Biography of Johannes Kepler, Pioneering Astronomer

Biography of Johannes Kepler, Pioneering Astronomer Johannes Kepler (December 27, 1571–November 15, 1630) was a pioneering German astronomer, inventor, astrologer, and mathematician who is best known for the three laws of planetary motion now named for him. In addition, his experiments in the field of optics were instrumental in revolutionizing eyeglass and other lens-related technologies. Thanks to his innovative discoveries combined with his original and accurate methodology for recording and analyzing his own data as well as that of his contemporaries, Kepler is considered one of the most significant contributing minds of the 17th-century scientific revolution. Johannes Kepler Known For: Kepler was an inventor, astronomer, and mathematician who served as a central figure in the 17th-century scientific revolution.Born: December 27, 1571 in Weil, Swabia, Germany  Parents: Heinrich and Katharina Guldenmann KeplerDied: November 15, 1630 in Regensburg, Bavaria, GermanyEducation: Tà ¼binger Stift, Eberhard Karls University of Tà ¼bingenPublished Works:  Mysterium Cosmographicum (The Sacred Mystery of the Cosmos), Astronomiae Pars Optica  (The Optical Part of Astronomy), Astronomia Nova  (New Astronomy), Dissertatio cum Nuncio Sidereo  (Conversation with the Starry Messenger) Epitome Astronomiae Copernicanae  (Epitome of Copernican Astronomy), Harmonices Mundi (Harmony of the Worlds)Spouse(s): Barbara Mà ¼eller, Susan ReuttingerChildren: 11Notable Quote: â€Å"I much prefer the sharpest criticism of a single intelligent man to the thoughtless approval of the masses.† Early Life, Education, and Influences Johannes Kepler was born on December 27, 1571, in Weil der Stadt, Wà ¼rttemburg, in the Holy Roman Empire. His family, once prominent, was relatively poor by the time he was born. Keplers paternal grandfather Sebald Kepler, a respected craftsman, had served as mayor of the city. His maternal grandfather, innkeeper Melchior Guldenmann, was mayor of the nearby village Eltingen. Keplers mother Katharina was an herbalist who helped run the family hostelry. His father Heinrich served as a mercenary soldier. Keplers gift for mathematics and interest in the stars became evident at an early age. He was a sickly child, and while he survived a bout of smallpox, he was left with weak vision and damage to his hands. His poor eyesight did not hinder his studies, however. In 1576, Kepler began attending the Latin school in Leonberg. He witnessed both the passing of The Great Comet of 1577 and a lunar eclipse in the same year, which were thought to have been inspirational in his later studies. In 1584, he enrolled at the Protestant seminary at Adelberg, with the goal of becoming a minister. In 1589, after obtaining a scholarship, he matriculated to the Protestant University of Tà ¼bingen. In addition to his theological studies, Kepler read widely. While at university, he learned of the astronomer Copernicus and became a devotee of his system. Career, Religion, and Marriage After graduation, Kepler obtained a position teaching mathematics in Graz, Austria, at the Protestant seminary. He was also appointed district mathematician and calendar maker. It was in Graz that he penned his defense of the Copernican system Mysterium Cosmographicum in 1597. Kepler married a wealthy 23-year-old twice-widowed heiress named Barbara Mà ¼eller that same year. Kepler and his wife began their family but their first two children died in infancy. As a Lutheran, Kepler followed the Augsburg Confession. However, he did not accept the presence of Jesus Christ in the sacrament of Holy Communion and refused to sign the Formula of Accord. As a result, Kepler was exiled from the Lutheran Church (his subsequent refusal to convert to Catholicism left him at odds with both sides when the Thirty Years War broke out in 1618) and was obliged to leave Graz. In 1600, Kepler moved to Prague, where he had been hired by Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe- who held the title of Imperial Mathematician to Emperor Rudolph II. Brahe tasked Kepler with analyzing planetary observations and writing arguments to refute Brahes rivals. Analysis of Brahes data showed that the orbit of Mars was an ellipse rather than the perfect circle that was always held to be ideal. When Brahe died in 1601, Kepler took over Brahes title and position. In 1602, Keplers daughter Susanna was born, followed by sons Friedrich in 1604 and Ludwig in 1607. In 1609, Kepler published Astronomia Nova, which contained the two laws of planetary motion that now bear his name. The book also detailed the scientific methodology and thought processes hed used to arrive at his conclusions. It is the first published account wherein a scientist documents how he has coped with the multitude of imperfect data to forge a theory of surpassing accuracy, he wrote. Mid-Career, Remarriage, and War When Emperor Rudolph abdicated to his brother Matthias in 1611, Keplers position became increasingly precarious due to his religious and political beliefs. Keplers wife Barbara came down with Hungarian spotted fever that same year. Both Barbara and Keplers son Friedrich (whod contracted smallpox) succumbed to their illnesses in 1612. After their deaths, Kepler accepted a position as district mathematician for the city of Linz (a post he retained until 1626) and was remarried in 1613 to Susan Reuttinger. His second marriage was reported to be happier than his first, although three of the couples six children died in childhood. At the opening of the Thirty Years War in 1618, Kepler’s tenure in Linz was further imperiled. As a court official, he was exempt from the decree banishing Protestants from the district but he did not escape persecution. In 1619, Kepler published Harmonices Mundi in which he laid out his third law. In 1620, Keplers mother was accused of witchcraft and put on trial. Kepler was obliged to return to Wà ¼rttemburg to defend her against the charges. The following year saw the publication of his seven-volume Epitome Astronomiae in 1621, an influential work that discussed heliocentric astronomy in a systematic way. During this time, he also completed the Tabulae Rudolphinae (Rudolphine Tables) begun by Brahe, adding his own innovations that included calculations arrived at by the use of logarithms. Unfortunately, when a peasant rebellion erupted in Linz, a fire destroyed much of the original printed edition. Later Years and Death As the war dragged on, Keplers house was requisitioned as a garrison for soldiers. He and his family departed Linz in 1626. By the time the  Tabulae Rudolphinae  was eventually published in Ulm in 1627, Kepler was unemployed and was owed a great deal of unpaid salary from his years as Imperial Mathematician. After efforts to obtain numerous court appointments failed, Kepler returned to Prague in an attempt to recoup some of his financial losses from the royal treasury. Kepler died in Regensburg, Bavaria, in 1630. His gravesite was lost when the churchyard in which he was buried was destroyed at some time during the Thirty Years War. Legacy More than an astronomer, Johannes Keplers legacy spans a number of fields and encompasses an impressive number of scientific firsts. Keplar both discovered the universal laws of planetary motion and explained them correctly. He was the first to correctly explain how the moon creates the tide (which Galileo disputed) and the first to suggest that the Sun rotates around its axis. In addition, he calculated the now commonly accepted birth year for Jesus Christ and coined the word satellite. Keplers book Astronomia Pars Optica is the foundation of the science of modern optics. Not only was he the first to define vision as a process of refraction within the eye, as well as explain the process depth perception, he was also first to explain the principles of the  telescope and describe the properties of total internal reflection. His revolutionary designs for eyeglasses- for both nearsightedness and farsightedness- literally changed the way in which people with vision impairments see the world. Sources â€Å"Johannes Kepler: His Life, His Laws and Times. NASA.Casper, Max.  Kepler. Collier Books, 1959. Reprint, Dover Publications, 1993.Voelkel, James R.  Johannes Kepler and the New Astronomy. Oxford University Press, 1999.Kepler, Johannes, and William Halsted Donahue.  Johannes Kepler: New Astronomy. Cambridge University Press, 1992.

Roman Republics 3 Branches of Government

Roman Republic's 3 Branches of Government From the Founding of Rome in c. 753 B.C. to c. 509 B.C., it  was a monarchy, ruled by kings. In 509 (possibly), the Romans expelled their Etruscan kings and established the Roman Republic. Having witnessed the problems of the monarchy on their own land, and aristocracy and democracy among the Greeks, the Romans opted for a mixed form of government, with 3 branches. Consuls - the Monarchical Branch Two magistrates called consuls carried on the functions of the former kings, holding supreme civil and military authority in Republican Rome. However, unlike the kings, the office of consul lasted for only one year. At the end of their year in office, the ex-consuls became senators for life, unless ousted by the censors. Powers of the Consuls: Consuls held imperium and had the right to 12 lictors each.Each consul could veto the other.They led the army,Served as judges, andRepresented Rome in foreign affairs.Consuls presided over the comitia centuriata. Consulship Safeguards The 1-year term, veto, and co-consulship were safeguards to prevent one of the consuls from wielding too much power. Emergency Contingency: In times of war a single dictator could be appointed for a 6-month term. Senate - the Aristocratic Branch Senate (senatus council of elders, related to the word senior) was the advisory branch of the Roman government, early on composed of about 300 citizens who served for life. They were chosen by the kings, at first, then by the consuls, and by the end of the 4th century, by the censors. The ranks of the Senate, drawn from ex-consuls and other officers. Property requirements changed with the era. At first, senators were only patricians but in time plebeians joined their ranks. Assembly - the Democratic Branch The Assembly of Centuries (comitia centuriata), which was composed of all members of the army, elected consuls annually. The Assembly of Tribes (comitia tributa), composed of all citizens, approved or rejected laws and decided issues of war and peace. Dictators Sometimes dictators were at the head of the Roman Republic. Between 501-202 B.C. there were 85 such appointments. Normally, dictators served for 6 months and acted with the consent of the Senate. They were appointed by the consul or a military tribune with consular powers. The occasions of their appointment included war, sedition, pestilence, and sometimes for religious reasons. Dictator for Life Sulla was appointed dictator for an undefined period and was dictator until he stepped down, but Julius Caesar was officially appointed dictator in perpetuo meaning that there was no set end point to his dominance. References Religious Dictators of the Roman RepublicArthur KaplanThe Classical World, Vol. 67, No. 3 (Dec. 1973 - Jan. 1974), pp. 172-175Pennells History of Rome

Chilean History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Chilean History - Essay Example In terms of population, it has a huge population given its size, and it dominates in terms of agriculture. For Chile to have accomplished what it has accomplished to this far, there has been history that will not be forgotten soon. Chile was under military dictatorship that lasted for sixteen and a half years after the years which needed much reform. The years after 1973, (1973-1990), were characterized by military dictatorship that saw people lose their lives while some went missing. Today, Chile is one of the stable nations that are prosperous. In the 1960s and 1970s, Chile experienced social and economic problems that needed reform (Collier, Simon and William, 102). An economic depression was worsened by capital flight, which also led to the plummeting of private investments. Production fell, and the level of unemployment rose. Chile’s import strategy was faced with an overvaluation of the domestic currency. The prices of agricultural products began decreasing to the point that the government had to intervene in order for there to be regulation. Chile was also faced with an earthquake in 1960 plummeted the economic and social welfare of the people deeper. Public infrastructure was affected the monetary loss was more than anticipated. In addition, present was the social injustice from those who were supposed to be leading. New social groups emerged who pushed for certain reforms. These new social groups differed with leaders about certain conditions, which included the living conditions of people. The major social problems were the issue with the Roman Catholic Church whose political, social and economic affairs were looked at (Collier, Si mon and William, 122).... The Popular Unity government made efforts to reform the economy. It started with initiation of economic transformations which included a program that involved nationalization (nationalization program had legislations, requisitions and involvement of stakeholders), increase in real wages, reduction of inflation, urging of economic growth, increase of product consumption and this was mostly for those who were poor. Another initiative the government took was the reduction of economic independence on the rest of the world. This would lead to a significant increase in the economic value of Chile. Most of these reforms were to be accomplished by boosting the aggregate demand and strict price controls (Collier, Simon and William, 155). The government took over the copper mines and other foreign firms, banks and large estates. In 1971, by a unanimous vote of the Congress, the government rationalized the foreign copper firms. Also in the same period, the government removed the emergency legis lation from so as to allow it to take over and control industries without the approval of the congress (Collier, Simon and William, 202). Keynesian measures were applied in order to increase salaries and wages, thus increasing the purchasing power of working and middle classes. Though economically the party was on the path to success, politically, the party leader, Allende faced problems holding his party together. The party also faced different views by the opposing political parties, but still managed to make and maintain ties with other nations (Allende, 154). The Pinochet regime sought to repress women and had neoliberal economic and social policies that had a negative effect on the poor. The Chilean military overthrew the Popular Unity government in a violent coup. During the

Microeconomics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Microeconomics - Essay Example It is well known that when there is a draught there will be water shortage, and when there is water shortage there will be spells of draught. The effects of draught can be linked with meteorological, hydrological, or agricultural aspects and it is a major influence on the social and economic activities of a given region. The role of water in natural calamities is paramount. Heavy downpours cause flood, and scarcity of rain lead to drought. Continued spells of draught results in shortage of water in the region. These two phenomena are beyond human control and their aftermaths have long lasting effects on the economy of a nation. Drought can be attributed to proximity to equator, geographic position, and the lack of greenbelt in a region. When a nation is dependent on agriculture for their economic growth, unexpected seasonal changes hamper their future prospects. During drought there is scarcity of water and continuous heat wave, which damages crop and livestock. Deforestation and reduced greenbelt are also conducive to drought and desertification. Thus, shortage of water can be construed as the one of the major reasons fo r drought. Water is the most abundant natural resource. Yet, the planet is running out of freshwater sources. The rapid increase in world population and recurrence of drought further aggravate the situation. It is estimated that by 2025 two-thirds of world’s population could live in countries with severe water shortage. (Icenhower, June 2006). Though drought is an imminent danger, people tend to consider it as a normal part of the climatic condition. With expanding deserts, deforestation, and growing droughts, compounded with increasing demand of freshwater for human consumption, everyone should be concerned about the potential worldwide calamity caused by diminishing water supply. Due to the random nature of its

Types of Job Description Essay Example for Free

Types of Job Description Essay External The external job description is the one you post for potential applicants. It lists the title and essential functions of the job, outlines duties and responsibilities and may include administrative information such as the responsibilities of the overall department and the position of the jobs supervisor. It should also list necessary qualifications, including skills, education and experience. Most external job descriptions indicate the salary and benefits offered for the position. Though they need to be brief, they should also be specific so that youre not inundated with applications from people who are unqualified. Generic A generic or general job description describes the job in broad terms. Depending on the size of the organization and the number of similar job positions within it, the generic description may be used as a template for department heads to craft more specific descriptions for jobs under their purview. However, the Poindexter Consulting Group warns that generic job descriptions can open a company to problems with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act. This act mandates that employers not discriminate against qualified disabled people who are able to fulfill the essential functions of jobs. If a generic description doesnt detail what the essential functions are, you could create the appearance of discrimination. Moreover, the government uses job descriptions to determine that employers are following legal guidelines regarding equal pay and opportunities for overtime. Generic descriptions that dont specify wages and hours wont protect you if your organization comes under government scrutiny. Internal The internal job description contains the same information as the external one but goes into more precise detail, according to the Grand Roads Executive Search firm. The administrative information, for example, may include the name and job title of the positions supervisor. Internal descriptions of higher level jobs may list metrics such as how much revenue the jobholder is expected to generate, how many clients or accounts she will oversee or service or how many employees she will supervise. A well-written, thorough job description ensures everyone knows what your expectations of the position are so that Human Resources can hire the right person, the person hired understands what to do and youre legally protected if the new hire doesnt meet those expectations. How to Write a Job Description Step 2 Overview Next you write the general overview of the job position. This is the 1-minute elevator pitch. Don’t go overboard here. The rest of the written job description will break down the details. This is where you summarize the nature and overall purpose of the job. How to Write a Job Description Step 3 Essential Functions and Responsibilities This is the job description section that explains the day-to-day of the job. You start by listing out the essential functions of the position. Essential job functions are responsibilities that are 5% or greater of the employee’s workload. All the essential functions should add up to 100% of the job position. They should be listed in order of importance. I like to add at the end of this section â€Å"other duties as assigned† as a catchall for special projects that may come up. How to Write a Job Description Step 4 Job Qualifications This is where you list out the minimum requirements of the job position. Be sure to write the qualifications for the position you need, not the person who may currently be in the position. If a job requirement is listed then those candidates not meeting the minimum standards are not viable candidates for the position. This job qualifications area can be broken down into the further sections listed below. I’ve included some examples of functional job descriptions: 1. Education If the job position requires a degree or certification list it here. Are you willing to substitute years of experience for education? If so, specifically communicate how many years of related experience is an acceptable substitute for a degree or certification. Job description example: 4 years of software development experience with .Net may be substituted for a 4-year degree in computer science. 2. Experience List the amount of industry experience or directly related job experience required. Job description example: 5 years of project management experience in the financial services industry. 3. Supervisory experience If supervisory experience is required, list how many years of supervisory experience are required along with how many employees supervised. Job description example: 5 years experience supervising 10 or more employees. 4. Technical proficiencies This is where you list what technical or software skills are needed to perform the essential functions of the job. Job description example: Must be able to type 80 wpm in MS Word. 5. Communication skills In most jobs, having good communication skills is essential. Maybe you need someone who has excellent written communication skills if you are hiring a technical writer. You may need someone with public speaking experience if you are hiring for your training department. You may need someone who is an exceptional oral communicator for the receptionist position or negotiation skills if they are in sales. These are all examples of communication skills that are required to perform the essential functions of the job. Some job positions may require multiple communications skills in order to perform the work. 6. Decision making Being a good decision maker isn’t something reserved for management. Some jobs require the person to work independently and to make on-the-spot decisions that affect their work and the company. This is where you specify how much freedom the position has to make decisions regarding responsibilities of the job. 7. Other competencies or skills Other competencies or skills necessary to perform the job may be the ability to meet deadlines or work more than 40 hours, as needed. You may need someone who has the ability to work on teams. This is the section where you add these kinds of details. 8. Background checks or licensing requirements Most companies require some sort of background check before hiring a candidate. This is the section where you will include a statement about any background checks or other requirements candidates must pass in order to qualify for the position. Job description example: †¢ Criminal background check †¢ Reference checks †¢ Education verification †¢ Drug test †¢ Physical exam †¢ Driver’s license and proof of insurance 9. Preference Everything in the requirements section of the job description is a minimum job requirement except for this section. In this section you are telling candidates that it would be very helpful if they had particular skills or abilities but it’s not required. Job description example: Experience with MS Visio is highly desired. How to Write a Job Description Step 5 Physical Requirements When most people read this section of the job description they don’t pay much attention. They think that this is just legalese. I can understand that unless you are someone who has physical limitations. Potential job candidates need to know what they physically have to do in the job and in what environment. If they are scared of heights but the job requires them to work several hundred feet off the ground in a warehouse this would not be a good fit and the candidate can self-select out of applying for the job position. Another reason this section is needed is because of the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). This is a topic that requires a lot of attention and would sidetrack this article so I’ll summarize to stay on topic. Employers need to list the physical requirements so those with disabilities or physical limitations can judge whether they can perform the job as-is or with reasonable accommodation. For example, someone hard of hearing may be able to perform a call center job if they have a device that amplifies voices on the phone so they can hear customers. Additionally, your current employees’ health may change over time and they may struggle to physically perform their jobs. They may need reasonable accommodations, as well.

Mapping the Future Essay -- Cartography Technology Computers Essays

Mapping the Future Technology and computers have revolutionized many of the aspects of our lives. Many professions and businesses have used technology to their advantage and completely changed industries. One profession that has drastically changed because of computers and technology is cartography or mapmaking. The impact of technology on geographic information and mapmaking has led to new techniques and skills for these now computer-based jobs and careers. New technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Global Positioning System (GPS) have emerged in mapmaking. There are also new Internet-based map services including MapQuest and MapBlast as well as other digital maps. Before analyzing the effects that technology has on mapmaking, it is important to understand some of the history of maps. Hundreds of years ago, maps were drawn by hand and much of the work had to be done manually. In ancient Greece , philosophers came up with the idea of â€Å"geography† and that was where the foundations of maps were created. Information about geography is very crucial in designing a map and at this time methods of mapmaking were very primitive. Over a thousand years ago, China navigated its surrounding waters and was able to create the most accurate maps at the time (Knox 12). Exploration was on the rise in the 1500s because of Europeans’ discovery of America and maps were needed by these empires. In the next few centuries, mapmaking became more accurate because of the ever-expanding knowledge of information about geography. As the methods of mapmaking improved during the years prior to the 20th century, advancements were made in cartography in terms of measurem... ...duced and more common because the ability to produce them has become easier. Computers and technology have definitely had significant, positive effects on mapmaking and cartography. Works Cited Knox, P. L. & Marston, S. A. Places and Regions in Global Context: Human Geography. Upper Saddle River , NJ : Pearson Education, Inc., 2003. Chrisman, Nicholas Exploring Geographic Information Systems. New York , NY : John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2002 Hafner, Katie. Adventures in Driving, Via Web Map. The New York Times. C-1 Jan. 16, 2003 . Davis, Bruce GIS: A Visual Approach. Florence , KY : Onword Press, 2001. DiBiase, David. â€Å"Understanding Geographic Data.† ESRI Virtual Campus Retrieved: 10 Apr 2003 . Kaplan, Elliott. Understanding GPS: Principles and Applications. Norwood , MA : Artech House, 1996. Mapping the Future Essay -- Cartography Technology Computers Essays Mapping the Future Technology and computers have revolutionized many of the aspects of our lives. Many professions and businesses have used technology to their advantage and completely changed industries. One profession that has drastically changed because of computers and technology is cartography or mapmaking. The impact of technology on geographic information and mapmaking has led to new techniques and skills for these now computer-based jobs and careers. New technologies such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and the Global Positioning System (GPS) have emerged in mapmaking. There are also new Internet-based map services including MapQuest and MapBlast as well as other digital maps. Before analyzing the effects that technology has on mapmaking, it is important to understand some of the history of maps. Hundreds of years ago, maps were drawn by hand and much of the work had to be done manually. In ancient Greece , philosophers came up with the idea of â€Å"geography† and that was where the foundations of maps were created. Information about geography is very crucial in designing a map and at this time methods of mapmaking were very primitive. Over a thousand years ago, China navigated its surrounding waters and was able to create the most accurate maps at the time (Knox 12). Exploration was on the rise in the 1500s because of Europeans’ discovery of America and maps were needed by these empires. In the next few centuries, mapmaking became more accurate because of the ever-expanding knowledge of information about geography. As the methods of mapmaking improved during the years prior to the 20th century, advancements were made in cartography in terms of measurem... ...duced and more common because the ability to produce them has become easier. Computers and technology have definitely had significant, positive effects on mapmaking and cartography. Works Cited Knox, P. L. & Marston, S. A. Places and Regions in Global Context: Human Geography. Upper Saddle River , NJ : Pearson Education, Inc., 2003. Chrisman, Nicholas Exploring Geographic Information Systems. New York , NY : John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2002 Hafner, Katie. Adventures in Driving, Via Web Map. The New York Times. C-1 Jan. 16, 2003 . Davis, Bruce GIS: A Visual Approach. Florence , KY : Onword Press, 2001. DiBiase, David. â€Å"Understanding Geographic Data.† ESRI Virtual Campus Retrieved: 10 Apr 2003 . Kaplan, Elliott. Understanding GPS: Principles and Applications. Norwood , MA : Artech House, 1996.

Satire in the Great Gatsby

Is Fitzgerald writing a love story that shows the American ideals, or is it a satire that comments on the American society in the roaring twenties? The novel The Great Gatsby is a satire type novel that comments on the American society during the roaring twenties.This is shown through the contrast of The Valley of Ashes and Gatsby’s parties, Gatsby himself, and Myrtle and George Wilson. Through these characters and places, Fitzgerald shows through satire, how the American dream isn’t real anymore and how it is now replaced with immoral activities and actions.The American dream has been replaced with greed and the pursuit of money rather than happiness. The valley of Ashes represents poverty and hopelessness. This location shows how the American dream has been perverted into something very dark and sinister.This is the desire of wealth at any cost and the ideal that money will make you happy. â€Å"This is a valley of ashes- a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens; where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Pg. 26). this quote shows the affects of the modern materialistic society of New York.Everyone wants to be the rich but the poor suffer a lot due to the by-product of the capitalistic society. The by-product in this novel is the ashes. This shows how people throw out regard for other humans for the pursuit to be rich (This is very immoral).This is believed to be the American dream. On the other hand you have McArthur 2 Extravagant parties at the Gatsby house just to impress a girl. This is a sharp contradiction which fits into Fitzgerald’s attempt to use satire to prove the point that the American Dream is gone. Gatsby himself is the bets example of the pervetd new American dream. Gatsby gets his money through bootlegging.He does what every he can to get rich and what got him rich was illegal and immoral activities. â€Å"You’re one of the bun ch that hangs around with Mayor Wolfshiem- that much I happen to know. I’ve mad a little investigation into your affairs and carry it further tomorrow† (Pg. 104).This quote shows Tom accusing Gatsby of being a bootlegger. Gatsby gets rich just to get Daisy. The satire shown is that no matter how much money Gatsby has he is never happy and all he needs is Daisy but Daisy will not like him unless he is rich. This shows how the only thing Americans care about is money and how the American dream is no longer.Myrtle and George Wilson are the poorer characters in the book but both want the dream of being really rich. Myrtle tries to achieve this by having an affair with Tom who is rich. She cheats on George and she ends up getting hit by a car driven by Daisy.This event shows that there is no way of escaping the Valley of Ashes. George is a hardworking man and just wants to get some money and seem rich. He tries to buy Tom’s car just so he can have a really nice car. G eorge symbolizes that in modern America, you will not succeed in getting rich and achieving the false American dream of being rich and happy.George ends up committing suicide which furthers the ideal that you will not get out the valley of ashes. This is another form of satire trying to urge people to not go with moral decay and rather live a happy non-immoral life.McArthur 3 The novel The Great Gatsby uses Satire to show that the American dream is dead during the roaring twenties. Fitzgerald does this through the Valley of Ashes, Gatsby’s parties, Gatsby himself, Myrtle and George Wilson. The American dream has been replaced with greed and the pursuit of money rather than happiness.

Blackwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army by Jeremy Scahill

The book under consideration, Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army, has been written by Jeremy Scahill. The author of this book has presented a very hard-left perception on Blackwater USA, which has proclaimed itself, to be a contractor of private military as well as a security firm.Blackwater USA, according to the author owes its subsistence, reduction of the U.S. armed forced after the Cold War and it owes it’s well-being to the addition in the number of these forces after the tragedy of 9/11 and it further owes it’s disrepute to the fact that it has gained a reputation of being a mercenary setup which has the tendency to finish off the limitations on the army systems that are accountable to state power. Main Theme of the BookIn his well-known book, Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army, the author Jeremy Scahill puts forward information about the Bush Administration as well as its rising reliance on private secur ity forces such as Blackwater USA in particular and the efforts in Congress so as to bring them in. Through his book, the author has exposed the truth behind Blackwater the mercenary firm and the dangers that it brings about because of the outsourcing the government’s domination that it has on the use of force over people.The author of the book has described the growth of Blackwater, since the very beginning with respect to its organizational and instructional functions to what has now turned into a battle position serving as an interior security force in Iraq. In the words of the author, â€Å"Meet Blackwater USA, the powerful private army that the U. S. government has quietly hired to operate in international war zones and on American soil. This is the unauthorized story of the epic rise of one of the most powerful and secretive forces to emerge from the U. S. military-industrial complex† (Scahill, front cover).The book puts forward citations from representatives of the company according to whom Blackwater has the capacity to become so large that it can readily supply brigade-sized forces for civilized reasons, such as matters of maintaining peace as well as low-level disagreements. At the same time as placing emphasis on the likelihood of an a very daring President, who had the courage to take up the services of the mercenaries of Blackwater clandestinely, the author underrates the consequence of exposure on the deniability that he considers as crucial for happenings like these.Debatably, he also negates and that too in a very light manner the image of Blackwater which has now come down to a sort of reputable successor to a long and praiseworthy custom of indenture soldiering. Eventually, Blackwater as well as its other less famous equivalents flourish not just because of a neoconservative plot in opposition to the democratic system, as the author pronounces, but for the reason that they present comparatively low-priced substitutes and options in surroundings that have higher budgets as well as litheness at a time when war is progressively more erratic.The book presents to us the truth about Blackwater as well as its actions along with information about its rise as well as an account of the streets of Fallujah, to the bloodshed taking place in Najaf as well as the US gulf wrecked with storms and Washington DC, where higher authorities of Blackwater continue to be considered heroes fighting the war on terror. The book says that the resistance of the Iraqi people is perhaps the fault of the American soldiers themselves. According to the book, â€Å"the ensuing slaughter by U. S. troops would fuel the fierce Iraqi resistance that haunts occupation forces to this day† (Scahill, front page).Conclusion In the light of the above discussion we can hereby culminate that the book under consideration namely Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army was written by Jeremy Scahill. In this book, the autho r puts forward the truth about Blackwater as the rising most powerful mercenary army as well as the way by which the Bush administration hired it secretly and the problems that it poses. Works Cited Scahill, J. Blackwater: The Rise of the World's Most Powerful Mercenary Army. United States of America. Nation Books. ISBN-10: 1560259795. Pg 1, front cover

Standard Conditions Versus Standard State

Standard Conditions Versus Standard State Standard conditions, or STP, and standard state both are used in scientific calculations, but they dont always mean the same thing. Key Takeaways: Standard Temperature and Pressure (STP) vs Standard State Both STP and standard state conditions are commonly used for scientific calculations.STP stands for Standard Temperature and Pressure. It is defined to be  273 K (0 degrees Celsius) and 1 atm pressure (or 105  Pa).The definition of standard state conditions specifies 1 atm of pressure, that liquids and gases be pure, and that solutions be at 1 M concentration. Temperature is not specified, although most tables compile data at  25 degrees C (298 K).STP is used for calculations involving gases that approximate ideal gases.Standard conditions are used for any thermodynamic calculation.Values cited for STP and standard conditions are based on ideal conditions, so they may deviate slightly from experimental values. STP is short for Standard Temperature and Pressure, which is defined to be 273 K (0 degrees Celsius) and 1 atm pressure (or 105 Pa). STP describes standard conditions and is often used for measuring gas density and volume using the Ideal Gas Law. Here, 1 mole of an ideal gas occupies 22.4 L. An older definition used atmospheres for pressure, while modern calculations are for pascals. Standard state conditions are used for thermodynamic calculations. Several conditions are specified for the standard state: The standard state temperature is 25 degrees C (298 K). Note that temperature is not specified for standard state conditions, but most tables are compiled for this temperature.All gases are at 1 atm pressure.All liquids and gases are pure.All solutions are at 1M concentration.The energy of formation of an element in its normal state is defined as zero. Standard state calculations may be performed at another temperature, most commonly 273 K (0 degrees Celsius), so standard state calculations may be performed at STP. However, unless specified, assume standard state refers to the higher temperature. Standard Conditions Versus STP Both STP and standard state specify a gas pressure of 1 atmosphere. However, the standard state isnt usually at the same temperature as STP. The standard state also includes several additional restrictions. STP, SATP, and NTP While STP is useful for calculations, its not practical for most lab experiments because they arent usually conducted at  0 degrees C. SATP may be used, which means Standard Ambient Temperature and Pressure. SATP is at 25 degrees C (298.15 K) and 101 kPa (essentially 1 atmosphere, 0.997 atm). Another standard is NTP, which stands for Normal Temperature and Pressure. This is defined for air at  20 degrees C (293.15 K, 68 degrees F) and 1 atm. There is also ISA, or International Standard Atmosphere, which is  101.325 kPa, 15 degrees C and 0 percent humidity, and ICAO Standard Atmosphere, which is atmospheric pressure of 760 mm Hg and a temperature of  5 degrees C (288.15 K or 59 degrees F). Which One to Use? Usually, the standard you use is either the one for which you can find data, the one closest to your actual conditions or the one required for a specific discipline. Remember, the standards are close to actual values, but wont exactly match real conditions.

How to End a Story 3 Secrets to Writing a Captivating Ending

How to End a Story 3 Secrets to Writing a Captivating Ending How to End a Story: 3 Secrets to Writing a Captivating Ending Novel ideasare a dime a dozen. Ask any agent, publisher, editor, or movie producer. It’s true. Everybody’s got one, maybe more than one. Even you, am I right? Of my nearly 190 published books, more than two-thirds have been novels that started as ideas, so I know what most everybody in the business knows: The idea is the easy part. Want to know what’s second easiest? Starting. I know. That one surprises you, because maybe you’re stuck. You’ve been sitting on your great idea, idling in neutral for too long. So what’s keeping you from getting going? Fear. But fear of what? Two things: The marathon of the middle- which is a topic for another day (it’s that tough, for me too, and that important) And coming up with an ending that does justice to that great idea of yours That’s why publishers rarely hand out contracts and advances to first time novelists before they see entire manuscripts. You may have the best novel idea since Chicken Soup for the Left Behind Amish Vampire. But until you prove you can finish- and I mean close that curtain with a resounding thud- all you’re getting from publishers is Fifty Shades of Wait and See. So how do you ensure your story doesn’t fizzle when it should be delivering a thrill? Need help writing your novel?Click here to download my ultimate 12-step guide. 1. Keep the End in Sight the Whole Way Don’t play the wishing game, hoping it will simply work itself out when the time comes. Whether you’re a meticulous outliner or write by the seat of your pants, have an idea where your story is going and think about your ending every day. How you expect the story to end should inform every scene, every chapter. It may change, evolve, grow as you and your characters experience the inevitable arcs, but never leave it to chance. And if you get near the end and worry something’s missing, that the punch isn’t there or that it doesn’t live up to the power of the other elements of your book, don’t rush it. Give it a few days, a few weeks if necessary. Read through everything you’ve written. Take a long walk. Think on it. Sleep on it. Jot notes about it. Let your subconscious work on it. Play what-if games. Be outrageous if you must. Force that ending to sing. Make it unforgettable. Musts Be generous with your readers. They have invested in you and your work the entire way. Give them a proper payoff. Don’t allow it to look rushed by not allowing it berushed. Make it unpredictable but fair. You want readers to feel they should have seen it coming- because you planted enough hints- but not feel hoodwinked. Never settle. If you’re not happy with every word, scuttle it until you are. If you have too many ideas for how it should end, don’t despair. Just make yourself find the best one. When in doubt, go not for the cleverest or most cerebral. Readers long to be moved. Go for the heart. Rewrite it until it shines. I’ve long been on record that all writing is rewriting, and this is never more true than at the end of your novel. When do you know it’s been rewritten enough? When you’ve gone from making it better to merely making it different. 2. Nothing Can Follow the End This goes without saying. But I say it anyway, why? Because too many beginners think it appears sophisticated to leave things nebulous, or they want to save something crucial for the Epilogue. Avoid that mistake. Modern readers raised on television and movies like chronology- beginnings, middles, ends. They expect the end to do its job. Artsy types may think it hip to just stop and enjoy gassing on talk shows about how life isn’t so tidy. Well, terrific. I’ve seen enough movies like that, and I can tell you that most people don’t like sitting there shaking their heads as the lights come up. They scowl at each other and say, â€Å"Really? That’s it? We’re to wonder what happens now?† All that does for me as a novelist is to remind me that I have one job, and I recommit myself to doing it again every time. Invent a story world for my readers and deliver a satisfying experience for them. They have invested their time and money, believing I will uphold my end of the bargain- and that means a beginning, a middle, and an end. One that satisfies. That doesn’t mean every ending is happily-ever-after, everything tied in a neat bow. But the reader knows what happened, questions are answered, things are resolved, puzzles are solved. And because I happen to have a worldview of hope, my work will reflect that. If you write from another worldview, at least be consistent. End your stories with how you see life, but don’t just stop. That said, some stories end too neatly and then appear contrived. If they end too late, you’ve asked your reader to indulge you for too long. Be judicious. In the same way you decide when to enter and leave a scene, carefully determine when to exit your novel. 3. Don’t Forget Your Hero This may seem obvious, but I’ve seen it violated. Your lead character should be center stage at the end. Everything he learned throughout all the complications that arose from his trying to fix the terrible trouble you plunged him into should by now have made him the person who rises to the occasion. Maybe to this point he has been flawed, weak, defeated. But his character arc is about to resolve and become complete. The action must happen on stage, not just be about or remembered or simply narrated. It can’t be resolved by a miracle or because he realizes something. He must act. That’s what makes a reader respond emotionally, and if it moves you when you write it, it will move your readers exponentially. See yourself as the captain of a mighty airline. You’ve taken your readers on a long, eventful journey. Now bring it in for a landing. Need help writing your novel?Click here to download my ultimate 12-step guide. What will you do to ensure a great ending to your novel?

School of Nursing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

School of Nursing - Essay Example I feel that there would be plenty of opportunities for me after I earn a degree in nursing. I also think that this profession is very rewarding. Besides the fact that this would give me financial stability, being a nurse would give me an opportunity to practice a profession that focuses mainly on the well being of other people. Five years from now, I see myself practicing this career on a full-time basis and in one of the big hospitals in Florida. As mentioned above, I am currently involved in doing health care as a Nursing Assistant. By taking up Nursing, I would be moving up one step further to being able to be of service in the field of medicine and health care. I feel that this is a job that I would truly enjoy doing for a long time. Ten years from now, I see myself still continuing this profession and perhaps, looking forward to the  studying a particular area of specialization. I am aware that this field continues to evolve with the discovery of new diseases and medicines. Wi th this knowledge, I wish to further pursue post graduate studies so that I would continue to be competitive and qualified to provide nursing services. My admission into the Seminole Community College’s basic nursing program serves as a great challenge for me. My performance as a student under this program would determine if I would be qualified to further participate in SCC’s.My admission into Seminole Community College’s basic nursing program serves as a great challenge for me.