Comparing “Is Google Making Us Stupid?” and “a Life of the Senses”

Throughout the course of history, technology has changed us. It gave us a way to communicate in long distances. It gave us a way to produce goods faster and more efficiently. And it gave us the convenience to acquire knowledge with just one click of a button. However, there are bad effects as there are good. Nicolas Carr’s â€Å"Is Google Making Us Stupid? † and Richard Louv’s â€Å"A Life of the Senses†, discusses the different effects of technology on people. Carr’s essay, â€Å"Is Google Making Us Stupid? discusses technology’s effect in our way of thinking, while Louv’s essay, â€Å"A Life of the Senses† discusses the change in our lifestyle and our senses. From the get go, Carr says that â€Å"†¦I’ve had an uncomfortable feeling that someone, or something, has been tinkering with my brain, remapping the neutral circuitry, reprogramming my memory† (1). Sure enough, it actually has been. Most of us probabl y have had this feeling; a feeling like something was off. It becomes more apparent when we try to read a long essay, or a novel.We sit around and read a few paragraphs or a few pages, but not for long we â€Å"†¦begin looking for something else to do† (1). We come to realize that we can’t concentrate, we feel impatient and we find ourselves staring at an LCD screen, or maybe an LED screen, doing what we usually do: nothing. When a question arises about that essay we were about to read, we push a few keys, click a few link and voila! Here is a whole page in which we will exercise more of our laziness. We then start to wonder what causes this.Surprisingly, one of our most important means of communication and source of information is causing this. The Net, is chipping away our capacity for concentration and contemplation (1). Louv refers to this in his essay as the â€Å"know-it-all state of mind† (667). We browse and browse and browse and we skim everything we see. We want to acquire information and we want it immediately. This want to acquire information as fast as we can load the page, becomes a habit and changes us into something like the very machine we use to get all of this information.We are turned into something like our favorite search engine. It can get you answers fast, but it doesn’t understand any of it. As Louv and Carr would say, we are skimming at the surface but we don’t penetrate vertically. (667, 1) It’s scary to know that the Net made us developed a habit that turns us into robots, but it’s much scarier when we find out that it’s actually changing the way we think. We seek maximum speed, maximum efficiency, and maximum output just likeTaylor’s system mentioned in Carr’s essay. This system was created to boost production in factories, and is still used even now. It did us a lot of good economically, but without even noticing, this system has wormed its way to our brain s and made it our philosophy, or, as Louv quoted from Daniel Yankelovich, our religion. This faith is taking over our minds. It’s making us stupid in terms of our depth of understanding, but it doesn’t end there. The Net or technology as a whole is changing the way we live.Long ago, before the inventions of portable gadgets, people used to look out the car window, people used to go out with friends and kids used to play outside and exercise their imaginations, but now technology has changed everything. Instead of looking out in the horizon people stare at their small radioactive devices, throwing birds that need counseling at pyramids of sticks and stones built by green mutated pigs. Instead, of going out with friends they try and fit all their thoughts and feeling into a box that can only contain one hundred forty letters.Instead of playing outside they stay inside watching television, tinkering with their gaming consoles, and or trying to win the title â€Å"heavies t kid on earth. † People are missing out on all of the good things the outside world can give us. Their missing out the kind of fun I felt when my siblings and I played â€Å"Whoever counts the most cow wins. † I miss those days, and sure enough we’re all going start looking for it. And when we do, businesses are going to be there to â€Å"provide† you with a quick and easy way to fulfill this need.Industries soon get profit from â€Å"concocted nature† even when we can get it for free. We fall for it anyways, because even if the â€Å"nature† we see is just a simulation our brain thinks that it’s fine. Synthetic or real, it doesn’t matter, and I suspect that the system embedded in our brains is the cause of this. When we start to feel that we want something, we automatically think that we want it now, and the closest thing that can give fulfill this need is our computer, or, if were up to it, the mall. It’s just a much f aster and more efficient way to fulfill the current task.On the other hand, when we start looking at artificial nature we start to lose our appreciation and understanding for actual nature. For example, before all of the images of the Grand Canyon people used to at it in awe. They would explore it, admire it and speculate how all of it came about, but now, we take a picture, post it in a social media site, caption it with half-hearted praises and since there’s nothing more to see or say we turn around and drive away. We saw it and now it’s time to leave, just like another webpage. The system digs even deeper.To obtain something, you must first lose something. In this case, to obtain information faster we must lose our traditional way of learning by experience. As Louv quotes Edward Reed, â€Å"We are beginning ‘to lose the ability to experience our world directly. What we have come to mean by the term experience is impoverished; what we have of experience in dai ly life is impoverished as well’† (670). We rely so much on the information we know from the Net that we think we can do anything, well, as long as we can search the instructions online, or we can watch how to, via online streaming.We become uninterested in actually doing something, since we already â€Å"know† how to. We are left in the dark on how something actually works, because we don’t really need more than knowing how to turn something on. As a result, the most important means of gathering information is now missing. However, just like Carr and Louv I think that some of us are focusing on the negatives too much. We have exponentially advanced in terms of production, distribution, processing information and a lot more.My grandmother survived cancer because of technology, and God, knows that the internet has helped me many times in homework’s and projects. It’s the primary tool for students after all, well that and the library. Neverthel ess, it’s definitely not all bad. There may be some possibilities that we are turning into robots, but there may also be more chances that we’re just changing into something better. One can develop a machine to process information and someday it may be able to fully understand it, but people are not machines.We can process information and we can understand them; it’s just that we developed a certain affinity of getting what we need first rather than understanding. I think of it a testing period for a prototype of the perfect machine, but this time it’s a prototype of a perfect way of thinking. We may find a way to get something fast and fully understand it in the future, but for now we are evolving. If you still think that we are turning into nothing more than computer, always remember that computers can never feel, and no matter what we humans do, we will always feel.

Navistar Company Essay

Executive Summary Trimco is a main supplier to Navistar. Navistar relies heavily on Trimco at their assembly plant. Navistar and Trimco must improve their quality management systems in order to have the right parts, in the right number shipped at the right time without any damages or defects. Navistar and Trimco must start imploring a more collaborative approach to their business process. Navistar needs to address their policy problems. Our last minute design changes seriously disrupt the supply process. The robbing of parts also creates a snowball effect of problems in other areas, or down the line. Trimco has several problems including high employee turnover, mixed technological capability with respect to manufacturing processes, and a lack of internal control. Areas of deficiencies must be jointly identified and solutions to these deficiencies must be collaboratively tackled. With these improvements, the cycle time from customer order to delivery should be reduced, which would allow a higher level of customer service at an overall lower cost. The delivery times for the custom-designed trucks should decrease with the recommended implementations. Navistar must identify the problem to Trimco. Trimco must be aware of these deficiencies and collaborate with Navistar to remedy these. Navistar must then look at the problem internally. Top management has given them support in this matter and they must be utilized. Input across different business functions must be taken. Working with other departments will help identify issues that were previously not seen. Incomplete parts can be monitored with a quality control system that compares parts ordered or required with actual parts sent. Last minute design changes must be stopped, as they are not sufficient to let Trimco manufacture the parts on time. Quality of the parts can be addressed by raising awareness of the issue, and by also ensuring packaging and handling of parts are done in meticulous order in order to reduce damages. The â€Å"robbed† parts must be stopped as it cr eates additional problems. It is a short-term fix that produces long-term negative effects. Issues Identification There are several issues for both Navistar and Trimco. I have asked shipping and receiving at both Navistar and Trimco to record the frequency of the trim problems as well as the root causes for each occurrence over a 6-month period. Firstly I will outline the problems here at Navistar. I find that we are storing/handling parts following improper receiving procedures, which include lost, misplaced, and damaged materials. Often parts contained within kits were damaged to the point where they could not be installed into truck interiors causing added costs for Trimco, and delay our assembly here at Navistar. We have also accepted parts that are defective. These parts sometimes went undetected until installation. These parts had to be either scrapped or returned to Trimco for replacement and credit. We must collaborate with Trimco in order to reduce their costs in this area. Communication between Trimco and Navistar will help reduction in total supply chain costs, which is a key measure in the strategic initiative that we are trying to plan in order to reduce these issues. Another issue is the robbing of parts for higher priority uses, which are caused due to supply failures. This of course translates to even more supply failures. This has caused continual shortages, lost stock, (which is the highest reason identified for trim part shortages) and excessive ordering. Another issue is last minute design changes. Navistar needs descriptions or specifications in describing the need in sufficient detail to ensure that the correct goods are ordered in the correct quality, at the correct time, at the correct place. It is considered one of the most important keys to successful strategic management. This is an issue for both Navistar and Trimco in that Navistar has to rework the parts, or order new parts to fill the demand. Specification outlining must be looked at in a strategic sense with Trimco and Navistar communicating different ideas in order to make these situations minimal. Another issue is the JIT suitability. Safety stock is still required which would beget calling it a just in time system. This must be addressed on both sides. Issues for Trimco include quality control problems. Shipping defective material, incorrect material, and even damaged parts, causes increased cost and decreased productivity for both Trimco and Navistar. Another issue for Trimco, which was also an issue for Navistar, was JIT suitability. It seems that at times Navistar expectation can be too high with the last minute specification changes,  which can lead to incorrectly punched parts, or incorrectly sent parts that has been an issue. Environmental and Root Cause Analysis The main cause of the issues for both Trimco and Navistar are quality issues. Both the supply plant and we the assembling plants are running into quality issues. Trimco Industries is a large supplier of automotive trim parts. It is also a very large Navistar supplier. Trimco faces several problems including mixed technological capability with respect to manufacturing processes; high employee turnover that affects employee training and awareness levels that impacts its ability to meet customer needs effectively. Shipping is an issue in that it lacks internal process. Correct parts aren’t always shipped, and the shipping of materials is not sufficient as damaged parts are ranked second as a reason for trim part shortages. Internally we have some issues as well. The last minute design change that we allow to occur, seriously disrupt the supply process. The stealing policy that allows workers to rob parts from one job for another only worsens existing problems. Inventory count, and easy identification of parts is negatively affected. This represents a short-term solution that equates to problems in the long run. The control over incoming parts seems to be an issue that needs to be addressed. Parts that are missing, damaged, defective or incorrectly sent, are being identified too late for Trimco to send appropriate replacement parts in time for assembly. Parts that are being stored at Navistar are being damaged between the time they are received from Trimco and the time they are required for production. This can equate to inefficient packaging, t even mishandling in our receiving area. This damage would indicate that inappropriate storage and handling procedures are being used at Navistar and Trimco. Navistar operates in a highly competitive industry. It has a long-standing history, and reputable background, but there is always pressure to reduce margins in any way possible in order to stay competitive in the industry. Navistar is in the cus tom truck business and currently has a 28.6% share in the North American market. At any given time 50-80% of our orders can be customized. Customers took time in designing their trucks to their specifications and expect timely delivery with impeccable quality. Missing and/or parts are directly impacting both the customer and bottom line costs. This represents 60% of trim part shortages. Trim shortages account for an estimated $200,000. This is a very generous estimation with the estimated cost potentially being far higher than this figure. The processes used both at Navistar and at Trimco are not sufficient to respond to last minute design changes, maintain a continuous supply of defect-free and correctly ordered parts, prevent internal stealing of parts and control the damage of parts during shipment. The quality management programs at both Navistar and Trimco need improvement to effectively change their current processes. All processes, both Navistar and Trimco’s must be in control, centered, and possess minimal variation. Strategically, if these problems were resolved, this would improve Navistar’s offering to our custom-designed truck customers. Trimco also has a high rate of attrition, which adds to the overall cost. This rate of turnover affects the training levels of employees and their ability to control processes, to respond to last minute design changes and to ensure the accuracy of trim part shipments. The cost of this employee attrition is high in many respects. Employees are paid $23 an hour in 1997. When these shortages occur there will be overtime needed which equates to $34.50 per hour. The constant turnover also has training costs, which can’t be measured in the employee’s hourly wage. The JIT system utilized is perhaps too stringent on time, especially with the issues at hand. A balance must be reached between a JIT system’s tightness and the ability of both the supplier and customer to work together to ensure a smooth and efficient supply chain system. There is not one root cause but rather two. The quality management programs at both Navistar and Trimco need improvement to effectively change their current processes. Strategically, if these problems were resolved, this would improve Navistar’s offering to the custom-designed truck customer. Navistar and Trimco’s JIT system must also be looked at. Alternatives and/or Options Again supplier relationships come to the forefront. Communication with Trimco is necessary in order to get a better understanding of Trimco’s problems, and where we think we can help. The JIT system utilized is   too stringent on time, especially with the issues at hand. A balance must be reached between a JIT system’s tightness and the ability of both the supplier and customer to work together to ensure a smooth and efficient supply chain system. Navistar employs a strategic centralized purchasing structure where all communication is done at Navistar headquarters. An alternative would be to have collaboration at both companies’ headquarters as to get a better line of communication. Another alternative would be for a better ERP system to be implemented. This would require additional costs, and would be a strategic move for the long run, but this could help with specification issues, as well as demand on both levels. Recommendations and Implementation The quality management programs at both Navistar and Trimco need improvement to effectively change their current processes. Strategically, if these problems were resolved, this would improve Navistar’s offering to the custom-designed truck customer. Some options that can help both Navistar and Trimco would be to delve deeper into their supplier relationship. Both parties can conduct a careful study of the processing line for both Navistar and Trimco in order to obtain a complete understanding of both companies manufacturing processes. The first step would be to notify Trimco of the supply problem. We understand the problem, and Trimco has had added costs, but we need to communicate with Trimco and have them understand how the supply problem effects Navistar’s bottom line, and ultimately how it affects our customers. This step should help open the lines of communication and help facilitate the beginning of the process. Next step would be to internally have top management involved. Top management already supports quality improvement efforts as it’s so important to Navistar’s bottom line. Let them know of the issues being faced. Support from management will help facilitate the necessary authority needed with Navistar to gain cooperation amongst the needed employees to help identify and resolve the supply problem. Upper management is primarily concerned with financial impact, but they must be aware of the impact of the problem both to the customer and those finances. The policy issues surrounding the problem with respect to last minute design changes and robbing and the deficiencies associated with Trimco must be communicated. Next would be to gain input from stakeholders. Input and feedback must be taken from other Navistar employees. Communication with Trimco is also vital in order to access additional data related to the problem as well as potential solutions to effectively resolve th e interior trim supply problem. Navistar can start by gaining input from the shipping manager, line manager, line employees, the chaser, quality managers, and design engineers. Trimco should also gain input from the shipping manager, shipping employees, and design engineers. This method will have multiple outcomes. It will start by identifying the problem to the company as a whole. The impact of the workers can be better communicated by identifying the issue. Feedback can be attained based on this as well. Line employees and shipping employees are first hand with respect to being effected by the problems, and they may voice their concerns. An added benefit of this will be that several implementation issues will be addressed before encountered. Communication and brainstorming will help identify the problems before implementation and this will be facilitated through a team approach. The design changes need to be stopped as it causing major delays and issues with Trimco. We must collaboratively agree to a set time frame that is feasible for both parties. Navistar can look at Trimco’s operation thoroughly—from design through manufacturing and delivery. Supplier relationship can take a bigger role, as Trimco is a major Navistar supplier. Communication is vital between Trimco and us. Some options and alternatives to other problems: To tackle incomplete shipments. A better EDI or implementing a joint ERP systems in which Trimco can improve control over parts being sent to Navistar with tracking being done in the ERP system. This will cost Trimco both financially and time wise, but will have a longer strategic impact in their business operations. An option to the parts quality problem would be to have Trimco have a better process when sending out parts to Navistar. Trimco needs to stop sending defective parts to Navistar, as Navistar has used these parts and ultimately had to scrap and replace them later on in their production. This is added cost and inefficiencies. Also damaged parts are second highest behind missing parts. Trimco will need to improve packaging and packing of shipping containers. On Navistar’s end, better storage of materials must be looked at in order to prevent the damage of parts while awaiting assembly. Parts can be stored in strategically   bins, or Navistar can look at other options such as storage towers. There would be added cost, but parts can be easily located, and can be much safer from damage. Monitor and Control Collaboration and communication between Trimco and Navistar is paramount in the monitoring and controlling of this outcome. Quality departments for both companies will be heavily involved in the monitoring of this implementation. Monitoring in the form of regular reports on defects, damages, and incorrect parts must be implemented in both companies. Reports to be conducted by shipping managers and line managers. There will be regular intervals where these figures will be displayed and addressed in a collaborative setting between the two companies. Integrating other business functions will be crucial as budgets can be looked at. Costs associated with these implementations should reflect a decrease in added costs and addressing expenses and looking at the budget can monitor this. The bulk of monitoring will go to the quality departments through internal reporting and tracking of damaged, defective, and incorrect parts.

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Problem set22 - Assignment Example Based on the presented data regarding the phonology of Ojibwa native language, the morphemes meaning â€Å"I† and "you" take the forms of Verbs animate intransitive (vai) as they are primarily used to refer to animate subjects rather than objects. In this regard, when using the morphemes meaning â€Å"I† and â€Å"you† the verb conjugates or changes their forms depending on the number and person. However, personal affixes are used in conjugation as opposed to personal pronouns. b. Yes, the allomorphs for I† are in a complementary distribution while the allomorphs for â€Å"you† .This is particularly because the allomorphs for I† only appears before the voiceless [-voice] consonants while the allomorphs for â€Å"you† comes before voiced [+voice] consonants and in open syllables. a. What happens to the final consonants of in each of the two children’s language is that the first child (Child1) omits the voice stops and devoice [z] while child 2(the second child) seems to be devoicing the final consonants. However, not all the consonants behave the same way. I would argue that although the statement â€Å"I won’t get nothin’ seems illogical because it involves two negatives, it makes sense in that it has been used in an informal way as seen in the use of the word nothin to mean â€Å"nothing’ I observed a female and a male talking in a popular TV program. Differences between male and female have existed and in different dimensions (Holtgraves, 2013). It has been said that the use of words would tell more about a person’s social inclination and feeling. When it comes to gender differentiation based on the use of language, many differences can be identified. A lot of research has been carried out to identify the linguistic differences between the two genders (Charness & Gneezy, 2012). The common question has been to which extent does each gender use words showing differences from each other? Do differences in language use exist in the current world? If so how

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Boundaries - Essay Example In other wise we compartmentalize too much so that our professional lives cause damages to our private lives. This paper analyses the necessities of achieving work-life balancing. Manpower shortage, especially skilled manpower shortage is one of the major problems, in European and American countries. Volume of work and manpower shortages is increasing day by day which force organizations in these countries to ask their existing employees to stay back for overtime on a regular basis. For example, nursing professionals in these countries forced to work even up to 16 hours per day because of the shortage of nursing professional in these countries. Many of the IT organizations in these countries are outsourcing their jobs to countries like India and China in order to tackle the manpower shortage problems. Globally, the regular working hours of an employee is fixed to eight hours per day because of the necessities of ample rest a person needs before starting another day in the office. An employee needs to maintain his physical and mental health for delivering his maximum productivity. However, organizations of the modern era are forgetting about it and asking their employees to work overtime on a regular basis which is creating problems in their personal life. The overload of work often forces the employee to forget his family commitments and family problems may start to develop in his life. â€Å"Workers in poorer quality jobs (with poor job security, work overload, low levels of time and task autonomy, low flexibility and low job satisfaction) have worse work-life interference than those in better quality jobs† (Pocock et al p.7). Former French president Jacques Chirac also expressed similar concerns. In his opinion, â€Å"poor work-life balance arises from long and intense working hours may enhance the productivity of the organizations; however, better productivity should not come at the expense of the quality of life and social cohesion† (Bloom et al,2006, p.5). (Bloom et al, p.5). Man is a social animals rather than a machine. Moreover, he has emotions, feelings and thoughts which segregate him from other objects in this world. He is working for living, not living for working. But many of the organizations perceive the employees just like machines. Machines do not need rest or break until it damages. It is impossible for a person to work in that manner because of the non-mechanistic components present in him. Johnson (2008) also expressed similar concerns. In his opinion, â€Å"Extended working hours and more than required time spent at work place paves way for health complaints and too much of stress that can lead to injuries like an accident when driving†(Johnson). It is difficult for a worker to concentrate on a particular topic more than certain time period. Body and mind should cooperate properly to fix the attention of a person on a particular topic for longer period. Both body and mind needs periodical relaxati on or rest in order to function properly. Long working hours will destroy both body and mind which may reflect in the personal and professional life of a person if he forced to work longer periods continuously. â€Å"Heart diseases, fatigue, stress, depression, chronic infections, diabetes, back aches, general health complaints and death are some of the grievances one has to face while working late and for long† (Johnson) The morality of asking employees to work for

Windows Server Deployment Proposal Rubric Paper Research

Windows Server Deployment Rubric Paper - Research Proposal Example The answer to this question is simple and straightforward. By creating VLAN it is possible to create smaller broadcast domains within layer 2 switched internetworks by assigning different ports on the switch to different sub networks. A VLAN is treated like its own subnet or broadcast domain, meaning that frames broadcast onto the network are only switched between the ports logically grouped within the same VLAN. A router is also needed in this network for inter-VLAN communication. VLAN Trunk Protocol (VTP) is also useful in updating the databases of the switch with the VLAN information and on how trunking is applicable sending information from all VLANs across one link. Thus VLAN helps in the network management in the following aspects Before the new network was established IDLEWILD had the Wide Area Network. The network of IDLEWILD is was put up with the WAN links to the new location in the Houston Region. IDLEWILD has 2 regions as San Francisco and Derver in the present meaning that the 2 regions were merged together. The merging of the 2 regions caused nightmare in managing the IP addresses of the 2 regions all together. This is due to the reason that managing the IP address statically results in IP conflict and broadcasting. This led to complications of slow network connection and the staff can hardly communicate. The main purpose of this project is to resolve broadcast by sub netting and using VLAN. Sub netting allows the creation of multiple logical networks that exist within a single like Class A, Class B and Class C. In this scenario of IDLWILD we are using Class B network which we will subnet to have network 172.16.0.0. The natural mask is 255.255.0.0 or 172.16.0.0/16. Extending the mask to anything beyond 255.255.0.0 means you are sub netting. When you subnet you will have the ability to create a lot more subnets than with the Class C network. Using five bits from the original host bits for subnets will allow, to have 32 subnets

Plato’s “Myth of Metals” and Aristotle’s Analysis of Happiness Essay Example for Free

Plato’s â€Å"Myth of Metals† and Aristotle’s Analysis of Happiness Essay According to The Oxford American College Dictionary, the term happiness is defined as â€Å"[the state of] being satisfied† or â€Å"[the state of] having a sense of confidence in or satisfaction with a†¦situation† (Lindberg 609). In their treatises on politics and the governance of man, Greek philosophers Aristotle and Plato address the correlation between the concept of happiness, the establishment and management of a society, and the genetic predisposition of man. This paper will compare the following concepts discussed in Aristotle’s Ethics and Plato’s â€Å"The Myth of The Metals† from The Republic: 1. ) Man’s abilities and vocation are based on/determined by biology (genetic predisposition), and those predispositions form natural divisions or â€Å"classes,† which help to organize a community/society/nation; 2. ) Man can achieve happiness if he or she fulfills/performs his/her pre-determined role – the role for which he or she is naturally suited and that others should encourage and nurture; 3. ) Man must serve his community/society/nation, which prepares him for his â€Å"natural† role, and that service will also provide man with happiness or a â€Å"sense of satisfaction. † Plato and Aristotle describe biology as a factor in man’s choice of profession. Both philosophers note that vocation is determined by ability, and that ability is the result of genetics. This includes those who govern or rule others. In â€Å"The Myth of The Metals† chapter of The Republic, Plato states that each man (woman and child) receives a particular metal mixture at birth, and that the metal received determines a person’s skill set and station in life. Plato says, â€Å"†¦in fashioning those among you who are competent to rule, mixed gold into them at their birth, whereby they are the most precious, and silver into the auxiliaries; and iron and bronze into the farmers and the other craftsmen (107). In other words, the traits or characteristics of any person determine what that person will do with his or her life. Additionally, the person who governs or leads others has unique, unusual qualities that most other people don’t have – qualities that are innate to that person. In Ethics, Aristotle too discusses man’s biological traits as a determinant of his or her profession and classification in society. Aristotle says, â€Å"†¦from natural causes that some beings command and others obey; for a being who is endowed with a mind capable of reflection and forethought is by nature the superior and governor, whereas he whose excellence is merely corporeal is formed to be a slave (1252). Thus, like Plato, Aristotle believes that each man is â€Å"born† to perform certain roles, roles for which each person has a genetic predisposition or natural ability. That ability automatically separates a person from others based on the job or way that person earns his or her living. For example, educators and physicians will associate with other professionals; while custodians and other blue collar workers will form other associations. Plato also discusses the need to nurture a person’s natural talents, regardless of family background or origin – because those talents will bring a person the highest level of satisfaction and happiness. He states, â€Å"†¦you will mostly beget children like yourselves, but it is possible that a silver child should be born of gold, or a golden child born of silver, and so all the rest from one another†¦If their own offspring are born alloyed with bronze or iron, they will assign it the grade appropriate to its nature and thrust it out among craftsmen and farmers without pity† (107). Thus, parents, teachers, other community stakeholders and society in general must nurture the innate abilities of others, especially youth. Aristotle too describes the necessity of accepting the natural differences that exists between people and safeguarding the skills of each person. By developing individual talents, not only does the individual benefit, but society does as well. Aristotle notes, â€Å"Why is it also necessary that, without exception, the one should govern, the other always be governed? it is evident then that both parties ought to be virtuous; but there is a difference between them, as there is between those who by nature command and who by nature obey, and this originates in the soul; for in this nature has planted the governing and submitting principle;†¦and that those who enjoy the best government will live the most happily according to their circumstances† (1260). Another commonality in the messages of Plato and Aristotle is discussion of man’s need to provide service to his fellow man. Plato speaks of the responsibility that a person has not only to himself/herself, but to family and the community-at-large. He also notes that importance of â€Å"giving back† for the nurturing and kindness that others in society provide. Plato states, â€Å"†¦we reared and educated them, being formed and nurtured [within the earth]†¦they must now take counsel for the defense of their country as a mother and nurse, if anyone comes against it, and consider the rest of their fellow citizens as brothers†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (107). Man’s service to others is service to a community/nation, and the provision of that service is a form of happiness. Aristotle also describes how service to others, and that includes participation in the governance of others, is a source of happiness. He states, â€Å"†¦It follows that happiness consists of virtuous activity, and that both with respect to the community as well as the individual an active life is the happiest;†¦for virtuous activity has an end, therefore is something practical; nay, those who contrive the plan which others follow are more particularly said to act† (1360). In other words, positive behavior acts provide happiness to the person that commits them and to other members of the community. Service also provides a foundation for government. In conclusion, Plato’s and Aristotle’s works address the relationship between genetics, profession and individual happiness. Both writers express that each person has innate talents and characteristics. Those talents should be nurtured and encouraged by others. Those talents help to determine a person’s career choices and provide a natural classification system in society. Those characteristics also affect whether a person will participate in the governance of others and the type of government that is established. Ultimately, if a person utilizes his or her talents and gives back to the community, that person will locate â€Å"true† happiness – a happiness that others can share. ?

Smart Clothing Was Designed With Technology Media Essay

Smart Clothing Was Designed With Technology Media Essay In Bostons museum of science, the second annual seamless fashion show was held. A show where technology and art, meet clothing. The purpose of this show was twofold, showing the work of designers, and the display of technological clothing. A lot of people think wearable technology is only things like watches says Liu a participant(Toupin,26). Fashion and style should fit naturally into our life and wearable technology comes in allowing connection and interaction with our environment more better(Toupin,26). Many of the projects in this show have a message or hidden agenda. The artists want to make a statement about the world outside. For example Liu created a messenger bag that would display images that describe the person who owns the bag. She says this would communicate a true characteristic of that person since people judge others just by the way they look. The messenger bag shows a picture from your favourite CD or your blog. There is a device in the bag that connects to an image sharing database allowing transmission of files to other people with the same bag within a certain distance(26). This type of wearable technology allows huge communication and simple connections with others surrounding us, and especially today, people are hungry for connections Lisa Monrose(Toupin, 26). So what is the future of technology embedded in fashionable wearables? Predictions of the near future according to industry analysts are that clothing may provide a benefit to our health with the prediction of garments delivering vitamin supplements to the skin, that help maintain the moisture and temperature of the human body(Abernathy 1999) One can predict things like cellphones in clothing, food holders in clothing, memory glasses,and maybe even internet access within the clothing we wear. Senior vice president of Xybernaut Corporation which created a wearable computer with the companys name on it, says that even though these gadgets may be omnipresent as the future arrives, there will be a huge constant issue for power for tech wearables(Abernathy 1999). There are a few concerns and negative aspects of mixing technology in with a wearable. What is the point? Well ABC news, Washington post and other institutes had a say in this topic: Donna Abernathy: Privacy becomes an issue with technology when technologies monitor, trade alter and hold hostage of out personal data. Haidee Allerton: The same way smoking is banned in places, the same way cell phones in public will be banned. Well all be using these things, technology becomes everything everywhere Aims for wearable computing came about around the mid and late 1990s. Barfield and Caudell claim the development of wearable computing is as a result of the need and desire for people to access data and information while being mobile(Beloff 47-53). Wearable technologies today are compared to cyborgs. In 1960 two scientists Manfred Clynes and Nathan Kline thought about how an interaction between a machine and a person could make a person feel as if the machines were a part of them(Heibeck 2006). Cyborgs was coined as a concept extending human functionality to achieve things(Beloff 47-53). Something like driving your own car makes you cyborg. As you drive your car, the car becomes an extension of your body allowing you to drive something you cannot do without a car. What about if you never got out of the car? How would having the car connected to you change your day to day life? With the developing of smart clothing, scientists look at what life might be like if the human-machine inte raction lasted more than the normal periods. We wear clothes on our bodies nearly 24/7. We could practically become cyborgs. Scientist and professor Alex Pentland, says we need smart clothing to be smarter. Humans have problems learning things they need to learn as it is. Smart clothing can help you get information just when you might need it(Heibeck 2006). He predicts things like memory glasses, health monitors built into clothes, and a sixth sense type thing where one can know where all their friends are and how their doing. For ex. A smart clothing can sense your mood and communicate how you feel to others. A signal would then show up on your friends mood ring(Heibeck 2006) can we say emotional instant messaging? So what about people cheating and using this technology to their easy advantage? Alex says calculators are already like cheating. When something becomes common everywhere, it becomes a part of everywhere(Heibeck 2006). Alex says privacy is a huge advantage of smart clot hes. He says he would rather info on his body than on a computer people can log onto. The only negativity he sees in these wearables is making these clothes washable since water and technology dont quite get along(Heibeck 2006). Research is saying wearable technology is present and will definitely have a future. During the 1960s the earlier developments emerged in the field of wearable technology and virtual and augmented reality. The first head mounted display was done around this time by Ivan Sutherland created the first wearable see through head mounted display. This along with many other examples are considered predecessors in the wearable technology field. With ubiquitous computing, it has been argued that technology has become invisible because of its success WeiseWeiser Brown 1996; (Clark 2003). The general acceptance of technology allowing everyday use of it, causes this invisibility(Beloff 47-53). This type of transparency of technologies and the focus of technologys functionality leaves out how these devices actually impact the world. For example, the clock, it structured and organized the lives of people. Even though we have so many technologies today, many of them are deeply embedded into society(Beloff 47-53). Clearly there are points of advantages and disadvantages when it comes to integrating fashionable wearables and technology. But wearable technology within our clothing and fashion can be life altering. The relationship between fashion and technology is a large gap between visual vs. Functional. Within our environment, many practises and actions occur simultaneously. With technology enabled in this space, its potential is high. This opens doors to constructing other perspectives to technology and everyday life(Beloff 47-53) . There is so much potential for fashionable wearables if we integrate technology within it. Something as important and global as saving peoples lives can be heightened in the realm of what we wear. People with Parkinsons disease could decrease the risk of injuries in their lives with the use of something they wear everyday- clothes, wearables! The use of sensors in clothing can monitor adults who live alone. Signal sensors that can record movement, evaluating over time, can allow sick elderly people to engage in their usual daily routines with no interruptions, while facilitating medication dosages improving the life in patients with this disease(Patel 200). Something like this would be worn more for the purpose of its function rather than the purpose of looking great in a fashion sense. In this case, functionality overrules fashion. Marcy Koontz says electronic garments are making their way into the spotlight of media and now into our closets. People want and need the access to information and communication on the go(USA Today 2001). Koontz notes that the development of these technologies are already there. Smart clothes used to mean something like a jacket with tons of pockets or water resistant coats. 21st century smart clothes are now in the world of integrated technology(USA Today 2001). Smart clothing was designed with technology as its focus and not fashion(USA Today 2001). But if we can integrate technology into clothing and make it work, then our next step can be making it look good. If we can make wearable technology a fashion of its own we can create a whole new culture, and a whole new style. The smart clothing discussed throughout this paper were usually meant for office geeks or performance athletes:(USA Today 2001). Technology and fashion haven;t become completely hybrid yet because functionality is still a key issue today. In places like The fashion institute of technology in NY, Ari Vega says fashion designers now recognize high tech clothing(USA Today 2001). Scott Jordan, CEO and founder of ScotteVest, says technology along with a clothing designer, will give you the opportunity to buy the coolest clothes with a benefit, even if you are not the fashionist or the geek:(USA Today 2001). Fashion says its got to look great. Technology says its got to work. W e can make both happen. Technology connects us. The most key thing about the research on the relationship between fashionable wearables and functionality is that functionality must come first in order to make fashionable tech-wearables sell in the business industry. These wearables will then function to connect, to give easy access, to enhance knowledge, to understand data easily, to gain access to sound and imagery instantly, to possibly improve heath, and to basically make life a whole lot easier. Fashion is an extension of the body that can or cannot be visually appealing, visually noticeable, or visually meaningful. It is only an extension of the body that can serve for a few purposes. These purposes arent as powerful as technology in the eyes of a new media student. That core relationship between fashion and functionality is heightened when technology takes a role in the fashion industry. Since technology is considered a useful servant for humanity, we have certain expectations for it(Beloff 47-53). If technology as a tool is successful it allows the transparency of technology to grow that we no longer see the implication of it in our lives because we are so used to it. With wearable technology, this is also the case, following ubiquitous computing and aims at smooth integrating of users and the environment. There are wearable technologies that dont follow traditional guidelines but challenge the aim of technology and make technology visible(Beloff 47-53). These projects open interpretation of possibilities for the way we look at technology today. With this we can develop a better understanding of the relationships between body, technology, and the environment allowing future potential for wearable technologies (Beloff 47-53)

Unusual People :: essays research papers

The most unusual person I know My boyfriend is a very interesting character. Caring, considerate, funny and crazy are just s few word I could use to describe my boyfriend. Each day is exciting and interesting when it is spent with him. My boyfriend Brent, is by far the most unusual person I know. Brent is very playful. He often reminds me of a little kid. I think the most attractive aspect of him is his ability to laugh and have fun. Brent does not let me tease him without getting back at me, and most of the time it is twice the payback. Sometimes If I am in the bathroom getting ready for the day and he is in the shower, he will toss handfuls of water out at me. I act like it bothers me but in actuality I think it is wonderful. He also thinks that he is a pro wrestler and I am his opponent. I never win of course, but it is fun trying. Brent also knows that I am very jumpy and I can be scared easily. Because he has this information he often hides behind the corner only to jump out and scare me when I walk by, it works every time. Although he is mostly playful, He is still quit the charmer. Brent is very sensitive and makes me feel wonderful. I never feel like I am pushed a side and he makes sure that I always feel special. He has a way of bringing out the best in me. He will clean the house while I am at class, change the channel to Animal Planet (because it is my favorite), ask if I need something when he goes to the kitchen, and makes sure I am always happy. He has a very light temper and never looses his cool with me. He likes to talk things out and he is very considerate about my feelings. Brent still does not forget about his manly side . He has the common need to lose himself for hours at a time playing football and hockey on the Nintendo. He reads sports illustrated, needs to watch ESPN and play fantasy football on the Internet. I do not understand why these things are so important. But, I think that is why there is a common saying that goes," Men are from Mars and Women are from Venus". He enjoys the outdoors and yet he can just sit and relax for a day in the house.

Designated Hitter Essays -- essays research papers

Designated Hitter   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Do you prefer a bases loaded double that clears the bases and involves an exciting play at home plate? Or a boring three-run homerun where the base runners trot around the bases, while the defense stands around with dazed looks on their faces? Do you prefer stolen bases, squeeze plays, and trying to move the base runners to make something happen; as opposed to a team waiting for someone to hit a homerun? If you answered â€Å"yes† then consider yourself a fan of â€Å"small ball.† The characteristic of a Designated Hitter is the major difference between Major League Baseball’s two leagues: The American League and the National League.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The American League has many advantages because it uses a designated hitter. A Designated Hitter is a position player who hits for the pitcher but does not play in the field. This was an experiment started by Major League Baseball in 1973 (Wikipedia). In an effort to stop declining attendance and to boost offensive production and thus make the game more interesting for fans. This changed the game in many ways. The overall production of the American League offensive statistics has increased. Homeruns, runs batted in, and slugging percentages are all on the rise. The American League has the advantage of getting to replace the pitcher, and add a power hitter into the lineup. This increases the excitement of the game for fans. Average baseball fans can tell you that the weakest hit...

Defensive Driving

Defensive Driving Defensive driving is a method of driving I utilise which helps me to anticipate the actions of others in order to maintain safety for myself and vehicle plus my passengers in any road and weather conditions. I pay extra attention to my speed, judging gaps and distances, pulling off and braking, reversing and manoeuvring and tiredness/fatigue. By constantly looking and anticipating as far ahead as I can see, I can be prepared for potential hazards and associated risks before I get there. Observing what vehicles on either side or oncoming are doing and making constant use of my rear view mirrors further assists me in being a safe driver. Being aware of my vehicles’ characteristics, instruments and safety features are important factors. Knowing any blind spots on my vehicle and its dimensions are especially useful when reversing and manoeuvring. I am constantly aware of all that is happening around me, for example, when reversing I check for any potential hazards around and behind the vehicle before I move. Other vital factors are early and timely use of indicators, hazard warning lights, vehicle lights, hand signals and correct use of the horn in an emergency, as is regular maintenance and servicing. Smooth, careful acceleration and braking is important for safety and also good for the environment too. Examples of this are reduced fuel consumption, creating less pollution and prolonging the efficient working life of my vehicle. Stress and fatigue levels are also greatly reduced and, as adopting this driving policy inevitably reduces the chances of having an accident, my insurance premiums are keenly priced. Utilising all these methods and instruments correctly ensures a much higher degree of safety for me, my vehicle, my passengers, other road users, pedestrians and animals. In my opinion, I am a safe driver M. G. Spivey 17th May 2010

McDonalds arch delux

The Arch Deluxe was a quarter pounder hamburgers with a slice of peppered bacon, leaf lettuce, onion and tomatoes served on a potato bun with sesame seed’s the hamburger was served with cheese and a honey mustard sauce.McDonalds conceived the idea for the Arch Deluxe in an attempt to win over he more taste perceptive adult. This burger was marketed as â€Å"The Burger with the Grown-up Taste†. It was burgers that would definitely not appeal to children and seemed an attempt to make McDonalds a place that taste savvy grown-ups might go for children even if they didn’t have children. McDonalds was looking to upgrade the image of the fast food restaurant to appeal to a more sophisticated customer and to offer a bit more choice.The reasoning behind McDonalds decision to add the Arch Deluxe included demographic informational and trends that indicated longer life spans. McDonalds felt that this could mean more adult coming to McDonalds and the need for more choice and adult sandwich offerings. McDonalds hired well-known chef Andrew Selvaggio to create a new line of burgers for a more taste-sophisticated consumer. The Arch Deluxe was marketed in 1996. McDonalds used a very pricey marketing campaign to let people know about the new addition to the menu in an attempt to draw new customers.The Arch Deluxe was actually part of a series of deluxe sandwiches that included the larger fish fillet sandwich and a grilled chicken sandwich which have both successfully remained on the menu1.Reasons for new product failureProducts are generally associated with a particular branding. This brand was developed as an attempt to help new products acceptance, to improve the chances of success. The brand made the overall company line of product familiar. Ronald McDonald and the golden arches helped McDonald establish the brand, trust and familiarity to the public. The trouble, at times with branding is that it can in effect; pigeon hole a company and make it difficult for He Company to expand markets. McDonald attempted to reach a more sophisticated, taste conscious adult with the Arch Deluxe. Unfortunately for McDonald, those consumers don’t see themselves at McDonalds and so the campaign and the Arch Deluxe hamburger was a failure.Products can also ail due to poor advertising that is confusing or simply does not attract the customer. Products often fail because the company fails to truly know its customers and its brand.2. Failure of the Arch DeluxeOf course that attraction of McDonalds is not sophistication or five stars tastes. . The draw to the quick meal is the quick meal that appeals to families and is inexpensive. The limited menu is also part of the appeal. McDonalds was trying to add something new to the menu and was marketing it in part, on the fact that it tasted good. McDonalds didn’t seem to recognize that taste isn’t really the main traction to the restaurant. . Critic of the Arch Deluxe included comments abou t the reason people come to McDonalds. What McDonald provides is fast, friendly, consistent simple food for a value. Critics said that McDonalds was loosing touch with their market and with their own business brand.Interesting to note that the Arch Deluxe was developed in the corporate office, where the more successful menu additions such as the apple pie and fish fillet were developed in kitchens in the field. Though McDonald did ample product research on the Arch Deluxe and found that people responded well to the taste, the fact of the matter was that people weren’t looking for that type of burger at McDonaldsMcDonald should have stuck with what they were good at and developed products that kept in mind their brand and their customer.McDonalds is know for simple food and should stay with that type of product.McDonalds is known as family friendly environment with food that children like. Developing foods that are not child friendly will be difficult to market or McDonalds.Mc Donalds was looking to attract an older adult consumer with perceptive taste buds. However, they did not take into account that these consumers are also health conscious and the Arch Deluxe was survey not a healthy choice.3. Observation & ConclusionThe advertising campaign was led by Peter Colligate, known for his unconventional approaches. The campaign focused on children looking at the sandwich with confusion and disinterest. The idea was clearly to make this an adult burger. The lack of success with this advertising tactic led McDonalds to switch to a conveniently advertising effort which included Ronald McDonald in a more adult role, playing golf and dancing at a nightclub for example.Businesses must really understand their band and their consumers. Product failure can be the result of simply loosing the focus of the business brand. Loosing sight of what the customer expects. A McDonald’s customer is looking for a simple meal and a reasonable price. They want to come n or drive and up and order quickly. Customers aren’t looking or a lengthy menu with too many choices.Families on the go look forward to a quick decision and a fast friendly response to their order. Customers are also looking for value. The success of the â€Å"dollar menu† tells one that fact. Buying a sandwich at McDonalds that would have been the same price at a nicer restaurant can feel like a bad value to a true McDonald’s customer. They are looking for the dollar menu.4.RecommendationsMcDonalds must be certain it knows it audience and its consumers. In the future, assuming the relatively stable branding of McDonalds, they will want to stay within a certain range of products. Products must be inexpensive, familiar and now they must also be somewhat healthy.5.ReferencesHaig, Matt, Brand Failures, 200 Kogan Page.Brand Failures: The Truth about the 100 Biggest Branding Mistakes of All TimesLubow, Arthur, Steal This Burger, The New York Times Magazine April 1998

The Enemy Within

Juan Conde Professor Muniz 19 November 2012 English 67 The Enemy Within Throughout life everyone is forced to face their own worst enemy and will have a lot of trouble confronting and dealing with them that worst enemy will always be themselves. This enemy brings many problems and inner conflicts that are difficult to solve. Everyone has their own way of coping with these problems, some more critical than others. In the book Drugstore Cowboy, by James Fogle, the main character Bob deals with this dichotomy in different was throughout the book and his two sides are very easily differentiated.Throughout the book Bob is faced with difficult decisions and has the choice of either being that humane and caring man or the cruel and manipulative man that he can be. As he is making these decisions Bob has to not only think of the situation but also make sure that his crew is safe or if he needs to use them. Bob is a very complex individual with two conflicting sides to him, one that is used t o show his humane and caring nature and the other is used to intimidate or manipulate people. Deep down, Bob is a caring and humane man.He protects his crew with his life; he puts himself on the line for his crew and for the people he cares about like his mother and Diane. This side of Bob is made very clear when he visits his mother and shows her nothing but respect and he even shows some humility when speaking to her. When Bob’s mom exclaims that Bob is a thief he replies, â€Å"Jesus, Mama, when have I ever stole anything from your house? Name me one thing I ever took from you without telling you? Just name me one thing? † (Fogle58). The way he replies and speaks to his mother shows that he has the outmost respect for her, his way of talking to his mother shows humility.When speaking with his mother he always calls her mama or mom; he never called her by her first name or by anything else. Bob also shows a lot of submissiveness when he is with his mom, it seems like he still feels like a little kid when he talks or confronts her. Bob would do anything for his wife, Diane. Bob loved Diane; when he first met her he felt like she wasn’t like other woman. Bob took Diane cross-roading but had the intentions of stealing her car, instead he fell for her. Fogle comes to explain how Bob felt about Diane, â€Å"Bob loved Diane body and soul by then.Even narcotics had never brought him the pleasure and satisfaction that Diane did back then â€Å"(166). It seems like Bob is truly a caring and humane person because of how he felt and still feels about Diane. Bob seems to put Diane before himself subconsciously he might not want people to see how much he really cares about her but deep down she means everything to him, he will defend her as much as he can. It also seems that Bob only wants to keep Diane happy but he thinks that the only way he can do that is with narcotics.Bob seems to always try to hide how he feels about the people close to him b ecause he is scared that something might happen to them and he just wants them to be safe and out of harm’s way; he is truly a caring and protective individual. On the other hand Bob can also be a very maniacal and manipulative, he can even seem inhuman and cruel; he uses any means necessary to obtain what he is after, he finds a way to manipulate and control people to make his plans go how he wants. Bob will use people to control a situation to go in his favor without any resentment about what happens to the other people.Bob show his manipulative side when he told his crew: â€Å"I just wrote the narcos and anonymously told them that the reason they could never catch Bob Hughes for possession of narcotics was that he had an arrangement with the guy that lived on the north side of him†(Fogle 82). Bob doesn’t seem to have any problem using people to get what he wants he doesn’t seem to have a conscience. Most of Bob’s actions show how he is a manipu lative man, he uses people in order achieve what he wants. Bob would go through any means necessary in order to get whatever he wants.Through Bob’s actions it seems that he is nothing but a selfish man that only cares about what he will receive from the situation. It seems that Bob only wants to do only what he will benefit from; he doesn’t seem to care about anything or anyone else. Bob is also cruel and inhumane towards his own crew. When Bob walks into the room after an attempt to get drugs he sees Nadine’s dead body and a hat on the bed; he then pays more attention and is more worried about having a hat on the bed than Nadine being dead. After seeing Rick balling and crying over her â€Å"Bob shook his head in disgust. ’She beat you, man.Your own woman beat you out of part of your own cut on a score. She got what she deserves’† (Fogle 134). This shows how Bob not only doesn’t care about what happened to her, but also he has been d esensitized to death, he only cares about the fact that she wasted the drugs and left them with the burden of having to get rid of a dead body. Bob only sees that because he feels like she cheated them out of the drugs and they can’t do anything about it. Bob also seems to react this way because of how Nadine has acted in the past, she would complain a lot and always wanted more than she could handle.Throughout the book Bob shows that he can and will use and manipulate people into doing what he wants so that he gets what he wants and whatever it is he has been working for. In both scenes Bob shows how he can get into people’s heads and make sure that they do whatever he wants them to do to achieve whatever he wants. Life is full of nothing but conflicts and difficult situations and everyone has their own way of dealing with them. Throughout the book, Drugstore Cowboy, Bob is put through various difficult situations which he handles in one of two ways: being a humane an d caring man or being a manipulative and maniacal man.Bob is depicted as both a caring and maniacal man in the sense that he cares a lot about his crew but also if the situation calls for it he will not care at all for them. Bob will manipulate anyone who gets in his way of obtaining what he wants, but he cares for those close to him but will sometimes even use them in order to get what he wants. Bob has a very complex way of living and thinking and it is showed in various ways throughout the book. Work Cited Fogle, James. Drugstore Cowboy. New York: Dell Publishing, 1990. Print.

Indudtrialisation, Class & Culture: The Early Victorians Essay

Dorothy Thompson was born on 9 July 1893 in Lancaster, New York, to a Methodist pastor and his wife. Her mother died when she was eight years old. She was sent in 1908 to relatives in Chicago, as a result of her frequent disagreements with her stepmother. (â€Å"Dorothy Thompson (1893-1961)). † In 1914, Thompson graduated from Syracuse University, after which she joined the women’s suffrage movement. In 1917, she moved to New York and started a career as a journalist. (â€Å"Dorothy Thompson (1893-1961)). † She tried to exercise her career in Germany, beginning in 1920. After five years, she already â€Å"headed the Berlin bureau of the New York Post and the Public Ledger. † However, in 1934, she was forced to vacate Germany due to her negative writings about Adolph Hitler and the Nazis. Thereafter, she returned to America to write political editorials and commentaries. As a prominent journalist, she was considered one of the most influential women in America. She was also the â€Å"most syndicated woman journalist in the country. † She wrote many political articles, mainly relating to the Nazis, but she also wrote about women’s issues, since she wrote a monthly column for the Ladies Home Journal entitled â€Å"On the Record. † (â€Å"Dorothy Thompson (1893-1961)). † One of the commentaries Thompson wrote concerning women was her opinion about women in the Victorian age. According to her, women at that time were considered and treated as outsiders in society. This paper shall examine the validity of her conclusion by looking at the historical and societal events during the Victorian period, particularly those relating to the role of women in all aspects of Victorian life. Victorian Theory The starting point of this inquiry could be the perception of those who lived in the Victorian Age of matters relating to sex and sexuality. Scholars believe that theories relating to sex and sexuality were â€Å"unavoidable issues for the Victorians. † (Lee). The primary impression about men and women of the Victorian age is that they are pedantic and sexually repressed. However, this prevalent view has been constantly questioned and even challenged through historical accounts. (Lee). This matter, however, is not the most significant aspect of Victorian theory of sex and sexuality that is relevant to Thompson’s assertions. The more important question involves the determination of the treatment of men and women in Victorian society. More particularly, it is important to know the basis of such treatment. Victorian men and women were generally not regarded as equals. Men were seen as superior to women; and as a consequence of this perception, women were delegated roles of less importance in society while men took on the more important ones. Victorian Theorists Spencer and Geddes Herbert Spencer and Patrick Geddes were the leading theorists in the Victorian Age who probed the issue of sexuality and gender differentiation. They immediately took notice of the differences in physical and physiological aspects of men and women. Aside from this, they saw in men and women two different sets of attributes, which formed the basis of their stereotypical dyadic model based on the two sexes. (Lee). Led by these two, Victorian theorists divided the sphere of men and women into two, and delegated certain tasks to men and women, based on their perceived differences. It is believed that the differences in their attributes began form the earlier forms of life. (Lee). The foundation of this division of sphere was the belief that men and women had different energy levels. Men were considered as the â€Å"active agents,† while women were considered sedentary. To men were attributed the katabolic nature of temperament, which means they release energy, while to women were attributed the anabolic nature of temperament, which nurtured energy. (Lee). The Division of Spheres and its Biological Foundation The division of spheres between men and women in the Victorian Age is primarily based on biological grounds. It was believed that men’s role in the home is only fertilization, which leaves him free to do other, more energy-consuming activities, such as hunting or foraging. Moreover, it was believed that only men had the capacity for abstract reasoning, a sign of â€Å"highly-evolved life. † (Lee). On the other hand, women were constantly seen in the home beset by biological occurrences, such as pregnancy and menstruation. This led to the notion that women were passive and weak, that they can no longer pursue other activities outside the home. It should be noted that at this point in time, menstruation was believed to be a time of woman’s â€Å"illness, debilitation, and temporary insanity. † Thus, women were told to stay home to save her energy, while men were allowed to pursue other activities outside the home. Geddes’ theories were more sweeping. He claimed that not only did men possess greater intelligence and energy than women, they also had greater independence and courage. It was apparent that Geddes found this assertion unfair to women, and so he attributed certain characteristics to them. However, these attributes were still of a domestic nature; namely, â€Å"constancy of affection and sympathetic imagination. † While men were given the attribute of intelligence, women were limited to the gift of rapid intuition. In addition, women were given passive attributes such as great patience, open-mindedness, and a keen appreciation of subtle details. (Lee). The â€Å"Family Claim† Jane Addams discussed another, more degrading pattern found in the lives of women in the Victorian Age. She called it the â€Å"family claim. † (â€Å"Life for Women†). According to Addams, Victorian women were considered as mere possessions by their families. Men were initially given the same regard, but such treatment waned by the end of the 18th century. (â€Å"Life for Women†). This notion of the â€Å"family claim† was grounded on many reasons, the foremost of which is the role of Victorian women in the home. To women were delegated most, if not all, of the housework, such as cleaning, cooking and aiding ailing people. Another factor that underlies the â€Å"family claim† is the women’s role in birth and child rearing. She is the one seen as responsible for carrying a child in her womb, and the one responsible for caring for the infant after the latter was born. Women were also responsible for birth control, such that unplanned pregnancy can be blamed to tem and not to the men. (â€Å"Life for Women†). Finally, women at the time did not have money-making occupations, as their main activities were domestic. Hence, the control of the family over women, who were seen as dependents on the men for support, was considerably great. (â€Å"Life for Women†). Women’s Profession and Education As gleaned from the above discussion, women lived in a state that is only a tad better than slaves. Since only men were seen as capacitated to work for a living, most, if not all, women had no independent means of subsistence. This leaves women with no other better choice than to obey the men. Moreover, women were not allowed to follow any occupation, as such is not part of their duties, which all belong in the home. These situations are based on even more fundamental difference in treatment. Only boys were allowed access to universities; thus women received less education than boys. This aggravated the problem of women concerning employment and independent means of living. (â€Å"Women’s Status in Mid 19th Century England A Brief Overview†). Marriage The institution of marriage was another factor that contributed to the unpleasant treatment of women in the Victorian Age. The concept of marriage during the period was fraught with many notions and beliefs about women and their role and society. Most of these notions were negative and demeaning, and had no other function than to emphasize the higher position occupied by the husband in the home hierarchy. (â€Å"Women’s Status in Mid 19th Century England A Brief Overview†). Since women had no opportunity to earn a living independently during the Victorian Age, most had no choice but to marry someone who could provide such necessities for her. Moreover, women who expressed their desire to remain unmarried were not regarded favorably and were condemned to social disapproval. (â€Å"Women’s Status in Mid 19th Century England A Brief Overview†). This primary motivation for women to marry in the Victorian age was due to their lack of sufficient education. Women were only taught domestic duties and were left uneducated in other, more important aspects of life. Moreover, women were told at such a young age that they have to marry someday, as their future roles would only be as wives. (â€Å"Women’s Issues Then and Now†). The situation gets even worse after a woman gets married. Everything that she owns, including herself, becomes property of the husband. This means that the man can do anything to the woman without her express consent. The man is also authorized by law to exercise complete control and dominion over his wife’s body. The marriage contract contains â€Å"a vow to obey her husband. † Thus, a married woman has no choice but to obey her husband and allow him access to her body if he wants the same. (â€Å"Women’s Status in Mid 19th Century England A Brief Overview†). Marriage was an instrument by which women experienced great degradation. They were non-entities in all aspects of life, especially in law. â€Å"Women were, under the law, ‘legally incompetent and irresponsible. ’† Thus, they cannot act except where their husbands gave their consent thereto. In addition, they were afforded neither legal rights nor personal property. (â€Å"Women in the Victorian Age†). Marriage was also an instrument for the further strengthening of the notion that women were mere objects or chattels, owned by their husbands. Thus, under the law, â€Å"a husband and wife are one person, and the husband is that person. † Only husbands had the right to act, women were mere passive actors in Victorian society. (â€Å"Women in the Victorian Age†). The unfortunate existence of women during this period was dramatically described by Florence Fenwick Miller in 1890, thus: Under exclusively man-made laws women have been reduced to the most abject condition of legal slavery in which it is possible for human beings to be held†¦ under the arbitrary domination of another’s will, and dependent for decent treatment exclusively on the goodness of heart of the individual master. (â€Å"Women’s Status in Mid 19th Century England A Brief Overview†). The Deviant View of Victorian Women Amidst the prevalent view of women as slaves or property of men or their families, there is a rather atypical notion of women during the Victorian Age. This notion placed women on a pedestal and treated them as goddesses. They were even worshipped in some accounts. This concept of women was reflected primarily in Victorian novels, movies and television shows. (â€Å"Women’s Status in Mid 19th Century England A Brief Overview†). However, this notion is too much of a contradiction to the real state of affairs in the Victorian Age. The real situation consisted of the different treatment between men and women, particularly as to their rights, duties, education and occupation. Personal Viewpoint This writer agrees with the assertion of Dorothy Thompson that women were treated as â€Å"outsiders† during the Victorian Age. Having seen the disadvantaged position of women from that period, such conclusion is inescapable. Women were not allowed to participate in relevant affairs because they were seen as the â€Å"weaker sex. † Despite proof that they are able to take on great responsibilities and that they possess intelligence as much as men, Victorian society did not see them fit to acquire sufficient education to equip them with skills to earn independent living. Women had been the pillars of the Victorian home, but they were degraded by placing them under the control and supervision of their husbands or their families. Worse, women had been treated inhumanely, as they were regarded as chattels or property for the longest time. Men and women were divided into two spheres, despite the lack of basis to do so aside from mere physical makeup and biased social conclusions. Men were seen as the active actors while women were seen as the passive actors. These attributes were ascribed to men and women, despite the fortitude manifested by women in performing all the duties assigned to her by society. Given all these, it is easy to agree to the proposition that men had been considered as mere outsiders in Victorian society, next only to men who were the ones who enjoyed preferential status, with all the benefits appurtenant thereto. Works Cited â€Å"Dorothy Thompson (1893-1961). † Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site. 11 Dec. 2006 . â€Å"Late Victorian England. † 10 Dec. 2006 . Lee, Elizabeth. â€Å"Victorian Theories of Sex and Sexuality. † 1997. 10 Dec. 2006 . â€Å"Life for Women. † 10 Dec. 2006 . â€Å"Queen Victoria and Victorian England – the Young Queen. † 10 Dec. 2006 . â€Å"Women in the Victorian Age. † 10 Dec. 2006 . â€Å"Women’s Issues Then and Now. † 11 Dec. 2006 . â€Å"Women’s Status in Mid 19th Century England A Brief Overview. † 11 Dec. 2006 .

Ojt Experience

INTRODUCTION On the job training or OJT is one method by which students is given chance to apply the theories and computations that they have learned from the school. It also helps the students to acquire relevant knowledge and skills by performing in actual work setting. Colleges and universities require their students to  undergo such  training within  a  specific  number  of  hours  as  part  of  the curriculum.For the students, an OJT or internship program provides opportunities togo  through  the  actual  methodologies  of  a  specific  job  using  the  real  tools, equipments and documents. In effect, the workplace becomes a development venue for a student trainee to learn more about his chosen field and practice what he has learn from academy. On the  other hand, an effective OJT program also benefits the companies who accept trainees.First OJT or intern provides additional manpower for lesser labor cost than a regular employee. Most of them are all eager to learn the ropes so chances are high that they will cooperate. Employers can use this internship strategy as a method in recruiting new employees. Since the trainer or the supervisor can follow the trainees’ progress, he can gauge based on performance, behavior and attitude if the trainee will make a good recruit after the completion of his internship.OJT’s can bring fresh ideas  into the organization. Given the opportunity to speak  their  minds  freely  and  without  fear,  they  maybe  able  to  contributesignificantly in brainstorming sessions or research and eventually help improve the organizations productivity. While training the interns, employers are in fact also teaching their employees to process of guiding the trainees stretches their  patience, develops teaching skills and makes them more sensitive to the needs and mind set of the younger generation.The course of supervision also teaches them how to sh are what they know and be receptive to questions. Hence, theinternship  also  becomes  an  avenue  in  training  for  future  managers  of  thecompany. Accommodating on-the-job trainees can truly be beneficial not only to the trainees but also to the companies that provide opportunities for this type of  learning. There is wisdom in the front lines. Such training can be

Project Planning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Project Planning - Essay Example It is very important that these items are able to conform to certain quality standards. The client i.e. IRTC cannot take it upon itself to ensure the quality of each and every item. The software, in particular, happens to be the backbone of a reliable computerized billing system. The accuracy, reliability and robustness of such items can be ensured by a reliable vendor only. Facilitator: Though a vendor in principle is supposed to supply the items to the company on a pre-agreed set of terms and conditions, yet for third party products being supplied to the company, the vendor can act a facilitator, if need arises. Such facilitations often come handy in getting company officials trained in operating those equipment or software, maintaining and repair of the system or for future upgrade. Independent Observer: While the system is being implemented, a vendor can act as an independent observer at each stage of system implementation and planning. Because the vendor has supplied such items to similar companies and for similar purposes, at times even minor suggestions from the vendor prove crucial during system validation, testing and implementation. The First Customer: Well, there's every possibility that we need to pay the bills of the vendor as soon as the system becomes functional. In fact this payment depends on the number of items supplied and the terms of payment. In this way, the vendor becomes one fo the first customer of the company, which helps in making the system compatible with our requirements. Trainer: At times, when the supplied items are not of very large value, implying that the company is not in a position to arrange independent training for its staff in operating the system, the vendor's experience comes in handy. The vendor helps in training the manpower, by arranging short duration training sessions of a day or two. Long term partner: Once the mutual expectations are met, the company and the vendor feel comfortable in dealing with each other, thus gives scope for better understanding. This helps in leveraging this partnership in future expansion plans. 2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using the vendor in these roles for this project Advantages: Following advantages could accrue to the company if the vendor comes up to the expectations i. Company gets a reliable billing system ii. Company is able to offer higher standards of quality to its customers iii. The costs associated in the form of delays and errors gets eliminated iv. Company is able to get its personnel trained at reasonable costs and without much delays in making the new system operational v. Company's officials get to test the project workflow software with more confidence vi. Open lines of communication between the vendor and company can help in resolving minor glitches during the operations. A timely advise often proves very crucial. vii. Whenever in future the company feels the need for upgrade or replacement of the system the vendor can help with his experienced advice. Disadvantages: There are some disadvantages as well in seeking long term partnership with the vendor. Such disadvantages are experienced when the vendor becomes too profit oriented is all his dealings. Some such disadvantages are; i. The company might loose the advantage of the competitive rivalry of the market in soliciting

Human Resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words - 1

Human Resource Management - Essay Example This essay discusses that the development of effective HR policies has been a critical issue for organizations in different industries. In fact, a well-planned HR policy can significantly help towards the standardization and the development of organizational performance, either in the short or the long term. However, the value of HR, as an organizational sector, is often underestimated. This problem has been made clear in the case of Home Care Housing. The organization has managed to achieve a rapid growth; however, due to the lack of an integrate HR plan, the firm’s managers have failed to respond to the needs of workers in regard especially to the level of payment and the hours of work. Moreover, the low communication within the organization has set obstacles in the identification of appropriate solutions for improving employee satisfaction and employee performance. Since its establishment, about 12 years ago, Home Care Housing has managed to achieve a significant level of g rowth. The success of the organization is reflected in the radical expansion of its activities; when entering the market, the organization managed just two housing developments. Today, Home Care Housing manages 20 units and employs about 600 people. The development of the organization has been mostly related to its support from volunteers and the community. However, the current status of its HR framework can be characterized as rather disappointing. A series of problems appear daily across the organization, a fact indicating the emergent need for the development of an effective HR plan. ... This fact is reflected in the lack of an integrated HR plan. As a result, the terms and conditions of employment are not consistent. More specifically, the compensation of each employee is not standard. Rather variations can be identified in salaries, both in terms of the amount paid as also of the date of the payment. In most units of the organization significant delays are reported in the payment of salary; only workers in the maintenance sector of the organization are paid on time. Also, the hours of work of employees are not based on certain rules; instead, workers are likely to work from 37 to 42 hours per week. A same problem exists in regard to the number of days available as holidays. The period of holidays for workers in the firm’s units varies from 20 to 27 days, with no clear criteria or rules on which the days granted to each worker for holidays are estimated. A significant problem seems also to exist in regard to the level of rewarding; the problem is clearer in t he case of managers who are fairly rewarded, meaning that there is no balance between the performance of managers and their rewards. The lack of an effective plan for arranging the payment, the holidays and the hours of work of employees has led to severe problems across the organization; the problem seems to be severe especially for the employees working in the firm’s Head Office. These employees face difficulties in covering the expenses of their travel for working; they also face difficulties in responding to the schedule of work which is not standardized. Those employees who have transferred from the organization’s units to its Head Office have reported that the working arrangements in the Head