Tobacco Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Tobacco - Term Paper Example Many people enjoyed tobacco after introduction in 15th century. However, use of tobacco was seen as a sign of disrespect to the public. Research reveals that tobacco users suffered extremely leading to introduction of warning statements. King James was the victim of tobacco in 1604 and so he was prompted to issue warnings against tobacco use. The first industry of tobacco was started in early 17th century by John Rolf in North America. His industry was boosted by high demand from England. Study reveals that John exported his tobacco products from his firm to England. Approximately two hundred pounds of tobacco were shipped to England by John’s firm due to the demand from tobacco users in England. The demand was increased by high price imposed by Spanish sellers to the people of England (Yeargin, 2008). High competition between John Rolf and Spanish traders forced John to smuggle the sweetest seeds of tobacco from Varina firms and started producing more desirable products. The sweetness of his products led to high demand from England. Later he named his firm Varina farms. Study shows that the farm in still in existence to date despite that it is not growing tobacco anymore (Yeargin, 2008). The high demand of tobacco in England increased the requirement of labor force. African slaves were used as labor force in tobacco farms in early 17th century. Satcher (1998) point out that Jamestown in Virginia was the most profitable tobacco firms due to high demand for tobacco in England and other European countries. Study by the author reveals that the colonies wealth was from tobacco trade in early 17th century. Other cash crops such as cotton were not common but it was later introduced in 1793. The profitability of tobacco led increase in a number of farms in North America and later spread Southern part. Though it was profitable crop, it was later planted with other crops in

Rene Ryman Essay Example for Free

Rene Ryman Essay Week 1 Case Study Professor Rene Ryman Case Problems – Chapter 1 – Question 1, parts a through d 1. A. How did Pine Valley Furniture go about developing its information systems? Why do you think the company chose this option? What other options were available? Pine Valley started small with the owner Alex Schuster just taking orders from customers for his custom furniture. Eventually each department had its own system, but they were still separate databases. The system has evolved into an automated system supported by in-house information system staff. I feel the company chose this option because they wanted to have their own in-house IS staff to maintain their own system. They could have outsourced the creation and support of their current system but they see the value in being self sufficient. B. One option available to Pine Valley Furniture was an enterprise-wide system. What features does an enterprise-wide system, such as SAP, provide? What is the primary advantage of an enterprise-wide system? An enterprise-wide system provides a single database as a repository for companies to centralize the management and availability of company data. The primary advantage of the enterprise-wide system is that it can be maintained at one location and supported from that location. The data is consistent and it costs less to support. C. Pine Valley Furniture will be hiring two systems analysts next month. Your task is to develop a job advertisement for these positions. Locate several Web sites and/or newspapers that have job advertisements for systems analysts. What skills are required? Required skills for Systems Analysts: Must be able to make program modifications Must be able to consolidate multiple databases into one Must be able to train support staff on new system Stay abreast of compliance rules and regulations D. What types of information systems are currently utilized at Pine Valley Furniture? Provide an example of each. Two primary information systems used at Pine Valley Furniture are for accounting and financial. As an example of each there would be a system for paying suppliers and contractors to run the furniture business. For all bills paid out of the general operating account a system needs to be in place to keep track of invoices, purchase orders and printing checks. Likewise a system is used to maintain payroll data. To pay the employees a system is needed to maintain hourly data and salary data. Along with whatever benefits are offered to employees. This system would keep all of the records, process the payroll and print payroll checks.

Traditional File Systems Essay

Traditional File Systems Essay The traditional filing system (TFS) is a method of storing and arranging computer files and the information in the file (data). Basically it organizes these files into a database for the storage, organization, manipulation, and retrieval by the computers operating system. (DBMS) consists of software that operates databases, providing storage, access, security, backup and other facilities. This system can be categorized according to the database model and the type of computer that they support such as a server cluster or a mobile phone, the query language(s) that access the database, such as SQL or XQuery, performance trade-offs, such as maximum scale or maximum speed or others. Some DBMS cover more than one entry in these categories, e.g., supporting multiple query languages. Meanwhile database management systems are usually accessed in a client-server manner, where the database client and the server are located on different machines (in a local area network). Both systems deal with information management. File-based System File-based systems were an early attempt to computerize the manual filing system. File-based system is a collection of application programs that perform services for the end-users, such as updating, insertion, deletion adding new files to database etc. Each program defines and manages its data. When a computer user wants to store data electronically they must do so by placing data in files. Files are stored in specific locations on the hard disk (directories). The user can create new files to place data in, delete a file that contains data, rename the file, etc which is known as file management; a function provided by the Operating System (OS). Disadvantages of traditional file based system No need of external storage Provides less security. No need of a highly technical person to handle the database. Redundancy is more. Processing speed is high as compared to DBMS Less integrity. High complexity in updating of database. Table 1.1.1 Database Management System The improvement of the File-Based System (FBS) was the Database Management System (DBMS) which came up in the 60s. The Database Management System removed the trouble of manually locating data, and having to go through it. The user could create a suitable structure for the data beforehand, to place the information in the database that the DBMS is managing. Hence, the physical organizing of files is done away with and provides the user with a logical view of the data input. A database is a collection of interrelated information stored in a database server; these data will be stored in the form of tables. The primary aim of database is to provide a way to store and retrieve database information fast and in an efficient manner. Advantages Control of data redundancy Although the database approach does not remove redundancy completely, it controls the amount of redundancy in the database. Data consistency By removing or controlling redundancy, the database approach reduces the risk of inconsistencies occurring. It ensures all copies of the idea are kept consistent. More information from the same amount of data With the amalgamation of the operated data, it is possible to derive additional information for the same data. Sharing of data Database belongs to the entire organization and can be shared by all authorized users. Improved data integrity Database integrity provides the validity and consistency of stored data. Integrity is usually expressed in terms of constraints, which are consistency rules that the database is not permitted to violate. Improved security Provides protection of data from unauthorized users. It will require user names and passwords to identify user type and their access right in the operation including retrieval, insertion, updating and deletion. Enforcement of standards The integration of the database enforces the necessary standards including data formats, naming conventions, documentation standards, update procedures and access rules. Economy of scale Cost savings can be obtained by combining all organizations operational data into one database with applications to work on one source of data. Balance of conflicting requirements By having a structural design in the database, the conflicts between users or departments can be resolved. Decisions will be based on the base use of resources for the organization as a whole rather than for an individual person. Improved data accessibility and responsiveness By having integration in the database approach, data accessing can cross departmental boundaries. This feature provides more functionality and better services to the users. Increased productivity The database approach provides all the low-level file-handling routines. The provision of these functions allow the programmer to concentrate more on the specific functionality required by the users. The fourth-generation environment provided by the database can simplify the database application development. Improved maintenance Provides data independence. As a change of data structure in the database will affect the application program, it simplifies database application maintenance. Increased concurrency Database can manage concurrent data access effectively. It ensures no interference between users that would not result any loss of information or loss of integrity. Improved backing and recovery services Modern database management system provides facilities to minimize the amount of processing that can be lost following a failure by using the transaction approach. Disadvantages Complexity A difficult software. All users must be familiar with its functionality and take full advantage of it. Therefore, training for the administrators, designers and users is required. Size Uses a substantial amount of main memory as well as large amount of disk space in order to make it run efficiently. Cost of DBMS A multi-user database management system may be very expensive. Even after the installation, there is a high regular annual maintenance cost on the software. Cost of conversion When moving from a file-base system to a database system, the company is required to have additional expenses on hardware acquisition and training cost. Performance As the database approach is to cater for many applications rather than exclusively for a particular one, some applications may not run as fast as before. Higher impact of a failure Increases the vulnerability of the system due to the centralization. As all users and applications reply on the database availability, the failure of any component can bring operations to a halt and affect the services to the customer seriously. The difference between TFS and DBMS Balajee B. (2005), There are number of characteristics that differ from traditional file management system to database management system. In file system approach, each user implements the required files for a specific application to run. (Example: in a sales department of an enterprise, one user will be maintaining the details of the number of sales personnel in that department and their grades. These details will be stored and maintained in a separate file. Another user will maintain the salary details of these sales personnel and the detailed salary report will be stored and maintained in a separate file. Although both of the users need the data of the salespersons, they will be having their details in separate files and they need different programs to operate their files.) When such data is isolated in separate files, it is difficult to access data that should be available for both users. This will lead to wastage of space and redundancy or replication of data, which may lead to c onfusion, as sharing of data among various users is not possible and data inconsistency may occur. These files will not be having any inter-relationship among the data stored in these files. Therefore in traditional file processing every user will be defining their own constraints and implement the files according to their needs. In database approach, a single store of data is maintained that is defined once and then accessed by many users, as database belongs to the entire organization and can be shared by all authorized users. The essential characteristic of database approach is that the database system not only contains data but it contains complete definition or description of the database structure and control. These definitions are stored in a system catalog, which contains the information about the structure and definitions of the database. The information stored in the catalog is called the metadata, it describes the primary database. Hence this approach will work on any type of database for example, insurance database, Airlines, banking database, Finance details, and Enterprise information database. But in traditional file processing system the application is developed for a specific purpose and they will access specific database only. But the processing speed in TFS is high compared to DBMS. The other main characteristic of the database is that it will allow multiple users to access the database at the same time and sharing of data is possible. The database must include concurrency control software to ensure that several users trying to update the same data at the same time, it should maintain in a controlled manner. In file system approach many programmers will be creating files over a long period and various files have different format, in various application languages, where duplication of data can occur. This redundancy in storing same data multiple times leads to higher costs and wastage of space. This may result in data inconsistency in the application; this is because update is done to some of the files only and not all of the files. Moreover in database approach multiple views can be created; External view User/Application view, Conceptual view Logical view, Internal view Details about the structure of data and physical storage of information. View is a tailored representation of information contained in one or more tables. View is also called as Virtual table because view does not contain physically stored records and will not occupy any space. A multi-user database whose users have variety of applications must provide facilities for defining multiple views. In traditional file system, if any changes are made to the structure of the files it will affect all the programs. Therefore, changes to the structure of a file will require to change all programs that access the file and whereby data dependence will be lost. But in the case of database approach the structure of the database is stored separately in the system catalog from the access of the application programs. This property is known as program-data independence. Database can also be used for continuous storage for program objects and data structures that resulted in object oriented database approach. Traditional systems suffered from impedance mismatch problem and difficulty in accessing the data, which is avoided in object oriented database system. Database can be used to represent complex relationships among data as well as to retrieve and update related data easily and efficiently. Hence DBMS does not automatically remove redundancies, but help to control redundancy. It is possible to define and enforce integrity constraints for the data stored in the database. The database also provides facilities for recovering hardware and software failures, as it has automatic and intelligent backup and recovery procedures. It reduces the application development time considerably when compared to the file system approach and availability of up-to-date information of all the users. It also provides security to the data stored in the database system and maintains integrity. A highly technical person will be required to handle the database, while for TFS, it is not so. File-based systems are very dependent upon the application programmer. Any required queries or reports have to be written by the application programmer. Normally, a fixed format query or report can only be entertained and no facility for ad-hoc queries if offered. DBMS has data independence. The way information is stored and the way information issued is independent of each other. File-based systems also give tremendous pressure on data processing staff, with users complaints on programs that are inadequate or inefficient in meeting their demands. Documentation may be limited and maintenance of the system is difficult. Provision for security, integrity and recovery capability is very limited. Whereas, DBMS has control over security as it provides tools such as use of User Code, Password / Privileges and Roles to ensure security of data. Data, Field, Record, and File are the main components of Database environment. Briefly explain those. Data Webopedia (Anon., n.d.), Distinct pieces of information usually formatted in a special way. All software is divided into two general categories: data and programs. Programs are collections of instructions for manipulating data. Data can exist in a variety of forms as numbers or text on pieces of paper, as bits and bytes stored in electronic memory, or as facts stored in a persons mind. Strictly speaking, data is the plural of datum, a single piece of information. In practice, however, people use data as both the singular and plural form of the word. The term data is often used to distinguish binary machine-readable information from textual human-readable information. For example, some applications make a distinction between data files (files that contain binary data) and text files (files that contain ASCII data). In database management systems, data files are the files that store the database information, whereas other files, such as index files and data dictionaries, store adminis trative information, known as metadata. Field Webopedia (Anon., n.d.), A space allocated for a particular item of information. A tax form, for example, contains a number of fields: one for your name, one for your Social Security number, one for your income, and so on. In database systems, fields are the smallest units of information you can access. In spreadsheets, fields are called cells. Most fields have certain attributes associated with them. For example, some fields are numeric whereas others are textual; some are long, while others are short. In addition, every field has a name, called the field name. In database management systems, a field can be required, optional, or calculated. A required field is one in which you must enter data, while an optional field is one you may leave blank. A calculated field is one whose value is derived from some formula involving other fields. You do not enter data into a calculated field; the system automatically determines the correct value. A collection of fields is called a record. Record Webopedia (Anon., n.d.), In database management systems, a complete set of information. Records are composed of fields, each of which contains one item of information. A set of records constitutes a file. For example, a personnel file might contain records that have three fields: a name field, an address field, and a phone number field. In relational database management systems, records are called tuples. Some programming languages allow you to define a special data structure called a record. Generally, a record is a combination of other data objects. For example, a record might contain three integers, a floating-point number, and a character string. In database management systems, a complete set of information. Records are composed of fields, each of which contains one item of information. A set of records constitutes a file. For example, a personnel file might contain records that have three fields: a name field, an address field, and a phone number field. Figure 1.2.1 Source Author Anon., File Webopedia (Anon., n.d.), A collection of data or information that has a name, called the filename. Almost all information stored in a computer must be in a file. There are many different types of files: data files, text files, program files, directory files, and so on. Different types of files store different types of information. For example, program files store programs, whereas text files store text. What is the Importance of DBMS in a Defense Organization and in an Education Department? Defence Organization Benjamin (n.d.), A Database Management System (DBMS) is a set of computer programs that controls the creation, maintenance, and the use of the database with computers of an organization and its end users. It allows organizations to place control of organization-wide database development in the hands of database administrators (DBAs) and other specialists. As organizations develop with time, their adoption to the latest technologies in the computer field becomes a necessity. A Defence organization is no different. In these turbulent times, when national security is more important, providing all Defence personnel with access to the latest technology and education opportunities not only directly contributes to Defence capability but also improve the defence personnels career development. Hence the importance of a DBMS in such an organization like Defence is vital. Because Database administrators could use this system to configure and operate databases as the software provides high level, privileged database access. But the management should restrict use of this software to authorized personnel. One function of the database administrator is to create particular views of information stored in the database that are unique for each type of user. For example, one officer will have a different view of information in the database than another, say Senior officer. The different user groups will also have different abilities to add, modify, or delete information. The database administrator is responsible for providing users with access to the appropriate level of information. The primary risk associated with database administration is that an administrator can alter sensitive data without those modifications being detected. A secondary risk is that an administrator can change access rights to information stored within the database as well as their own access rights. Database security is the last line of defence. So it deserves greater focus on the protection of private data from both internal and external. The sensitivity and classification of the information stored in the database form the basis for establishing controls. A database that stores confidential information may require a more significant control environment than a database that stores non-sensitive information. Management should consider the security and performance implications of the security options available with modern database management systems. Database security professionals and information security and risk management professionals could adopt a security strategy in DBMS to: 1) Align database security policies with information security policies; 2) Ensure well-defined and formalized database security procedures; 3) Enforce role separation; and 4) Apply advanced security measures such as database auditing, monitoring, database encryption, data masking, and vulnerability assessment to all critical databases that store private data. The DBMS can provide long-term benefits for the Defence organization reducing duplication of data and making it easier for HR to update personnel records. If not for DBMS, each time there was a personnel change, trainers would have to go through their entire content to make the necessary changes. Now, replacing Brigadier Xs picture in the content library with Commodore Ys picture can be automatically replicated through all relevant programs. Thereby reduce its expenditure on storage. But, initial training will be required for all programmers and users. Even though database systems are complex, difficult, and time-consuming to design, there is greater data integrity and independence from applications programs and Education Department Sue Bushell (2004), To improve teaching and learning with the help of modern information and communication technology eLearning is beneficial to education, corporations and to all types of learners. It is affordable, saves time, and produces measurable results. E-learning comprises all forms of electronically supported learning and teaching. The Information and communication systems, whether networked or not, serve as specific media to implement the learning process. E-learning services have evolved since computers were first used in education. There is a trend to move towards blended learning services, where computer-based activities are integrated with practical or classroom-based situations. E-learning is essentially the computer and network-enabled transfer of skills and knowledge. E-learning applications and processes include Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classroom opportunities and digital collaboration. Content is delivered via the Internet, intranet/extranet, audio or video tape, satellite TV, and CD-ROM. It can be self-paced or instructor-led and includes media in the form of text, image, animation, streaming video and audio The definition of e-learning varies depending on the organization and how it is used but basically it involves electronic means of communication, education, and training. Regardless of the definition you chose to use, designers, developers, and implementers make or break the instructional courses and tools. E-learning is simply a medium for delivering learning and like any other medium, it has its advantages and disadvantages. E-learning covers a wide array of activities from supported learning, to blended or hybrid learning (the combination of traditional and e-learning practices), to learning that occurs 100% online. As per wikipedia.org, the worldwide e-learning industry is estimated to be worth over $48 billion US according to conservative estimates. Developments in internet and multimedia technologies are the basic enabler of e-learning, with consulting, content, technologies, services and support being identified as the five key sectors of the e-learning industry. E-learning is naturally suited to distance learning and flexible learning, but can also be used in conjunction with face-to-face teaching, in which case the term Blended learning is commonly used. E-Learning pioneer Bernard Luskin argues that the E must be understood to have broad meaning if e-learning is to be effective. Luskin says that the e should be interpreted to mean exciting, energetic, enthusiastic, emotional, extended, excellent, and educational in addition to electronic that is a traditional national interpretation. This broader interpretation allows for 21st century applications and brings learning and media psychology into the equation. E-Learning can also refer to educational web sites such as those offering learning scenarios, worksheets and interactive exercises for children. The term is also used extensively in the business sector where it generally refers to cost-effective online training There are many advantages to online and computer-based learning when compared to traditional face-to-face courses and lectures. There are a few disadvantages as well. Advantages of eLearning (Anon., n.d) E-learning is beneficial to education, corporations and to all types of learners. It is affordable, saves time, and produces measurable results. Cost effective E-learning is more cost effective than traditional learning because less time and money is spent traveling. Since e-learning can be done in any geographic location and there are no travel expenses, this type of learning is much less costly than doing learning at a traditional institute. Flexibility Flexibility is a major benefit of e-learning. E-learning has the advantage of taking class anytime anywhere. Education is available when and where it is needed. E-learning can be done at the office, at home, on the road, 24 hours a day, and seven days a week. Learners like e-learning because it accommodates different types of learning styles. They have the advantage of learning at their own pace. Students can also learn through a variety of activities that apply to many different learning styles. Learners can fit e-learning into their busy schedule. If they hold a job, they can participate in eLearning right at their desk. If the learner needs to do the learning at night, then this option is available while in their pyjamas and do the learning if they desire. Personalized learning E-learning encourages students to peruse through information by using hyperlinks and sites on the worldwide Web. Learners are able to find information relevant to their personal situations and interest. E-learning allows selection of learning materials that meet their level of knowledge, interest and what they need to know to perform more effectively in an activity. E-learning is more focused on the learner and it is more interesting for the learner because it is information that they want to learn. E-learning is flexible and can be customized to meet the individual needs of the learners. Develops knowledge E-learning helps develop knowledge of the Internet. This knowledge will help learners throughout their careers. E-learning encourages students to take personal responsibility for their own learning. When learners succeed, it builds self-knowledge and self-confidence Disadvantages of eLearning Access One disadvantage of eLearning is that learners need to have access to a computer as well as the Internet. They also need to have computer skills with programs such as word processing, Internet browsers, and e-mail. Without these skills and software it is not possible for the learner to succeed in eLearning. E-learners need to be very comfortable using a computer. Slow Internet connections or older computers may make accessing course materials difficult. This may cause the learners to get frustrated and give up.   Software and files Another disadvantage of e-learning is managing computer files, software comfortability and learning new software, including e-learning. For learners with beginner-level computer skills it can sometimes seem complex to keep their computer files organized. The lesson points you to download a file which the learner does and later cannot find the file. The file is downloaded to the folder the computer automatically opens to rather than a folder chosen by the learner. This file may be lost or misplaced to the learner without good computer organizational skills. High motivation E-learning also requires time to complete especially those with assignments and interactive collaborations. This means that students have to be highly motivated and responsible because all the work they do is on their own. Learners with low motivation or bad study habits may not complete modules and may fall behind Isolation Another disadvantage of e-learning is that students may feel isolated and unsupported while learning. Instructions are not always available to help the learner so learners need to have discipline to work independently without assistance. E-learners may also become bored with no interaction with instructors or classmates.   Without the routine structures of a traditional class, students may get lost or confused about course activities and deadlines. Instructor may not always be available when students are studying or need help Conclusion Today many technologies can be, and are, used in e-learning, from blogs to collaborative software, E-Portfolios, and virtual classrooms. Most e-learning situations use combinations of these techniques. Even though the hardware and software start-up are costly, the advantages are; reduced data redundancy, reducing updating errors and increased consistency, greater data integrity and independence from applications programs, improved data access to users through use of host and query languages, improved data security and availability of facilitated development of new application programs and ability for intensive research are the benefits of DBMS. Task 2 Draw an Entity Relationship Data Model which describes the content and structure of the data held by the Medi Check Hospital. Produce the resulting tables of above Medi Check Hospital and clearly indicating the primary and foreign keys. Data Tables Doctor DoctorID (primary) Lname Fname Address Phone Pager Specialty Location Availability Patient PatientNo (primary) PatientFirstName PatientLastName PatientAddress PatientTelNo PatientDob PatientMaritalStatus PatientDateRegistered Appointment AppointmentNo (primary) PatientName Date/Time PatientTelNo Symptom SymptomCode (primary), SymptomName Description Treatment TreatmentTitle (primary) TreatmentType Duration Status TreatmentCost Medication MedicationNo (primary) MedicationType SideEffect Dosage Frequency Severity MedicationBrandName MedicationManufactureName MedicationManufactureAddress MedicationManufactureTel Normalize these tables to ensure that are all in BCNF. Show the steps you have taken in normalizing the tables. UNF Medication (DoctorID, Lname, Fname, Address, Phone, Pager, Specialty, Location, Availability, PatientNo, PatientFirstName, PatientLastName, PatientAddress, PatientTelNo, PatientDob, PatientMaritalStatus, PatientDateRegistered, AppoinmentNo, PatientName, Date/Time, PatientTelNo, SymptomCode, SymptomName, Description, TreatmentTitle, TreatmentType, Duration, Status, TreatmentCost, MedicationNo, MedicationType, SideEffect, Dosage, Frequency, Severity, MedicationBrandName, MedicationManufactureName, MedicationManufactureAddress, MedicationManufactureTel) 1NF Doctor Details (DoctorID, Lname, Fname, Address, Phone, Pager, Specialty, Location, Availability) Patient Details (PatientNo, PatientFirstName, PatientLastName, PatientAddress, PatientTelNo, PatientDob, PatientMaritalStatus, PatientDateRegistered, AppoinmentNo, PatientN

Breakfast of Champions: Life With Others Essay -- Breakfast of Champio

Breakfast of Champions: Life With Others  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚      For anyone who has ever wondered what the meaning of life is, it is to be the eyes and ears of the Creator of the Universe, if one believes Kurt Vonnegut's Breakfast of Champions (1973). In Breakfast of Champions the protagonist, Kilgore Trout, is a lonely science fiction writer who lives in a hole in the dredges of New York City. His only work published was "to give bulk to books and magazines of salacious pictures" ( 21). Finally catching his break, Trout is invited to the Midland City Arts Festival, home of Dwayne Hoover. Hoover, who is a wealthy car salesman, owns a share of virtually everything in Midland City. However, Hoover is on the brink of insanity at this time and is thinking that one of the artists at the festival will help him find the solution to his quest for fulfillment. Vonnegut uses characters from diverse lifestyles to develop his discouraging views of humanity. Through comical writing, Vonnegut shows how love, relationships, ideas and even gossip can have strong effects on humans and society. Sometimes people don't realize the effects of words on other people. In Breakfast of Champions, Dwayne Hoover comes to this realization the hard way. Already having a bad day, Hoover runs into one of his employees named Harry. Not too fond of the way Harry dresses, feeling he is too bland, Hoover addresses him. "Harry, why don't you get a bunch of cotton waste from Vern Garr, soak it in Blue Suncoe* and burn up your f-cking wardrobe?" (46). Later in the chapter, he ridicules Harry's appearance again. "I have some news for you: modern science has given us a whole lot of wonderful colors, with strange, exciting names like red!, orange!, green!, and pink!"(48)... ...54). Hoover got up from the table to go on a eleven person beating rampage which included: his son Bunny, mistress Francine and Kilgore Trout. "It shook up Trout to realize that even he could bring evil into the world-- in the form of bad ideas" (15). Due to Hoover, Trout realized how powerful his words were, went on to win the Nobel Prize for medicine. Trout and Hoover's derogatory comments and unthoughtful actions served to discourage and devastate people's lives around them. The satirical comedy which the novel is perceived by the reader makes it humorous, but as the story unfolds it becomes depressing. There is a sense of truth in Vonnegut's disturbing view of humanity. The road of life is set out for people to travel, being careful of ones actions will make it less bumpy. Work Cited Vonnegut , Kurt. Breakfast of Champions. Dell Publishing Co. 1973

Analysis on Three Main Sociological Theories

Sociological Perspectives: an Analysis on the Three Main Sociological Theories Abstract: When taking Into consideration all social sciences, numerous behavioral and cognitive theories have been developed and revised over the years. Although this Is true, some of the more influential and accurate theories have remained almost completely unchanged yet they still envelope modern day perspectives.Symbolic interactions, functional analysis, and the conflict theory are among these main harries; they have been used to described various factors in society and still continue to hold true to their definitions. With further exploration and research, an overview on these concepts will be given with contextual evidence. Keywords: symbolic interactions, functional analysis, conflict theory, social science, sociology, behavioral, cognitive Sociological theories are used to describe and explain Just about any occurrence In society.From cultural customs and traditions, to street and white collar crim e, to changes In social norms, the main perspectives can be used to find out their true repose and origin. Every established sociologist has their own views, but for the most part they will fall into categories having to do with the main three perspectives. For each topic, there are also many subtopic perspectives and theories to assist in explaining some of the more specific events throughout life. For now, an overview between symbolic interactions, functional analysis, and the conflict theory will be given, with contextual evidence of each.Symbolic interactions can be defined as an individual acting upon or towards something based on their prior interaction or interpretation with that subject. Any and all past experiences and feelings are combined to form a reaction to the subject. A great example brought up by James Hansel Is the meaning of marriage and all of Its components. This Includes factors such as marriage Itself, divorce, parenthood, and love. Each of these concepts had a changed view one hundred years ago, fifty years ago, and even ten years ago.They are constantly changing, sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse. When considering marriage pre-1920, they were entirely based upon essential and purposeful decision such as â€Å"settling down† and purchasing land, having kids, and investing. This was all much rather done with a companion. Now, when marriage is connections to each other. Two individuals may have separate lives and self- supporting, but Just want to marry for the sake of having a partner. Divorces were also unheard of in the past. They were used only in the case of adultery or complete disagreement with domestic issues.But now, divorces are quite common, and no longer symbolize failure but as success and a new start. (Heinlein 17) We, as humans, are independent thinkers and can constantly Judge the actions of things around us. All factors in our environments can change these thoughts, but nothing can cease them. Th is is better known as our conscience, our individual though with no chance of elimination. A better description of this process was described by the author of Symbolic Interactions: An Introduction, An Interpretation, An Integration, â€Å"The human being must be understood as a thinking being.Human action is not only interaction among individuals but also interaction within the individual. It is not our ideas or attitudes or values that are as important as the constant active ongoing recess of thinking. We are not simply conditioned, we are not simply beings who are influenced by those around us, we are not simply products of society. We are, to our very core, thinking animals, always conversing with ourselves as we interact with others. If we want to understand cause, focus on human thinking. † (Sharon 31) Sharon truly emphasizes, on the most basic level of our being, how we coexist together.On the inside, we are nothing more than animals with constantly changing views of s ociety and the individuals factors within it. No matter how hard some will ray (and have tried) it is an impossible feat to completely change every person to be like-minded, for there will always be change and differing in morals or ethics. Symbolic interactions will always be a relevant perspective as long as our brains continue to function. Connections and emotions will be transferred from human to human and from human to object to form a large, total interrelated web.Functional analysis is a theory meaning society performs as a whole with many interconnected parts. All factors of society, such as customs of cultures and criminal activity, are embodied to create a functional environment. Generally designed by Robert Morton, functional analysis takes every factor of society into account to provide a result. Sometimes these factors end up bringing unintended consequences, which Morton referred to as latent dysfunctions. For example, a large and long running custom in the Mexican cul ture is the acquaintance at a 16 year old girls birthday.This signifies that the young lady has made it to adulthood and takes on more responsibilities now. Say, for sake of a theoretical example, that the government required all girls to now eve their acquaintance at the age of 12, a â€Å"doctor. † Young ladies are now expected to get Jobs to help support the family and do more rigorous chores around the house. It wouldn't take long for the social lives and educational careers of the girls to plummet. Although these aftermath factors may not be expected when initiating such a plan.Changing gears and bringing in a factor from the opposite side of the spectrum, crime, be can also see how everything in society has a purpose. Also examined in a criminal Justice class of mine, conflict theory is often viewed by criminologists and investigators in order to find origins for some types of crime. A paper written by graduate students from Cardiff University, I-J, depicts some of Deut erium's most influential ideas on functional analysis. Here, the students write about his views on fundamentally from the conventional path.While most criminologists treated crime as a pathological phenomenon and sought psychological causes in the mind of the criminal, Druthers saw crime as normal in terms of its occurrence, and even as having positive social functions in terms of its consequences. Crime was normal in hat no society could enforce total conformity to its injunctions, and if society could, it would be so repressive as to leave no leeway for the social contributions of individuals. Deviance from the norms of society is necessary if society is to remain flexible and open to change and new adaptations. (Bancroft) By this, we can conclude that crime existence only shows humanity and realism in an environment. To attempt to completely demolish crime is a very idealistic and even impossible feat. I found this example to be one of the more interesting since crime has existed reeve and seems as though it will continue to exist. Even with corrections and punishment at the rate they rate they are today, crime will continue to perform as an interconnected part of society. Lastly, the conflict theory, Just as it sounds, involves all conflict oriented factors.Differences in power and control, whether it be an individual or group, spark social conflicts through society. This theory could also be used when describing how an individual may commit crime in order to get ahead of life. Often told as the â€Å"American Dream,† people in America have expectations of large houses, nice cars, ND other luxuries of life. When these are not obtained fairly, possibly because of monetary or social inequalities, some individuals will commit white collar and larceny type crime to obtain their wants.Even for a successful person, they can sometimes stoop to low levels in order to provide. Alan Sears said it best, â€Å"Consensus is a euphemism for ideology. Genuine con sensus is not achieved, rather the more powerful in societies are able to impose their conceptions on others and have them accept their discourses. Consensus does not preserve social order, it entrenches transformation. † Being above the rest is a desired characteristic for some people, and a social necessity for other. Regardless, this cause conflict between the persons involved.Group conflict is also relevant, especially with how connected the world is as a global society. Some theorists say that underdevelopment in certain Third World countries is actually meant to be. Lowly functioning nations are available for exploitation and colonization by larger countries. When a multinational corporation becomes powerful enough, they can even have influence on the development, whether it be political, economic, or other features of change. This is desired purely to show power and dominance or more area, which in turn can start conflict. Sears 35) Each of the above sociological perspe ctives has large significance when attempting to explain any problems or occurrence within society. Each can be used as a model to exemplify how the structure of that specific situation should be, and how it can change to become the model structure. Although there are many subtopic theories, these main three will surely remain mostly unchanged within the social sciences for years to come. Bancroft, Ensues and Stoned Rogers, edited by Pierre Staples (2010).

ideas essays

Andy Warhol - techniuqes/ideas essays ...The more you look at the exact same thing the more the meaning goes away and the better and emptier you feel... Andy Warhol has been quoted as saying that he was a deeply superficial person. His artworks expressed his love for American Popular Culture and his love for all things commercial. He led an art movement in the 1950s which would last two decades. Pop Art was an exploration of society in the 1950s and 60s and embraced commercialism, mass media and popular icons. Warhol exposed the public to imagery from their daily experience and forced them to become desensitized to these images. Pop art, by nature, was an art form in which it appealed to the masses therefore it took forms that were assessable to all such as advertising. Much Pop Art was transient or temporary so often took the form of a products packaging or in television. Warhol took this approach to his art making using techniques that he had learnt as an advertiser and applied them to his art, or lack of art, as some critics of the day calling it non-art. But looking at Pop Art in hindsight that was an essential characteristic. H aving the ability to turn what was considered not to be art-worthy, such as a box of soap, into a complex snap shot of society. I paint like this because I want to be a machine This statement was a far cry from the philosophies of Jackson Pollock 15 year beforehand. Pollock declared that he wished to be nature; unpredictable, various and full of energy. But unlike Pollock, Warhols artworks were more structural and had an inert qualities and a coldness to them. Warhol was indeed a machine, silk-screening hundreds and hundreds of soup cans, washing powder boxes and images celebrities including Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, Chairman Mao, Muhammad Ali and Mick Jagger. And like a machine, Warhol used the same techniques of mass production and ...

The Occupy Wall Street Movement Moral and Economic Issues

The Occupy Wall Street Movement Moral and Economic Issues Introduction One of the critical socioeconomic developments in the United States in this decade is the Occupy Wall Street Movement (OWM). The main question that is posed by people at the mention of the Occupy Wall Street Movement is the course that was being pursued by theAdvertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Occupy Wall Street Movement: Moral and Economic Issues specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Movement and the nature of activities that marked the pursuance of social and economic issues. The Movement sought to streamline the social and economic state of affairs in the United States. In this paper, it is argued that the Occupy Wall Street Movement was a purely socioeconomic movement that sought to advance the moral and ethical issues that were imminent in the US economic environment. This paper explores the Occupy Wall Street Movement. The paper brings out the critical moral issues of the Movement and its implications on the economy. This is followed by a theoretical analysis of the implications of the Movement using ethical models like utilitarianism, virtue ethics and the Kantian ethics. Moral and economic implications of the OWM It is critical to bring out the reason that led to the birth of the Movement to understand the moral issues that informed the Movement. The OWM refers to the protest that began in the year 2011, on the 17th of September. The protest took place in Zuccotti Park in the Wall Street Financial Street in New York. The protest was initiated by Adbusters, A Canadian Group and magazine, together with the public relations Workhouse based in Manhattan. The protest later spilt to other cities, thereby attracting more protesters. The protest came after the period of financial uncertainty in the United States, where numerous people had been subjected to the impacts of the financial crisis. According to the protesters, the financial and the economic crisis in the country had resulte d from the exploitation of the economic systems by the profiteers, who failed to pay attention to the broader needs of all the citizens. Instead, they focused on expanding their profits at the expense of the economy of the United States. The Occupy Wall Street Movement carries a similar moral message, just like other movements in the world (Moore, 2011). Among the potent implications of the protest was that it resulted in the end of a decade of economic depletion in the United States. It is argued that the misfortunes of the United States economy began in the same street in which the protest movement began.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Among the misfortunes entail the two failed wars: the United States war in Afghanistan and the war in Iraq. Others are the unsustainable management of corporate firms in the country and the worst economic recession since the 1930s recession, and the deficit in the US budget and unsustainable tax cuts. Corporate firms had grown in influence and had a lot of influence on the political institutions in the United States. An example that can be given at this point in time is the ‘too big to fail syndrome’, where large corporations were being cautioned from collapsing amidst the global financial crisis. All these issues pointed to the existence of economic injustices in the country. Most Americans felt that the economic system of the country was proving to be unfair and oppressive to them. The economic oppression was highly witnessed by the low income earners in the United States. Monetary insolvency and the growth in wealth disparity was the order of the day, which caused the protesters to occupy the Wall Street (Occupy Wall Street, 2012). The Wall Street Movement was financed by donors; people with incomes that ranged from 50,000 dollars to 100,000 dollars. The increased cost of sustaining the movem ent was one of the main problems with the Movement since sustaining the stay of the protesters in the Wall Street was an extremely expensive affair. As the financing became problematic, the protesters were forced to do away with some basic needs. In the protest camp, a substantial number of crime incidences were reported. Among the incidences included sexual assault and theft. There were also cases of police arrests and lack of protection of the protesters by the police (Occupy Wall Street, 2012). Analysis of the Implications of the OW: Utilitarian, Kantian and Virtue Ethics Terrall (2007) observed that one of the philosophies that are used in the explanation of ethics in movements is Utilitarianism. In weighing the OWM against the utilitarian philosophy, it is critical to look at both the actions and the impacts of the actions. One of the main arguments in the utilitarian philosophy is that the rightness of an action is determined by the amount of pleasure that is derived from enga ging in that action. The opposite of this statement is, therefore, true according to the proponents of utilitarianism. The OWM was a large movement that had a lot of challenges.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Occupy Wall Street Movement: Moral and Economic Issues specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Movement began well, with more people joining the movement as the days progressed. The most critical thing about the Movement is that it was sustained for several weeks. However, there are other questions that are raised over the problems that were encountered by the protesters and whether the Movement can be termed as a success. As noted in the preceding part of this paper, the protesters in the Movement encountered a lot of challenges, something that denotes the loss of pleasure. There are a number of economic reforms that have been made as a result of the Movement. Nonetheless, the main question here concerns the possibility of sustaining the reforms in order to address all the demands of the protesters. The protestors also embraced economic equality, which denotes the greatest good for the population (Hinman, 2012). According to Terrall (2007), the Kantian philosophy propagates the principle of morality, thus the moral duty of the person engaging in an action is quite critical. The worthiness of an action, therefore, does not depend on the results of the action, but it relies on the level at which the moral obligation bestowed upon the doer of the action is fulfilled. The OWM can be likened to the Kantian philosophy by basing on the fact that the Movement was well organized. The protesters did not largely engage in heinous acts, which could have implied the loss of morality. The protesters were highly organized and highly embraced the course for which they were pursuing, in spite of facing numerous challenges. However, there were a number of reported cases like sexual defilement and theft in the protest camps, which denotes a lack of morality. Nonetheless, the scale of such problems was quite low given that the number of people who participated in the protest was quite high. Conclusively, this movement can be highly attributed to the Kantian philosophy, especially deontology ethics (Hinman, 2012). The virtual ethics theory focuses on shaping of characters of individuals in order to encourage individuals to do the right things rightly. Among the traits that ought to be embraced by individuals include generosity, love and courage to pursue the course. Individuals ought to be moulded in time so that they can do the right things (Terrall, 2007). A look into the movement denotes a high level of discipline among the protesters, which implies the articulation of virtue ethics. Income inequality and the distribution of wealth in the United States The income disparity in the United States has been the subject of a substantial number of economic commentators. The income dispar ity has been increasing with time. The financial crisis that was faced in the US is to a larger extent likened to the income inequality in the country.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Several reasons are attributed to income inequality in the US. Among the reasons is the absence of mechanisms of social mobility. This implies that the class issue cannot be done away with easily. Most of the people in the country, therefore, fall in the middle wage category. The stagnation in the middle class wage has persisted, thereby widening the income disparity (Ryscavage, 1998). According to Ryscavage (1998), most of the wealth in the country lies in the hands of a few individuals. Amassing of wealth by the few individuals prevents people from the middle and lower classes from climbing up the socioeconomic ladder. The few rich, therefore, get richer, while people in the middle and lower class slide down the social ladder. The other issue that has compounded the income disparity in the United States is the increase in the number of immigrants. Most of the immigrants have low skills; therefore, they work for lower wages than the set minimum wage. Income inequality and the distr ibution of wealth have been growing gradually. The problem has been speeded up by the growth in the population, which denotes a reduction in the number of job opportunities. Most of immigrants are, therefore, forced to take up low wage jobs for sustenance purposes. Monetary policies such as a rise in the rate of savings have encouraged the broadening of the income gap (Coibion, Gorodnichenko, Kueng Silvia, 2012). Way Forward A number of suggestions have been put forward to explain how the OWM can acquire an equitable outcome. One of the suggestions points to the fact that it is critical to pay attention to the underlying causes of inequality in the US. Among the underlying issues that ought to be checked is the improvement of the education system so that the young population can be more creative and craft their own jobs. Creative thought is vital to innovation in the economy and the improvement of earnings in the economy (Norton, 2011). There is also need to pay attention to the vi ces in the society, like corruption and greed. These vices are an impediment to the stabilization of the social system. Extreme capitalism should be discouraged. Future of OWM The momentum with which the OWM started has significantly gone down. However, it is important to note that the Movement has had significant impacts beyond the United States. The United Kingdom and Canada are examples of countries in which the Movement is taking place. As long as the inequalities are still prevalent in the economy, the Movement will keep having significant influence (Hinman, 2012). Conclusion The Wall Street Movement is one of the forces that have necessitated alertness in terms of the issues of economic inequality. If the government pays less attention to the movement, the magnitude of the movement is bound to rise, just as the recent uprisings in the Arab world. The demands of the movement point to the need for radical reforms in the economic system to attain a balance in the economic system. References Coibion, O., Gorodnichenko, Y., Kueng, L., Silvia, J. (2012). Innocent bystanders? Monetary policy and inequality in the U.S. NBER Working Paper No. 18170. Web. Hinman, L. (2012). Ethics. Australia: Cengage Learning. Moore, K. (2011). Occupy Wall Street’s moral ground. Web. Occupy Wall Street. (2012). Occupy Wall Street: The revolution continues worldwide! Web. Ryscavage, P. (1998). Income inequality in America: An analysis of trends. Armonk, NY: M.E. Sharpe. Terrall, E. (2007). The ends or the means? Kantian ethics vs. utilitarianism. Web.