Many people struggle to understand the way academic ideas are spread through their respective fields. They may know there are scholarly journals which only publish academic findings after they have been highly scrutinized by other experts on the given topic, but may not realize that a great deal of that is colored by facts that have been agreed upon by previous generations. Academics draw from past ideas, improving them or using them as the basis for entirely new ones.

Clearly, there is a lot going on in the discussions found in scholarly writing; so much so that they are often perceived as impenetrable. Luckily,  Gerald Graff , Cathy Birkenstein, and Russel Durst have written a book ,“They Say / I Say”: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing, explaining the methods employed in academic writing.

They Say, I Say uses a metaphor of joining an enormously long discussion, spanning back to the beginning of human discourse, to illustrate how current academic discourse carries on and appropriate ways for anyone to join in mankind’s eternal discussion as well. It’s written in a way that is easy to understand and does a good job of explaining the general, big picture of academic discourse.

The book includes sections on how to improve your writing, as well as writing prompts, templates, and guides.

Ultimately, They Say, I Say is a good primer to understanding the way academic discourse unfolds and is rather handy for novice writers. It is by no means, however, a definitive writing text. If you’re looking for a light read and are interested in academic discourse, the use of rhetoric, and writing, this book is a wonderful introduction to these topics.

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Since the early 1970s, the United States has been engaged in what has come to be known as the “War on Drugs.” In part, this effort was fueled by the passage of the Controlled Substances Act, which classified a wide variety of different illicit substances into several different drug schedules, indicating their potential for harm and abuse. On both a state and federal level, law enforcement authorities have relentlessly pursued all those involved in almost every level of the drug trade, from the large-scale manufacturers down to the consumers themselves.

The criminal penalties for different drug crimes can vary substantially. In most cases, those who are charged with possession will face consequences which are far less severe than those associated with selling, distributing, or trafficking illicit substances. However, the distinction between these two types of crimes is not always as clear-cut as it may seem, and therefore it’s important to be aware of what, exactly, defines drug possession versus drug trafficking, and the types of penalties that an individual convicted of either type of crime can expect to face.

Drug Possession

Drug possession is simply the act of being in possession of an illicit substance. A person who is caught while using drugs may be charged with possession, as would someone who had illegal drugs on their person or in a place which they could reasonably be expected to have access to, such as the glove compartment of a car or under a couch in their home.

Penalties for drug possession typically involve fines, rehabilitation programs, and jail sentences, particularly for repeat offenders or those found with significant amounts of substance in their possession.

Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking is the crime of either selling or illegally transporting illicit substances across state or national lines. In some cases, simply having a considerably large amount of illegal drugs in one’s possession may leave an individual vulnerable to a drug trafficking charge.

Penalties for drug trafficking are often quite serious, typically involving substantial prison sentences and fines, and can leave an individual with a criminal record for the rest of their life.

Those who have been charged with either of these crimes should discuss their case with a criminal lawyer to learn more about possible consequences and what they can do in this difficult situation.

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Especially in the current economy, many people have found themselves facing serious debt. Being in deep debt can make anyone consider their options, including bankruptcy; however, how can you know if bankruptcy is really the best or right choice for you? To determine if you are ready to file for bankruptcy or it truly is the best option for you, here are some things you might want to think about:

1. Have you exhausted all other options? – There are other options that you can use, such as debt negotiations with creditors, loan modifications, and debt settlement programs, to address your debts before you take the serious step of filing for bankruptcy. If you think your income is not enough to make these options truly viable, then you filing for bankruptcy may really be the best option.
2. Consult with legal counsel – there are many lawyers who offer free consultations regarding your bankruptcy options. There are even lawyers who offer future payments for their services. Although you can file for bankruptcy on your own, having a lawyer can help substantially.
3. Consider your budget – people who file for bankruptcy are required to look into their incomes and expenses and take a credit counseling class in most circumstances. This can help you see if some lifestyle changes can help in paying off debts.
4. Know your priorities – it is important for people to know what to pay first, such as your mortgage and any vehicles. Just because credit card companies are aggressive in their collections does not mean they should be prioritized.
5. Avoid scams – ads that say they can help you cut your debts in half are generally scams. Most of these companies ask for huge amounts of money in advance, causing people to be unable to pay for debts.
6. Think about your credit score – Because filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy will stay on your credit report for 10 years, it can do long-term damage to your credit score. However, this should not deter you from filing if the need arises, as it can ultimately help you raise your score over time.
7. Don’t wait if you think it’s the right time – after you have taken into account everything and have concluded that bankruptcy is the only option for you, don’t wait any longer to file for bankruptcy. Postponing your bankruptcy can only put you in deeper debt, so filing for bankruptcy as soon as you acknowledge it is the best way out of debt for you can help immensely.

After considering these important factors, you’ll have a better idea whether filing for bankruptcy is right for you. However, there are many other avenues, including legal resources, you can pursue to gain an even deeper understanding of this debt solution.

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Whether a place is a commercial business or residential home, having correctly installed and properly functioning plumbing systems is critical. From getting essential and daily tasks completed to seeing to the comfort and ease of anyone using the property, correctly working plumbing systems are necessary.

Where Plumbing Care Is Needed Most

Throughout both businesses and homes, there are many areas that require a number of plumbing lines and/or systems. Some of these major areas where a plumbing system is necessary and often used the most include the bathroom, the kitchen, and the utility room. As most people use the kitchen for cooking, washing dishes, and other cleaning-related activities that require water and drainage, having drains, pipes, and other water features that work properly is critical. The other most frequently used area with various plumbing fixtures is the bathroom. With fixtures like a shower, bathtub, faucets, sink, urinal, bidet, and toilet, proper water flow and drainage is necessary for people to be able to use these essential features of a building.

The utility room is another area of a home, and some businesses, that needs good plumbing care and attention. As this room houses different plumbing units, such as water shut-off valves, A/C condensate drains, water conditioning / softening systems, laundry boxes, water heaters, hot water re-circulating systems, and utility sinks, having lines and other features that allow for the proper flow of water is necessary.

Whether a person needs help installing, repairing, or maintaining the water lines and plumbing systems in these commonly used rooms or in another place in their home of business, it is often beneficial to seek the help and services of a qualified plumber. Otherwise, a person may risk facing substantial problems or unnecessary costs should a problem arise with their plumbing systems.

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Millions of people suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) each year, causing tens of thousands to die and many others to have their lives dramatically altered. Although these injuries can affect people in numerous ways—from physical disabilities to cognitive difficulties—recent studies have highlighted the troubling fact that traumatic brain injuries may be linked to the development of deviant, or criminal, behavior.

Facts About TBI and Criminal Behavior

While many people are aware that personality and mood changes can result from TBI, medical professionals and researchers have only recently uncovered a link between traumatic brain injuries and deviant behavior. Some facts regarding this link include:

• Psychiatrist Dorothy Otnow Lewis found that all the death row inmates who participated in her mid-1980s study had previously sustained traumatic brain injuries
• Numerous studies have shown that traumatic brain injuries often decrease a person’s control, causing him or her to act out or become deviant
• Traumatic brain injuries often lead to mental disorders or problems like paranoia that can later result in violent behavior

In his 2003 article in Medical Ethics, Vol. 10, Issue 3, William J. Winslade, professor at the Institute for the Medical Humanities University of Texas Medical Branch, states that people who are the victims of traumatic brain injuries often suffer from serious consequences that can have devastating effects on both their lives and the lives of others.

Sadly, many traumatic brain injuries are the result of people’s negligent actions rather than sheer accidents. In situations such as the former, the party responsible for the injury might be held legally accountable for their actions by the victim and his or her personal injury lawyer. Whether a person who has been the victim of a traumatic brain injury has become violent in the wake of his or her injury or has suffered other effects, the victim and his or her family should not have to bear the burden of the TBI alone.

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A 1921 painting by cubist artist Fernand Léger titled “Trois Femmes à la Table Rouge” (Three Women at the Red Table) will be auctioned next month.

The painting, which is being sold by pop star Madonna, is valued between $5 million and $7 million. Proceeds from the sale will go towards improving the educational opportunities of young girls in nations such as Pakistan and Afghanistan through the singer’s Ray of Light Foundation.

In these nations, young girls rarely receive the benefits of an education. The Ray of Light Foundation believes that education is a fundamental human right and aims to improve access to education around the globe.

The auction will take place on May 7th in New York City.

Image credit: “Trois Femmes a la Table Rouge” (Three Women at the Red Table) via Sotheby’s and the Ray of Light Foundation

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As a small business owner, it is safe to say you are always looking for a way to maximize profits and grow your company. You can do this in a number of different ways from creating a new product, revamping your existing product, improving your online presence, and also, merging with another company.

A merger takes two separate companies and combines them into one business. There are a number of factors business owners need to consider before merging with another company to ensure they are making the right choice. And while merging can be extremely beneficial for small businesses – especially a vertical merger – they can also be a challenge when it comes to finding a business with similar goals, missions, and overall culture.

Deciding to merge with another company is not a decision that should be made hastily. This decision can drastically impact your company’s future, so you need to take time to consider every possible outcome. It includes negotiations with the other company, due diligence, and a number of other legal implications.

What You Should Consider

Think about this. There is a reason three out of every four mergers fail to reach the new company’s final goals and employee productivity drops close to 50 percent after a merger when business cultures do not fit well together. That is a lot on the line for your business. That is why you need to consider these five things when thinking about merging with another company:

1. Will my company be better off with the merger than without the merger? This may seem like a basic question, but it is something to honestly ask yourself before making the decision.
2. Make sure the merger feels right and do not force a relationship with another business. Just because you are anxious to expand doesn’t mean you have to take the first opportunity that comes your way. Make sure the merger feels good to you and is right.
3. Think about, and work towards, the best possible scenario when merging two different organizational cultures in order to avoid any problems and boost employee morale.
4. Talk to the other company before making any deal about the fate of employees from both companies. Talk about duplicated duties and who will be in charge of tasks in the new company.
5. Think about speaking with a business attorney to ensure your rights are protected in this transition and to handle all business merger responsibilities to ensure it goes smoothly. This includes all legal and financial aspects.

Above all, remember you don’t have to handle this alone. As a small business owner, you need to focus on day-to-day operations so let a professional handle the legal and financial side of things.

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