Selasa, 15 Juli 2008

LEARN TODAY

In spite / Despite

In spite and despite have the same meaning. They are both prepositions showing contrast. The only difference is in the way they are written. In spite is written as two words and followed by the preposition of. Despite can be directly followed by nouns or gerunds.

For example:

In spite of the rain, the clothes dried up before sun set.

Despite the rain, the clothes dried up before sun set.

In spite of the hard work, he failed the exam.

Despite the hard work, he failed the exam.

In spite of the shocking news, Joe remained calm.

Despite the shocking news, Joe remained calm.

The easiest way not to get confused is that always remember 'in spite of' as a phrase not just the word 'spite'. 'In spite of' has the same meaning as 'despite'.

Note:

In spite of

                     + nouns or gerunds (V-ing)

Despite

Directions : Rewrite the given sentences, using 'in spite of' or 'despite' as in the example:

                   Although he was ill, he came to class.

                   In spite of/ despite his illness, he came to class.

                   In spite of/ despite the fact that he was ill, he came to class.

1.Even though he did not have his parents' approval, he married the girl he loved.

2.Although he was cautious, he hurt himself.

3.He rode his bike to Pattaya without listening to the warning.

4.Although the weather forecast predicts heavy rain, they decided to go on a picnic anyway.

5.There was a heavy storm, but they safely returned.

Answers and Explanations :
Please note that despite and in spite of can be used interchangeably as long as you don't mix them up as 'despite of' or 'in spite'.
1.Even though he did not have his parents' approval, he married the girl he loved.
   Despite the lack of his parents' approval/
   In spite of his parents' disapproval, he married the girl he loved.
2.Although he was cautious, he hurt himself.
   Despite the caution, he hurt himself.
3.He rode his bike to Pattaya without listening to the warning.
   He rode his bike to Pattaya, despite the warning.
4.Although the weather forecast predicts heavy rain, they decided to go on a picnic anyway.
   Despite the weather forecast, they decided to go on a picnic anyway.
5.There was a heavy storm, but they safely returned.
   Despite the heavy storm, they safely returned.

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Senin, 14 Juli 2008

PhD in Financial Econometrics University of Namur, Belgium

FULL TIME PHD RESEARCH POSITIONS in Financial Econometrics

University of Namur (Belgium)
Starting from October 2008, the Faculty of Economics, Social Sciences
and Business Administration of Namur is offering the following three
years FULL TIME PHD RESEARCH POSITIONS (M/F) in the field of
Financial Econometrics with a particular interest for the modelling
and prediction of the volatility of financial time series.

The candidate will be part of the Center for Research in Finance and
Management (CeReFiM) and is expected to contribute to research
projects with members of the Académie universitaire `Louvain'
(http://www.academielouvain.be).

TASKS:

- Prepare a doctoral thesis in Financial Econometrics - Contribute to
the education at the rate of one or three hours of steered works or
seminaries a week. - Tutoring of students.

PROFILE:

- Master's degree in economics. - Fluency in English or French.

OFFER:

- Personal work space at the University (full-time contract requires
the individual to work on the University premises). - Attractive
remuneration.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Applications should be submitted in English or French and must
include the following:

- A detailed curriculum vitae. - A record of grades obtained for all
the completed master courses. - Name, current position, and
relationship to the applicant, of one referee.

Applications must be sent by post as well as electronically to the
following address before September 1st, 2008:

Email: Sebastien.Laurent@fundp.ac.be


CONTACT: Sébastien Laurent Associate Professor in Econometrics FUNDP,
8 rempart de la vierge 5000 Namur Belgium

The University of Namur is an equal opportunity employer.

beasiswa@yahoogroups.com



 

PhD Scholarship Environmental Economics & Earth System Modelling Hamburg

PhD Scholarships (Environmental Economics and Earth System Modelling)

Hamburg University (Germany)
The International Max Planck Research School on Earth System
Modelling (IMPRS-ESM), in Hamburg, Germany, is a PhD program jointly
offered by the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology and the
University of Hamburg. The School comprises institutions and
scientists from the broad field of Earth sciences, as well as from
the economics and social sciences. The IMPRS-ESM contributes to the
development, application and evaluation of a spectrum of Earth system
models at different complexity and spatial and temporal scales.

The IMPRS-ESM offers several doctoral positions to outstanding
students interested in interdisciplinary studies in the comprehensive
field of Earth system research. Detailed information is available on
our internet site www.earthsystemschool.de.

The PhD program is open to applicants holding the equivalent of a
German Diplom or a Master's degree (with written thesis) in physics,
geophysical sciences (incl. meteorology and oceanography), chemistry,
ecology, mathematics, computer science, economics, or political
science. Applicants need to register on-line
(http://www.earthsystemschool.de/ application.html) and e-mail to us
the requested application documents. Application deadline is
September 15, 2008 (online registration closes September 8). The
selection procedure includes an interview of shortlisted applicants.
Successful candidates will be offered financial support of about
1,000 Euro monthly to cover living expenses. There are no tuition
fees.

Positions will be available starting March 2009 (duration up to 3
years).

The Max Planck Institute for Meteorology seeks to increase the number
of female scientists and encourages them to apply. Disabled persons
with comparable qualifications receive preferential status.

For questions, please contact:
coordinator@earthsystemschool.de


 

Minggu, 13 Juli 2008

Vocabulary-Today

5000 Collegiate Words with Brief Definitions – Amass an Ivy League Vocabulary!

EASY 7-CD Edition: All you have to do is listen 15 minutes a day for 4 weeks to absorb 5000 words. + FREE Memory Course. FreeVocabulary.com

abase v. To lower in position, estimation, or the like; degrade.

abbess n. The lady superior of a nunnery.

abbey n. The group of buildings which collectively form the dwelling-place of a society of

monks or nuns.

abbot n. The superior of a community of monks.

abdicate v. To give up (royal power or the like).

abdomen n. In mammals, the visceral cavity between the diaphragm and the pelvic floor;

the belly.

abdominal n. Of, pertaining to, or situated on the abdomen.

abduction n. A carrying away of a person against his will, or illegally.

abed adv. In bed; on a bed.

aberration n. Deviation from a right, customary, or prescribed course.

abet v. To aid, promote, or encourage the commission of (an offense).

abeyance n. A state of suspension or temporary inaction.

abhorrence n. The act of detesting extremely.

abhorrent adj. Very repugnant; hateful.

abidance n. An abiding.

abject adj. Sunk to a low condition.

abjure v. To recant, renounce, repudiate under oath.

able-bodied adj. Competent for physical service.

ablution n. A washing or cleansing, especially of the body.

abnegate v. To renounce (a right or privilege).

abnormal adj. Not conformed to the ordinary rule or standard.

abominable adj. Very hateful.

abominate v. To hate violently.

abomination n. A very detestable act or practice.

aboriginal adj. Primitive; unsophisticated.

aborigines n. The original of earliest known inhabitants of a country.

aboveboard adv. & adj. Without concealment, fraud, or trickery.

abrade v. To wear away the surface or some part of by friction.

abrasion n. That which is rubbed off.

abridge v. To make shorter in words, keeping the essential features, leaning out minor particles.

abridgment n. A condensed form as of a book or play.

abrogate v. To abolish, repeal.

abrupt adj. Beginning, ending, or changing suddenly or with a break.

abscess n. A Collection of pus in a cavity formed within some tissue of the body.

abscission n. The act of cutting off, as in a surgical operation.

abscond v. To depart suddenly and secretly, as for the purpose of escaping arrest.

absence n. The fact of not being present or available.

absent-minded adj. Lacking in attention to immediate surroundings or business.

absolution n. Forgiveness, or passing over of offenses.

absolve v. To free from sin or its penalties.

absorb v. To drink in or suck up, as a sponge absorbs water.

absorption n. The act or process of absorbing.

abstain v. To keep oneself back (from doing or using something).

abstemious adj. Characterized by self denial or abstinence, as in the use of drink, food.

abstinence n. Self denial.

abstruse adj. Dealing with matters difficult to be understood.

absurd adj. Inconsistent with reason or common sense.

abundant adj. Plentiful.

abusive adj. Employing harsh words or ill treatment.

abut v. To touch at the end or boundary line.

abyss n. Bottomless gulf.

academic adj. Of or pertaining to an academy, college, or university.

academician n. A member of an academy of literature, art, or science.

academy n. Any institution where the higher branches of learning are taught.

accede v. To agree.

accelerate v. To move faster.

accept v. To take when offered.

access n. A way of approach or entrance; passage.

accessible adj. Approachable.

accession n. Induction or elevation, as to dignity, office, or government.

accessory n. A person or thing that aids the principal agent.

acclaim v. To utter with a shout.

accommodate v. To furnish something as a kindness or favor.

accompaniment n. A subordinate part or parts, enriching or supporting the leading part.

accompanist n. One who or that which accompanies.

accompany v. To go with, or be associated with, as a companion.

accomplice n. An associate in wrong-doing.

accomplish v. To bring to pass.

accordion n. A portable free-reed musical instrument.

accost v. To speak to.

account n. A record or statement of receipts and expenditures, or of business transactions.

accouter v. To dress.

accredit v. To give credit or authority to.

accumulate v. To become greater in quantity or number.

accuracy n. Exactness.

accurate adj. Conforming exactly to truth or to a standard.

accursed adj. Doomed to evil, misery, or misfortune.

accusation n. A charge of crime, misdemeanor, or error.

accusatory adj. Of, pertaining to, or involving an accusation.

accuse v. To charge with wrong doing, misconduct, or error.

accustom v. To make familiar by use.

acerbity n. Sourness, with bitterness and astringency.

acetate n. A salt of acetic acid.

acetic adj. Of, pertaining to, or of the nature of vinegar.

ache v. To be in pain or distress.

Achillean adj. Invulnerable.

achromatic adj. Colorless,

acid n. A sour substance.

acidify v. To change into acid.

acknowledge v. To recognize; to admit the genuineness or validity of.

acknowledgment n. Recognition.

acme n. The highest point, or summit.

acoustic adj. Pertaining to the act or sense of hearing.

acquaint v. To make familiar or conversant.

acquiesce v. To comply; submit.

acquiescence n. Passive consent.

acquire v. To get as one's own.

acquisition n. Anything gained, or made one's own, usually by effort or labor.

acquit v. To free or clear, as from accusation.

acquittal n. A discharge from accusation by judicial action.

acquittance n. Release or discharge from indebtedness, obligation, or responsibility.

acreage n. Quantity or extent of land, especially of cultivated land.

acrid adj. Harshly pungent or bitter.

acrimonious adj. Full of bitterness.

acrimony n. Sharpness or bitterness of speech or temper.

actionable adj. Affording cause for instituting an action, as trespass, slanderous words.

actuality n. Any reality.

actuary n. An officer, as of an insurance company, who calculates and states the risks and premiums.

actuate v. To move or incite to action.

acumen n. Quickness of intellectual insight, or discernment; keenness of discrimination.

acute adj. Having fine and penetrating discernment.

adamant n. Any substance of exceeding hardness or impenetrability.

addendum n. Something added, or to be added.

addle v. To make inefficient or worthless; muddle.

adduce v. To bring forward or name for consideration.

adhere v. To stick fast or together.

adherence n. Attachment.

adherent adj. Clinging or sticking fast.

adhesion n. The state of being attached or joined.

adieu inter. Good-by; farewell.

adjacency n. The state of being adjacent.

adjacent n. That which is near or bordering upon.

adjudge v. To award or bestow by formal decision.

adjunct n. Something joined to or connected with another thing, but holding a subordinate place.

adjuration n. A vehement appeal.

adjutant adj. Auxiliary.

administrator n. One who manages affairs of any kind.

admissible adj. Having the right or privilege of entry.

admittance n. Entrance, or the right or permission to enter.

admonish v. To warn of a fault.

admonition n. Gentle reproof.

ado n. unnecessary activity or ceremony.

adoration n. Profound devotion.

adroit adj. Having skill in the use of the bodily or mental powers.

adulterant n. An adulterating substance.

adulterate v. To make impure by the admixture of other or baser ingredients.

adumbrate v. To represent beforehand in outline or by emblem.

advent n. The coming or arrival, as of any important change, event, state, or personage.

adverse adj. Opposing or opposed.

adversity n. Misfortune.

advert v. To refer incidentally.

advertiser n. One who advertises, especially in newspapers.

advisory adj. Not mandatory.

advocacy n. The act of pleading a cause.

advocate n. One who pleads the cause of another, as in a legal or ecclesiastical court.

aerial adj. Of, pertaining to, or like the air.

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