Compass Featured on The Crush Podcast

Davin Sweeney, creator of The Crush podcast and  an Associate Director of Admission at University of Rochester, interviewed Compass co-founder, Adam Ingersoll, about the current state of college admission testing. Davin overcomes his  squeamishness about standardized testing to lead a thought-provoking conversation about the myths and truths of todays college admission tests. Before you check out the show yourself, please read Davins hilarious preface to his interview with Adam: Tests are the worst. Except, see this smiling man here though? He loves them. He loves them because its his job to help kids do better on them. Not exactly for free, per sebut hey, we  all need to feed our kids. And Adam has nine  of them. I mean, four. Five maybe..? Joking aside, Adam is a friend of mine who is not only the co-founder of the leading test prep company  on the west coast, Compass Education Group,  but is also widely recognized as a legitimate expert on the topic of standardized tests for the purpose of college admission (i.e. SAT and ACT). Hes not afraid to challenge conventional thinking on this issue and embrace  the complications presented by forcing 2 million kids a year to endure this modern rite of passage. A lot  is happening  these days as far as college admission testing  goes:  youve got a new SAT, changes to the ACT, more schools each year adding a  test  optional policy to their admissions procedure,  dogs and cats living together  taking the SAT and the ACT, its madness! What to make of it all? So I have my own personal traumas associated with taking the SAT and Adam helps me (kinda) work through them. We talk about the nature of these exams, the changes afoot, he shares his opinions on test optional, and we talk about the prospect of people like me in college admissions taking the SAT for the first time since high school. Strong chance I puke. Davin CHECK OUT THE SHOW

Stem Cell Research - 1149 Words

In recent years, there has been an explosion of interest in stem cells, not just within the scientific and medical communities but also among politicians, religious groups and ethicists,3 Fiona Watt argued. Although overhearing debates and controversy regarding stem cells on the news, television or conversation is common, many aren’t aware of what the big debate is about or what stem cells truly are. The major argument against stem cell research is that it is morally wrong and unethical. To phrase it simply, a stem cell is an unspecialized cell that has the capability of turning into a cell with a specific job.1 They are different from other kinds of cells in the body for a few different reasons.3 All stem cells, regardless of what specific type are able to divide and renew themselves; they don’t originate specialized but can become specialized in different circumstances like when older cells are damaged.4 When a stem cell divides, it has the choice to become a more spe cialized cell like a brain cell, muscle cell among others, or to remain a stem cell.1 There are two different types of stem cells. One type is embryonic, and the other is adult stem cells. As one would assume, embryonic cells originate from embryos.3 Sperm and eggs are fertilized in a culture dish, where they eventually turn into an embryo.The four to five day old embryos are called blastocysts and did not begin development in a womb contrary to some beliefs.1 These blastocysts are created for reproductiveShow MoreRelatedStem Cell Research : Stem Cells1338 Words   |  6 Pages Stem Cells Stem cells are cells that are found throughout the human body. They reproduce over a long period of time without changing. Stem cells can produce specialized cells, such as brain, muscle or lung cells. Stem cells in the last few years have recently made a big debut because medical professionals have discovered so many unique qualities to stem cells. They are on the cutting edge of medicine because of all their uses and the qualities that make them so unique from any other cell in theRead MoreStem Cell Research : Stem Cells1416 Words   |  6 PagesSTEM CELLS In this report, I mainly focused on Stem-Cells. You will read about Stem-Cells and its history from the moment this term was known. Also, you will know the Sources, properties, and the types of Stem-Cells. In addition, you will know some of the pros and cons researches about Stem-Cells. Stem-Cells are cells that have the ability to divide and multiply and renew itself. †¢ Sources of Stem-Cells: 1- The first source is Bone Marrow. 2- The second source isRead MoreStem Cell Research : Stem Cells941 Words   |  4 PagesStem cells have the extraordinary power to develop into several body cell types during early growth and development. (Stem Cell Basics). Stem cells are either embryonic: from a human fetus, or somatic: from an adult (Stem Cell Basics).These cells can be used to rebuild body tissue, treat diseases, and even cure others. They can be more effective in treatment of illness than the common treatment, such as therapy or medication. Stem cells are potentially more medically effective than traditional treatmentsRead MoreStem Cells And Stem Cell Research1310 Words   |  6 Pagesnonspecialized cells which have the potential to create other types of specific cells in order to survive? Those cells are called Stem Cells and they are very crucial to develop organisms. Stem cell research is a subject that most people in the world have a different viewpoint on. Some view the issue of stem cell research and ste m cell therapy as morally wrong and a crime against humanity, others view the study of stem cells as the next step in modern science (Reeve.) I think in some twisted way, stem cellRead MoreStem Cell Research : Stem Cells1261 Words   |  6 Pagescure diseases. Now we have stem cell therapy. Stem cells promise future cures for many currently considered to be â€Å"incurable† diseases, but with more research, we can overcome the controversy surrounding this this topic and help people live longer, improve their quality of life, and save many many lives. To understand the big hype about stem cells, one must know what a stem cell is. Stem cells have specialized functions that have the potential to become any type of cell in the body. According toRead MoreStem Cell Research : Stem Cells999 Words   |  4 PagesSTEM CELLS WORKING TO SPECIALIZE INTO CARDIAC CELLS Once the stem cells are delivered near the damaged areas of the heart, the regeneration of cardiac (heart) cells is possible. There is a lack of understanding on how or why specifically the stem cells turn into heart cells. â€Å"Recent studies indicated that the benefits associated with adult stem cell injection might come from paracrine effects, the effect of a nearby cell sending chemical and electrical signals to the stem cell, and not from myocardialRead MoreStem Cell Research : Stem Cells1416 Words   |  6 PagesDana Moua English IV 25 April 2016 Stem Cell Research What are stem cells? Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that are found in multicellular organisms. The reason for scientist’s interest in stem cells is because of the possible applications of using them. These stem cells can be used to regrow organs/tissues. By using stem cells, scientists may be able to find cures for different cancers, certain genetic diseases, and different physical trauma damages. They can be used to treat a varietyRead MoreStem Research On Stem Cell Research1747 Words   |  7 PagesEnglish 111-36 25 November 2014 Stem Cell Research Stem cell research has cultivated a new, miraculous study in the health field. The study has led to an increase in curing diseases over the past couple of decades. Before stem cell research, diseases were destroying and devastating lives continuously on end. With the use of stem cells in modern time, diseases are no longer taking control of lives. The innovation in biomedical technology, such as stem cell research, has greatly impacted the understandingRead MoreStem Cell Research : Stem Cells1999 Words   |  8 Pagesregenerative medicine, commonly known as stem cell research. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells within the body that have the capability to specialize into any tissue. They are most commonly found in cord blood, bone marrow, organ donations, placenta, and embryos . Stem cells are seen by some as a new miracle treatment, encouraging many countries to invest in their research. The transfer of information, often shared through scientific reports and research, puts this topic in a highly internationalRead MoreStem Research On Stem Cell Research1271 Words   |  6 Pages! ! ! Stem Cells Research ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Jabaree Shipp English III NCVPS Mrs.Gallos 8, December 2014 ! ! ! ! ! ! Throughout most of our lifetime on Earth many have pondered the thought of how they and the things around them have been created. They wondered what makes grass grow to what makes themselves grow mentally and physically. Through extensive research and major advancements in technology over these years, decades, and centuries we still have no answer to our own questions. But, we do however

Human Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv ) - 1499 Words

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a deadly retrovirus that can progress into AIDS. The progression of HIV has become rapid worldwide over the last few decades. The patient should not feel as if the disease or virus defines the overall character of the patient. The dental hygienist will play an important role in making the patient feel comfortable and in a judgment free environment. Standards precautions are still the same when treating all patients with or without a compromising disease or virus. However, the hygienist is often times the first to recognize the first signs of oral manifestations of HIV. Therefore, the dental hygienist will play an important role in improving the quality of a patient s life that is compromised by HIV. It is estimated that 34 million people are currently diagnosed worldwide with HIV (Bakhshaee, Sarvghad,, Khazaeni, Movahed, Hoseinpour, 2014, para. 1). HIV consist of two strains of the virus, HIV-1 and HIV-2. The HIV-1 st rain is more commonly seen worldwide and can progress rapidly (Darby, 2015, 861). â€Å"HIV-1 is transmitted via sexual intercourse, sharing of bodily fluids, and intravenous substance abuse, and during pregnancy and childbirth† (Haveles, 2011, 110). The slower progression of the two strains is the HIV-2 strain, most commonly seen in West Africa and is related to the sooty mangabey monkey (Darby, 2015, 861). HIV is a retrovirus that prevents the normal host response of the immune system fromShow MoreRelatedHuman Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )1359 Words   |  6 PagesThis paper explores the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as well as the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). The virus has infected two million adults and children by the year 2005 already. The virus continues to race around the world, and new HIV infections are at 50,000 per year (Martine Peeters, Matthieu Jung, Ahidjo Ayouba) (2013). The final outcome of the HIV infection is Acquired Immune Deficiency Syn drome (AIDS). There are many treatments that have developed to help the large numberRead MoreHiv And Human Immunodeficiency Virus Essay1208 Words   |  5 PagesHIV has been a pandemic that has affected the world relentlessly for many years in a never-ending circle. HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, is the virus that is spread through certain bodily fluids and can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). HIV attacks the immune system by destroying CD4+ T cells, which leaves the person infected with HIV vulnerable to other infections, diseases, and other complications.1 Once this virus is acquired, the human can never fully rid itself of thisRead MoreHuman Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )884 Words   |  4 Pages(2010), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that affects the human immune system, leading to a chronic, progressive sickness that leaves people susceptible to opportunistic infections. When the body no longer can fight or resist infections, the condit ion is at this point referred to as AIDS, which means Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. Averagely, it has been found to take more than ten years to develop from initial infection of HIV to AIDS. Though simple in description, HIV and AIDSRead MoreThe Human Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )862 Words   |  4 Pagesshown that the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the cause of AIDS. More than 33.4 million people worldwide are infected with the HIV virus today. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency virus. HIV is a virus similar to that of the flu or common cold. The differentiating factor is that with the flu and cold, your body will eventually clear the virus out of your system, but with the HIV virus, the immune system cannot clear it. Getting HIV means you have it for life. The virus immediately beginsRead MoreHuman Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )1261 Words   |  6 PagesHuman Immunodeficiency Virus Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has become more commonly seen in the world. It is important to show compassion rather than judging that patient based on a virus. The hygienist plays an important role in making the patient feel comfortable and in a judgment free environment. The patient should not feel as if the disease or virus defines the overall character of the patient. Standards precautions are still the same when treating all patients with or without a compromisingRead MoreThe Human Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )948 Words   |  4 PagesThe Uses of Blood by the HIV Virus Blood-borne diseases have contributed greatly to poor health outcomes among individuals and communities. Though blood fulfills various functions to ensure our survival, it can also act as the mechanism through which we become diseased. Understanding the characteristics of such infectious diseases is essential to preventing further cases. In this paper I will discuss how the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) uses blood to cause illness within the infected individualRead MoreHiv And Human Immunodeficiency Virus1205 Words   |  5 PagesWhat is HIV? HIV is a fatal disease which stands for â€Å"Human Immunodeficiency Virus† it is a failure to the immune system to protect the body from any infections. This virus causes a condition called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. When HIV is left untreated it leads to another disease called â€Å"AIDS†. It can occur in any age, race, sex or sexual orientation. The highest risk of contracting HIV is having unprotected sex and sha ring needles with others. Another factor are people that have STI’s andRead MoreThe Human Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )980 Words   |  4 Pages The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is an immune system disorder that can be contracted through sexual activity as well as other types of contact. (Healthy Living, pg. 79) If left untreated this virus can turn into AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). AIDS is the final stage of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). (aids.gov) AIDS is an incurable progressive disease that causes gradual destruction of CD4 T cells by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). (Diseases, pg. 431) A healthyRead MoreHiv, Or Human Immunodeficiency Virus998 Words   |  4 PagesQuestion 1 HIV, or Human Immunodeficiency Virus, attacks the human immune system and greatly weakens the body’s ability to fight foreign invaders and infection. HIV first demanded notice in the early 1980s in the United States in homosexual men displaying illnesses like Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia and Kaposi’s sarcoma. The disease was soon observed in IV drug users, hemophiliacs, and blood transfusion recipients, but became publicized as a â€Å"gay disease,† nicknamed by the media as GRID, or Gay-RelatedRead MoreHuman Immunodeficiency Virus ( Hiv )1349 Words   |  6 Pages Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retro virus that causes AIDs by infecting the T Helper cells of the body’s immune system. The AIDS virus is the final stages of the HIV virus. HIV is a lentivirus genus, which is a subgroup of the retrovirus that causes the AIDS virus. Even with proper treatment, an infected person has a life expectancy of less than ten years.As the virus weakens t he human immune systems, this effectleaves the patient compromised and at risk to opportunistic infections

South Indian Food and Culture

Question: Discuss about the South Indian Food and Culture. Answer: Introduction The Indian societies are involved with the one of the most exciting and richest cultural traditions since ages. Therefore, the Indian culture is accepted as the oldest civilization in the world. The cultural trait and the festivals are quite important for the Indian culture. The southern zone of India is quite renowned for the spices and spicy foods. Mahadevan, Blair and Raines (2014) implied that the Indian Cuisine is generally characterized by the use of the herbs, spices, and other vegetables grow in the different parts of India. The food culture is also different in different parts of India. People from different societies adopt the different techniques of preparing food. The taste and the dishes are different to other parts of the Indian cultures (Anderson 2014). It is important to state that the cultural aspects and the religious beliefs influence the Indian cuisine much significantly. The study will provide the insights regarding the South Indian Food and Culture that is compl etely different to the dishes from the other parts of the country. The impact of the traditional choices in selecting the foods will also be described in this study. South Indian Food Culture The foods available in the South Indian States are categorized into six different tastes, such as salt, sweet, bitter, sour, astringent, and pungent. As per the Tamil society, it is necessary to add these tastes in each of the main meals. It has been noted that these six tastes are quite capable of balancing between the appetite and digestions (Unika and Jaffar 2014). South India is mostly famous for the coconut, root tubers, and various types of fishes. Rice is the main food in South India and people have rice with curry or S?mbhar. Quite generous yet the balanced use of the different spices in the foods is available in the vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods in South India (Shree and Pandian 2016). South Indians prefer milk, sweet cream, ghee, rice, butter, and honey for the sweet tastes. In sour, they prefer citrus fruits, mango, limes and lemon, yogurt, and tamarind. As the salty preferences, South Indians have salt or pickles. They even have some greens of many kinds, bitter gou rd, and turmeric. Some of the pungent spices like ginger, clove, chili peppers, and mustard are added to the food prepared by the South Indians (Chinese et al. 2017). The food culture of South Indians is categorized by depending on the different purposes. The traditional touches in their foods are quite visible. Moreover, it is also noticed that South India is much attractive for the national and international tourists (Haldiramusa.com 2017). The people maintain their cultural heritage in treating the tourists. They maintain a proper etiquette while offering foods or treating people. Types of Foods The foods for the Breakfast in South India contain the main dishes like uppuma, idlis, dosas, vadas, chapattis, and savory pongal. These items are especially served with kurma, sambhar, chutney, or vada curry. These are mainly seen in Tamil Nadu. The filter coffee accompanies the breakfast in the morning (Sreeramulu et al. 2013). In usual cases, the South Indian menu contains at least three to four dishes along with rice. The people from South India usually start their meal with the traditional parappu mixed with ghee. This mixture is served with rice that is mainly taken as an appetizer (Unika and Jaffar 2014). The next preparation is sambhar or kuzambhu and it is served as the main course by mixing up with rice. During the festivals, the South Indians two main course of Kuzhambus, that are available in different types and forms. Cultural and Geographical Influence on South Indian Foods It is to be specified that the climate of South India is quite hot and humid. The people from the coastal zones have to face such humid and hot weather (Chinese et al. 2017). Due to the lesser amount of rainfall, most of the vegetables, fresh fruits, and rice are supplied. Apart from the larger amount of the vegetarian cuisines, there is the huge range of the seafood available in the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh. The Chettinad cuisine from Tamilnadu is most popular among the Indians. The Malabari Cooking from Kerala is much famous for the repertoire of the delicious dishes of seafood. Hyderabad, the home of Nizams is famous for the flavorful spicy dishes with the blend of regal Nizami food style. The blend of the sour and spicy flavor is making the food superior in taste. Generally, the foods from Hyderabad are mixed up with dried fruits, nuts, and other expensive spices, such as saffron. Style of South Indian Food South Indian cuisine is much demanding for all Indians. Rice or rice-based dishes prepare most of the dishes by blending Sambhar and rasam. Apart from this food, some of the meat dishes, vegetable curry, or coconut-based chutneys are also served (Chinese et al. 2017). The demands for the staple food are higher in South India. It is to be stated that the south Indian meals are incomplete without idlis or boiled rice. Daals, dosas, or Uttapams are also added to their meals. Be it frying or cooking, the South Indians mostly use the coconut oil for preparing their foods. Apart from this coconut oil, they also use canola and sunflower vegetable oils. It is noticed that the South Indian people have the tendency to pour ghee over rice in their daily meals as well as the occasional purposes (Unika and Jaffar 2014). They use curry leaves, pepper, asafetida, and mustard as the main spices for their foods. Drinks and Desserts in South India In South India, filtered coffee is the most demanding and popular beverage. A normal South Indian person cannot stay without coffee since it is considered as the social institute of the Tamil Tradition. It is essential for the South Indians to have at least one cup of coffee once a day. The filtered coffee is the unique part of this state. The people in South India mostly prefer gourmet coffee beans that are less expensive than the Arabica variety. In some of the cases, it has been noticed people add the chicory for enhancing aroma of the Coffee (Chinese et al. 2017). They even prefer to consume the coffee prepared with the roasted and powered coffee beans. In some of the cases, it has been observed they separate coffee powder dust by applying the filtering process. Apart from the coffee, they even prefer the brewed tea that is available in the small tea stores across the adjoining areas of Tamil Nadu. Maintaining Etiquette for Dining The drinking and eating cultures of India is widely respected in the traditional, cultural and religious aspects. According to (Unika and Jaffar (2014), maintaining the proper etiquette of South Indian culture is completely different to the other parts of the country. There are numerous types of utensils used for different purposes. It has been observed that the people from South India do not use the cutlery for eating any food. They often enjoy the food by eating with the hand. They maintain the traditional approach while eating by their hand. They believe that food is divine due to which every individual should enjoy the food with smell, touch, and taste (Chinese et al. 2017). They do not feel pleasure in touching and eating the food with spoon or fork. One of the most attractive parts of the South Indian culture is their food habits and the etiquettes. People wash their hands properly before start eating. There is the traditional saying that the long nails are very unhygienic for people. They belive that the food can be easily scooped if the individuals are using their hands instead of spoons or fork. They even consider that the food should be eater by the tip of the fingers and it will be considered as the bad manner if someone put the stain outside of the fingers or palms. A little bit of practices would be beneficial in adopting such cultural etiquettes. However, it is also noted that there are some of the foods that cannot be eaten without using the spoons or forks. For example, while having the soup or daal, it is essential to use spoon. Moreover, they sometimes even attend the formal occasions or restaurants where the banana leaf is not used for serving food (Shree and Pandian 2016). However, the traditional approaches in the South Indian cutlery is not prioritizing the spoon or forks too eat the food. These spoons and forks are limited in the kitchen. During the formal situations, they use the spoons to serve the food to others. In addition to this, it is also noted that they use the spoons in a very clasping motion. The forks are mainly used in order to distribute the foods from a collective space. This culture is followed since they believe that it is very rude to touch others foods. Other Etiquettes and Food The South Indians maintain the proper etiquette while dining with people. They always use their right hands for receiving or eating foods. They do not use the left hand since they believe it would much insulting to eat or receive foods with left hand (Shree and Pandian 2016). The Hindus from South India respect the beefs and animals as they find the cattle sacred. On the other hand, the Muslims do not eat pork as they find it very unclean. The people from South India are culturally very rich in culture. They have the traditional belief that the younger people would not start eating before their elders. When the eldest member arrives, the entire family starts eating together. In such cases, the elder takes the participation of being a host. They always wash their hands properly before they start eating. They found offering Echal is unhygienic and rude for an individual. Echal is a food part that comes in contacts with the saliva or mouth (Unika and Jaffar 2014). They also pay attentio n towards the eating manner and polite behaviour. The attribute they maintain to offer foods or dining with the closed people are much commendable. More specifically, it can be stated that the people belong to South Indian cultures maintain a manner for eating food. The traditional touches in their foods are quite visible. Moreover, it is also noticed that South India is much attractive for the national and international tourists. The people maintain their cultural heritage in treating the tourists (Shree and Pandian 2016). They maintain a proper etiquette while offering foods or treating people. Hence, the reflection of their cultural trait is visible in their eating etiquettes and in various types of foods. The cuisine from Andhra has the greater impact of the Mughals. Most of the foods prepared in Andhra Pradesh are mixed up with extra spices (Unika and Jaffar 2014). The impact of the food cultures is commendable. The effects of such South Indian foods on Indian people are much remarkable. More specifically, the foodie Indians enjoy every bit of the menu served in the states of South India. Conclusion The study explores the food and cultural attributes of South India. The people from South India prefer more spice on their foods. The food culture is also different in different parts of India. People from different societies adopt the different techniques of preparing food. The taste and the dishes are different to other parts of the Indian cultures. Quite generous yet the balanced use of the different spices in the foods is available in the vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods in South India. South Indians prefer milk, sweet cream, ghee, rice, butter, and honey for the sweet tastes. They maintain the proper etiquette to eat with their hands. Moreover, the foods are served in different utensils. It is necessary to indicate that the South Indian foods are prepared by focusing on the traditional acceptability. The traditional touches in their foods are quite visible. Moreover, it is also noticed that South India is much attractive for the national and international tourists. The people maintain their cultural heritage in treating the tourists. They maintain a proper etiquette while offering foods or treating people. References Adger, W.N., Barnett, J., Brown, K., Marshall, N. and O'brien, K., 2013. Cultural dimensions of climate change impacts and adaptation.Nature Climate Change,3(2), pp.112-117. Anderson, E.N., 2014.Everyone eats: Understanding food and culture. NYU Press. Anderson, E.N., 2014.Everyone eats: Understanding food and culture. NYU Press. Chinese, I., Calorie, L., Cooking, M. and Breakfast, I., 2017. South Indian Cuisine - South Indian Food - South Indian Cuisines. [online] Indian Food Forever. Available at: https://www.indianfoodforever.com/food-guide/south-indian-cuisine.html [Accessed 14 Apr. 2017]. Fieldhouse, P., 2013.Food and nutrition: customs and culture. Springer. Haldiramusa.com, 2017. History of Indian Food. [online] Haldiramusa.com. Available at: https://www.haldiramusa.com/History_Indian_Food.htm [Accessed 14 Apr. 2017]. Mahadevan, M., Blair, D. and Raines, E.R., 2014. Changing food habits in a South Indian Hindu Brahmin community: a case of transitioning gender roles and family dynamics.Ecology of food and nutrition,53(6), pp.596-617. Shree, J.S. and Pandian, A.S.S., 2016. Factors Influencing the Consumption Pattern of Butter in Chennai City, Tamil Nadu.Indian Vet. J,93(10), pp.69-71. Sreeramulu, D., Reddy, C.V.K., Chauhan, A., Balakrishna, N. and Raghunath, M., 2013. Natural antioxidant activity of commonly consumed plant foods in India: effect of domestic processing.Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity,2013. Unika, D. and Jaffar, A.M., 2014. A study on consumer behaviour towards instant food products in Tamilnadu.International Journal of Business and Administration Research Review,3(5).