DBQ on differences in Han and Roman attitudes towards technology Essay

The Chinese attitude towards technology was that it should be useful to and help the common people. The Roman attitude towards technology was that it was it was of little prestige and didn’t relate to the upper classes and was therefore of less importance. Documents 1, 2, 3, and 4 all have a positive attitude towards technology and that it should be useful to and help the common people. In document 1, it talks about preventing flood prevention, selecting a person as chief hydraulic engineer, ordering inspections of the waterways, and supplying enough workers to those who are to carry out the repair work. This shows that the Han cared about the common people. In document 2, it talks about the tools and how when they were produced by the families they were well made, but when they were produced by the state using convict labor, they were more crude and not very functional, showing that the Han cared about how well the tools are working. In document 3, it talks about the technology and how its improved. In document 4, it talks about Tu shih and how he loved the common people and wished to save their labor. It talks about the water-powered blowing-engine and how it helped the common people, showing how the Han wanted the technology to help the common people. In documents 5,6,7, and 8 the all had a negative attitude towards technology was that it was of little importance and didn’t relate to the upper classes so it was therefore of less importance. Keep in mind before that all these documents are written by upper Roman officials and leaders, therefore losing the voice of the lower classes and how they felt about technology. In document 5, it shows a negative attitude towards technology and says that the craftsmen’s occupations are vulgar and unbecoming. In document 6, it talks about how a Roman political leader in the second-century B.C.E and how he was anxious about road building, and paying attention to detail, and the person who wrote the passage was a high official from the first century C.E. In document 7, an upper-class Roman philosopher talks about how he doesn’t care about what inventions came first and that they were invented by people with a nimble and sharp mind, but not great or elevated, showing how they thought that using technology was beneath them. In the hans point of view, they care about the common people and the technology, and the Romans point of view (without the common people’s input) is negative towards technology. Out of these documents, I would like to have a journal from a roman commoner in the first century  B.C.E. or C.E. to fully understand how the majority of the people in Rome felt.

The Memoirs of Lady Hyegyong

The memoirs of Lady Hyegyong Lady Hyegyong * Wife of the crown prince Sado (1735-1762) * Daughter-in-law of King Yongjo (1724-1776) * Mother of King Chongjo (1776-1800) * The crown princess and mother and grandmother of the kings in the late eighteenth century Korea * Choson women (women in Choson Korea 1392-1910) – three lords: father, husband, and son * Patrilocal marriage * Woman writer The Memoirs * Hanjongnok: Record Written in Silence * A series of autobiographical narratives by Lady Hyegyong * 4 memoirs: 1795, 1801, 1802, 1805 The first 3 memoirs: story of her earlier life and her marriage into the royal family, and championing (in some cases â€Å"defending† her natal family. ) These memoirs are more personal, and overall three hangs a shadow: the fate of her husband, Crown Prince Sado, who was executed in 1762. His reputation after his death threatens the position of her offspring. **The fourth memoir: story of her husband Sado, the most important piece The mem oir of 1795 * Genre: Family injunction The first memoir was written for the benefit of her nephew, in conformity with the tradition of a family elder writing an injunction for the instruction of the younger members of the family, exhorting them to follow in the footsteps of honorable family elders. It contains a most poignant and endearing account of how the author, an innocent child of nine, was suddenly wrenched from her loving home and put in a strange and awesome court. It is also gives an intimate view of the princess's natal home, which was that of an exemplary Korean scholar. Defend the integrity of her natal family, reclaim the honorable family tradition * The unspoken subjects of the first memoir: â€Å"With his exceptional talent and superior scholarship, Prince Sado would surely have achieved greatness. Of its own record, however, illness seeped into his remarkable nature and†¦began to manifest itself in strange symptoms. † 1. Her husband’s insanity 2. Her husband’s execution in the rice chest â€Å"â€Å"On the thirteenth day, Heaven and Earth clashed and the sun and moon turned black.When this calamity happened, how could I desire to live even one second longer! † 3. The loss of her son * Silence The memoir of 1805: breaking the silence * Chronicle the death of her husband at the hands of her father-in-law * Audience: her grandson King Sunjo * Reason: false versions has proliferated. She felt the need to inform her grandson, the new king, the exact truth of the incident â€Å"feeling that my descriptions might cast a blemish on their virtue. But I cannot withhold the truth. † * Genre: writing a history * Seed of Trouble Absence of love and guidance from the father 1. Model child in infancy 2. Live in a separate palace from his parents * Influence of servants * Sado’s interest in the occult and martial games As a heir to the throne, Shado was put under immense pressure to achieve and learn conformity by the stifling educational rituals of the royal family – while, simultaneously, he was neglected by his coldly formal father, Yongjo, to such an extent that even an inside observer like Lady Hyegyong, steeped in the customs of the time, cannot hide her shock in the retelling.â€Å"Let the ruler be a ruler, the subject a subject, the father a father, the son a son. † * Father-son relationship is at the core of tragedy * â€Å"some unknown forces seem to have been driving father and son apart. †¦ What can I attribute this to but Heaven? Oh! Cruelty! † * The coldness between them is beyond her comprehension * Father’s faults? * Favoritism * Not paying attention to his son * Humiliating his son in public * Using Sado to wash away inauspicious events * Sado’s insanity * Clothing Phobia For him to get dressed, I had to have ten, twenty, or even thirty sets of clothes laid out. He would then burn some, supposedly on behalf of some ghost or other. Ev en after this, if he managed to get into a suit of clothes without incident, one had to count it as great luck. If, however, those serving him were to make the slightest error, he would not be able to put his clothes on, no matter how hard he tried. In the process, people were hurt, even killed. † —-Paralyzing terror of being able to live up to the expectations of propriety A serial killer â€Å"When anger grips me, I cannot contain myself. Only after I kill something–a person, perhaps an animal, even a chicken–can I calm down. † â€Å"Why is that so? † â€Å"Because I am deeply hurt. † â€Å"Why are you so hurt? † â€Å"I am sad that your Majesty does not love me and terrified when you criticize me. All this turns to anger. † —- Sado’s madness became such a threat to the royal family that he had to be eliminated * Mother’s choice * Lady Sonhui urged the King to eliminate Sado -â€Å"Sundering her ma ternal love and crushing her parental attachment for the sake of great principle, Lady Sonhui had brought herself to inform his Majesty . † – The duty over private emotion * Father’s side * Political concerns 1. His own problem with legitimacy 2. Factional conflicts 3. Constant threat of rebellion 4. High hopes for his heir * The execution * â€Å"In the royal audience chamber, meanwhile, father and son faced each other. In between them there stood a wooden rice chest (measuring 4ft x 4ft x 4ft, we are told). It was opened, and Yongjo ordered his son to climb inside.Undoubtedly aware of what this meant, Sado did as his father told him. It was then sealed up. Eight days later, he died, still inside it. † * Rationalizing the brutal execution —-Concerns over bodily dismemberment —-Not to give the appearance of criminal execution * Lady Hyegyong’s two traumas On her husband’s execution: * Inevitable and justified * Public duty > private feelings On the king’s decree of making her son an adopted son of the late prince: * Unnecessary and mind-baffling * Private feelings > public duty

Ban on Advertisement Aimed at Children

Parents all over the world treat their children as their number one priority, and they are often obsessed with the childs protection, be it from an illness, danger and even certain people. Despite all this protection, we allow our children to be allured into the wonderful world of advertising. From such an early age we are told by our parents dont talk to strangers. How is it that after 30 seconds of TV, associating products with our favourite characters or even glancing at a poster in the street, our children are instantly convinced by the strangers of the world of advertising? There are two types of products on which manufacturers are willing to spend millions of euros convincing children to demand that their parents buy them. The first is the massive and very powerful food and drinks industry. From a very early age children are bombarded with images of food and drink on TV, in newspapers and magazines, on the internet and even at the cinema in a technique known as product placement. I think it is wrong to advertise food and drink to children as they have not developed the skills necessary to judge whether these products contain too much salt or sugar or whether they can form part of a healthy and balanced diet. Also food and drinks should not be associated with popular programmes or cartoon characters. Supermarkets also adopt techniques such as placing sweets and chocolate near the checkout at childrens eye level so that they demand that their parents buy them, in a technique known as pester power. One of the major threats to our health is obesity, and childhood obesity is a growing problem in the western world. In addition a lot of the sugary drinks aimed at children damage growing teeth. Advertising of food and drinks aimed at children should be banned and parents should choose how to provide their children with a healthy diet and which treats they should occasionally be given. The second type of product aimed at children are aspirational goods such as toys, designer clothes, video games, mobile phones and other electronic goods. Once again I think there are major hidden dangers associated with this type of advertising. It is wrong that a child should associate success with the ownership of such must have goods. A child can suffer serious self esteem issues if he or she does not have the right phone or trainers, for example. The advertising also puts unnecessary pressure on parents, they may feel inadequate if they cannot afford to buy the products demanded by their kids. Some parents can even get into serious debt in order to buy the goods advertised. Once again I think that this type of advertising aimed at children should be banned. I believe children should be free of all advertising and manipulation, and to all the gold-digging business men who devote their lives to brainwashing our children to becoming slaves to these enterprises, Target the parent, not the seven-year old. If youre product is not good enough to allure a grown up, make something better! I believe most parents would agree that what advertising is doing to our children is wrong. We have the power to stop this and let our children grow up and be free of being left out or with an obesity problem until theyre old enough to make their own decisions. Lets all ban advertising aimed at children now.

Group project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Group project - Essay Example However, Google was able to perform a higher business transformation than Yahoo in the last decade. Transformation is about developing strategies, which are designed to create a â€Å"forward thinking† business that keeps in touch with emerging technologies, consumer needs, and creates goals for the future. Such a process involves devising specific company’s staff, programs and policies which aid in the achievement of those goals. Google is considered a transformed e-business. Yahoo provides the same products and resources. However, it is not considered a transformed e-business mainly because it has not achieved an understanding of consumer trends and has not been able to incorporate consumer trends into their goals and strategies (Mills, 2007). The process of transformation that Google has orchestrated for its company is explained in this study. Google grew steadily since its inception in 1998 and made many improvements to its search engine, such as the Google Directory, Search through Wireless Devices, several language versions for those users who preferred to search in their own language, and Google Toolbar. These enhancements propelled Google to become the most popular search engine. At the same time, Google increased its revenue stream through a carefully devised â€Å"Keyword Targeted Advertising program,† and partnership deals with the world’s largest portals, like China’s NetEase and Japan’s BIGLOBE. Another device to attract small businesses was the AdWords program (â€Å"Google Corporate History,† 2007). At the end of 2000, Google was attracting more than 100 million search queries every day. Google continued with its partnerships and innovation to widen its user base. By the end of 2001, and Google had become a profitable company. Google’s search capacity has been evolving every year and it now includes the File Type search, Google Image Search, and Google Catalog Search. It also provides a Google Search

The economy of the Republic of China Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The economy of the Republic of China - Essay Example It has ensured that the resources in the nation are well galvanized to ensure they are projected towards the interest of the state and, in this case, to spur economic growth. However, the same regime has been put into the limelight by Western media of its unethical practices, especially in trade operations. China is accused of undervaluing its currency to ensure its local companies receive an undue advantage over their competitors in the global front. Locally the state runs almost 60% of the manufacturing firms; those enterprises are often favored to ensure they are advantaged over private companies in terms of government regulation and other elements (International Economic Association, Aoki, and Wu, 2012).Economic analyst and policymakers at the People’s Bank of China have been working to come up with an elaborate strategy that will see the country make a ‘safe landing’ once its economic growth rate subdues. It is a mitigation effort that is meant to prevent the nation from past economic catastrophes that had hit it back in 1985-1989 and 1992-1994 when the constant growth that China was undergoing drastically dropped thus affecting the economic system with massive inflation (Knight and Ding, 2012). It is prudent that trade in the modern world is market-driven; The Chinese government is relaxing its grip on the economy allowing litigations that are aimed to transform the economy to be market-based to ensure it naturally survives economic conditions in the future.

Curriculum Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Curriculum - Term Paper Example To demonstrate its holistic nature, the FIU BSN curriculum framework has a concept of a â€Å"globe.† The â€Å"globe† is a demonstration of the cohesiveness of the curriculum, its goals and values. The global model is characterized by levels that run from bottom to top of the â€Å"globe†. It is also characterized by organizing threads (pervasive and vertical) that start from the base of the â€Å"globe† to the top. The base of the â€Å"globe†, which is the curriculum starting point, has the behavioral sciences, general education and biological sciences. From this point the students to the nursing knowledge foundation, basic knowledge in nursing specialty and nursing knowledge synthesis as they accomplish their study plans. The levels have seven pervasive threads of organization: cultural competence, Ethics, Process of Decision Making, Globalization, Genomics, Quality and Safety, Technology and Globalization. The vertical threads of organization a re four: Professional Nursing, Scholarship and Research, Practice that is Evidence Based, Systems of Global Health and Illness/ Health Management (FIU). The influences of the design of the curriculum are the factors that are pervasive in the thread. In broad these include communication and collaboration, Quality and Safety, the process of decision making, cultural competence, Genomics, Globalization and Ethics (FIU). The Commission for Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) gives the accreditation standards for the nursing programs. The standards are divided into four categories which include: the Governance and Mission; the Resources and institutional commitment, the Teaching and Learning processes and the curriculum; and the Program outcomes assessment and its achievement. Emphasis will be laid on the 3rd standard that deals with curriculum (CCNE, 2013). FIU nursing curriculum is developed according to the nursing program goals, mission and

Software Quality Assurance - The effectiveness of systems integrity Essay

Software Quality Assurance - The effectiveness of systems integrity assurance actions - Essay Example Mr. Spencer-Jones, the CEO admits that the firm has been under financial pressure due to reduced sales of their Maxil CC5 aircraft. This had been worsened by stiff competition from Vader Aircraft’s Vader XX8 and their yet to be launched Vader XX9 aircrafts. Nonetheless, Maxil has been a model aviation firm, until the recent tragic incident that involved one of their aircrafts, the recently launched Maxil FBW1. This report presents an analysis of the events leading to the accident; it not only indicates how the events contributed to the incident, but also makes recommendations on how improvements can be made in the development of safety critical systems at Maxil. Investigations reveal a lot of loopholes and inconsistencies that could have, in one way or another, caused the accident. Some of these include shortage of experts in engineering, design and programming, poor cooperation among project stakeholders, as well as threats and intimidation of staff. However, it is evident th at the most probable cause of the disaster was the software; data from the flight recorder indicated that the computer controlling the aircraft caused a severe height adjustment moments before the crash. Interviews with the various people involved in the design and development of the software used in the aircrafts indicate that there was a lack of professionalism, right from the programming to the testing phase. However, the most likely cause of the calamity was poor testing. Development and Testing of the Software Software testing starts during the coding of the application. The programmers identify and correct errors in the code as they continue with their work. In this case, despite the fact that Maxil has a team of capable programmers, their knowledge of the ADA and Assembler programming languages, which are utilized in the development of software in the aviation industry, was insufficient. They had to rely on Wayne Goldsmith, himself a design Engineer, to translate the code wri tten by the programmers into either ADA or Assembler. This provided an opportunity for many errors in the code to go unnoticed since only Wayne was sufficiently familiar with both ADA and Assembler. The other problem with testing came about right from management. The Metrics and Quality Manager, Sid Bentley is an expert in Mechanical Engineering, not Software Engineering. His knowledge in product and metrics testing was, therefore, not sufficient in software testing; he had just started learning about code analysis, GQM, CMM, and PROFES. He relied on the integrity and professionalism of the software engineers and a strict testing regime, hoping they would deliver quality software. However, this was not realized because of the unprofessional conduct of the programmers, coupled with the absence of a well structured testing rubric for the applications. These are evidenced by the fact that the team of programmers was not available to test the software when they were needed. In addition, much as they claimed to have the knowledge to test the software, it is not entirely professional for programmers to test their own software. The integrity of the software came into question after the testing session that was carried out by John Garside. The fact that Ralph Plunket delivered the code late, together with the threats

Ethical Theories Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Ethical Theories - Essay Example Additionally, one of the major uncertainties in the Act Utilitarianism is that it appears to be too lenient, able to justifying some crime, and yet making it ethically compulsory, if simply the worth of the particular outcomes of the particular act is great enough. In addition, there is another major uncertainty and that is act-utilitarianism is much better in theory than in practice, as we barely ever have the time as well as the information to forecast the outcomes of an act, review their worth, and formulate judgments through probable alternative acts (Utilitarianism; Utilitarianism2). In case of Jean’s nephew Pierre, Jean has used illegal means to bring a prescription. In this situation, Pierre’s life was in danger and due to un-availability of medicine he can die. According to Act Utilitarianism the act of Jean has created happiness and offered a great deal of relief from pain. According to Act Utilitarianism Jean has performed a rightful and legal action that ulti mately saved someone’s life. Rule Utilitarianism Oxford moral philosopher R. M. Hare presented a 2-tiered theory that is known as rule utilitarianism. According to this theory, without doubt happiness is the eventual moral value; the means to go after it can be not direct. In this scenario, a 2 tiered theory would assess categories of events normally similar to as telling the truth, murder, remaining realistic in a wedding, breaking promises, regarding parents, caring for children, punishing the innocent, etc. However, some of the categories of proceedings are assessed rather than individual proceedings, a large number of people need to be measured in such estimated scenario should all in a culture be permissible to cheat? If a wide-ranging moral exclusion besides cheating creates more pleasure, then rule utilitarians would ease the moral rule "Don't Cheat." (LawAndBioEthics; Utilitarianism; Utilitarianism2). In addition, the rule utilitarianism is a quasi rule oriented struc ture where policies perform a vital role; however the system completely relies on a standard. In this scenario, the fundamental utilitarian principle is utilized, with facts regarding social communication, to derive rules. Additionally, once the systems are prepared, no direct computation of utility is required. Moreover, the law has to be pursued even if the individual measures produce more pain as compared to pleasure (LawAndBioEthics; Utilitarianism; Utilitarianism2). In case of Jean’s nephew Pierre, Jean is performing a wrong deed. In the light of Rule Utilitarianism, Jean is going against her personal code of law. This leads her to guilty of crime for using his job authority for illegal task. On the other hand she also saved the life of Pierre; this situation takes her to another aspect that she has performed a rightful job. Kantiansim Kantiansim is a viewpoint of ethics that is presented by Immanuel Kant. In this theory, Kant supposed that people should take care of as an end as well as never as a simple means to an end. On the other hand, it is immoral to utilize people for our own personal objective since people are important in themselves. In addition, Kantianism is a non consequential theory outlining the act itself is more significant as compared to the results of that act. In fact, Kant’

English writing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

English writing - Essay Example Among the biggest differences between China and America are their cultural values and these have been cultivated over a long period. China is an extremely conservative nation with most of the cultural practices of its people being influenced to a certain degree by the teachings of the philosopher Confucius. This influence has been paramount in China for over two millennia and has guided the Chinese nation throughout all its incarnations. The culture of the United States, on the other hand, is very liberal with individuals living their lives as they see fit, making Americans very independent people from a young age. Moreover, Chinese culture dictates that younger people be subservient and submissive towards their elders, obeying them without question. Young Chinese people tend to be obliged to take care of their elders until the latter die and in most cases, elderly Chinese are very revered in the society. This is not necessarily the case in America where younger people tend to live t heir own lives without any consideration to the wishes of their elders (Weston). The elderly people in America tend to be highly independent and often live by themselves; going into homes for the elderly when they can no longer take care of themselves rather than living with their children. Another difference that arises between America and China is on their systems of education, which are in many ways managed diversely. The Chinese system of education tends to be slightly more difficult than that of America because students have to undergo a rigorous system of examinations almost at every level of their education to ensure that they are competent enough to proceed to the next level. The American system, on the other hand, is less rigorous with the number of people whose performance in school is below average being extremely high. In China, parents tend to be very involved in

ACCRUAL ACCOUNTING CONCEPTS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

ACCRUAL ACCOUNTING CONCEPTS - Essay Example Moreover, the tax expense figure provided in the consolidated income statement was $10.704mn. (a) The author of the journal article performed a statistical method which involved recalculation of earnings per share after reviewing 489,000 quarterly reports of 22,000 companies. They recalculated EPS to 1/10 of a cent instead of keeping it in penny. By doing so they found out that the occurrence of the three digits including 2, 3, or 4 in this format was significantly low as compared to other digits which raised doubts as each of these digits should have appeared 10% of the time (Thurm, 2010). (c) It has been indicated that adjustments are made to valuation of inventory or they are done in the form of assessment by the companies regarding the proportion of accounts receivables which they expect not to collect and therefore is recorded as bad debts. These are examples of ways in which companies can report higher earnings. It could therefore be stated that these adjustments are subjective to the assessment and consideration of factors by companies and those who are analyzing the accounts. However, if reasonable basis for justifying these estimates are made by companies then such steps are not considered illegal. (d) When companies are required to prepare earnings restatement reports when their previous published financial statements are found to contain errors, omissions, or misstatements. From the article it could be indicated that the authors of the article through their methods found that those companies were informed to restate their earnings or were alleged for accounting violations which had low number of occurrence of digit 4 in the 1/10th place. Such companies could therefore be considered as the ones which are involved in rounding off their earnings figure. (e) From the article it can be understood that the authors are of the view that even a single penny difference in the reported EPS can have impact on the

Why Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a Great Man Essay Example for Free

Why Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a Great Man Essay â€Å"†¦History is created by people and the role of the individual cannot be denied, even though it needs to be seen in a historical context. While there are limits to the role played by individuals, might the part they play in critical circumstances be decisive in the chain of causality? Pertaining to this ‘Great Man Theory’ it can be said that Franklin Delano Roosevelt upheld his victorious and highly regarded government through means of social, economic and political reforms, as well as ambitious personal and strategic decisions that have successfully remained influential to American society today and maintained his image as a prominent historic leader. Franklin Roosevelt was the 32nd President of America from 1933 – 1945, eminent historian Sean J Savage articulated that Roosevelt remained a central figure in world events during the 20th Century, leading the United States through a time of world wide economic depression and war. In his first hundred days in office, which began March 4, 1933, Roosevelt spearheaded major legislation and issued a profusion of executive orders that instituted the New Deal; a variety of programs designed to induce relief like government jobs for the unemployed, recovery through economic growth and reform through regulation of Wall Street and major banks as stated by Professor John Simkin. Following the example of his fifth cousin, President Theodore Roosevelt, whom he greatly admired, Franklin D. Roosevelt entered public service through politics, but as a Democrat. The White House Presidential website provides a patriotic American insight based on primary sources that when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Roosevelt directed organization of the Nations manpower and resources for global war, feeling that the future peace of America relied upon relations between itself and Russia. Roosevelt devoted much thought to the planning of a United Nations, in which, he hoped, international difficulties could be settled. As the war drew to a close, Roosevelts health deteriorated, and on April 12, 1945, while at Warm Springs, Georgia, he died of a cerebral hemorrhage. Franklin Roosevelt is named as one of the most transcendent American Presidents in history due to his influence over the Democratic Party and the regimes it implemented. Roosevelt fought to change the Democratic Party and make it a united coalition through which America would thrive. The Democratic Party put together a formidable coalition whose main components were lower-income groups in the great cities; African-Americans, union members, and ethnic and religious minorities, many from recent immigrant groups, this coalition aimed to improve and bring American lives to great new consummate levels (Tennen, 2012). As Susan Dunn emphasizes in Roosevelts Purge; FDR was motivated not merely by personal pique and short-term legislative goals but by a vision of a refashioned party system, he worried that the Democratic Party would remain a chronically weak minority party unless it clearly distinguished itself as a liberal organization and improved its appeal among voters dissatisfied with republican policies. Peri E Arnold, American historian and college professor explains that in early 1937 Roosevelt surprised Congress with judicial reform and executive reorganization bills that he and his newly formed Democrats had assembled; by 1938 those bills, along with economic measures such as the New Deal, were treated indecisively by conservative Democrats. This Democratic Party and Roosevelt’s ideals helped ensure that effective relief efforts were introduced and would allow Roosevelt to help to play an integral part in WWII. Roosevelt’s involvement in the Great Depression and WWII was essential for these incidences to occur the way they did. The Great Depression in the United States began on October 29, 1929, a day known forever after as Black Tuesday, when the American stock market–which had been roaring steadily upward for almost a decade; crashed, plunging the country into its most severe economic downturn yet (University of Virginia, 2010). When Roosevelt was elected into presidency he promised that under his government he would act decisively to end the Depression. Once in office, FDR said yes to almost every plan put forward by advisors and congress said yes to almost ever program proposed b the President. Barbara Welke from the History Channel Website provides information on the programs Roosevelt initiated; one part of the whole program was to promote recovery, supply relief to the needy and furnish permanent reforms especially in banks and stock exchanges. WWII ended both the temporary New Deal programs and the Depression the Roosevelt government was attempting to cure but many facets of the New Deal have remained features of American life from the 1930’s until the present. Barbara Welke author and reporter stated that FDR spearheaded the successful wartime alliance between the Soviet Union, Britain and the US. And that he helped to lay the groundwork for the post-war peace organization that would become the United Nations. While many favor Roosevelt’s decision Republicans and several members of congress argue that he made some poor appointments such as never giving his quickly put together war administration real organization. Robert A Guisepi, an American correspondent believes that another way of understanding Roosevelt’s Depression fighting efforts is to analyze the New Deal Initiative. The Aim of the New Deal was essentially conservative and it sought to save capitalism and the fundamental institutions of American from the disaster of the Great Depression. The New Deal was a successful and positive economic and social advancement which Roosevelt played a pivotal role in initiating. Roosevelt made strenuous attempts to help those without work but as well as this also attempted to reduce the misery for those who were unable to work through funding. Deb Tennen, author of Society in FDR’S New Deal emphasizes the success of the temporary closure on all banks to halt the run on deposits; he formed a â€Å"Brain Trust† of economic advisors who designed the alphabet soup agencies. These agencies were created as part of the New Deal to combat the economic depression and prevent another stock market crash in the US and were established during Roosevelt’s first hundred days of office (Clifird Berryman Library of Congress 2007). Ronald Reigan 40th President of American and Republican Party leader stated upon reflection of FDR’s New Deal â€Å"With his alphabet soup of federal agencies, FDR in many ways set in motion the forces that later sought to create big government and bring a form of veiled socialism to America†¦.. He called for cutting federal spending by twenty-five percent, eliminating useless boards and commissions and returning to states and communities powers that had been wrongfully seized by the federal government†¦Ã¢â‚¬  By 1936 the economy showed signs of improvement. Gross national product was up 34 percent and unemployment had dropped from 25 percent to 14 percent (Berryman, 2007). Chris Trueman opposes this success stating that Roosevelt increased government spending, encouraged unbalanced budgets and attempted to advance America towards socialism. Chris Trueman; Author and historian enthusiast explains that those who criticize the New Deal claim that it never actually got rid of unemployment in America and that Roosevelts New Deal only had short term impact which lulled the unemployed into thinking that all their troubles were at an end. However The White House Presidential Website argues that, for many Americans in the 1930s, Roosevelt was the president who included in his policies the people who had felt excluded by politics once the Depression had taken its hold; now the excluded were the included. The New Deal Initiative was an economically and socially positive regime which would power the Democratic Party for the next thirty years. This regime along with other critical personal and strategic decisions, helped to confirm Franklin Roosevelt’s position as a favored and highly regarded President who continues to influence America today. Franklin Roosevelt and his administration ensured he maintained his influential status as one of America’s greatest President’s. Franklin Roosevelt tried to establish a close relationship with the American people. Roosevelt talked to the American people by radio to explain what actions were being taken and what he planned for the future; these radio broadcasts helped him gain widespread support for his programs. Suzanne Bilyeu iterates frequently in her report that Under Roosevelt the American federal government assumed new and powerful roles in the nation’s economy, in its corporate life and in the health, welfare and well-being of its citizens. The legislation he pushed through congress as part of his New Deal not only helped ease the Depression, it also formed the underpinnings of the modern welfare state. Bilyeu credits Roosevelt with rescuing capitalism and America’s way of life at a time when widespread economic misery made socialism and communism more appealing to many. Father Charles E Coughlin a radio priest from Detroit and critic of Roosevelt however, argues that he opened the door to a government that was too big, too powerful and too costly for taxpayers. The Great Man Theory that a powerful figure is only as commendable as the circumstances that surround him and the person that he is are precise of Franklin Roosevelt. He has remained an influential presidential figure from his election into government up until present day due to his battle and triumph through the Great Depression and World War II, his strong and independent reform decisions, ingenious public awareness campaigns and widespread communication, development of peace organizations, economic and social rehabilitation and New Deal programs. As a person Franklin Roosevelt was a decisive and wilful man, dedicated to the success and well being of his nation, he acted swiftly against pressing matters and resolved them with the utmost diligence.

Strategic Recommendation for Music Essay Example for Free

Strategic Recommendation for Music Essay The music industry is an interesting field to analyze. Hence, this paper presented the situations that existed within the business in year 2000. Based from the recommendation of the supposed Head of Strategy of a leading music label, Sony BMG, this paper stressed the need to adhere to the principle and practice of business partnership as what author Knopper presented in his book â€Å"Appetite for Self-Destruction. In doing so, the paper made the public realized the benefits of entering into industry deal such as the cited partnership between Sony BMG and Napster. Strategic Recommendation for Music in 2000 It is year 2000 and today’s Age of Digital Technology rapidly turns music and practically the entire recording industry into a world where file transfer, sharing, swapping and distribution service flourish. The music industry digitally transforms, particularly improves or modernizes technologically. In fact, the contemporary setting of music now turns away from the structure of compact disc or CD files. This is due to a free, easier and more accessible means of getting and receiving songs which the business now calls downloading. With such kind of industry evolution, it is empirical therefore not to fight the present system head on. The industry instead needs to adapt to the current working and effective framework. Hence, it is an essential strategy for major music labels or big recording companies to form partnerships with other fields. The said approach allows the existing and thriving downloading system works to the advantage and benefits of both the industry and its people. Such practical recommendation makes Music Company stronger and is able to survive whatever challenges that the future of the business holds. This is the reality of music today. The world now experiences the advent of a new and more demanding period hence the situation calls for a strategic recommendation and decision. As 2000 signals the start of the fresh 21st century, such kind of condition facing the music industry requires for aggressiveness and adaptability or flexibility in terms of finding ways to fit into the present-day situation. To be more specific, Sony-BMG is one of the leading music organizations where such recommendation will work. This is because of the company’s adherence to and upholding of its corporate responsibility. That is, Sony-BMG dedicates itself towards the continued development of the industry thus the need to consider the cited suggestion. With such business approach, the company needs to plan and undertake an agreement with concern field that is into or relative to the in-thing system of music downloading. In doing so, the new system of downloading, which the Digital Age introduces, serves its own interest while at the same time helps major music labels such as Sony-BMG and assists the music industry in general to preserve the business and continue serving its market. The cited condition signifies the principle and practices of business partnership and merging which Steve Knopper (2009) clearly and effectively exemplified in his book â€Å"Appetite for Self-Destruction: The Spectacular Crash of the Record Industry in the Digital Age. † Taking into consideration the pieces of information concerning the problems besetting the music industry, the book implies the need for major music labels such as Sony BMG to merge and form partnership. Such strategic recommendation prevents any untoward event in the business particularly the â€Å"self-destruction† of the industry, with all its companies, workforce and public (Knopper, 2009). What the book recommends? The author discussed in the book the abrupt growth and collapse of the recording business that happened in a span of thirty years. Decades prior to year 2000 witnessed the changing of music styles or genres and most importantly, the extraordinary achievement of the compact disc or CD. This happened as CDs previously created the recording industry into a stunning and prestigious business worldwide. Such is the condition until the emergence of the system of music downloading specifically the technology of file-sharing which significantly harmed the music industry (Knopper, 2009). To be able to undertake a sensible and efficient recommendation for leading recording companies like Sony BMG to consider, it is fundamental for Knopper to present the painful reality that happened to the industry prior to 2000. That is, after a successful transformation from long playing albums then to CDs, the industry was caught off-guard by the contemporary system of music downloading and eventually file-sharing (Knopper, 2009). Prior to 2000, the music industry is in its heyday due to the success of the CD business. With the technology advancement in 2000, the author noted with concern how big recording companies including Sony BMG failed to adapt to the Digital Age which started on 2000. Hence, leading music companies like Sony BMG rejected the advent and significant implications of the technology of file-sharing. The industry’s denial specifically the wrong and harmful decisions that people behind recording companies did allowed for the arrival and eventual supremacy of technological advancement like file-sharing. This is where the book discussed about Napster’s revolutionary style of music business. With the dominance in 2000 of the file-sharing technology, which is carried-out through downloading of songs from Napster and eventual copying and distribution through MP3 files, the CD business and entire industry succumbed to various debacles that included legal battles (Knopper, 2009). To address the existing problem concerning the new format which began in 2000, the book then hinted on the need for music companies to come together. The author signified that this requirement is achieved through merging and partnership within the industry. To support such recommendation, Knopper cited the scenario when there was a need for industry rivals Sony Music and BMG to become friends. The author wrote: One of the first things Andrew Lack did as head of Sony Music was something that his predecessor almost certainly would have never†¦a friendship with rival. Rolf Schmidt-Holtz was chairman of BMG, which not so long ago, had fought like a prize fighter against Sony and the other major labels†¦ (p. 205) While the book is a recent material, the solution that it has recommended is applicable to year 2000. Hence, the recommendation for music companies to enter into partnership with other companies and even with Napster itself is a rational solution that could have prevented the eventual destruction of the industry (Knopper 2009). Emergence of Napster University drop-out Shawn Fanning introduced into the web a music file-sharing service that eventually revolutionized the entire music industry. The birth of Napster enabled people especially music-lovers to download software, free of charge, and eventually transfer share, swap and distribute songs. A year after it began its operation, 2000 became a battle-laden year for Napster as it was engaged in several legal fights. These legal disputes included cases hurled by universities, music personalities like the rock band Metallica and of course, various music labels or recording companies for reported copyright infringement (â€Å"Napster’s High and Low Notes,† 2000). Napster’s online rule and into the music world became a success among down-loaders in 2000. Since it is the year when music was highlighted by raging rock, teen pop and hip-hop songs, Napster became an instant sensation especially among down-loaders. Far from the concert venues and recording studios, the noise brought about by the industry was heard happening inside court rooms where cases against Napster are heard. However, it is worthy to note that despite the legal obstacles, Napster gained its legality in 2000, continued with its business and even formed partnership with music companies in an effort to show support to the industry (O’Hare, 2000). Of merging and partnership Beyond the issues and controversies that transpired in the music industry in 2000, it is to be noted that it was in the same year that probable solutions to the problems were identified. O’Hare said that hours before Napster is to be shut down, The U. S. Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the company when it ordered the continued operation of the file-sharing on the Internet in 2000. The fight by major leading music labels such as Warner Brothers, Universal, EMI, BMG and Sony went naught as Napster shocked both the online and music industries when it was legalized (O’Hare, 2000). As Napster became a legal component of the music industry, it appeared that the online music service resorted to partnership in an apparent effort to the accepted as part of the recording industry. O’Hare wrote that in October of 2000, the then only one-year-old company and its teen-ager owner got into an agreement with BMG’s parent organization, the Bertelsmann (O’Hare, 2000). It turned out that the purpose for the $50 million partnership is to accord an assurance that the market of Napster are assured of music downloading through the company. But this time, the deal specified a fee for artists’ royalties to be paid by Napster users. It was unfortunate though that the deal did not materialize as the market itself of Napster opposed the agreement. Aside from this, Napster continued with its legal battles in the succeeding years. If only the partnership pushed through, it could have determined the feasibility and effectiveness of the principle and practice of merging and partnership within the recording industry and even among business rivals (O’Hare, 2000). Recommendation from Sony BMG Head of Strategy In order to understand better the above-mentioned conditions, principles and practices, it is valuable to apply such elements during the year 2000. Since it is the period when the industry witnessed various incidents, it is just essential to apply the presented facts on such phase of the music industry. This is because in doing so, strategic suggestion may be formulated and eventually carried-out hence ultimately addressed, if not resolve, the whole situation presented before the recording business. First, it is useful to take note that it is year 2000 and the setting is currently taking place wherein the situation indicates that the Napster, with the rapid improvement of its online file-sharing service, challenges the peak of the CD business. Thereafter, Napster’s market is growing while the previous achievement of CD sales is nearing its end. This is where I entered the picture as the head of strategy for Sony BMG. As such, I was tasked to recommend possible solutions to the present problem. Such function will be performed in a way that I have to create proposal in accordance to what Knopper presented in his book â€Å"Appetite for Self-Destruction. † Cause and Effect To start with, it is logical for my recommendation to identify first what caused the downfall of the supposed success of the CD business prior to this year. After careful evaluation of the surrounding circumstances, it is now clear that the plunge of CD sales was brought about by the failures within the industry itself. This means that the major music labels created among themselves their respective downfall. This is primarily because if their adamant denial of the arrival of a new or fresh form of music business such as the one introduced and being enjoyed by Napster. This factor aggravates the obvious damaging decisions currently being done by the people behind these recording companies. Aside from the refuting the existence of the Digital Age, the leading music companies and the industry itself fail to see both the threat and benefits of technological advancement. In effect, these grounds are now being slapped on the faces of industry people and the music field in general. This can be done by immediately acknowledging the challenge being presented by Napster but most importantly, the advantages that it can definitely offer. Considering the current situation, it is now logical to accept and realize that Napster, with its introduction and control of the technology of online file-sharing, is presently revolutionizing the manner music was circulated years before 2000. There is now a need to correct the mistake of denying the existence and progress of Napster. Hence, it is now necessary to recognize the enormous potentialities that the Digital Age has to offer particularly the technology of online file-sharing. It must be realized by the industry and its people that there is now an imminent danger that the CD technology and other music means before year 2000 are likely to become totally obsolete. This kind of cause and effect analysis will somehow help in eventually accepting that any business, the music industry for that matter, is vulnerable to challenges. At the same time, it is valuable to always consider that the music industry is experiencing its low as far as the CD technology is concern but is definitely on its high level as regards the technology of file-sharing. It is through this approach that the industry specifically the recording companies will have an easier time at accepting and eventually supporting Napster’s contribution. Proposed Partnership and Merging Considering the above-cited principles and eventualities, I now therefore strongly recommend the practice of partnership and merging among recording companies. The underlying principle for this suggestion is primarily based with what Knopper discussed in his book. In the said material, the author emphasized and made the public realized the need and the benefits of resorting to having deals or agreements within the business and among music labels. As one of the leading recording organizations, it will be a rational undertaking for Sony BMG to form partnership or merge with another company. In fact, it is also highly recommendable for Sony BMG to become a business partner of Napster. This is because the said recommendation will not only pave the way for the company’s survival in the business but most importantly, Sony BMG will become part of the revolutionary effort to make the industry stable and competitive. As the one in-charge of the strategy of the corporation, it is now my recommendation for Sony BMG to aggressively push through with such plan of merging or partnering with other recording companies. If not with the rest of major music labels, it is suggested that it will be best for Sony BMG to enter into a business agreement or deal with Napster. In doing so, not only will Sony BMG will be assured of continued existence but the company is sure to carry-on with its mandate to support and contribute to the evolution of the music industry. How the recommendation works? In any recommendation, a clear and effective formulation and implementation are necessary. This is primarily how the proposal works and succeeds. Hence for Sony BMG, it is fist required that the purposes or objectives of the partnership are clearly identified. From there, I, as the head of the company’s strategy component, recommend that for year 2000, it is suggested that the aims of the proposed partnership between Sony BMG and Napster are limited into two. Thus, it is recommended that Sony BMG partners with Napster in order to save the company from eventual downfall while at the same time contribute with the effort to revolutionize the industry and the manner of serving the music public. After the creation of the objectives, it is now time to suggest on ways on how to carry-out such plans. The initial proposal to merge or form partnership is in itself an effective implementation of the objectives. This is because there is definitely a need to perform the proposed objectives and this can only be done by being involve and being part of the undertakings of Napster. In fact, such attempt will be positively welcomed as it is evident also with Napster that there is a requirement to enter into joint business among the major music label. The initiative on the part of Sony BMG will then be taken as a positive effort thereby is expected to similarly yield beneficial implications. In the implementation stage, it is my recommendation to Sony BMG to be open and flexible with many possibilities. As presented by Knopper in his book, even Napster itself manifests remarkable openness entering into further ventures with other fields that are also into the digital technology. As Knopper wrote, Napster did not hesitate to form partnership with other companies beyond the music industry such as its partnership with Nokia and other leading digital businesses (Knopper, 2009). With such flexibility, it is lastly recommended that the partnership be done in such a way that both companies, Sony BMG and Napster, will benefit and continue with its respective business interests. Hence, the proposed partnership will be implemented in accordance with important elements such as objectives, manner of implementation, expected outcomes, time table and most importantly, the required success of the two companies as well as the benefits and contributions of the recommended partnership to the entire music industry. Conclusion Business recommendation is directly aimed at working to the advantage of the system and its people. If we are to look at the situation of the music industry in year 2000, it is empirically essential to adhere to and uphold what Knopper presented in his book. That is, partnership among recording companies and revolutionary organization such as Napster is indeed beneficial for the entire field. With year 2000 as the period of discussion, it is practical to formulate and implement suggestions based on the requirements of the said phase of the recording business. Hence, with the downfall of the CD business and the dominance of the online file-sharing technology, it is logical for leading music labels such as Sony BMG to deal a business with Napster. As such, my suggested partnership between Sony BMG and Napster is objectively in accordance to the book’s principle that, in fact, there is nothing wrong with joining businesses but that such effort eventually resolve any existing problem such as the plunge of the CD sales. It is for this reasons that Knopper’s book and my recommendation ultimately serve their respective purpose and essence towards the benefit of the music industry in year 2000. References Business Week Online. (2000, August 14). Napster’s High and Low Notes. Business Week. Retrieved April 28, 2009, from http://www. businessweek. com/2000/00_33/b3694003. htm Knopper, S. (2009). Appetite for Self-Destruction: The Spectacular Crash of the Record Industry in the Digital Age. New York: Free Press. O’Hare, K. (2000). The Year in Music. Retrieved April 28, 2009, from http://www. infoplease. com/spot/00music1. html

Nelson Mandelas Role In Fighting Apartheid Cultural Studies Essay

Nelson Mandelas Role In Fighting Apartheid Cultural Studies Essay Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918 to the Madiba Clan in Mvezo, Transkei (The Life and Times). He was born with the African name of Rolihlahla Mandela, but later received the Christian name of Nelson while attending primary school (The Life and Times). Mandela began a successful career at an early age when earning numerous degrees, becoming an active member of the African National Congress, and forming the ANC Youth League. During Mandelas early life, Apartheid, a movement that discriminated against blacks in South Africa, was strictly enforced. Nelson Mandela is a man remembered for his extreme efforts in fighting Apartheid and the leadership positions he took on in Africa. Nelson Mandela played a significant role in the Anti- Apartheid movement by forming the ANC Youth League, being imprisoned, and becoming President of South Africa. Nelson Mandela began his efforts in the Anti-Apartheid movement by joining the African National Congress in 1944. The African National Congress was formed as a black nationalist political party, but later banned by the South African government for their actions against apartheid. The ANCs main goal is to create a united, non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic society (Unwembi). As an active member of the African National Congress, Nelson Mandela was able to help the efforts made to gain equality for black in South Africa, including traveling to other countries and attending conference meetings. One branch under the ANC is called the African National Congress Youth League. Mandela formed the Youth League in 1944 in hopes of getting the youth of Africa to join the Anti-Apartheid movement (Mandela and South Africa). The ANC Youth League hosted many strikes and protest on the new apartheid laws put in place by the South African government. Nelson Mandela gave extraordinary effort toward the ANC and the Youth League, including his long imprisonment. Mandelas formation of the ANC Youth League created a way for the youth of Africa to not only contribute to the fight for racial equality during Apartheid, but still has impact on society today. The ANC Youth League currently has close to 400,000 members (Unwembi). One of the events that Mandela is most recognized and honored for is his imprisonment for twenty seven years on Robben Island. Mandela left South Africa in 1962 under the ANC to travel to other African countries and help spread the word of their movement and efforts (Vail 45). Mandela had an amazing experience on his trip and was successful in his goals of reaching the attention of other independent African countries. Mandela once said, Wherever I went, I was treated like a human being (Vail 48). When Mandela returned to Johannesburg in 1962, a native gave a tip to the African police, leading them to the capture of Mandela. Mandela was soon brought to trial, and charged with inciting strikes and leaving the country without valid travel documents (Vail 48). Mandela made the decision of conducting his own defense, considering his degree in law and as creator of South Africas first black law firm (Mandela and South Africa). Mandela was found guilty on both charges and was served ten yea rs of hard labor. During Apartheid, the African government banned the ANC from its constant protesting against the government and the new laws. The African police then received an anonymous tip that the African National Congress was located on the Rivonia farm. Several leaders were arrested, including Mandela. The arrested group members of the ANC all attended trial in 1963, and each were found guilty of, attempting violently to overthrow the government (Vail 50). As a result of the trial, Mandela was sentenced to life in prison under maximum security at Robben Island. Mandelas arrest caused panic and loss of hope for current Africans in search of racial equality. It made the cause even more significant and personal for those fighting Apartheid with Mandela. The Robben Island prisoners lived in harsh conditions, which Mandela experienced for twenty seven years of his life. Mandela was placed in a seven foot square where he had a mat and a few other items to survive from. The guards of the prison constantly taunted Mandela and made statements such as, Youre going to die here (Vail 53). Mandela was awakened at five in the morning every day for a cold shower and tasteless food. His family visits were limited, leaving his wife Winnie Mandela in a state of shock and confusion. Mandela never used his position or popularity to gain an advantage in the prison, but was treated fairly with the other prisoners, a great example for Mandelas views on equality. While Mandela was in prison, his whole family was affected and changed. Winnie was later arrested under the new Terrorism Act, which gave police authority to arrest anyone suspected of committing or even inspiring actions that endangered law and order (Vail 55). Winnie was eventually set free and became known as the Mother of the Country. With efforts and uprisings of the African natives, the white government was almost overthrown, giving back rights and equality to the blacks. Some agreed that the only way South Afr ica would positively be affected would be if imprisoned African National Congress leaders were set free from prison. Mandela was set free in 1990 and soon became the most influential South African leader, including the title of President of South Africa. After Mandelas release he continued to fight for the ANC and equality within South Africa. One accomplishment made in 1991 by Mandela was his signing to the National Peace Accord, pledging to put a stop to violence and paving the way for a transition from Apartheid (Mandela and Apartheid). In 1993, Mandela is awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize. Nelson Mandela gained the trust and popularity of South African natives, earning him sixty two percent of the votes for ANC in the 1994 election, leading to his presidency (Mandela and Apartheid). Mandela put an end to the apartheid laws put in place by the previous African government. Mandelas wife Winnie also supported and helped the ANC during the Anti-Apartheid movement. Winnie was arrested several times under the ANC, banned, and frowned upon by the government during the years of Mandelas imprisonment. Mandela included Winnie in his presidency when concerning the people and ANC efforts. Not only did Mandela help fight for equality and dem ocracy to in South Africa by fighting Apartheid, but also as president, he brought attention to AIDS when his eldest son died from the disease. AIDS was not recognized at the time and many refused to believe that one could die from this disease. Now AIDS is most commonly found in South Africa and other surrounding areas and efforts are made to help the people protect themselves from getting AIDS. Mandela had a popular and successful presidency, but 1999 he resigned. After his presidency, Mandela continued to make beneficial contributions to Africa. He formed the Nelson Mandela Childrens Fund, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and the Mandela-Rhodes Foundation (The Life and Times). Nelson Mandela made many achievements in his lifetime. His leadership in South Africa took on a significant role in helping create equality for South Africans. Mandela is recognized today with websites, memorials, and he even earned his own day known as Mandela Day. Mandela is currently ninety four, and still asks the generations ahead to fight for social justice (The Life and Times). Mandela is an epitome of a hero for South Africans and played a major role in creating democracy and equal rights for blacks. Mandela is honored for his fight against apartheid, including forming the ANC Youth League, being imprisoned for twenty seven years, and becoming president of South Africa.

Earthquakes Essay -- Natural Science

Earthquakes Throughout history, man has made many advancements. These advancements have been made to make life easier. The one thing man can't do is to control Mother Nature. Mother Nature can cause many things such as earthquakes. The causes of earthquakes have been theorized in many ways. According to the book Predicting Earthquakes by Gregory Vogt, the Greeks, "blamed the earthquakes on Poseidon, god of the sea"(25). The Hindu believed that "the earth was a platform that rested on the back of eight great elephants. When one of the elephants grew weary, it lowered and shook its head causing the ground above to tremble"(Vogt 25). Margaret Poynter writes "many primitive people thought that the earth rested upon the back of some sort of animal. When that animal became restless, great cracks appeared in the ground, and tall trees swayed and fell. In South America, the animal was a whale. In Japan, it was a great black spider or giant catfish. One ancient tribe thought that four bulls supported the earth on their horns. To amuse themselves, they sometimes tossed it from one to another"(6). In the same book, Poynter says "The Chinese believed that monsters lived in the caves inside the earth. When the creatures fought, the surface of the earth trembled (6)." "In Greece, it was not an animal, but a titan named Atlas who was condemned to support the world upon his shoulders. Later, about the third century B.C., a Greek philosopher, Aristotle, had a more scientific explanation. He thought that earthquakes occurred only when hot air masses tried to escape from the center of the earth. Two centuries later, Lucretius, a Roman, wrote that underground landslides caused the earth's surface to move"(Poynter 7).2 Today, scientists have found a more logical reason to earthquakes. Scientists say almost 600 million years ago, all the continents were connected to form a huge super continent called Pangaea. At about 220 million years ago, Pangaea began to break up into sub-blocks. According to the book Volcanoes, Earthquakes, and the Formation of Continents, these sub-blocks were called "Gondwana (which corresponds approximately to the continents of the present southern hemisphere) and Laurasia (the northern hemisphere)" (Kohler 15). According to Pierre Kohler, "The earth's surface is divided into 13 plates: seven large ones (the largest corresponding to the Pa... ...te long-term predictions of where earthquakes will occur. They know, for example, that about 80 percent of the world's major earthquakes happen along a belt encircling the Pacific Ocean. This belt is sometimes called the Ring of Fire because it has many volcanoes, earthquakes, and other geologic activity" (Earthquakes; Karen C. McNally 38). WORKS CITED Aylesworth, Thomas G. Geological Disasters "Franklin Watts" 1979: 14-15. The New Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia "Grolier Electronic Publishing Inc." 1993: No Johnson, Thomas P. When Nature Runs Wild "Creative Education Press" 1986: 12-14. Kohler, Pierre Volcanoes Earthquakes and the Formation of Continents "Barron's Educational Series, Inc." 1987: 14-22. Marcus, Rebecca B. The First Book of Volcanoes & Earthquakes "Franklin Watts, Inc." 1972: 62-64. Poynter, Margaret Earthquakes "Enslow Publishers, Inc." 1990: 6-7. Putnam, William C. Geology "Oxford University Press" 1964: 439-450. Vogt, Gregory Predicting Earthquakes "Franklin Watts" 1989: 24-25. Walker, Bryce Earthquakes "Time Life Books" 1982: 94-100. Karen C. McNally Earthquakes World Book Encyclopedia "World Book Inc." 1994: 38-39.

Discontent in Great Expectations :: Free Great Expectations Essays

Discontent in Great Expectations Many people strive for things that are out of their reach. In the novel Great Expectations, Charles Dickens shows the themes of personal ambition and discontent with present conditions. The main character, Pip, shows early on in the story that he is unhappy with his current situation. Throughout the story he strives for the things that are beyond his reach, and is apathetic to the things that he can obtain. Pip demonstrates this by striving for Estella when he could have Biddy, and yearning to be a gentleman when he could be a blacksmith. The first way that Pip demonstrates these themes is by reaching for things that are unattainable to him. For example, Pip is in love with Estella, but he can't have her because she doesn't like him. Also Miss Havisham's man-hating ways have brushed off on her, and she wants nothing to do with Pip. Another thing that Pip strives for is to become a gentleman. He cannot become a gentleman, however, because he is just a commoner. He is very smitten, for example, with "the beautiful young lady at Miss Havisham's and she is more beautiful than anybody ever was and I admire her dreadfully and I want to be a gentleman on her account" (780). Thus, Pip wants to become a gentleman only for Estella. Another way that Pip shows his discontent with his present life is by not wanting to be a blacksmith when it would be very practical for him. Pip's brother-in-law is a blacksmith which would make it easy for him to learn the trade. Also, Miss Havisham agreed to pay for his apprenticeship, yet Pip insists that he is better than that and is upset by that fact that he is just a commoner. He states his dissatisfaction" with my home, my trade and with everything" (773). Pip also turns away Biddy when she is something that is obtainable to him. Biddy is somebody in the story that really loves Pip, yet he turns her away and uses her to get what he wants. Pip also gives the impression that he is better than Biddy when he is no less a commoner than she is.

Rolling Stones Essays -- Music

To a college student, or even to a professor, putting a time frame for the Rolling Stones is a task which requires envisioning a world before every memory one has ever made. â€Å"Timeless† would be an appropriate adjective, but â€Å"the 1950s† serves just as well. The band did not start as its line-up consists of today. Hardly, if any, bands have ever started like that. The Rolling Stones started as a small teen band named, â€Å"Little Boy Blue and the Blue Boys†, with Mick Jagger singing and Keith Richards playing guitar. The music they played was all covers; they played songs which came from the musicians which they enjoyed. At this time, there were not any new movements arising which were primarily British. In this post-World War II era, the biggest new genres emerging were jazz, country/western, and R&B (rhythm and bass). With these being primarily American genres, many adults in Britain did not want their children listening to this unfamiliar new music. H owever, the Rolling Stones were always a group attracted to the idea of rebellion. Such influential figures were Buddy Holly, Muddy Waters, and St.-Louis native Chuck Berry. One thing the Rolling Stones were always known for, their stage act, started in 1962. As â€Å"Little Boy Blue and the Blue Boys† became â€Å"The Rollin’ Stones†, Mick Jagger, the front man of the group, slowly gained confidence. Stephen Davis in his 40-year span of the Rolling Stones entitled, â€Å"Old gods almost dead. The 40-Year Odyssey of the Rolling Stones†, describes Mick’s act as: â€Å"tossing his hair, rolling his eyes, dipping his shoulders, suggestive hand gestures, tight little spins, acting out the risquà © lyrics with is eyes and especially his lips† (Davis 24). Eventually the shows in packed 400-person clubs would end ... ...off for years. First Jagger disproved of Richards’ drug use in the 70s. Then in the 80s Richards disproved of Jagger’s leadership. Ever since the early 90s it has been strictly business-work between the two, until finally 2004, when they worked on their latest album, A Bigger Bang. Richards explains, â€Å"We were tight together, good some good stuff working. There was less of the moodiness†¦I mean, if you work with a guy for forty-odd years, it’s not all going to be plain sailing, is it? You’ve got to go through the [tough times]; it’s like a marriage† (Richards 536). The two have shared a similar love of music since the age of 8, and now, both in their late 60s, the two return to this love of music to move past the wounds formed 3 decades ago. This power of music, above all else, proves that what this band stands for spans more than just 4 decades- it is timeless.

Linear Regression

Scatter Plots Linear regression Is a crucial tool In Identifying and defining key elements influencing data. Essentially, the researcher is using past data to predict future direction. Regression allows you to dissect and further investigate how certain variables affect your potential output. Once data has been received this information can be used to help predict future results. Regression is a form of forecasting that determines the value of an element on a particular situation. Linear regression allows us to create formulas to define the effects of a variable.Data analysis Is an Important concept In Improving business results. There Is no reason why we would not use the data to help forecast for the future. The information is available and reliable and will explain the breakdown of the entire business process. Break Even Calculations Break-even calculations are used to denote a firm's capital structure, to the extent to which fixed Income securities, debt and preferred stock, are used. The operating leverage can be depicted by graphs to demonstrate relevant probability distributions.Break even points are determined by the quantity measurement of operating income (BIT) being equal to zero, which applies that sales revenues are equal to costs. Break-even analysis, from an operational perspective focuses on the choice of processes, which Implies that the two processes have equal costs for a specific level of volume, referred to as the break-even point. To determine how much volume of business a company must do to break-even can be stated in either monetary units or product unit.The linear model that is utilized to conceptualize the processes denotes that the selling price per unit is constant. In other words the banks fixed costs are the predetermined Interest rates, which Is what the banks financial business depends upon. The variable costs remain constant, which refers to costs for labor. Fixed costs remain constant, which are the operation costs that do not change, such as facility operation costs, insurance and taxes on the facility, senior management salaries, and other overhead expenses.How Does this affect our business? If we go back to the topics we discussed during week two, our business, Diamond Banking, was Interested In the correlation between customer account balances and the number of ATM transactions occurring. Business executives for the company should be interested in using both Linear regression models and break even calculations to determine deferent aspects of the business model. We want to use linear regression to compare past data and net profit with current usage and profits gained.As with every business, we want to make sure that the amount of money we put into operating and servicing the Tam's does not amount to more than the profit we receive from consumers using them. This is where break even calculations would be useful. There are many more examples that we could use in our business practices, both everyday use s, and for yearly comparisons. Graphs, charts and equations models are essential in monitoring and understanding past business successes and failures, and must be used both in current and future annihilation of the business model. Linear Regression Introduction – DescriptionLinear regression is a basic linear approach used for predictive analysis. It is used to model the relationship between one dependant variable y and one or more independent variable denoted X. It is used to examine two things which are: Whether a set of predictor variables can predict an outcome (dependant) variable. To identify which variables are significant predictors of the outcome variable and how they impact the outcome variable. Simple linear regression is used to examine the relationship between a quantitative outcome (dependant) and a single explanatory (independent) variable. The formula is given by y=?_0+?_1 x+? Where y = estimated dependent, response, outcome variable score, ?_0 = constant, and it estimates the y intercept ?_1 = regression coefficient, and it estimates the slope x= score on the independent, predictor, or explanatory variable. ?= is the unexplained, random, or error component. We can get the values of x and y from a sample and the parameters ?_0 and ?_1 are estimated by using the method of least squares or another method. The resulting estimate of the model is given by y ?=b_0+b_1 xThe symbol y ? – pronounced y hat – refers to the predicted values of the outcome variable y that are associated with values ofx, given the linear model. Since linear regression models depend linearly on their unknown parameters they are easier to fit than models which are not linearly related to their parameters.Given n observations pairs (x_1,y_1),(x_2,y_2 ),†¦,(x_n,y_n), the predicted response on the ith observation is given by y ?_i=b_0+b_1 x_iAnd the random error component will be given by?_i=y_i-y ?_iA line that fits the data â€Å"best† will be one for which the random errors are as small as possible in some overall sense and this is achieved through least squares. The method of least squares chooses the values forb_0, and b_1 to minimize the sum of squared errors.The Sum of Squares Errors (SSE) is given by the following formulaSSE=?_(i=1)^n(y_i-y ?_i)?^2=?_(i=1)^n(y-b_0-b_1 x)?^2 ?The SSE should be kept as minimal as possible in order to get the line of best fit. If the blue line is a regression line (line of best fit) the observations marked in red are assumed to have come as a result of random deviations – marked in green – from the underlying relationship between the response variable (y) and the predictor variable (x). Source: Wikipedia The regression parameters that give minimum error variance are: b_1=(xy-nx ?y ? ?)/(x^2-nx ?^2 ?) and b_0=y ?-b_1 x ?Where,x ?=1/n ?_(i=1)^n?x_i y ?=1/n ?_(i=1)^n?y_i xy=?_(i=1)^n?x_i y_ix^2 =?_(i=1)^nx_i?^2 History of Simple Linear Regression Models Regression through the use of method of least squares was first published by Adrien-Marie Legendre in 1805 in his paper â€Å"New Methods for Determination of the Orbits of Comets†. In 1809 another mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss published method of least squares in his treatise, â€Å"Theory of the Motion of the Heavenly Bodies Moving About the Sun in Conic Sections,† even though Gauss claimed to have discovered it before Legendre. Both mathematicians used least squares in astronomical observations, to determine the orbits of comets and other planets about the Sun and also relative to the earth. They used the method of least squares to predict the position of comets, based on measurements of the comets' previous position. Gauss published a development of the least squares which included the Gauss Markov theorem. The first person to use the term â€Å"regression† was Francis Galton in the 1870s. He used regression to explain a biological phenomenon how â€Å"co-related† trees were to their parents. His findings were published in his 1886 paper Regression Towards Mediocrity in Hereditary Stature. Karl Pearson, Galton's colleague was the first to link regression with the method of least squares. He discovered that if you plotted the height of parents on the x-axis and their children on the y-axis, resulted in a line of best fit with a slope less than one when using least squares. R. A. Fisher a twentieth century mathematician combined the methods of Gauss and Pearson to develop regression methods as we know it today. Through Fisher's work, regression analysis is no longer limited to prediction and understanding correlations, but also used to determine the relationship between a factor and an outcome. Over the years regression has developed and it now includes logistic regression, non-parametric regression, Bayesian regression and regression that incorporates regularisation. Regression was used for manageable data sets but through technology and computerisation regression can be done on a large data set in less than a second. Uses of Simple Linear Regression ModelSimple linear regression is a model that can determine the relationship between two variables and how one can impact the other. Once the relationship has been determine and its strength verified a simple linear regression can be used to forecast the dependant variable when an independent variable changes. It can be used to predict trends and future values of a phenomenon. The uses of simple linear regression do overlap in practice. Simple linear regression is used across many fields of study and economy, these include – but not limited to – the following: In business and economics it can be used to determine the effect of marketing and pricing on the sales of a product. It can also be used to predict the consumer behaviour in relation to some changes in the different variables. In car sales industry it can be used to predict the car selling price given the odometer reading for used cars. In agriculture it can be used to predict the yield of crop against the amount of rainfall received in a particular season. In Crime Data Mining it can used predict the crime rate of a provinces based on drug usage, human trafficking, etc. Sports journalist and analysts also use regression to predict future results.These are the few applications where simple linear regression can be used but the list is endless. Generally it can be used to simplify, explain and predict many aspects in life. Linear Regression Simple linear regression is the statistic method used to make summary of and provide the association between variables that are continues and quantitative ,basically it deals with two measures that describes how strong the linear relationship we can compute in data .Simple linear regression consist of one variable known as the predictor variable and the other variable denote y known as response variable . It is expected that when we talk of simple linear regression to touch on deterministic relationship and statistical relationship, the concept of least mean square .the interpretation of the b0 and b1 that they are used to interpret the estimate regression . There is also what is known as the population regression line and the estimate regression line .This linearity is measured using the correlation coefficient (r), that can be -1,0,1. The strength of the association is determined from the value of r .( https://onlinecourses.science.psu.edu/stat501/node/250). History of simple linear regression Karl Pearson established a demanding treatment of Applied statistical measure known as Pearson Product Moment Correlation .This come from the thought of Sir Francis Galton ,who had the idea of the modern notions of correlation and regression ,Sir Galton contributed in science of Biology ,psychology and Applied statistics . It was seen that Sir Galton is fascinated with genetics and heredity provided the initial inspiration that led to regression and Pearson Product Moment Correlation .The thought that encouraged the advance of the Pearson Product Moment Correlation began with vexing problem of heredity to understand how closely features of generation of living things exhibited in the next generation. Sir Galton took the approach of using the sweet pea to check the characteristic similarities. ( Bravais, A. (1846). The use of sweet pea was motivated by the fact that it is self- fertilize ,daughter plants shows differences in genetics from mother with-out the use of the second parent that will lead to statistical problem of assessing the genetic combination for both parents .The first insight came about regression came from two dimensional diagram plotting the size independent being the mother peas and the dependent being the daughter peas. He used this representation of data to show what statisticians call it regression today ,from his plot he realised that the median weight of daughter seeds from a particular size of mother seed approximately described a straight line with positive slope less than 1. â€Å"Thus he naturally reached a straight regression line ,and the constant variability for all arrays of character for a given character of second .It was ,perhaps best for the progress of the correlational calculus that this simple special case should promulgated first. It so simply grabbed by the beginner (Pearson 1930,p.5). Then it was later generalised to more complex way that is called the multiple regression. Galton, F. (1894),Importance of linear regressionStatistics usually uses the term linear regression in interpretation of data association of a particular survey, research and experiment. The linear relationship is used in modelling .The modelling of one explanatory variable x and response variable y will require the use of simple linear regression approach .The simple linear regression is said to be broadly useful in methodology and the practical application. This method on simple linear regression model is not used in statistics only but it is applied in many biological, social science and environmental research. The simple linear regression is worth importance because it gives indication of what is to be expected, mostly in monitoring and amendable purposes involved on some disciplines(April 20, 2011 , plaza ,).Description of linear regression The simple linear regression model is described by Y=(?0 + ?1 +E), this is the mathematical way of showing the simple linear regression with labelled x and y .This equation gives us a clear idea on how x is associated to y, there is also an error term shown by E. The term E is used to justification for inconsistency in y, that we can be able to detect it by the use of linear regression to give us the amount of association of the two variables x and y .Then we have the parameters that are use to represent the population (?0 + ?1x) .We then have the model given by E(y)= (?0 + ?1x), the ?0 being the intercept and ?1 being the slope of y ,the mean of y at the x values is E(y) . The hypothesis is assumed is we assume that there is a linear association between the two variables ,that being our H0 and H1 we assume that there is no linear relationship between H0 and H1. Background of simple linear regression Galton used descriptive statistics in order for him to be able to generalise his work of different heredity problems .The needed opportunity to conclude the process of analysing these data, he realised that if the degree of association between variables was held constant,then the slope of the regression line could be described if variability of the two measure were known . Galton assumed he estimated a single heredity constant that was generalised to multiple inherited characteristics . He was wondering why, if such a constant existed ,the observed slopes in the plot of parent child varied too much over these characteristics .He realise variation in variability amongst the generations, he attained at the idea that the variation in regression slope he obtained were solely due to variation in variability between the various set of measurements . In resent terms ,the principal this principal can be illustrated by assuming a constant correlation coefficient but varying the standard deviations of the two variables involved . On his plot he found out that the correlation in each data set. He then observe three data sets ,on data set one he realised that the standard deviation of Y is the same as that of X , on data set two standard deviation of Y is less than that of X ,third data set standard deviation of Y is great than that of X . The correlation remain constant for three sets of data even though the slope of the line changes as an outcome of the differences in variability between the two variables.The rudimentary regression equation y=r(Sy / Sx)x to describe the relationship between his paired variables .He the used an estimated value of r , because he had no knowledge of calculating it The (Sy /Sx) expression was a correction factor that helped to adjust the slope according to the variability of measures .He also realised that the ratio of variability of the two measures was the key factor in determining the slope of the regression line . The uses of simple linear regression Straight relapse is a typical Statistical Data Analysis strategy. It is utilized to decide the degree to which there is a direct connection between a needy variable and at least one free factors. There are two sorts of straight relapse, basic direct relapse and different straight relapse. In straightforward direct relapse a solitary autonomous variable is utilized to anticipate the estimation of a needy variable. In numerous straight relapse at least two free factors are utilized to anticipate the estimation of a needy variable. The contrast between the two is the quantity of free factors. In the two cases there is just a solitary ward variable The needy variable must be estimated on a nonstop estimation scale (e.g. 0-100 test score) and the free variable(s) can be estimated on either an all out (e.g. male versus female) or consistent estimation scale. There are a few different suppositions that the information must full fill keeping in mind the end goal to meet all requirements for straight relapse. Basic straight relapse is like connection in that the reason for existing is to gauge to what degree there is a direct connection between two factors. The real contrast between the two is that relationship sees no difference amongst autonomous and subordinate factors while direct relapse does. Specifically, the reason for direct relapse is to â€Å"anticipate† the estimation of the reliant variable in light of the estimations of at least one free factors. When you procure me to do the measurable investigation for your exposition, I ensure that I will utilize the fitting factual tests for your thesis comes about section. I can perform basically any standard measurable examination (utilizing SPSS) and I give on ¬ going factual help to guarantee that you completely see the greater part of the measurements that I regression.

Georges Trains A Conservative Approach

It will recommend areas of improvement to endure success. Lastly, this paper revised conclusion on the overall capital budgeting analysis Of George's Trains. Key words: working capital, investing conservatively, pitfalls Working Capital Practices of George's Trains George's of George's Trains started his business as a conservative investor. He understood and applied this practice properly; as a low-risk, low-return strategy. As an investor, George understood the two definitions by which to invest conservatively.First, a conservative investment is one that carries the greatest likelihood of preserving the purchasing power of one's capital with the least amount of risk. Second, George knew what a conservative investment was, and then followed the course of action needed to properly determine whether particular investments are indeed conservative investments (Gad, 2014). George did not have the background as an entrepreneur so he needed to have a safety factor to be able to weather mark et storms better than his competitors is.With this, he needs to have a low cost of production (Gad, 2014). When a bad year hits George's Trains, the chance of still churning out a profit or reporting a smaller net loss is achievable. A company that cannot compete by staying abreast of market hanged and trends is doomed in the end. George realized this and moved to expanding his product line outside of a one-man band – trains! Finally, management should possess financial skill (Gad, 2014). George relied on his bank and trending past years as well as utilizing the books from the previous owner.In doing this, George is able to maximize his return on investment capital, and other important components of business success (Gad, 2014). Beware Of Potential Pitfalls George realizes that model trains are seasonal. With that in mind, George orders inventory based on demand and utilizes past reports on trends. When business is slow, he decreases his inventory so he is not tying up his ca pital. When he sells an item, he makes sure that the replacement is ordered before the shelf is empty. This ensure maximum cash flow in his business.Managing working capital is the operational side of budgeting. When businesses put a budget together, they anticipate future cash flow and the timing of that cash flow. This planning is critical, especially in small businesses and practices (Kelly, 2014). Another pitfall that George realized was â€Å"The people Factor† (Moody, 2014). He realized that in order to be successful he added to cultivate his loyal customer's that used to come to his home business, as well as building a broader base.

“Mean Girls” and its sociological structure Essay

Sociology is everywhere we look, it is everything we are, and can be describe with everything we do. Mean girls is a very popular movie in today’s society. It seems as though people of all gender, sex, age, race, ethnicity, and class has seen this movie and can relate to some aspect of it. Mean girls portrays the rough life of high school and the many cliques it has in place. It shows the many challenges students and teachers go through to get to the end of the year. In this movie I have seen many sociological themes. Many people in today’s society go through challenging things in our lives and high school is a teenager’s worse one. From discrimination to power, property, and prestige this movies depicts it all. As portrayed in (fundamentalsofsoc) the popular girls also known as the â€Å"plastics† control the school in which they accompany. They control it by have good looks, money, Popularity, and power. They receive all the material items wanted because their parents can afford it; with the exception of Cady. Originally there are three â€Å"plastics†: Regina George which is the leader of the group. Gretchen Wieners, and Karen Smith. Cady, a transfer student from Africa get the special and rare request to join their clique. There is a sub- click that Cady is a part of and that includes Janis Ian and Damian. Everyone in the school wants to be Regina George, so they copy everything she does. After Cady and Regina go for the same guy Cady wants to ruin the plastics because she and Janis which was out casted by Regina feel like the school would be better off without the hierarchy and social control that Regina creates. The movie starts off with a stereotype. Stereotype defined as â€Å"a widely held but fixed and over simplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing.† Cady sits down at the â€Å"Plastics† table after being peer- pressured into joining them during lunch and she gets questioned because the popular girls know everybody in the school and they had not seen her before. This is an example of social interaction. Cady mentions that she just transferred here from Africa. Gretchen Wieners goes about saying â€Å"If you’re from Africa then why you are white.† This shows the  stereotype of Americans believing that all people that live in Africa are African American. This also happens with other cultures as well. They lay out a map of the cafeteria and who sits where and we see then that people are characterized in specific cliques such as: JV jocks, Asian nerds, and black hot ties and many other cliques’ people are set to be in. We also see t hat Cady’s culture is different from the common high school teenager. Cady does not partake in common teenage girl practices, she does not wear makeup, or dress provocative. Regina, Gretchen, and Karen have rich parents. They use their wealth as power against everyone they know. Since they have everything there is a lot of jealousy in the air, also Gretchen ‘uses her wealth against the principle. When she is called into the office because of a burn book incident she says† I don’t think my father, the inventor of toaster strudel, would be too happy to hear about this.† She believes that her parent’s wealth will get her out of trouble which it does not. Regina she uses her property as her power. She as the biggest house, the biggest room and the nicest car. Showing off her property gives her power. When Cady and Janis try to ruin the plastics; shows the revolt against the governing body is seen a lot in other cultures. In a natural society there are always people that oppose the government and try to â€Å"Bring it down.† In the middle of the movie Cady has a role conflict. She was supposed to go to Maddison with her parents, but her friends wanted her to do other stuff that night as well. She had to choose the role in which she wanted to partake in. She choose the role of a teenager. She threw a party. In the end Cady and Regina are both hated by the school and the â€Å"plastics† is no longer a governing body. The â€Å"Plastics† join other school clicks and everyone seems to be at peace until a new generation of plastics appear. It made a point that although one change occurred. That does not mean future generations will change. A change cannot occur over a generation unless there are people to pass the knowledge down the line. Which is why we store cultural knowledge in books, films and media sources. Mean girls shows many sociological themes through the entire movie which all involved social interaction and the biggest idea of the movie: social class. Works cited Fundamentalsofsoc.edublogs.org/†¦/media-representation-of-mean-girls/ Dictionary.reference.com/browse/definition