How could decreasing the sales tax percentage from 6% to 5.5% in FL actually increase the total dollar amount of sales taxes generated in the state?

The answer to this has to do with the concept of price elasticity of demand.  Basically, if the tax is lowered, people might increase their buying so much that the tax revenues actually go up.

The law of demand tells us that, when prices go down, people buy more of a given good or service.  We do not know, however, exactly how much more people will buy for any given drop in the price.  This...

The answer to this has to do with the concept of price elasticity of demand.  Basically, if the tax is lowered, people might increase their buying so much that the tax revenues actually go up.

The law of demand tells us that, when prices go down, people buy more of a given good or service.  We do not know, however, exactly how much more people will buy for any given drop in the price.  This is where price elasticity of demand comes into play.  If demand for goods is very elastic, a small drop in price will cause people to buy a much larger quantity of goods and services.

If demand for goods and services is very elastic in Florida, this decrease in sales tax could actually result in higher revenues. When sales tax decreases, prices, in effect, decrease as well.  If demand is elastic enough, people will buy so much more that total sales tax revenues rise.

Let us look at an example of how this is possible:

Let us say that people buy $1,000 worth of goods and services from a given store each day.  With the sales tax at 6%, the government gets $60 in tax revenue.  Now the sales tax drops to 5.5%.  If people now buy $1300 worth of goods and services each day, the government takes in $71.50 in sales tax.  Thus, if demand is elastic enough, dropping the sales tax can increase revenue.  However, demand may not be sufficiently elastic so this is not guaranteed to work.

Who do George and Curley seek to control? How do they try to exert power/control over others? Is their reason for exerting power/control good or bad?

In Of Mice and Men, George and Curley show different extremes of control.

George exerts control in order to make life better for he and Lennie. He understands that he represents the thinking for both men.  When he exerts control over Lennie, it is because he knows that Lennie trusts him. We recognize this when George tells Slim about when he was able to make Lennie jump into the Sacramento River simply because he told...

In Of Mice and Men, George and Curley show different extremes of control.

George exerts control in order to make life better for he and Lennie. He understands that he represents the thinking for both men.  When he exerts control over Lennie, it is because he knows that Lennie trusts him. We recognize this when George tells Slim about when he was able to make Lennie jump into the Sacramento River simply because he told him to do so.

George knows that his control over Lennie is meant to keep him out of trouble and protect him.  He also knows that their dream of "livin' off the fatta land" is only possible if he is able to control Lennie's actions. Without George, he and Lennie know that disaster is unavoidable. George's exertion of control is only meant for good.  This can be seen in the end of the novella when George has to kill Lennie to prevent him from suffering at the hands of the lynch mob. George often laments about how happy he would be if he did not have to take care of Lennie, proving that his control of Lennie is for good purposes.  

Curley's exertion of control is to demonstrate his own power.  When he first encounters George and Lennie, his control is meant to substantiate his own power.  His insistence on Lennie speaking when he is spoken to is meant to validate his stature.  When he assaults Lennie, it is because he feels that he is losing credibility in the eyes of the other men in the bunkhouse. He uses control for his own ends. Even his continual searching for his wife is a way to exert control over her.  Finally, he organizes the lynch mob against Lennie as a way to wrestle control of the situation. Curley rejects Slim's advice to stay behind to grieve over the loss of his wife because he wants to showcase his control of the situation. It is a way to demonstrate to everyone that he is the source of power.  In all of these cases, Curley uses control for selfish and malevolent ends.

What is an electron? Why does it have a negative charge?

Atoms are composed of tiny particles called subatomic particles. The three main subatomic particles in the atom are:

• Protons: Protons are positively charged and are located in the nucleus of the atom.

• Neutrons: Neutrons have zero charge and are also located in the nucleus of the atom.

• 
  Electrons: Electrons are negatively charged and are located in the electron cloud that surrounds the nucleus of the atom. Electrons are extremely tiny.

The terms "positive" and...

Atoms are composed of tiny particles called subatomic particles. The three main subatomic particles in the atom are:

• Protons: Protons are positively charged and are located in the nucleus of the atom.

• Neutrons: Neutrons have zero charge and are also located in the nucleus of the atom.

• 
  Electrons: Electrons are negatively charged and are located in the electron cloud that surrounds the nucleus of the atom. Electrons are extremely tiny.

The terms "positive" and "negative" were first used by Benjamin Franklin around 1750 to describe electrical charge. Two types of electrical charge were known at the time and could be observed by rubbing together different types of material. Franklin thought that one type of charge exhibited a slight excess of electricity, while the other type of charge exhibited a slight deficit of electricity. He called the electrical charge with the slight excess of electricity "positive". He called the electrical charge with the slight deficit of electricity "negative". Years later, as scientists began to better understand electricity, it became apparent that the two types of electricity would have been more accurately described if the "positive" and "negative" labels had been switched; however, at this point, switching the labels would have caused too much confusion and they were not changed. As the subatomic particles in the atom were discovered, Franklin's ideas about positive and negative charge were used to designate protons as positively charged and electrons as negatively charged.

What arguments did Mr. Otis give to suggest that the jewels belonged to Lord Canterville in The Canterville Ghost?

Mr. Otis says that under the English laws of "mortmain" or perpetual ownership, the jewels are actually the property of Lord Canterville, even though Mr. Otis has purchased Canterville Hall. Mr. Otis also argues that Virginia, though 15, is "merely a child," that she obtained the jewels in an odd way (from a ghost) and that she has no interest in items of luxury. In fact, Mr. Otis strongly argues that owning expensive aristocratic jewels...

Mr. Otis says that under the English laws of "mortmain" or perpetual ownership, the jewels are actually the property of Lord Canterville, even though Mr. Otis has purchased Canterville Hall. Mr. Otis also argues that Virginia, though 15, is "merely a child," that she obtained the jewels in an odd way (from a ghost) and that she has no interest in items of luxury. In fact, Mr. Otis strongly argues that owning expensive aristocratic jewels runs counter to the ideals of "Republican simplicity" of this all-American family. He calls the jewels "vain gauds and toys." He is even bemused by his daughter's desire to keep the box the jewels came in (though not the jewels themselves), calling it "medievalism" and attributing it to Virginia having been born in a London suburb. He also mentions that the jewels are very costly, and implies the money would be useful to Lord Canterville.

Ironically, the all-American Virginia does keep the jewels and ends up as the Duchess of Chesire, an accurate reflection of the tendency of wealthy Americans to marry English aristocrats during this time period. 

What is the impact of the journey explored in The Kite Runner?

In The Kite Runner, the impact of the journey can be measured in the emotional change that characters experience.

Hosseini's work shows how people change as a result of the journey they undertake. Baba changes when he and Amir move to America. He becomes more understanding towards his son and demonstrates greater compassion in his relationship with Amir.  While these emotions were always there, they become more demonstrative as a result of the journey...

In The Kite Runner, the impact of the journey can be measured in the emotional change that characters experience.

Hosseini's work shows how people change as a result of the journey they undertake. Baba changes when he and Amir move to America. He becomes more understanding towards his son and demonstrates greater compassion in his relationship with Amir.  While these emotions were always there, they become more demonstrative as a result of the journey to America.  

For his part, Amir changes when he undertakes the journey back to Afghanistan. Prior to his return to Afghanistan, Amir had to live with how he witnessed Hassan being abused.  He was unable to acknowledge the depth of his relationship with Hassan. However, as a result of his journey, Amir changes. He is forced to confront Assef and take action in the name of his friend.  When he was younger, these were situations where his weakness was exposed.  His journey back to Afghanistan represents a “way to be good again.”   Finally, the journey changes Sohrab.  His life experiences massive change upon leaving to America.  As a result of his journey, Sohrab learns to trust and be more open with people, in particular, Amir and Soraya.  

In each of these situations, the impact of the journey is to initiate change within characters.  

I've been asked to imagine that I am a particular character in a work of literature. I must place yourself in their body, emotions, and...

This is certainly an interesting essay prompt. On the upside, you have a lot of freedom in how you approach your essay. For some writers, however, this may also be a drawback. For this assignment, you will have to use your imagination and take some creative license with a piece of literature that you admire. The first step is finding a text and character that you consider interesting. Do you admire a certain character from ...

This is certainly an interesting essay prompt. On the upside, you have a lot of freedom in how you approach your essay. For some writers, however, this may also be a drawback. For this assignment, you will have to use your imagination and take some creative license with a piece of literature that you admire. The first step is finding a text and character that you consider interesting. Do you admire a certain character from The Lord of the Rings series? Is your personality similar to Hermione Granger from The Harry Potter series? Or do you relate to characters from more canonical pieces of literature such as The Catcher in the Rye or Things Fall Apart? The choice is ultimately up to you, but you should certainly choose a character with whom you share characteristics.

Next, this exercise calls for you to analyze major decisions your character has made throughout the course of the work. First, you must evaluate and defend one of his/her decisions. Why is your chosen character justified in this action? Next, you should criticize one of your character's actions, and elaborate on how you would have done things differently. Finally, you need to argue why your character is the most important character in the work. This may all seem daunting, but remember that you are persuading your audience to view this character the way that you do. You are making a series of arguments concerning the character and defending your reasoning with textual evidence.

As far as getting started with the writing process, I would suggest doing substantial prewriting before you begin your essay. Have you ever tried freewriting? It's a neat technique attributed to rhetorical critic Peter Elbow. All that you have to do in this form of prewriting is write uninterrupted prose. Don't stop to edit or check your spelling, just write for a set block of time. You may be able to mine a few interesting pieces from your freewrite and then edit them into something more cohesive. Additionally, I find that having a solid outline helps me when I write. The more time you put into your writing process (prewriting, drafting, revising and editing, and proofreading), the better your essay will be. 

What are some of the character traits of the main characters in the novel The Boy In The Striped Pajamas?

Bruno: Bruno is an adventurous young boy who wants to become an explorer when he gets older. Bruno is naive and doesn't understand much about his current situation or environment. He is curious and asks many questions. He is also polite and respectful towards his parents, the servants, and his new friend Shmuel.

Shmuel:Shmuel is a sad boy who lives on the other side of the fence in Auschwitz. He is sickly and always...

Bruno: Bruno is an adventurous young boy who wants to become an explorer when he gets older. Bruno is naive and doesn't understand much about his current situation or environment. He is curious and asks many questions. He is also polite and respectful towards his parents, the servants, and his new friend Shmuel.

Shmuel: Shmuel is a sad boy who lives on the other side of the fence in Auschwitz. He is sickly and always hungry due to the fact he suffers from malnutrition. He displays happiness when he talks to Bruno and has a forgiving attitude.

Gretel: Known as the "Hopeless Case" throughout the novel, she is very rude and displays contempt towards Bruno. She is also a flirt and is continually trying to gain the attention of Lieutenant Kotler.

Bruno's Mother: She is an understanding individual who displays respect for the servants, unlike her husband. She is less strict when it comes to child-rearing, and is unhappy with her situation. Bruno mentions that she drinks her "medicinal sherries" and is continually taking long naps. She becomes depressed at Auschwitz and is furious when she finds out that her husband's job is to give orders to kill Jews. She has a romance with Lieutenant Kotler and concludes that Auschwitz is no place to raise children.

Bruno's Father: He is a strict man who is proud of his position as Commandant. He is rather rude to his wife and the servants throughout the novel. Bruno's father is a loyal Nazi who is respected by his soldiers. Despite his family's feelings, he chooses to move them to Auschwitz to fulfil Hitler's wishes. He is not afraid of confrontation and is continually arguing with his wife throughout the novel.

Lieutenant Kolter: He is a young, arrogant Nazi soldier who treats Bruno with contempt throughout the novel. He is violent and is continually punishing the Jews who live in Auschwitz. Kotler is also a flirt and carries on an affair with Bruno's mother throughout the novel.

Pavel: He is kind, caring, and sympathetic towards Bruno. Bruno mentions that he always looks sad and angry. He suffers from malnutrition, like most of the Jews in Auschwitz, and is treated terribly by Bruno's family throughout the novel.