CREATIVE DREAMS 4 real: October 2009

Saturday, October 24, 2009

How to Write a 20 Page Research Paper in Under a Day

So you've procrastinated again. You told yourself you wouldn't do this 2 months ago when your professor assigned you this. But you procrastinated anyway. Shame on you. It's due in a few hours. What are you going to do?

Pick a Topic

The more "legally-oriented" your topic is, the better. You'll see why.
It has to be something you feel strongly about. Strong as in it makes you want to open your window and yell and shake your fist about it at joggers passing by. That strong.
It also has to be something that you already know some stuff about.
It also needs to have some depth to it. It can't be like "We should have free pizza in lecture every Friday". That's lame. Unless you're really creative, then that could possibly work if your professor has a sense of humor and you really can write 20 pages about something silly like that.

Make a list

...of every possible outcome that this issue could cause in
- ...the near future
- ...the far future
...of every person that this topic affects.
...of any instances where this topic has come in the news.
...what you would do about this topic if you had the chance/power/enough-sugar
...any little detail you can think of

The important thing about this is to think of ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING, no matter how silly or far-fetched. It'll make your professor go "hmm, didn't think about that one". You can even get your friends to help you with this one. The more the merrier. It's best to do this on a computer, because...

Reorder everything.

Put your most obvious argument first.

Then put weird off the wall stuff, regardless of importance.

Put the strongest argument for your case next.

Now list the incidents that will help argue for your point. Don't know of any incidents in the news to help argue your point? That's ok. Make up some, except keep it really really generic. When it comes time to quote the source, remember this: There are over 6 billion people in the world. There are countless newspapers and other sources that document people doing...stuff. If you list incidents that are generic enough and your topic isn't extremely weird, at least one person out there has done something notable/stupid/crazy enough to make it to the news. Also, people have sued each other over everything imaginable. Find a court case database. Your topic has SOMEHOW manifested itself in court at some point in history. I can almost guarantee it. Just make sure that the situations you come up with are physically possible.

Now, list everything that could be construed to be the answer to the question "if elected, what would you do about this issue?"

It's best to keep all this in the form of an outline.

Spaces

Now add several lines of space under each bullet. Keep adding spaces until your text document has reached the goal size of your paper.

Now print it out.

Get the hell away from your computer

I'm serious.
No really, get away from the computer.
Go outside and sit under a tree. If you hate outside, or if it's too cold for humans to survive, or if there's a band of rabid dogs roaming your neighborhood, good. It'll help you write faster.

The reason why you should do this is because everyone magically becomes ADD when they are near a computer. You can check your AIM messages later.

Write

Write a fiery rant in each of the spaces you alloted. Get pumped. Just don't begin every paragraph with "I swear upon my father's grave..." Also try not to repeat yourself too much. Be very specific. Talk to your reader as though they've never heard of your subject before. Write at about the same size that your typed version will be. Don't worry too much if you don't fill in all the spaces. But if you feel strongly enough about your topic, then this really shouldn't be a problem. If you're like me and can't think linearly you can skip around as much as you want.

Go Back Inside

Type everything. You'll also notice more things occur to you as you type. Go ahead and throw them in in the corresponding categories. Don't jump around too much at this point though. Maintain focus and bash out that essay as fast as possible. Although you should do this as fast as possible, be a typo nazi. Those little things really make it evident you did this at the last minute.

Time for that whole "research" part

Believe it or not, nothing you said was original. Remember what I said earlier about 6 billion people? Apply now. Pick each topic/case/scenario/subpoint. Anything you had to say about those has already been said by some scholar or professor or newspaper. Google it up. It won't take long. Take a few key words from your main argument of each section and see what you get. Paraphrase their main argument or quote a few lines. Add the proper citations. Do NOT plagiarize.

Formatting

Some word processors are capable of non-integer spacing. Try 2.1 or 2.2 spacing.
There's also the Good ol' Margin trick
Title page
Did your professor specify to use MLA citations? She/he didn't? Good. APA citation guidelines are much more friendly with website sources. Check it out.

Print.

Turn in.

Good job. Have a cookie.

Diwali 2009

October 17th marked the celebration of Diwali among Hindus and other groups around the world. Diwali is also known as the "Festival of Lights" (the name translates as "row of lamps" in Sanskrit). The festival marks the homecoming of Hindu God Rama to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile in the forest following his victory over Ravana, and signifies the victory of good over evil, of light over darkness. Celebrants observe Diwali with fireworks, colorful lanterns, lamps, garlands, sweet treats and worship. Collected here are a handful of photographs of Diwali this year.

Schoolgirl Bhargavi, 7, arranges garlands made from marigold flowers at a roadside stall on the eve of the Hindu festival of Diwali in the southern Indian city of Hyderabad October 16, 2009. Flowers are offered to Hindu gods and goddesses on the occasion of Diwali, the annual festival of lights that was celebrated across the country on Saturday, October 17th. (REUTERS/Krishnendu Halder)

A worker's hands are covered with gunpowder as she fills cardboard cylinders at a firecracker factory on the outskirts of the eastern Indian city of Siliguri October 9, 2009. Firecrackers are in great demand ahead of Diwali. (REUTERS/Rupak De Chowdhuri) #

An Indian potter makes earthen lamps for the Diwali festival, in Allahabad, India, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2009. People buy the earthen lamps to decorate their homes during celebrations of Diwali. (AP Photo/Rajesh Kumar Singh) #

A potter makes clay lamps for Diwali in Mumbai, India on October 9, 2009. (REUTERS/Arko Datta) #

An artisan paints an earthen lamp at a workshop before Diwali in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata October 6, 2009. (REUTERS/Jayanta Shaw) #

Volunteers work inside a candle and lamp making workshop at a blind school ahead of the Hindu festival of Diwali in New Delhi, India on October 8, 2009. (REUTERS/Parth Sanyal) #

A rickshaw puller passes in front of unfinished idols of Hindu goddess Kali outside a workshop in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata October 14th, 2009. (REUTERS/Jayanta Shaw) #

An artisan applies finishing touches to an idol of Hindu Goddess Kali at a workshop in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata on October 12th, 2009. Idols of the Hindu goddess of power Kali are worshipped during the annual Hindu festival of lights, Diwali. (REUTERS/Jayanta Shaw) #

A girl carrying a child walks past clay sculptures kept on display at a roadside shop ahead of the Hindu festival of Diwali in New Delhi, India on October 16th, 2009. (REUTERS/Parth Sanyal) #

A woman colors clay lamps for Diwali in Mumbai, India on October 15th, 2009. (REUTERS/Arko Datta) #

A boy arranges handmade lamp shades at a shop before the Diwali festival in Hyderabad, India on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A) #

A policeman stands guard as thousands throng a market on the last Sunday ahead of Diwali, in Ahmadabad, India on October 11th, 2009. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki) #

A child sits near idols of Hindu Goddess Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, on the eve of Diwali in Hyderabad, India, Friday, Oct. 16, 2009. (AP Photo/Mahesh Kumar A.) #

A Malaysian of Hindu faith, Thevamalar Nadarajah, 12, recites a prayer during Diwali celebrations at a temple in Kuala Lumpur October 17, 2009. The Hindu community, which consists of 7 percent or 1.82 million out of Malaysia's 26 million population, on Saturday celebrated Diwali. Hindus decorate their homes and places of worship with lamps or candles during Diwali (locally known as Deepavali) which literally means "rows of lights". (REUTERS/Bazuki Muhammad) #

Fireworks light up the sky in celebration of Diwali in New Delhi, India, Saturday, Oct.17, 2009. Diwali was celebrated across India on Saturday with prayers and fireworks. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) #

Children watch fireworks during the Hindu festival of Diwali in New Delhi, India on October 17, 2009. (REUTERS/Reinhard Krause) #

Children wave sparklers at night, during Diwali in New Delhi, India on October 17, 2009. (REUTERS/Reinhard Krause) #

Hindu worshippers pray during the festival of Diwali at Shivm Kovi temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka on October 17, 2009. (REUTERS/Andrew Caballero-Reynolds) #

U.S. President Barack Obama lights a traditional oil lamp as Sri Narayanachar Digalakote, Hindu Priest from the Sri Siva Vishnu Temple in Maryland, chants in observance of Diwali, in the East Room at the White House October 14, 2009 in Washington, DC. Obama signed an executive order restoring the White House Advisory Commission and Interagency Working Group, which addresses issues concerning the Asian American and Pacific Islander community during the ceremony. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) #

Jagdish Capoor, non executive chairman of the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) makes an offering to the Hindu Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of Wealth) prior to a special holiday trading session on the occasion of Diwali, inside the BSE in Mumbai, India, on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. Brokers and investors at the BSE made token stock purchases during a one-hour trading session on Diwali. (Prashanth Vishwanathan/Bloomberg) #

In this long-exposure photograph, two girls spin sparklers in the air on October 15th, 2009, ahead of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, in Ahmadabad, India. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki) #

Onlookers stand beside lit earthen lamps during celebrations on the eve of the Hindu festival of Diwali in the northern Indian city of Chandigarh October 16, 2009. (REUTERS/Ajay Verma) #

A devotee lights a lamp at Akshardham temple during celebrations to mark the annual Hindu festival of Diwali at Gandhinagar in the western Indian state of Gujarat October 17, 2009. (REUTERS/Amit Dave) #

Children decorate their front yard with lamps as they celebrate Diwali at the Sanatan Dharm Children's Home in Paramaribo, Suriname on October 17, 2009. Hindus decorate their homes and places of worship with lamps or candles during Diwali which was celebrated on Saturday by 20 percent of Suriname's population that are of Indian origin. (REUTERS/Ranu Abhelakh (SURINAME SOCIETY RELIGION) #

A priest watches worshippers during the festival of Diwali at Shivm Kovi temple in Colombo, Sri Lanka on October 17, 2009. (REUTERS/Andrew Caballero-Reynolds) #

A girl lights an earthen lamp during celebrations on the eve of the Hindu festival of Diwali in the eastern Indian city of Siliguri October 16, 2009. (REUTERS/Rupak De Chowdhuri) #

An Indian Border Security Force (BSF) soldier lights a candle inside a bunker on the occasion of the Hindu festival of Diwali, at the India-Bangladesh border on the outskirts of Agartala, capital of India's northeastern state of Tripura October 17, 2009. (REUTERS/Jayanta Dey) #

A boy lights fireworks on the Hindu festival of Diwali in New Delhi October 17, 2009. (REUTERS/Reinhard Krause) #

Indian Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers light candles to celebrate Diwali, at the India-Bangladesh border on the outskirts of the eastern Indian city of Siliguri October 17, 2009. (REUTERS/Rupak De Chowdhuri) #

People set off fireworks outside their home in celebration of Diwali in Bangalore, India, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi) #

A woman prepares earthen lamps to be put in and around her house, during Diwali, the festival of lights, in New Delhi, India, Saturday, Oct.17, 2009. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup) #

A boy dressed as Hindu Lord Krishna participates in the annual procession on the eve of Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, in Paramaribo, Suriname on October 16, 2009. (REUTERS/Ranu Abhelakh) #

A woman lights an earthen lamp during the celebrations on the eve of the Hindu festival of Diwali in the western Indian city of Ahmedabad October 16, 2009. (REUTERS/Amit Dave)

Top 15 Attractions & Things To Do In Scotland

While the major cities overflow with glorious architecture, whisky tasting shows and frenetic art festivals, the Highlands invoke the legend of King Arthur, pierce with the sound of bagpipes, enchant with the romanticism woven into the tartan pattern, sooth with abundantly grassy hills and hypnotize with mysteriously steamy lakes. A sense of enigma lurks in the countless fortresses scattered all over the country, rests up high on the spires of magnificent cathedrals, plummets from the edges of treacherous cliffs, and hovers over tranquil archipelagos.

Following a research into the preferences and opinions posted by users of various social media sites, such as Twitter and Facebook, as well as own resources and reviews by the most popular travel sites, Open Travel has compiled a list of top 15 things to see or do on your Scotland Vacations. Let yourself be mystified!

1
Old Town of Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Photo by Tilmandralle

No other European capital could provide a canvas for The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. On arrival you come to see the respectable figure of the Old Town's medieval tenements robed in the New Town's neoclassical chic. Heels tap rhythmically on the frigid cobblestones of the Royal Mile and the Nelson's Monument keeps a watchful eye on the restrained city life from top of Calton Hill - Edinburgh's acropolis and the headquarters of the Scottish Government. John Knox House lets you come up close to the most dramatic events in Scotland's history, while Literary Pub Tours impart with you the city's infectious decadence. But dip a little bit deeper and you'll be hit with the primeval magnitude of the craggy cliffs that cast an awe-inspiring shadow over the refined monuments. Edinburgh is a town where the reserved face of enlightenment and tradition is oxygenated with real blood and distorted with animalistic grimaces. Here civilization and nature fight a battle for dominance within one body, but being so intimately interlaced, one cannot exist without the other. And now imagine all that when the Edinburgh Festival floods the city with artistic frenzy and color.
Neist Point

Location: Isle of Skye, United Kingdom

Photo by David and Lynn

The Island of Skye, situated off the West coast of Mainland Scotland and with its 350 miles of coastline, is the largest and best known of the Inner Hebrides. Often referred in Gaelic poetry as Eilean a' Cheò, the Misty Isle, the place is famed for stunning natural beauty and wildlife. The dramatic area of majestic mountains, moorlands and lochs was sculpted by the violent volcanic activity over 1 million of years ago. The island is highly popular with trippers, holidaymakers and naturalists alike. Climbers shall find the Red Cuillins an enjoyable experience while nature lovers will be astonished with the abundance of birds here. Probably one of the best places to do some bird-watching is Neist Point, the most westerly point of Skye. This spectacular headland will also give you great opportunity to observe whales, dolphins, porpoises and basking shark. Explore other of the Inner Hebrides such as Islay, famed for superb malt whiskey distilleries, or Jura, off-the-beaten-track hiking paradise, for even more of your island adventure
3
Glasgow Merchant City

Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom

Photo by John Lindie

Here in the heart of Glasgow, where tobacco traders once came to settle down, do business and build their warehouses, you will find a hermetic environment consistent with its historical roots and proud of its mercantile background. Overflowing with galleries, fine historic buildings, some of the most eclectic eateries in Scotland and infectious pub culture, it is one of those places we typically say have souls. And if you're in for some night time revelry, Merchant city caters for all scenes till the break of dawn. Also, make sure you don't miss Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which boasts one of the finest civic collections in Europe, even if it takes crawling out of a bar the night before a little earlier than you'd love to.
4
Loch Ness

Location: Loch Ness, United Kingdom

Photo by Shadowgate

Dark-watered, deep and mysterious, the Loch Ness is the instantly recognized lake not only in Scotland but worldwide. It stretches for over 20 miles along the natural geological cleft from Fort William in the west to Inverness in the north. Reaching as deep as 740 feet, the lake is the largest one in Scotland by volume. It's probably in the abysmal depths that the scary but much beloved monster, Nessie, dwells. Although numerous sightings of the creature have been reported over the centuries, first one in 585, strangely enough very little evidence exists to give some credence. With or without the gigantic monster, Loch Ness is a magnetic destination of rugged hills climbing steeply, luscious greenery and somewhat misty and elusive charm present in places like Urquhart Bay with the Castle Urquhart, Scotland's largest stronghold or enticing spots of Invermoriston and Fort Augustus. Enjoy!
5
Dunnottar Castle

Location: Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom

Photo by Hossein Mansouri

It doesn't take much effort to stumble upon gloomy medieval fortresses in Scotland, but frankly, Dunnottar beats them all with its evocative and dramatic location. Perched at the edge of a cliffy headland about 3 kilometers south of Stonehaven, the castle is now heavily ruined, but its former glory and magnificence is echoed in every single brick still resting in the crumbling walls. Amble through the barracks, lodgings, and stables imagining that they were once graced with the presence of William Wallace and Mary Queen of Scots, have a sit on the nicely manicured lawn, gape down the cliff, and when you're done here, jump to youthful Aberdeen for a considerable dose of urban buzz in a bustling student community of the city that has won the Britain in Bloom competition a record breaking ten times, and it was certainly deservedly!
6
Beaches of Outer Hebrides

Location: Hebrides, United Kingdom

Photo by Gordon Hatton

Rising majestically from the sea at the northwest edge of Europe, this 150 mile-long island chain of beaches, culture, wildlife and adventure is a paradise for activity-packed summer stays and a wonderful place to unwind. The Outer Hebrides have some of the most breathtaking straps of golden sands, not just in Europe but in the world as well as impressive mountain ranges and vast moorland. Much of the west side is one virtual long deserted and pristine beach. Find your sunny spot on Barra, South or North Uist, Harris or Lewis. What you shall be faced with there are peaceful and unspoiled areas of unsurpassed beauty. Fresh water and sea lochs will provide a great resource for fishermen and bird watchers and for even more nature-spying have a boat trip to spot whales, dolphins, seals or puffins. Unforgettable.
7
Shetland Islands Hopping

Location: Shetland Islands, United Kingdom

Photo by John Winterbottom

Soothing golden beaches, mesmerizing cliffs and a world of truly wild nature where seals and otters frolic in quiet coves and the air is filled with the sound of wild birds. That's Shetland Islands. The group consists of over one hundred islands north of Scotland and astonishes with dramatic ice carved landscape as well as 6,000 years of history treasures. The archipelago is windswept and often treeless with a uniquely Scottish flavor of empty glens surrounded by steep hills, shimmering, sky-blue lochs and, of course, sheep, sheep, sheep. Shetland's scenery is surprisingly diversified for such a small piece of land. The islands offer everything from rocky crags and heather hills to fertile farmland, from sand dunes and pebble beaches to stupendous rocks. A postcard perfect destination. Enjoy!
8
Glen Coe

Location: Lochaber, United Kingdom

Photo by ben matthews :::

Called the last great wilderness , the Scottish Highlands mesmerize with grand mountain scenery, shimmering lakes, solitary inns, spooky ruins and a wealth of legends. It's a realm of your childhood fantasies, an oasis of tranquility, a paradise for walkers and rare fauna watchers. If you're in for some ascent, honor Ben Nevis, which is the highest mountain in the British Isles at mere 1,344 meters. If you're not much of a climber, head southwards towards magical, rolling Glen Coe, hailed to be one of the most heart-throbbing places in the whole Scotland. There, in the village of Glencoe, you'll be told a grim story of a 1692 massacre which adds a dramatic, historical dimension to the scenic beauty of this Highlands' emerald treasure.
9
St. Kilda - The Cliffs Of Hirta

Location: Hebrides, United Kingdom

Photo by CaptainOates

The archipelago is a World Heritage Site that has managed to preserve ecosystems for thousands of years. These distant and solitary islands are home to the highest cliffs in Europe nesting the most important colonies and breeding sites of birds in the north-eastern Atlantic. A birdwatcher's paradise you might think. Yes, but not only. The largest in the St Kilda archipelago is the scenic Hirta, a 3 by 3 km Hebrides island with spectacular cliffs rising up to 1000 feet straight out of the Atlantic and remnants of an isolated community. Visit the island to find out more about the islanders' tough struggle with the churned up waters of the ocean, harsh environment and disease.
10
Rannoch Moor

Location: Pitlochry, United Kingdom

Photo by Mahir Sayar

Uninhabited and barely accessible, the Rannoch Moor has a sense of a legend and mystery interwoven into its heavy mists. The windswept expanses of peat bogs, sweeping moorland clad with heather, granite tors, and gnarled pines make for the spot's simple, yet beguiling beauty. Difficult to navigate by car and particularly recommended for long, undisturbed treks, Rannoch Moor is a place where vastness makes you feel at home and solitude cheers your heart. Take to nature in its most primeval form. Mind your step, though.
11
Heart of Neolithic Orkney

Location: Orkney Islands, United Kingdom

Photo by Shadowgate

The Orkney Islands cut the water's surface where the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet , that is at the very northern tip of Scotland. The pristine archipelago includes roughly 70 islands, 21 of which are currently inhabited. Deservedly, the Orkney is a little paradise for holidaymakers that pampers with quiet sandy beaches, marvelous scenery and fresh quality cuisine. When exploring, hit the islands' capital, Kirkwall as its huge and impressive red sandstone St Magnus Cathedral shall definitely not be passed over. The church, known as the ‘Light in the North', was founded in 1137 by the Viking, Earl Rognvald and tells the tale of Viking invasions. Owned by the burgh of Kirkwall, not church, the cathedral has been justifiably described as "one of the finest and best preserved medieval cathedrals in Scotland" and it is not hard to understand why. Moving even further back in time and pleasing the eyes of archeology enthusiasts is the Skara Brae, a stone-built Neolithic settlement on the west coast of Orkney mainland hidden for centuries under solid sediments and discovered after a storm in 1850.The town is made up of ten houses that were occupied roughly from 3100 to 2500 BC. The remnants are so intact that they gained UNESCO World Heritage Site status as the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. Put it on your must-see visit straight away!
12
Speyside Whiskey Distilleries

Location: Scotland, United Kingdom

Photo by foxypar4

When you think of Scotland you see romantic castles, dramatic rugged landscapes and men in kilts maybe. But there is one more thing that should definitely not be left out, the whisky. Whisky, Uisghe Beatha, The Water of Life as it is often referred to, has changed and evolved for more than 500 years to please its connoisseurs with rich single malts, complex pure malts and distinctive Scotch blends we know today. To explore the secrets of the magic potion, have a tour of Speyside Whisky distilleries and follow the world-famous Malt Whisky Trail to discover the distilleries' own traditions, lore and unique recipes for everything from malting the barley to the height and size of its stills.
13
Firth of Clyde

Location: Scotland, United Kingdom

Photo by Robert Watson

Held to be Britain's Most Beautiful Estuary, the Firth of Clyde stretches from its upper tidal limits in Glasgow to the outer firth in Argyll and Ayrshire, feeding a wealth of bustling towns and idyllic villages nested along its banks. The natural charm of numerous sea-loch, wild beaches and adorable islands is a whole world to explore, weather permits, both by road and from the waters. Mount Stuart House on the Isle of Bute will delight enthusiasts of Neo-Gothic, and trekking on the Isle of Arran will certainly spur the imagination of nature lovers. So pure and welcoming is the firth that even dolphins have been spotted in its upper reaches. Grey seals and harbor porpoises are, on the other hand, a fairly commonplace sight.
14
Melrose Abbey

Location: Melrose, United Kingdom

Photo by Akinom

Melrose Abbey sits somewhere along the scenic St Cuthbert's Way - a 62-mile (100 km) walk through the highly diversified countryside between the Scottish Borders town of Melrose and Lindisfarne (Holy Island) off the coast of Northumberland. The trail commemorates the life of a 7th century monk, St Cuthbert, who took the spiritual message of Christianity from Scotland to England. Walking from village to village you broaden your knowledge of how Christianity developed in northern parts of the island. The walk is compelling not only for fervent believers but also general historians or just nature admirers as the views of the beautiful countryside are breathtaking. Melrose, where St Cuthbert started his life of religious devotion, is a definite must on the way. The building stuns with the delicacy of carved stone, decorative details and other impressive features of English Perpendicular style.
15
Forth Bridge

Location: North Queensferry, United Kingdom

Photo by George Gastin

Regarded as an engineering marvel, the Fourth Railway Bridge has been Scotland's world-famed landmark since it was opened in 1890 by the Prince of Wales. The steel construction of three separate double cantilevers linked together by 350ft long girder spans joined to the main structure of the bridge by huge pins makes you awe agape at the building genius of its constructors. The bridge's construction lasted 7 years and proved to be a hazardous enterprise that devoured the life of about 60 people and injured many more in numerous accidents. Reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower, the bridge dominates the landscape with its majesty and the power of human engineering thought.