Reason for Returning to School Essay

The reason of why I decided to go back to school and obtain my Bachelor Degree has never been anything out of the ordinary. In today’s society, I see many working adults pursuing their degrees to obtain security and self-fulfillment. While others are looking for the advancement in pay and position in their current or new job. There are even those who need to gain more confidence in their skills to do a good job for their company and they feel that by getting a degree, they can achieve this goal. All of them pertain to me. Especially to today’s current economy, I strongly feel that there is a great advantage to having a degree versus to not having one when it comes to searching for a job. More and more each year, I see new programs for education that are designed for working adults. If there were no real demand for these programs, I believe they would not exist. But that demand is real. There is a larger competitive environment in the work force now then there was a few years ago. With many new and fresh graduates coming out of college, I feel the pressure to increase my credentials to be able to compete. Even though I have built my experience through years of on the job education, I feel that by obtaining a graduate or even undergraduate degree is the only way to secure my position against the growing population of new graduates. I believe that you must continue updating your skills to keep up with this very competitive market. Then, there are those current working adults who are already established in their field, but would like to find a way to increase their potential of getting a raise or promotion. By obtaining a degree, this can show the managers how much value of an employee you are to the company. To have the qualifications and experience can give you a better success rate of getting the raise or promotion that you would ask for. It’s a way of selling yourself and your worth. With a degree, you just are more armed to the task of requesting for an advancement. Once I have obtained my degree, I can then see myself seriously requesting for an advance of my pay and position from my manager. Most importantly is the ability to feel confident in doing your job and to  have that credential to show people. There were many projects that I have been involved in that required myself to learn new skills. One example was learning how to program in Visual Basic 6 to create an interface GUI for one of our robot systems. Another accomplishment that I achieved was generating a database for system files used by our integration department. In almost each project, there were other managers involved besides my own manager. And each one had their doubts in my ability to succeed in the project. I have yet to fail, but each time a new project is started, these doubts from these managers come along with them. Even though I have five-years of experience in my field, I can see that it is harder to prove your ability in your skills with out a four-year degree. It is also much harder to have the confidence in yourself when there are others that lack that confidence in you. That is why I can se e by obtaining a degree can benefit me in many ways besides security and advancement in pay and position. There are times that I try to imagine how different it would be one I have earned my degree. And each time all I can imagine are anything but positive results. Sure, there are concerns and sacrifices that I would need to make down the road. Sacrifice like time. Time with my family and time for myself. But what is a couple of years of sacrifice compared to a lifetime of advancement? I once read an article about a successful businessman and how he achieved his goals by following one philosophy he recited to himself everyday. He believed the reward in terms of happiness is directly proportional to the sacrifice that each one makes. Great philosophy. And I try to live it everyday.

Global Warming Essay

This essay is based on Global warming and the cause and effect of it. â€Å"Global warming I define as an increase in the earth’s atmospheric and oceanic temperatures widely predicted to occur due to an increase in the greenhouse effect resulting especially from pollution. Increase in the global average surface temperature resulting from enhancement of the greenhouse effect, primarily by air pollution† (Merriam-Webster, 2013). In â€Å"2007 the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change forecasted that by 2100 global average surface temperatures would increase 3. 2–7. 2  °F (1. 8–4.  °C), depending on a range of scenarios for greenhouse gas emissions, and stated that it was now 90 percent certain that most of the warming observed over the previous half century could be attributed to greenhouse gas emissions produced by human activities (i. e. , industrial processes and transportation). Many scientists predict that such an increase in temperature would cause polar ice caps and mountain glaciers to melt rapidly, significantly raising the levels of coastal waters, and would produce new patterns and extremes of drought and rainfall, seriously disrupting food production in certain regions† (Wojtal-frankiewicz, 2012). Other scientists maintain that such predictions are overstated. The 1992 Earth Summit and the 1997 Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change attempted to address the issue of global warming, but in both cases the efforts were hindered by conflicting national economic agendas and disputes between developed and developing nations over the cost and consequences of reducing emissions of greenhouse gases† (Kitson, 2011). To begin, the evidence to this article in Wikipedia that show the originality s the use of departmental organization that show the cause of global warming. This organization is known as (UNFCCC), they highlighted some Global warming controversy. It also showed a pie chart which indicate that glaciers have been retreating since the early 1800s. In the 1950s measurements began that allow the monitoring of glacial mass balance, reported to the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) and the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC). Moreover the bibliography was also stated to show where the inform ation was came from. Where some of it was from official people with a higher state of position. Information on this article was also picked from books and journals and a full bibliography was provided for it. Looking at this, it can be said that the information was neutral and not a made up one. In addition, the article also has detailed factual information that was the use of another pie chart that indicates the â€Å"Contribution of natural factors and human activities to radiative forcing of climate change. Radiative forcing values are for the year 2005, relative to the pre-industrial era (1750). The contribution of solar irradiance to radiative forcing is 5% the value of the combined radiative forcing due to increases in the atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide†. This stratices was formed in a project known as IPCC. The article seems to be neutral and unbiased due to the use of quotation and picture with a full proper bibliography. The article is similar to our text book as it has the similar format of writing. These are the use of table of content, title, subheading and bibliography. Thus, the information that was in the article was relevant to the topic that I chose. Moreover, some of the addition information that was it the article was the use of the diagrams to show the greenhouse effect. It shows Greenhouse effect schematic showing energy flows between space, the atmosphere, and earth’s surface. Energy exchanges are expressed in watts per square meter. The article also has used the different language that is for better understand to those who does not know much in English. Thus, the article could have used pie chart and line graph to show the increase in the sea level due to global warming. It also should have discussed a country that is mostly affected due to global warming. Final, Wikipedia is not a favourable web site due to some of its features that allow anyone to edit it anytime. The most dangerous feature is the edit button in it. Thus, the overall article was well structured with having least error in it. It was also simple and straight forward to make it user friendly. This was the use of table, pictures and number to add simplicity to the article. The article has some complex situations where it uses different language. So that people can read the article in their own language.

Assessment of Patients Perceptions

Caring has been widely discussed in the health care professions, especially in nursing which is considered to be one of the caring professions (Boykin and Schoenhofer 2001). Watson (1985) describes caring as a moral ideal of nursing. According to Watson, caring preserves human dignity in cure dominated health care systems and becomes a standard by which cure is measured (Watson 1988c, p. 177). Research literature indicates that the assessment of quality of care from the patient’s perspective has been operationalised as patient satisfaction (Dufrene 2000). Nurse caring has been related to patient satisfaction in western literature (Wolf et al 2003; Wolf et al 1998; Forbes and Brown 1995; Boyle et al 1989). There are so many factors that influence patients’ perceptions of care given by the opposite sex. Some of these are: Age, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic and health status. The most consistent finding has been related to age. Older patients tend to be more satisfied with their health care. Studies that have looked at ethnicity have generally held that being a member of a minority group is associated with lower rates of satisfaction. Studies on the effect of gender show that women tend to be less satisfied and other studies show the opposite. Most studies have found that individuals of lower socio-economic status and less education tend to be less satisfied with their health care. Other studies have shown that poorer satisfaction with care is associated with experiencing worry, depression, fear or hopelessness, as is having a psychiatric diagnosis such as schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder or drug abuse. Health status can greatly influence satisfaction of an individual (Hall, 1990). It is important to examine the relationships of nurse caring to patient satisfaction in Cape Coast because of severe staff shortages, heavy workload, and low salaries in Cape Coast Hospitals. Nursing literature had long recognized importance of these perceptions as major factors militating against prompt and effective service delivery in the care environment. One of the critical roles and ethics of the nurse is to treat all patients irrespective of their gender, colour, creed, political inclination and religious affiliations. High quality nurse-client communication is the backbone of the art and science of nursing. It has a significant impact on patient well-being as well as the quality and outcome of nursing care, and is related to patients’ overall satisfaction with their care. The maintenance of high nurse patient communication also depends on the nurse and patient. The quality of care in a hospital has been shown to be influenced by several factors including: inadequate nursing staff, lack of regular water supply on wards, too much nursing documentation, too long waiting time, and lack of specialized nurses. In Ghana, there is crisis in nurse-client communication evidence from four sources. These are personal observation, anecdotes from client and their families, media reports, and official health reports. Although there is ample evidence to demonstrate that most nurses are females, one cannot discount the enormous services that male nurses provide irrespective of their gender. The ever increasing number of female nurses compared to male nurses in our wards, coupled with patient dissatisfaction toward treatment received has raised a lot of questions as to whether there is a perceived idea that male nurses offer better care or otherwise. With the introduction of Health Insurance a few years ago, more patients report to the hospital and are also consciously aware of their rights and responsibilities as patients and hence will demand for better service delivery from care givers. Recently, patient dissatisfaction has been on the ascendancy in several hospitals across Ghana including University of Cape Coast Hospital. This has raised a lot of concerns about the perceptions patients have regarding the care given by male nurses.

The Reformation of Religion European History (1500 - 1560) Essay

The Reformation of Religion European History (1500 - 1560) - Essay Example During this time many women were changing from avowed Catholics to the new religion spreading rapidly across Europe. The new religion was that of the newly named Protestants. The topic of the reformation is an important issue to raise among women today. Before the Reformation, women had little or no participation in the Catholic Church. Priests did not discuss religious matters with a mere woman. Wealthy women could attend Mass and church services regularly, but middle class and poor women were not as fortunate. The middle class and poorer women normally had the services of the Church when married or after birth. Most of the time middle class or poorer women only attended Mass and confession once a year around the Yule time. Many Catholic women were also illiterate. The need to read did not become important to women until the Bible was translated from Latin into the local language by the Protestants. On the other hand, Protestant women attended church services regularly, whether wealthy, middle class or poor. Women could speak about religious with their Protestant pastors. In fact, women could speak on religious matters like an equal with men. Since the backbone of the Protestant movement was the right to translate and read the Bible personally, literacy rose among women after becoming Protestants. Women had a little more freedom through becoming Protestants than before the beginning of the Reformation. To prove her conclusions of the time, Natalie Davis used various sources to prove her point. She used the traditional books. Some of the books used were The Heresy or the Free Spirit in the Later Middle Ages by Robert E. Lerner, The Appeal of Calvinism by Nancy Roelker, Power to Dissolve by John T. Noonan, Jr. and Le marriage li Geneve vers 1600 by R. Stauffenegger. Ms. Davis also used journals such as â€Å"The Double Standard,† Journal of the History of Ideas 2.0. The most impressive of Ms. Davis’s sources were the

Texas HB15 & the Abortion Debate Research Paper

Texas HB15 & the Abortion Debate - Research Paper Example The problem in this situation depends on the individual’s own moral views on abortion and the legitimate functions of the State with regard to personal privacy. The reason that it is considered a state issue in Texas is primarily due to the concentration of anti-abortion leaders in the political representatives of the state and their advocacy of this bill. It can be stated that there is no national or local cry from women popularly who are seeking government regulations to control their personal reproductive decisions, but rather a minority group of political conservatives are seeking to apply their moral views to society through this legislation that would introduce mandatory testing and reporting requirements into the medical process of abortion. HB15 â€Å"Relating to providing a sonogram before an abortion; providing penalties,† was introduced into the 82nd Legislative Session of Texas because local anti-abortion advocates believed that they had the political suppor t to push the bill through, but the larger issue is whether this minority has the right to impose their morality on others through the restrictions advocated in the bill, or whether these powers are inconsistent with the individual’s right to privacy. (Texas Tribune, 2011) ... rested parties in this debate are all women particularly who believe it is their right to self-determine their reproductive choices according to their own morality, rather than that of a Republican, â€Å"moral minority† that seizes power through political control of the House and uses this power to pass anti-abortion legislation. The anti-abortion advocates behind the bill are trying to save the life of every unborn child out of their ideological opposition to abortion fundamentally. The problem is that anti-abortion advocates cannot accept that other individuals may have moral standards and views that are different and with that the right to self-determine their lives according to their own definition. The counter-argument to this is that abortion is murder and people must do anything they can to stop it. The reasoning behind the mandate for women to receive a sonogram in the case of an abortion is to morally shame the woman by making her listen to a fetal heartbeat before s he undergoes the procedure. In this instance, the anti-abortionists are interested in humiliating women and forcing them to walk through a bureaucratic system of State control due to the moral views of the anti-abortionists. Policy positions: What are the different policy proposals for the various interested parties? Name the preference for each and what they will gain by having their policy enacted and what they will lose by having another policy enacted. The Dallas News reported on the legislative details of HB15 and the debate in the House over the bill, writing: â€Å"Women in Texas must be offered a fetal sonogram and hear a heartbeat before having an abortion under legislation approved by the Senate on Thursday. The legislation, hailed by abortion opponents as a way to entitle women to more

Undecided Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words - 1

Undecided - Research Paper Example During this process, water becomes produced first from the fractures present within the coal. This process continues until the pressure declines to the level where methane would begin to desorb from the coal surrounding substance itself. The extent of the coalbed fracture stays controlled by the characteristics of the geologic formation, the fluid used in fracturing, and the pressure employed in pumping. The distance at which the fracturing would be performed also comprises geological formation characteristics. The ability for a fracture to grow taller or longer would be determined by the material goods of the surrounding rock. A hydraulically generated fracture would take the route of least resistance through the surrounding rock formations and coal seams (EPA Chapter 1; 3-4). Studies by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Marcellus Shale Team, and the Energy Institute have clearly confirmed the effectiveness of present-day state regulations in protecting water resources. Thi s research paper positions itself to supporting that methane hydraulic fracturing fluids into coalbed wells pose a minimal threat to underground drinking water sources. Discussion EPA conducted a research study into evaluating the impacts of hydraulic fracturing of coalbed methane to underground sources of drinking water. The study employed a methodology covering hydraulic fracturing processes and potential incidents of water quality associated with the process. Also, the methodology would determine hazardous constituents contained in hydraulic fracturing additives and fluids as well as identification of coalbed methane basins hydrogeology. The approach employed a detailed and extensive collection of reviews and information of theoretical and empirical data. EPA also reviewed cases of underground drinking water contamination alleged to have resulted from the injection of methane hydraulic fracturing fluids into coalbed methane beds (EPA Chapter 2; 2). Methane hydraulic fracturing fl uids include foamed gels, acids, potassium chloride water and clear water, cross or linear linked gels and a combined treatment of any two or more of these fluids. On the other hand, hydraulic additives include biocides, friction reducers, breakers, acid corrosion inhibitors and fluid loss additives (EPA Chapter 4; 2-8). Their findings on water quality incidents reflected data from formal studies, in addition to the opinions of, residents living near coalbed methane sites namely Black Warrior, Powder River Basins, San Juan and Central Appalachian. Incidences of contamination could be attributed to common production activities such as surface discharge of fracturing and production fluids, and methane migration through fracturing and drilling made outlets. In addition, contamination could arise from improperly abandoned production well, aquifer dewatering and poorly installed or sealed production wells. Moreover, natural factors, resource development, historical practices and populati on growth also constitute potential sources of contamination to drinking water. However, the follow-up outcomes of the study concluded that underground drinking water sources could not be contaminated by hydraulic fracturing. According to EPA, the production of ground water would minimize the likelihood that chemicals contained in fracturing fluids could impact negatively on underground drink

Business Strategy and Policy Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Business Strategy and Policy - Assignment Example Kellogg uses healthier ways of producing its products. Kellogg has tried using genetically modified raw materials for producing the goods. The company has tried to eliminate raw materials that have high fat content. Health problems are increasing in alarming rate. People are suffering from problems related to obesity. In such a scenario, Kellogg’s use of healthier raw materials like low fat oil would only lead to increase in demand for their products (Aaker, 2009). Kellogg did not take any effort in developing new products. They have continuously carried their business with the same line of products. There was no modification in products and it also did not focus on matching its products with the changing customer needs and requirements. The taste and preferences of consumers were not considered while making any decisions regarding product development. There was also no diversification plans in the business. This increased threats from competitors. They could develop new products and capture Kellogg’s market. (Fleisher, 2001). Kellogg may face a threat due to fall in its sales figures. This can be due to Kellogg’s inability to influence prices of its products. In the initial years, when Kellogg used small grocery stores for distributing the products, the company enjoyed significant power in setting its own price. But with the growth of the company, it has started transacting with large retailers. Such retailers do not allow Kellogg to negotiate prices and as a result Kellogg sets its prices according to the needs of the distributor (Fleisher, 2001). Threats related to new entry: Kellogg has a well recognized brand name. They have acquired this position by continuously maintaining product quality. The threat related to new entries is thus not very high. The company has the advantage of using economies of scale. The standards set by the company globally cannot be matched by a new entrant instantly. Competitive

Density Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Density - Lab Report Example Moreover, the density of water commonly known as 1.00 g/cm3 or 1.00 g/ml is found empirically to be 0.998 g/ml whereas the density of copper which in theory is approximately 8.94 g/ml turns out 8.5 g/ml in the lab. The apparent slight differences between the actual and theoretical figures may be accounted for by error through inaccurate reading of measurements with the device or tool used. Another source of error (other than human fault) may be attributed to unnoticed defect in apparatus or measuring scale which has not been properly calibrated. Density of solid or liquid materials is an intensive property of matter that is why it does not depend on the quantity of material in reference to being mass per unit volume. Because in class we study significant figures and dimensional analysis which involves units of length, mass, volume, as well as their equivalent conversions in other units, the lab establishes relevance as we work in it to experience and learn how to deal with measurements in real life. We have been able to understand that the method of finding density may be carried out by the task of acquiring measures of mass and volume of a substance which can also be made useful in scientific analysis of other

External Sources of Finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

External Sources of Finance - Essay Example Financing decisions are normally very fundamental considerations to be made by any multinational corporation like Acme which seeks to venture into large scale operations. As such, the whole prerogative clearly rests on the finance managers to appropriately select the best financing method out of the myriad option available in the world today. The various option of finance that Acme can opt for are lucidly outlined below. The corporation can opt for the issuance of preference or ordinary shares in order to raise sufficient capital for the foreign expansion. This is a major source of finance for most organizations across the world. Its advantage lies in the fact that it is â€Å"non-redeemable†. As such, it is an existing and permanent source of finance that is not to be repaid like other sources of fund. The repayment process only occurs upon the winding up of the company. On the contrary, it can be argued that this form of financing has the disadvantage of diluting the ownership strength of the company since it involves the addition of new shareholders into the company (Steffens 45-9). In the same vein, as the number of shareholders increases, the control of the company becomes very difficult as decision making becomes very procedural and bureaucratic due to the wide consultation needed before any major decisions are made. Bank loans Loans from banks and other financial institutions are usually good sources of finance for business organizations. Obtaining such loans is always simple for most large organizations that are known to have wide capital bases. The use of loans as a source of financing has the advantage that it never leads to a loss of direction for the business as in the case of issuance of new shares. Bank loans are normally long-term sources of finance and can always be obtained in large sums unlike other sources. In most cases, loans are used to buy fixed assets such as vehicles and machinery. The major disadvantage of using loans as sources of finance revolves around the huge interests paid (Gopalan 67). Most banks charge very high interest rates and it therefore becomes unprofitable to acquire loans without the assurance that the business will raise sufficient profits to cover for the high interest rates. Short term loans can also be obtained in form of overdrafts in which case most banks need no collateral. However, bank overdrafts are always charged at very high interest rates than other loans. Debentures The issuance of debentures is also another source of capital that Acme can adopt for its expansion program. Debentures are usually units of loan which a company issues to the debenture holders and are usually traded like shares. The advantages and limitations of using debe ntures are basically similar to those of most bank loans. The loans are usually obtained from other companies, individuals or financial institutions. In that regard, Acme will then be prepared to repay the debenture holders the interest accrued. One striking characteristic of a debenture is that it is only backed by the company without any form of collateral like other loans. It therefore leaves the company’s assets free which can then be used to obtain further financing in the future. Leasing Leasing is one of the most common sources of financing in the increasingly competitive business environment. In essence, a business cannot purchase all the fixed assets it requires to set up operation in a foreign land. Leasing enables companies to

Racist Violence In America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Racist Violence In America - Essay Example The fact that the author mentions different problems also makes the essay more informative. Another strong point is the inclusion of the real life personalities, such as the story of Trayvon Martin and Deamonte Driver, who died because of the â€Å"bacteria from the abscessed tooth that spread to the brain† after he was not given a timely medical help. (Giroux) This makes readers feel sympathy and become more prone to supporting the author. In addition, the author makes references to other authors, such as Steve Herbert, Glen Ford, Patricia and Trecento Clough to show that he is not alone in his considerations and make the argument more plausible. In general, I share the author’s point of view when he explains that the present-day society allows too much violence and, yet, it continues spreading the messages of fear among the population. In my opinion, it is clear that the economic gap between people exists and it is always difficult to break the circle of poverty having poor education and, therefore, poor opportunities to prosper. At the same time, in my opinion, the essay could be better grounded. Although the author gives the numbers of poor and imprisoned minorities and explains the conditions in which they live, he did not provide evidence that could show the causal connection between the facts, such as the rates of drop outs of the minorities and racial stereotyping for example. However, the points covered in the article are worth consideration and further research.

Comparisons of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs Essay Example for Free

Comparisons of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs Essay I think the decisions of both Bill Gates and Steve Jobs were unethical and wrong. To start with, they were both dropouts of college. Bill Gates was a drop out of Harvard University and Steve Jobs dropped out of Berkley University. Steve Jobs was adopted where as Bill Gates had his original family. Steve Jobs was a very odd man, to say the least. He was a hippie in the early days of his life. He did drugs such as acid. Bill Gates was a very plain boring person. He loved to play poker and was a very wreck less person in his actions. Steve Jobs did not develop the original ideas of Apple; instead, Steve Wazniack was the original inventor of the Apple Computer. Both Bill Gates and Steve Jobs went to MITS wanting to test out the Altair, the owner of MITS gave both Steve and Bill a Altair unit, Bill had to talk the owner into giving him one though because Bill wanted a $4,000 signing bonus. Bill Gates goes to IBM and offers to license them an operating system called DOS, little did IBM know that they did not even have it yet, IBM is willing to buy a license to DOS. Therefore, Bill Gates buys DOS from a Seattle worker for $50,000; when the worker hears that he is willing to give him $50,000 dollars, his jaw hits the floor, and he sells it right away. Steve Jobs is a giant jerk to his employees. He makes them work 90 hours weeks, screams, and yells when they do not accomplish a huge task on a small deadline. He made an employee so mad one time that the employee jumped up and slammed Jobs’ face off the wall. Bill gates on the other hand, is a very caring person when it comes to his employees, he is afraid to over work them and gives them lots of vacation time. Both men are married and have children. Steve Jobs’ tried to deny that he was the father of his first-born daughter Lisa. The Apple Lisa was named so because of her.

Movie Analysis Essay Example for Free

Movie Analysis Essay There are many versions of Spiderman, but â€Å"Amazing Spider-man† is the best version ever. The graphic works, the music, and the plot are amazing like the movie title. The Amazing spider-man is not connected to the previous Spiderman movie. One online film critic stated that there is a silent war ongoing right now between two of the big comic book flicks hit theaters in July of 2012: Warner Bros. ’ The Dark knight Rises and Sony’s The Amazing Spider-Man (Sandy Schaefer). In addition, I do believe that this movie really sound like a more genuinely contemporary portrayal of the eponymous webslinger than that offered in Raimi’s previous movie trilogy. Although some of the character I do not like the way they act and somehow they cannot give me a clear mind what they should able to act, I could still agree this version of the Spiderman is the best I have seen. The characters in the movie are very rich for the audience to watch. Every action movie are essential to have the element of love scene, fighting scene, the falling scene, and the return scene. The main character is obviously the Spider-man Peter Parker. Here is the aforementioned from Amazing Spider-Man: â€Å"Like most teenagers his age, Peter [played by Andrew Garfield] is trying to figure out who he is and how to be the person he is today. In his journey to put the pieces of his past together he uncovers a secret that his father [Campbell Scott] held†¦ a secret that will ultimately shape his destiny as Spider-Man. This is the first in a series of movies that tells a different side of the Peter Parker story. † (Schaefer). Peter Parker has struggled to find his purpose in life, ever since Peter’s parents disappeared 13 years old. Like other movies, he must face the ultimate challenge on the brink of unlocking the mystery. Thus, he is absolutely hero archetype that he defeats Dr. Connors and safe the whole New York City. The female character, Spider-man girlfriend, Gwen Stacy is knowledgeable and wise. For some moment, she is charismatic and rebellious when she deal with her family. Gwen is the chief intern at Oscorp, a position she takes very seriously. However, her mentor Dr. Connors is the competitor of Spiderman. Captain Stacy is an esteemed police officer who leads the investigation into Spiderman. Captain Stacy is highly alert to his family more than the city, especially his only daughter, Gwen. Apparently, the villain is Dr. Connors. It is not clear that he is the lizard when it comes to the end. He is a scientist that attempts to engineer a revolutionary regeneration serum to help regrow limbs and human tissue. He became so horrible at the end. The hero’s journey is always followed by the 17 stages of Joseph Cambell’s Monomyth. But for nowadays movies, they eliminate some of the stages in a simply form. Not surprisingly, Campbell’s idea is generally applied to many Hollywood screenwriting and literature as well. The Ordinary World- Peter Parker is a student at Midtown Science High School, and he lives with his Uncle Ben and Aunt May. His parent is a mystery and left him with no explanation when he was young. As a result, Peter is frustrated and longs to find out more about his father and why he left. Peter is weird around his peers, but he still sticks up for the underdog. Call to Adventure- Peter found out a file and lead him to research his father’s lab partner who works at Oscorp Tower, Dr. Connors. He goes to him and look out for answers. Later, he is bitten by a spider that is being used to create biocable. He starts to have the abilities of spider. He has been introduced to the Special World that is opposite of what he knows. Refusal of the Call- Peter begins to test his power, and using them to beat the bully who picked on him, Flash Thompson. His emotion change and have argument with Uncle Ben. Because Uncle Ben feels his strange behavior, so he follows him and that make the tragedy of the thief shoots Uncle Ben. Meeting with the Mentor- Dr. Connors is a mentor to him when it comes to science. Another crucial mentor is Uncle Ben of course. Hence, he gives a big influence on Peter, and when he dies, Peter is pushed to his limits. Crossing the Threshold- Because of the death of Uncle Ben, Peter pushed himself into the Special World. Peter tries to hunt the thief who murdered Uncle Ben. Test, Allies, Enemies- When Peter fights crime, he confronts criminals and makes enemies. At school, he developed a friendship with Gwen. His tests are increasing in difficulty: Dr. Connors displayed a semblance of friendship toward him, but as his identity shifts into the Lizard, this will change. Captain Stacy, Gwen’s father, shows an antagonistic attitude toward Peter and his alter-ego. Approach- Spiderman tries to stop the creature on the bridge. The Lizard got a big fight at Midtown Science high School, and Peter tries to stop him with Gwen’s help. Ordeal- Spiderman was shot by a police bullet that stuns him electrically. It is a hard time to Spiderman to fight his way out, reveals his identity to Captain Stacy. Reward- Captain Stacy lets him go, showing his trust in Peter. Resurrection- The Lizard is strong and powerful. Captain Stacy and Peter Parker finally work together to restrict the activities and take the Lizard down. Return with the Elixir- Dr. Connors has been returned back to normal. He has saved Gwen, but Captain Stacy was killed. As he dies, he asks Peter to keep Gwen out of his life to protect her. It is not only a promise to Captain Stacy, but also in a carton of eggs. He is a different person, and even though he may not have all of the answers he wanted, he has learned to put others ahead of himself during the search. The Elixir Peter Parker has brought back from his journey is that of a new hero. He is no longer just Peter Parker, fatherless teenager. He is Spider-Man. (Milles). Peter Andrew Garfield who is the actor of Spiderman did a good job in the movie because it is a challenge to an actor to have a big different from being a normal person to an amazing ultimate hero. Andrew Garfield can express and show on his face that the inner features of Spiderman to the audience. Honestly, the only person I do not satisfy is Emma Stone, who is the actress of Gwen Stacy, and I reckon many of the commends on the internet board criticize that she has not done a great job on her part. For instance, there is a frightening scene that she is holding a knife hiding when Dr. Connors has become the Lizard and chasing her. I am sorry to say that, but I cannot feel any scary moment in the scene. For the love scene, I do not think she acts like a spouse of Peter Parker. Also, she did not have the interaction with her family show that she is rebellious. The plot is moving smooth and clear when I follow along to the hero’s journey. Refer to the hero’s journey, the plot is developed and excited. I would not find any boring scene in the entire movie. When I watched along with it, I would have many unexpected things happen, and really influence the audience to keep watching on it. Moreover, the music composer of the movie is James Horner. Indeed, he is a great composer of film music. James Horner also composes some great movies such as Titanic and Avatar. He is currently as famous as John Williams and the music they composed does make the audience impressed. His music moved the audience, and there is no doubt that film music is so significant because we are not only watching the screen, but listen to the music also. Amazing Spiderman is well-developed movie as following the classic hero’s journey. It does make the audience easy to follow and a feeling of unexpected. Also, the action scene is exciting to watch. Even though I know it is not real, but I really get into it. Furthermore, the music do influence the audience and no movie can neglect music because it is an crucial tools.

Strategies and Technology to Determine Chicken Freshness

Strategies and Technology to Determine Chicken Freshness 2.0Â  INTRODUCTION Recently, there have been various inventions of sensors to detect the freshness of food. A chemical sensor means that a tool that convert chemical information into an analytically useful signal. The device acts as an analyzer (Hulanicki et al, 1991). Smart or intelligent packaging has been the result of using such sensors into the food packaging technology. Smart packaging uses chemical or biosensor to observe the quality and safety of food from the producers and relay the outcome to the consumers. Time-temperature indicators, ripeness indicators, chemical sensors, biosensors and radio frequency identification are some of the examples of components in smart packaging (Kuswandi et al, 2011). 2.1Â  Chemical Sensor in Determining Chicken Cuts Freshness Chicken is a highly perishable food, as it usually deteriorates within a week of slaughtering, even when it is put in storage chiller systems. Chicken spoilage is mainly due to microorganisms (Kuswandi et al, 2013). Microorganisms in broiler chicken are heterogenous. The common microorganisms in aerobically stored, chilled poultry meats are Flavobacteria, Shewanella putrefaciens, Acinetobacter spp., Corynebacteria spp., Moraxella spp. and fluorescent pseudomonas (Amaut-Rollier et al, 1999). Biogenic amines (BAs) are generated by the growth of decarboxylase-positive microorganisms under favourable conditions to enzyme activity. Many Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp. and certain lactobacilli, enterococci and staphylococci are active in the formation of Bas. The amount of amines formed depends abundantly on the type of microorganisms present. The formation of amines, including BAs is primarily a product of the enzymic decarboxylation of specific amino acid due to microbial enzyme activity (Kuswandi et al, 2013). The amino acids can also suffer oxidative deamination, decarbozylation and desulfurization, resulting in gases such as NH3, CO2, and H2S. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is generally known to be produced during microbial growth. (Rukchon et al, 2014) Quantifying chemical changes could provide information on the degree of spoilage. A number of indicators have been proposed to analyse the quality of meat, including BAs, volatile bases, nucleotide breakdown products, volatile acidity and CO2. Thus, these compounds can be taken as quality indicators of chicken freshness during storage (Rukchon et al, 2014). 2.2Â  Problem Statement Increasing of production of poultry meat and products are significant throughout the world in the last decade. Chicken and poultry products are famous because of their specific sensory attributes and the tendency of the public to consider white meat are healthier than red (Balamatsia et al, 2005). Nowadays, demands for the freshness and safety of food products by the consumers are increasing continuously (Kuswandi et al, 2013). However, spoilage of chicken and poultry products has become a burden to the producers plus it can bring a health hazard to the consumers, since poultry meat may contain pathogenic microorganisms (Economou et al, 2009). However, with the invention of smart packaging, which can observe the quality and safety of food and relay the result to the consumers. The sensors used in the packaging come with variety of functions, such as monitoring the freshness, pathogens, leakage, carbon dioxide, oxygen, pH, time and temperature. The technology is beyond the existing standard technologies, which are control of weight, volume, colour, appearance and etcetera (Kuswandi et al, 2011). Colour changes of pH dyes such as bromothymol blue, bromophenol blue, bromocresol purple, methyl red, bromocresol green, methyl orange, methyl yellow, phenol red can be detect acidic/basic volatile compounds, as they display an irreversible change in colour. These are some of the indicators that can be used to make sensors to detect chicken freshness. The sensors then can be stickered or paste onto the packaging (Rukchon et al, 2014). 2.3Â  Objectives The goal is to satisfy the increasing demands of customers, to be able to produce fresh goods, or at least providing scientific evidence informing the customers of the condition of the product, and not based on oral evidence only, as the seller or producer can just fabricate the truth. The objectives of this study are: To investigate the relationship between the numbers of microorganisms and level of spoilage To develop an indicator to monitor the freshness of chicken 3.0 LITERATURE REVIEW 3.1Â  Smart Packaging Smart packaging are packaging that can do more than traditional packaging, in terms of storing, protecting and providing information about the product (Kerry and Butler, 2008). Smart packaging can provide information about the condition (i.e. level of spoilage, freshness of content) of the contents of the pack through colour coding, wireless information, or etcetera. Smart packaging is quite different than active packaging. While active packaging will be activated when it is triggered, smart packaging is more to an indicator of microbial growth, physical shock, leakage or microbial spoilage (Intelligent and Active Packaging Opportunities in Specialty Papers, 2009). Smart packaging can switch on and off according to changing external or internal conditions. Then, it will inform the status of the content to the customers (Butler, 2013). 3.1.1Â  Indicators for Meat Freshness Indicators of freshness can provide direct information from the outcome of chemical changes or microbial growth in food. The production of freshness indicator in meat products depends on the types of product, related spoilage flora, conditions of storage and packaging system (Kerry, 2012). Table 1:Potential indicators in detecting meat freshness (Kerry, 2012) Potential indicators Components to detect Colour-based pH indicators Microbial metabolites Ethanol Fermentative metabolism of lactic acid bacteria Volatile compounds (e.g. dimethylamine, biogenic amines) Muscle-based product decomposition Myoglobin based freshness indicator Hydrogen sulphide, a breakdown product of cysteine Majority of meat freshness indicator are colour change indicator that gives its result according to microbial metabolites that are produced gradually during spoilage (Kerry, 2012). 3.1.2Â  Sensors for Food Pathogens and Contaminants The easiest microbial contamination presence that can be detected indirectly is by measuring changes in gas composition in relation to the microbial growth, by using gas sensor. The increase in CO2 concentration can determines microbial contamination only in packages that do not contain CO2 as a protective gas. The indicators are usually colour changing, that can be based on chromogenic substrates of enzymes produced by the microorganisms, the consumption of certain nutrients or the detection of microorganism itself. One of the examples is the use of nanostructured silk as a platform for biosensors. This silk has quite a lot of advantages, as it is edible and biodegradable, and it can also be integrated within the packaging of products itself. Conducting polymers, one of biosensors can be used to detect the gases released during microbe metabolism. Biosensors are produced by inserting conducting nanoparticles into an insulating matrix, and the change in resistance correlates to the total amount of gas released. These sensors are evolving to detect food borne pathogens through quantification of bacterial cultures (Kuswandi et al, 2011). 3.2Â  Examples of Indicators 3.2.1Â  Methyl Red Methyl red is a pH indicator. The methyl red/cellulose membrane functions as a freshness sensor to detect freshness or spoilage of chicken. It is based on increase of pH, because the amounts of volatile amines that are produced in the package increase gradually making the pH increase as well. Following this, the sensor will change colour from red to yellow as an indicator for spoilage, and it is of course visible to the naked eye. Since the pH of fresh chicken meats is around 5.50 and the pH of spoilt chicken meat is considered above 6.0, the increasing of pH will take place during the deterioration of chicken meats, as the volatile amines are increasing gradually (Kuswandi et al, 2013). Figure 1:Â  The colour changes of methyl red/cellulose membrane versus time of chicken cuts stored at room temperature (Kuswandi et al, 2013) Figure 2:Â  The colour changes of methyl red/cellulose membrane versus time of chicken cuts stored at chiller temperature (Kuswandi et al, 2013) 3.3.2Â  Colorimetric Sensors Array An electronic nose (e-nose) is a tool that can recognise specific components of a smell and examine its chemical makeup to distinguish it. E-nose consists of a system for chemical detection like array of electronic sensors and a system for recognising pattern, such as a neural network (WhatIs.com, 13 November 2014). E-nose system is composed of many non-specific sensors, and an odour stimulus produce characteristic fingerprint from the sensors array. Fingerprints patterns from known odour are then used to make a database, and teach the pattern identifying system so that unknown odours can be recognised and classified (Chen et al, 2014). A low-cost colorimetric sensors array was fabricated, using printing chemically responsive dyes on a C2 reverse silica-gel flat plate, along with a specific colorific fingerprint to identify volatile compounds. AdaBoost-OLDA, a combination of orthogonal linear discriminant analysis (OLDA) and adaptive boosting (AdaBoost) is a classification algorithm that was also proposed to use with the colorimetric sensors (Chen et al, 2014). Figure 3:Â  Schematic diagram of E-nose system based on a colorimetric sensors array (Chen et al, 2014) Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVBN) is one of the best indicators to differentiate between fresh and spoilt poultry. In China, above 15 mg/100 g of TVBN is considered spoilt meat (Chen et al, 2014). Figure 4:Â  Reference measurement results of TVBN content for all samples (Chen et al, 2014) Figure 5:Â  Differences images for fresh chicken sample (a) and spoilt chicken sample (b) (Chen et al, 2014) Figure 5 is the difference of images for the fresh and spoilt samples, by subtracting the initial from the final image. As mentioned earlier, each difference image has its own specific fingerprint. The sensors array which contain the selected metalloporphyrins dyes have responded sensitively to many of volatile organic compounds such as tryptamine, putrescine, cadaverine and other biogenic amines during chicken spoilage. The extra dyes which consist of three pH indicators have responded to hydrogen sulphide and organic acids such as lactic acid. All of the spoilage process can be recorded on the change of chemical responsive dyes (Chen et al, 2014).

The Story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho Essay example -- The Hol

â€Å"When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted†¦(and)†¦ the wall collapsed† (Joshua 6:20). This is the account of Joshua and the people of Israel when they entered the Promised Land known as Canaan. As the Lord commanded they entered the land and conquered all the cities there, beginning with Jericho. The story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho is a famous one. Everyone who has ever attended Sunday school has heard this famous Biblical account. What is overlooked in Sunday school is the passage after the walls fall down, â€Å"They devoted the city to the LORD and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it – men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep and donkeys† (Joshua 6:21). This is one of the more difficult passages in the Bible. It raises many questions, questions that are not easily answered. In fact, scholars today still debate them. Reading this section of the Bible, found in Joshua chapter 6, you ask yourself: how can we worship a God who permits His own people to slaughter innocents? How did the Israelites justify breaking one of the Ten Commandments (or ‘Words’ as is the more accurate translation)? If God is just, then how can he allow the slaughter of innocents? Is God really a just god? Such are the questions that come up whenever the slaughter at Jericho is brought up. Further seemingly brutal violence is found within God’s own people. If you read on an Israelite named Achan steals some of the bounty from Jericho when God commanded them not too. He was stoned along with his whole family! God seems to be a violent, harsh god in these passages. How can this be if He is supposed to be the God of love, compassion and mercy? Israel, at this point in their history is very young as a nation and a people. Actually, it ... ...e question him? Yes, because Yahweh has a true desire for us to know Him personally and have a personal relationship with Him. How can we do that without asking questions and studying His word? We can’t. In the end it comes down to the fact that He is in contro1, He is always right and He is a just god! Works Cited Davis, John J. Conquest and Crisis: Studies in Joshua, Judges, and Ruth. BMH Books. Vinona Lake, Indiana. 1969. Hamlin, John E. Joshua - Inheriting the Land. Wm. B Eerdman’s Publishing Co. Grand Rapids MI, 1983. Jensen, Irving L. Joshua: Rest-Land Won. Moody Press: Chicago IL, 1966. Paul Heinisch, Theology of Old Testament. Liturgical Press. St. Paul MN, 1955. Pink, Arthur W. Gleanings in Joshua. Moody Press: Chicago IL, 1964. Yahweh. The Holy Bible: New International Version. Broadman &Holman Publishers: Nashville, TN, 1973

Mayapple :: Botany

Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum is most commonly known as the mayapple, but in various regions it is also known as Devil's apple, hog apple, Indian apple, umbrella plant, wild lemon, and American mandrake (though it should not be confused with true mandrake, Mandragora officinarum, an unrelated Old World plant whose roots have been used throughout history for medicines and potions). The plant gets its generic name from the Greek words podos and phyllon, meaning foot shaped leaves. Peltatum means shield-like. Mayapple is a well know rhizomatous herb that grows in gregarious groups in the oak-hickory forests all over the eastern United States and Southern Canada. The root is composed of many thick tubers, fastened together by fleshy fibres which spreads greatly underground, sending out many small fibers at the joints, which strike downward. The stems are solitary mostly branched, one to two feet high, crowned with two large, smooth leaves, stalked, peltate in the center like an umbrella the size of a human hand. It is sometimes called "umbrella plant" because the first sign of it in early spring is a short looking like a closed "umbrella". It's composed of five to seven wedge shaped divisions some what lobed and toothed at the apex. It has a whitish nodding flowers with parts in whorls of three between palmately dissected peltated leaves, about two inches across. The plant flowers from March to May, and fruits ripen from May to August. When it falls off, the fruit then develops, swells to the size and shape of the common rosehip, being one to two inches long. It is yellow in color and is sweet, though slightly acidic. The leaves and roots are poisonous. The foliage and stems have been used as a pot-herb. The Mayapple loves company and can be found growing in warm, sheltered spots, such as partially shaded borders, woods, and marshes, liking a light, loamy soil. It requires no other culture than to be kept clear of weeds, and is so hardy as to be seldom injured by frost. Mayapple is an easy-to-grow perennial and can quickly crowd out weaker plants. Large colonies develop from long, creeping rhizomes. The mayapple is perennial plant in the barberry family (Berberidaceae). The plants long, thin rhizome is the most poisonous part, but also the most useful (since the 1820's the plant has been recognized as being of medicinal value in the official U.S.A Pharmacopoeia) because it contains high concentrations of the compounds podophyllotoxin and alpha and beta peltatin, all of which have anti-cancer properties. Mayapple :: Botany Mayapple Podophyllum peltatum is most commonly known as the mayapple, but in various regions it is also known as Devil's apple, hog apple, Indian apple, umbrella plant, wild lemon, and American mandrake (though it should not be confused with true mandrake, Mandragora officinarum, an unrelated Old World plant whose roots have been used throughout history for medicines and potions). The plant gets its generic name from the Greek words podos and phyllon, meaning foot shaped leaves. Peltatum means shield-like. Mayapple is a well know rhizomatous herb that grows in gregarious groups in the oak-hickory forests all over the eastern United States and Southern Canada. The root is composed of many thick tubers, fastened together by fleshy fibres which spreads greatly underground, sending out many small fibers at the joints, which strike downward. The stems are solitary mostly branched, one to two feet high, crowned with two large, smooth leaves, stalked, peltate in the center like an umbrella the size of a human hand. It is sometimes called "umbrella plant" because the first sign of it in early spring is a short looking like a closed "umbrella". It's composed of five to seven wedge shaped divisions some what lobed and toothed at the apex. It has a whitish nodding flowers with parts in whorls of three between palmately dissected peltated leaves, about two inches across. The plant flowers from March to May, and fruits ripen from May to August. When it falls off, the fruit then develops, swells to the size and shape of the common rosehip, being one to two inches long. It is yellow in color and is sweet, though slightly acidic. The leaves and roots are poisonous. The foliage and stems have been used as a pot-herb. The Mayapple loves company and can be found growing in warm, sheltered spots, such as partially shaded borders, woods, and marshes, liking a light, loamy soil. It requires no other culture than to be kept clear of weeds, and is so hardy as to be seldom injured by frost. Mayapple is an easy-to-grow perennial and can quickly crowd out weaker plants. Large colonies develop from long, creeping rhizomes. The mayapple is perennial plant in the barberry family (Berberidaceae). The plants long, thin rhizome is the most poisonous part, but also the most useful (since the 1820's the plant has been recognized as being of medicinal value in the official U.S.A Pharmacopoeia) because it contains high concentrations of the compounds podophyllotoxin and alpha and beta peltatin, all of which have anti-cancer properties.

Influence of Stereotypes in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee Essay e

Introduction Section One: Harper Lee’s Life Section Two: Time Period Influences on Lee’s Writing Section Three: Influence of Stereotypes Section Four: To Kill a Mockingbird Reviews Conclusion Works Cited Introduction Which doll is better? In the 1950s, psychologists Kenneth and Mamie Clark asked black children between three and seven to answer this simple, yet revealing question. The kids were shown four dolls that were exactly the same except for their skin colors. Almost three quarters of the children chose the white doll as being superior and attributed positive characteristics to it. When asked why they picked it, they replied with, â€Å"Because it’s white† (Abagond). Almost half a century later, in 2005, Kiri Davis repeated the test to see if psychology has changed in any way. Results show 71% of the children preferring the white doll (Edne). These tests demonstrate the incredible stereotypical beliefs still present today. The belief that there is only one acceptable perception to anything is ingrained into society’s minds, and limits individuals from thinking for themselves. Author Harper Lee explores this topic as she displays to readers prevalent stereotypes and thei r effects in her novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Section One: Harper Lee’s Life Harper Lee was born April 28th, 1926 in Monroeville, Alabama. Lee’s father, Amasa Coleman (A.C.) Lee, was a former newspaper editor who served as a state senator and lawyer. Due to his occupations, A.C. had a tremendous influence on her writing. Not only is A.C. a writer just like Lee; but, the main character in Lee’s novel, Scout Finches’, father, Atticus, also practices law. Atticus defends a black man accused of raping a white woman who is found guilty and murdered. Simil... ...ompany, 1960. McLeod, Saul. "Asch Experiment." SimplyPsychology. N.p., 2008. Web. 04 Feb. 2014. . Pauli, Michelle. "Harper Lee Tops Librarians' Must-read List." Theguardian.com. Guardian News and Media, 02 Mar. 2006. Web. 05 Feb. 2014. "POLL FINDS WHITES USE STEREOTYPES." The New York Times. The New York Times, 10 Jan. 1991. Web. 09 Feb. 2014. . "The Scottsboro Case | The Nation." The Scottsboro Case | The Nation. N.p., 31 Aug. 2010. Web. 09 Feb. 2014. . Shmoop Editorial Team. "Harper Lee: Childhood." Shmoop.com. Shmoop University, Inc., 11 Nov. 2008. Web. 08 Feb. 2014. . Teen Help Blog." Teen Help Blog. N.p., 28 Dec. 2011. Web. 19 Feb. 2014.

Angels Demons Chapter 32-35

32 Langdon held his breath as the X-33 spiraled into Rome's Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. Vittoria sat across from him, eyes closed as if trying to will the situation into control. The craft touched down and taxied to a private hangar. â€Å"Sorry for the slow flight,† the pilot apologized, emerging from the cockpit. â€Å"Had to trim her back. Noise regulations over populated areas.† Langdon checked his watch. They had been airborne thirty-seven minutes. The pilot popped the outer door. â€Å"Anybody want to tell me what's going on?† Neither Vittoria nor Langdon responded. â€Å"Fine,† he said, stretching. â€Å"I'll be in the cockpit with the air-conditioning and my music. Just me and Garth.† The late-afternoon sun blazed outside the hangar. Langdon carried his tweed jacket over his shoulder. Vittoria turned her face skyward and inhaled deeply, as if the sun's rays somehow transferred to her some mystical replenishing energy. Mediterraneans, Langdon mused, already sweating. â€Å"Little old for cartoons, aren't you?† Vittoria asked, without opening her eyes. â€Å"I'm sorry?† â€Å"Your wristwatch. I saw it on the plane.† Langdon flushed slightly. He was accustomed to having to defend his timepiece. The collector's edition Mickey Mouse watch had been a childhood gift from his parents. Despite the contorted foolishness of Mickey's outstretched arms designating the hour, it was the only watch Langdon had ever worn. Waterproof and glow-in-the-dark, it was perfect for swimming laps or walking unlit college paths at night. When Langdon's students questioned his fashion sense, he told them he wore Mickey as a daily reminder to stay young at heart. â€Å"It's six o'clock,† he said. Vittoria nodded, eyes still closed. â€Å"I think our ride's here.† Langdon heard the distant whine, looked up, and felt a sinking feeling. Approaching from the north was a helicopter, slicing low across the runway. Langdon had been on a helicopter once in the Andean Palpa Valley looking at the Nazca sand drawings and had not enjoyed it one bit. A flying shoebox. After a morning of space plane rides, Langdon had hoped the Vatican would send a car. Apparently not. The chopper slowed overhead, hovered a moment, and dropped toward the runway in front of them. The craft was white and carried a coat of arms emblazoned on the side – two skeleton keys crossing a shield and papal crown. He knew the symbol well. It was the traditional seal of the Vatican – the sacred symbol of the Holy See or â€Å"holy seat† of government, the seat being literally the ancient throne of St. Peter. The Holy Chopper, Langdon groaned, watching the craft land. He'd forgotten the Vatican owned one of these things, used for transporting the Pope to the airport, to meetings, or to his summer palace in Gandolfo. Langdon definitely would have preferred a car. The pilot jumped from the cockpit and strode toward them across the tarmac. Now it was Vittoria who looked uneasy. â€Å"That's our pilot?† Langdon shared her concern. â€Å"To fly, or not to fly. That is the question.† The pilot looked like he was festooned for a Shakespearean melodrama. His puffy tunic was vertically striped in brilliant blue and gold. He wore matching pantaloons and spats. On his feet were black flats that looked like slippers. On top of it all, he wore a black felt beret. â€Å"Traditional Swiss Guard uniforms,† Langdon explained. â€Å"Designed by Michelangelo himself.† As the man drew closer, Langdon winced. â€Å"I admit, not one of Michelangelo's better efforts.† Despite the man's garish attire, Langdon could tell the pilot meant business. He moved toward them with all the rigidity and dignity of a U.S. Marine. Langdon had read many times about the rigorous requirements for becoming one of the elite Swiss Guard. Recruited from one of Switzerland's four Catholic cantons, applicants had to be Swiss males between nineteen and thirty years old, at least 5 feet 6 inches, trained by the Swiss Army, and unmarried. This imperial corps was envied by world governments as the most allegiant and deadly security force in the world. â€Å"You are from CERN?† the guard asked, arriving before them. His voice was steely. â€Å"Yes, sir,† Langdon replied. â€Å"You made remarkable time,† he said, giving the X-33 a mystified stare. He turned to Vittoria. â€Å"Ma'am, do you have any other clothing?† â€Å"I beg your pardon?† He motioned to her legs. â€Å"Short pants are not permitted inside Vatican City.† Langdon glanced down at Vittoria's legs and frowned. He had forgotten. Vatican City had a strict ban on visible legs above the knee – both male and female. The regulation was a way of showing respect for the sanctity of God's city. â€Å"This is all I have,† she said. â€Å"We came in a hurry.† The guard nodded, clearly displeased. He turned next to Langdon. â€Å"Are you carrying any weapons?† Weapons? Langdon thought. I'm not even carrying a change of underwear! He shook his head. The officer crouched at Langdon's feet and began patting him down, starting at his socks. Trusting guy, Langdon thought. The guard's strong hands moved up Langdon's legs, coming uncomfortably close to his groin. Finally they moved up to his chest and shoulders. Apparently content Langdon was clean, the guard turned to Vittoria. He ran his eyes up her legs and torso. Vittoria glared. â€Å"Don't even think about it.† The guard fixed Vittoria with a gaze clearly intended to intimidate. Vittoria did not flinch. â€Å"What's that?† the guard said, pointing to a faint square bulge in the front pocket of her shorts. Vittoria removed an ultrathin cell phone. The guard took it, clicked it on, waited for a dial tone, and then, apparently satisfied that it was indeed nothing more than a phone, returned it to her. Vittoria slid it back into her pocket. â€Å"Turn around, please,† the guard said. Vittoria obliged, holding her arms out and rotating a full 360 degrees. The guard carefully studied her. Langdon had already decided that Vittoria's form-fitting shorts and blouse were not bulging anywhere they shouldn't have been. Apparently the guard came to the same conclusion. â€Å"Thank you. This way please.† The Swiss Guard chopper churned in neutral as Langdon and Vittoria approached. Vittoria boarded first, like a seasoned pro, barely even stooping as she passed beneath the whirling rotors. Langdon held back a moment. â€Å"No chance of a car?† he yelled, half-joking to the Swiss Guard, who was climbing in the pilot's seat. The man did not answer. Langdon knew that with Rome's maniacal drivers, flying was probably safer anyway. He took a deep breath and boarded, stooping cautiously as he passed beneath the spinning rotors. As the guard fired up the engines, Vittoria called out, â€Å"Have you located the canister?† The guard glanced over his shoulder, looking confused. â€Å"The what?† â€Å"The canister. You called CERN about a canister?† The man shrugged. â€Å"No idea what you're talking about. We've been very busy today. My commander told me to pick you up. That's all I know.† Vittoria gave Langdon an unsettled look. â€Å"Buckle up, please,† the pilot said as the engine revved. Langdon reached for his seat belt and strapped himself in. The tiny fuselage seemed to shrink around him. Then with a roar, the craft shot up and banked sharply north toward Rome. Rome†¦ the caput mundi, where Caesar once ruled, where St. Peter was crucified. The cradle of modern civilization. And at its core†¦ a ticking bomb. 33 Rome from the air is a labyrinth – an indecipherable maze of ancient roadways winding around buildings, fountains, and crumbling ruins. The Vatican chopper stayed low in the sky as it sliced northwest through the permanent smog layer coughed up by the congestion below. Langdon gazed down at the mopeds, sight-seeing buses, and armies of miniature Fiat sedans buzzing around rotaries in all directions. Koyaanisqatsi, he thought, recalling the Hopi term for â€Å"life out of balance.† Vittoria sat in silent determination in the seat beside him. The chopper banked hard. His stomach dropping, Langdon gazed farther into the distance. His eyes found the crumbling ruins of the Roman Coliseum. The Coliseum, Langdon had always thought, was one of history's greatest ironies. Now a dignified symbol for the rise of human culture and civilization, the stadium had been built to host centuries of barbaric events – hungry lions shredding prisoners, armies of slaves battling to the death, gang rapes of exotic women captured from far-off lands, as well as public beheadings and castrations. It was ironic, Langdon thought, or perhaps fitting, that the Coliseum had served as the architectural blueprint for Harvard's Soldier Field – the football stadium where the ancient traditions of savagery were reenacted every fall†¦ crazed fans screaming for bloodshed as Harvard battled Yale. As the chopper headed north, Langdon spied the Roman Forum – the heart of pre-Christian Rome. The decaying columns looked like toppled gravestones in a cemetery that had somehow avoided being swallowed by the metropolis surrounding it. To the west the wide basin of the Tiber River wound enormous arcs across the city. Even from the air Langdon could tell the water was deep. The churning currents were brown, filled with silt and foam from heavy rains. â€Å"Straight ahead,† the pilot said, climbing higher. Langdon and Vittoria looked out and saw it. Like a mountain parting the morning fog, the colossal dome rose out of the haze before them: St. Peter's Basilica. â€Å"Now that,† Langdon said to Vittoria, â€Å"is something Michelangelo got right.† Langdon had never seen St. Peter's from the air. The marble faà §ade blazed like fire in the afternoon sun. Adorned with 140 statues of saints, martyrs, and angels, the Herculean edifice stretched two football fields wide and a staggering six long. The cavernous interior of the basilica had room for over 60,000 worshipers†¦ over one hundred times the population of Vatican City, the smallest country in the world. Incredibly, though, not even a citadel of this magnitude could dwarf the piazza before it. A sprawling expanse of granite, St. Peter's Square was a staggering open space in the congestion of Rome, like a classical Central Park. In front of the basilica, bordering the vast oval common, 284 columns swept outward in four concentric arcs of diminishing size†¦ an architectural trompe de l'oiel used to heighten the piazza's sense of grandeur. As he stared at the magnificent shrine before him, Langdon wondered what St. Peter would think if he were here now. The Saint had died a gruesome death, crucified upside down on this very spot. Now he rested in the most sacred of tombs, buried five stories down, directly beneath the central cupola of the basilica. â€Å"Vatican City,† the pilot said, sounding anything but welcoming. Langdon looked out at the towering stone bastions that loomed ahead – impenetrable fortifications surrounding the complex†¦ a strangely earthly defense for a spiritual world of secrets, power, and mystery. â€Å"Look!† Vittoria said suddenly, grabbing Langdon's arm. She motioned frantically downward toward St. Peter's Square directly beneath them. Langdon put his face to the window and looked. â€Å"Over there,† she said, pointing. Langdon looked. The rear of the piazza looked like a parking lot crowded with a dozen or so trailer trucks. Huge satellite dishes pointed skyward from the roof of every truck. The dishes were emblazoned with familiar names: Televisor Europea Video Italia BBC United Press International Langdon felt suddenly confused, wondering if the news of the antimatter had already leaked out. Vittoria seemed suddenly tense. â€Å"Why is the press here? What's going on?† The pilot turned and gave her an odd look over his shoulder. â€Å"What's going on? You don't know?† â€Å"No,† she fired back, her accent husky and strong. â€Å"Il Conclavo,† he said. â€Å"It is to be sealed in about an hour. The whole world is watching.† Il Conclavo. The word rang a long moment in Langdon's ears before dropping like a brick to the pit of his stomach. Il Conclavo. The Vatican Conclave. How could he have forgotten? It had been in the news recently. Fifteen days ago, the Pope, after a tremendously popular twelve-year reign, had passed away. Every paper in the world had carried the story about the Pope's fatal stroke while sleeping – a sudden and unexpected death many whispered was suspicious. But now, in keeping with the sacred tradition, fifteen days after the death of a Pope, the Vatican was holding Il Conclavo – the sacred ceremony in which the 165 cardinals of the world – the most powerful men in Christendom – gathered in Vatican City to elect the new Pope. Every cardinal on the planet is here today, Langdon thought as the chopper passed over St. Peter's Basilica. The expansive inner world of Vatican City spread out beneath him. The entire power structure of the Roman Catholic Church is sitting on a time bomb. 34 Cardinal Mortati gazed up at the lavish ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and tried to find a moment of quiet reflection. The frescoed walls echoed with the voices of cardinals from nations around the globe. The men jostled in the candlelit tabernacle, whispering excitedly and consulting with one another in numerous languages, the universal tongues being English, Italian, and Spanish. The light in the chapel was usually sublime – long rays of tinted sun slicing through the darkness like rays from heaven – but not today. As was the custom, all of the chapel's windows had been covered in black velvet in the name of secrecy. This ensured that no one on the inside could send signals or communicate in any way with the outside world. The result was a profound darkness lit only by candles†¦ a shimmering radiance that seemed to purify everyone it touched, making them all ghostly†¦ like saints. What privilege, Mortati thought, that I am to oversee this sanctified event. Cardinals over eighty years of age were too old to be eligible for election and did not attend conclave, but at seventy-nine years old, Mortati was the most senior cardinal here and had been appointed to oversee the proceedings. Following tradition, the cardinals gathered here two hours before conclave to catch up with friends and engage in last-minute discussion. At 7 P.M., the late Pope's chamberlain would arrive, give opening prayer, and then leave. Then the Swiss Guard would seal the doors and lock all the cardinals inside. It was then that the oldest and most secretive political ritual in the world would begin. The cardinals would not be released until they decided who among them would be the next Pope. Conclave. Even the name was secretive. â€Å"Con clave† literally meant â€Å"locked with a key.† The cardinals were permitted no contact whatsoever with the outside world. No phone calls. No messages. No whispers through doorways. Conclave was a vacuum, not to be influenced by anything in the outside world. This would ensure that the cardinals kept Solum Dum prae oculis†¦ only God before their eyes. Outside the walls of the chapel, of course, the media watched and waited, speculating as to which of the cardinals would become the ruler of one billion Catholics worldwide. Conclaves created an intense, politically charged atmosphere, and over the centuries they had turned deadly: poisonings, fist fights, and even murder had erupted within the sacred walls. Ancient history, Mortati thought. Tonight's conclave will be unified, blissful, and above all†¦ brief. Or at least that had been his speculation. Now, however, an unexpected development had emerged. Mystifyingly, four cardinals were absent from the chapel. Mortati knew that all the exits to Vatican City were guarded, and the missing cardinals could not have gone far, but still, with less than an hour before opening prayer, he was feeling disconcerted. After all, the four missing men were no ordinary cardinals. They were the cardinals. The chosen four. As overseer of the conclave, Mortati had already sent word through the proper channels to the Swiss Guard alerting them to the cardinals' absence. He had yet to hear back. Other cardinals had now noticed the puzzling absence. The anxious whispers had begun. Of all cardinals, these four should be on time! Cardinal Mortati was starting to fear it might be a long evening after all. He had no idea. 35 The Vatican's helipad, for reasons of safety and noise control, is located in the northwest tip of Vatican City, as far from St. Peter's Basilica as possible. â€Å"Terra firma,† the pilot announced as they touched down. He exited and opened the sliding door for Langdon and Vittoria. Langdon descended from the craft and turned to help Vittoria, but she had already dropped effortlessly to the ground. Every muscle in her body seemed tuned to one objective – finding the antimatter before it left a horrific legacy. After stretching a reflective sun tarp across the cockpit window, the pilot ushered them to an oversized electric golf cart waiting near the helipad. The cart whisked them silently alongside the country's western border – a fifty-foot-tall cement bulwark thick enough to ward off attacks even by tanks. Lining the interior of the wall, posted at fifty-meter intervals, Swiss Guards stood at attention, surveying the interior of the grounds. The cart turned sharply right onto Via della Osservatorio. Signs pointed in all directions: Palazzio Governatorio Collegio Ethiopiana Basilica San Pietro Capella Sistina They accelerated up the manicured road past a squat building marked Radio Vaticana. This, Langdon realized to his amazement, was the hub of the world's most listened-to radio programming – Radio Vaticana – spreading the word of God to millions of listeners around the globe. â€Å"Attenzione,† the pilot said, turning sharply into a rotary. As the cart wound round, Langdon could barely believe the sight now coming into view. Giardini Vaticani, he thought. The heart of Vatican City. Directly ahead rose the rear of St. Peter's Basilica, a view, Langdon realized, most people never saw. To the right loomed the Palace of the Tribunal, the lush papal residence rivaled only by Versailles in its baroque embellishment. The severe-looking Governatorato building was now behind them, housing Vatican City's administration. And up ahead on the left, the massive rectangular edifice of the Vatican Museum. Langdon knew there would be no time for a museum visit this trip. â€Å"Where is everyone?† Vittoria asked, surveying the deserted lawns and walkways. The guard checked his black, military-style chronograph – an odd anachronism beneath his puffy sleeve. â€Å"The cardinals are convened in the Sistine Chapel. Conclave begins in a little under an hour.† Langdon nodded, vaguely recalling that before conclave the cardinals spent two hours inside the Sistine Chapel in quiet reflection and visitations with their fellow cardinals from around the globe. The time was meant to renew old friendships among the cardinals and facilitate a less heated election process. â€Å"And the rest of the residents and staff?† â€Å"Banned from the city for secrecy and security until the conclave concludes.† â€Å"And when does it conclude?† The guard shrugged. â€Å"God only knows.† The words sounded oddly literal. After parking the cart on the wide lawn directly behind St. Peter's Basilica, the guard escorted Langdon and Vittoria up a stone escarpment to a marble plaza off the back of the basilica. Crossing the plaza, they approached the rear wall of the basilica and followed it through a triangular courtyard, across Via Belvedere, and into a series of buildings closely huddled together. Langdon's art history had taught him enough Italian to pick out signs for the Vatican Printing Office, the Tapestry Restoration Lab, Post Office Management, and the Church of St. Ann. They crossed another small square and arrived at their destination. The Office of the Swiss Guard is housed adjacent to Il Corpo di Vigilanza, directly northeast of St. Peter's Basilica. The office is a squat, stone building. On either side of the entrance, like two stone statues, stood a pair of guards. Langdon had to admit, these guards did not look quite so comical. Although they also wore the blue and gold uniform, each wielded the traditional â€Å"Vatican long sword† – an eight-foot spear with a razor-sharp scythe – rumored to have decapitated countless Muslims while defending the Christian crusaders in the fifteenth century. As Langdon and Vittoria approached, the two guards stepped forward, crossing their long swords, blocking the entrance. One looked up at the pilot in confusion. â€Å"I pantaloni,† he said, motioning to Vittoria's shorts. The pilot waved them off. â€Å"Il comandante vuole vederli subito.† The guards frowned. Reluctantly they stepped aside. Inside, the air was cool. It looked nothing like the administrative security offices Langdon would have imagined. Ornate and impeccably furnished, the hallways contained paintings Langdon was certain any museum worldwide would gladly have featured in its main gallery. The pilot pointed down a steep set of stairs. â€Å"Down, please.† Langdon and Vittoria followed the white marble treads as they descended between a gauntlet of nude male sculptures. Each statue wore a fig leaf that was lighter in color than the rest of the body. The Great Castration, Langdon thought. It was one of the most horrific tragedies in Renaissance art. In 1857, Pope Pius IX decided that the accurate representation of the male form might incite lust inside the Vatican. So he got a chisel and mallet and hacked off the genitalia of every single male statue inside Vatican City. He defaced works by Michelangelo, Bramante, and Bernini. Plaster fig leaves were used to patch the damage. Hundreds of sculptures had been emasculated. Langdon had often wondered if there was a huge crate of stone penises someplace. â€Å"Here,† the guard announced. They reached the bottom of the stairs and dead-ended at a heavy, steel door. The guard typed an entry code, and the door slid open. Langdon and Vittoria entered. Beyond the threshold was absolute mayhem.

Self-Image and Consumer Behavior

Article Review: Self-Image and Consumer Behavior: How Sacrosanct Self-Beliefs Sway Preferences in the Marketplace Written by: David Dunning In this article, David Dunning questions whether or not beliefs, wants, and needs are the keys to decision making in a consumer’s mind. He believes in a decision making technique called belief harmonization. With this, Dunning means that in order to reach a decision , it may require arranging and revising one’s beliefs, needs, and preferences into a network of cognition that produces little tension among its elements. He states that this allows for two major influences on decision making.The first influence is if people hold a bias to favor one decision over another, then that will alter how they perceive the product. They will solely make a decision on that bias and keep to it. In our book, it explains this with brand equity. The outcome shows that a consumer will decide based on the belief that this brand is better than all of the others and not think twice to purchase. The second influence involves the beliefs that the consumer want to maintain, called sacrosanct beliefs. This is one claiming that the self is a moral, lovable, and capable individual.Dunning states that many decisions in the consumer world are based on this belief of self-image, even when the decision at hand has no relevance to the self. We buy to highlight or hide aspects of our self. Evidence for Decision Making as Belief Harmonization There is much evidence that suggest that judgment and decision making, including consumer behavior decision making, is known to be belief harmonization. Dunning stated that through the 1940s and 1960s, people depended on the consistency theory, balance theory, and the cognitive dissonance theory.However, it has been known that belief and other connections are applied as well. This would be referred to as connectionist modeling or parallel-constraint satisfaction. He gives a certain example of a young woman buying a car and the positive and negative factors based on buying this car. There can be some direct and indirect contradictions in the harmonization process. What people do is revise what they believe in and make connections with the decision. It may lead towards the negative factors or the positive factors in this decision.Dunning states that the best decisions should be based on the beliefs that the person possesses and will be the best indicator for it. Beliefs are equally able to influence and be influenced by other beliefs. The Influence of Decision Outcomes on Perceptions of â€Å"Input† Variables Emerging evidence demonstrates just how easily the causality in decision making can run in reverse. A preliminary opinion leaning toward one conclusion tends to alter how people evaluate evidence in decision making. This also is a part of product choice as well.The Influence of Logically Irrelevant â€Å"Outside Beliefs† Any belief can bias people to initially favor o ne over another. These beliefs are called â€Å"outside† beliefs and tend to be irrelevant when it comes to the decision making process. Dunning talks about how a juror decides on whether or not someone should be sued for posting negative comments on the internet. They looked at both positive and negative sides of the defendant and never based their decision on if the defendant was a nice guy or not. Work in the consumer world has also found similar bias due to outside beliefs.Evidence for Sacrosanct Beliefs about the Self People commonly approach every decision with the belief that their decision takes precedence and that they are honorable individuals. They want their decisions to be positive so that their self-image is positive. In class, we learned about impression management, which means that we work to â€Å"manage† what others think of us. This is a factor in our self-image. Evidence for Positive Self-Beliefs Researchers have showed that people have upbeat self- images, even to an unrealistic degree.Our psychological process that might help leave people with flattering views is a constant engagement in belief harmonization anchored on a self-belief. Research on self-evaluation also shows what type of moves or decisions people make for a positive self-image. This goes in hand with the ideal self portrayal and our concept of what we would like to be. With consumers, they easily adapt to certain products to help us reach our ideal self and have a positive outcome in our beliefs. Evidence for Belief Harmonization with Positive Self-BeliefsBeliefs about the social world are harmonized with flattering self-views. The judgment of people will affirm the positive impression of self. Culture is a big factor in the consumer world, and that is where the beliefs and self-image become intertwined together. In our book, it talks about how in some cultures, women are supposed to foster harmonious relationships and men are supposed to be assertive and have certain skills. These beliefs make the positive self-image in the culture that the male and female are in. Definitions of Social Traits and JudgmentThere are many social traits out in the consumer world today. The article talks about how people tend to emphasize specific attributes and talents that they have and de-emphasize those they do not. These beliefs guide people’s judgments. They align their attribution for success and failure to affirm about the self and the image it portrays. Dunning states that at times a behavior is clearly an underlying trait. People tend to adopt performance standards that place their own competence and character in a good light. Evidence for Belief Harmonization in ChoiceRecent developments in the consumer psychology literature provide strong hints that self-image motives may influence decision making in the marketplace. Here are some points that play an important role by self-image in decision making. * Self-Signaling: this is the notion that people reach their decisions with an eye toward bolstering their self-images is similar to another idea emerging from work in decision making and choice. This is to signal the type of person they are. This explains behavior that remains curious and has been an explanation for people’s behavior.Shafir and Tversky conducted this behavior in the Newcomb problem, where it showed that a participant in the experiment picked an economically inferior option to another option. * Endowment Effects: People place more value on an object once they own in. Handing a coffee mug to a college student causes them to more than double what the mug is really worth. Once products are associated with people, it confirms the positive impressions of that person and becomes valuable for them to have. * Compensation Effects: People buy to compensate for perceived deficits. For example, men buy toupees to make up for hair loss.People buy products to cover their shortcomings for others not to see. * Affi rmation Effects: People express ideas that they are invulnerable to risk. Having self-esteem may prompt people to make choices with less concern. * Licensing Effects: Once people have gained solid evidence that they possess some sacrosanct trait, they act in a way that could potentially violate that they have that trait. This arises in consumer choice many times. Future Questions Dunning focuses on one specific sacrosanct belief, which is that the self is a lovable and capable person.He feels as though there could be other beliefs that exist as well. People possess personal self-esteem but also can possess collective self-esteem. This very much indeed influences people’s decisions and behavior in the marketplace. Also, beliefs that people seek might involve specific ones or rather a more overall general one about the self as a whole. Willer studies on masculinity suggested that people bolster specific self-values. Also, many suggest that people are not as concerned with speci fic self-views as they are worried over a general sense of self-worth. Automatic versus Deliberative Nature of Self-Image MotivesAnother issue would be whether the impact of self-based sacrosanct beliefs is deliberative or automatic in nature. Dunning believes that the impact of self-beliefs might be more automatic in nature. He argues that the term automatic can be the case that the process of affirming favorable self-beliefs is beyond people’s control. Also that is may be the case that this process occurs below people’s awareness; they may lack any insight that their choices are influenced by concerns over the self. However, people’s preferences can impose its influence below a person’s awareness.The Moderating Role of Self-Esteem For sacrosanct beliefs about the self to influence consumer psychology, people must presumably have those sacrosanct beliefs, and people with low self-esteem may not have positive views to maintain. In the consumer realm, one could ask whether low self-esteem people will work as energetically as their high self-esteem peers harmonize consumer decisions with positive views of self. The Moderating Role of Culture/Implications of Marketing As I discussed in this paper earlier, culture is another condition with how consumers make decisions.People in North America and Western Europe work to bolster their self-esteem. In the West, people seem more concerned with individuality and in the East; they focus on the collective self. Self-Image concerns may also carry implications for effective marketing according to Dunning. People tend to state that they are motivated to do good work in their job for reasons like personal growth, whereas other people are more motivated by money. That is how it works with decisions in consumer buying. People are influenced by social status.This article suggests that marketers should be mindful of the motivations that people are likely to cite as prime considerations for their purcha ses. In conclusion, the article is about how consumer behavior is acted and what it is based upon. There are many different factors that the author speaks about in this article. Self-Esteem and Culture are two main pieces of the puzzle when it comes to how consumers react to certain products. In the marketing world, we marketers have to look at these factors and how much insight it will provide us when we are trying to get into the minds of our consumers.Dunning makes very interesting arguments of how we cannot look at the picture as a whole, but yet as different segments of ourselves that all tie together with the decision making process. I thought this was a very interesting article because it shows how experiments and studies were done to prove that these are main factors with consumer behavior. It also showed me how we basically become the product and shine through the product for our own self-image. It could be even with becoming part of a group that reflects your personality, or just for your individual traits themselves.

Assess whether ‘God exists’ is a testable hypothesis Essay

Ultimately, God’s existence cannot be classified as a ‘testable’ hypothesis. A hypothesis is a proposal, which can be tested and then either confirmed or rejected. God’s non-physical state makes this virtually impossible, as we are unable to use our senses to confirm his presence or absence. Anthony Flew and Ludwig Wittgenstein’s theories provide a considerable amount of evidence, which suggests that there cannot possibly be a religious hypothesis. Good introduction. Firstly, Anthony Flew’s parable of the gardener is highly vital in the quest to prove that God’s existence is not a testable hypothesis. The scenario includes two explorers, who discover a humanly made clearing, yet evidence suggests that it occurred naturally. Both explorers have contrasting views, one favours natural causes and the other favours human intervention. Subsequently, no evidence of the gardener is present, however is invisible. Flew’s claim hinges on falsification,and if a religious claim cannot be falsified it is essentially meaningless, as the claimant hasn’t allowed themselves to be proven wrong. The hypothesis of God’s existence is relatively similar to this case, as God is ‘transcendent’ and beyond our experiences, which by Flew’s logic makes the religious hypothesis meaningless, as it is not testable. Good. William Paley’s ‘watchmaker analogy’ is instrumental in the argument for the claim that God’s existence is a testable hypothesis. Paley’s analogy consists of a watch, which possesses parts, which ultimately fulfils a purpose. Paley’s bold claims are plausible, as he likens the watch to the universe. Evidently, a watch’s sole purpose is to tell the time. Therefore, there must be a watchmaker. This links together with the human analogy, which implies that human beings must have a creator, who is in this case God. Essentially, Paley’s view is that due to the complexity and order of the universe, it is a requirement that a supremely intelligent being must exist. That being is supposedly God. Critics would say that this is far from the truth, and that we have not empirically witnessed the presence of God and it is safe to presume that we will never be able. Therefore, we can assume that God’s existence cannot be likened to that of a watch, because the process of making a watch is a testable hypothesis, whether the creation of the world is not and never will be. Good use of the analogy. Flew argues that religious believers hold onto God’s existence regardless of any evidence brought forward to suggest otherwise. Subsequently, Flew’s proposal is that the religious hypothesis must be rejected, due to the unfalsifiable nature and the undying support by religious believers, who are unable to allow their religious beliefs to be deemed meaningless. However, Flew’s approach is not widely accepted, and Basil Mitchell is one of many, who expressed their criticisms. Mitchell disagrees with Flew’s view that religious beliefs are unfalsifiable. Mitchell suggests that when religious believers encounter suffering such as evil, they are bound to question their faith, which makes it falsifiable. How plausible is this claim? Also, numerous believers do lose their faith, therefore, Flew is misguided in his attempt to show that believers see their religion through rose tinted glasses.So,while Mitchell may not be claiming that God is indeed a religious hypothesis, he still possesses the belief that religious belief can be falsified via trials of faith. Good. In addition, the verification principle is often used to support both the claim that God exists and that God does not exist. John Hick acknowledged that the religious proposals cannot be falsified, however can be verified therefore making the hypothesis testable.Ultimately,John Hick ‘s suggestion is that in the afterlife, religious statements can be verified, and can prove whether God’s existence is a religious hypothesis. Hick proposes that, an observation is best assessed, if it can be verified, with the removal of rational doubt. Hick accepts that religious propositions cannot be falsified, because if God doesn’t exist, when we die we will be un able to confirm or deny this. Hick uses the parable of the Celestial city to illustrate this. It includes two men, who are travelling to the same destination, yet have contrasting expectations of what they will find. This parable hints towards Eschatological verification, which relates to Hick’s argument that many claims are reliant on the presence of the afterlife. Nevertheless, critics suggest that we will never be able to truly verify our experiences. This essentially applies to the existence of God and heaven if God is a figure beyond our thoughts, it is hard to envisage how we will be able to identify that we are experiencing God and heaven, rather than merely a illusion. Moreover, ‘Logical Positivists’ possess the belief that all knowledge is derived from our senses. Therefore, if knowledge is not empirically gained, it is meaningful. God’s alleged characteristics hint toward him being non-physical, making it impossible to empirically witness his existence. This led to logical positivists claim, that God’s existence is not testable and the claim is meaningless, as it is empirically not verifiable and cannot be tested. Equally, the flaws within the verification argument are highlighted regularly. History and Science exploit the weaknesses for all to see. An example from science is the existence of atoms, which cannot be verified, but almost certainly exists.Therefore,this example highlights the out-dated nature of the verification principle, as issues are more complex than the verification principles allow. Also, the example of Julius Caesar is one which resembles that of God. There are no longer witnesses for the existence of the roman leader and documentary evidence is limited. This leads you to believe that, if Caesar’s existence cannot be verified but still be true, then maybe the same can be said for the existence of God. Strong analysis. Furthermore, Ludwig Wittgenstein, who was one of the most decorated philosophers of his generation, rejected the possibility of a religious hypothesis, basing it on the fact that the meaning of words hinge on the context that they are used in, and whether we are a part of the specific group. Wittgenstein claims that there cannot be a religious hypothesis, because the context will vary depending on whether it’s religion or science. Wittgenstein rejected the single theory of meaning, and all words can be used in a variety of context. Wittgenstein’s claim is that all statements are meaningful as long as they are understood by other language users. Regarding religious statements, we must be a part of the game and share the beliefs in order to understand the religious statements. Therefore, religious statements cannot be a hypothesis as they are too subjective ,unlike, scientific claims. This accounts for why Atheists do not possess the same faith and beliefs, because they do not interpret language in the same way as the religious believers, when it comes to the existence of God. However, Wittgenstein’s theory is far from flawless, and this is evident. A meaningful statement no longer has to be connected to the real world, as it is associated with a language game, which renders the truth of it to be irrelevant. For example, a group of priests could talk meaningfully about non-existent objects, and this wouldn’t affect the meaningfulness of the language game. This sparks anti-realism, which is detrimental ,as to an extent religious claims often involve claims about what exists in reality. The religious language game is applicable to society, and not such members of the religious language game. In addition, Evidentialism is a theory, that suggests it is irrational to believe in something without sufficient reason. Faith allows someone to simply state their belief, without explanation or defence. Kierkegaard’s infamous quote, ‘when I pray, I hear silence, therefore God exists’ Kierkegaard suggests that faith can provide solace in a meaningless world. The supposed silence that Kierkegaard hears would indicate to an atheist that God didn’t exist. But, for Kierkegaard, faith is more important than reason, and belief in God is required, which makes is God’s existence a religious hypothesis a meaningless discussion. How plausible is this claim? Despite this, faith is not without it’s faults. Believers often require a purpose in life, which hey gain from a supernatural being.Ultimately,our faith in God may well stem from our own insecurities and the desire to feel that there is an afterlife waiting for us if we abide by God’s rules. To conclude, ultimately, the existence of God’s is not and will never be a testable hypothesis, for an array of reasons. The main issues arise from the fact that God can not be empirically proven, due to his non-physical state, making it far from testable, which makes it hard to provide support for the case of it being a hypothesis. The case brought forward by Anthony Flew and Ludwig Wittgenstein is compelling to say the least, as they highlight several issues, which back up claims that God’s existence is not a testable hypothesis. The inability to falsify religious claims essentially makes them meaningless, as there is no possibility of the clamant being proved wrong, therefore since God’s presence cannot be empirically know, we cannot test his existence. Wittgenstein highlights the subjective nature of nature, which prevents you defining a term, and he claims that hypothesis are scientists rather than believers. Therefore, we cannot label the God’s existence as a hypothesis, as we’re unable to gain access to it empirically or otherwise. Meaningful conclusion.