Organic Architecture Essay Example

Organic Architecture Essay One of the most striking personalities in the development of early-twentieth century architecture was Frank Lloyd Wright (1867–1959). Wright attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison before moving to Chicago, where he eventually joined the firm headed by Louis Sullivan. Wright set out to create architecture of democracy. Early influences were the volumetric shapes in a set of educational blocks the German educator Friedrich Froebel designed, the organic unity of a Japanese building Wright saw at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, and a Jeffersonian belief in individualism and populism. Always a believer in architecture as natural and organic, Wright saw it as serving free individuals who have the right to move within a free space, envisioned as a nonsymmetrical design interacting spatially with its natural surroundings. He sought to develop an organic unity of planning, structure, materials, and site. Wright identified the principle of continuity as fundamental to understanding his view of organic unity: Classic architecture was all fixation. . . . Now why not let walls, ceilings, floors become seen as component parts of each other? . . This ideal, profound in its architectural implications . . . I called . . . continuity. Wright manifested his vigorous originality early, and by 1900 he had arrived at a style entirely his own. In his work during the first decade of the twentieth century, his cross-axial plan and his fabric of continuous roof planes and screens defined a new domestic architecture. Wright fully expressed these elements and concepts in Robie House, b uilt between 1907 and 1909. Like other buildings in the Chicago area he designed at about the same time, this was called a prairie house. Wright conceived the long, sweeping ground-hugging lines, unconfined by abrupt wall limits, as reaching out toward and capturing the expansiveness of the Midwest’s great flatlands. Abandoning all symmetry, the architect eliminated a facade, extended the roofs far beyond the walls, and all but concealed the entrance. Wright filled the wandering plan of the Robie House with intricately joined spaces (some large and open, others closed), grouped freely around a great central fireplace. (He believed strongly in the hearth’s age-old domestic significance. Wright designed enclosed patios, overhanging roofs, and strip windows to provide unexpected light sources and glimpses of the outdoors as people move through the interior space. These elements, together with the open ground plan, create a sense of space-in-motion inside and out. He set m asses and voids in equilibrium; the flow of interior space determined the exterior wall placement. The exterior’s sharp angular planes meet at apparently odd angles, matching the complex play of interior solids, which function not as inert containing surfaces but as elements equivalent in role to the design’s spaces. We will write a custom essay sample on Organic Architecture specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Organic Architecture specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Organic Architecture specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The Robie House is a good example of Wright’s naturalism, his adjusting of a building to its site. However, in this particular case, the confines of the city lot constrained the building-to-site relationship more than did the sites of some of Wright’s more expansive suburban and country homes. The Kaufmann House, nicknamed Fallingwater and designed as a weekend retreat at Bear Run near Pittsburgh, is a prime example of the latter. Perched on a rocky hillside over a small waterfall, this structure extends the Robie House’s blocky masses in all four directions. The contrast in textures between concrete, painted metal, and natural stones in its walls enliven its shapes, as does Wright’s use of full-length strip windows to create a stunning interweaving of interior and exterior space. The implied message of Wright’s new architecture was space, not mass—a space designed to fit the patron’s life and enclosed and divided as required. Wright took special pains to meet his client’s requirements, often designing all the accessories of a house. In the late 1930s, he acted on a cherished dream to provide good architectural design for less prosperous people by adapting the ideas of his prairie house to plans for smaller, less expensive dwellings. The publication of Wright’s plans brought him a measure of fame in Europe, especially in Holland and Germany. The issuance in Berlin in 1910 of a portfolio of his work and an exhibition of his designs the following year stimulated younger architects to adopt some of his ideas about open plans. Some forty years before his career ended, his work was already of revolutionary significance.

Maritime Transportation Security Act

Maritime Transportation Security Act The U.S. Maritime Security is made up of a variety of laws, regulations, different agencies that bear the responsibility for ensuring that the ports are safe and that the cargo goes in and out securely. Since the 11th September, the National Congress has created and passed an array of laws that relate to the maritime security, including the 2002 Maritime Transportation Security Act (Bondareff O’Neill, 2013, para. 3).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Maritime Transportation Security Act specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More From the start of the Nation, the security of maritime ports has been of great concern. Since the early beginnings of the country development, the US Coast Guard alongside with the US Custom service shared efforts to protect the ports, waterways, and maritime borders from a variety of attacks and other criminal acts (Maritime Transportation System Security Recommendations for the Nationa l Strategy for Maritime Security, 2005, p. 6). They still contribute to the Nation’s security by preventing and suppressing human and contraband smuggling, illegal migration, piracy and other crimes that occur within port facilities. According to the testimony of Christopher Koch (2002), the President CEO of the World Shipping Council, before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, â€Å"Designing and implementing an effective maritime security program will require cooperation, information sharing, and coordination between government and industry. At the outset, the Council recommends that the federal government’s strategy and actions should be consistent with certain principles† (p. 3). Thus, the implementation of the Maritime Transportation Security Act is a unified strategy for addressing the primary issues linked with maritime safety. Improving security aboard and in ports required clearly stated responsibilities as well as an integrat ed approach. Second, the regimen of security should allow the free and efficient trade flow. Secure and efficient transportation should work side-by-side. Maritime Transportation Security Act Significance The authority of law administration is assigned to the Department of Homeland Security and is distributed among various entities within the Department. These entities include the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office, the Transportation Security Administration, Customs and Borders Protection, and the United States Coast Guard (Bondareff O’Neill, 2013, para. 6).Advertising Looking for research paper on transportation? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The 2002 Maritime Transportation Security Act is considered a significant piece of legislation that has set up a framework for developing and improving the security of the national ports as well as their protection from possible terrorist attacks. Moreover, ports are the significant pathways that ensure a safe transportation of cargo along the waterways. Twenty-five percent of the US GDP moves via the waterways. An attack targeted at ports can cause a disruption of the supply chain that has been managed and tuned for decades. On the other hand, understanding how the port industry operates is the first step in improving the security on land and aboard. When the Maritime Transportation Security Act introduces the new mandates on safety in the maritime industry, it was done without the disruption of the free trading flow or the maritime sector economic viability (MarEx, 2012, para. 3). However, there are many areas of concern regarding port safety despite the Maritime Transportation Security Act being a story of success. As seen from various hearings of the Committees and Subcommittees, there were no regulations regarding the deployment of the TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) readers. There are also concerns linked to the new rules fulfilling the requirements targeted at improving maritime security as well as the installment of new tracking technologies aboard, as well as the exchange of information between the government, local authorities, and the agencies. The sources of frustration are the inability of the Service to connect the MDA systems in the ‘operating’ picture as well as the vague approaches to vessel tracking. In addition, because of the physical decrease in the Interagency Operation Centers, the efforts of sharing Maritime Domain Awareness information between stakeholders (MarEx, 2012, para. 6). Port Security Concerns Security experts along with government leaders have great concerns about the ports being a gateway for the terrorists to smuggle weapons, personnel, and other dangerous items into the country. Moreover, there are worries that the ships in the country’s ports, especially large commercial cargo, cruise ships, and other ships could be targets for the terrorist attacks. Experts warn that such attacks can easily paralyze he functioning of ports and the maritime trading system that directly affects the global US Commerce (Frittelli, Lee, Medalia, O’Rourke Perl, 2003, p. 2).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Maritime Transportation Security Act specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Some Congress Members expressed concerns that the Maritime Transportation Security Act does not go far enough in its requirements for increasing security in ports. Additionally to the proposals about port security enhancement, the Congress should have debated on the problem raised by the last Congress, the problem of paying for ensuring maximum security in ports. Moreover, the Congress can also think about implementing the issues linked to different maritime security provisions set by the Maritime Transportation Security Act. The debate about whether the country is spending enough on secu rity in ports and whether the funding is directed at the vulnerable sectors that can become targets for terrorist attacks. On the other hand, the skeptics put forward an idea that no matter how much funds is spent on the port security, achieving success in preventing terrorist attacks in ports (Frittelli et al., 2003, p. 6). Moreover, there is an issue concerning whether a general taxpayer should be a contributor to ensuring security in port through user fees. Port authorities argue that the port security should be a public good, and thus, the whole nation should share in the cost on security. Others argue that security at ports is only beneficial for the maritime industry because it reduces the cost of cargo theft. Thus, they argue that the industry should be the one to pay for port security. A Decade After Maritime Transportation Security Act November 2012 was a mark of the Maritime Transportation Security Act tenth anniversary. Thus, the anniversary requires a number of improveme nts targeted at protection of country’s ports and waterways from terrorist attacks. The Department of Homeland Security is the main federal agency that is responsible for the implementation of the Maritime Transportation Security Act. The federal government progressed in the port security planning by developing an array of strategies and plans as well as testing them (Caldwell, 2012, p. 5). When it comes to the port safety strategies development, the federal government has made progress. For instance, the approvement of the National Strategy for Maritime Security in 2005 was one of the first steps. The strategy is linked to eight supporting plans that are targeted at addressing various threats to the maritime port environment. In June 2008, it was reported that the plans were developed accordingly, as well as they included the following crucial components: methodology, scope, risk assessment, coordination of responsibilities, integration and implementation. With the help of s uch characteristics, the federal government is able to enhance security in ports. For instance, better risk assessment and the definition of the problem provide further information required for the needs of specific maritime sectors, including ports (Caldwell, 2012, p. 6). Progress and Challenges The Department of Homeland Security has made a significant progress in implementing various programs linked to maritime security, including port security. In addition, DHS has developed an array of security programs and strategies, as well as exercised the security plans.Advertising Looking for research paper on transportation? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For instance, the Coast Guard has implemented the Area Maritime Security Plan throughout the whole country in order to coordinate the Coast Guard procedures that are linked to the protection and prevention of attacks targeted at the US ports (United States Government Accountability Office, 2012, para. 1). Moreover, the Coast Guard has conducted a number of programs for conducting inspections in federal ports. Despite the fact that the Department of Homeland Security and its components have progressed substantially, there were some major challenges linked to the program and initiative implementation. Since passing the Maritime Transportation Security Act, the challenges faced by the DHS included the following aspects: implementation and program management, collaboration with other agencies, funding and resources for port security implementation, and the measures of performance. One of the major challenges of ensuring port security is connected with funding. For instance, the data acq uired from the Coast Guard states that because of the lack of funding, some port security units are unable to meet the set standards in various security activities – including escorting and boarding vessels (United States Government Accountability Office, 2012, para. 2). Conclusion There is no doubt that since the 11th September the ports become much more secure. However, the government has stopped paying attention to the important part ports play in the transportation system as well as the economy. The funding of the maritime infrastructure and port security has declined significantly. Port security has become only a small step in the transportation security programs. Thus, the Congress should work side-by-side with the Administration in order to enhance and improve the funding for port infrastructure and port security as well as ensure a tighter cooperation between the agencies responsible for port security (Bondareff O’Neill, 2013, para. 18). On the other hand, the Maritime Transportation Security Act has set up regulations for various transportation modes that are linked to reducing the security risks at ports. The regulations can affect the risks connected with on-shore and off-shore facilities, at the intermodal connections that exist within the port infrastructure. For the future, the Department of Homeland Security should consider some guidelines for implementing security in ports. The guidelines are the following: working with national, international, and industry entities that can develop port security regulation for considering whether the regulations are to be revised for managing the risks linked to the terrorist attacks (Maritime Transportation System Security Recommendations for the National Strategy for Maritime Security, 2005, p. 12). For a comprehensive port security network, promotion of technology is essential. The federal government should encourage the use of new technologies for improving port security as well as be a cent ral entity in the relevant technology development. References Bondareff, J., O’Neill, P. (2013). Are Our Ports Safe? Retrieved from http://decisionsciencescorp.com/are-our-ports-safe/ Caldwell, S. (2012). Maritime Security. Progress and Challenges 10 Years after the Maritime Transportation Security Act. Retrieved from gao.gov/assets/650/647999.pdf Frittelli, J., Lee, M., Medalia, J., O’Rourke, R., Perl, R. (2003). Port and Maritime Security: Background and Issues. New York, NY: Novinka Books. Koch, C. (2002). Testimony Before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. Retrieved from worldshipping.org/pdf/charleston_testimony.pdf MarEx. (2012). Tenth Anniversary of the Maritime Transportation Security Act: Are We Safer? Retrieved from maritime-executive.com/article/tenth-anniversary-of-the-maritime-transportation-security-act-are-we-safer Maritime Transportation System Security Recommendations for the National Strategy for Maritime Security. (2005). Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/HSPD_MTSSPlan.pdf United States Government Accountability Office. (2012). Progress and Challenges 10 Years after the Maritime Transportation Security Act. Retrieved from gao.gov/assets/650/648000.pdf

Case Study Anaylses Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Anaylses - Case Study Example According to Acer’s Stan Shih, it is a difficult undertaking for Asian corporations to venture into the international market. This is because most Asian nations may not be aware of what is required in order for a corporation to thrive in such settings. There is also the indisputable matter of different cultures and values of the Eastern nations and the more developed Western nations. According to the Taiwanese entrepreneur, it is not unusual for Chinese managers to opt for embracing customs that are more familiar with Westerners in order to penetrate the global market. This, though, is not always beneficial because it leaves the Asian companies at a disadvantage. According to Ming-Jer and Miller (2010) Asian companies also endeavour to use Confucian principles in the workplace. Chinese traditions, according to these researchers, is replete with the importance of generating aspects such as harmony and balance in all spheres in order to benefit from fulfilling relationships with others. This relational aspect, though, is not as well understood in the West as it is in the East. Western corporations are typically less interested in realizing relational objectives in the workforce. The introduction of relational objectives, particularly by Asian corporations seeking to expand further into the global arena, can cause confusion instead of the balance that was expected. According to Ming-Jer and Miller (2010), there are ways in which relational aspects can be used to benefit firms while ensuring that the financial objectives are not compromised. However, any such motives have to be conducted through a gradual process which allows for the workforce of corporations to be able to implement and adjust to the new changes. The inclusion of relational aspects could bring great benefits to a corporation. Short-term thinking will likely be discouraged, for instance, while there will be fewer incidences of destructive competetveness which could adversely

People, Groups, and their Leaders Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

People, Groups, and their Leaders - Essay Example Following Lamberton and Minor-Evans (2009, p. 179), group dynamics is the important aspect of development in every organization as it improves growth and productivity issues. Multi-skilling and task rotation can vary according to individual preferences and their current level of competence, allowing group members to find suitable niches. Perceptual barriers mean that all people see the world differently. In order to understand each other, employees should pay a special attention to individual differences and different communication strategies. Perceptual barriers lead to poor performance and lack of cooperation between employees and departments. In order to rely on internal flexibility to deal with personnel fluctuations due to absences or changing output requirements, adequate personnel resources and sufficient time for planning are needed in addition to a certain degree of multiskilling of group members. Then the group will be able to balance the variances on its own. Daft (2006, p. 81) admits that human relations aim to create trust and credibility among employees and motivate them. In this case, individualists view their team as an entity in and of itself rather than one that is connected to the external context and are therefore even less apt to use external sources of information to make corrections in their behavior and improve their performance. Particularly in individualistic cultures, team-based organizations need to have systems that help teams set realistic expectations. Similar ideas are explained by Topping (2002, p. 78) and Smith (1982, p. 51) who admit that positive human relations allow employees to stay motivated while at the same time remaining open to learning from feedback and mistakes. Doing so often requires extending team members' task skills. Task skills and effective performance is impossible without effective communication and positive climate. (Segriovanni and Glickman 2006, p. 52). Communication Pitfalls and Strategies for Success Segriovanni and Glickman (2006, p. 88) state that positive and friendly human relations can encourage sharing practices within and between organizations, observe and adapt to organizational environmental trends, and maintain awareness of cultural convergence. Elton Mayo underlines that HR professionals who can change their assumptions and are adept at modifying basic HR practices will be better poised to face future trends in the use of teams that are just on the horizon (Segriovanni and Glickman 200, p. 55). The effective communication is a critical tool for increasing employees' awareness of the value of their contribution to the organization's success and for creating a dialogue with their managers that can enhance the contributions that employees can make. Indeed, change and organizational transformation are unlikely to occur without new values being introduced into the performance management system. Dr. Irving Janis introduced such term as "groupthink". It means

Company analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Company analysis - Essay Example Safety While on plant tour, it could be observed that Gretchen’s manifests genuine care for the employee’s safety. A few first aid kit boxes were strategically located and some fire extinguishers in every room are positioned in easy to reach places. As part of the safety regulations, company policies encourage every employee to undergo the proper training on how to handle the machines to be used. Concurrently, employees receive proper information on the product itself to enhance awareness on the best quality of the foods provided to the customers. Security and theft protection are definitely entrenched for both the employees and the facility, especially for the employees working at night. The company is equipped with restricted entry and security cameras around the facility. Each different door is color coded so that the employees will avoid bumping onto one another and different rooms are appropriately labeled. Diverse work stations in the facility have personnel donni ng respective uniforms: such as, white coats for those who handled the foods or prepping the raw materials. The pathways are clear so that employees can move freely without cramping or bumping onto shelves and other office equipments.

Overview and History of Hispanic Culture

Overview and History of Hispanic Culture The term Hispanic was first coined the Federal government in the years of 1970s. This was in an attempt to provide a common identity to a large, group of population that had a connection to the Spanish language (Toomey and Chung, 2012). It is a term referring to individuals residing in the United States and whose origins are traced back to the regions of Latin America that speak Spanish. The regions whose people are considered the Hispanics are Central America, Mexico and South America and along the Caribbean (Davis, 2000). Efforts to link up the relationships between these multicultural societies it is also very important to understand how the world today is characterized by an ever growing number of contacts that results from communication between people of different linguistic and cultural backgrounds (Samovar, 2006). Basically, this communication occurs because of the contacts that exist within military installations, areas of business, education, entertainment, scientific instit utions, etc. It is therefore necessary to denote that to understand intercultural communication amongst the Hispanic, there is a need of focusing on their cultural beliefs, and social attributes. Culture has different meanings although it is used to denote to a set of standards, values, art, practices and music of a particular group. Becker (2004) defines culture, as a complex whole that includes beliefs, arts, knowledge, morals, law, and any other capability and habit which is acquired by mankind within a society. Furthermore, he denotes that culture is normally acquired and learned, as opposed to biological traits which are inherited (Samovar, 2006). As we are made to comprehend that this was innovative against the background of colonialism, social evolution and racialism which were the most common ideologies during the nineteenth century (Davis, 2000). Hispanics cultural beliefs and social attributes form the basis of this papers work that is in line with their communication links along their cultural setup. They are regarded as a highly group-oriented form of social setup. In this sense, Hispanics put strong emphasis on the family as the main source of the identity of an individual, and it protects against the hardships an individual passes through. People who do not have the capability of creating this set up are not easily trusted, and this process is very cautious (Toomey and Chung, 2012). The model of a family, amongst the Hispanics normally comprises of aunts, grandparents, cousins, etc. They use the term Familismo to describe their strong and supreme loyalty to extended families. Due to an emphasis on harmony, collectivity and corporation amongst the Hispanic people, this group normally emphasizes collective responsibility (Toomey and Chung, 2012). The decisions and behavior of each are ascribed to the strong ties shared with the extended family. Within these groups, there is a very rigid definition of sex roles. The elderly are revered and very much valued by all members of the family. On the end, the male figure is seen as a symbol of authority within these social constructs (Martin and Nakayama, 2013). Although some of the female roles are being defined of late, the women in Hispanic culture still occupy the subsidiary positions. In these groups, fathers have the prestige and authority and sons on the other end bear earlier individuality as compared to the daughters (Bergad and Klein, 2010). Language refers to a set of words that are used by a common people, who belong to the same country, community, cultural tradition, and geographical area (Piller, 2011). Under the Hispanic culture, language is viewed as a process of communication that helps to bring the society together. For them, Spanish is a key marker of personal, social and political identity (Cai, 2010). This means that Spanish speaking televisions make the much important part of the lives of the fluent English speakers. Communication among the Hispanics is never limited to one language, but there is a need to integrate both English and Spanish in communication. These individuals are not limited to neither English nor Spanish but to both. Religion has played a significant role among the Hispanics for generations. Most Hispanics are very religious, and the most dominant religion is Catholicism (Piller, 2011). Catholic religion plays an important role in shaping the manner in which these people behave, and communicate with one another. Becker (2004) explains that 90% of the Hispanic people practice the religion of Catholicism. Religion shapes the mode of relationships and also contributing to better intercultural communication. In recent years though, other faith denominations have been identified to grow within the people of the Hispanic community. The church is said to influence family life and also community affairs of the Hispanics by giving spiritual meaning to the people of the Hispanic culture (Cai, 2010). For every local community patron saints, days are celebrated in given much importance than what individuals do during their birthdays. When a light meal is served in the morning, it implies that a breakfast is served. El almuerzo or Lunch is usually the main meal of the Spanish- speakers. Some countries make it a custom for their adult family members and their children to come home and celebrate el almuerzo together (Martin and Nakayama, 2013). La siesta, which is a resting period among the Hispanics is said to be a habit among this group of people. In the early evening, la merinda, a light snack of coffee sandwiches is served, and it is usually for children. At around 9.00 p.m people normally conclude the days meals (Bergad and Klein, 2010). Hispanics refer to midday and evening meals to be very important and are always associated with sobremesa when guest is present. Sobremesa is a time the Hispanics talk over coffee or an after –dinner drink (Davis, 2000). The Hispanics only accept food served when it is offered for the second time. The behavior is learnt across cultures, and it helps in shaping an identit y in line with interpersonal communication among groups. Latino culture is denoted by celebrations of holidays and traditions. These traditions and celebrations normally help to shape the life of that culture (Toomey and Chung, 2012). The holidays help in shaping opportunities of deepening family, friends and communal connections. Others believe that such days do offer an excuse to party (Cai, 2010). The Hispanic celebrations range from religious to patriotic and from popular to unique. Navidad or better known as Christmas celebrations is the most common of them all because 90% of the population ascribe to the doctrine of Catholicism (Bergad and Klein, 2010). The other most common religious celebration is La Semana Santa or the holy week. La Semana Santa is a cultural practice amongst the Hispanic people, and it is common in Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico and Peru (Cai, 2010). The Hispanic Heritage month is celebrated only in the United States. Hispanics tend to describe their communication in a very formal manner. They look at each other with formal considerations. Greetings and leave-taking are described with handshakes as a formal means of communication (Martin and Nakayama, 2013). Also between women, and men and women who share close relationships; hugging and light kissing is visible to be a common practice among these groups.In language address, words of respect are shared across cultures (Bergad and Klein, 2010). The words such as Don or Dona are used before peoples first names this shows how such forums are formal in nature. In non-formal communication setups speaking is often loud, fast and full of animated gestures for the better conveyance of meaning to the points stated (Martin and Nakayama, 2013). In terms of dressing, wearing of formal attires bears the meaning given to formal gatherings for example church, parties, social gatherings and also work (Davis, 2000). Hispanics are noted to be very relaxed about time and space of punctuality than the Native Americans do. Not arriving on time is a socially acceptable behavior among the Hispanics (Piller, 2011). For instance, a meeting that was scheduled to begin say at 8.00 would not commence until at around 8.30 because guests begin showing their faces around at the latter time (Toomey and Chung, 2012). Also, their accent limits them from public speaking, because they feel they might be marginalized or ignored all the same. Becker (2004) explains that life normally goes one way. Furthermore, people are always caught between the past and future. In other words, we are living with the uncertainty of which we are conscious. In this sense, there is that ability to see our destinies and fates dramatically different because of our cultural attitudes about controlling external forces (Cai, 2010). Hispanics believe in a strong sense of uncertainty that is inherent in life, and they take each day as it comes (Bergad and Klein, 2010). The term fatalismo is usually used by Latinos to express their belief that individuals are not able to do anything about fate. For example in Medicine and health matters, they would prefer not to inquire if they are diagnosed with cancer but rather they would just believe that Gods punishment has made them the way they are. Because of fatalism, Becker (2004) explains that Hispanic patients are normally reluctant to seek screenings for purposes of preventing diseases. They would only attend these screenings until the disease they are suffering from becomes severe (Martin and Nakayama, 2013). Preventive screenings are important because they help in avoiding diseases such as chronic illnesses, and cancer, and radical invasion procedures and treatments. Latinos are more concerned with relationships rather than time. The word Simpatia means kindness and it refers to the idea of being polite and pleasant even when in the presence of stress. Hispanics, therefore, are said to be very kind to anyone trying to communicate with them at all lengths (Cai, 2010). They command an optimistic approach at every instance even in the presence of depressing situations. An individual who is trying to communicate with these community members should never have an approach that could be read as neutral. This is because it would translate to unkindness. They demand attention, patience, respect and if possible communication is in Spanish. Furthermore, physical gestures like handshakes or placing hands on the shoulders of other people help in communicating warmth and happiness. In other cases, they demand confidence from their respondents. Intercultural communication is the communication system or elements that help to share information across different cultural groups. Communication occurs when there are a recipient or respondent and the sender or communicator, a medium of communication and the information itself. Hispanics are a group of people living in the United States but trace their origin to Spanish speaking nation like Cuba, Mexico and the Caribbean. In understanding these relationships in communication, despite a lot of emphasis and focus being placed on other cultures in America, Hispanics culture shape the American world. From formal communication to informal communication Hispanics culture demands confidence, respect attention and patience. In other cases, they demand that their respondents to speak in Spanish which translates into greater rapport between them and their communicators or recipients. References: Becker, P. (2004). Social change in America: The historical handbook, 2004. Lanham, MD:  Bernan Press. Bergad, L., Klein, H. (2010). Hispanics in the United States: A demographic, social, and  economic history, 1980-2005. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. Cai, D. (2010). Intercultural communication. Los Angeles, Calif.: SAGE. Davis, K. (2000). Bridging boundaries the pastoral care of U.S. Hispanics. Scranton, Pa.:  University of Scranton Press. Martin, J., Nakayama, T. (2013). Intercultural communication in contexts (6th ed.). New  York: McGraw-Hill. Piller, I. (2011). Intercultural communication a critical introduction. Edinburgh: Edinburgh  University Press. Samovar, L. (2006). Intercultural communication: A reader (11th ed.). Belmont, CA:  Thomson/Wadsworth. Toomey, S., Chung, L. (2012). Understanding intercultural communication (2nd ed.). New  York: Oxford University Press.

Gifts of the Greeks :: essays research papers

The Gift from the Greeks The first Olympic Games were held at Olympia, in the Peloponnes. The most famous are the games that were held in Olympia in honor of Zeus every four years from August 6th to September 19th. Olympics have been a symbol of the camaraderie and harmony possible on a global scale. The gathering of athletic representatives from participating governments, even throughout the recent Cold War period, is proof that world unity is possible. It was a gift from the Ancient Greece The Pentathlon consisted of five events; the long jump, javelin throw, discus throw, foot race, and wrestling. The Pentathlons, especially the successful ones, were often treated and even worshipped like gods. Because of their exquisite physiques, they were used as the models for statues of the Greek Gods. The superior athletic ability of these athletes affects the games even today. The twisting and throwing method of the discus throw, which originated in Ancient Greece, is still used today. The original events were even more challenging than those of today. The modern discus weighs in at just 5 pounds, one-third of the original weight, and the long jumps were done with the contestant carrying a five pound weight in each hand. The pit to be traversed in this jump allowed for a 50 foot jump, compared to just over 29 feet in our modern Olympics. Apparently, the carried weights, used correctly, could create momentum to carry the athlete further. Legend has it that one Olympian cleared the entire pit by approximately 5 feet, breaking both legs as he landed. These legends, for all their blood, sweat, and tears, were awarded an olive branch from the tree behind the alter of Zeus when they won. Fortunately, the regions they represented were usually somewhat more grateful for bringing honor home. It was not uncommon for the victors to receive free food for life, money, or other valuable offers. They were often worshipped as gods and sometimes their sweat was preserved and sold as a magical potion. In the later years of the games, an additional event was added which signaled the end of the games and the return to the war ridden life of ancient history. Soldiers, adorned with a full body of armor weighing upwards of 50 pounds, would compete in a foot race. Unfortunately, even the apparent athletic ability of these soldiers could not prevent the fall of Greece to Rome in the middle of the second century BC.

Scenario Analysis

In this case, there is an ethical dilemma in that I am visiting my friends place as a friend and not as an officer. Therefore, my friends would not want me to act on anything that I notice strange as an officer. On the other hand, whatever is happening is illegal and I just cannot let it go. As Fuller, (1975) says, one needs to act out of principles and leaving these people doing drugs is not at all a sign of a principled person. Since doing drugs such as cocaine is illegal, the law requires that an officer who notices such an activity take immediate action such as arresting the victim or the person in the possession of the drugs. The criterion that would guide me in this case is assessing the effect of what these people are doing, to themselves and to the large majority. It is illegal to do such drugs and therefore if I stop them, I will have done more good than harm. I would therefore consider the effect of stopping these people from doing drugs being greater that losing friendship. The first thing that I would do is to look for my friend and try to find out whether he is aware of the people who are doing drugs at the party. However, his outcome would not change my mind. If he says that, he is aware of these people doing drugs, I would tell him that this is illegal and leaving them as an officer is unethical on my part. If he does not know, I would inform him of some people who are doing drugs within his compound. I would then try to convince him that whether he knows this on not, the fact is that the act is illegal and wrong and that I would go ahead and arrest these people. I would try to convince him the effects and the dangers that these friends who are doing drugs are exposing to all the other people in the party. I would then go ahead and make arrests of these people. Scenario 2 What I do at the community policing office is out of my free will and the passion to serve the community. I therefore do not expect that someone out there should bring me any type of gift as a sign of appreciation. I believe in honest and a world that is free of corruption. In this case, the ethical dilemma presented is the fact that the person who visits me comes after I have done something for him. Even though the timing is good, the intentions of the gift are not good and therefore I would not feel right accepting it. The reason is that I would consider such a gift a bribe as he presents it behind the counter and only after I had served him. (Fuller, 1975) In this case, I would try to explain to him that I do not feel comfortable accepting the gift and much less behind the counter. I would try to explain to him that I served him not as a favor but because it is the right thing to do and I enjoy doing it. There is therefore no need for him to show that gesture as a sign of appreciation. I would try to reject the gift and at the same time not make him to see as if he was bribing me. If he insists, I would advise him to address the gift to the organization through the counter and assure him that I will surely get it. In this case, the gift will be an appreciation to the organization and the entire organization staff members will take the fruits. Scenario 3 There is an ethical dilemma in this case in that, there are some people who still do not appreciate homosexuality and therefore they cannot accept it. This means that such an officer may not give the best to the force as he is working under conditions that he does not appreciate. On the other hand, the law prohibits any form of discrimination and if I agree to Officer Davis wish and assign him to another officer, I would look as if am acting out of discrimination. I believe that we should not discriminate any person on basis of skin color, sexual orientation or any other basis. Just because Officer Davis does not like Officer Jones’ private life does not mean that they cannot work together. (Fuller, 1975) The first thing that I would do is to try to get the reason why Officer Davis wants to another officer assigned to him. I would try to get the real reason whether it is because Officer Jones is makings some unwelcomed sexual advances to office Davis or whether it is just because Officer Jones is a homosexual. If there happen to be no cases of sexual advancement, then I would not assign Officer Davis to another officer. I would explain to him that we should try to be professional in our duties and we should not interfere with other people’s private life. Officer Jones’ sexual orientation is private and it does not interfere with his professional duties. There is no reason to feel inferior or inappropriate working with him not unless he is making some sexual advances to Officer Davis, which Officer Davis does not like.

Is Democracy the Best Form of Political System?

Although there are many virtues to enjoy about democracy and democratic forms of government and political systems, this form of government has still many impending challenges yet to be accomplished. In that sense, I agree with Winston Churchill, on the grounds that â€Å"democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried† (Churchill). Looking at democracy through both its weaknesses and strengths in comparison to other forms of government makes it evident that it is the best form of political system we have, democracy has been subject to problems with, tyranny of the minority, and collective action.Despite all the democratic weaknesses of this form of government, democracy is still highly consistent in terms of Unpredictable outcomes, managing diversity. Lipset, in Political Man, described democracy as â€Å" a political system which supplies regular constitutional opportunities, and a social mechanism which permits the largest possible part of the population to influence major decisions by choosing among contenders for political office†(Glazer). This definition is generally accepted in a democratic heaven in which the heavenly chorus does not sing with a strong upper-class accent (lecture), but this is not always the case.Despite the democratic institutions based on the principle of equal opportunity, political power is not always distributed equally in a democracy. This is clearly seen in India where the â€Å"high cost of campaigning and the opaque system of election finance have titled the electoral odds heavily in favour of the very rich or the easily corrupted† (Ronjoy Sen 90). Although, similar problems can be found in other forms of governments and political system, what differentiates democracy from other regimes is how it manages to deal with those problems.For instance, in Germany’s authoritarian Fascist regime, â€Å"Hitler was very much his own master† (Henry Turner), and his war aims eventually led Germany to a world war conflict. By comparing Fascist Germany to India’s corrupt democracy, it is clearly demonstrated while, â€Å"small groups of leader have the final say in all important matters†(Sen), democracy is still a political system which allows the largest part of the population to influence major decisions. This is best illustrated when â€Å"India’s unpopular BJP Party lost power nationally in an election† (Nathan Glazer 18).Not every democracy will succeed in dealing with challenges of tyranny of minority and corruption, but democratic forms of government have institutions which offer capacity to change leaders in response to public discontent without changing the system. Collective action is a classical challenge in democracy and democratic forms of government. According to Blais, one of the main criteria for assessing electoral systems is representativeness. â€Å"This guarantees an electoral system in which the vote reflects as precisely as possible citizen’s preferences† (Blais 5).However, one of the challenges of a democratic electoral system is even if we have the right to express our views; we would not take advantage of it. As Olson in the article A Theory of Groups and Organization, notes, â€Å"Individuals in any group attempting collective action will have incentives to free ride if the group is working to provide public goods†(Olson). This is because the information cost of researching different candidates makes voting irrational, since the benefits of voting are not entirely clear.As a result, this promotes free riding, and a democratic government which vote does not reflect citizen’s preferences. If†¦ then not only it will be difficult by large groups to achieve their interests in common, but situations could occur where small groups can take over the majority’s incentives. However, what differentiates a democratic form of government from a tota litarian communist a regime is how it deals with the collective action problem with the help of institutional features such as courts.Courts are important political players in democracy. They are expected to moderate, and deal with challenges of democratic politics, not a setting for Stalin’s show trials. As Nathan Glazer put it, â€Å"Courts are accepted as ultimate arbiters not to be irresponsibly challenged. They can take unpopular positions that elected representative bodies cannot or do not, and in doing so they sustain the liberal objectives of democracies† (Nathan Glazer 19). Democracy is mainly about unpredictable outcomes.What makes democracy highly consistent is not knowing what the next election turnout will be, but having confidence that the candidate with a majority of votes would be elected. The essential goal of democracy is to provide a fair degree of uncertainty. What makes this form of government unique in contrast to China’s authoritarian regi me is its ability to allow an alternation of power. For instance, in a democratic election, as Andre Blais had noted, â€Å"Losers believe that even though they may have lost this time there is a real possibility that they will win another time.Because, even though they do not like the outcome, they recognize that the procedure is legitimate† (Blais 3). This raises the question under what conditions; losers peacefully accept the outcome of the election? One can argue that it is due to the fact that democracy is centered on the rule of the law as opposed to the rule of man. Democratic forms of government and political systems are structured by institutions and these institutions direct how political parties function.In example, they determine how legislation passes through parliament or when a citizen is eligible to vote. Therefore, what makes democracy unpredictable in terms of outcome is the perception that each vote counts the same since laws are submitted to all citizens a nd are protected by the constitution. But in the case of China’s authoritarian regime, as premier Li Peng put it, â€Å"to allow the demonstrating students to negotiate with party and government as equal would be to negate the leadership of the CCP and negate the entire socialist party† (Andrew Nathan 39).This makes it more likely the alteration of power in China, should it come, will occur through a rupture, since an authoritarian â€Å"regime is unwilling to relax the ban on autonomous political forces† (Nathan 39). We live in a diverse world and globalization has only made diversity within nations and states more prominent. Democracies and democratic forms of government perform a better job of administrating and managing diversity. This is best exemplify when Nathan Glazer, in the article Democracy and Deep Divides, states, â€Å"Not every democracy will succeed in dealing with its deep divides.But democracy has institutional features which offer the hope th at every part of the population will feel part of the whole† (Glazer 19). What differentiates democracy from Hitler’s anti-Semitic regime or China’s repressive government is how it deals with managing diversity. Democratic forms of government â€Å"promise to address deep divisions more successfully than any alternative†(Glazer) because there are often times characterized by their moderating power.Democracies function to maintain moderate accesses and radicalism, by adhering to norms of inclusion; this ensures citizens are included in a political process whether in terms of voting, engaging in a civil society movement , or having the rights to express ideas in terms of freedom of press and assembly. However, in a non-democratic government like China’s authoritarian regime â€Å"civil society organization and religious groups have to keep a low profile in order to avoid repression† (Nathan 38).According to Nathan’s Authoritarian Imperma nence, this is because â€Å"the regime has not become enmeshed in the logic of institutions created as safety valves to preserve its rule† (Nathan). As Andrew Nathan once remarked, â€Å"Democratic regimes, by contrast, often elicit disappointment and frustration, but they confront no rival from that outshines them in prestige. Authoritarian regimes in this sense are not forever. They live under the shadow of the future, vulnerable to existential challenges that mature democratic systems do not face† (Nathan 38).Democracy and democratic forms of government and political system have been subject to challenges of tyranny of minority, and collection. Despite the democratic weaknesses of this form of government, democracy is still highly consistent in terms of unpredictable outcomes, and managing diversity. Similar problems can be found in other regime types like China’s authoritarian regime, Hitler’s Fascist Germany, and Stalin’s totalitarian communi st regime. What differenciates democracy from other forms of government is how it deals with those problems by the help of free political parties, contested elections, and court.

Battle of Ridgefield in the American Revolution

Battle of Ridgefield in the American Revolution Battle of Ridgefield - Conflict Date: The Battle of Ridgefield was fought April 27, 1777, during the American Revolution (1775-1783). Armies Commanders Americans Major General David WoosterBrigadier General Benedict Arnold700 rising to 1,000 menBritishMajor General William Tryon1,800 men Battle of Ridgefield - Background: In 1777, General Sir William Howe, commanding British forces in North America, commenced planning operations designed to capture the American capital at Philadelphia.   These called for him to embark the bulk of his army in New York City and sail to  the Chesapeake Bay  where he would strike his target from the south.   In preparing for his absence, he  provided the  Royal  Governor of New York, William Tryon, with a local commission as a major general and directed him  to harass American forces in the Hudson Valley and Connecticut.   Early that spring, Howe learned through his intelligence network of the existence of a large Continental Army depot at Danbury, CT.   An inviting target, he instructed Tryon to  put together a  raid to  destroy it. Battle of Ridgefield - Tryon Prepares: To accomplish this objective, Tryon assembled a fleet of twelve transports, a hospital ship, and several smaller vessels.   Overseen by Captain Henry Duncan, the fleet was to transport the 1,800 men of the landing force up the coast to Compo Point (in present-day Westport).  Ã‚  This command drew troops from 4th, 15th, 23rd, 27th, 44th, and 64th Regiments of Foot as well as contained a group of 300 Loyalists  taken from  the Prince of Wales American Regiment.   Departing on April 22, Tyron and Duncan  spent three days working their way up the coast.   Anchoring in the  Saugatuck River,  the British advanced eight miles inland before making camp. Battle of Ridgefield - Striking Danbury: Pushing north the next day, Tryons men reached Danbury and  found Colonel Joseph P. Cookes small garrison attempting to remove the supplies to safety.   Attacking, the British drove off Cookes men after a brief skirmish.   Securing the depot, Tryon directed  its contents, largely foodstuffs, uniforms, and equipment, to be burned.   Remaining in Danbury through the day, the British continued the destruction of the depot.  Ã‚  Around 1:00 AM on the night April 27, Tryon received word that American forces were approaching the town.   Rather than risk being cut off from the coast, he ordered the houses of Patriot supporters burned and made preparations to depart. Battle of Ridgefield - The Americans Respond: On April 26, as Duncans ships passed Norwalk, word  of the enemys approach reached  Major General David Wooster of the Connecticut militia and Continental Brigadier General Benedict Arnold at New Haven.   Raising the local militia, Wooster ordered it to proceed to Fairfield.   Following, he and Arnold arrived to find that the commander of the Fairfield County militia, Brigadier General Gold Silliman, had raised his men and moved north to Redding leaving orders that newly-arrived troops should join him there.   Uniting with Silliman,  the combined American force numbered 500 militia and 100 Continental regulars.   Advancing towards Danbury, the column was slowed by heavy rain and around 11:00 PM halted at nearby Bethel to rest and dry their powder.   To the west, word of Tryons  presence reached Brigadier General Alexander McDougall who began assembling Continental troops around Peekskill. Battle of Ridgefield - A Running Fight: Around dawn, Tryon departed Danbury and moved south with the intention of reaching the coast via Ridgefield.   In an effort to slow the British and allow additional American forces to arrive, Wooster and Arnold split their force with the latter taking 400 men directly to Ridgefield while the former harassed the enemys rear.   Unaware of Woosters pursuit, Tryon paused for breakfast approximately three miles north of Ridgefield.   A veteran of the 1745 Siege of Louisbourg, the French Indian War, and the American Revolutions Canadian  Campaign, the experienced Wooster struck and successfully surprised the British rearguard, killing two and capturing forty.   Quickly withdrawing, Wooster  attacked again an hour later.  Ã‚  Better prepared for action,  British artillery repelled the Americans and Wooster fell mortally wounded. As fighting commenced north of Ridgefield, Arnold and his men worked to build barricades in the town and blockaded the streets.   Around noon, Tryon advanced on the town and commenced an artillery bombardment of the American positions.   Hoping to flank the barricades, he then sent forward troops on either side of the town.   Having anticipated this, Silliman had deployed his men in blocking positions.   With his initial efforts halted, Tryon made use of his numerical advantage and attacked on both flanks as well as pushed 600 men  directly against the barricade.   Supported by artillery fire, the British succeeded in turning Arnolds flank and  running battle ensued as  the Americans withdrew  down Town Street.   In the course of the fighting, Arnold was nearly captured when his horse was killed, briefly pinning  him between the lines. Battle of Ridgefield - Back to the Coast: Having driven off the defenders, Tyrons column camped for the night south of town.   During this time, Arnold and Silliman regrouped their men and received reinforcements in the form of additional New York and Connecticut militia as well as a company of Continental artillery under Colonel John Lamb.   The next day, while Arnold established a blocking position on Compo Hill that overlooked the roads leading to the landing beach, militia forces conducted an intense harassment of the British column similar to that faced during the British withdraw from Concord in 1775.   Moving south, Tryon crossed the Saugatuck above Arnolds position forcing the American commander to join the militia in  pursuit. Reaching the coast, Tryon was met by reinforcements from the fleet.   Arnold attempted an attack with the support of Lambs guns, but was pushed back by a British bayonet charge.   Losing another horse, he was unable to rally and reform his men to make another assault.   Having held, Tryon  re-embarked his men and departed for New York City. Battle of Ridgefield - Aftermath: The fighting at the Battle of Ridgefield and supporting actions saw the Americans lose 20 killed and  40 to 80 wounded, while Tryons command reported casualties of 26 killed, 117 wounded, and 29 missing.   Though the raid on Danbury achieved its objectives, the resistance faced during the return to the coast caused concern.   As a result, future raiding operations in Connecticut were limited to the coast including an attack by Tryon in 1779 and one by Arnold after his betrayal that resulted in the 1781 Battle of Groton Heights.  Ã‚  In addition, Tryons actions led to an increase in support for the Patriot cause in Connecticut including an upswing in enlistments.   Newly-raised troops from the  colony would aid Major General Horatio Gates later that year in the victory at Saratoga.   In recognition  for his contributions  during the Battle of Ridgefield, Arnold received  his much-delayed promotion to major general  as well as a new horse. Selected Sources: Town of Ridgefield: Battle of RidgefieldKeeler Tavern Museum: Battle of Ridgefield Ridgefield Historical Society

The Role of Epigenetic Events in Cancer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Role of Epigenetic Events in Cancer - Essay Example It is worth mentioning that most CpG sites have been lost from mammalian genomes during evolution, but in about 1% of human DNA consists of short areas where CpG sites have escaped depletion. Repetitive sequences of the human genome contain approximately 50% of all CpGs. Similar values are expected for other mammalian genomes. In contrast to CpG islands repetitive elements are thought to be constantly methylated. DNA methylation of most repetitive elements is maintained throughout development and even maintained during germ cell development. Methylated cytosines are more prone to fixate mutations compared with cytosine, C to T transitions occur frequently at methylated CpGs within repetitive elements. In consequence, this leads to an overall depletion of CpGs in repetitive elements and hence the bulk genome and an overall CpG deficit in mammalian genomes. CpG dinucleotide sequences are frequently the target of a chemical modification known as DNA methylation. The covalent modificatio n of the cytosine ring by a family of enzymes called DNA methyltransferases converts cytosines that are located 5 to guanosines to 5-methylcytosine. 5-methylcytosine has a propensity to undergo deamination to become uracil, which in turn becomes a thymidine during the next round of DNA replication if the deaminated base has not been repaired. The resulting C to T transition is mirrored by a corresponding G to A transition on the complementary DNA strand. As a result of methylation and subsequent deamination, CpG dinucleotide sequences have been progressively lost from the human genome over the course of many generations. Thus, the hypermutability of CpG sequences has led to a relative paucity of CpG sites in the human genome. The CpG dinucleotides that are the targets of DNA methyltransferases are distributed asymmetrically throughout the genome. Most regions of the genome have been depleted of CpG sites by spontaneous deamination.

"Creative Spark" Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

"Creative Spark" - Research Paper Example Through the talk, we are able to gain an in depth perspective on creative confidence while engaging in a number of matters surrounding it. David begins by mentioning that people more often classify themselves as the creative and not creative type. However, according to David, people are born creative but over time the creativity in them is eroded by judgmental persons around them (Kelly & Kelly, 2012). He advances to illustrate his theory using an example of his friend Brian, who at a young age was discouraged from pursuing his artist ambition by a fellow student. He goes ahead to say that many people similarly opt out of thinking and viewing themselves as creative during their childhood and this is attributed to remarks made by teachers and fellow students. Remarks made when they try to be creative dent their confidence. David further tries to present tips on how to eliminate this negative energy. He equates the process of building ones creative confidence to that of overcoming a phobia. He clearly outlines how Albert Bandura, who David terms as the fourth most important psychologist, used a series of step by step procedures to help people overcome their fear of snakes. One needs to overcome fear of the messy unknown, fear of judgment, fear of the first step and fear of losing control to gain creative confidence (Ted Summaries, 2014). The speaker in yet another in depth illustration describes how creativity makes the world a better place. He discusses a technician who by all means is at first deemed not creative but due to a problem he notices at work decides to come up with a solution (Kelly & Kelly, 2012). The solution involves him being creative and developing something that solves the initial problem. He remodeled the MRI by painting it in bright colors with a pirate ship theme so kids would not be terrified of scans. According to David, regaining creative confidence is crucial. It helps one gain a totally new view