AMC_Padlet_Nicole van Dongen_CPE1 by Nicole van Dongen https://padlet.com/nicolevd28/6syu2amhz9yk information on a variety of topics, related to the U.S. en-us 2019-04-12 10:48:44 UTC 2024-10-13 17:00:51 UTC hello@padlet.com How does the State of Texas regulate the use, sale and carrying of guns? nicolevd28 https://padlet.com/nicolevd28/6syu2amhz9yk/wish/351099088 Texas is known as a non-restrictive state, concerning guns. Despite this image, there is legislation on this subject which regulate how and if guns can be possessed, used and sold. First and foremost, Texas has no laws regarding the possession of firearms. Though, there is regulation of ownership. To own a gun, you must be at least 18 years old and not be a felon. To buy a gun at a store, you must be at least 21 years of age. Furthermore, the carrying of a handgun is not prohibited. However, it is not allowed to place it in a way that may cause alarm. This is called ‘disorderly conduct’. Nevertheless, to carry a handgun openly or concealed in public, you need a License to Carry (LTC). You can obtain an LTC by meeting the following criteria: Firstly, you need to be able to purchase a handgun under federal law, which means you need to be 21 years or older, unless you’re in the army. In that case, you need to be at least 18 years old. New users need to inform the authorities on any drug, alcohol or criminal history. This permit needs to be renewed every 5 years. If you meet the criteria, you will need to take an instruction course. This course takes about 4 to 6 hours.

Source: Editors of Findlaw.com, (2018). Texas Gun Control Laws, FindLaw.com. Retrieved on April 8, from https://statelaws.findlaw.com/texas-law/texas-gun-control-laws.html.

]]> 2019-04-12 10:55:03 UTC https://padlet.com/nicolevd28/6syu2amhz9yk/wish/351099088 How do we celebrate Independence Day? nicolevd28 https://padlet.com/nicolevd28/6syu2amhz9yk/wish/351099173 Each year on the 4th of July, Independence Day is celebrated across the United States of America. This is Americas biggest secular holiday. The reason for this celebration is the adaptation of the final draft of the Declaration of Independence, which took place in Philadelphia on July 4th 1776. When the war of Independence ended in 1783, the 4th of July became a holiday in lots of different states. In 1941 Independence Day became a federal holiday. In the 18th century this day was celebrated by organizing speeches, military events, parades and fireworks. As time passed, other activities became associated with this day, such as: picnics, baseball games, visiting the beach and watermelon eating contests. Food was also an important factor on this day. Other important activities are rodeos and candle festivals. 

Nowadays, celebrating the 4th of July is best done in New York City, where Macy’s stupendous Fourth of July fireworks are set off alongside the East River. For an historic experience it is advised to visit the state of New England, since it played an important role in gaining independence for America. Lots of other cities also have fireworks, you can see these amazing shows in Washington D.C., Chicago, Nashville, Houston, New Orleans and many other places.

Moreover, this day is celebrated in every state, though Boston and Philadelphia are the most popular places to celebrate Independence Day. In Philadelphia, historic scenes are performed at the Independence Hall, including reading the Declaration of Independence. In Boston a concert is held each year, which is televised as well. Besides, the USS John. F. Kennedy, a ship, sails into the harbour each year.


source: Plowright, T. (9-11-2018). The Best 4th of July Celebrations in the USA. Tripsavvy. Retrieved on April 7 from https://www.tripsavvy.com/best-fourth-of-july-celebrations-in-the-usa-4169447.
]]> 2019-04-12 10:55:25 UTC https://padlet.com/nicolevd28/6syu2amhz9yk/wish/351099173 Is New York City a wheelchair-friendly city? nicolevd28 https://padlet.com/nicolevd28/6syu2amhz9yk/wish/351099203 On many Bucket Lists a visit to The Big Apple cannot be missed. Because, don’t we all want to visit New York City at least once in our lives. This city, as seen in both movies and tv series, is a huge touristic attraction. If you happen to depend on a wheelchair, travelling is not always that easy. Though many places have adapted their buildings and infrastructure in a wheelchair-friendly way. If you are looking to visit New York City, you need to be aware of certain discomforts you may come across.

The subway and taxis are not always accommodating to disabled passengers. Not every subway station has an elevator, which is why the use of this kind of public transport is not recommended. On the contrary, the use of the bus is a better option. All regular busses are equipped with ramps. Another issue is the entrances of establishment. Often, there is an actual height difference between the sidewalk and the entrance of, let’s say, a restaurant. It might be handy to look up if there are ramps near the establishment or, perhaps taking someone along to help you might fix the issue. Of course, the staff of an establishment is often very hospitable. Though, in 2019 it should not be that much of an issue to make an establishment accessible to all kinds of visitors. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed about 30 years ago. Nevertheless, there is still lots of room for improvement. Don’t let these issues stop you from visiting the wonderful city, as described in  Alicia Keys’ ‘Empire State of Mind’. However, make sure you prepare your trip very well.

Source: Smith, S.E. (17-07-2018). New York is a nightmare for disabled people. Tonic.Vice.com. Retrieved on April 12 from https://tonic.vice.com/en_us/article/pawb7b/disabled-people-new-york-city-how-to-fix.

 

]]> 2019-04-12 10:55:35 UTC https://padlet.com/nicolevd28/6syu2amhz9yk/wish/351099203 How does Academic grading work in the USA? nicolevd28 https://padlet.com/nicolevd28/6syu2amhz9yk/wish/351099390 In the U.S. there are two basic grading systems, which are the Letter and Numerical grade. These are part of the GPA. GPA stands for Grade Point Average. Which is the average of all grades. 

Firstly, the numerical grading scale is set from 0 to 100. A numerical grade is usually transformed to a letter grade. You get an A if your score is between 90 and 100. If it is between 80 and 89 you get a B. A C you will get if you have 70 to 79 points. A D corresponds with 60 to 69 points. And lastly, and F corresponds with a score of 0 to 59. If you receive a grade below a C (70) you fail. Besides, there are also plus of minus options. The GPA will be calculated from the numerical grades with decimals. The list in the attachment states when you will get a minus or a plus. 
In college, the GPA is calculated on a scale of 1 to 4. The numerical grades will be converted into a letter grade. After that the letter grade will be converted into the 4.0 scale. The following attachment states all different grading methods and it conversions.

 | Percent Grade | Letter Grade | 4.0 Scale
| 93-100 | A | 4.0
| 90-92 | A- | 3.7
| 87-89 | B+ | 3.3
| 83-86 | B | 3.0
| 80-82 | B- | 2.7
| 77-79 | C+ | 2.3
| 73-76 | C | 2.0
| 70-72 | C- | 1.7
| 67-69 | D+ | 1.3
| 63-66 | D | 1.0
| 60-62 | D- | 0.7
| Below 60 | F | 0.0
 
Source: Olivares, M. (31-05-2018). The American Grading System from A to F and GPA. Mooxye.com. Retrieved on April 12 from https://www.mooxye.com/blog/en/american-grading-system-and-gpa/.

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