like her and create his own flights of fancy. But a classmate cuts him off. Dont you try to do it, the boy tells him. Youll just sound like a jerk. So on some level, the children do seem to understand that their substitute is making things up, but they love hearing her anyway. Gryphon Ms. Ferenczi claims to have seen a real gryphon a creature half lion, half bird in Egypt. The gryphon is an apt metaphor for the teacher and her stories because both combine real parts into unreal wholes. Her teaching vacillates between the prescribed lesson plans and her own whimsical storytelling. She bounces from actual wonders to imagined wonders. She can sound sane in one breath and delusional in the next. This mix of the real and the unreal keeps the children unsteady and hopeful. Whats Important Here? For me, this story is not about whether Ms. Ferenczi is sane, and its not even about whether shes right. Shes a breath of excitement in the childrens otherwise dull routine, and that makes me, as a reader, want to find her heroic. But she can only be considered a hero if you accept the false dichotomy that school is a choice between boring facts and thrilling fictions. It isnt, as many genuinely wonderful teachers prove every day. (And I should make it clear here that I can stomach the character of Ms. Ferenczi only in a fictional context; no one like this has any business in a real classroom.) Whats truly important in this story is the childrens intense longing for something more magical and intriguing than their everyday experience. Its a longing so intense that Tommy is willing to engage in a fistfight over it, shouting, She was always right! She told the truth! in spite of all the evidence. Readers are left pondering the question of whether anyone is going to be hurt by a substitute fact. Does no one get hurt? Is Wayne Razmer hurt by the prediction of his imminent death? (One would imagine so.) Is Tommy hurt by having a tantalizing view of the world held out to him, only to see it abruptly withdrawn? Or is he richer for having glimpsed it at all?

Inconsistent Hyphenation

Inconsistent Hyphenation Inconsistent Hyphenation Inconsistent Hyphenation By Maeve Maddox I have a bad habit (for an American) of looking things up in the OED first and not checking to see if Merriam-Webster agrees. Sometimes this habit results in my changing a spelling that’s acceptable in U.S. usage or hyphenating a word that M-W doesn’t. When I recently encountered online examples of the unhyphenated words unAmerican and copayment, I consulted both dictionaries to see if I had fallen behind the times. Both OED and M-W show co-payment and un-American as the only options. Even the AP Stylebook allows a hyphen in un-American. Perhaps online journalists and merchants who do not hyphenate these words are using other style guides. Or maybe they just don’t care. Here are some examples that indicate that not everyone thinks that words like co-pay, co-payment, co-insurance and un-American require hyphens or even that adjectives from proper nouns require a capital. Copayments and Other Information (Wisconsin information site) Whats the difference between copays and coinsurance? (Quicken app FAQ) The member only pays their copayment for any additional admissions (Blue Cross information site) â€Å"UnAmerican Graffiti† (episode title, NYPD Blue) â€Å"Unamerican† (song title on Cletus Got Shot album) Unamerican (section title, Huffington Post) My email to my unAmerican Representative (headline, Daily Kos) Knowing when to hyphenate nouns formed with common prefixes like co- and un- can be tricky, even when consulting a dictionary or stylebook. For example, M-W hyphenates co-pay, but not coeditor. CMOS (Chicago Manual of Style) goes with coeditor, but opts for co-opt. Both OED and AP give the nod to co-editor, and every one of the sources I use acknowledges the spelling un-American. I find myself wanting to pick and choose according to my own feelings about the way a word looks. Because I don’t like the look of coeditor and coauthor, I want to go with AP’s â€Å"Retain the hyphen when forming nouns, adjectives and verbs that indicate occupation or status.† But although AP includes co-author, co-pilot and co-star in the â€Å"occupation-status† category, they relegate coed to their unhyphenated list. If I want to write co-ed, I have to turn to M-W for justification. Professional writers don’t have the option of this kind of mixing and matching. Publishers, on the other hand, do. Some publishers and organizations compile their own† house style guides,† usually based on one of the standard guides, but altered in some respects. For example, the AP Stylebook recommends using the country name Myanmar. For political reasons, a publisher might supersede that rule, requiring his writers to refer to the country by its former name, Burma. In the absence of a house guide, writers whose employer has adopted a particular style guide are bound to follow it, regardless of personal preference. Freelance writers, who are their own employers, should adopt a guide for themselves to follow. Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Punctuation category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:50 Handy Expressions About HandsHow to Play HQ Words: Cheats, Tips and Tricks"Wracking" or "Racking" Your Brain?