Advocating For The Legalization Of Marijuana Is Not A Novel

Advocating for the legalization of marijuana is not a novel cause. However, recently the public has grown increasingly aware on the benefits of marijuana. The drug is no longer for hippies who live in a van, at least not exclusively. It can be used by patients suffering from a variety of illnesses, including cancer, anxiety, depression, autism and more; however, studies are still being conducted on the effectiveness of these treatments. Many people advocate for the legalization of the drug solely based on the tax revenue it will provide. Although it is a notable benefit to the potential policy change, taxes do not affect equality nor efficiency of the economy. It is merely a transfer of money. Equality and efficiency are the two most†¦show more content†¦Although the African American jail population today is nowhere near as large as it was in the 1800’s, it is still disproportionately disadvantaging African Americans along with other racial minorities. Not only are th e incarceration rates unjust, but they are the largest in the world, despite a decline in violent crime for the past few decades (Lofstrom and Raphael, 2016). According to the Uniform Crime Reports, which categorize both property crimes and violent crimes, each month per 100,000 people. Property crimes include incidents involving the burglary and theft of property. Conversely, â€Å"murders, rapes, robberies, and aggravated assaults† are categorized as violent crimes (Lofstrom and Raphael, 2016). The data associated with both crimes shows a consistent decrease in reported crime since the 1990’s. Violent crime reports decreased from 750 in 1990 per 100,000 people to below 400 in 2010, while property crime reports went from a little over 5,000 to just under 3,000. It is important to note that only reports of crime went down, not crime itself; however, the numbers are significant enough to imply a decline in criminal activity. Two studies that analyze the proportion of African Americans and the population below the poverty line in conjunction with the property andShow MoreRelatedRastafarian79520 Words   |  319 Pagesprior to his passing in 1975 and after. Many believe that Selassie was a dictator and a cruel leader. That he is regarded as God incarnate seems patently absurd. 4. It is not clear whether Selassie believed himself to be a God. 5. For Rastas, marijuana, which is illegal in Jamaica, is a sacrament for worship. 6. Rastas regard western society as part of Babylon—a system and a place that is the enemy of the blacks of the world. FOREWORD ix 7. There is still no organized set of doctrines

The Study of College Students and Their Sleep Habits Essay

The blare of the alarm goes off at the early hour of eight thirty in the morning. Tyler, a college freshman, wakes up from his night of sleep. He calculates the hours that he slept and as usual the hours add up to be about five all together. Throughout the course of a week, Tyler averages about thirty-five hours of sleep. Tyler is involved in many activities on campus such as Freshman class council, football, intermurals, and works an average of twenty hours a week. Like most college students, he takes an average 15 hours of course work. During the day he finds himself very fatigued and unmotivated to finish his homework due to his lack of sleep. As the semester comes to an end, he starts to worry about his Grade Point Average because it†¦show more content†¦In the article entitled Sleep Duration and Self-Reported Type A Behavior: A Replication, Stuart McKelvie (1992) surveyed college students who receive eight hours or less of sleep per night. These surveys observed type A behavior students, which include students who are more devoted to studying, showing up for class, and being involved in other various activities. In a repeated study of the Hicks study from 1979, three hundred and eleven undergraduate students were divided into groups of thirty and completed a sleep survey. Regular sleepers indicated that they had received the same amount of sleep for one year and were satisfied with their sleeping patterns. From this group of students the survey study stated that seventy-two irregular sleepers received less than eight hours per night and seventy regular sleepers received more than eight hours per night. Between the two groups of students, test scores did not significantly differ. Both were satisfied with the amount of sleep that they receive each night. This is said to be the reason that their daily lives and grades are not significantly effected by the amount of sleep they receive. Research by Glass suggests the idea that students who lead a hectic college lifestyle onShow MoreRelatedFactors That Affect Sleep During African American College Students And The Relationship Between Their Sleep And Study Habits2036 Words   |  9 PagesFactors That Affect Sleep in African American College Students and the Relationship between Their Sleep and Study Habits Sleep plays a vital role in a person’s health and also their well-being. It is essential that college students get an adequate amount of sleep each night. Getting enough sleep will benefit them health wise and academically. Students have a harder time excelling academically if they are continuously tired and do not allow their body to rest. According to research conducted by BrownRead MoreThe Effects Of Sleep Deprivation On College Students Essay1319 Words   |  6 Pages Sleep deprivation is a frequent obstacle that many college students in America face. Insomnia in college students can have an immense impact on psychological and physical health, which greatly influence academic success. Research shows that 70% of college students qualify as sleep deprived. Sleep deprivation has also been linked with several diseases/disorders, including: depression, anxiety, and obesity. Our research question investigated how sleep deprivation in college students affectsRead MoreThe Effects Of Negative Habits On College1681 Words   |  7 PagesAnalysis of Negative Habits in College Negative habits such as alcoholism, abuse of drugs, sleep deprivation, and procrastination impact minority students more than non-minority students. Many students go off to college every year and do not stay on track. They begin college with the best of intentions: go to class, excel, and eventually graduate. College is very fun, but it is also a time in your life where you have to learn what to put first, and what can wait for later. Some students such as minorityRead MoreShould College Students Go Trough?1498 Words   |  6 Pagesgrowing issue that many college students go trough. These pounds might seem like harmless weight but research supporting that the weight gained and bad eating habits learned in the first year off college can have negative effects on your life forever.Although it may seem like harmless pounds the freshman fifteen is an on going problems that more than half of the college students experience and suffer from as they grow out of their college career. the first research study Preventing weight gain inRead MoreResearch Study : Relationships Of Eating Competence, Sleep Behaviors And Quality, And Overweight Status Among College Students Essay1091 Words   |  5 Pages1) Research Study: Relationships of eating competence, sleep behaviors and quality, and overweight status among college students Intro: Lack of sleep has been identified as a major public health issue found to contribute to chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes (type 2) and hypertension. As sleeping habits worsened over the years, obesity and unhealthy eating trends continued to climb. In contrast cross-sectional studies support the notion that sufficient sleep promotes â€Å"health related behaviorsRead MoreEssay On Sleep Deprivation In College Students794 Words   |  4 PagesSleep Deprivation in College Students College students all over America struggle with one consistent problem: sleep deprivation. As one may have guessed, it is one of the main complaints heard coming from most young adults. There are many things that are known to cause sleep deprivation, especially when it comes to college life. Between keeping up grades and maintaining a social life, it is difficult for students to stay well rested. According to â€Å"Causes and Consequences of Sleepiness Among CollegeRead MoreComparing Academic Performance And Class Start Times Between Morning, Day, And Night Classes1530 Words   |  7 Pagesbetween Morning, Day, and Night Classes within WVU university students Academic achievement among university students is a primary goal amongst the student body for obvious reasons. Generally, a student’s performance reflects how successful they will be within their courses and produces their overall grade point average, GPA. Although a student’s academic achievement can be determined in many ways, GPA is a primary tool used to measure a student achievement. Within the vast research on what determinesRead MoreFactors That Affect The Academic Performance Of College Students Essay976 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction There have been several studies researching the factors that affect the academic performance of college students. Some of these factors include family, personal habits, attitude, and social activities. Another important factor is the sleeping habits of the student. Sleeping is one of the most significant basic need that humans need. It is a biological necessity that plays an important role in each individual’s health. Sleep is not only important for health, but it is also importantRead MoreEffects Of Sleep Deprivation On Academic Performance1557 Words   |  7 Pagesof Sleep Deprivation on Academic Performance Less sleep causes less focus on academic performance. Sleep deprivation is a problem when it comes to academic performance; therefore students should learn how to manage their time and get enough sleep. Many have argued and many others agreed that sleep deprivation does have a big effect on the performance of students in school. For those who don t agree probably think that sleep deprivation has nothing to do with the bad performance of students onRead MoreSleep Deprivation : Symptoms And Can Lower Your Body s Natural Defense System Essay1362 Words   |  6 Pageswhen they felt a little sleep deprived; there was a time in their life when they felt more tired than usual. It was either just a busy work week, or one night accidentally stayed up a few hours longer, but college students bring a new meaning to sleep deprivation. We are reported to be the highest number of sleep deprived people. Sleep deprivation comes in two stages: chronic and acute, whichever category, both come with ex treme side-effects. The effects of chronic sleep deprivation form long-lasting

The Situation at the BHP Billiton Company - free Samples for Students

Question: Discuss about the The Situation at the BHP Billiton Company. Answer: BHP Billiton, a multinational company conducting its operations in a sum of 100 locations in around 25 countries. The company has its capital in Melbourne, Australia. Currently, the company is managed by Andrew Stewart Mackenzie as its CEO and Mike Henry as the president of operations, in Australia. The company has around eighty thousand three hundred and sixty-eight employees globally, thousands of them being in Australia. BHP is a huge financial hub which is aimed at ensuring profitability of its operations. For example, the company collected a huge revenue, around 30.91 billion Australian dollars in revenue in the last financial year, 2016 fiscal year. BHP Billiton is combination between two companies BHP and Billiton back in the early 21st century, 2001. The dual free industries founded in the early 19th century instituted BHP Billiton: Today, the firm is a leading producer in the mining industry. The company was an establishment of 13th August 1885, (BHP) Broken Hill Proprietary 's history can be traced back to mining of zinc, silver, and lead in the Australian region. As such, BHP made discoveries within several factors of production namely diamonds, lead, zinc, copper and other different ornamental goods. Besides, recent research clearly suggests that BHP is amongst the best producer in value-added steel products. On the other hand, Billiton's was founded back in the year 1851, in the period tin was mined on the Indonesian Island. Additionally, Billiton has grown into a worldwide major producer of metal and a high-ranking producer of alumina, steaming coal, chrome and manganese ores and, alloys, titanium, and nickel raw materials. Moreover, Billiton was able to realize its economic growth towards the foundation of the copper related platforms. The newest Forbes magazine reviews the company at the top a hundred companies regarding the market value and amongst the top ten biggest companies in Australia. Moreover, the business scene within the Australian is mostly dependently on the laws that govern the country. The authorities control the market either directly or indirectly since its day to day activities have an impact on the economy hence effect to a company as the BHP Billiton. Like any other country, the Australian government has the following impacts on the general economy hence on the individual companies. The government acts as a market catalyst .with the influence of the government in the formation of policies. Policies pertaining mining and the financial institutions mostly affect the social behavior of the business world especially both local corporations and multinational corporations as the BHP Billiton which at large operates in Australia. Such policies can control the actual prices of the commodities produced by a company such as the BHP Billiton in our case may be the cost of refined iron products in the market. Such policies from the government may ensure security a nd political stability hence attract more investment within the country's borders. In turn, promoting the local operating businesses. The Australian government's s to the spending can at large have an effect on the businesses operating on the Australian soil. For instance, the government gets money from the taxes it levies to businesses, for example, the thirty percent tax corporation tax, when spending on the government is increased, so do the taxes. The high spending by the government leads to limited pools of the resource from the savings. Therefore leaving very little for the private investor like the BHP Billiton. Such spending by the government leads to a drop in private investments thereby shrinking production of goods and services. The ultimate effect on business will be cuts or losses of its staff members and finally a collapse of the business. The government policies can at large have an impact on the rates. For instance, when the government decides to increase the rates, there will be an increase in the cost of borrowing in the business world. Moreover, the higher rates have the ability to reduce the cli ents spending. On the other hand, the lower interest rates pull investment opportunities as the businesses increase their production hence lead to the profitability of businesses hence a flourished economy. Additionally, the government can influence the rates in a small instance when it decides to print more money in its reserves, hence the possibility of inflation which does not favor the business growth. Especially when the inflation is high, there is a huge possibility of corporations as BHP Billiton to fall. The government also can lead to a collapse of BHP Billiton by policies that revolve around the nature of the company's operations, mining. For instance, the Australian government has a lot of policies that regard the processes of mining. The government has made the whole process so tedious and expensive to implement. For example, before mining takes place, one has to have the exploration licenses which is prone to renewal and also cancellation. The company also has to have a clearance from the respective ministry so as to allow them to go on with the exploration. Such time is taking, and expensive procedure may lead to a low production of a company hence promote losses. Moreover, the legal processes make it hard for the company to expand its operations. With the increasing laws regarding mining regulations most of which are based on the school of thought pertaining international sustainable development, the companies that major in the mining sector such as the BHP Billiton are suffering. One of such is the Treaty on Biological Diversity (Biodiversity Treaty). The treaty is said to be amongst the greatest undertakings of the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. If properly looked into, the outcomes of the treaty might have destructive implications to the mining sector. The vital concept of the treaty is that the nations should take up the role in preserving its biodiversity and using its bio diverse resources in sustainable development only. The treaty is responsible for the formulation of most of the environmental laws that tend to restrict mining. Such treaties affect majorly the participants in the mining sector. For instance, it will limit the mining operations in some areas of which resources are properly accumulated in. In turn, BHP Billiton, a mining company will only have to operate in specific areas. Therefore implying that in the case of resources depletion, mining companies will run with fewer productions hence a possibility of incurring losses. In as much as the treaty is meant for the future good, the present might suffer. Other than the biodiversity treaty there are other treaties, conventions, and agreements that have had an alarming impact on the growth of the BHP Billiton Company and other companies that major into the mining sector. In its 2012 annual report, the BHP Billiton lists the change of climate as amongst its biggest risk. The company clearly admits that the change in climate will automatically have an impact on its production patterns hence its financial performance in many of its operations. In as much as there is the fear of the climatic change, the company has tried over the previous years to get involved in matters that involve the preservation of the environment. However, most of the conventions that are taking place about the environment are majorly aimed to reduce the company's increased production in oil, coal, and gas. Of which the advocators of the environment point to as the supreme cause to the endangering of the planet. Moreover, when the production in the BHP Billiton Compa ny is reduced, there is a very high possibility of the company to lose its bragging right as amongst the biggest mining companies in the world. Conclusion. In as much as the laws and regulations pertaining the operations of businesses are healthy in the success of any business, the governments are supposed to ensure that the laws and regulations set are not harmful to the development of the businesses. In our case, the governments should help the mining corporations with the technological assistance in how to manage the industrial pollution that they might produce. To sum up, the BHP Billiton has proved with no doubts that the governmental laws and regulations and international laws can affect the operations of businesses within a certain jurisdiction. Bibliography. Bakker, R. M., Shepherd, D. A. (2017). Pull the plug or take the plunge: Multiple opportunities and the speed of venturing decisions in the Australian mining industry. Academy of Management Journal, 60(1), 130-155. Crowfoot, J. and Wondolleck, J.M., 2012. Environmental Disputes: Community involvement in conflict resolution. Island Press. Rowan, M.G., Peel, F.J. and Vendeville, B.C., 2014. Gravity-driven fold belts on passive margins. Day, D.A., 2015. Claiming a Continent. HarperCollins Australia. Simmons, P.J., 2013. Learning to live with NGOs. Foreign policy, pp.82-96. Maskell, P., Bathelt, H. and Malmberg, A., 2014. Temporary clusters and knowledge creation: the effects of international trade fairs, conventions, and other professional gatherings. Lawrence, P.M., Behrens, J.M. and Reicher, H., 2015. The environment. O'Cass, A. and Julian, C., 2013. Examining firm and environmental influences on export marketing mix strategy and export performance of Australian exporters. European journal of marketing, 37(3/4), pp.366-384. Dunlap, T.R., 2015. Nature and the English Diaspora: Environment and History in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (No. 17). Cambridge University Press. Deegan, C. and Rankin, M., 2016. Do Australian companies report the environmental news objectively? An analysis of environmental disclosures by firms prosecuted successfully by the Environmental Protection Authority. Accounting, auditing accountability journal, 9(2), pp.50-67.

Kristin Christoffersen Essays - Carol Dweck, Psychology, Mindset

Kristin Christoffersen August 15,17 English II Honors/ Pd.1 Martz, B. A growth mindset is getting something wrong or making a tiny mistake, accepting defeat, using that as a chance to expand their knowledge, and trying new things to push themselves. A fixed mindset is knowing what one can and cannot do. Someone with a fixed mindset never pushes themselves in fear of making a mistake. When one makes a mistake, they give up and go back to what is already known that they can succeed at. Typically, a fixed mindset is what people prefer to have because they don't like to step out of their comfort zone. Often, people view a growth mindset as unstable and a fear of the unknown leads to fear of failure. Most people think they have a fixed mindset, however, only about 40% of the US population have this thought process. Some do not realize they have a growth mindset until questioned about it. When presented with a challenge someone with a fixed mindset would simply talk themselves down while a person with a growth mindset would try to raise themselve s up. Take singing for example, "Some people are born to sing- I'm not one of them," that is a prime example of something a fixed mindset person would say. Someone with a growth mindset would say, "I didn't start with any singing talent- I'd have to learn it all." Another example would be when dealing with an argument, "When we're arguing, I feel like you don't listen to me," this is something a fixed mindset person would say. A growth mindset person, however, would simply say "In past arguments, I've felt like you didn't listen to me." Although some people believe there is not a big difference, it all just depends on how one looks at it. Citations: http://malcolmocean.com/2014/07/growth-mindset-reframing/ www.learning-knowledge.com/self-theories.html

Sir Lancelot Du Lake Essays - Holy Grail, Knights Of The Round Table

Sir Lancelot Du Lake Essays - Holy Grail, Knights Of The Round Table Sir Lancelot Du Lake Sir Lancelot du Lake Sir Lancelot du Lake was quite possibly the bravest and most gallant knight in the world. His battles were pretty much lopsided, due to his extreme skill. He was King Arthur's best knight. He was very adventurous and prone to getting into trouble, which he always came out of without a scratch. Why was Lancelot honored so? In the last four paragraphs, I will try to explain this to my best ability. Why did I say he was Arthur's best knight? Sir Lancelot was sworn to protect Guenevere, King Arthur's wife. At no time at all was he ever over come, except by either treason or enchantment. His belief in himself was strong enough that he wouldn't let anyone but the king push him around. Those that tried to do the pushing usually wound up with their blood on Lancelot's sword. Another reason he was the best knight at the Table Round, was because he upheld the ideals of chivalry and the heroic tradition. He believed in being noble, and just. As I said, Lancelot was very adventurous, and never turned down an endeavor. While out one day, he took a nap, and woke to find his friend gone, and four queens looking upon him. This is one of the few times Lancelot did something against his will, and he did it only by enchantment. He was set free by King Bagdemagus' daughter, on a deal that he would help the King win the upcoming tournament. He helped win the tournament by killing alot of knights, or simply defeating them in battle. By doing this, he earned his freedom. There are many reason's why Lancelot was honored the way he was. Lancelot fought for King Arthur, til his banishment for his acts with the Queen. He remained loyal to Arthur, and came back, when Arthur was on his deathbed. He delievered Excaliber back to the lake from which it came, and conveyed a message of forgiveness and love to Guenevere, from Arthur. Lancelot was defeated in battle only by Arthur, and only once, for they only fought once. His name was known to everyone, as the best knight in all the land. Lancelot had proven himself worthy of his title of the bravest and most noble knight around, many times, and probably did, long after the stories had ended, if they are true. Lancelot has always been my favorite knight, since whatever year we did King Arthur in grade school. The topics I have gone over are as truthful as I can make them, and I hope they get me a good grade. As I hope the points I have expended upon further support my topic, I know that everyone knows Lancelot, wether they heard it from a cartoon, an English book, or a movie, and that everyone knows what a great and fearless knight he was.

Biography of Joseph Louis Lagrange, Mathematician

Biography of Joseph Louis Lagrange, Mathematician Joseph Louis Lagrange (1736–1813) is considered to be one of the greatest mathematicians in history. Born in Italy, he made his home in France before, during, and after the French Revolution. His most important contributions to modern mathematics related to number theory and celestial mechanics, and analytic mechanics; his 1788 book Analytic Mechanics is the foundation for all later work in the field. Fast Facts: Joseph-Louis Lagrange Known For: Major contributions to mathematicsAlso Known As: Giuseppe Lodovico LagrangiaBorn: January 25, 1736 in Turin,  Piedmont-Sardinia (present-day Italy)Parents: Giuseppe Francesco Lodovico Lagrangia, Maria Teresa GrossoDied: April 10, 1813 in Paris,  FranceEducation: University of TurinPublished Works:  Letter to Giulio Carlo da Fagnano, Analytical Mechanics, Miscellany of Philosophy and Mathematics, Mà ©langes de Philosophie et de Mathà ©matique, Essai sur le Problà ¨me des Trois CorpsAwards and Honors:  Member of the Berlin Academy, Fellow of the  Royal Society of Edinburgh, foreign member of the  Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Grand Officer of Napoleons  Legion of Honour  and a  Count of the Empire, Grand Croix of the  Ordre Impà ©rial de la Rà ©union, 1764 prize of the  French Academy of Sciences  for his memoir on the  libration  of the Moon, commemorated on a plaque in the  Eiffel Tower, namesake for the  lunar crater  LagrangeSp ouse(s): Vittoria Conti, Renà ©e-Franà §oise-Adà ©laà ¯de Le MonnierNotable Quote: I will deduce the complete mechanics of solid and fluid bodies using the principle of least action. Early Life Joseph Louis Lagrange was born in Turin, the capital of the kingdom of Piedmont-Sardinia, to a well-to-do family on January 25, 1736. His father was treasurer of the Office of Public Works and Fortifications in Turin, but he lost his fortune as a result of bad investments. Young Joseph was intended to be a lawyer and attended the University of Turin with that goal; it wasnt until the age of 17 that he became interested in mathematics. His interest was piqued by a paper he came across by the astronomer Edmond Halley, and, entirely on his own, Lagrange dove into mathematics. In just a year, his course of self-study was so successful that he was appointed to be an assistant professor of mathematics at the Royal Military Academy. There, he taught courses in calculus and mechanics until it became clear that he was a poor educator (though a highly talented theorist). At the age of 19, Lagrange wrote to Leonhard Euler, the worlds greatest mathematician, describing his new ideas for calculus. Euler was so impressed that he recommended Lagrange for membership in the Berlin Academy at the extraordinarily young age of 20. Euler and Lagrange continued their correspondence and, as a result, the two collaborated on developing the calculus of variations. Before leaving Turin, Lagrange and friends founded the Turin Private Society, an organization intended to support pure research. The Society soon began publishing its own journal and, in 1783, it became the Turin Royal Academy of Sciences. During his time at the Society, Lagrange began applying his new ideas to several areas of mathematics: The theory of sound propagation.The theory and notation of the calculus of variations, solutions to dynamics problems, and deduction of the principle of least action.Solutions to dynamics problems such as the motion of three bodies mutually attracted by gravity. Work in Berlin Leaving Turin in 1766, Lagrange went to Berlin to fill a position recently vacated by Euler. The invitation came from Frederick the Great, who believed Lagrange to be the greatest mathematician in Europe. Lagrange spent 20 years living and working in Berlin. Though his health was sometimes precarious, he was extremely prolific. During this time he developed new theories about the three-body problem in astronomy, differential equations, probability, mechanics, and the stability of the solar system. His groundbreaking 1770 publication, Reflections on the Algebraic Resolution of Equations† launched a new branch of algebra. Work in Paris When his wife passed away and his patron Frederick the Great died, Lagrange accepted an invitation to Paris extended by Louis XVI. The invitation included luxurious rooms at the Louvre as well as every type of financial and professional support. Depressed because of his wifes death, he soon found himself married again to a much younger woman who found the gentle mathematician fascinating. While in Paris, LaGrange published Analytical Mechanics, an astonishing treatise and a still-classic mathematics text, which synthesized 100 years of research in mechanics since Newton, and led to the Lagrangian equations, which detailed and defined the differences between kinetic and potential energies. Lagrange was in Paris when the French Revolution began in 1789. Four years later, he became the head of the revolutionary weights and measures commission and helped establish the metric system. While Lagrange continued as a successful mathematician, the chemist Lavoisier (who had worked on the same commission) was guillotined. As the revolution came to a close, Lagrange became a professor of mathematics at the École Centrale des Travaux Publics (later renamed the  Ãƒâ€°cole Polytechnique), where he continued his theoretical work on calculus. When Napoleon came into power, he, too honored Lagrange. Before his death, the mathematician became a senator and count of the empire. Contributions Most Significant Contributions and Publications Lagranges most important publication was The Mà ©canique Analytique, his monumental work in pure math.His most prominent influence was his contribution to the metric system and his addition of a decimal base, which is in place largely due to his plan. Some refer to Lagrange as the founder of the Metric System.Lagrange is also known for doing a great deal of work on planetary motion. He was responsible for developing the groundwork for an alternate method of writing Newtons Equations of Motion, referred to as Lagrangian Mechanics. In 1772, he described the Lagrangian points, the points in the plane of two objects in orbit around their common center of gravity at which the combined gravitational forces are zero and where a third particle of negligible mass can remain at rest. This is why Lagrange is referred to as an astronomer/mathematician.The Lagrangian Polynomial is the easiest way to find a curve through points. Death Lagrange died in Paris in 1813 during the process of revising Analytical Mechanics. He was buried in the Panthà ©on in Paris.   Legacy Lagrange left behind an incredible array of mathematical tools, discoveries, and ideas which have had a profound impact on modern theoretical and applied calculus, algebra, mechanics, physics, and astronomy. Sources . Joseph Louis Lagrange | A Short Account of the History of MathematicsUniversity of South Florida.Joseph-Louis Lagrange. Famous Scientists.Joseph-Louis Lagrange. Stetson.edu.Struik, Dirk Jan. â€Å"Joseph-Louis Lagrange, Comte De LEmpire.†Ã‚  Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica, 18 Apr. 2019.

Addiction to Cell Phones Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Addiction to Cell Phones - Research Paper Example is a nation addicted to their cell phones. However, how do we decide whether our cell phone usage is normal, or if it is a real addiction that needs to be tackled in the same way? There are suggestions that cell phone addiction is an addiction like any other, so we need to apply the same conventions to this as we would for a drug or alcohol abuse problem. These include increased tolerance (needing more cell phone time to achieve the same result), an inability to cut back on use (an inability to leave the phone at home for a day or to enter a no signal area), and a reduction in competing behaviours (Hyman, 2013). Arguably, many cell phone users do have a cell phone addiction based on these criteria, because it can be difficult to be without a phone when those around you are consistently using theirs. Additionally, there are now situations in which we rely on a cell phone for social behaviours, which should be seen as positive. This is not the same negative consequence as would come from a reliance upon drugs and alcohol. Much of the language that people are using to describe this issue is quite biased. Whilst there are some scientific sources which tackle the issue from a psychological perspective (Hyman, 2013), news sources tend to side on hysterical (Carbonell et al, 2009). Mozes (2012) describes cell phones as an example of â€Å"materialism† and â€Å"impusiveness†, which are traditionally negative traits. This article suggests that much of the problem with cell phones could be compared to the actions of peacocks when they display their lek behaviour (Jenaro et al, 2007). This is backed up with some serious fact s and figures about the issues, as over 90% of students at U.S. colleges have a cell phone, and an average of 3200 texts are now sent per month by young adults. Arguably, this does signal a problem for those who use cell phones. 3200 texts are now sent by young people a month, which means that they must spend a lot of time on their cell

Procedural Steps Involved in Bringing a Case to the Docket of the Supr Assignment

Procedural Steps Involved in Bringing a Case to the Docket of the Supreme Court - Assignment Example However, aside from the Clerk of the Supreme Court, who serves as a court clerk, there are also the law clerks of the justices. A law clerk assists the justice in making an opinion through research and the writing of recommendations. An example of a law clerk that is currently serving Supreme Court justice is David Morrell. He is a graduate of Yale and once worked as a clerk of Judge E. Jones of the 5th Circuit. The solicitor general represents that the interests of the federal government in the Supreme Court. The Constitutional authority for lawmaking is stated in the Article I, Section 1 of the US Constitution. This clearly states that it is the Congress of the United States that has the power to create laws. The Congress is composed of two chambers, the Senate and the House of Representatives. Both chambers have the power to initiate the legislative process, with individual representatives and senators having the right to push a bill. After it has been formulated, the House and Senate Committees which have jurisdiction over the bill’s nature would then study it before approving or disapproving it at their level. It is at the level of the US congressional committees that the markup of the bill is done. The markup of the bill is a process in which debates or deliberations carried out prior to the committees’ decision. After the concerned congressional committee has approved a bill, it goes to the next stage which is House body itself. However, this has to pass the House Rule s Committee, which has the responsibility determining how the bill is to be handled by Congress when it comes to schedules of sessions, framework, and boundaries of the deliberations. It is possible that there are two versions of the same bill coming from the House and the Senate respectively. If there are conflicting points between the two versions, a Conference Committee may be constituted. This is composed of senators and  house representatives who are proponents of the bill. Their objective is to make a final version of the bill.  Ã‚  

An Annotated Bibliography Essay Example for Free

An Annotated Bibliography Essay Chin, Jean Lau. (2004). The Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination. Westport, CT: Greenwood Publishing Group This book discusses the effects of prejudice and discrimination on the psyche and one’s participation in society as a whole. The relevant section in this book discusses the unique plight of gay or bisexual black men that have to contend with homophobia as well as racism. Of special note is the section in which sexual orientation often has a negative effect on the career development of many gay black men. This is an interesting resource since most of the material on the subject does not address the secondary sub-category of sexual orientation (Chin, 2004). Daniels, C. (2004). Black Power Inc. : The New Voice of Success. Hoboken: John Wiley Sons C. Daniel’s Black Power Inc. is a book of medium length that explores the phenomenon of black people placing a growing emphasis on economic rather than political power. The book is geared toward young to middle-aged black professional men and women, who are Working While Black (WWB). C. Daniels writes for Fortune magazine with an extensive history in writing about the social dynamics inherent in big business—especially as it relates to the unique issues black men and women face in the corporate world (Daniels, 2004). Davis, G. Watson, G. (1982). Black Life in Corporate America: Swimming in the Mainstream. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press Although written twenty-seven years ago, this account by Davis Watson (1982) is still relevant in chronicling the early stages of Black integration into corporate American life. The book describes the upstream struggles of educated black professionals as they attempt to make a living commensurate with their skills. While also observing the lesser tolerance of open bigotry in the workplace, certain â€Å"jokes† and comments are often alienating to black men (Davis Watson, 1982). Gates, Henry Louis. America behind the Color Line. New York: Warner Books, 2004 This book contains interviews from several powerful African-American men including Russell Simmons, Quincy Jones, Vernon Jordan, Colin Powell and Morgan Freeman. Written by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. , one of the premier scholars of African-American studies today. This book shows the diversity of successful Black men from the corporate and political arenas to the performing arts and community activism, and discusses triumphs and challenges. A very good read for anyone studying black achievement (Gates, 2004). Livers, A. Caver, K. A. (2002). Leading in Black and White: Working across the Racial Divide in Corporate America. Hoboken: John Wiley Sons This book by Livers Caver (2002) describes the challenges faced by Blacks who occupy a higher level on the corporate ladder (i. e. managerial positions). They challenge the popular assumption that black leaders have the same issues as white leaders, and underscore the problems of trust many black men have with their white colleagues because of lack of common experiences. This book was intended for black managers that need help in continuing to navigate the system (Livers Carver, 2002). Merida, K. (2007). Being a Black Man: At the Corner of Progress and Peril. Washington: Public Affairs This is a collection of essays about the personal and professional struggles of black men in America. Many points of view deal with identity intersections of different roles—husband, father, employee, and businessman—as well as dreams and ambitions. This book generated a great deal of interest in the reading public as it offers a personal glimpse of the realities of black life. K. Merida is a reporter for the Washington Post, and was thus able to use his credentials to find many contributors to this volume (Merida, 2007). Van Horne, W. A. (2007). The Concept of Black Power: Its Continued Relevance. Journal of Black Studies, 37(3), 365-389 This is a study of the growth of Black Power in America as the middle-class grows slowly and quietly. Even though over time, black people have gained more civil rights in America, there is still a significant lag between them and the white majority. However, W. A. Van Horne notes that the black underclass often overshadows the slow, but inexorable growth of the black middle class. He also raises questions of whether the black power movement is still relevant (Van Horne, 2007).

The Masque Of Red Death :: essays research papers

The Masque Of Red Death. A virus had come. It killed all that it touched. No one could survive, the red death. Nothing had ever been like it. Sharp pain dizziness and bleeding at the pores where its signs. When prince Prospero's town was half dead he called on 'a thousand hale and light hearted friends among the knights and dames of his court." He called them into a castle. Guarded with a metal gate. They stayed there for 6 months, Eluding the 'red death." They had every thing they need there. Entertainment, food and all other things needed to survive. It was at the end of the 5th or 6th month that he called for a masked ball or 'of the most unusual magnificence." Abstract art filled the room with beauty. The masque was held in a suite with 7 rooms. The rooms were most curios with turns at every corner and gothic windows. The colors of each room varied. The 7th chamber was all black. The only thing different about this room was that the windows did not match with every thing else. The pains where blood red, there was no light of any kind. In there stood giant ebony clock 'whose pendulum swung with a dull heavy activities clang." All activities ceased with the sound of each hour. Everything stooped as if dead. ' But when the echoes had full ceased, a light laughter at once pervaded the assembly…..'; The first 6 rooms crowed unlike the 7th, until the clock struck midnight. Everything ceased like before until the last echo of the clock sounded. Many people became aware of the masked figure. 'There arose a length from the whole company." First surprise then horror to this figure. When the eyes of Prince Prospero saw him he did not know what to do.

Essay on Microeconomic Reform in Australia

Write an essay on Microeconomic reform in Australia including discussion on: * The meaning of the term ‘Microeconomic reform†. * Examples of recent microeconomic reform * Possible effects of microeconomic reform in the Australian economy. Microeconomic reforms (MER) are the actions to reform particular product and factor markets with the aim of raising the economy†s long term growth rate and increasing its flexibility. It also refers to the set of policy initiatives aimed at prompting structural change in the Australian economy so that resources can flow freely from one use to another. Any barrier to the free flow of resources in response to price signals creates inefficiencies in the economy, adding to cost. MER has many aims. Firstly it is used to improve resource allocation by maximising output of scarce resources. It is also to encourage efficient operations of markets (adoption of world†s best practice) and encourage efficiencies-allocative (limited resources allocated to the most uses for its output to be maximised), technical (aims to produce at the scale where costs per unit are the lowest) and dynamic ( how firms achieve and maintain efficiency over time). Micro reforms refer to individual sectors within the economy. They work to improve inputs and outputs, and are tools of control in conjunction with macro policies (fiscal and monetary). MER works on supply side economics to improve productivity. This is done through govt. deregulation which improves efficiency, lowers tariffs, increases international competitiveness and through the reforms of the GBEs which lowers costs and increases competition (Hilmer report). In recent years there have been many examples of developments in MER. The last fifteen years of MER has been the crucial factor in improvements of the status of the economy on Australia especially the return to low inflation. In the product markets, MER has been reducing protection, and improving the competition policy through the introduction of the Trade Practices act (1974) and the Hilmer report in 1993, as a decrease in regulations mean increased competition. This led to privatisation and corporatisation of GBEs and deregulation. In Factor markets, such as the capital markets, deregulation occurred from the early 80s which included the deregulation of financial markets and float of the dollar (â€Å"83). Labour markets also went under some structural changes with the decentralisation of wage-fixing with the introduction of enterprise bargaining instead of arbitration and the end of National Wage cases in the early 90s as well as restructuring of awards. Under the Howard govt. the introduction of the WRA has brought on AWAs (individual contracts), simplification of awards and measures to reduce union power. Some deregulation has occurred through some reduction of the role of the IRC in wage fixing and industrial relations. In the public sector, the most important MER of the decade are the corporatisation and privatisation of former GBEs such as the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Qantas, Telstra (partial)(end of monopoly in 1991 and full competition in 1997) and corporatisation of Australia Post. Taxation has gone under some changes with the introduction of capital gains tax, fringe benefits tax and the possible introduction of a GST and tax indexation (linking tax brackets to inflation rates so that individuals would not be under the influence of bracket creep due to inflation. Also income tax cuts-from 60% to 47%-provide incentives to work and increase output. Welfare has also been under the influence of MERs through tightening of old age pensions and benefits through the incomes and assets test as well as the introduction of the ‘Work for the Dole† scheme. The main reason for MER is to improve the over all performance of economic activity. MER must help to achieve govt. objectives as the failure of macroeconomic policy means it cannot do the job alone. It attempts to override and supplement macro by improving dynamism of productivity, efficiency and raising national income. It aims to improve the ability to absorb displaced workers and make the economy less inflation prone. Another reason for MER is to ensure efficiency for sustainable economic growth and improved living standards. The three main types of efficiency are allocative, technical and dynamic and are prerequisites for possible economic growth. Allocative efficiency is when prices reflect costs. It is the production of combination of goods and services which yields maximum efficiency. Technical efficiency involves the production of g+s at minimum average costs. This is done through the acquisition of capital and the right number of labour employed to produce at maximum efficiency without the Law of Diminishing returns kicking in, or excessive RULC. Another reason for MER is to improve competition. It puts pressure on firms to increase technical efficiency and to pass on the benefits of the improved technical efficiency in the form of lower prices to consumers. In turn, competition will improve allocative efficiency, which means resources will be allocated only to the areas which reflect consumer demand and push price down to long run average costs. The pattern is like a set of dominos, reduced allocation of resources will increase competition which puts pressure to lower prices and improve resource allocation, which in turn will increase national income and living standards. A proof of its success is the dramatic decrease of inflation in Australia from the 70s (10%) to the 80s (8%) to the 90s (

Review of “Mass Man” by Derek Walcott

Mass Man by Derek Walcott, is a poem written in free verse, that describes some aspects of playing mass in a Caribbean setting while alluding to the history behind the celebrations. In the poem Walcott’s role is that of an observer. He is on the outside meticulously processing all that he witnesses while procuring it in his memory so that it can later be recorded for posterity. No detail is too inconsequential; no action above scrutiny. As an observer of a custom whose history is tied to the oppression of the people who created it, Walcott is not celebrating with his countrymen, rather, he is mocking that they celebrate their freedom by impersonating and imitating their former oppressors. Walcott’s very description of the things that he sees is therefore derisive and laden with double meaning. In stanza one of the poem, Walcott is showing how black men, the ordinary descendants of slaves, are trying to imitate those who once enslaved them, via their mass costumes. â€Å"Through a great lion’s head clouded by mange / a black clerk growls. At first glance, it reads that a black man, who is a clerk, is wearing a costume that is supposed to be the head of a great lion, but instead the costume looks haggard and diseased. Its symbolic representation however, is tied to the literal representation through the common history that unite both connotation. The black clerk represents the slaves that once inhabited the island, whereas the lion’s head denote their British oppressors. That the lion’s head is â€Å"clouded by mange† suggests the imperfection of the great British conquerors. Next, a gold-wired peacock withholds a man† indicates that the costume is overpowering the man who occupies its space. Here Walcott continues with his allusion to slaves and slave owners. The slave owners, like the peacock were proud, believed themselves superior, and exercised control over the slaves, much like the costume is getting the better of the man. Just like the costume â€Å"withholds† the masquerader, so too did the slave owners use everything within their power to suppress to the slaves. Slaves were separated from their kinsmen and divided into groups so that there were no common languages between them. Their culture were stripped from them as they were not allowed to practice their religious beliefs, rituals or anything that connected them to who they were before they became the property of the slave owners. They were not even allowed to learn how to read and write. They were deliberate strategies to quell even the thought of rebellion and to keep them oppressed. Walcott, continues his comparison of the slave owners to a proud peacock with â€Å"a fan, flaunting its oval, jewelled eyes. † By appealing to the reader’s sense of sight, Walcott is able to present an image that parallels the false pride of the slave owners. Walcott’s uses alliteration – â€Å"fan flaunting† – to place further emphasis on how supercilious the slave owners believed themselves to be. They held their language, religion, education, customs and culture as something that should provoke the admiration of the slaves, as in their eyes those were the things that it made them superior. The persona’s expression of â€Å"what metaphors! † shows that he is not afraid of using his acuity on himself. Here the persona is mocking himself for having used such interesting metaphors in the preceding lines. What coruscating, mincing fantasies† continues his wry tone. In referring to how the men are pretending to be superior to what they really are, one can almost hear Walcott’s terse vocals. Stanza two of the poem continues in the third person narrative mode, as the persona gives additional information based on his observations. The first line – â€Å"Hector Mannix, waterworks cle rk, San Juan, has entered a lion† simply informs the reader of the costume portrayal of one of the mass men. There is no concrete evidence that determines whether it is the same lion costume mentioned in the previous stanza. Next, Walcott uses a simile to compare Boysie’s gait while in his mass costume to that of Cleopatra’s – â€Å"Boysie, two golden mangoes bobbing for breastplates, barges / like Cleopatra down her river, making style. † In those two lines, Walcott continues with his allusion to the slave masters attitude of superiority and self-importance. There is a subtle change in the fourth line of stanza two. While the undertone in the first half is reflective, the fourth line keeps us strictly in the present. The mass men call out to a child to join them in their celebration, then commented on the child not being able to dance in an offhanded manner. Symbolically, there appears to be a disconnection between the fourth line and the rest of stanza two, as the subsequent lines resumes the tone of the first three lines. â€Å"But somewhere in that whirlwind’s radiance / a child, rigged like a bat, collapses, sobbing† tells of the inhumanity of older people to younger children both in the present situation of playing mass, and in the past where children were also forced into labour as slaves. The persona used alternating point of views, switching from third to first person and even second person narrative mode. While both stanza one and two is written in third person narrative mode, stanza three shifts to first person mode. â€Å"But I am dancing, look, from an old gibbet / my bull-whipped body swings, a metronome! † is a metaphor that evokes an incredibly perfervid image of slaves being hung. While Walcott’s allusions to slavery in the previous stanzas were somewhat muted, with this metaphor, there is no dubiety about what he is referring to. It is a prodigious metaphor that compares the persona’s dancing form to the motion made by the bodies of slaves who were left swaying on the gibbet after they had been hung. The appeal to the readers’ visual and auditory senses are graphic. One can see the scourged body of a slave who had been hung, tied to a post, swaying, keeping time to some unheard rhythm that only his/her dead ears can hear. Walcott’s tone here is very sardonic. Walcott used a simile (â€Å"Like a fruit bat dropped in the silk-cotton’s shade / my mania, my mania is a terrible calm†) to compare his madness to a fruit bat descending into the shade of a silk cotton tree. â€Å"Like a fruit bat dropped in the silk-cotton’s shade† is an image that relates to slavery in the West Indies. When Walcott says, â€Å"my mania, my mania is a terrible calm† he is being introspective. His repetition of â€Å"my mania† emphasizes the scope of his preoccupation with the past, while his use of the oxymoron â€Å"terrible calm† shows the depth of his rumination. The fourth and final stanza of the poem, like the previous stanza, utilizes a different narrative mode. In the fourth stanza, the persona through the use of â€Å"your† has employed the second-person narrative mode. In this stanza, the mass portrayals have finished. It is the morning after, when those who took part in the revelry seek penance. â€Å"Upon your penitential morning, / ome skull must rub its memory with ashes† conjures up images of priests rubbing ashes on the foreheads of those individuals who come seeking atonement for the sins they committed while playing mass. Walcott’s tone here is flippant, as if to scoff at the idea that getting ashes on one’s forehead means that one is so easily forgiven for sins that have become ritualistic. Walcott is referring to himself when he said, â€Å"some mind must squat down howling in your dust, / some hand must crawl and recollect your rubbish, / someone must write your poems. † It is exactly what he has been doing as an observer. He is saying that the same way in which someone has to clean up after the mass, so too, does he have a job to do. His job is to observe, remember and document all that he has witnessed for future generations. The poem Mass Man, though complex, was quite elementary in its symbolism. Walcott’s use of mass as a facade to talk about the deeper affairs of slavery, while connecting both events, was skillfully done. His detachment from what was occurring around him, allowed him to see and interpret the mass portrayals in a way that someone who was personally invested in the celebrations would not.

Effect of Different Concentrations of Enzyme on Enzyme Activity Essays

Effect of Different Concentrations of Enzyme on Enzyme Activity Essays Mashrek International School Effect of Different Concentrations of Enzyme on Enzyme Activity What is the effect of changing the concentration of lipase enzyme on the enzyme activity in catalyzing lipids in whole milk? Naim Al-Haj Ali MYP Year 4B Aim: To investigate the effect of changing the concentration of lipase enzyme (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%) on the rate of enzyme activity in catalyzing lipids in whole milk (5cm3), by measuring the pH of the solution before and after adding the enzyme, keeping all the other variables controlled like the temperature, pH, and substrate concentration. Scientific Background: Enzymes are biological catalysts, proteins that help in speeding up chemical reactions without being consumed. Enzymes have an active site to which one molecule called substrate can bind to. The active site makes each enzyme specific to one substrate; as the shape of the active site must complement the substrates to catalyze it. Enzymes catalyze chemical reactions by lowering their activation energy needed to start the reaction. Lipase is an enzyme that catalyzes the breakdown of lipids. Lipids are macromolecules, also called fats; they are made up of glycerol and fatty acids. Lipids can be found in dairy products, oil, and butter. Lipids can be used as long term energy storage and insulation; lipids are also a main part of the plasma membrane. Many factors can affect the rate of enzyme activity, like the enzyme concentration, substrate concentration, temperature, and pH. Hypothesis: If the enzyme lipase concentration increases, then the rate of enzyme activity would also increase; due to the fact that more enzyme molecules are present, thus more collisions with the substrate molecules happen in the same amount of time. Until a point (optimum point), where having a higher enzyme concentration would not increase the rate of enzyme activity, because the number of enzyme molecules become equal or more than the number of substrate molecules, thus having enzyme molecules with no substrate molecules to bind with. Also if the concentration of the enzyme decreases, then the rate of enzyme activity would also decrease. The rate of enzyme activity increase when the concentration of enzyme increases due to the collision theory, where the more particles there is, the more effective collisions there is, thus increasing the rate of enzyme activity. Variables: Independent: The concentration of lipase enzyme (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%). Dependant: I will measure the pH of the solution after 5 minutes of adding the enzyme to the milk, using a pH meter. Controlled: Temperature: an increase in temperature would make the particles Materials:

Online Selection of Printable Graph Paper

Online Selection of Printable Graph Paper Do you need to print some graph paper? This is a selection of different types of graph paper in pdf format that you can save and print as needed. Standard Printable Graph Paper - 5 x 5 graph paper grid, 10 lines per inch Printable Graph Paper with X-Y Axis - 5 x 5 grid graph paper, centered X-Y axis, 10 lines per inch Printable Graph Paper with 5 Lines per Inch - 5 x 5 grid graph paper, 5 lines per inch Printable Graph Paper #4 - 5 x 5 grid, centered X-Y axis, 5 lines per inch Printable Graph Paper #5 - 4 x 4 grid, 8 lines per inch Printable Graph Paper #6 - 4 x 4 grid, centered X-Y axis, 8 lines per inch Printable Graph Paper #7 - 8 lines per inch (no grid) plain graph paper Printable Graph Paper #8 - 8 lines per inch, centered X-Y axis Printable Graph Paper #9 - 10 lines per inch Printable Graph Paper #10 - 10 lines per inch, centered X-Y axis Printable Graph Paper #11 - 5 lines per inch Printable Graph Paper #12 - 5 lines per inch, centered X-Y axis

Effect of Globalization on Public Administration Research Paper

Effect of Globalization on Public Administration - Research Paper Example The shaping of public policy today should be such that ‘the right’ people are attracted to the country. Globalization has also increased diversity in the workplace meaning that many people of different origins are working in the public sector. Management styles should also change in order to accept the changes of globalization. Competition is another dimension of public administration that globalization has contributed. Private sector is increasing its participation in the public sector due to deregulation and this is increasing competition. Global financialiazation has also affected public administration greatly. Introduction Globalization has changed the dynamics of business significantly all over the world. Newer business practices and management techniques have become inevitable in the new business environment that is dominated by diversity, both outward (customers) and inward (employees). Our world has transformed into a global village where distances no longer matt er. This has both increased the problems and opportunities for businesses. . Competition has increased but many new opportunities are also there to grab. Globalization has not only affected private firms who aim to maximize profits. Public sector organizations are equally affected by the process of globalization. ... Diversity will be discussed and how it has increased problems for public administrators. Management issues that have come up as a result of globalization in the public sector will also be elucidated. The element of competition in the public services sector will also be explained alongside with the global financial markets and its effect on public administration. In the end an appropriate video will also be suggested that will shed more light on globalization. Defining Globalization Globalization refers to eradication of state regulations on trade and exchanges across country borders, and a highly integrated and complex system of production, finance, and exchange that has emerged as a result of it (Palmer, 2002). The term globalization refers to a phenomenon that has changed the world in the 20th century. During 20th century many changes occurred in the whole world. The two world wars fought gave rise to massive industrialization throughout the world. An increasingly capitalistic syst em became popular and regulation became ‘old-fashioned’. Countries soon realized that they were making more goods than they could consumer and this gave rise to global trade on a large scale. After that countries attempted to produce only goods in which they possessed a competitive advantage. This again bolstered globalization. Globalization does not only refer to the economic changes that occurred in the 20th century rather it encompasses many things like cultures, traditions, consumption patterns, technology etc. All these things have become ‘globalized’ today and country specific differences are shrinking. Cultural globalization refers to homogenization of global culture which is happening due

Black Board Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Black Board - Essay Example The blackboard enables student to effectively manage their studies by providing access to course modules and valuable tutorials. It also allows students to exchange information with their lecturer, classmates and tutors. As of every other service, there is a need to evaluate the effectiveness of the Blackboard in helping the students to achieve excellence in their field of study and also its market appeal. To do this, the SWOT - Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats- strategic tool learned in the Business and Management Systems lecture will be used in evaluating the level of service the Blackboard can offer. The primary strength of the service is the inclusion of the feature Personal Tutorial (PT) and Personal Development Planning (PDP). The feature enables students to communicate with their tutor and clarify matters on a certain topic. It also permits Contents of Course Modules to be uploaded in their 'native format'(meaning the format of the course content can be uploaded as it is whether it is a Word document, Excel Spreadsheet or even a movie file). This feature enables students to fully appreciate the lectures that they were given. The idea is that the student can remember the discussion on a certain topic when the format used in their lecture is used for their private study. This feature is also quite powerful in terms of appeal to users because the student can now seek help, advice and notes from well-versed tutors anytime they want whether they are at home or in their native countries - this may arise due to some unforeseen events necessitating the need to travel. It must also b e remembered that learning gaps is surely to occur due to communication problems between the lecturer and international students who are not yet adept in using the English language. With the use of the PT and PDP, the students can clarify some points, in which communication problem occurred, with the tutor and other students. The Blackboard is also remarkable due to its Content Collection because it enables students to see announcements made involving their subjects. All announcements for all Blackboard sites the student belongs to are aggregately posted. This eliminates the need to browse through all the subjects to check for announcements. Other virtual learning environments do not provide this feature. Besides the announcement feature, the Content Collection section enables past exam papers and grades to be viewed for review in the future. These facilities are definitely plus factors in terms of attractiveness of the service because it enables the student to have an easily accessible future reference source. Another noteworthy feature is the Assignment facility which enables students to pass assignments in electronic data form. This enables the students to pass assignments even if they are in faraway places. Another plus of the service is that the username and password format are very easy to remember (username format uses the student registration's number preceded with a W and the last number deleted, password format uses the student's registered birth date as a default password). The provision for storage of accomplished works by the Portfolio feature also adds to the market appeal of the service. This added feature, non-existent in virtual

COOP WORK TERM ANALYSIS REPORT Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

COOP WORK ANALYSIS REPORT - Term Paper Example ll description of how I managed to accomplish my objectives, what I learned, challenges and how to socially interact with people in a working environment. BTO Inc is a newly formed company. The company comprises six individuals. They include three web developers, one web designer, one server administrator and the manager. The company provides services which allow lawyers to get clients from other lawyers and also enable lawyers to expand their social career network. The company aims at expanding and growing their legal referral network. As one of the major step towards achieving this, BTO Inc is on the process of releasing its website in order for its clients to interact more with the company and also help in improving its service delivery. The website also will assist BTO Inc in marketing it brand and getting out to the outer world in order to get more client and a establish a larger market share. My work in BTO Inc. majorly involved being part of the team which embarked in establishing a web-based platform to serve lawyers. BTO has more than 40 lawyers who are already signed to use its services. The company is co-owned by two UT students. BTO Inc is based in a small office located in downtown area. The company does not have any other departments. The web-based platform would enable registered members to search in the job log to look for available job opportunities posted by other lawyers. The web-based platform can also enable them to view the daily news related to the law. I was involved in providing and updating event information related to law in the web-based platform. I was also involved in developing user-friendly searching system to target registered lawyers. Working with BTO Inc. was to help in better understanding of what really goes on in the real-world especially in the information technology and software development market. Having that in mind, I formulated the following objectives which were to guide me in accomplishing what I wanted to achieve

A market analysis of the McDonalds corporation

A market analysis of the McDonalds corporation McDonalds is a popularly known Market Leader in the Fast food Industry or better known as the Burger Industry. Started in the year 1948, it has managed to emerge triumphant in spite of a number of companies entering the industry. The company has successfully established a popular brand image. In fact the growth of fast food has been named after the organization as McDonaldization. Marketing involves identifying what customers demand and striving towards meeting their demands. Marketing Audit involves analyzing the companys various aspects and evaluating the companys marketing strategy. It involves in bringing out the pitfalls in the organizations functioning. The following pages contain the analysis of McDonalds Corporation. We have researched the various facets of the organization functioning as to how well they have managed to reach customers. There has been an analysis of the industry aspects like the customers, competitors and the suppliers. Also the Macro Environmental analysis along with the SWOT has been performed. We have analyzed the current Marketing techniques. On analyzing the current situation of the company and the market in the fast food industry we have provided some recommendations which might prove to be useful for the organization on its successful implementation. Introduction The statistics figures show that the global fast food market reached a value of $102.7 billion in 2006, growing by 4.8%. Meanwhile, analysts forecast that in 2011, the global fast food market will have a value of $125.4 billion, an increase of 22.2% since 2006 (Fast Food: Global Industry Guide, n. d.). McDonalds is the worlds leading company in the fast food industry. It has more than 30,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries serving millions people around the global. The companys success was as a result of the policy they follow, known as the Q.S.C. V. (Quality food; Fast, Friendly Service; Restaurant Cleanliness; and a menu that provides Value). The company was first started as a drive-in restaurant in San Bernardino by the two brothers Mac and Dick McDonalds in the year 1948. It was later bought by Ray Kroc, who was their franchising agent in 1961 and opened his first McDonalds in Illinois. The companys menu initially consisted of Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers, French Fries, Sodas, Milkshakes, milk and coffee, although it has grown considerably since. The company follows a unique business model described as the three legged stool wherein the three legs are the owners/operators, suppliers and Company employees. It is an organization that develops, operates, franchises and services a worldwide system of restaurants that prepare, assemble, package and sell a limited menu of quickly prepared, moderately priced food. McDonalds has pioneered food quality specifications, marketing and training programs, and operational and supply systems, all of which are considered the standards of the industry throughout the world. Marketing Mix Every business organization must develop an effective marketing strategy. The 7 Ps is used to continually evaluate and re evaluate business activities. The seven Ps are product, price, promotion, place, packaging, positioning, and people. The 7 Ps are used to ensure that the company is on track and achieve maximum results. Product Predominantly sells Hamburgers and cheeseburgers which forms the part of the standard menu worldwide Also sells various types of chicken sandwiches and products, French fries, soft drinks, breakfasts, and desserts. They sell a variety of products during limited promotional time periods. The company tests new products on an ongoing basis. Example: Chicken Nuggets in the year 1983 DIRECTION People Focuses on Friendly and Prompt service which helps them to maintain their reputation Employees have a standard uniform. Statistics of staff composition Restaurant staffRestaurant managementOffice staffFranchisees staff44,000300050025,000They have high recruitment standards, employ local staff and proper training. PATH Process Manufacturing process is transparent and visible to customers. Customers are invited to check the ingredients used in the food. Maintain high quality control standards. Use of innovative ideas and having latest technologies installed. Drive through facility Price Have Specials, two dollar burgers Competitors find it difficult to follow Generally use a value-based approach to pricing, Aim at giving consumers the best value for money Promotions Best methods to maintain high awareness and promote their image Advertising through Billboards, Television, Radio etc. Sponsorships like Ronald House and local Basketball Sales Promotion, Examples: Two dollar burger, Happy Meal Direct Marketing through Birthday and Clubs Publicity Place Placed extensively and easily accessible Have Drive through where customers can pick up food Mc Delivery offers options for home delivery Holds a different place in the consumers mind Fun place for children Physical Evidence Means looking for aspects customer uses to assess a product and evaluate its position High quality standards are maintained Emphasizes on clean and hygienic interiors of its outlets High importance to the appearance of the staff and the service provided. ACTION Current Marketing Strategy McDonalds as a world Market Leader has certain goals which it strives to achieve 100% customer satisfaction, increase its market share and optimize profitability by reducing costs. On analyzing the companys marketing position, the following are a part of the current strategy in order to reach its customers: Healthier foods To handle the change of trend towards healthier food this McDonalds have changed the way the food is prepared. It makes sure that 100% vegetable oil is used, low fat milk is used for milkshakes and the amount of sodium has been cut down. Food Quality and Nutrition The quality and safety of food items are of paramount importance in McDonalds. This is achieved through strict product standards, strict enforcement of operating procedures and work in close relationship with the suppliers. Larger Menus McDonalds aims at achieving the other important expectation from the consumers (want for choice). To this McDonalds reacted by introducing the breakfast menu with a variety of food products. Apart from this they have also introduced a lot of other products. Restaurant Diversity The restaurants in each location are customized and their menus are according to the needs and demands of the customers in the location, the food on the menu would conform to the regional and ethnic tastes. Brand Positioning McDonalds Brand positioning is mainly carried out through sponsorship of events and sports. It sponsors events like Domes community programme and learning experience and Child Safety Week. Industry Analysis Industry analysis of an organization involves the analysis in the following categories: Customer Analysis This refers to buyer force. The buyer has a great deal of selecting power due to the fact that if they are dissatisfied with the food or service they can easily switch or purchase from an alternate product. But it is undeniable that any organization cannot satisfy the needs of all the consumers. Therefore organization divides the market into segments which display similar characteristics or behavior is necessary. McDonalds market segmentation is based on demographic variables Age and Lifestyle. The primary target markets are seniors, adults and teenagers, but the most heavily targeted segment is children. The market segmentation of McDonalds can be visualized as follows: Market Segments Seniors Adults Teenagers Children Customers are those who pay money to acquire an organizations goods or services. For many years McDonalds mostly targeted the young people, however this has changed in this decade; McDonalds has turned towards a more general market. By doing this McDonalds concentrates on the family, targeting a diverse market Competitor Analysis It was said that the Fast Food industry is highly competitive (Data Warehousing Case Study: Fast Food, n. d.). McDonalds major Competitors include that Burger King, Taco Bell, Subway, and Panera Bread. Especially, KFC, which offers chicken nuggets and fries on its menu, operates over an 11000 restaurants in more than 80 countries. Fast food, especially fries, hamburger and so on, are thought as garbage-food because of high-calorie. There are high possibilities of healthy substitutes posing a threat to these companies. Of course, McDonalds is concentrating on the health side by introduction of healthy food items in the menu. The following are the findings of the competitive position of McDonalds based on the Porters five forces: Rivalry: This involves how the company differentiates itself from its competitors. In case of McDonalds, as discussed above the major rivals are Burger King, KFC and Wendys. Though McDonalds is the Market Leader currently, with the capacity of the rivals growing the competition seems intense. The rivals are trying to increase their sales by concentrating on the health factors. New Entrants: With so many popular fast food companies in the industry new entrants are not much if a threat when seen globally. McDonalds has an edge over its competitors as it is globally spread. Buyers: With reasonable prices and quick service provided by McDonalds, there is less scope for customers to move to competitors for the products. With the introduction of the wireless facility in the some of the outlets has added to the attraction. Suppliers: Except for the cold drink from Coca Cola, the company does not have a single supplier at a global level. For meat it has its own farm and other raw materials are from local store Substitutes: There are high possibilities of healthy substitutes posing a threat to the company. Though McDonalds is concentrating on the health side by introduction of healthy food items in the menu, it might still be posed with the challenge of substitutes. Supplier Analysis Supplier is an organization that provides resources for other organizations. In McDonalds three legged stool philosophy the third leg is supplier partners. McDonalds has practiced a backward vertical integration, by replacing most of its suppliers. It has done so for two reasons, To reduce costs, and To ensure that its products are of top quality. These supplies include beef and milk to be used in its products, which it gets from its farms. Other suppliers include local grocery stores that supply McDonalds with fresh vegetables. Soft drinks are supplied exclusively by Coca-Cola, which is also its ally. McDonalds supplies also include raw material such as flour, sugar, yeast, etc. . MACRO ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS Companies always operate in a larger macro environment of forces and trends that shape opportunities and post threats. These forces represent non-controllable forces, which the company must monitor and respond to. In most cases, we identify macro environmental factors by an acronym, PESTEL. P: Political System of the country. E : Economical Factors S : Social / Cultural factors T : Technological factors E : Ecological factors L : Legal factors POLITICAL FACTORS McDonalds employees and job applicants are selected, trained, promoted and treated on the basis of their relevant skills, talents and performance and without reference to race, color, nationality, ethnic origin, gender, marital status or disability. In support of this, McDonalds also has a policy on Sexual and Racial Harassment. All McDonalds restaurants work to standards which meet the highest best practice guidelines for Building and Health and Safety regulations. ENVIRONMENTAL / ECOLOGICAL FACTORS McDonalds is analyzing every aspect of its business in terms of its impact on the environment and is committed to waste minimization with a target of a 50% volume reduction. McDonalds works only in partnership with suppliers with sound environmental practices. It also has a manager responsible for environmental affairs. A revolutionary new static waste compactor is now in 60 restaurants, which reduces waste volumes by an average of 40-50%. McDonalds is committed to using recycled materials wherever possible in its packaging and business in general. Waste oil makes up 10% of a restaurants waste and is recycled via local collectors at regional refineries, into animal feedstock and other by products. In April 1988, McDonalds switched to non-CFC foam packaging which carries the CFC-Free message. McDonalds is playing an active role in global efforts to develop more environmentally friendly refrigerants. SOCIO- CULTURAL FACTORS McDonalds feels that it address public concern regarding nutrition through a combination of stringent product standards, strictly enforced restaurant operating procedures, and close working relationships with suppliers to assure that McDonalds food is safe and of the highest quality. It also discloses nutritional and ingredient information regarding its menu items through in-store posters and brochures distributed upon request. In the early 1990s, international expansion into new cultures and corresponding eating habits resulted in new product introductions in several locations. McDonalds new items generally receive no advertising and little sales promotion during the test period. TECHNOLOGICAL FACTORS McDonalds corporation has built a whole range of systems such as intranets, wireless applications or innovative kiosk systems, all based on Days Commu ­niquà ©. In their most recent initiative, the company migrated their global internet presence mcdonalds.com to our platform. An important component of McDonalds operational strategy is to anticipate customer traffic patterns and food selection based on a detailed analysis of sales history and trends. Restaurants use this information to prepare menu items in the right quantities and at the right times to have the food ready for customers when they arrive. To ensure freshness, all food not served within 10 minutes must be discarded. ECONOMIC FACTORS During the late 1990s and the beginning of the new millennium, McDonalds found itself in a regression, the first one since its conception in 1955. The Gold Arches werent shining like they once did, however there are in the process of being polished, figuratively speaking. In 2003 McDonalds ranked eighth out of 100 brands in the Global Brand Scoreboard assembled by Interbrand Corporation and Business Week, proving that McDonalds is one of the worlds best known and most valuable brands. However, that wasnt the case during 2001 and 2002. LEGAL FACTORS The legal framework includes that any company in the Food and Beverages industry must not transport commodities that are hazardous to life and property or that are contraband in nature. Example: illegal drugs and unlicensed arms and ammunition. McDonalds serves 100% beef, 100% chicken, and Grade A eggs. McDonalds food comes only from certified suppliers who are audited and inspected on a regular basis. More than 2,000 safety, quality and inspection checks surround McDonalds food as it moves from the farms to our restaurants. McDonalds requires that 72 safety protocols are conducted every single day in McDonalds restaurants. McDonaldss Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities and Threats Strong Player Global Existence and Massive Size Strong Brand Marketing Outlets easily accessible Consistency and Fast Service Weak Product Differentiation Slowed Revenue and income growth Mature Industry Strength of competition More health conscious consumers International Expansion Only serving 1% of worlds population Growing dining-out market Strengths McDonald is a strong player in international market with his competitors hardly half the business. Global existence and massive size allows him more diversification in food menu. Exceptionally strong brand recognition and aggressive marketing. A strong real estate selection makes its outlets located in the areas which are easily accessible It has the consistency in his fast food supply and success of its food items Weaknesses Lack of product differentiation. The competitors also brought about the development of similar products. Too many competitors entering the market which reduces the companys ability to increase revenue and also leads to slow income growth. Opportunities More international expansion, as it still required penetrating in many countries especially in Asia, Europe and Latin America covering only 1% of world population There has been an increase in the number of people who dine out, thus paving way for growth Threats Market saturation leaving less scope for expansion and revenue generation. Competitors are quite strong and gaining good market share with new innovations. More people are getting health conscious and switching to different eating habits. Findings and Implications Domination of the industry McDonalds Corporation services the worlds largest chain of fast food outlets and has established as a Market Leaders. It has a market share of around 7.7% in the quick service industry in the United States. It holds a market of 43.1% in the burger segment. But it may need to grow in the non-burger fast food market. Growth As far as domestic market is considered there has the growth has slowed down. The companys revenue grew by 9% to record a $21.6 Billion. The comparable sales of the organization increased to about 5.7% from the year 2005 and the system wide sales increased to 7%. Income from continuing operations per common share was $2.30 with $2.03 in 2005. The following is a five year analysis of the number of McDonalds UK retail outlets and their pre-tax profits: 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 No of restaurants 836 928 1016 1117 1184 Pre-tax profit ( £m) 100.2 82.3 127.9 137.5 141.4 The Growth of Mc Donalds in terms of restaurants can be viewed as below: International Sector McDonalds has expanded to many countries throughout the world. It has opened 744 restaurants in 2006, ending the year with more than 31000 outlets worldwide. The company has clearly demonstrated extensive and impressive growth by expanding into markets across the globe, increasing penetration into the existing markets and stretching its product range to include exciting breakfasts. It is often conceived that McDonalds is approaching the end of its extended growth phase. But with increasing population throughout the world, assuming people consume three meals a day, it serves around 1% meal a share position that provides possibilities for plenty of growth within the industry. Competition is however aggressively snapping at the base of golden arches. A new genre of restaurants seems to have emerged in the market, dubbed as the fast casual. They are offering consumers fresher, healthier and more variety of food in a more inviting ambience. Recommendations Prospects for growth Strategy High Market Share Mature Markets Market leader in one product market Maintaining Market Share Substitutes entering the market Maintaining Dominance in the market Increase of Market size Innovative redefinition of existing markets. Expand into related product market Maintaining good relationship with customers and suppliers. If high prospects for growth then entry into substitute market Buying some of the emerging firms in order to reduce competition through expansion. McDonalds is the company with the highest market share in the Fast food industry. In order to expand and grow further it is necessary for the organization to expand the market itself. This can be done by the introduction of innovative food items in the menu in order to attract all kinds of consumers. Without innovation expanding the market size might prove advantageous to the competitors too. Mature markets can be handled by redefining the existing markets in a way that from redefining new markets are created in order to expand. In order to redefine the market they can introduce jumbo sized burger and sandwiches at reasonable price which is sure to attract more customers from all categories and hence expands the market. Since McDonalds is a Market Leader in the Fast food industry, it can continue with the expansion into other related industries. Like McCafe in the coffee industry, it can expand into another field like having their own drinks produced and manufacturing. In order to maintain its current market share it should continue to maintain good relationship with customers and suppliers by ensuring more quality to its consumers When there is a threat of healthier substitutes entering the market, McDonalds can also enter into the substitute market if it has prospects for growth and it is developing in its early stages which will avoid McDonalds from facing threats. The major substitutes McDonalds have are the healthier ones. In order to face the threat from substitutes, McDonalds can make their menu healthier, they can have a low fat menu items with sandwiches, wraps and burgers that are healthier In order for McDonalds to maintain its market dominance, it can buy small but emerging firms in the industry so that the competitors reduce in number. ANSOFFS PRODUCT EXPANSION GRID PRODUCTS CURRENT NEW M A R K E T S CURRENT Market Penetration Strategies Current Products: Big Mac, Grilled Chicken Foldovers, Beverages, French Fries etc. Current Market: Students, Working Professionals, families. Collaboration with institutes, universities Opening outlets at campuses, easily accessible places, commercial areas Investments on advertisements, vouchers, coupons etc Product Development Strategies Introducing Vegetables food Healthy and Nutritious products, e.g. Brown bread instead of white one. Successful product launches in U.S. included Premium Roast Coffee, the Asian Salad and snack wrap. Combination of continental food with local food at affordable price NEW Market Development Strategies Entering into more developing countries Offering franchise in new market More Advertisement and promotion Inaugural discounts Providing membership cards Buying some emerging firms Diversification Strategies New restaurants offering various cuisines Cake shops, bakery items Improving distribution or delivery service. The Ansoffs Matrix depicts the Market expansion strategy for McDonalds. Conclusion The extensive research of McDonalds Corporation has been pursued. The company being the major player in the fast food industry has a competitive edge over the others within the industry. It has created great popularity amongst its customers especially amongst the kids who are McDonalds key target customers. The company does face a threat of expanding in the mature market and taking over by the competitors which has been highlighted. It has several key strategies which if maintained will continue to stay as the leader in the fast food industry. The key points being its quick and fast service, quality food, easily accessible and fair pricing of the food items. The Health factor towards which the trend is moving is to be considered by the organization which will be added advantage to its growth and expansion.

The Scarlet Letter Essays -- Literary Analysis, Hawthorne

In his novel The Scarlet Letter, Nathaniel Hawthorne traces the life of a young woman named Hester Prynne after she receives the shameful punishment of wearing a scarlet letter â€Å"A† on her chest. Throughout the novel, the forest outside the Puritan town serves a place for the characters to reveal their true selves away from the stringent Puritan lifestyle. The forest represents contradictory themes, creating a sanctuary for love and freedom, but also cultivating darkness and evil. Not only does the seclusion of the forest from society provide freedom to those who choose to perform evil deeds, but also protection to those searching for clarity and happiness. Hester finds comfort under the forest’s dense, imperfect canopy for it mirrors â€Å"the moral wilderness in which she had so long been wandering† (173). Pearl also connects with nature, and similar to the brook in which she often plays, Pearl â€Å"danced and sparkled and prattled airily along her own course† (176). Pearl and Hester share an intimate conversation about the scarlet letter in the forest and Hester reveals that she â€Å"is doomed...

Epistemology: Logic and Knowledge Essay

What is knowledge? How do we know what we know? Do we really know anything at all? These questions, as well as multiple others that arise when searching for the answers are what epistemology is all about. Various philosophers present their own positions in which they try to provide answers to these questions. From externalism to internalism, empiricism to rationalism, and even skepticism, we are exposed to a wide variety of ways that these thinkers use to find the key to truly objective thinking. It can be said with little to no argument that knowledge implies truth. You can’t know something if it’s false; it just isn’t so. You can start by saying knowledge is true belief, but you need something more to prove your true belief. Philosophers call this something a warrant. Therefore we come to the conclusion that knowledge is warranted true belief. Now, this begs the question: what is warrant? This question leads us to a major division epistemological thinking; externalism and internalism. Internalists believe that a belief is warranted if it stands in the right sort of relation to other beliefs. They say that knowledge is justified true belief. Externalists believe that a belief is warranted if it stands in the right sort of relation to the world. They say that knowledge is true belief arising from a reliable process external to ourselves that connects us with the known (309). Every philosopher’s views fall into one of these two schools of thought. The externalist approach is very dominant in Indian philosophy. The Nyaya philosophers practiced Externalist Realism. According to Nyaya philosophy, knowledge is true belief produced by a source of knowledge, or pramana. There are four sources of knowledge that the Nyaya Sutra, the earliest form of Nyaya work, characterizes. These are perception, inference, analogy, and testimony (310). There are guidelines to determine that our source of knowledge we use to justify a belief is genuine. A perception must be veridical, must not be mediated by language, and must arise from a direct sensory relationship with the object known (310-311). There are three types of inference; inferring the effect from the cause, inferring the cause from  the effect, and inferring a general rule from its instances (311). For example, you see someone light a scented candle, so you infer the room will smell good. If the room smells good, you infer that a scented candle was lighted. From this, you infer that in general, when scented candles are lighted it makes the room smell good. We make inferences from things that we perceive, however, inference does not reduce to perception since it produces knowledge about things we do not immediately perceive (311). Analogy is restricted to the acquisition of vocabulary only because presumably one would learn of new objects through direct perception, reliable inference, or trustworthy testimony (notes class #4 9/4/13). We learn most of what we know from the testimony of others (what they say and write). Their telling us is the cause of us knowing it; we are made to know things by what other people say (311). A source of knowledge justifies both its result and itself; it is self-revealing like a self-illumining lamp. This is how they make a foundation for other knowledge to be justified by. Nagarjuna, a skeptic, rejects projects of epistemology. He believes in the Buddhist message of interdependent origination, which states that everything is interconnected, and emptiness, which states that everything is â€Å"without a reality of its own (314). † He rejects the idea of â€Å"knowledge sources,† because there is no source for the identification of those sources. If you look for one, then what is the source for that source? Nagarjuna calls this endless search for sources an infinite regress. In response to the argument of the sources being self-proving; he argues that something to be proved cannot be a prover. (316-317) For example, if a couple with a daughter has another child, a boy, then that daughter becomes a sister. At the same time, the boy becomes a brother. The girl is becoming a sister because the boy is born, but the boy is becoming a brother because the girl exists, so who produces whom? Gangesha, founder of the New Logic, states that a skeptic’s argument is self-defeating because it employs the very logical patterns that it denounces (317). If it is impossible to know anything as skeptics argue it is, then how can the skeptic know what they are talking about? Skeptics use inference to guide action, so why is not okay for philosophers to use it to support their theories (317)? Gangesha claims that skeptics are hypocrites because they doubt in the seminar room what they accept outside of it (318). They doubt a philosopher’s reasoning for believing that cars on the streets are real, but wouldn’t stand in front of one driving towards them. In Gangesha’s mind, a true skeptic is one who wouldn’t move out of the way of oncoming traffic, wondering whether it’s all a dream. Nargarjuna’s arguments are smart and make sense, but the realist’s argument of the four pramanas is strong enough to not be debunked by him. You have to be able to have a point where you can stop questioning and just trust your senses. If you see something that looks likes orange juice, smells like orange juice, feels like orange juice, and tastes like orange juice, your perception is enough to prove that is indeed orange juice. Gangesha also makes a very good point about the hypocrisy of skepticism because if skeptic’s truly believed that you could not know anything, how would they even know to believe that? It seems that a true skeptic would not be able to live sanely. On the other hand, there are the internalists. There are three traditions of internalism in Western philosophy: rationalism, empiricism, and skepticism. Plato begins the rationalist tradition which sustains that we can are able to attain knowledge independent of experience (604). He argues that our knowledge of the material world exists because of our prior acquaintance with forms (334). Forms are abstract universals that exist independent of us. They make things what they are, and enable us to think about things as they are (599). Knowledge is the subjective possession of an objective truth (notes class #7 9/11/13). Plato states that when we know something, we can reflect on our reasons for believing it and be able to provide an account that proves why we know what we know is true (334). According to the Meno, an account of X must meet at least three conditions. First, it must be applicable to all instances of X (not too narrow). Second, it must not be applicable to things that are not X (not too broad). And third, it must not be circular (not contain in the account itself any mention of that which is to be defined or explained) (335). An example of an account being circular would be defining a friendship as a relationship between two friends. In the Theaetetus, Plato rejects the definition of knowledge as perception as too narrow. He argues that knowledge is justified true belief and there are basic items, like letters, that we can’t justify by anything else, but still know more clearly and directly than anything else. These items are a foundation of knowledge that justify everything else. Plato’s idea of forms seems a little too out there to be legitimate. There is nothing tangible about them which makes them hard to believe in. It’s weird to use something so hard to prove the existences of as a basis of knowledge. Another rationalist is Rene Descartes. Descartes also uses a new strong skeptical argument to show that there is a foundation of certain beliefs on which all other knowledge rests (373). His goal is to stop the infinite regress by finding foundational truths that cannot be doubted. His method was to doubt literally everything possible to see if he could find an unquestionable foundation for knowledge. He believes that illusions and dreaming give us reason to doubt everything we have ever learned from our senses (374). Descartes finally found a secure foundation for knowledge in that you cannot doubt that you exist. There can be no strong skeptical arguments made against â€Å"I think† or â€Å"I am. † If you doubt that you exist, who is doing the doubting (374)? Descartes theory is very interesting. The way he doubts everything to prevent doubt makes it seem almost foolproof. The third rationalist is G. W. Leibniz. Leibniz believes that no matter how many instances there are that confirm a general truth, there are not enough to establish the universal necessity of the same truth (385). Leibniz believes in a foundation of knowledge that justifies everything else. The items in the foundation are known, they are necessary truths and in fact, some are innate to our minds (386). He states that objects of our intellectual ideas are immediate and always present in our understanding (386). The first philosopher of empiricism is Aristotle. Aristotle deals with the separation of the mind and body. He distinguishes sensation which happens through sense organs from thought which seems to be a function of mind, and argues that the mind is separable from the body (notes class #7 9/11/13). He that since everything is a possible object of thought, then that in the soul which is called mind is before it thinks, is not actually any real thing, and this is why it cannot reasonably be regarded as blended with the body (344). Empiricism claims that sense experience is the ultimate starting point for all knowledge. Aristotle states that forms are not constituents of reality like Plato believes, but rather products are the mind and the mind takes on form from experiences (notes class #7 9/11/13). While none of these philosophers ideas can ever be 100% proven, that’s exactly what is interesting about epistemology. It could be studied endlessly. The search for what constitutes knowledge and true belief is a difficult one and these novel ideas are still fascinating to minds of every generation.