Benefits of Online Library Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Benefits of Online Library - Essay Example Statistics are often manipulated to convince people of a certain point of view, or to falsely frighten the public. Statistics might be hardly manipulated by presenting misleading representations, exploiting the tendency to assume that a correlation demonstrates causation, representing irrelevant facts based on what people belief not on what is true, providing anecdotes often emotional in nature and appealing emotion rather than logic. Statistics can mislead if it is not peer-reviewed. It is like a quality control. Without peer review, a report full of erroneous and misleading statistics can be passed off to the public as a scientific report. An example can be the anti-smoking movement these days that try to convince people through the statistics. Although smoking is hazardous to health but proving it by the means of statistics is not always correct. For instance, Japan has the world's highest smoking population having 67% or so of the population being smokers. It is also the world's healthiest nation. China has the second highest smoking rate and it is the second highest healthiest too. Some countries still consider statistics as confidential information that should not be disclosed because their enemies could use it to undermine the security and order in the country. We think that this is legitimate but this should not be used as an excuse to hide the statistics that have nothing to do with national security and we think that this matter should be discussed more thoroughly.

Wal-Mart SWOT Analysis Essay Example for Free

Wal-Mart SWOT Analysis Essay Wal-Mart has an abundance of strengths which is obvious due to its incredible success. Wal-Mart is the largest employer in the United States and the company is one of the few places left for people to get a decent job without a college education. Wal-Mart also has the second largest net sales in the world. This incredible number of sales is due significantly to Wal-Marts aggressive growth strategy. In 2003 alone they added 425 new stores all over the world. An increase in customer demand for SuperCenters encouraged the company to add 4,000 more. Overall they added 48 million square feet of retail space (Wal-Mart Company Profile 6). They can also attribute their large amount of sales to the fact that they have stores all over the world. Their truly global presence is apparent in their operation of around 1,350 Wal-Mart Discount Stores, 1,700 SuperCenters, 85 Neighborhood Markets and 550 Sams Clubs in the United States, with numbers continuing to grow†¦and about 1,300 locations in Canada, Mexico, the UK, Germany, Asia and South America (Wal-Mart Company Profile 5). One of Wal-Marts competitive advantages is their remarkable logistics system. They are able to ship merchandise from any of their numerous distribution centers in order to provide the cheapest and most efficient route. They even have their own distribution center for their online orders. The invention of sharing sales data with suppliers through computer programs has allowed Wal-Mart to consistently keep their shelves stocked with popular items. Technology in general is an unbelievable strength that Wal-Mart is able to invest in to improve their company. Having a website has allowed for increased sales all over the world. This not only provides convenience for customers, but with a logistics system like the one Wal-Mart has in place, online orders have become a breeze to fill. Even though Wal-Mart has been criticized for their low wages, they are actually doing a lot of good for lower income people. They can save a family about $1,000 a year with their low prices (Wal-Mart Storm 3). Wal-Mart can beat out many competitors with their aggressive pricing strategy. They have the ability to cut prices on some products, such as toys, by thirty percent in order to stimulate more sales. Wal-Mart has even been able to lure in higher-income customers when they open store in more urban areas. Since  Wal-Mart has become the nations largest food retailer, people from all income levels are shopping there for their necessity items. They have even been working on a more upscale appearance of their stores to attract these customers. The service that Wal-Mart offers to its customers is a great advantage as well. They have a strong image that it is a friendly and helpful place to shop where people are always willing to make your experience a good one. The added incentives are the constant price rollback, as well as the store-within-a-store. A great deal of Wal-Marts success can be attributed to the fact that the company was based on identifying, knowing, and understanding what exactly customers want from a retailer. A few final strengths are linked to the public criticisms that Wal-Mart has been facing. They are paying particular close attention to environmental issues and have vowed to increase use of renewable energy, reduce waste and carry environmentally sensitive products†¦Wal-Mart will soon be selling baby clothes made using organically grown cotton and has plans to improve its truck fleet efficiency by twenty-five percent in the next three years (Two Public Relations 3). Wal-Mart has also recently been pushing for a higher minimum wage, a step that is surprising to many other retailers in the industry. Weaknesses In the eyes of some of the general public, Wal-Mart has weaknesses that affect not only their image, but the lives of other people. Some view Wal-Mart as a retailing giant that has taken over the retail industry. Because of Wal-Marts low prices and well-known name, they have been able to capture the sales of an unbelievable number of consumers, and have therefore made it extremely difficult for small retailers to survive. Ethical shoppers, those who are concerned with the well-being of small retailers, are angry at the monopolizing power Wal-Mart has been able to gain in the past few decades. Most small shops have been forced to close due to lack of sales. Some people refuse to shop at Wal-Mart because of these issues. This poor image that Wal-Mart has in some peoples eyes has taken a toll on its stock price as well. Many environmentalists are concerned with the large scale buildings that are  not sensitive to the environment. These buildings also cause a problem of traffic pollution and congestion which can damage small communities. The employees of Wal-Mart can suffer a great deal as well. Many receive only poverty-level wages and horrible health care benefits. Problems with these healthcare benefits lead to employees applying for public aid, which in turn means that taxpayers are the ones paying for Wal-Mart employees healthcare costs (Wal-Mart Storm 2). Wal-Mart has been accused of discriminating against female employees and violating child labor laws. Because of these criticisms, employee morale has been decreased as well. Wal-Mart sometimes has a disadvantage in the location of their stores. Although Wal-Mart has grown and expanded a great deal into the international market, they still do not have a large part of the European market. They are only present in the UK and their competitors are gaining in the other surrounding countries. Wal-Mart also needs to consider the consequences of placing their stores too close together. Instead of increasing the volume of products per store, they open another one. Wal-Mart has already been facing a problem with a decrease in Saturday store sales. A lack of products, as well as a decrease in the quality of them, may be attributed to this loss of sales. They have also been said to have poor presentation and marketing of products on the floor. Price deflation is a serious dilemma that Wal-Mart and many discount stores are facing as well. They often buy too much of one product and then have to put it on sale or clearance in order to turnover the merchandise. Instead of increasing sales with low priced items, Wal-Mart is actually lowering their profits. Consumers will only buy so much of a particular product, even if it is priced low. Wal-Mart has a tendency to overstock and therefore reduce gross margins when they sell products for reduced prices. Also, after seeing disappointing numbers, Wal-Mart has repeatedly said that their company would have increased earnings in the following quarter. Unfortunately, they have not been able to keep this promise. Wal-Mart has a weakness in that they promise unrealistic earnings, and then do not meet their expectations. This causes their stock to constantly waiver. Even as  the economy is rising, Wal-Marts stock is not necessarily seeing an increase. Finally, Wal-Mart can have problems with their flexibility. Since Wal-Mart sells products across many sectors, such as clothing, food, or stationary, it may not have the flexibility of some of its more focused competitors (SWOT Analysis 1). These competitors have the ability to make changes and improve on a certain product lines when the needs of their customers change. Wal-Mart, however, may have too much merchandise and not be able to focus in on sectors that need to be improved. They also might not have the available information, resources and know-how to make any changes. Opportunities Since Wal-Mart is the largest retailer in the United States, it has a very good opportunity to become the largest retailer in the world. They do not always carry a diverse selection of products, so they could expand stores and merchandise to attract more customers. An area that could especially be increased is their musical products. Wal-Mart does not carry a large quantity or mixture of musical products such as instruments, and these can be high profit items. Their image could be improved if they focused on having certain products, such as CDs and DVDs available on their release dates. Along the same lines, Wal-Mart could diversify their store types. They have been successful with implementing Neighborhood Markets, and have even tried a mall store recently. By focusing on a specific target market in a specific area, Wal-Mart could be the number one retailer for everyone. They already have the available resources to try new store types in new segments. It is also a logical step to increase and expand their current SuperCenters, which are expected to increase sales dramatically in the future. The reason it is expected to drive growth so affectively is SuperCenters are considered extremely high growth stores, more productive than supermarkets and expecting to produce $500 in sales per square foot (Wal-Mart Company Profile 8). Wal-Mart has yet to penetrate to many East and West Coast food markets that occupy the top 50 (food retailing markets) (New Competitors 1). Another great opportunity is to improve on the areas which they have been criticized. Wal-Mart has already announced a new health care plan which would increase benefits to employees. They are very concerned with child labor laws, so they have said that they will pay especially close attention to their overseas suppliers and their labor practices. Also, Wal-Mart has the opportunity to work on improving the environment. They have such a large image that any programs they support have the ability to produce tremendous results. By working on solutions to these concerns they can help improve their image and increase their market share. Wal-Mart is such a major player in the retail industry that its decisions can have an effect on the global economy, the environment and society. They have the ability to slightly decrease the price of inflation because of their low prices. Also, due to their low prices, there is an increase in wages in developing countries. For the United States, wages may be low, but in other places where manufacturing goods is cheaper, wages can actually be considered high. By offering jobs and increasing the wealth in other countries, it is possible for a substantial middle class to exist there and also increase Wal-Mart sales by having stores in those areas (Wal-Mart Storm 4. Continued international expansion is a huge strategic opportunity for Wal-Mart. There is actually more opportunity for growth in developing countries and Asian markets than there is in the United States (Variety Stores 8). Creating alliances and licensing agreements are ways to move into these market segments. Other growth opportunities include the Internet and improved supply chain management through radio-frequency identification (RFID). Threats In order to keep prices low, Wal-Mart has had to cut costs in other areas. This includes squeezing suppliers to offering their products at much lower prices. This has driven competitors to do the same, which is causing profits to plunge downward drastically. A threat to Wal-Marts image is the fact that for the few years after they open up a new store, the wages of  that county fall by three to five percent. Another threat is the rapidly growing chain of Dollar General discount stores. These stores are able to open in smaller areas where there are not enough customers to support Wal-Mart. The deep discount that is offered at Dollar stores competes greatly with Wal-Mart. The economy has a slight effect on Wal-Marts customers. They have an advantage because the do offer cheap products that appeal to people in the time of a recession. However, most of Wal-Marts customers do not directly experience most of the governments attempts to stimulate the economy. Wal-Mart must work very hard to compete in times of uncertainty. Another threat that Wal-Mart faces is brand-name recognition. Although they carry and have increased their assortment of name brand products, most consumers searching for name brand products will not look at Wal-Mart to find them. Wal-Mart lacks a direct sales force to increase sales, whereas smaller retailers are focusing more and more on this aspect therefore increasing their competition. A major threat to Wal-Mart is the areas that they are expanding into may not be easily attainable. It will be difficult for them to gain a good part of the market share of hard-line products such as home improvements. These areas have greater competition and Wal-Mart does not have a clear cost advantage. International expansion may also create slow or rough short-term growth. The international market is predicted to have excellent long-term growth success, but these earnings may not be seen in the near future. Also, Wal-Mart has huge expansion plans that are very public. If these stores do not open on time, or are subject to delays and build issues, then analysts predictions will not be met and share price may suffer (Wal-Mart Company Profile 9). On the contrary, if Wal-Mart successfully meets all of its deadlines, investors may still be hesitant to invest in their company. In the past, when retailers meet their expectations, and the economy is doing well, they tend to under perform. Also, two of Wal-Marts main product lines, apparel and food, are very slow growth sectors, and Wal-Marts dominating position in the industry may make investors believe there is little room for the company to grow. Wal-Marts image has been seriously threatened by the numerous accusations of being bad for the country (Two Public Relations 1). The documentary movies that are being produced could seriously hurt the companys sales, especially since they are being premiered right as the holiday shopping season is starting. The shopping experience some customers have at their store is also a threat to Wal-Mart. Customers are often complaining about the long checkout lines and the insufficient quality of the products that are offered. Once this idea is spread throughout a community, it is difficult to change the publics opinion. Also, RFID could possibly be a threat to Wal-Mart by ruining relationships with suppliers. This system promises to do a great deal for supply-chain management. However, there is always the possibility that technology promises more than it can actually offer. Some manufacturers of low-cost consumer products may not see the advantages of implementing such a system and not want to comply with Wal-Marts mandate for the new system. Recommendations Wal-Mart has been extremely successful in the past, and has a very promising future ahead of them. Unfortunately, there is always a negative side to success. For Wal-Mart, they are faced with opposition from people who are concerned with the little guy. The fact that Wal-Mart has the ability and resources to be such a major competitor in the retail industry scares some people. Small stores in small communities, as well as employees, target Wal-Mart because they know it is a large company with the resources to defend itself. In order to improve its image in the eyes of these people, Wal-Mart may want to address these issues head on. Wal-Mart has already taken giant strides to be seen as a more environmentally friendly organization, as well as to increase the benefits of its employees. They should continue this approach, possibly even more publicly than other retailers in the industry. Wal-Mart could even start a campaign to help the little guy. Since they have such a global impact, any issue they raise will undeniably get a great deal of attention. In a campaign of this sort, Wal-Mart could focus on promoting the  other small specialty stores in their community. They could help advertise for local shops that do not sell competing products, but complimentary ones. Instead of taking sales away from themselves, Wal-Mart could change their image to one of a company that cares about the community. Along with this, Wal-Mart should focus on their employees. Publicly giving employee benefits or rewards will increase morale as well as their image. Once Wal-Mart has invested in their image in their home country, they should also focus on increasing their market share in the international markets that they are not already involved in. Some other countries hold the greatest growth potential and these areas should be seriously considered by Wal-Mart. References Cramer, James J. Wal-Mart, Fess Up to Weakness Within. Wake-Up Wal-Mart.com,17 August 2005. 18 November 2005. Retrieved from . Kalra, Ritu. Wal-Mart Storm Swirling. The Hartford Courant. 2 November 2005. 3 November 2005. Retrieved from . Lindeman, Teresa F. Two Public Relations Campaigns pit Wal-Mart Against Critics. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 1 November 2005. 3 November 2005. Retrieved from . McClenahen, John S. Wal-Marts Big Gamble. www.industryweek.com. April 2005. 3 November 2005. Retrieved from New Competitors Move on Supers. MMR. 22(10) p.162. 10 June 2005. 3 November 2005. Retrieved from . SWOT Analysis Wal-Mart. Marketing Teacher. 18 November 2005. Retrieved from . The Story of Wal-Mart. The Cultural Marketplace The NUR Network. 3 November 2005. Retrieved from . Variety Stores. Encyclopedia of American Industries Online Edition. Gale, 2004. 3 November 2005. Retrieved from . Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Company Profile. www.Datamonitor.com. April 2005. 3 November 2005. Retrieved from .

The Art Of Theater :: essays research papers

The Art of Theater Neither a book nor a work, but an energy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Theater is the most remarkable art of life. It is a collaborate art combining different people into one solid group in which they work together harmoniously in order to portray a certain idea, concept, or piece of art. Theater deals with various forms of emotions and is most commonly expected to leave a trace or stimulate sentiments on the audience. The mind plays a big role in theater, for the art lies within our imagination. Our mind stimulates many different types of strong emotions such as power, anger, joy, and more. These intangible feelings created by our mind, are the reason why theater the most noteworthy art of life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Theater â€Å" is neither a book nor a work, but an energy â€Å". Theater is considered to be an energy because it is a calculated act from beginning to end. A piece of theater only lasts for a specific period of time. It has a beginning, middle, and an end. Furthermore, every theatrical piece has a predestined conclusion. Implying that the audience is most often aware of what will happen at the end of the play, yet the art of it is to keep them focused and interested until the very end. Furthermore, unlike other modes of communication, in theater one cannot go back and see a certain scene. A theatrical act takes place in the present, has an ending, and becomes part of our past. Theater is a challenge to our mind, for it makes us think and allows us to use our imagination. During a theatrical act, we are projected into a world of fantasy and imagination, a world that only lasts for a certain period of time. A period of time in which one feels pain, joy, hatred, or love. This is reinforced by the direct contact between the actors and the audience stimulating more personal emotion between different individuals. In my opinion, the art of theater is one of the most empowering factors in ones life.

Julius Caesar Essay: Superstition in Julius Caesar :: Julius Caesar Essays

Julius Caesar: Superstition In the play of Julius Caesar, we see a brief picture of Roman life during the time of the First Triumvirate. In this snap shot, we see many unfortunate things. Shakespeare gives us the idea that many people try to circumvent what the future holds, such as unfortunate things, by being superstitious. Superstition seems to play a role in the basic daily life of most Roman citizens. The setting of the first scene is based upon superstition, the Feast of Lupercal. This feast is in honor of the god Pan, the queen of fertility. During this time, infertile females are supposed to be able to procreate, and fertile ones are supposed to be able to bear more. It is also a supposed time of sexual glorification and happiness. Other scenes depict how throughout Rome, roaming the streets are mysterious sooth-sayers, who are supposedly given the power to predict the future. Dictating what is to come through terse tidbits, these people may also be looked upon as superstitious. In the opening scene, one sooth-sayer, old in his years, warns Caesar to "Beware the Ides of March," an admonition of Caesar's impending death. Although sooth-sayers are looked upon by many as insane out of touch lower classmen, a good deal of them, obviously including the sayer Caesar encountered, are indeed right on the mark. Since they lack any formal office or shop, and they predict forthcomings wi thout fee, one can see quite easily why citizens would distrust their predictions. Superstition, in general elements such as the Feast of Lupercal, as well as on a personal level such as with the sooth-sayers, is an important factor in determining the events and the outcome of Julius Caesar, a significant force throughout the entire course of the play. As the play develops we see a few of signs of Caesar's tragic end. Aside from the sooth-sayer's warning, we also see another sign during Caesar's visit with the Augerers, the latter day "psychics". They find "No heart in the beast", which they interpret as advice to Caesar that he should remain at home. Ceasar brushes it off and thinks of it as a rebuke from the gods, meaning that he is a coward if he does not go out, and so he dismisses the wise advice as hearsay. However, the next morning, his wife Calphurnia wakes up frightened due to a horrible nightmare.

Arugment for Less School Hours Essay

Most students drag themselves out of bed every morning only to find themselves deparately waiting for that last bell to ring, marking the end of a school day. Increasing hours and the days students have to attend will destroy students and cause problems for them. The result would be taxes increasing, extracurricular activities getting cut and an increase on stress for kids. Most teens do not come from a wealthy background. Therefore, they have to provide for themselves as well as save up for college. If schools were to be longer, many teens that need to work to help support themselves would have difficulty finding a job that will fit to their schedule. It may also be hard for teens to hold that job. Another reason why schools should not be loner is because longer days would mean little extracurricular activities. This is very crucial, since it is one of the key factors that help many teens get into their choice of college. Colleges not only look at their grades in high school, but also any activities they have done out of school. Additionally, no extracurricular activity prevents kids from exploring their true passion, limiting their opportunities. Finally, when students miss a few days due to sickness, they end up having to make to piles and piles of work. Now if student were to have longer days, there would be more work. This might unmotivated students, as they are overwhelmed by work. Many Naive people would say yes to lengthen the school days and try to argue that students would learn more because this would mean longer instructional time. However , studies show there is no correlation between the length of the school days and the student’s academic achievements. According to Amanda Morin, it is not about how long kids are in the classroom; but how engaged in learning they are. Also many people state that lengthing the school years would allow parents to save money, as they would not have to send their kids to day care or hire a babysitter, or have to pay for the expensive childcare or hire a babysitter, or have to pay for the expensive childcare programs. However, lengthening the school year would mean a dramatic increase in taxes on parents who are sending their children to school, in order to cover for the pay in teachers and the increase on staff to help run the school. There are many reasons why the school day should not be extended including the maintainance cost, extracurricular activities and keeping hold of jobs. Many students are already stressed out, therefor adding more days would increase that stress. Having school 35 hours a week is plenty and it would be absurd to change school hours or days.

The Origin of Samuel Clemens as Mark Twain

The Origin of Samuel Clemens as Mark Twain Author Samuel Langhorne Clemens used the pen name Mark Twain and a couple other pseudonyms during his writing career. Pen names have been used by authors throughout the centuries for purposes such as disguising their gender, shielding their personal anonymity and family associations, or even to cover up past legal troubles. However, Samuel Clemens didnt appear to choose Mark Twain for any of those reasons. Origin of Mark Twain In Life on the Mississippi,  Mark Twain writes about Captain Isaiah Sellers, a riverboat pilot who wrote under the pseudonym Mark Twain, The old gentleman was not of literary turn or capacity, but he used to jot down brief paragraphs of plain practical information about the river, and sign them MARK TWAIN, and give them to the New Orleans Picayune.  They related to the stage and condition of the river, and were accurate and valuable; and thus far, they contained no poison. The term mark twain is for a measured river depth of 12 feet or two fathoms, the depth that was safe for a steamboat to pass. Sounding the river for depth was essential as an unseen obstruction could result in tearing a hole in the vessel and sinking it. Clemens aspired to be a river pilot, which was a well-paying position. He paid $500 to study for two years as an apprentice steamboat pilot and earned his pilots license. He worked as a pilot until the outbreak of the Civil War in 1861. How Samuel Clemens Decided to Use the Pen Name After a brief two weeks as a Confederate enlistee, he joined his brother Orion in Nevada Territory where Orion served as secretary to the governor. He tried mining but failed and instead took up as a journalist for the Virginia City Territorial Enterprise. This is when he began to use the pen name of Mark Twain. The original user of the pseudonym died in 1869. In Life on the Mississippi,  Mark Twain says: I was a fresh new journalist, and needed a nom de guerre; so I confiscated the ancient mariners discarded one, and have done my best to make it remain what it was in his hands- a sign and symbol and warrant that whatever is found in its company may be gambled on as being the petrified truth; how I have succeeded, it would not be modest in me to say. Further, in his autobiography, Clemens noted that he wrote several satires of the original pilots postings that were published and caused embarrassment. As a result, Isaiah Sellers stopped publishing his reports. Clemens was penitent for this later in life. Other Pen Names and Pseudonyms Before 1862, Clemens signed humorous sketches as Josh. Samuel Clemens used the name Sieur Louis de Conte for Joan of Arc (1896). He also used the pseudonym Thomas Jefferson Snodgrass for three humorous pieces he contributed to Keokuk Post. Sources Fatout, Paul. â€Å"Mark Twains Nom de Plume.† American Literature, vol. 34, no. 1, 1962, p. 1., doi:10.2307/2922241.Twain, Mark, et al. Autobiography of Mark Twain. University of California Press, 2010.Twain, Mark. Life on the Mississippi. Tauchnitz, 1883.

Key stakeholders in Next clothing Essay Example

Key stakeholders in Next clothing Essay Example Key stakeholders in Next clothing Paper Key stakeholders in Next clothing Paper They are required to purchase the products and in turn provide customer loyalty. They are needed to come to the store again and again to keep the flow of business high for the company. Employees It is their duty to withhold the reputation of the store as it is their actions that people will remember upon leaving the store and they are required to make people want to return. They are expected to provide the highest quality service they can and keep customer satisfaction high. Suppliers They are expected to roved high quality products that are suitable to sell. They must meet deadlines for orders and the product must be correct otherwise the business will suffer. Owners It is their day to day running of the company that keep all aspects of the business flowing. They are expected to make sure every area Of the company is running at full potential and every employee is doing the right thing. Trade unions It is the trade unions role to make sure the employees are being treated fairly. They make sure the workers are protected and safe and are in fair and suitable working conditions. They also help the unemployed find jobs in the first place. Employer associations These are very similar to trade unions and are there to protect the right of the employees. Local communities It is very important to appeal to the local communities as they are a very important interest group that require pleasing. National communities They are the ones that must be impressed as it is their opinion that can make or break the company. They are responsible for the upkeep of your company through purchase and it is them who will ultimately decide whether or not your business fits their requirements. Governments It the government who will want the business to be successful as it can boost the economy and create jobs across the country. If the business is successful they can also pay large taxes which boosts the governments funds overall. They are also considered a vital part of the community and with their survival the local economies can thrive as well. Influence on organizations This is when the business needs to take into consideration the rest of their stakeholders when making changes to the business and must make sure there is not a negative effect on the business itself or the stakeholders.

Greg Lynn, Binary Large Objects, and Blob Architecture

Greg Lynn, Binary Large Objects, and Blob Architecture Blob architecture is a type of wavy, curvy building design without traditional edges or traditional symmetric form. It is made possible by computer-aided-design (CAD) software. American-born architect and philosopher Greg Lynn (b. 1964) is credited with coining the phrase, although Lynn himself claims the name comes from a software feature that creates Binary Large Objects. The name has stuck, often disparagingly, in various forms, including blobism, blobismus, and blobitecture. Examples of Blob Architecture These buildings have been called early examples of blobitecture: Selfridges Department Store (pictured on this page) in Birmingham, United KingdomGuggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain (designed by Frank Gehry)Xanadu Houses in Kissimmee, FloridaThe Sage Gateshead in Newcastle, UK (designed by Norman Foster)Admirant Entrance Building in Eindhoven, Netherlands (designed by Massimiliano Fuksas)Galaxy SOHO in Beijing, China (designed by Zaha Hadid)The Experience Music Project (EMP) in Seattle, Washington (designed by Frank Gehry) CAD Design on Steroids Mechanical drawing and drafting changed radically with the advent of desktop computing. CAD software was one of the very first applications to be used in offices transitioning to personal computer workstations in the early 1980s. Wavefront Technologies developed the OBJ file (with the .obj file extension) to geometrically define three-dimensional models. Greg Lynn and Blob Modeling Ohio-born Greg Lynn came of age during the digital revolution. The term Blob modelling was a module in Wavefront software at the time, says Lynn, and it was an acronym for Binary Large Object - spheres that could be collected to form larger composite forms. At the level of geometry and mathematics, I was excited by the tool as it was great for making large-scale single surfaces out of many small components as well as adding detailed elements to larger areas. Other architects who were the first to experiment with and use blob modeling include the American Peter Eisenman, British architect Norman Foster, Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas, Frank Gehry,   Zaha Hadid and Patrik Schumacher, and Jan Kaplickà ½ and Amanda Levete. Architectural movements, such as the 1960s Archigram led by architect Peter Cook or the convictions of the deconstructionists, are often associated with blob architecture. Movements, however, are about ideas and philosophy. Blob architecture is about a digital process - using mathematics and computer technologies to design. Mathematics and Architecture Ancient Greek and Roman designs were based on geometry and architecture. Roman architect Marcus Vitruvius observed relationships of human body parts - the nose to the face, the ears to the head - and documented the symmetry and proportion. Todays architecture is more calculus-based using digital tools. Calculus is the mathematical study of changes. Greg Lynn argues that since the Middle Ages architects have used calculus - the Gothic moment in architecture was the first time that force and motion was thought of in terms of form. In Gothic details such as ribbed vaulting you can see that the structural forces of the vaulting get articulated as lines, so youre really actually seeing the expression of structural force and form. Calculus is also a mathematics of curves. So, even a straight line, defined with calculus, is a curve. Its just a curve without inflection. So, a new vocabulary of form is now pervading all design fields: whether its automobiles, architecture, products, etc., its really being affected by this digital medium of curvature. The intricacies of scale that come out of that - you know, in the example of the nose to the face, theres a fractional part-to-whole idea. With calculus, the whole idea of subdivision is more complex, because the whole and the parts are one continuous series. -    Greg Lynn, 2005 Todays CAD has enabled the building of designs that were once theoretical and philosophical movements. Powerful BIM software now allows designers to visually manipulate parameters, knowing that Computer Aided Manufacturing software will keep track of the building components and how they are to be assembled. Perhaps because of the unfortunate acronym used by Greg Lynn, other architects such as  Patrik Schumacher have coined a new word for new software - parametricism. Books by and About Greg Lynn Folds, Bodies Blobs: Collected Essays by Greg Lynn, 1998Animate Form by Greg Lynn, 1999Composites, Surfaces, and Software: High Performance Architecture, Greg Lynn at the Yale School of Architecture, 2011Visual Catalog: Greg Lynns Studio at the University of Applied Arts Vienna, 2010IOA Studios. Zaha Hadid, Greg Lynn, Wolf D. Prix: Selected Student Works 2009, Architecture is PornographyOther Space Odysseys: Greg Lynn, Michael Maltzan and Alessandro Poli, 2010Greg Lynn FORM by Greg Lynn, Rizzoli, 2008 Sources Greg Lynn - Biography, European Graduate School website at www.egs.edu/faculty/greg-lynn/biography/ [accessed March 29, 2013]Greg Lynn on calculus in architecture, TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design), February 2005, https://www.ted.com/talks/greg_lynn_on_organic_designPhoto of The Sage by Paul Thompson/Photolibrary Collection/Getty Images

Developing skills of critical analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Developing skills of critical analysis - Essay Example The experimental study conducted by to evaluate the meaningfulness of the critical analysis skills in the education sector revealed very interesting facts.The texts chosen for the essay have been selected keeping in view the subject i.e.developing skills of critical analysis and focusing on the role of education in the development of these skills.In order to fully understand the relationship between the two, the sources of information I chose include journal articles, studies conducted by institutions and individuals and also research work on the importance of these skills and educations role in its development in the modern world today. (Doughty, 2007) in his study of the critical analysis skills, gives a very thorough knowledge on the subject, keeping in view the modern worlds requirements and also by focusing more on the educational aspect, that plays an important role in the development of these skills in the individuals. I believe the point of view presented in the study is good blend of both the basics of the critical analysis skills and explanation of educations impact in a good yet criticizing way, thus emphasizing on its relative importance. The techniques and alternatives described serve as a useful means to consider the developing of these skills at a large level and inculcating these skills in the students through education thus making a complete system. (Wallace, 2009) is an influential writer and has written many books for NASA. Her insight on the subject is very interesting as she provides a modern view on critical analysis skills. The discussion and views expressed in the article tend to focus on how individuals perceive information and how two different points of views are made and understood. This is where the importance of critical analysis and thinking is felt and realized that it is something which needs to be practiced and an individual needs to be skilled in it thus expressing his views in a more meaningful way. Moreover the point raised in the article is very prominent that like other skills that are measured and are thought to be meaningful, critical analysis skills should be given such importance as well. I agree with this point, that once the education system tries to adopt this approach, the individuals would be in a better position to practice these skills and this would help in their social up-bringing and overall betterment of the society as a whole. The study by (Facione, 1990) is a comprehensive report that concentrates on the importance of critical thinking and analysis skills using an appropriate research methodology and thus defining the skills requirement for critical analysis. The study also proposes recommendations as to how the education system can adopt certain methods and techniques so as to develop these skills and nurture the dispositions that can help in yielding positivity among the individual to inquire about their surroundings and interpret meaningful results. (Staff, 2005) gives a reasonabl e argument in the article that it is the educational philosophy and the student evaluation criteria in the education system that is not letting the skills of critical analysis being developed in students. It also discusses the importance of these skills for the students today and how the education system is affecting it, thus making the students suffer a great deal. The experimental study conducted by (Paul, Elder, & Bartell, 1995) to evaluate the meaningfulness of the critical analysis skills in the education sector revealed very interesting facts. The claims that the education sector should adopt measures for the development of the critical analysis skills in the students, the teachers themselves are not aware of the critical thinking and analysis skill. This definitely raises concerns that how the education system should be changed so that it becomes the practice, or norm in teaching. Developing skills of critical analysis Critical analysis is an important cognitive tool that is required in this modern world to be abreast with the world in contemplating ideas, assumptions, and actions in a reasonable and logical context. In this essay I would be discussing the importance of

The global business environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The global business environment - Essay Example Counterfeit products are being increasingly traded along different parts of the globe with special relevance to regions like Asia and China and also pertaining to Middle East countries thereby reflecting a global concern (OECD, 2008, p.66). Issues Learnt The rise of counterfeit activities across the retail paradigm especially related to premium or luxury category commodities creates an issue of real concern. Emergence of counterfeit activities on such a large scale causes not only the decline in the sales of the original commodity but also tends to reduce the value of the original brand. These commodities being hard to identify relating to the fakeness involved are openly traded along different regions thereby affecting the market share and brand equity gained of the original premium priced commodities. Moreover the emergence of purchase and sales activity of luxury retail products along the online paradigm like eBay enhances the concern of luxury retail groups like LMVH. This compan y had been broadly affected owing to the sales of pirated commodities carrying its brand name through the online sales network. Owing to the above reason the retail and other consumer goods companies are facing loss of brand value that is being seized by the growing potency of the counterfeit market emerging around the globe (Kapferer, 2012, p.467-468). However further research shows that the rise in the counterfeit market for luxury retail goods in the global scenario happens to enhance the opportunity to further innovate and create. Opportunity arising from the emerging threat in the luxury retail scenario is thus contributing to the development of enhanced competition in the global paradigm. The luxury retailers are now being made bound to further think of adding value to the products produced and traded and also in the paradigm of communication through green washing activities related to advertising. Such endeavors are being taken to sustain their place in the competitive market (Lin, 2011, p.27-28). Three Unexpected Facts Research made pertaining to the rise in the global counterfeit market establishes some unexpected facts that can be represented as follows. Firstly the growth of the counterfeit market is found to be fuelled by the factors like recessionary market and economic trends coupled with the development of electronic commerce activities. The slump in the economic and market situation leads the developing market zones like Africa and China to become the hub centers for trading of counterfeit goods in an increased fashion. These commodities being traded on a virtual paradigm further enhances the global threat emanating from such. Secondly the absence of effective intellectual property legislations further contributes in the development of trade of counterfeit products along emerging markets, revenue earned from which is used for funding terrorist and criminal operations (Mueller, 2011, p.37-38). Thirdly the government bodies of emerging economies like China are found to encourage the growth of such counterfeit product markets. Local Chinese manufacturers in a market deprived of intellectual property and other legislations related to curbing criminal acts are increasingly producing counterfeit products. The government body argues that creation of such local production units contributes in job creation and revenue enhancement (Conklin, 2010, p.267). Discussion

Entrepreneurship and Innovation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Entrepreneurship and Innovation - Essay Example GET 2 survey personal score: Need for achievement: 8/12 Need for autonomy: 4/6 Creative tendency: 11/12 Calculated risk taking: 7/12 Locus of control: 6/12 My result for this exercise was 36 out of 54 In accordance with my results, I have medium entrepreneurial capabilities. To my mind, I am lacking of professional experience, but with respect to my age I think that this experience is enough. I have a high degree of achievement need and creativity tendency. It means that I know what I want to reach in my business. There is a lacking of appropriate risk taking and I think that it is appropriate to focus more on possible outcomes of my activities. It is evident that personal contribution to my business development is very important, but to pay attention to my personal skills means much too. 2. What do you need to develop or improve? I have analyzed a current situation and I found out that I need to strive for autonomy. On the one hand, I am found of team form. From my school years I li ked doing common projects and work in the name of a common goal. I like communicating my ideas to other people and find something interesting in the name of a common goal. Moreover, I put the main emphasis on creative thinking development. Currently a global world is on the way of a high speed development and there is a need to look for innovative and unique decisions in the field of management and leadership. 3. What is the organization you work for (or have worked for) doing to attract and keep entrepreneurial talent? I have worked for 2 years as a manager of a profit Company. I was dealing with employee training and coaching. I was interested in development of communication among employees, building a communication bridge and performing my duties in the Company. I dealt with organization moments and I had to focus on certain dates for special meetings. I had to correct a schedule of my senior manager. Therefore, my punctuality and organization skills have been perfectly developed . Moreover, I dealt with the issues of leadership and the issues of the main activities of my organization. 4. How would you describe and evaluate the influence your working environment has had upon your entrepreneurial orientation? My working environment was rather diverse. Our organization hired representatives from different countries. Both representatives from Eastern and Western countries influenced a development of a diverse background for our work. When I had to communicate with different customers, I had to fulfill their needs with respect to their needs and wants. What is more important is that the customers were offered innovative means of communication. For example, I implemented usage of emails and social networks. Moreover, my customers were also pleased with having an opportunity for communicating online. It is more comfortable than solving the problems by phone and it saves time and money. Second Journal Entry Set Tasks: 1. Describe your approach to creative thinking and problem solving? I think that creative ideas can be produced only when an individual knows exactly what he wants to reach. I have been always looking for numerous opportunities to realize my creative potential. Thus, I decided to facilitate a process of communication among customers and employees. I knew exactly that â€Å"electronic bridge† (emails, websites, online updates etc) will be helpful in our daily routine. Another measure taken was my original approach to problem solving. I decided to invent a possible outcome and think about a potential benefits of a decision making process. When I thought what I wanted, my further considerations were related to my creative thinking and a potential creative approach. We had a problem in our company, when our

A Comparative Analysis of Traditional Costing Method with ABC Costing Essay

A Comparative Analysis of Traditional Costing Method with ABC Costing Method - Essay Example (Charles T. Horngren p150) Manufacturing company only produced a few types and high quantities of products before, traditional costing method which focused on direct costs were much more important than the production overheads, traditional costing would be accurate before While the production structure has changed, the times demand that flexibility and love of change replaced absorption costing method in Manufacturing company. Our company is a Manufacturing company. The company has a processing system that is used to manufacture two products: Hinkels and Quirts. Cost drivers are the real factors that decide the cost incurred and the resource consumed. Unlike the traditional method plagued by inaccuracy in manufacturing overheads allocation, ABC need not adopt two-stage cost allocation process to figure out the each target cost, in order to achieve cost information accuracy. Therefore, ABC adopts multi activities to distribute costs. It demonstrates that choosing proper cost drivers i s the most important and key step. In practice the ABC system uses many drivers as allocation bases in the second stage of the cost allocation system whereas the traditional cost systems tend to use, at the most, two second-stage allocation bases. (Colin Drury, 2002, p298) II. ABC process: Activity-based costing has the following five steps: a. Identify the different activities performed by the business. b. Calculate the total cost of each activity over the financial period(cost pool) c. Identify a cost driver (i.e. a causation factor) for each activity. d. Calculate the cost driver rate(i.e. the average cost of one occurrence of the cost driver) e. Assign part of the cost each activity to different products based to the extent to which each product has caused the activity to occur (i.e.

Vodafone AirTouch Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Vodafone AirTouch - Essay Example Vodafone currently has equity interests in 27 countries and Partner Networks (networks in which it has no equity stake) in a further 40 countries. It has achieved this status in about three decades with a spate of acquisitions and takeovers. This vertical expansion has never been let up since its formative years and has become its planned positioning strategy in its objective of becoming and possibly remaining number one globally.  Although Vodafone was always on the lookout for expanding its reach and its markets, the opportunity provided to it by the takeover of the US AirTouch was unique. When it took over AirTouch, it automatically acquired AirTouch’s stake in Mannesmann, the largest German telecom operator.  In the corporate world, companies have become marketable commodities. They are seen as commodities in terms of their financial contribution to increasing corporate value on the stock market. Corporates buy one another by way of merger in a friendly mutually agreed environment, or hostile takeovers during corporate wars, to augment their resources, power and market reach. Markets for corporate control create new opportunities for corporate managers to exercise power but they make the relatively little contribution toward improving managerial efficiency. In all cases, the intention is to grow vertically to become global players. It appears that the world is moving towards the eventual division of market share between a few global players in each field of economic activity. Apparently, economies of scale as foreseen and foretold by Adam Smith (1776) have not just come true but are being pursued to the next level. In the Telecom industry to it appears that between five to eight players will eventually control the global markets.  In June 1999 Vodafone bought the number two US wireless operator for 62 billion dollars cash plus stock transaction, the biggest ever deal of its time.  

A Comparative Analysis of Traditional Costing Method with ABC Costing Essay

A Comparative Analysis of Traditional Costing Method with ABC Costing Method - Essay Example (Charles T. Horngren p150) Manufacturing company only produced a few types and high quantities of products before, traditional costing method which focused on direct costs were much more important than the production overheads, traditional costing would be accurate before While the production structure has changed, the times demand that flexibility and love of change replaced absorption costing method in Manufacturing company. Our company is a Manufacturing company. The company has a processing system that is used to manufacture two products: Hinkels and Quirts. Cost drivers are the real factors that decide the cost incurred and the resource consumed. Unlike the traditional method plagued by inaccuracy in manufacturing overheads allocation, ABC need not adopt two-stage cost allocation process to figure out the each target cost, in order to achieve cost information accuracy. Therefore, ABC adopts multi activities to distribute costs. It demonstrates that choosing proper cost drivers i s the most important and key step. In practice the ABC system uses many drivers as allocation bases in the second stage of the cost allocation system whereas the traditional cost systems tend to use, at the most, two second-stage allocation bases. (Colin Drury, 2002, p298) II. ABC process: Activity-based costing has the following five steps: a. Identify the different activities performed by the business. b. Calculate the total cost of each activity over the financial period(cost pool) c. Identify a cost driver (i.e. a causation factor) for each activity. d. Calculate the cost driver rate(i.e. the average cost of one occurrence of the cost driver) e. Assign part of the cost each activity to different products based to the extent to which each product has caused the activity to occur (i.e.

Illegal Immigrans Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Illegal Immigrans - Essay Example The chief law governing immigration is the INA Act of 1952. This law specifies under which circumstances a person becomes a legal or illegal immigrant. This law specifies the privileges and restrictions of an illegal immigrant. The writer specifically opposes the Maryland dream act, which, contrary to the INA, allows provision of subsidized tuition to illegal immigrants. The INA has a fierce guarded against interference. The judiciary does not meddle into immigration affairs unless in the occurrence of a constitutional right infringement. The president has no power over it. This congress regulates this law. There are limited chances of amendments unless by popular opinion in a referendum. In 1982, the Supreme Court ruled against educational discrimination in a class action suit. Mexican children living in Texas in 1982 filed the Plyler vs. Doe case. The court decided that the children deserved humane treatment. The law is, therefore, no defense for inhumane acts. The writer goes on to refer to the aiding of aliens as handouts to law breakers. Illegal immigrants constitute more than eleven million of the total population (Preston 2010). This is a quite significant sum. This would then mean the US has at least eleven million criminals. The chance that they will one day decide to return to their country is dreadfully dismal. This also emerged in the 2009 census results (Preston 2010). This means they will continue living in the country and bear children. This creates another class of immigrants; children of illegal immigrants. These children would also then be criminals. The process will go on, as more children come forth. These children do not know any other home except their country birth. This also translates to the fact that the probability of these children deciding to go back to their home country is minimal. It would be wise, then, to accept that this class of

Network Hardening Essay Example for Free

Network Hardening Essay Network Hardening Network Layout 4 : VPN (Remote Access Domain) – Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) with VPN software and Secure Socket Layer/VPN (SSL/VPN) tunnels A Virtual Private Network or VPN enables a computer or network-enabled device to send and receive data through shared or public networks as if it were directly connected to the private network, while it’s benefiting from the functionality, security and management policies of the private network. It was created to establish a virtual pint-to-point connection through the using of dedicated connections, virtual tunneling protocols or traffic encryptions. Three Strategies for hardening the network environment 1 Firewall Friendly VPN The increase demands of e-business come with a compelling requirement for data security. Virtual Private Network with IP Security Architecture (IPsec VPN) meets this requirement by providing end-to end encryption and authentication at the IPlayer and protecting confidential data that flows over possibly untrustworthy networks. IPsec has the advantage of a wide scope of coverage and agile granularity of protection; however, incompatibilities exist between IPsec VPN and the Network Address Translation (NAT) that firewalls use. 2 Security policy enforcement: Means of enforcement of security policy should be a primary consideration throughout the research, test and implementation phases of any security technology. Careful research, review of manufacturer’s documentation, questions presented to vendors and manufacturers, and testing of the technology can serve to meet this criteria. Without a method of enforcement, effectiveness of security policy is questionable at best. While audit trails, hardware analysis and security logs should be reviewed regularly; it is a time-intensive process and this alone alerts the administrator to violations and security threats after they have occurred. Without a means of  enforcement, the administrator is risking the security of the VPN by relying upon the remote VPN users to voluntarily comply with policy. As the secure network perimeter is being extended to encompass the VPN client, security policy must be enforced in ‘real-time’ to protect the integrity of both the VPN client and t he network. Having addressed security policy issues that require the VPN client to have antivirus software installed and using the latest update; policy also requires a properly configured personal firewall to be running on the client PC or Laptop, and requires a time limit on inactive VPN sessions. How is this to be made obligatory, and remove the responsibility from the VPN user to voluntarily comply with policy? The answer is as stated above – by defining the need and carefully researching solutions available to fulfill this need. The VPN Concentrator, a managed antivirus package, will fulfill the dictated requirements. 3 Web content filtering: Filtering incoming and outgoing traffic, using signatures, reputation ratings and other heuristics. Whitelist allowed types of web content, preferably blocking all executable content by default and use a process to enable individual selected access if a business justification exists. †¢ Preferably disallow ActiveX, Java, Flash Player, HTML inline frames and JavaScript except for whitelisted web sites. †¢ Preferably use a solution that can similarly inspect SSL traffic for malicious content, especially SSL communications with unfamiliar web sites. †¢ Preferably use technology that automatically opens downloaded files in a sandbox to detect anomalous behavior such as network traffic or changes to the file system or registry. †¢ Preferably, since this approach is more proactive and thorough than blacklisting a tiny percentage of malicious domains. †¢ An example implementation is available at http://whitetrash.sourceforge.net Reference www.computer.howstuffworks.com/vpn.htm www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_private_network www.iprodeveloper.com www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs www.cisco.com/web/about/security/intelligence/firewall-best-practices.html

Types Of Narcissistic Personalities Philosophy Essay

Types Of Narcissistic Personalities Philosophy Essay Like all of us, narcissists are human beings. As such, all narcissists are not alike. They are different among themselves. We take up Millons report first. In the year 1969, Millon has divided the narcissistic personalities into two subtypes: (1) Passive independent, or narcissistic personalities, who are confident of their self-worth and who feel they need to be merely themselves to justify being content and secure; (2) active-independent, or antisocial personalities, who struggle to prove themselves, who visit on their rights and will be harsh and ruthless when necessary to retaliate or gain power over others. For the narcissistic type, self-esteem in based on a blind and naÃÆ' ¯ve assumption of personal worth and superiority. For the antisocial type, it seems from distrust, an assumption that others will be humiliating and exploitive. To these personalities, whose independence from others takes on an active and angry character, self-determination is a protective maneuver: it is a means of countering, with their own power and prestige, the hostility, deception, and victimization they anticipate from others. Although both passive na rcissistic and active independents (antisocial) devalue the standards and opinions of others, finding gratification primarily within themselves. Their life histories and the strategies they employ for achieving their needs are potentially different. After intermittent interests in narcissism Millon (1977, 1987, and 1994) has presented the following four types of narcissistic personalities: (i) Unprincipled narcissist (ii) Amorous Narcissist (iii) Compensatory Narcissist (iv) Elitist Narcissist i) The Unprincipled Narcissist The unprincipled narcissist has been seen more often in drug reha ­bilitation programs, centers for youth offenders, and in jails and prisons. Although these individuals often are successful in society, keeping their activities just within the boundaries of the law, they enter into clinical treatment rather infrequently. The behavior of these narcissists characterized by an arrogant sense of self-worth, an indifference to the welfare of others, and a fraudulent and intimidating social manner. There is a desire to exploit others, to expect special recognitions and considerations without assuming reciprocal responsibilities. A deficient social conscience is evident in the tendency to flout conventions, to engage in actions that raise questions of personal integrity, and to disregard the rights of others. Achievement deficits and social responsibilities are justified by expansive fantasies and frank pre ­varications. Descriptively, we may characterize this narcissist as devoid of a superego that is ev ­idencing an unscrupulous, amoral, and deceptive approach to relationships with others. More than merely disloyal and exploitive, these narcissists may be found among societys con men and char ­latans, many of whom are vindictive and con ­temptuous of their victims. The features that are clearly se en in the unprincipled narcissist support the conclusion that these individuals are an ad ­mixture of both narcissistic and antisocial per ­sonality characteristics. The unprincipled narcissist evidences a rash willingness to risk harm and is notably fearless in the face of threats and punitive action, Malicious tendencies are projected outward, precipitating fre ­quent personal and family difficulties, as well as occasional legal entanglements. Vengeful gratifica ­tion is often obtained by humiliating and dominat ­ing others. These narcissists operate as if they have no principles other than exploiting others for their personal gain. Lacking a genuine sense of guilt and possessing little social conscience, they are oppor ­tunists and charlatans who enjoy the process of swindling others. In a game narcissists enjoy play ­ing, they outwit others and hold them in contempt owing to the ease with which they can be seduced. Relationships survive only as long as the narcissist has something to gain. People are dropped with no thought to the anguish they may experience as a consequence of the narcissists careless and irre ­sponsible behavior s. In many ways, the unprincipled narcissist is sim ­ilar to the disingenuous histrionic. They share a de ­vious and guileful style, plotting and scheming in their calculations to manipulate others. However, the disingenuous histrionic continues to pursue the strong need for attention and love, characteristics not present in the narcissist where there is a basic self-centeredness and an indifference to the atti ­tudes and reactions of others. The unprincipled narcissist preys on the weak and vulnerable, enjoy ­ing their dismay and anger; the histrionic, by contrast, seeks to hold the respect and affection of those they dismiss in the pursuit of love and admiration. Unprincipled narcissists display an indifference to truth that, if brought to their attention, is likely to elicit an attitude of nonchalant indifference. They are skillful in the ways of social influence, are capable of feigning an air of justified innocence, and are adept in deceiving others with charm and glibness. Lacking any deep feelings of loyalty, they may successfully scheme beneath a veneer of politeness and civility. Their principal orientation is that of outwitting others, getting power and exploiting them before they do it to you. They often carry a chip-on-the shoulder atti ­tude, a readiness to attack those who are distrusted or who can be used as scapegoats. A number of these narcissists attempt to present an image of cool strength, acting tough, arrogant, and fearless. To prove their courage; they may invite danger and punishment. But punishment only verifies their unconscious recognition that they deserve to be punished. Rather than having a deterrent ef ­fect, it only reinforces their exploitive and un ­principled behaviors. ii) The Amorous Narcissist The distinctive feature of this narcissistic person ­ality type is an erotic and seductive orientation, a building up of ones self-worth by engaging mem ­bers of the opposite gender in the game of sexual temptation. There is an indifferent conscience, an aloofness to truth and social responsibility that, if brought to the amorous narcissists attention, elicits an attitude of nonchalant innocence. Though totally self-oriented, these individuals are facile in the ways of social seduction, often feign an air of dignity and confidence, and are rather skilled in deceiving others with their clever glibness. These narcissists are skillful in enticing, bewitch ­ing, and tantalizing the needy and the naive. Al ­though indulging their hedonistic desires, as well as pursuing numerous beguiling objects at the same time, they are strongly disinclined to be ­come involved in a genuine intimacy. Rather than investing their efforts in one appealing person, they seek to acquire a coterie of amorous objects, invariably lying and swindling as they weave from one pathological relationship to another. The qual ­ities just outlined are strongly suggestive of the observation that these narcissistic types possess numerous characteristics that are primary among histrionic personalities. Although a reasonably good capacity for sex ­ual athletics sustains the vanity of many individu ­als, narcissists or not, the need to repeatedly demonstrate ones sexual prowess is a preeminent obsession among amorous subtypes. Among these personalities are those whose endless pursuit of sexual conquests is fulfilled as effectively and frequently as their bewitching style promises. Others, however, talk well, place their lures and baits extremely well-until they reach the bed ­room door; maneuvering and seduction is done with great aplomb, but performance falls short. For the most part, the sexual exploits of the amorous narcissist are brief, lasting from one af ­ternoon to only a few weeks. Some amorous narcissists are fearful of the opposite sex, afraid that their pretensions and ambitions will be exposed and found wanting. Their sexual banter and seductive feelings of inadequacy. Although they seem to desire the. affections of a warm and intimate relationship, they typically feel restless and unsatisfied when they find it. Having won others over, they seem to need to continue their pursuit. It is the act of exhi ­bitionistically being seductive, and hence gaining in narcissistic stature, that compels. The achieve ­ment of ego gratification terminates for a moment, but it must be pursued again and again. Not infrequently, amorous narcissists leave be ­hind them a trail of outrageous acts such as swin ­dling, sexual excesses, pathological lying, and fraud. This disregard for truth and the talent for exploitation and deception are often neither hos ­tile nor malicious in intent. These characteristics appear to derive from an attitude of narcissistic omnipotence and self-assurance, a feeling that the implicit rules of human relationships do not apply to them and that they are above the responsibili ­ties of shared living. As with the basic narcissistic pattern, individuals of this subtype go out of their way to entice and inveigle the unwary among the opposite sex, remain coolly indifferent to the wel ­fare of those whom they bewitch, whom they have used to enhance and indulge their hedonistic whims and erotic desires. Caring little to shoulder genuine social respon ­sibilities and unwilling to change their seductive ways. amorous narcissists refuse to buckle down in a serious relationship and expend effort to prove their worth. Never having learned to control their fantasies or to be concerned with matters of social integrity they will maintain their bewitching ways, if need be by deception, fraud, lying, and by charming others through craft and wit. Rather than apply their talents toward the goal of tangible achievements or genuine relationships, they will devote their energies to construct intricate lies, to cleverly exploit others, and to slyly contrive ways to extract from others what they believe is their due. Untroubled by conscience and needing nourishment for their overinflated self-image, they will fabricate stories that enhance their worth and thereby succeed in seducing others into supporting their excesses. Criticism and punishment are likely to prove of no avail since these narcissi sts quickly dismisses them as the product of jealous inferiors. iii) The Compensatory Narcissist Compensatory narcissists deviate in a fundamental way from other narcissistic subtypes as well as from the prototypal narcissist. The origins that un ­dergird their overtly narcissistic behaviors derive from an underlying sense of insecurity and weak ­ness, rather than from genuine feelings of self-con ­fidence and high self-esteem. Beneath their surface pseudo-confidence, the posture they exhibit pub ­licly, this narcissist is driven by forces similar to those who overtly display characteristics more akin, to the negativistic and avoidant personalities. The compensatory narcissist represents patients who are labeled narcissistic by those in the psy ­choanalytic community in that they have suffered wounds in early life. Many have been exposed to experiences akin to the negativistic, avoidant, and antisocial types. In essence, these personalities seek to make up or compensate for early life depri ­vations. They are similar to the antisocial, but com ­pensatory narcissists seek to fill their sense of emptiness by creating an illusion of superiority and by building up an image of high self-worth, rather than by usurping the power and control that others possess or by accumulating material possessions. Compensatory narcissists need others to fulfill their strivings for prestige. Their motive is to en ­hance their self-esteem, to obtain and to store up within the self all forms of recognition that will glorify their public persona. Much to the annoy ­ance of others, these narcissists act drunk as they recount their successes and record for others to acknowledge all forms of even minor public recogni ­tion. In effect, these narcissists actively worship themselves; they are their own god. As this inflated and overvalued sense of self rises evermore highly, narcissists look down on others as devalued ple ­beians. More and more, they acquire a deprecatory attitude in which the achievements of others are ridiculed and degraded. Life is a search for pseudo-status, an empty se ­ries of aspirations that serves no purpose other than self-enhancement. This search for these vacuous goals may begin to run wild, resting from its very foundation on an unsure sense of self  ­value that has but little contact with tangible achievements. Instead of living their own lives. they pursue the leading role in a false and imagi ­nary theater. Nothing they achieve in this pursuit relates much to reality. Their tenacious aspira ­tions for glory may impress the naive and the grateful, but they possess little of a genuine or ob ­jective character. Should these pursuits lose their grounding in reality, becoming more and more an imaginary world, peopled with self and others as in a dream, compensatory narcissists begin to deceive themselves in a manner not unlike the fanatic paranoid. If we draw a line between these two per ­sonality subtypes, we would see that the compen ­satory narcissist strives for prestige in a world composed of real people. When reality recedes and fantasy comes more to the fore, we see the fan ­atic who acts out aspirations in solitude. One comes to the stage in front of others, be it in the form of exaggeration and boasting; the other stands alone in an inner world, a pseudo-commu ­nity, as Cameron (1963) has phrased it, where imagination has substantially replaced reality. Owing to the insecure foundations on which heir narcissistic displays are grounded, compensatory narcissists are hypervigilant, to use a term employed by Gabbard (1994). What is meant here is they are exquisitely sensitive to how others react to them, watching and listening carefully for any critical judgment, and feeling slighted by every sign of disapproval. Although not delusional, as are their paranoid counterparts, these narcissists are prone to feel shamed and humiliated, especially hyperanxious and vulnerable to the judgments of others. They know that they are frauds at some level, pretenders who seek to convey impressions of being of higher standing than they know is truly the case. Despite this awareness, they do not act shy and hesitant, as would seem likely. Instead, they, submerge and cover up their deep sense of inade ­quacy and deficiency by pseudo-arrogance and su ­perficial grandiosity. . iv) The Elitist Narcissist Reich (1949) captured the essential qualities of what we are terming the elitist narcissist when he described the phallic-narcissist character as a self-assured, arrogant, and energetic person often impressive in his bearing. . . . and are iII ­suited to subordinate positions among the rank and file. As with the compensatory narcissist, elitist narcissists are more taken with their in ­flated self-image than with their actual self. Both narcissistic types create a false facade that bears minimal resemblance to the person they really are. Compensatory narcissists, however, know at some level that they are a fraud in fact, and that they put forth an appearance different from the way they are. By contrast, elitist narcissists, perhaps the purest variant of the narcissistic style, are deeply convinced of their superior self-image although it is grounded on few realistic achievements. To elit ­ists, the appearance of things is perceived as ob ­jective reality; their inflated self- image is their intrinsic substance. Only when these illusory elements to their self-worth are seriously under mined will they be able to recognize, perhaps even to acknowledge, their deeper shortcomings. As a consequence of their sublime self-confi ­dence, elitists feel quite secure in their apparent superiority. They achieve this in part by capturing the attentions of others and making them take note of the supposed extraordinary qualities. Most everything these narcissists do is intended to per ­suade others of their specialness, rather than to put their efforts into acquiring genuine qualifications and attainments. They feel privileged and empow ­ered by virtue of whatever class status and pseudo  ­achievements they may have attained. Most are upwardly mobile, seeking to cultivate their sense of specialness and personal advantage by associat ­ing with those who may possess genuine achieve ­ments and recognition. Many elitists will create comparisons between themselves and others, turn ­ing personal relationships into public competitions and contests. Unrivaled in the pursuit of becoming number one, the grounds for this goal are not de ­termined by genuine accomplis hments, but by the degree to which they can convince others of its re ­ality, false though its substance may be. As just described, many narcissistic elitists are social climbers who seek to cultivate their image and social luster by virtue of those with whom they are affiliated. To them, it is not the old chestnut of guilt by association, but rather that of status by association. Idolizing public recognition, narcis ­sists of this type get caught in the game of one-up ­manship, which they strive vigorously to win, at least comparatively. Status and self-promotion are all that matter to narcissistic elitists. To be celebrated, even famous, is what drives them, rather than to achieve substantive accomplishments. In whatever sphere of activity matters to them, they invest their efforts to advertise themselves, to brag about achievements, substantive or fraudulent, to make anything they have done appear to be won ­derful, better than what others may have done, and better than it may actually be. By making excessive claims about themselves, these narcissists expose a great distance between their actual selves and their self-presentations. In contrast to many narcissists who recognize this disparity, elitists are convinced and absolute in their belief in self. Rather than backing off, with ­drawing, or feeling shame when slighted or re ­sponded to with indifference, elitist narcissists speed up their efforts all the more, acting increas ­ingly and somewhat erratically to exhibit deeds and awards worthy of high esteem. They may present grandiose illusions about their powers and future status; they may puff up their limited ac ­complishments; they may seek competitively to outdo those who have achieved in reality. By the persistence and social intrusiveness of their behaviors, narcissistic elitists may begin to alienate themselves from others, and the admira ­tion they seek. Insulating themselves from signs of painful indifference and psychic injury, they may try to distance or screen out negativistic and judg ­mental responses. Some may become overtly hos ­tile, acquiring characteristics of the querulous paranoid, quickly losing the remaining elements of their former charm and cleverness, becoming increasingly contemptuous of those whom they feel are treating them so shabbily. Still believing themselves to be special persons, these elitists see little need to listen or follow the dictates of any ­one else. They may begin to react with outright anger and irritability, convinced that they need no one. As these self-protective beliefs and actions gain in their defensive and negative tone, the elit ­ist narcissist comes to be seen as an undesirable and embarrassing person, a touchy and inflated character whom others wish to shun. Burstens four personality variants Bursten (1973-1982) presented four personality variants within the narcissistic grouping, speaking of them as the craving, paranoid, manipulative, and phallic types. He refers to the Craving variety as changing, demanding, often pouting and whining. These labeled paranoid narcissists correspond with general descriptions of the paranoid personality. Manipulative narcissists encompass a large segment of what are referred to as antisocial personalities in the DSM The fourth subtype, phallic narcissistic, describes patients who are exhibitionistic, reckless, cold, and arrogant. In seeking to contrast borderline from narcissistic personalities, Bursten makes references to the distinction as bearing on the cohesiveness of self. Elaborating this distinction, he speaks of the narcissistic personality as comprising (1982): à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.a group of people whose sense of self is sufficiently cohesive that they do not suffer form these types of fragility problems. The striking feature of this cluster of personality types centers around self-esteem. They maintain an intense interest in themselves and harbor both grandiose fantasies, albeit not to a delusional extent, and the need to associate with powerful figures. When one frustrates their verity or their need for an ideal parent, they become dysfunctional they suffer sever disappointment depression, rage, and hypochondriacs. They may even have floating episodes of confusion, but such mental disinte gration is very brief and does not have the prominence and the persistence of people whose personalities fall in the borderline cluster. Cohesiveness of their sense of self is maintained by the intensity of their narcissistic focus on themselves. (p.414)

Comparing Hinduism and Buddhism Essay -- Papers Compare Contrast Relig

Comparing Hinduism and Buddhism Hinduism and Buddhism have different similarities and are in some ways connected to each other. Some of the practices of the two religions are similar in various ways and there are several examples to show this. Hinduism first started in India around 1500 BC. The word Hindu comes from the Sanskrit word sindhu, or river. The Hindu community define themselves as "those who believe in the Vedas", or also "those who follow the way, or dharma, of the four classes and the stages of life. The four classes being the varnas and the stages of life being the ashramas. Like Hinduism, Buddhism also started in India. It is based on the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who is called the Buddha or the Enlightened One. Buddhism started a monastic movement in the Brahman tradition. It is generally agreed that the Buddha was born in 563 BC in Kapilavastu to the ruler of a small kingdom. He grew up with luxuries and had a sheltered life. When he was 29 he came to realize that hi life up to this point had been so empty. He let go any earthly attachments and soon set out to find peace and enlightenment trying to steer away from the cycles of rebirths. He started practicing Yoga and "adopted a life of radical asceticism." He soon gave up this way of thinking and focused on "a middle path between the life of indulgence and that of self-denial." After a time of great inner struggle, he began to wander to different places and preach and organized a monastic community know as the sangha. The Buddha started the movement for all different peoples and denied that a person's spiritual worth is a matter of birth. The Buddha left no written word. His ideas have been put into writings though... ...under the Gupta Empire. In the 16th century in Bengal, a sect of erotic mysticism was founded. This celebrated the union of Krishna and Radha in a Tantric theology heavily influenced by Tantric Buddhism. In the 19th century many reforms have taken place to bring traditional Hinduism to reconcile with the social reforms and political ideals of the day. Leaders of these reforms are greats such as Mohandas Gandhi and Sri Aurobindo Ghose. Bhimrau Ramji Ambedkar even revived the myth of the Brahmans who fell from their caste and the tradition that Buddhism and Hinduism were once one in order to "enable Untouchables to gain self-respect by 'reconverting' to Buddhism." Today both religions are still greatly worshiped and have millions of followers. Buddhism and Hinduism are connected in many ways and still continue to flourish after many, many centuries.

A constitutional right? :: essays research papers fc

A constitutional Right?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Carl T Bogus, the author of a 1992 article, â€Å" The Strong Case for Gun Control†, explains to the reader of the importance and relevance of tougher and more strict gun control laws in local governments today. Bogus begins by telling of the recent rise in school shootings and violent crimes in the united states. He explains that in 1998, more than four thousand children were killed by guns, and it took a string of school related shootings to bring that fact to the attention of the public. 34 thousand people were killed in total, and over sixty thousand were held at gunpoint. In order to explain and prove his theories, Bogus goes on to compare two cities with similar crime rates, economies, nationalities, and entertainment values, but very different ways on controlling guns. Seattle Washington , and Vancouver British Columbia are only 140 mile apart, but they both have different views on how to control the way guns are used in there city. Seattle requires only a five day waiting period to purchase a hand gun, while Vancouver requires a permit and a VALID excuse to own a handgun. Due to the difference in laws, 41 percent of all Seattle’s population own handguns, while only 12 percent of Vancouver’s population own handguns. It isn’t hard to see that it would be harder for anybody who shouldn’t have a weapon to stumble across a handgun in Vancouver than in Seattle.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Bogus then goes on to explain a new law taken into effect in the District of Colombia not too long ago. Residents who currently lived in D.C. would have sixty days   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   to register there handguns, and after the time period was up, newly acquired handguns became illegal. But, rifles and shotguns could still be purchased and owned after the time period ran out. The result of the new law came out with results that surprised a lot of people. There was a 25 percent drop in gun related homicides and a 23 percent drop in gun related suicides. While D.C. experienced such a significant drop in gun related crimes, surrounding cities experienced no significant change in their rates. Just another reason to believe that even local gun laws can lead to safer cities and homes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Daniel D. Polsby, the author of the article, â€Å" The False Promise of Gun Control† Focuses on how tougher gun control laws make it harder for regular people to defend themselves, and easier for criminals to get what they want.

Enhancement (Philosophy) Essay

Cognitive enhancement is the improvement of one’s mental capacity and or mental attributes such as personality, where it is considered optional and not medically necessary (Schmidt-Felzmann, 2012). Enhancement is different to treatment as treatment is linked to the curing of an illness, whereas enhancement is merely improving an already medically healthy body or mind, however, at times it is quite difficult to draw a line between the two (Schmidt-Felzmann, 2012). Types of enhancements include improving one’s athletic abilities through the use of steroids, undergoing cosmetic surgery which is deemed medically unnecessary, or, reducing one’s need to sleep through the consumption of drugs such as Provigil. Enhancements can even encompass things that are commonly availed of every day, such as the consumption of caffeine (Schmidt-Felzmann, 2012). There are many ethical and practical concerns in relation to cognitive enhancement and whether or not it should be allowed such as Authenticity (Keeping true to oneself), which is a key concern , with both proponents and opponents of cognitive enhancement interpreting authenticity in different ways (Parens, 2005). Two ethical frameworks have developed which try to answer the questions raised by cognitive enhancement and indeed enhancement in general, these frameworks are known as the existentialist model (Self creation) and the Rousseauean model (Gratitude) (Parens, 2005). These frameworks differ on whether or not cognitive enhancement should be allowed, the existentialist model being in favour of cognitive enhancement and the Rousseauean model opposed to the application of it (Schmidt-Felzmann, 2012). Along with authenticity there are other major ethical concerns that could arise from the widespread use of cognitive enhancing methods, namely drugs (Butcher, 2003). Such concerns include a possible increase in the gap between rich and poor and the possibility of the loss of values, namely the value of hard work, which helps make a human being what they are (Butcher, 2003). Philosophers and indeed people in general who favour the existentialist model value autonomy greatly and therefore believe that so long as a human being does not harm another, they should be free to do with their body or mind what they please. If these things may be quite ridiculous and inadvisable, existentialist still believe that they should be condoned, so long as the person in question is well informed on the issue (Schmidt-Felzmann, 2012). There is also a view that Humans not only have the ability but may also have the responsibility to enhance their condition, not only through normal everyday enhancements but also through artificial means, which are not seen as qualitatively different (within existentialist circles) to everyday enhancements (Schmidt-Felzmann, 2012). There are, however, some problems with this framework. For instance, in many cases the individual who is given a cognitive enhancement, is not always fully autonomous (Schmidt-Felzmann, 2012). This is the case in many poor urban areas in the United States, in many schools in these areas up to a third of boys now take Ritalin, even though a large portion of them do not suffer from ADHD (Farah et al. 2004). Using enhancements to simply subdue easily distracted and unruly children could be seen as ethically wrong, this is because a large percentage of children simply are naturally unruly and easily distracted (Farah et al. 2004). To change this, could be seen as changing the personality of the child in question to such an extent that they are essentially no longer the same child, here we see the question of authenticity rise again (Parens, 2005). It is in situations such as these that we see a clear divide between the two frameworks. Most proponents of framework one (self-creation) would be in favour of this sort of cognitive enhancement as they would view the child as essentially the same person, only improved, while the opponents of this framework hold a different belief (Parens, 2005). Proponents of framework two, or the Rousseauean model, place huge importance in the value of â€Å"the given† (Schmidt-Felzmann, 2012). In other words, they believe we should not tamper past our natural potential. This however gives rise to problematic questions, such as, where can we draw the line between natural and artificial enhancements? (Schmidt-Felzmann, 2012). Framework two argues that cognitive enhancement ignores fundamental facts about the human mind and its limits, it asserts that these limits should be respected. These beliefs could also be seen as a breach of authenticity. When we think of the effects that cognitive enhancement could have on human authenticity we think of the effects it might have on the identity of an individual. While this is important, it is also important to look at the human race as a whole and how cognitive enhancement and enhancement in general might affect its authenticity. From the Stone Age right up to the current social age, humans have constantly strove to improve themselves and their quality of life. In recognition of this, it could be argued that to not enhance our current state of being would be in violation of our nature and of our identity as human beings. When this view is taken it becomes clear that the Rousseauean model can also lead to a breach in authenticity, this, along with other reasons is perhaps why a large portion of philosophers show a certain level of ambivalence towards the two frameworks when it comes to major ethical matters (Parens, 2005). Enhancement, cognitive enhancement in particular, raises many ethical concerns. As already discussed, authenticity is a prime concern, however there are also other important matters which need to be considered before any decision is made on whether or not cognitive enhancement should be allowed. For instance, the introduction of cognitive enhancing drugs could lead to a widening in the gap between rich and poor (Butcher, 2003). This would be that case as such drugs would likely be out of reach (financially) to the lower classes of society. In the long term further problems would arise, as the poor would likely have little or no access to these cognitive enhancing drugs, the upper class would essentially develop into generally more intelligent beings. This would make it far harder for a member of the lower class to compete for college places or jobs (Butcher, 2003). It has been argued, however, that the risk of a widening of the gap between the wealthy and the poor should not be a factor to stand against the introduction of cognitive enhancers as enhancers such as third level education already do this (Butcher, 2003). Another ethical issue is the possibility of the loss of the value of hard work (Butcher, 2003). While this may not seem like such a pressing issue, one must first fully consider the implications this may have in the long term. Humans may use there increased level of intelligence irresponsibly due to a lack of experience gained from having to work hard to overcome obstacles. Along with these issues the safety of such drugs is also an important matter (Farah et al. 2004). It is clear from these observations that the possibility of distribution of cognitive enhancers amongst the public is a very contentious issue, which makes the question â€Å"Should cognitive enhancement be allowed? † a very difficult one to answer. In my opinion, cognitive enhancement should be allowed, although only under certain conditions. The production of such enhancers should be undertaken only by the government so as to ensure the fair and equal distribution of cognitive enhancers amongst all social classes. Drugs should be extensively tested before mainstream introduction in order to assure the safety of the product. These measures may, however, not be enough. Governments would have the means to manipulate the public by introducing other properties to cognitive enhancing drugs, For instance they could use certain ingredients to create a more patriotic and docile population this would be a prime concern in politically unstable countries or in those of communist leanings. Should the entire population of a country regularly take a drug, which was deemed essential to take, untold damage could be done to the human condition. A world without free will could develop, with the world population under the control of one drug, and those who produced it. Perhaps the cognition of the human race is not yet evolved enough to consider its enhancement. Bibliography: Parens, Erik. (2005) â€Å"Authenticity and Ambivalence: Toward Understanding the Enhancement debate† Hastings Center Report, Vol. 35, Number 3, May-June, pp. 34-41. Schmidt-Felzmann, Heike. (2010) â€Å"Personal Identity and Human Nature: The Enhancement Debate, Heike Schmidt-Felzmann 12/10/12. † Philosophical questions & issues. [online. ] Available at: https://nuigalway. blackboard. com/webapps/portal/frameset. jsp? tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_31108_1%26url%3D%252Fwebapps%252Fblackboard%252Fexecute%252FdisplayIndividualContent%253Fmode%253Dview%2526content_id%253D_419734_1%2526course_id%253D_31108_1 (Accessed: 03/12/12.) Butcher, James. (2003) â€Å"Cognitive enhancement raises ethical concerns† The Lancet, Vol 362 (9378) p. p 132–133. Farah, Martha J. Illes, Judy. Cook-Deegan, Robert. Gardner, Howard. Kandel, Eric. King, Patricia. Parens, Eric. Sahakian, Barbara & Root Wolpe, Paul. (2004) â€Å"Neurocognitive enhancement: what can we do and what should we do? † Nature Reviews Neuroscience, Vol: 5. P. p 421-425.

Science Periodic Table Essay

The Periodic Table The periodic table has been updated all throughout history. Elements have been around us since the beginning of time. Elements, such as gold and silver, are examples of these elements that have been known for centuries. The periodic table allows us to see the elements in their families so we can understand what properties they have. It also allows us to see the atomic number, atomic mass, and the symbol of the element. The periodic table is a source of knowledge that is still being updated as of this day.That is why the periodic table is such a valuable resource. In ancient times, the elements gold and silver were discovered. Another element that was known at this time was copper. The Greek philosopher, Aristotle said that all elements were made out of these four â€Å"roots. † The philosopher, Plato, renamed the â€Å"four roots† earth, fire, water, and air. Although they introduced the concept of elements, they did nothing to advance the nature of t he matter, which matter is made of. The age of enlightenment was a big adventure for the science world.Hennig Brand was the first person recorded to have discovered a new element. He was a German merchant who went bankrupt, while trying to discover the Philosopher’s Stone. The Philosopher’s stone was a mythical object that was supposed to turn inexpensive base metals into gold. He experimented with distilling human urine until he finally obtained a white substance which he named phosphorous in 1649. Brand did not go to the public with his discovery until another scientist named Robert Boyle rediscovered it and took it to the public.In 1661, Boyle defined an element has a substance that cannot be broken down by chemical means. Antoine Lavoisier developed the first chemistry textbook. This included the elements oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen, phosphorous, mercury, zinc, and sulfur. Lavoisier's descriptions of the elements only classified elements as metals or non-metals. Joh ann Dobereiner began to classify the elements in triads. These elements that belong to these triads had properties that were similar to each other. A few of these triads are as follows: 1.Chlorine, bromine, and iodine 2. Calcium, strontium, and barium 3. Sulfur, selenium, and tellurium 4. Lithium, sodium, and potassium. With all these triads, the atomic mass of the second element was almost exactly the average of the atomic weights of the first and third elements. By 1869, 69 elements had been discovered. Alexandre Chancourtois was the first to notice the periodicity of the elements. Similar elements seemed to occur at regular intervals when they were arranged by their atomic mass. He created an early version of the periodic table.He called it the telluric helix. When the elements were arranged on a cylinder by order of the increasing atomic mass, Chancourtois could tell that the elements with similar properties lined up vertically. He published this work in 1862, but there was litt le to go on. In 1865, John Newlands classified 56 elements that had been discovered previously into eleven groups based on similar physical properties. Newlands said that many pairs of similar elements existed differed by some multiple of eight in atomic number.Dimitri Mendeleev created the periodic table that we use today. He arranged the elements by their atomic mass and noticed that they lined up with the elements that had similar properties with each other. He also noticed that when they were arranged in this way, the valences lined up as well. When he published his table in 1869, it had many advantages. This table is more widely used in today’s time. The discovery of the periodic table is also the discoveries of the elements.As the elements were discovered, they were added to the periodic table. Since the beginning of time, more elements have been discovered. The most recent was ununpentium. It was discovered in 2011. As anyone can see the periodic table is continuing to grow and develop. It is a child of the elements. As each element is named, the periodic table grows. The periodic table will always be an ongoing process and the updating of it will never end. That is because new elements are discovered every day!