Herodotus, the Greek Historian

Herodotus, the Greek Historian Herodotus is known as  the father of history. We may think all the famous ancient Greeks came from Athens, but its not true. Like many important ancient Greeks, Herodotus was not only not born in Athens but wasnt even born in what we think of as Europe. He was born in the essentially Dorian (Hellenic or Greek, yes; but not Ionian) colony of Halicarnassus, on the southwest coast of Asia Minor, which at the time was part of the Persian Empire. Herodotus had not yet been born when Athens defeated Persia in the renowned Battle of Marathon (490 B.C.) and was only a young child when the Persians defeated the Spartans and allies at the Battle of Thermopylae (480 B.C.).​ Herodotus Homeland Lyxes, the father of Herodotus, was probably from Caria, in Asia Minor. So was Artemisia, the female despot of Halicarnassus who joined Xerxes in his expedition against Greece in the Persian Wars. Following victories over the Persians by the mainland Greeks, Halicarnassus rebelled against foreign rulers. In consequence of his part in rebellious actions, Herodotus was sent into exile to the Ionian island of Samos (homeland of Pythagoras), but then returned to Halicarnassus around 454 to take part in the overthrow of Artemisias son, Lygdamis. Herodotus of Thurii Herodotus calls himself Herodotus of Thurii rather than Halicarnassus because he was a citizen of the pan-Hellenic city of Thurii, which was founded in 444/3. One of his fellow colonists was the philosopher, Pythagoras of Samos, probably. Herodotus Travels the Known World Between the time of the overthrow of Artemisias son Lygdamis and Herodotus settling in Thurii, Herodotus traveled around most of the known world.  Herodotus traveled to learn about foreign countries. He traveled to have a look, the Greek word for looking is related to our English word theory. He also lived in Athens, spending time in the company of his friend, the renowned writer of great Greek tragedy Sophocles. The Athenians so appreciated Herodotus writing that in 445 B.C. he awarded him 10 talents- an enormous sum. The Father of History Despite major shortcomings in the area of accuracy, Herodotus is called the father of history even by his contemporaries. Sometimes, however, more accuracy-minded people describe him as the father of lies. In China, another man earned the father of history title, but he was centuries later: Sima Qian. Herodotus Histories Herodotus Histories, celebrating the Greek victory over the Persians, were written in the mid-fifth century B.C. Herodotus wanted to present as much information about the Persian War as he could. What sometimes reads like a travelogue, includes information on the entire Persian Empire, and simultaneously explains the origins (aitia) of the conflict, by reference to mythological prehistory. Even with the fascinating digressions and fantastic elements, Herodotus history was an advance over the previous writers of quasi-history, who are known as logographers.Sources East Is East And West Is West - Or Are They? National Stereotypes In HerodotusAncient History Sourcebook: 11th Brittanica: HerodotusCicero  De legibus 1.5: Herodotum patrem historiae

Obamacare Penalty and Minimum Insurance Requirements

Obamacare Penalty and Minimum Insurance Requirements The federal tax penalty for not being enrolled in an Affordable Care Act (ACA)-qualified health insurance plan was eliminated by the Donald Trump administration in 2019. However, persons who received a penalty for not having health insurance in 2018 will still have to pay the penalty on their 2019 tax returns. According to U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the 2018 tax penalty for not having health insurance is $695 for adults and $347.50 for children or 2% of your yearly income, whichever amount is more. While there will no longer be a federal tax penalty for going uninsured or choosing a plan that is not ACA-compliant after the 2019 tax filing season, several states, including New Jersey, Massachusetts, Vermont, and the District of Columbia, have their own health insurance penalties that are assessed when people do not have insurance that complies with that state’s laws. The Now Phased-out Obamacare Tax Penalty By March 31, 2014, almost all Americans who could afford it were required by Obamacare - the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to have a health insurance plan or pay an annual tax penalty. Here is what you need to know about the Obamacare tax penalty and what kind of insurance coverage you need to avoid paying it. Obamacare is complicated. A wrong decision can cost you money. As a result, it is critical that all questions regarding Obamacare be directed to your health care provider, your health insurance plan or to your states Obamacare Health Insurance Marketplace.Questions can also be submitted by calling Healthcare.gov at toll-free 1-800-318-2596 (TTY: 1-855-889-4325), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.During the great Obamacare bill debate, Obamacare supporter Senator Nancy Pelosi (D-California) infamously said lawmakers needed to pass the bill so we can find out whats in it. She was right. Nearly five years after it became law, Obamacare continues to confuse Americans in great numbers. [ Yes, Obamacare Does Apply to Members of Congress ]Â   So complicated is the law, that each of the state Health Insurance Marketplaces will employ Obamacare Navigators to help uninsured people meet their Obamacare obligation by enrolling in the qualified health insurance plan that best meets their medical needs at an affordable cost. Minimum Insurance Coverage Required Whether you have health insurance now or buy it through one of the Obamacare state Insurance Marketplaces, your insurance plan must cover 10 minimum essential health care services. These are: outpatient services; emergency services; hospitalization; maternity/newborn care; mental health and substance abuse services; prescription drugs; rehabilitation (for injuries, disabilities or chronic conditions); lab services; preventive/wellness programs and chronic disease management; and pediatric services.If you have or buy a health plan that does not pay for those minimum essential services it may not qualify as coverage under Obamacare and you may have to pay the penalty.In general, the following types of health care plans will qualify as coverage: Any plan purchased through one of the state Insurance Marketplace and employer-provided insurance plans, including plans for retirees;Medicare and Medicaid;Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP);Military TRICARE;Veterans health care programs; andPeace Corps volunteer plans Other plans may also qualify and all questions regarding minimum coverage and plan qualification should be directed to your states insurance Marketplace Exchange. The Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Plans Health insurance plans available through all Obamacare state Insurance Marketplace offer four levels of coverage: bronze, silver, gold and platinum. While bronze and silver level plans will have the lowest monthly premium payments, out-of-pocked co-pay costs for things like doctor visits and prescriptions will be higher. Bronze and silver level plans will pay for about 60% to 70% of your medical costs.Gold and platinum plans will have higher monthly premiums, but lower co-pay costs, and will pay for about 80% to 90% of your medical costs.Under Obamacare, you cannot be turned down for health insurance or forced to pay more for it because you have an existing medical condition. In addition, once you have insurance, the plan cannot refuse to cover treatment for your pre-existing conditions. Coverage for pre-existing conditions begins immediately.Once again, it is the job of the Obamacare Navigators to help you select a plan offering the best coverage at a price you can afford.Very Important - Open Enrollment: Each year, there will be an annual open enrollment period after which you will not be able to purchase insurance through the state Insurance Marketplaces until the next annual open enrollment period, unless you have a qualifying life event. For 2014, the open enrollment period is October 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014. For 2015 and later years, the open enrollment period will be October 15 to December 7 of the previous year. Who Does Not Have to Have Insurance? Some people are exempt from the requirement to have health insurance. These are: prison inmates, undocumented immigrants, members of federally-recognized American Indian tribes, persons with religious objections, and low-income persons not required to file federal income tax returns.Religious exemptions include members of health care sharing ministries and members of federally-recognized religious sect with religion-based objections to health insurance. The Penalty: Resistance is Futile and Expensive Attention health insurance procrastinators and resistors: As time goes by, the Obamacare penalty goes up.In 2014, the penalty for not having a qualified health insurance plan is 1% of your annual income or $95 per adult, whichever is higher. Have kids? The penalty for uninsured children in 2014 is $47.50 per child, with a maximum per-family penalty of $285.In 2015, the penalty increases to the higher of 2% of your annual income or $325 per adult.By 2016, the penalty goes up to 2.5% of income or $695 per adult, with a maximum penalty of $2,085 per family.After 2016, the amount of the penalty will be adjusted for inflation.The amount of the annual penalty is based on the number if days or months you go without health insurance after March 31. If you have insurance for part of the year, the penalty will be prorated and if you are covered for at least 9 months during the year, you will not pay a penalty.Along with paying the Obamacare penalty, uninsured persons will continue to be financ ially responsible for 100% of their health care costs. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has estimated that even in 2016, more than 6 million people will pay the government a combined $7 billion in Obamacare fines. Of course, revenue from these fines is essential to paying for many of the free health care services provided for under Obamacare. If You Need Financial Help To help make mandatory health insurance more affordable to people who cant afford it in the first place, the federal government is providing two subsides for qualifying low-income individuals and families. The two subsides are: tax credits, to help pay monthly premiums and cost-sharing to help out-of-pocket expenses. Individuals and families can qualify of either or both subsidies. Some people with very low incomes may wind up paying very small premiums or even no premiums at all.Qualifications for insurance subsidies are based on annual income and vary from state to state. The only way to apply for a subsidy is through one of the state insurance Marketplaces. When you apply for insurance, the Marketplace will help you calculate your modified adjusted gross income and determine of you qualify for a subsidy. The Exchange will also determine if you qualify for Medicare, Medicaid or a state-based health assistance plan.

Untitled (Society Portrait) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Untitled (Society Portrait) - Essay Example On the first gaze at the portrait, it seems that the lady definitely belongs to the aristocratic segment of the society. Lying half–seated on a couch, the lady seems a bit pensive in mood. The color of her skin, hair and eyes indicate that she is European by race. Interestingly, only very few colors are used in the portrait. Yellow, white, grey and shades of brown both deep and light are schematically used in the picture. At the same time, one can argue as that these coolers are building a theme for the portrait of the anonymous lady as well. Very interestingly, the background colors are very much different and the painter uses light and dark shades of blue along with tinge and shades of brown over it which is quite well synchronized and chosen deliberately as the color scheme of the portrait is on the lighter and drab side. Use of light is done meticulously throughout the portrait and the lines are so fine that nobody will ever find in determining the mood and gesture of the lady. The couch on the other hand is casted with the hue of red color and here too the use of brown both light and dark shades have been well organized keeping in mind the actual color scheme of the portrait. Taking a gaze at the socio-cultural aspect of the society portrait apart from its technical side, it can be well asserted that the hair style and the kind of wardrobe, the lady is putting up indicates a time frame of early half of the twentieth century. During that time, butterfly sleeves and use of shrugs, stoles and veils were very common. The lady is also putting up a necklace made of some yellow beads; the choice of simple yet exquisite jewelry in terms of both the necklace and the ear-ring and wristlet on the left hand is showing a mark of classy style. The lady is probably holding her bag or a veil black in color and very interestingly the side of the couch is having dark brown and black hues which is posited parallel to the lady’s black

Urban Polution In the 14th century Research Paper

Urban Polution In the 14th century - Research Paper Example This research will begin with the statement that the rising concerns about pollution in America and Britain are not a new issue. By the 14th century, many European city dwellers had started showing their displeasure at the rising level of pollution in their towns. In the 1970s for example, many urban dwellers raised their voices in protest about the rising level of air pollution in their cities.   At this time, it was perceived that the main cause of the pollution was the motor vehicle. Fumes from the motor vehicles chocked people as they passed through traffic. This essay discusses that one thing that the American urban dwellers living in the 1970s forgot is that the auto’s main predecessor, the horse, was earlier perceived to be a worse option in respect of urban pollution. Many scholars decried the pollution that was in urban centers and in fact demanded that horses be banished from American cities. One authority noted that the horse was a taxing economic burden to humans and an affront to hygiene.   At this time, it was widely agreed that the â€Å"horseless carriage† be adopted as a solution to the pollution problem. The researcher states that in the 14th century, in Europe, the horse had been identified as a major cause of pollution. Based on Statistics, it was established by sanitary experts that a horse produces between 15 and 30 pounds of dung every day.  

Tasks that can be performed by Self-Managed teams Essay Example for Free

Tasks that can be performed by Self-Managed teams Essay Many organizations are enabling self-managed teams so that the costs of hiring senior managers and supervisors to handle the team are removed. The organization should also be aware that only some and not all of the tasks could be performed using self-management means. All autonomous jobs and tasks can be performed on a self-management basis. As one member is able to acquire and develop skills, the other members would be learning through interactions. In this way the entire team would be competent with performing several tasks in the organizations. Some of the difficult tasks, which are highly unstable and need use of highly specialized skills, may be difficult to be performed by self-managed groups. It may also be difficult for temporary teams and committees to perform self-managed tasks. In the field of nursing and medicine, the management has to ensure that the self-managed teams are not temporary or transient teams that are working for some kind of temporary project. The skills that a self-managed team possesses should be permanent and involve the much routine work (Silverman, 1996). Roles and Responsibilities of Self-Managed teams A self-managed team would be having several roles and responsibilities in the organization. These roles and responsibilities have to be met at various stages of development of the team self-management development. The organization’s culture should be supported by the seven roles of the self-managed team. The seven roles of the self-managed team include: Ensure that the principles and values of the organization are constantly met – these include performance of several tasks such as demonstrating behavior, making decisions and communicating with the customers and suppliers keeping in mind the basic values and principles of the organization. The team member has to also demonstrate personal behavior and values that are in track with those of the organization when communicating with other team members. All conflicts and problems should be handled keeping in and the principles and the values of the organization. Ensure that the various team-related processes are handled in an effective manner – This is closely related to the organization’s culture. The team that is functional should ensure that the characteristics of teamwork and team spirit are incorporated in all work performed. The team should identity the functions and processes that are needed for the work to be performed. The roles, responsibilities, areas of helping one another, etc need to be performed. The team members should know the rules, regulations, decision-making approach, etc, so that any barriers cannot hamper the work. Between the members of the team a mutual trust and understanding should exist. Each member of the team should be available to take over the functions of his fellow team member in case the need is required. The team would also have to closely evaluate and monitor its performance so that any obstacles that may be existent with the workflow is identified and addressed appropriately. Ensure that the team environment is conducive to work Complete the team’s work – Each of the team members should be aware of the various responsibilities of the members and the various processes that are existent. A team member should identity his responsibility and should complete it. They should priorities the work based on the urgency and ensure that all tasks are completed on time. The team members should be able to gather in a group and discuss the tasks and responsibilities to be shared by each team member. They should also be aware of the resources necessary to complete the work, and the manner in which the resources have to be obtained. Each staff member has to schedule his/her work accordingly, and obtain all necessary information to complete the tasks efficiently. The staff members should be able to respond to the information presented to them. They should be able to understand the information and accordingly act. The staff should participate in the organization wide-system – This is a linkage-directed work to ensure that the staff members are able to participate in examining organization-wide processes. The staff members would have to perform certain standardization functions such as purchasing the logistics, paying the taxes, etc. They would also have to collect the data regarding the organization-wide data, analyses it and provide it to the appropriate authorities as and when required. The team members should also give the organization ideas of any changes required in the policies. The other activities in this purview include participation in training and workshops, assessments, appraisals, audits, etc. The staff should participate in the organization wide-strategies – This is a vision-directed work and ensures that the organization’s vision is kept in mind. A team member would have to gather data regarding the environment the organization is functioning in. An organization would be having several inherent strengths and weakens. This would relate to the external environment in the form of opportunities and strengths. The vision statement of the organization should consider the opportunities that are existent in the future, as it has to be realistic and able to function in the external environment. The self-managed team would be the first to interact with the patriot, and hence data regarding the external environment would be available on a first hand basis to the self-managed team. The team would be able to relate the data regrind the external environment to the internal capabilities. In the future, this data could be utilized by the organization whilst strategizing. The self-management teams should be involved in the management by attending meetings conducted for business plans. (Silverman, 1996 Moss, 1996).

Analysis of Priceline.com :: Internet Online Purchasing E-Commerce Essays

Analysis of Priceline.com Incomplete Paper Priceline.com (PCLN) may have been able to bring a dynamic reverse auction model to the market, but a cloud of doubt now hangs over the company's headquarters in Norwalk, Connecticut. Consumer adoption has been hurt by poor Web site functionality and a rigid bidding system that locks customers into buying products such as plane tickets without any control over specific flight details. On a bullish note, the company was recently reinstated into Connecticut's Better Business Bureau after making improvements to its Web site and customer service. But the bigger problem facing Priceline is a lack of support from investors, who have driven the company's stock down 98% from its 52-week high. Executive departures and layoffs aside, the company's delayed march toward profitability and inability to scale successfully might very well exemplify a doomed model, or a solution in search of a problem. Perhaps an emphasis on price has blinded Priceline to intangibles like quality service and a satisfying experience. It's unclear whether consumers are willing to sacrifice brand and product features to save a few bucks. The announcement in early October that the company's WebHouse Club subsidiary for groceries and gas would close, was a shot heard 'round the Web and Wall Street and signaled the model might be broken. Introduction Which is the one place where you can satisfy your every need (almost every need) at your price? Be it airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, mortgages, new automobiles, or even long distance calling time. The answer would be Priceline.com. All you have to do is know your need, state your terms, and make your offer. It doesn’t get easier than this! Priceline.com was one of the pioneer online companies to traverse the traditional limitations of the Internet and revolutionize online purchasing. It’s strategy – letting the consumer name his/her price, and matching it with a seller who is willing to fill the demand at that price and those conditions, there by providing the required service the consumer desires. Thus Priceline.com is basically an integrated, Web-based e-marketing automated system, which was one of its kinds when it started its business in the consumer marketplace. In simple word it is the ideal middleman, who gets you what you want, wh en you want it through a unique dotcom experience. Priceline.com was formed on April 6, 1998 as a limited liability company, but looking at its potential and rapid success it was soon converted into a corporation.

Famous Manager

NAME: PHILLIP H. KNIGHT Position: Chairman of Board of Directors in NIKE, INC The Nike boss wasn't a big fan of advertising, but the company's flair for promotion launched an athletic-shoe revolution. â€Å"Play by the rules. But be ferocious. â€Å"-Philip H. Knight In 1993, the man whom The Sporting News voted â€Å"the most powerful person in sports† wasn't an athlete, a manager or a team owner. He was Philip H. Knight, the dynamic iconoclast who for nearly 30 years has shod the feet of sports legends and â€Å"weekend warriors† alike.In less than a decade, his marketing savvy and uncompromising competitiveness had transformed the athletic-shoe industry and made Nike one of the most successful and widely recognized brand names in the world. Knight first came up with the blueprint for what would become the world's No. 1 athletic-shoe company while working on his master's degree at Stanford University. Assigned to write a term paper on starting a small business in an area he knew well, the former University of Oregon track star naturally chose running.He outlined a plan for breaking the stranglehold Adidas had on the running-shoe market by using cheap Japanese labor to manufacture a cheaper, better-quality running shoe. Shortly after graduating in 1962, Knight decided to put his plan into action. He flew to Japan to visit Onitsuka Tiger Co. , manufacturer of an Adidas knockoff sold in Japan. Introducing himself as the head of Blue Ribbon Sports, a company which existed only in his mind, Knight told Tiger executives that his firm was the ideal choice to import their shoes into the United States.He convinced Tiger to send him some samples, promising to place an order after his â€Å"partners† examined them. Back in the United States, Knight borrowed money from his father to pay for the samples, and he sent a few pairs to his former University of Oregon coach, Bill Bowerman, who quickly became his partner. Putting up $500 each, Bowerman and Knight officially formed Blue Ribbon Sports and purchased 200 pairs of Tigers, which Knight began selling from his car at high school track meets throughout the Pacific Northwest.By the early 1970s, sales had reached $3 million, and Knight decided it was time for Blue Ribbon to break with Tiger and start designing its own shoes. In 1972, Blue Ribbon launched its Nike line, named after the Greek goddess of victory. Emblazoned with a â€Å"swoosh† logo Knight paid a Portland State art student $35 to design, the shoes featured a unique â€Å"waffle sole†-created by Bowerman-that offered better traction with less weight. Knight's marketing strategy was simple.Rather than rely on advertising (which he admittedly loathed), he would get top athletes to endorse his shoes, and then let his sales force sell the product. His strategy and the timing of the launch couldn't have been better. That summer, the Olympic track and field trials were held in Eugene, Oregon, with none othe r than Bill Bowerman as coach of the American Olympic team. Knight took full advantage of the opportunity, putting Nikes on the feet of several top finishers. When they made national television, so did the shoes they were wearing.One of the most visible runners to wear Nikes was American record-holder Steve Prefontaine. A cocky, anti-establishment type, Prefontaine became the first of a team of edgy athletes Knight recruited to endorse his shoes. As Knight had planned, athlete endorsements played a major role in boosting Nike sales throughout the 1970s. For instance, after tennis â€Å"bad boy† John McEnroe hurt his ankle and began wearing Nike three-quarter-top shoes, sales of that style leapt from 10,000 pairs to over 1 million. And the sudden popularity of jogging combined with Nike's canny marketing created a demand where none existed before.No longer would any old pair of shoes do for that jog around the block; people wanted to wear what the best in the world were wearin g. and that was Nike (as Blue Ribbon was re-christened in 1978). Nike experienced continued success throughout the early 1980s, thanks mostly to the tremendous sales of its Air Jordan line. Commercials glorifying Michael Jordan's high-flying, slam-dunking antics made the gaudy black and red sneakers a hot item, selling more than $100 million worth in the first year alone.By 1986, total sales hit $1 billion, and Nike surpassed Adidas to become the No. 1 shoe manufacturer worldwide. Amazingly, Knight stumbled only once in his stellar career. In the late 1980s, Nike's strategy of focusing on hard-edged, hard-core athletes ignored the growing market for aerobics shoes. When British shoe manufacturer Reebok pitched their leather shoes as a fashion item for the trendy aerobic workout crowd, they quickly overtook Nike in the top spot. Between 1986 and 1987, Nike sales dropped 18 percent.Knight was forced to face the fact that while Nike technology appealed to sports professionals, other co nsumers might rank appearance over function. In response, Nike came up with Nike Air-a multipurpose shoe with an air cushion in the sole. The commercial produced to unveil the new line featured the Beatles' song â€Å"Revolution. † (The rights to which cost Nike $250,000. ) Nike Air may or may not have been a revolution in footwear, but it certainly revived sales. Nike regained the lead from Reebok in 1990 and has remained there ever since.But as Nike has grown into a huge multinational enterprise, it has become a magnet for controversy. In 1990, it came under fire from Jessie Jackson, who maintained that while African-Americans accounted for a large percentage of Nike's sales, Nike had no black vice presidents or board members. Jackson launched a boycott that led to the appointment of Nike's first black board member. That same year, stories of teenagers being killed for their Air Jordan's sparked outrage at what was perceived as Nike's overzealous promotion of its shoes.More recently, Knight has been accused of exploiting factory workers in Asia, some of whom are paid less than $2 per day by the subcontractors who manufacture Nikes. But despite this negative publicity, Nike sales have remained strong. Philip Knight, now in his late 50s, has come to be viewed as one of the master marketers of the age. When asked by a reporter how he achieved such fame, in a veiled reference to the Reebok torpedo that forced him to rethink his marketing strategy, Knight replied, â€Å"How did John Kennedy become a war hero? They sunk his boat. † Retrieved from www. ntrepreneur. com on April 10, 2013 As I can see on this article , we can obviously state that Phillip Knight became a good leader or manager. The qualities he have are (1)Perspective – he have the vision of what he wanted or desires for the company to be better (2) able to inspires, encourage and motivate other employer to do job proper and positive (3) able to communicate with his other co-membe r to produce more effectively plan (4) able to lead and control the company’s operation (5) Good in making effective decisions. Retrieved from www. entrepreneur. com

The Alchemist Summary Part One

Mabel Medina July 1, 2012 English 513 Kelly Understand The Alchemist Summary In â€Å"Part One† of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, is so far about a boy named Santiago starting out his quest in the search of his Personal Legend. Santiago is a shepherd who likes to travel and enjoys being around his sheep. Although he travels all over, there was a certain village the shepherd boy enjoyed going to sell his sheep’s wool because he liked the merchant’s daughter.The author describes Santiago recall why he decided to become a shepherd and how his father helped him by giving him three gold coins to buy his flock of sheep. The boy was happy being a shepherd; he had his sheep, a jacket and book. One day, Santiago went to a Gypsy where he tells her about a recurrent dream he has had about finding treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. The Gypsy does not give him a lot of information about his dream, but does tell him that if he finds the treasure, to give her one-tenth.Later on that day, the boy is reading his book, when an old man came by him and tried to start a conversation. When the old man finally got the boy’s attention, he tells him he is the King of Salem, and how he can find the hidden treasure, but wants one-tenth of his sheep in return. The old man also tells the boy to not give up and to go forth and search for the treasure before it is too late and he gives up. The next day, Santiago met up with the old man and gives him one-tenth of his sheep.In return, the old man gave the boy advice that would be helpful throughout his journey, and two rocks, Urim and Thummim (one black meaning yes, and the other white, meaning no), to help him read omens better. Santiago began his journey and went to Africa. While in Africa, as the author describes, the boy feels insecure because of the language barrier, but quickly entrusts in a boy who speaks the same language as he and invites him along his journey. The two boys go into the plaza, and Santiagoâ €™s new friend is suddenly out of sight, with all of his money, and he later realizes that his â€Å"friend† has robbed him.The following day, the boy observes a candy seller, and as he is doing so, he realizes that he needs to have patience on his journey. A crystal merchant notices Santiago in the plaza and watches him. Santiago offers to clean his glass windows in exchange for food. As Santiago was working, two customers went in the shop, and the crystal merchant offers him a job, taking the customers as a good omen. The boy accepts, telling him that he will work for him until he has enough money to buy some sheep.

A Lantern in her Hand essays

A Lantern in her Hand essays Abby and Will Deal and their son Mack moved from their long-time home in Blackhawk County to their new prarie home in Platsmouth, Nebraska. At their new home the prairies rolled on for as far as the eye could see. Whip-like grass, that was waist high, waved across the prairie like a rolling ocean. The sounds of coyotes and wolves rang all arround you like music. The dirt was as black and rich as oil, quite ideal for farming. The little soddie (a house made from sod) was a nice temporary home for the family. It was made from strips of sod that Will cut from the ground himself, and then was covered by a thick layer of mud. The furniture in side the house was also made of sod, and then covered with quilts. There was a little, shallow river that ran by their home. That is where Abby got the water from until Will could get the well dug. It sounds On conflict that happens early in the book is when Abbys mother loses her mansion. Well let me begin form the beginning of the conflict. Abbys dad came from a very welthy family, and her mom came from a phesent family. Her mom was a beautiful Irish peasant. They fell in love and his family had to learn to accept that peasant which their son had fell in love with. His family never accepted the idea that their son had fallen in love with and peasant. when his parents died they left the mansion to abbeys father. a short while before Abby was born her dad took a pleasure trip to New York, and signed a paper for a man and lost everything back in Scotland. Abbys mother tried to get their horses but had to bid on everything that they got out of the house. so therefore her poor mother and grandmother had to come up with money they didnt have, so that Abbys mother could get some memmories of their past life. The message that the author is trying to get across to the reader is th ...

F-4 Phantom II in the Vietnam War

F-4 Phantom II in the Vietnam War In 1952, McDonnell Aircraft began internal studies to determine which service branch was most in need of a new aircraft. Led by Preliminary Design Manager Dave Lewis, the team found that the US Navy would soon require a new attack aircraft to replace the F3H Demon. The designer of the Demon, McDonnell began revising the aircraft in 1953, with the goal of improving performance and capabilities. Creating the Superdemon, which could achieve Mach 1.97 and was powered by twin General Electric J79 engines, McDonnell also created an aircraft that was modular in that different cockpits and nose cones could be affixed to the fuselage depending on desired mission. The US Navy was intrigued by this concept and requested a full-scale mock-up of the design. Assessing the design, it ultimately passed as it was satisfied with the supersonic fighters already in development such as the Grumman F-11 Tiger and Vought F-8 Crusader.  Ã‚   Design Development Altering the design to make the new aircraft an all-weather fighter-bomber featuring 11 external hardpoints, McDonnell received a letter of intent for two prototypes, designated YAH-1, on October 18, 1954. Meeting with the US Navy the following May, McDonnell was handed a new set of requirements calling for an all-weather fleet interceptor as the service had aircraft to fulfill the fighter and strike roles. Setting to work, McDonnell developed the XF4H-1 design. Powered by two J79-GE-8 engines, the new aircraft saw the addition of a second crewman to serve as a radar operator. In laying out the XF4H-1, McDonnell placed the engines low in the fuselage similar to its earlier F-101 Voodoo and employed variable geometry ramps in the intakes to regulate airflow at supersonic speeds. Following extensive wind tunnel testing, the outer sections of the wings were given  12 ° dihedral (upward angle) and the tailplane  23 ° anhedral (downward angle). Additionally, a dogtooth indentation was inserted in the wings to enhance control at higher angles of attack. The results of these alterations gave the XF4H-1 a distinctive look. Utilizing titanium in the airframe, the XF4H-1s all-weather capability was derived from the inclusion of the AN/APQ-50 radar. As the new aircraft was intended as an interceptor rather than a fighter, early models possessed nine external hardpoints for missiles and bombs, but no gun. Dubbed the Phantom II, the US Navy ordered two XF4H-1 test aircraft and five YF4H-1 pre-production fighters in July 1955. Taking Flight On May 27, 1958, the type made its maiden flight with Robert C. Little at the controls. Later that year, the XF4H-1 entered into competition with the single-seat Vought XF8U-3. An evolution of the F-8 Crusader, the Vought entry was defeated by the XF4H-1 as the US Navy preferred the latters performance and that the workload was split between two crew members. After additional testing, the F-4 entered production and commenced  carrier suitability trials in early 1960. Early in production, the aircrafts radar was upgraded to the more powerful  Westinghouse AN/APQ-72. Specifications (F-4E Phantom II) General Length: 63 ft.Wingspan: 38 ft. 4.5 in.Height: 16 ft. 6 in.Wing Area: 530 sq. ft.Empty Weight: 30,328 lbs.Loaded Weight: 41,500 lbs.Crew: 2 Performance Power Plant: 2 Ãâ€" General Electric J79-GE-17A axial compressor turbojetsCombat Radius: 367 nautical milesMax. Speed: 1,472 mph (Mach 2.23)Ceiling: 60,000 ft. Armament 1 x M61 Vulcan 20 mm Gatling cannonUp to 18,650 lbs. of weapons on nine external hardpoints, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and most types of bombs Operational History Setting several aviation records just prior to and in the years after introduction, the F-4 became operational on December 30, 1960, with VF-121. As the US Navy transitioned to the aircraft in the early 1960s, Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara pushed to create a single fighter for all branches of the military. Following an F-4Bs victory over the F-106 Delta Dart in Operation Highspeed, the US Air Force requested two of the aircraft, dubbing them the F-110A Spectre. Evaluating the aircraft, the USAF developed requirements for their own version with an emphasis on the fighter-bomber role. Vietnam Adopted by the USAF in 1963, their initial variant was dubbed the F-4C. With the US entry in the Vietnam War, the F-4 became one of the most identifiable aircraft of the conflict. US Navy F-4s flew their first combat sortie as part of Operation Pierce Arrow on August 5, 1964. The F-4s first air-to-air victory occurred the following April when Lieutenant (j.g.) Terence M. Murphy and his radar intercept officer, Ensign Ronald Fegan, downed a Chinese MiG-17. Flying primarily in the fighter/interceptor role, US Navy F-4s downed 40 enemy aircraft to a loss of five of their own. An additional 66 were lost to missiles and ground fire. Also flown by the US Marine Corps, the F-4 saw service from both carriers and land bases during the conflict. Flying ground support missions, USMC F-4s claimed three kills while losing 75 aircraft, mostly to ground fire. Though the latest adopter of the F-4, the USAF became its largest user. During Vietnam, USAF F-4s fulfilled both air superiority and ground support roles. As F-105 Thunderchief losses grew, the F-4 carried more and more of the ground support burden and by the end of the war was the USAFs primary all-around aircraft. To support this change in mission, specially equipped and trained F-4 Wild Weasel squadrons were formed with the first deploying in late 1972. In addition, a photo reconnaissance variant, the RF-4C, was used by four squadrons. During the Vietnam War, the USAF lost a total of 528 F-4s (of all types) to enemy action with the majority being down by anti-aircraft fire or surface-to-air missiles. In exchange, USAF F-4s downed 107.5 enemy aircraft. The five aviators (2 US Navy, 3 USAF) credited with ace status during the Vietnam War all flew the F-4. Changing Missions Following Vietnam, the F-4 remained the principal aircraft for both the US Navy and USAF. Through the 1970s, the US Navy began replacing the F-4 with the new F-14 Tomcat. By 1986, all F-4s had been retired from frontline units. The aircraft remained in service with the USMC until 1992, when the last airframe was replaced by the F/A-18 Hornet. Through the 1970s and 1980s, the USAF transitioned to the F-15 Eagle and F-16 Fighting Falcon. During this time, the F-4 was retained in its Wild Weasel and reconnaissance role. These two latter types, the F-4G Wild Weasel V and RF-4C, deployed to the Middle East in 1990, as part of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. During operations, the F-4G played a key role in suppressing Iraqi air defenses, while the RF-4C collected valuable intelligence. One of each type was lost during the conflict, one to damage from ground fire and the other to an accident. The final USAF F-4 was retired in 1996, however several are still in use as target drones. Issues As the F-4 was initially intended as an interceptor, it was not equipped with a gun as planners believed that air-to-air combat at supersonic speeds would be fought exclusively with missiles. The fighting over Vietnam soon showed that engagements quickly became subsonic, turning battles which often precluded the use of air-to-air missiles. In 1967, USAF pilots began mounting external gunpods on their aircraft, however the lack of a leading gunsight in the cockpit made them highly inaccurate. This issue was addressed with the addition of an integrated 20 mm M61 Vulcan gun to the F-4E model in the late 1960s. Another problem that frequently arose with the aircraft was the production of black smoke when the engines were run at military power. This smoke trail made the aircraft easy to spot. Many pilots found ways to avoid producing the smoke by running one engine on afterburner and the other at reduced power. This provided an equivalent amount of thrust, without the telltale smoke trail. This issue was addressed with the Block 53 group of the F-4E which included smokeless J79-GE-17C (or -17E) engines. Other Users The second-most produced Western jet fighter in history with 5,195 units, the F-4 was extensively exported. Nations that have flown the aircraft include Israel, Great Britain, Australia, and Spain. While many have since retired the F-4, the aircraft has been modernized and is still use (as of 2008) by Japan, Germany, Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Iran, and South Korea.

Should the Ruler Always Keep His Word Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Should the Ruler Always Keep His Word - Essay Example It is possible to present power from an unusual perspective. This task was the most relevant to Machiavelli and he managed to open the eyes of his fans and follower and the coming generations on the real essence of power, and on power of the words. In the majority of cases Princes are focused on their own interests. They are selfish and prudent; they do not care about their people at all. Machiavelli has been focused on the relevance of the ruler and the meaning of his word. Further on this paper considers controversial and challenging moments of the statement that a ruler should not keep his word. A word of a ruler Machiavelli inspires readers. They love him for sincerity, unexpected expressions, feelings and emotions. Machiavelli claims: â€Å"One ought not, of course, to call it  virtu  to massacre one’s fellow citizens, to betray one’s friends, to break one’s word, to be without mercy and without religion. By such means one can acquire power but not glor y† (Prince online). Nowadays, the majority of politicians are focused on power. They consider it as an enormous blessing and there is no doubt that even the modern politicians cannot look further than their nose. Machiavelli and his feeling of patriotism, multiplied by a possibility to exist among other politicians and clerk were the main triggers for further developments of his political ideas. Actually, Machiavelli described people as masters and slaves. A former group of people is more powerful and it is appropriate for them to take care about themselves only. Slaves, or common people, in accordance with Machiavelli, are narrow-minded and follow the laws of the ruler, like an obedient herd of ships (Bagley, 1989). Therefore, it is possible to suggest, that Machiavelli wants to describe a dual nature of a human being. There are two origins in the nature of every man: on the one hand, we choose: "What [classical writers] intended to convey, with this story of rulers’ b eing educated by someone who was half beast and half man, was that it is necessary for a ruler to know when to act like an animal and when like a man; and if he relies on just one or the other mode of behavior he cannot hope to survive" (Prince online). This explanation can be correlated with a developed system of people, i.e. Masters and Slaves (Alter, 1999). Masters know how to behave with their slaves; they impose perverted laws on them and they have no doubts that their Slaves would follow all their needs and wants. When it goes about Masters’ words or the ways of behavior, they have sharp minds and can easily choose appropriate strategies and the ways of behavior. A Master uses beasty features, turns into a lion and can easily conquer his enemies. A Master turns into a fox, when he wants to conduct his cunning laws and create traps for his Slaves. On the one hand, it is appropriate for a ruler to choose different strategies of behavior. Otherwise it is impossible to reig n. On the other hand, what can be said about a ruler if he does not keep his word? He can lose respect and trust of his people. Only a feeling of fear can prevent people from real protesting. In this case, the Prince can behave in whatever he wants, because he will get no resistance from people around him. There are many things, which are permitted for the king, but these deeds are forbidden for a slave. Machiavelli claims that there are many sins and every man

Nepotism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Nepotism - Essay Example There are several concepts that should be engaged in the analysis while considering the nature of nepotism. To begin with, it would not be an exaggeration to suggest that the notion of integrity is something that is heavily damaged by the issue in question (McNamee, 2004, p. 87). Indeed, granting positions or preferences to family member can hardly be compatible with integrity of an organization. The next concept that is of great important when it comes to a fair examination of it is the idea of competition. As it has already been noted, people have to fight for their success and should be rewarded accordingly. The practice of nepotism grants a person an advantage that ruins the entire system of competition in the society and does not allow people to advance. Finally, the concept of meritocracy is something that should also be engaged while considering the impact that nepotism has on the society. It certainly would be an ideal situation when people are rewarded according to their mer its, but it is something that the social environment should be moving forward to; however, the practice of nepotism just makes this state of affairs unrealistic and reinforces the inequality among the people. In other words, the very existence of it does not allow the society evolve properly. That is why nepotism might be seen as a direct result of the inertia that has been guiding the process of development of the society for a considerable time. Nevertheless, it is quite obvious that is this practice is not taken care of, it will lead to a dead end. Keeping in mind that people will never want to stop evolution of their civilization, there is no other way but to deal with nepotism. That is why nepotism might be seen as a direct result of the inertia that has been guiding the process of development of the society for a considerable time. Nevertheless, it is quite