The Inventor of Duct Tape

The Inventor of Duct Tape During the second world war, U.S. troops in the heat of battle had a strangely impractical way of reloading their weapons. Cartridges used for grenade launchers was one example. Boxed, sealed with wax and taped over to protect them moisture, soldiers would need to pull on a tab to peel off the paper tape and break the seal. Sure, it worked... except when it didnt, soldiers were left scrambling to pry the boxes open. The Story of Vesta Stoudt Vesta Stoudt had been working at factory packing and inspecting these cartridges when she got to thinking that there had to be a better way. She also happened to be a mother of two sons serving in the Navy and was particularly perturbed that their lives and countless others were left to such chance. Concerned for the welfare of sons, she discussed with her supervisors an idea she had to fabricate a tape made from strong, water-resistant cloth. And when nothing came of her efforts, she penned a letter to then-President Franklin Roosevelt detailing her proposal (which included a hand-sketched diagram) and closing by making a plea to his conscience: We cant let them down by giving them a box of cartridges that takes a minute or two to open, enabling the enemy to take lives that might be saved had the box been taped with strong tape that can be opened in a split second. Please, Mr. President, do something about this at once; not tomorrow or soon, but now. Oddly enough, Roosevelt passed Stoudts recommendation on to military officials, and in two weeks time, she received notice that her suggestion is being considered and not too long after was informed that her proposal had been approved. The letter also commended her idea was of exceptional merit. Before long, Johnson Johnson, which specialized in medical supplies, was assigned and developed a sturdy cloth tape with a strong adhesive that would come to be known as â€Å"duck tape,† which garnered the company an Army-Navy E Award, an honor given out as a distinction of excellence in the production of war equipment. While Johnson Johnson was officially credited with the invention of duct tape, it’s a concerned mother who will be remembered as the mother of duct tape.  Ã‚   How Duct Tape Works The initial iteration that Johnson Johnson came up with isn’t much different from the version on the market today. Comprised of a piece of mesh cloth, which gives it tensile strength and rigidity to be torn by hand and waterproof polyethylene (plastic), duct tape is made by feeding the materials into a mixture that forms the rubber-based adhesive. Unlike glue, which forms a bond once the substance hardens, duct tape is a pressure-sensitive adhesive that relies on the degree in which pressure is applied. The stronger the pressure, the stronger the bond, particularly with surfaces that are clean, smooth and hard. Who uses duct tape? Duct tape was a huge hit with soldiers due to its strength, versatility and waterproof properties. Used to make all sorts of repairs from boots to furniture, it’s also a popular fixture in the world of motorsports, where crews use strips to patch up dents. Film crews working on-set have a version called gaffer’s tape, which doesn’t leave a sticky residue. Even NASA Astronauts pack a roll when they go on space missions. Besides repairs, other creative uses for duct tape include strengthening cellular reception on the Apple iPhone 4 and as a form of medical treatment for removing warts called duct tape occlusion therapy, which research hasn’t been proven to be effective. Duct tape or duck tape? In this case, either pronunciation would be correct. According to Johnson Johnson’s website, the original green sticky cloth tape got its name during world war II when soldiers started calling it duck tape for the way liquids seem to roll off like water off a duck’s back. Not long after the war, the company launched a metallic-silver version called duct tape after executives discovered it can also be used to seal heating ducts. Interestingly enough, however, scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory conducted field tests on heating ducts and determined that duct tape was insufficient for sealing leaks or cracks.

Poes The Raven With Explanations for ESL Learners

Poe's The Raven With Explanations for ESL Learners The Raven  by Edgar Allan Poe is a classic American poem. Its  quite popular to read this poem around Halloween, but its a glorious one  to read aloud at any time of year, with a compelling rhythm and fantastic story that will send shivers up your spine. This version of The Raven defines the more challenging words after each section of the poem. The  poem can be read on many levels; on your first reading you may want to try to understand the literal meaning of the poem, rather than getting bogged down in symbolism or trying to define every individual word. For more on The Raven, you may want to check out these questions for discussion. Read on if you dare!   The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore -While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.Tis some visitor, I muttered, tapping at my chamber door -Only this and nothing more. pondered thoughtlore storyrapping knockingmuttered said Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December,And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.Eagerly I wished the morrow; -vainly I had sought to borrowFrom my books surcease of sorrow -sorrow for the lost Lenore -For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore -Nameless here for evermore. bleak sad, black and coldember burning piece of wood glowing orangewrought presentedmorrow the next daymaiden woman, girl And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtainThrilled me -filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating,Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door -Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door;This it is and nothing more. rustling movement that makes noiseentreating asking for Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,Sir, I said, or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door,That I scarce was sure I heard you -here I opened wide the door; -Darkness there and nothing more. implore ask forscarce hardly Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before;But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token,And the only word there spoken was the whispered word Lenore!This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word Lenore -Merely this and nothing more. peering looking intogave no token gave no sign Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,Soon again I heard a tapping something louder than before.Surely, said I, surely that is something at my window lattice;Let me see, then, what threat is, and this mystery explore -Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore; -Tis the wind and nothing more! window lattice frame around the window Open here I flung a shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,In there stepped a stately Raven of the saintly days of yore.Not the least obeisance made he; not an minute stopped or stayed he;But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door -Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door -Perched and sat and nothing more. flung threw openflutter movement of wings, noisestately magnificentobeisance gesture of deference, respectmien manner ofperched how a bird sits Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore,Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou, I said, art sure no craven,Ghastly grim and ancient Raven wandering from the Nightly shore -Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Nights Plutonian shore!Quoth the Raven, Nevermore! beguiling charmingcountenance bearing, mannercrest headthou old English for youart arecraven cowardly, mean-spiritedthy old English for your Much I marvelled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly,Though its answer little meaning -little relevancy bore;For we cannot help agreeing that no living human beingEver yet was blest with seeing bird above his chamber door -Bird or beast upon the sculptured bust above his chamber door,With such a name as Nevermore. marvelled was surprisedungainly uglyfowl birddiscourse speechbore contained, had But the Raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke onlyThat one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.Nothing farther then he uttered; not a feather then he fluttered -Till I scarcely more than muttered: Other friends have flown before- On the morrow he will leave me as my Hopes have flown before.Then the bird said Nevermore. placid peacefuluttered said Startled at the stilless broken by reply so aptly spoken,Doubtless, said I what it utters is its only stock and store,Caught from some unhappy master whom unmerciful DisasterFollowed fast and followed faster till his songs one burden bore -Till the dirges of his Hope that melancholy burden boreOf Never -nevermore. aptly wellstock and store repeated phrasedirges sad songs But the Raven still beguiling all my sad soul into smiling,Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird, and bust, and door;Then, upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linkingFancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore -What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt, and ominous bird of yoreMeant in croaking Nevermore. betook moved myselffancy here used as noun meaning imagined story, thoughtyore from the pastcroaking the sound a frog makes, usually a very ugly sound coming from the throat This I sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable expressingTo the fowl whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosoms core;This and more I sat divining, with my head at ease recliningOn the cushions velvet lining that the lamp-light gloated oer,But whose velvet violet lining with the lamp-light gloating oerShe shall press, ah, nevermore! bosom chest, heartdivinig guessing Then, methought, the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censerSwung by Seraphim whose foot-falls tinkled on the tufted floor.Wretch, I cried thy God hath lent thee -by these angels he hath sent theeRespite -respite and nepenthe from thy memories of Lenore!Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore!Quoth the Raven, Nevermore. methought old English for I thoughtcenser a container for burning incensewretch horrible personhath old English for hasthee old English for yourespite rest fromnepenthe a drug providing a way of forgetting somethingquaff drink quickly or recklesslyQuoth quoted Prophet! said I thing of evil! -prophet still, if bird or devil! -Whether Tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore,Desolate, yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted -On this home by horror haunted, -tell me truly, I implore -Is there -is there balm in Gilead? -tell me -tell me, I implore!Quoth the Raven, Nevermore. Tempter Satantempest stormbalm liquid that eases painGilead biblical reference Be that word our sign of parting, bird or fiend! I shrieked, upstarting -Get thee back into the tempest and the Nights Plutonian shore!Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken!Leave my loneliness unbroken! -quit the bust above my door!Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!Quoth the Raven, Nevermore. parting separation, leavingfiend monstershrieked shouted, screamedplume type of featherquit leave And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sittingOn the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;And his eyes have all the seeming of a demons that is dreaming,And the lamp-light oer him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;And my soul from out that shadow that is floating on the floorShall be lifted -nevermore. flitting movingpallid pale

Students are expected to write a case study with a final report of Essay

Students are expected to write a case study with a final report of 3000 words on the modus operandi and the present impact, at n - Essay Example This paper is being undertaken in order to seek a detailed discussion of the yakuza crime organization, helping this student understand the activities of the group and establishing specific details which would distinguish it from other organized crime groups. The yakuza organization became the organization it has become today at around the late 1800s under the leadership of Toyama Mitsuru (Butler and Kaplan, p. 40). Mitsuru founded the Genyosha Society and his main aid, Uchida formulated the Amur River Society. These groups dominated in activities like prostitution, gambling, entertainment, liquor, and other activities like dockside labour (Chemko). They also engaged in the 1960s and 1970s in drugs and arms trade. This group has also been highly connected with other organized crime groups, including the Sicilian Mafia, American Mafia, Colombian drug cartels, and the Chinese triads (Chemko). This group has long been recognized in Japan as a normal part of their history and activities, especially with its associations with politicians and rich businessmen. They have also become engaged in the international arena, not necessarily in areas with Japan nationals (Chemko). The current organization was organized in the mid-1600s and was identified to have engaged in gambling and street vending during its inception (Chemko). Protection for other members no matter the circumstance was one of the main qualities of this group. The members were expected to do everything necessary in order to protect their fellow members. When industrialization was introduced in the country, the group followed the trend and set-up businesses in industrialized activities, including dockside labour and construction (Bruno). Interest in policies also followed, and with it, strong associations with politicians were soon forged. Associations between the police/law enforcement officers and the yakuza were also established (Bruno). During the Second World War, the yakuza posed the most significant threat to the American troops. Food rations were given to soldiers and this caused the proliferation of the black marker, including higher resources for the yakuza and other criminal organizations (Fulford, p. 66). Street vendors, known as the gurentai gained strength, often carrying out bank robberies at the black markets. Soon enough, the American and other foreign troops played a strong role in the yakuza’s habit of wearing black suits, white shirts and black sunglasses (Chemko). They also relinquished their customary swords for firearms and became even more violent. There were about 5000 gangs during these times and with the influence of Yoshio Kodama, they were soon united and included in the major crime group known as the yakuza (Gangland). This group has traditionally considered itself a helper – a Robin Hood of sorts. Before the courts were in existence in Japan, individuals usually went to the yakuza to seek the settlement of their disputes (Gangland). However , the process of resolution often included harsh actions which were not seen when recourse from legal authorities was carried out. There are two kinds of yakuza. The first are the free yakuza which were considered outcasts of society and were not linked with other organizations (Chemko). They also did not carry out serious acts, but were considered common thugs. They were also not offered any protection and were often unable to

A comparative study of extreme Islamic terrorist groups Essay - 1

A comparative study of extreme Islamic terrorist groups - Essay Example People who carry out terrorist activities never formally do not identify themselves as opponents nor are they controlled by any political entity (Roy Long, 2004, pp. 1-4). Terrorism is categorized between ideological, national and religion. The reasons behind the terrorist attacks are political domination, religious fanaticism and divine revelation (Durmaz, 2007, p.209). The trauma of terror created by the terrorist has a huge impact on the United States. United States of America is known as a very powerful country in the world especially with respect to its military base. U.S.A has reacted very strongly against the act of terrorism and has taken all measures to prevent them. The United States faces homeland insecurity, owing to terrorism and its impact on American society. Terrorism was prevalent in the world from many decades but in a very small form. But the perception towards terrorism largely changed after the September 11 incident that occurred in United States in the year 2001. It shocked the entire world especially the people of America started suffering from homeland insecurity. United States took a drastic step in reforming laws and policies. Several government agencies were combined to build the Department of Homeland Security. Millions of dollars were spent for the formation of the U.S Patriot Act which helps in ferreting out prospective criminals and terrorist acts. Current anti terrorism laws which initiated around the world started after the September 11 incident. United States was attacked by the terrorist group called al-Qaeda. This group is mostly famous for its fanaticism and violent approach of terrorism. This group mostly acts on the basis of religious inspiration rather than political philosophy. The countries that have already ex perienced terrorism, mostly accuses individuals for criminal offence than politicized crime. Before 9/11, U.S.A had

America’s cause Essay Example for Free

America’s cause Essay But he calmly proceeded to act his part, pretending not the least bothered by the gut-wrenching ride over a swirling sea. The following day he received this message from the Navy Department: â€Å"Dear Mr. Wayne- we are pleased to record this latest addition to naval lore. To the immortal expression, ‘damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead,’ we now add your own memorable words, ‘get me out of this son of a bitch! ’†(Wayne168-169). Wayne spoke the American language well. Once, asked by a reporter about his rumored plan to run for president, Wayne said, â€Å"Bullshit. † When asked to give a definite comment, Wayne told him to use the word. The following day, this news item appeared: â€Å"When Mr. Wayne was questioned about the possibility of running for national office, he replied ‘Bt! †(Wayne 162). Americans responded to John Wayne in a manner different from other stars of his generation. Other actors simply shed off their screen personae after the lights went off; not so Wayne. Although little was written about his private life (marriage, romantic affairs) until after his death, his public life was an open book that maintained and reinforced the John Wayne mystique. He was a natural treasure who was loved and respected. In 1979 he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. In 1998, an Army RAH-66 helicopter was named â€Å"Duke† in his honor. He wore a POW bracelet to show his sympathy with the fighting men in Viet Nam. Speaking extemporaneously before a subcommittee hearing in connection with the bill for the Congressional Gold Medal, Maureen O’Hara Blair, Wayne’s co-star in The Quiet Man, spoke for Wayne: â€Å"He is, believe me, the United States of America. He is a man that has a code of beliefs that he sticks with. He believes in individual responsibility and honor. † Said Reagan of Wayne: I never saw Duke display hatred toward those who scorned him. Oh, he could use some pretty salty language, but he would not tolerate pettiness and hate. He was human all right: he drank enough whiskey to float a PT boat, though he never drank on the job. . . he was virtually always the first to arrive on the set and the last to leave. World War II helped to define what John Wayne stood for. Unable to join the Navy due to an old football injury, his age (34), and being a father of four, Wayne did his part in the war by making movies about America’s fighting men. He appeared minus his horse and six-shooter in memorable films like the Fighting Seabees, Flying Tigers, Reunion in France, They Were Expendable, and Back to Bataan. The 1949 film Sands of Iwo Jima earned Wayne his first Oscar nomination. These films did not have the nauseating gore and graphic violence of present-day war movies, but they exalted the heroism of ordinary men, and people related to them well. Wayne had made it a point not to accept any role that was un-American or tended to denigrate the United States or the American tradition. At a time when he was nearly bankrupt, Wayne bankrolled, starred in, and directed the epic The Alamo, which had been his dream project of many years. In it, playing the role of Davy Crockett, he described the defenders’ role as they waited for the approaching battle with Santa Anna: â€Å"There’s right and there’s wrong. You got to do one or the other. You do the one and you’re living. You do the other and you may be walking around, but you’re as dead as a beaver hat. † As Crockett, he voiced out the timeless yearning of the Texans for independence: â€Å"It means people can live free, talk free, go or come, buy or sell, be drunk or sober, however they choose. † John Wayne did not win on Oscar for The Alamo (except for Best Sound) although it received six nominations, but people came in droves to see the movie. Besides his classic westerns and war pictures, The Alamo is one of his lasting legacies. John Wayne is often equated with conservatism. He was the product of an age when Americans were proud of their heritage, conscious of their country’s new role as a world power and sincerely believed in the righteousness of America’s cause. He was born when Theodore Roosevelt was president, a man who believed in Manifest Destiny and was wont to â€Å"speak softly, but carry a big stick. † Wayne belonged to a generation yet untouched by pangs of national self-doubt, unstricken by remorse over purported wrongs committed by the white man against the natives, the blacks, the Vietnamese, the American youth who were being sent to die in remote battlefields. This was the turbulent 60’s, an age when young Americans were seduced by flower power, discovered new ideologies, adopted a libertarian attitude and opposed any kind of war. In a nation divided by war, John Wayne was seemingly a lonely figure as young Americans felt shame for everything America ever did in the course of her ascent to world dominance. A friend of Senators Barry Goldwater and Joe McCarthy, and former President Ronald Reagan, John Wayne was Republican to the core. Against the weakening of American resolve, John Wayne’s tenacious adherence to the American tradition of duty and honor could only be seen as naivete – sprung from the good guy–bad guy scenarios in his celluloid world. From the 40’s to the 60’s, the Left made inroads in school campuses where teach-ins became common, swaying many of the youth to the new ideology, and threatening to undermine the foundations of the country’s democratic system. Due to its potentials for propaganda, the movie industry was targeted and there were rumors that some Hollywood figures had embraced socialism. In 1944, Wayne helped found the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals, in the company of other giants like Clark Gable, Gary Cooper, Walt Disney, and Robert Taylor. He later became president of the association for two terms. He was outspoken against the communist threat. He was mistaken for an archconservative and accused of blackballing movie personalities who refused to cooperate in Congressional hearings, although he never testified, nor did he blackball anybody (Wayne 55). His being perceived as a staunch anti-communist even gave rise to rumors that the late Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin plotted to have him murdered (Soviet Dictator).

Comparing Cultures in Heaneys Opened Ground and Roys The God of Small

Comparing Cultures in Heaney's Opened Ground and Roy's The God of Small Things Many authors use experience in their lives to influence their writing. In the cases of Seamus Heaney and Arundati Roy, the experiences in their life and the experience that their countries went through shape their poems and stories in unimaginable ways. For example, Heaney puts into his poetry many experiences that his country, Ireland, went through. These experiences include the rise of war in Ireland between the Catholics and the Protestants and also the influence that England has on the situation in Ireland. Roy on the same note brings into her story, The God of Small Things, experiences that India went through after British rule and the fear of communism that arose in certain parts of India after the British made India a free nation. Through both of these authors’ writings, readers can see the effect that English rule had upon both of the different nations and the aftermath of the English influence on both India and Ireland. In Heaney's book of poetry entitled Opened Ground, Heaney shows the readers many different ways in which English rule and influence effected and changed the lives of different people in Ireland. For example, in Two Lorries, Heaney describes a man who is a coal deliverer and his love for Heaney's mother. As the poem progresses, we can see a metamorphosis in the lorry. As the political situation in Ireland escalates and war between different religious factions grows more immanent, the lorry changes from a man who falls in love with Heaney's mother to a raving political and religious war type man who needs to become involved in the skirmish between the religious groups and by doing this eventually blows... ...e and have their morals and institutions put on them or become a communist nation and be told everything that must be done and not have many choices. Both Heaney and Roy do a very good job to show and discuss how their culture and English culture have both effected and made their cultures what they are today. Heaney shows us that the English have given much of their culture and morals to many of the Irish but also shows us how the other people of Ireland were effected by English Rule. Roy also shows us how the English affected Indian culture and how Indian families were affected by both the English rule and how post English rule affected the lives of many people throughout India. With their own styles and writings, Heaney and Roy give us a good look into how both Indian and Irish cultures are today and how they were back in the time of English rule. Comparing Cultures in Heaney's Opened Ground and Roy's The God of Small Comparing Cultures in Heaney's Opened Ground and Roy's The God of Small Things Many authors use experience in their lives to influence their writing. In the cases of Seamus Heaney and Arundati Roy, the experiences in their life and the experience that their countries went through shape their poems and stories in unimaginable ways. For example, Heaney puts into his poetry many experiences that his country, Ireland, went through. These experiences include the rise of war in Ireland between the Catholics and the Protestants and also the influence that England has on the situation in Ireland. Roy on the same note brings into her story, The God of Small Things, experiences that India went through after British rule and the fear of communism that arose in certain parts of India after the British made India a free nation. Through both of these authors’ writings, readers can see the effect that English rule had upon both of the different nations and the aftermath of the English influence on both India and Ireland. In Heaney's book of poetry entitled Opened Ground, Heaney shows the readers many different ways in which English rule and influence effected and changed the lives of different people in Ireland. For example, in Two Lorries, Heaney describes a man who is a coal deliverer and his love for Heaney's mother. As the poem progresses, we can see a metamorphosis in the lorry. As the political situation in Ireland escalates and war between different religious factions grows more immanent, the lorry changes from a man who falls in love with Heaney's mother to a raving political and religious war type man who needs to become involved in the skirmish between the religious groups and by doing this eventually blows... ...e and have their morals and institutions put on them or become a communist nation and be told everything that must be done and not have many choices. Both Heaney and Roy do a very good job to show and discuss how their culture and English culture have both effected and made their cultures what they are today. Heaney shows us that the English have given much of their culture and morals to many of the Irish but also shows us how the other people of Ireland were effected by English Rule. Roy also shows us how the English affected Indian culture and how Indian families were affected by both the English rule and how post English rule affected the lives of many people throughout India. With their own styles and writings, Heaney and Roy give us a good look into how both Indian and Irish cultures are today and how they were back in the time of English rule.

Writing and Bio-organic Chemistry Review

HAD cholesterol (good) Bio-organic Chemistry Review Sheet Ill What is an alkaline? What is an alkaline? Ill. What are some common alikeness? IV. How to you make an alkaline? V. What is the mechanism of the addition of HEX across a double bond? Bio-organic Chemistry Review Sheet 3 (continued) VI. What is the mechanism of the addition offs across a double bond? The reactions of alikeness: (attach index cards here) This tip for improving your SAT score was provided by David Greensward at Verities Prep.For many college applicants, the essay is the most dreaded portion of the SAT. Many students believe that a good essay requires time to develop into something that envoys nuanced understanding of the material. Although time and skill are useful in writing a dissertation, the SAT essay is much more formulaic and simply requires an understanding of how to produce a passable piece of persuasive writing that can function with nearly every prompt. Here are three keys to creating a consistently excellent essay on the SAT: 1 . Create a template before you write an essay.BLOB: How to Improve Your SAT Essay Writing Essentially all persuasive writing has the same characteristics. The goal is to take a position on some question and support that position with evidence, which can efficiently be accomplished in a five paragraph essay (an introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion). For this reason, one can essentially write the bones of the essay before one knows what the topic of the essay is. The easiest way to accomplish this is to write a bona-fide practice essay that you feel is strong and then remove all the specific references to the topic.For example, say you were writing a thesis statement on the topic of whether or not it is better for a leader to be feared or loved. (Much great writing already exists on this expansive topic, but we don't have to be Plato here. A thesis might say: â€Å"Therefore the assertion that being loved is a more powerful motivator for achieving a leader's desired goals than being feared is demonstrably true. † This is a strong thesis and could essentially be boiled down to â€Å"therefore the assertion that [position on topic] is demonstrably true. Voila! This is a thesis that can essentially work for any specific topic. From here on, all that needs to be done is to create a prototypical essay and remove all the specifics. This essay template works especially well for the introduction and conclusion, but the next tip is very helpful for the body paragraphs. . Relate topic sentences and non-personal examples back to the thesis. It is a little harder to completely script the body paragraphs, as these will be related to whatever examples you choose to include.The magic ticket in the body paragraphs, however, is to relate what you are writing back to your thesis. For instance, if one of your examples for the above topic of whether a leader should be feared or loved is Animal Farm, it is not strong to simply s ummarize the book. For example â€Å"Animal Farm is the story of how animals rise up against an unjust system, only to emulate the system they so despise. Not a bad summary of Animal Farm, but if graders want to know what happens in that book, they Just read it. Graders want to know how the example will be related back to the thesis.A better take is â€Å"The eventual societal decay and uprising of the subjugated animals in George Rowel's Animal Farm demonstrates the danger of a leader being feared, as opposed to being loved. † This is much more related to the main thesis of the essay. Also, make sure your examples are from something outside personal experience; it is far stronger to apply learning than to apply anecdotes on the SAT. BLOB: Make Your Practice Count 3. Write as if you were creating sentences for the multiple choice questions.This is a surprisingly effective tool in ensuring stylistic and grammatical clarity on the SAT. Students devote quite a bit of time to le arning potential errors on the multiple choice writing questions, but it does not always occur to them to put their own writing under the same scrutiny. All the guidelines for correct sentences can be applied to personal writing: Use active voice, check for subject verb agreement, be clear, and the list goes on and on. If the same precision applied to the writing ultimate choice questions is applied to this essay, grammar and clarity will not be issues.

Health Informatics Essay

History of Healthcare Informatics It wasn’t until the 1950’s, that informatics started to take off, when Robert Ledley used computers in dental projects with the National Bureau of Standards. In the 1960’s doctors, graduate students, and computer specialists began creating diagnostic systems and other medical computer programs. In the late 1960’s, the MUMPs programming system was created to integrate medical databases and is still used today (â€Å"The History†, n.d.). In recent years, health informatics has exploded with president Obama’s 2009 Federal Stimulus Package, which has allocated millions of dollars for funding of health care informatics development and utilization. The package states a goal that by 2014, every resident will have an electronic health record (Sorgen, 2010). Given this stimulus, the U.S. Department of Labor predicts a 49% job growth and the U.S. News & World Report named Healthcare Informatics as one of the top careers today (â€Å"Health Informatics Career†, n.d.). What is Healthcare Informatics? According to the American Health Information Management Association, healthcare Informatics was adapted from the French term for computer science (Informatique), in the 1970’s in order to capture the emerging science of information and computer technology that was used in healthcare. Health and Medical Informatics is often used interchangeably but both pertain to Healthcare Informatics. Healthcare Informatics â€Å"is the multidisciplinary scientific field concerned with the acquisition, storage, retrieval, communication and optimal use of health information for problem solving and decision making. Health Informatics enhances the development and assessment tools used representing medical data, aiding medical decision making, defining medical language and classification systems, as well computer aided learning and healthcare IT strategy† (Health Informatics Career†, n.d.). Some of the technologies that Healthcare Informaticians manage include PDAs, telemedicine, digital imaging, digital libraries/websites, email system and clinical support systems, and electronic medical records. According to Worldwidelearn.com, in order to succeed in Healthcare Informatics, one should possess certain skills and aptitudes. These include but are not limited to; attention to detail, excellent verbal/written communication, problem solver, ability to work independently, intimate knowledge of computer hardware/software, good customer service skills, grace under pressure, ability to work with a wide variety of associates (doctors, nurses, programmers, managers, administrators), and a desire to help the medical community. To see if this career is the right for you; you can do research online, attend seminars, take aptitude tests and talk to working professionals in Informatics. Education and Training Requirements There seems to be a wide variety of training and educational backgrounds for professionals currently working, in Healthcare Informatics. Many nurses working in this field have received on the job training or completed online certification programs. Many professionals currently working in this field have also received a degree in other specialty areas. According to the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society’s 2011 survey, fifteen percent of respondents received on the job training while fifty six percent reported having Post-graduate degrees in Nursing or other specialties. Fifteen percent were presently taking an informatics class online or through their institution. There are online certification programs that exist for busy working healthcare professionals that already have obtained a bachelor’s degree. These programs educate people on the basic skills and knowledge needed to design, implement and monitor electronic medical data systems. Some of the coursework includes: electronic records, data standards, system analysis, and design and information literacy. A bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Informatics, provides a sound knowledge base of electronic medical systems in order to improve disease prevention, healthcare reimbursement and resource allocation. Some of the coursework includes: medical terminology, anatomy/physiology, statistics, revenue cycle management, finance, computer systems and health records. Masters and PhD programs focus more on the design of medical information systems. Some of the coursework includes: emerging healthcare technologies, Informatics design and usability, genomics/bioinformatics, research, change management, and database security and design (â€Å"Health Care Informatics Education†, n.d.). Many degree programs also offer opportunities to specialize in certain areas, such as: nursing informatics, dental informatics, pharmaceutical informatics, public health informatics, bioinformatics, research informatics, imaging informatics and consumer health informatics (Hersh, 2009). Companies will sometimes train employees on the job, if they take certain certification programs. However, with higher educations comes an increase in salary, benefits and job positions. Many post-graduate degrees open doors for management and executive opportunities. Certification in Nursing Informatics Unfortunately, when it comes to working in nursing informatics, having a degree in the field is not enough. Certification can also be useful. Being certified involves passing an exam showing proficiency in the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with nursing informatics. Some benefits of certification include recognition for professional achievement, higher salary, and more opportunities for promotion (Lewis, 2011). Currently, there are two ways a nurse can be certified in nursing informatics. The most common way is through the American Nurses Association Credentialing Center (ANCC) (HIMSS, 2011). The ANCC offers an exam for eligible individuals. In order to sit for the exam, the individual must hold a current RN license, have at least two years full time experience as an RN, possess a bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing or a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, finish 30 hours of continuing education in informatics over the past three years, and complete the appropriate number of practicum requirements. Practicum requirements include the following: at least 2,000 hours in informatics nursing over the past three years; 1,000 hours in the last three years and completed at least 12 semester hours in a graduate level nursing informatics program; or graduation from a graduate nursing informatics program where at least 200 hours of supervised practicum took place. A variety of study guides, groups, and courses are available for the individual wishing to take the ANCC Nursing Informatics Certification Exam (Lewis, 2011). HIMSS also offers an option for nurses to become certified in nursing informatics. According to the HIMSS website (n.d.), candidates who wish to take the CPHIMS exam must meet one of the following requirements. The individual should have a bachelor’s degree in addition to five years of experience in associated information and management systems, with three of them taking place in the healthcare field, or the candidate should have a master’s degree in addition to three years experience, with two of them in healthcare. The associated information and management systems experience could take place in administration or management, clinical information systems, information systems, e-health, or management engineering. Compensation and Benefits Nursing informatics is a career in which its workers have seen a significant increase in salary since 2004 (HIMSS, 2011). According to the HIMSS 2011 Nursing Informatics Workforce Survey, the average salary of nursing informaticists in 2004 was $69,500, but in 2011 it had increased to $98,703. Reported salaries tended to be higher in the New England and the Pacific regions. When looking at the different settings one can work in, those employed by consulting firms had the highest average salary ($153,576) with those employed by vendor organizations achieving the second highest average salary ($108,773). Those working in academics saw an increase in salary since the 2007 survey with an average of $101,346. Certification in nursing informatics also made a difference. Nurses certified by ANCC averaged $119,644 and those certified by CPHIMS averaged $110,291. On the other hand, nurses who did not attain certification had a lower average salary of $93,787. Many of the respondents to the HIMSS (2011) survey also reported receiving benefits in addition to their salary. Medical and dental insurance were the most common benefits followed by 401(k) or 403(b) retirement plans. Other frequently included benefits were life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, and tuition reimbursement. It was noted that 34 percent of respondents received a bonus. Work Environment One of the advantages of becoming a nurse informaticist is the wide variety of work environments. Most work in a hospital setting, spending very little time on clinical activities. Some work at corporate offices of healthcare systems and others work in academics (HIMSS, 2011). A small number of respondents to the HIMSS (2011) survey worked for consulting firms or vendors. Nurse informaticists can also find employment at ambulatory facilities, home health agencies, managed care or insurance companies, and government or military facilities. References American Health Information Management Association (2012). Joint AMIA/AHIMA Summary of their Relationship and Link to the Informatics Field. Retrieved from http:///www.ahima.org/about/informatics.aspx Guide to College Majors in Medical Informatics. Retrieved from http://wwwworldwidelearn.com/online-education-guide/health-medical/medical- informatics-major.htm Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (n.d.). CPHIMS Become certified. Retrieved from http://www.himss.org/asp/certification_cphimsApply.asp Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (2011). HIMSS 2011 nursing informatics workforce survey. Retrieved from http://www.himss.org/content/files/2011HIMSSNursingInformaticsWorkforceSurvey.pdf Health Care Informatics Education and Training Program Summaries. Retrieved from http://www.education-portal.com/articles/Heath_Care_Informatics_Education_and_ Training_Program_Summaries.html Health Informatics Career and Training Profile. Retrieved from http://www.allhealthcaredegrees.com/career/informatics.htm Hersh, W. (2009). A Stimulus to Define Informatics and Health Information Technology. Retrieved from http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6947/9/24 Lewis, A. (2011). How to successfully pass the nursing informatics certification exam. ANIA-CARING Newsletter, 26(3), 10-12. Sorgen, C.( 2010). Medical Informatics: A Healthcare Profession Snapshot. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com The History of Healthcare Informatics. Retrieved from View as multi-pages

Definition and Examples of an Ad Hominem Fallacy

Definition and Examples of an Ad Hominem Fallacy Ad hominem is a logical  fallacy  that involves a personal attack: an argument based on the perceived failings of an adversary rather than on the merits of the case. In short, its when your rebuttal to an opponents position is an irrelevant attack on the opponent personally rather than the subject at hand, to discredit the position by discrediting its supporter. It translates as against the man. Using an ad hominem fallacy pulls the publics attention off the real issue and serves only as a distraction. In some contexts its unethical.  Its also called argumentum ad hominem, abusive ad hominem, poisoning the well, ad personam, and mudslinging. The attacks serve as red herrings to try to discredit or blunt the opponents argument or make the public ignore it- its not just a personal attack but one stated as a counterattack to the position.   Ad Hominem Arguments That Arent Fallacies Just as there can be negative attacks (or insults) against someone that arent ad hominem arguments, there can also be a valid ad hominem argument thats not a ​fallacy. This works to convince the opposition of a premise using information that the opposition already believes to be true, whether or not the person making the argument believes them as factual.      Also, if the point of criticism of the opponent is an ethical or moral violation for someone wholl be in a position to enforce moral standards (or claims to be ethical), the ad hominem might not be irrelevant to the point at hand. If there is a conflict of interest that is being hidden- such as personal gain that has clearly influenced a persons position- the ad hominem could be relevant. Gary Goshgarian and colleagues give this example of a conflict of interest in their book An Argument Rhetoric and Reader:   The organizer of a petition to build a state-supported recycling center may seem reasonably suspect if it is revealed that he owns the land on which the proposed recycling center would be built. While the property owner may be motivated by sincere environmental concerns, the direct relationship between his position and his personal life makes this fair game for a challenge (Gary Goshgarian, et al.,  Addison-Wesley, 2003). Types of Ad Hominem Arguments An abusive ad hominem fallacy is a direct attack on the person. For example, it occurs when the opponents appearance is brought up in the discussion. Youll see this a lot of times when men are discussing positions of female opponents. The persons clothes and hair and personal attractiveness are brought up during the discussion when they have nothing to do with the subject matter. Looks and clothes never come into the discussion, however, when the mens points of views come up for debate.   The scary thing, as T.E. Damer writes, is that most abusers apparently believe that such characteristics actually provide good reasons for ignoring or discrediting the arguments of those who have them (Attacking Faulty Reasoning. Wadsworth, 2001). The circumstantial  ad hominem fallacy happens when the opponents circumstances come into play, irrelevantly.   A  tu quoque  fallacy is when the opponent points out how the arguer doesnt follow his or her own advice.  Its also called an appeal to  hypocrisy, for that reason. An opponent might say, Well, thats the pot calling the kettle black.   Ad Hominem Examples Political campaigns, especially the tiresome negative attack ads, are full of fallacious ad hominem examples (as well as just negative attacks, without any positions stated).  Unfortunately, they work, otherwise, candidates wouldnt use them. In a study, scientists had people evaluate scientific claims paired with attacks. They found that attacks on positions based on ad hominem fallacies were just as effective as attacks based on evidence. Allegations of conflict of interest were just as effective as allegations of fraud. In political campaigns, ad hominem attacks are nothing new. Yvonne Raley, writing for Scientific American, noted that during the presidential campaign of 1800, John Adams was called a fool, a gross hypocrite and an unprincipled oppressor. His rival, Thomas Jefferson, on the other hand, was deemed an uncivilized atheist, anti-American, a tool for the godless French.†Ã‚   Examples of different types of ad hominem fallacies and arguments include: Abusive: During the 2016  presidential campaign, Donald Trump threw out one abusive ad hominem attack after another about Hillary Clinton, such as, Now you tell me she looks presidential, folks. I look presidential, as if clothing were the important issue at hand.  Circumstantial: Thats what youd expect someone like him/her to say or Thats, of course, the position a ___________ would have.Poisoning the well:  Take, for example, a movie reviewer who dislikes a Tom Cruise movie because of the actors religion and tries to impose negative bias in the audience members minds before they see the film. His religious affiliation is completely unrelated to his acting ability or whether the movie is entertaining.Relevant ad hominem arguments: It was relevant to attack  Jimmy Swaggart after he was found with a prostitute yet purported to be an advisor and leader on moral issues. But hes not alone as far as preaching morality and not behaving. Any congressman who purports family values an d commits adultery, is caught with pornography, or hires prostitutes- and especially those who lie about it- is legitimately open for character attacks.   Guilt by association: If a person expresses the same (or a similar) view as someone whos already viewed negatively, that person and the viewpoint will then be viewed negatively. Whether the viewpoint is valid doesnt matter; its tarnished because of the person whos viewed negatively.Ad feminam: Using female stereotypes to attack a viewpoint is an ad feminam fallacy, for example, calling someones viewpoint irrational because of pregnancy, menopause, or menstruation hormones.

The Role of France in the American Revolutionary War

The Role of France in the American Revolutionary War After years of spiraling tensions in Britain’s American colonies, the American Revolutionary War began in 1775. The revolutionary colonists faced a war against one of the world’s major powers, one with an empire that spanned the globe. To help counter Britains formidable position, the Continental Congress created the Secret Committee of Correspondence to publicize the aims and actions of the rebels in Europe. They then drafted the Model Treaty to guide negotiations of alliance with foreign nations. Once the Congress had declared independence in 1776, it sent a party that included Benjamin Franklin to negotiate with Britain’s rival: France. Why France Was Interested France initially sent agents to observe the war, organized secret supplies, and began preparations for war against Britain in support of the rebels. France might seem an odd choice for the revolutionaries to work with. The nation was ruled by an absolutist monarch who was not sympathetic to the principle of no taxation without representation, even if the plight of the colonists and their perceived fight against a domineering empire excited idealistic Frenchmen like the Marquis de Lafayette. In addition, France was Catholic, and the colonies were Protestant, a difference that was a major and contentious issue at the time and that had colored several centuries of foreign relations. But French was a colonial rival of Britain. While it was arguably Europe’s most prestigious nation, France had suffered humiliating defeats to the British in the Seven Years War- especially its American theater, the French-Indian War- several years earlier. France was looking for any way to boost its own reputation while undermining Britains, and helping the colonists to independence looked like a perfect way of doing this. The fact that some of the revolutionaries had fought France in the French-Indian War was expediently overlooked. In fact, the French Duc de Choiseul had outlined how France would restore their prestige from the Seven Years War as early as 1765 by saying the colonists would soon throw the British out, and that France and Spain had to unite and fight Britain for naval dominance. Covert Assistance Franklin’s diplomatic overtures helped prompt a wave of sympathy across France for the revolutionary cause, and a fashion for all things American took hold. Franklin used this popular support to help in negotiations with French Foreign Minister Vergennes, who was initially keen on a full alliance, especially after the British were forced to abandon their base in Boston. Then news arrived of defeats suffered by Washington and his Continental Army in New York. With Britain seemingly on the rise, Vergennes wavered, hesitating over a full alliance, though he sent a secret loan and other aid anyway. Meanwhile, the French entered negotiations with the Spanish. Spain was also a threat to Britain, but it was worried about supporting colonial independence. Saratoga Leads to Full Alliance In December of 1777, news reached France of the British surrender at Saratoga, a victory that convinced the French to make a full alliance with the revolutionaries and to enter the war with troops. On February 6, 1778, Franklin and two other American commissioners signed the Treaty of Alliance and a Treaty of Amity and Commerce with France. This contained a clause banning both Congress and France from making a separate peace with Britain and a commitment to keep fighting until the independence of the United States was recognized. Spain entered the war on the revolutionary side later that year. The French Foreign Office had trouble pinning down â€Å"legitimate† reasons for France’s entry into the war; they found almost none. France couldn’t argue for the rights that the Americans claimed without damaging their own political system. Indeed, their report could only stress Frances disputes with Britain; it avoided discussion in favor of simply acting. Legitimate reasons were not terribly important in this epoch and the French joined the fight anyway. 1778 to 1783 Now fully committed to the war, France supplied arms, munitions, supplies, and uniforms. French troops and naval power were also sent to America, reinforcing and protecting Washington’s Continental Army. The decision to send troops was taken carefully, as France was not sure how the Americans would react to a foreign army. The number of soldiers was carefully chosen, striking a balance that allowed them to be effective, while not being so large as to anger the Americans. The commanders were also carefully selected- men who could work effectively with the other French commanders and the American commanders. The leader of the French army, Count Rochambeau, however, did not speak English. The troops sent to America were not, as has sometimes been reported, the very cream of the French army. They were, however, as one historian has commented, for 1780...probably the most sophisticated military instrument ever dispatched to the New World.† There were problems in working together at first, as American General Sullivan found at Newport when French ships pulled away from a siege to deal with British ships, before being damaged and having to retreat. But overall the American and French forces cooperated well, although they were often kept separate. The French and Americans certainly were quite effective when compared to the incessant problems experienced in the British high command. French forces attempted to buy everything from the locals that they couldn’t ship in, rather than requisition it. They spent an estimated $4 million worth of precious metal in doing so, further endearing themselves to the Americans. Arguably the key French contribution to the war came during the Yorktown campaign. French forces under Rochambeau landed at Rhode Island in 1780, which they fortified before linking up with Washington in 1781. Later that year the Franco-American army marched 700 miles south to besiege Cornwallis’ British army at Yorktown, while the French navy cut the British off from desperately needed naval supplies, reinforcements, and complete evacuation to New York. Cornwallis was forced to surrender to Washington and Rochambeau. This proved to be the last major engagement of the war, as Britain opened peace discussions soon after rather than continue a global war. The Global Threat From France America wasn’t the only theater in a war, which, with France’s entrance, had turned global. France threatened British shipping and territory around the globe, preventing their rival from focusing fully on the conflict in the Americas. Part of the impetus behind Britain’s surrender after Yorktown was the need to hold the remainder of their colonial empire from attack by other European nations, such as France. There were battles outside America in 1782 and 1783 as peace negotiations took place. Many in Britain felt that France was their primary enemy, and should be the focus; some even suggested pulling out of the American colonies entirely to focus on their neighbor. Peace Despite British attempts to divide France and Congress during peace negotiations, the allies remained firm- aided by a further French loan- and peace was reached in the Treaty of Paris in 1783 between Britain, France, and the United States. Britain had to sign further treaties with other European powers who had become involved. Consequences Britain quit the American Revolutionary War rather than fight another global war with France. This might seem like a triumph for France, but in truth, it was a disaster. The financial pressures France faced at the time were only made worse by the cost of aiding the Americans. These fiscal troubles soon spiraled out of control and played a large role in the start of the French Revolution in 1789. The French government thought it was harming Britain by acting in the New World, but, just a few years later, it was itself harmed by the financial costs of the war. Sources Kennett, Lee. The French Forces in America, 1780–1783. Greenwood Press, 1977.Mackesy, Piers. The War for America 1775–1783. Harvard University Press, 1964.

Islamic Empires Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Islamic Empires - Assignment Example This displays the compactness and discipline of the ancient sultan community. The Topkapi palace Harem also captured my attention. Harem displays the secrecy of the Sultans. The creation of the harem is done with the consideration of secrecy and privacy. For the sultan housed in the harem, they are provided with all hospitable requirements such as kitchens and bathrooms (The Topkapi Palace Museum). As one enters the Topkapi Palace the harem captures one view as it differentiation from other building makes it beautiful. A view of the palace attires and garments is also captivating. In this section, the costumes and attires by the Sultans are displayed. The costumes portray the original picture of fashion. The attires are exceptionally woven to depict both superiority and sacredness of the sultans. In the Palace, the Chambers of the Sacred Relics is also captivating. The chambers consist of all relics since 1517 (The Topkapi Palace Museum). All relics presented are of great value to the ancient community that resided in the palace. The most significant relic in the chambers is the Prophet Bamboo bow. In addition, the chamber has all the swords used religious leaders and the first four Caliphs. The chambers display the massive history of the era leading to the creation and development of the Palace. In addition, the chambers provide a person with an understanding of the role relics used by leaders in the ancient community. The imperial treasury also bears great significance in the palace. The treasury is divided into four areas, the treasury salon I, II, III and IV. Each treasure salon housed different relics and gifts. One major treasure in the chambers is the gifts presented to Prophet Mohammed (The Topkapi Palace Museum). The collection in the treasure is vast and captivating. All the important relics in the palace were conserved in the treasury which provides a visit understand the community of the