Stegosaurs - The Spiked, Plated Dinosaurs

Stegosaurs - The Spiked, Plated Dinosaurs As dinosaurs go, stegosaurs are relatively easy to describe: these quadrupedal, small-to-medium-sized, small-brained herbivores were characterized by the double rows of plates and spikes along their backs and the sharp spikes on the ends of their tails. By far the most famous stegosaur (and the one that has lent its name to this entire family) is, of course, Stegosaurus, but there are at least a dozen other closely related genera, most of which are no less important from a historical perspective. (See a gallery of stegosaur pictures and profiles and Why Did Stegosaurus Have Plates on its Back?) Evolutionarily speaking, stegosaurs are classified as ornithischian (bird-hipped) dinosaurs. Their closest relatives were the armored dinosaurs known as ankylosaurs, and they were more distantly related to other four-footed plant-eaters like hadrosaurs (aka duck-billed dinosaurs) and ornithopods. In a crucial way, though, stegosaurs were less successful than these other dinosaurs: they only flourished toward the end of the Jurassic period (about 160 to 150 million years ago), with only a handful of species managing to survive into the ensuing Cretaceous. Types of Stegosaurs Because they constituted such a small family of dinosaurs, its relatively easy to distinguish among the various types of stegosaurs. The earlier, smaller stegosaurs of the middle to late Jurassic period are known as huayangosaurids, typified by, you guessed it, Huayangosaurus and less well-known genera like the European Regnosaurus. The better-known stegosaurids were larger, with more elaborate spikes and plates, and are best represented by the classic body plan of Stegosaurus. As far as paleontologists can tell, the stegosaur family tree took root with the huayangosaurids of Asia, and grew larger and more ornate by the time Stegosaurus planted itself in North America. There are still some mysteries, though: for example, the tantalizingly named Gigantspinosaurus had two huge spikes protruding from its shoulders, making its exact classification within the stegosaur line (if it even belongs there) a matter of controversy. The last stegosaur to appear in the fossil record is the mid-Cretaceous Wuerhosaurus, though its possible that some as-yet-undiscovered genus may have survived to the brink of the K/T Extinction 65 million years ago. Why Did Stegosaurs Have Plates? The most enduring mystery about stegosaurs is why they possessed those characteristic double rows of plates and spikes along their backs, and how these plates and spikes were arranged. To date, no stegosaur fossil has been unearthed with the plates still attached to its skeleton, leading some paleontologists to conclude that these scutes (as theyre technically called) lay flat along the dinosaurs back, like the thick armor of ankylosaurs. However, most researchers still believe that these plates were arranged semi-vertically, as in popular reconstructions of Stegosaurus. This leads naturally to the question: did these plates have a biological function, or were they strictly ornamental? Because scutes pack a large surface area into a small volume, its possible that they helped to dissipate heat during the night and absorb it by day, and thus regulated their owners presumably cold-blooded metabolism. But its also possible that these plates evolved to deter predators, or to help differentiate males from females. The trouble with these latter two explanations is that a) its hard to see how an upright array of blunt plates could possibly have intimidated a hungry Allosaurus, and b) there has been very little evidence to date of sexual dimorphism among stegosaurs. The prevailing theory is a bit less exciting: the bulk of opinion today is that the plates and spikes of stegosaurs evolved as a way of differentiating individuals within the herd, along the same lines as the slightly varying black-and-white stripes of zebras (because they were well supplied with blood, these scutes may also have changed color with the seasons). No such controversy attaches to the sharp spikes at the end of most stegosaurs tails, which were doubtless used for defensive purposes (and are often called thagomizers in tribute to a famous Far Side cartoon by Gary Larson).

The Top 5 Jobs in Every Major Industry in the West

The Top 5 Jobs in Every Major Industry in the West if you’re looking for a career change (or a change of scenery!), here are some of the fastest-growing jobs for 2016 in the far-western part of the u.s., per the u.s. bureau of labor statistics. this region includes alaska, arizona, california, hawaii, idaho, nevada, oregon, and washington. this region is unique because it includes some of the most disparate states in the union- states don’t come much different than alaska and arizona. but what they have in common is that they’re  all seeing strong growth in core industries.1. tech industry: web developerâ€Å"if you build it, they will come.† okay, so that was technically a ghost in a cornfield telling kevin costner to build a baseball field. but it’s just as relevant for the american west, where the beating heart of the tech world lives in seattle and san francisco’s silicon valley. one of the hottest positions in the pacific region, according to the robert half tech blog, web developers w ill continue to be in demand. web developers design, create, and maintain websites for companies or personal clients. in addition to designing, they also manage the day-to-day tech aspects of the site and work in different programming languages to update the sites.web developers typically have an associate’s degree or higher to start. the median salary is $63,490, and the projected growth is strong at 27%.2. service industry: meeting, convention, and event plannertourism is a key industry in the west, particularly in hubs like las vegas. meeting, convention, and event planners are responsible for organizing large-scale events like conferences and company meetings. they manage staffs and coordinate details like food and lodging, locations, and transportation. event planners typically have a bachelor’s degree, and experience in hospitality is a valuable skill to have, as well.the median salary is $46,490, and the field is expected to grow by at least 10% in the coming ye ars.3. logistics industry: emergency management specialistin a region of the country unfortunately prone to earthquakes, fires, and other natural disasters, complete emergency preparedness is essential. emergency management specialists manage logistics related to emergency planning and training teams for future events.the median salary for this position is $52,590, and california and oregon are among the highest-paying states for emergency management specialists. the field is expected to grow between 6-10%.4. healthcare industry: occupational therapistoccupational therapists are an essential part of recovery after injury, and also work with patients who have chronic illnesses or disabilities. they create treatment plans that include everyday living skills to help patients recover or develop the ability to function. the standard level of education for occupational therapists is a master’s degree, with additional certification licensing generally required by states.the median s alary is $78,810, and the field is expected to grow by 27%.5. restaurant industry: chefwe live in a foodie nation these days, and chefs and cooks are often at the front of the innovation line, with eclectic dishes inspired by local and ethnic cuisines. chefs may work in the traditional restaurant setting, but you’ll increasingly find them in other places as well: private homes, pop-up kitchens, and various hospitality venues. on-the-job training is key for chefs. no specific degree is required, but many chefs and cooks opt for formal culinary school training, and all must meet local food handling guidelines.the median salary is $41,610, and the field is expected to grow by at least 10%.no longer the wild west of old, the western region of the u.s. is a major source of innovation in all areas- and the job scene is just as fast-paced.

Pros and cons of preschool and childrens development Term Paper

Pros and cons of preschool and childrens development - Term Paper Example Preschools arrange such outdoor activities that help children learn how to use their problem-solving skills and make choices. Children should learn in preschools the basic knowledge base which should help them in their academics when they go in kindergarten and the following years. The goal of preschools is to make the children learn comprehension, making predictions and decisions, solving problems, drawing logics, and interrelating images and language. Hence, preschools focus on the cognitive development of children preparing them for actual academics. They are taught concepts of time management, cleanliness, concentration, and innovation. Pros The activities and pretend play at a preschool is very efficient way of getting the preschoolers learn new ideas and skills that will help them in their coming lives. Their development can be â€Å"stimulated both by providing opportunity for children to learn on their own in play and by interacting in which the adults deliberately teaches s ome thing† (Dhingra, Manhas, & Raina, 2005). At 3 years of age, children want to initiate projects and play activities that help them build confident personalities, and the guilt or suppression can ruin their personalities for their entire lives (Erikson, 1994).

Week 8 Intelligence Failures or Misperceptions Assignment - 1

Week 8 Intelligence Failures or Misperceptions - Assignment Example available information concerning the plots that led to the attacks, analyze it appropriately and disseminate it effectively in time in order to protect the public. This failure led to the launching of an unprecedented Joint Inquiry by the Congressional intelligence committees, in order to investigate the records of the Intelligence Community regarding the 9/11 attacks and make recommendations for further legislative action (Week 8 Professor’s Wrap Up Note). Another factor that supports the claim of intelligence failures is that, although the Intelligence Community provided sufficient warning of an imminent attack in mid-2001 against the United States by Osama Bin Laden, the Community never learned the plans for aircraft hijackings in advance, which occurred on September 11. In addition, inquiries arose on whether the Intelligence Community failed to provide precise information about the ability of Iraqi to develop and use weapons of mass destruction (WMD), or whether the Administration of Bush systematically misused intelligence to acquire support for launching Operation Iraqi Freedom in March 2003, as well as for continuing military operations in Iraq. As of today, the inquiry and research into both of the perceived major contemporary  intelligence failures continues. According to Paul Pillar argument, the intelligence community was aware prior to 9/11 of the threats and received many from al-Qaeda that they will attack America on American soil. Along with the high amount of threats received in the summer of 2001, Americans had several chances of taking out Bin Ladin. However, the president and the intelligence community failed to act aggressively on the threats. And in 1993 America was attacked with the bombing of the World Trade Center.   This is an evidence of failed community intelligence and a weakness or inexperience of leadership. Other similar examples include the decision to go to war with Iraq, which was pure weakness and failures in presidential

300 Weapons and Strategies Essay Example for Free

300 Weapons and Strategies Essay The movie 300 is an action movie that takes place in 480 B. C near Greece. It is about the famous Battle of Thermopylae that mainly involved both the Persians and the Spartans. The Persian army, led by a king named Xerxes, is in the process of taking over several Hellenic states in Greece. When Xerxes arrives at Sparta to strike a deal with King Leonidas (Spartan Army Leader) that he will have power over all of Greece if he will bow down to King Xerxes, Leonidas responds with retaliation against the Persians. King Leonidas assembles 300 of his toughest Spartan soldiers to take on the Persian army at the passage way of Thermopylae. Although severely outnumbered against Persia’s hundreds of thousands of men, King Leonidas and the Spartans hold off thousands of Persians from entering the passage for a few days. â€Å" Persian King Xerxes lead a Army of well over 100,000†. (IMBD) With Leonidas in battle, back at Sparta, Queen Gorgo( Queen of Sparta)desperately tries to persuade council to send more back up to Thermopylae to help King Leonidas. Unfortunately, the Spartans were betrayed by a recently rejected Spartan tryout named Ephialtes, who decides to pay back King Leonidas for his rejection. Ephialtes ultimately destroyed any chances of Sparta defeating Persia by informing Xerxes about an unknown secret Goat Passage that would lead Persia to the backs of the Spartan soldiers. Xerxes and the Persian army soon defeat Sparta but all in good name. Due to the motivation and courage of the 300 soldiers, they inspired all of Greece to go against Persia and fight. Part 2 After watching the movie, it is clear that most of the war tactics and strategies are very accurate to the actual real life battle that we knew. According to 300 Spartans, â€Å" This unit was produced of 300 Spartiati Warriors who were held in their highest esteem by their fellow citizens in Sparta†. (300 Spartans) So due to Sparta’s vastly outnumbered army size, military order was a major factor when battling. Not only was the order and position of their army an effective strategy, but it also helped favor Sparta and gave a competitive advantage when battling enemies who didn’t have such order. This was a major contribution to why King Leonidas wanted to battle at Thermopylae, also known as â€Å" Hot Gates†. This was a tiny area that made it favorable for smaller forces. â€Å" The pass of Thermopylae consisted of three ‘gates’ where the land narrowed in a favorable position foe a smaller army. The East and West Gates were extremely narrow, however, the Middle Gate while a little wider than the other gates is where the Greek warriors set up their defensive positions. (Spartan Warriors) King Leonidas spent a great deal of time focusing specifically on the training of his soldiers so they could be properly ready for battle. As shown in the movie, his formations for battle highly impacted what the outcome of the war would be. A repetitive battle formation used with Sparta was called the Phalanx. The Phalanx is a formation that lined up a small group of men pushing on the backs of the man in front with their shields giving no room for an enemy to slip by and eventually overcome them. â€Å" Now in actual fighting, it was a big shoving match with the front lines pushing against the enemy and each subsequent line pushing against the back of the men in front. (Military History) This was done by working his way into fighting in a narrow closed off area in hopes of entangling enemies and causing unexpected chaos. This would ensure the full potential of his warriors against Persia. Since Leonidas’ army was so well trained, they had no problem defeating Persian soldiers head to head. So to enhance battling conditions for Sparta, going between mountains, leaving only a small pathway for minimal enemies to get through at a time was standard and a critical way to fight for the best outcome. Now in the movie there is a small scene that shows Spartan soldiers dispersed and fighting one on one with several enemies. This was not an actual occurrence with Spartans because separating would have engulfed themselves with the multitudes of enemies that surrounded them. In the movie it is not entirely depicted correctly as even mentioned by, allexperts. com, â€Å" In actual combat, if the fighting broke down into man on man melee like shown in the movie, the Spartans would be easily overcome. †(Military History/Spartan Battle Tactics) Another important strategy for Sparta during battle was incorporating suitable terrain for their benefit. â€Å"The rugged terrain isolated groups and made the use of chariots and cavalry very difficult†. (Spartan Military) In reality this only seems to make sense but even in the movie there is a scene where Spartan soldiers are pushing enemy troops off a seaside cliff, thus incorporating the use of a rough terrain to their advantage. The movie 300 was very accurate in displaying these strategies several times exactly how they are described to be used in real life by the Spartans. King Leonidas stands his troops in the center of two mountains with a strong line of soldiers close together for support. With the soldiers in perfect Phalanx order, they could simply replace one another in an instant if a soldier ahead died. Perhaps a crucial reason for the use of the Phalanx order in Spartans history and even in the movie, is because back in these ages war was usually fought almost chaotic. Never before has an army seen this kind of developed order on the battlefield which took them by surprise and gave Sparta a huge advantage. Although the Phalanx and the rough terrain were similar in comparison to the movie and actual Sparta history, that can not be necessarily said the same about the weapons used. In ancient history, the Spartans weapons have consisted of a large unwieldy spear called a Dory. This was typically aimed out over their large eight-foot hoplite shield, called an Aspis. This was followed by a chest plate and a solid helmet. Even though the Aspis and the spear were displayed correctly within the movie, a major difference distinguished with the wielded sword. Within the movie is a surplus of swords either called the Spatha or the Kopis. These were typically larger and had a more dangerous appearance to them than the original Lakonian sword. This sword that was actually used in real Spartan history fighting looked almost like a dagger. † The reason the Spartans shortened their sword was just that. It was easier to use in tight confines of the Phalanx and the press of men†. (Spartan Military) But this makes sense due to the fighting strategies used by them. Not only was the weapons slightly off in the movie, but also the use of them is depicted false. When the small Lakonian sword was used, it would have only been used to stab when an enemy went for a slash. In 300, there are several scenes showing Spartans slashing and hacking Persians which is incorrect. All in all, the movie 300 is a somewhat spot on movie with how actual Spartan military forces used weapons and battle strategies. Even with a couple obvious differences, one could argue their similarities.

Food in Mary Rowlandsons The Sovereignty and Goodness of God Essay

Food in Mary Rowlandson's The Sovereignty and Goodness of God "Food is a medium for life, a dynamic of life, and an expression of the whims, joys, terrors, and histories in life. Food, more than anything else, is life." - Anonymous Neither life nor culture can be sustained without food. On a very basic level, food is fundamentally essential for life, not simply to exist, but also to thrive. A means by which carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, nutrients, and calories are introduced into the body, food is a mechanism of survival. However, on a more abstract level, food is also fundamentally essential for culture by establishing its perimeters and dimensions and in shaping its authenticity and character. Food becomes the carbohydrates and calories that maintain any culture. Food offers a dynamic cross-section of man's tendencies. "Nourishment, a basic biological need," argues anthropologist Sidney Mintz, "becomes something else because we humans transform it symbolically into a system of meaning for much more than itself" (7). By examining food consumption and preparation, much is discoverd regarding the intricacies of culture. The preparation and consumption of food in Puritan society are reflect ed in Mary Rowlandson's The Sovereignty and Goodness of God. Rowlandson's view of food and admissions of hunger in the infancy of her captivity cast a revealing light upon the roots of her conceptions and ideas about food and, more generally, about her culture's conceptions and ideas about food. As the conflict between her soul and her stomach raged over food, Rowlandson's attitudes toward the Native Americans' preparation and consumption of food reflect the socialization of the Puritans to believe that every meal ... ... Mary Caroline. The Days of the Pilgrim Fathers. Detroit: Singing Tree Press, 1970. [secondary source] Geree, John. "The Character of an Old English Puritan, or Non-Conformist." 17th Century Primary Source Documents <http://www.orst.edu/dept/history/primary17.htm> Accessed 21 May 2001. [primary source] Goodwin, Lorinda B. R. An Archeology of Manners: The Polite World of the Merchant Elite of Colonial Massachusettes. Boston: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, 1999. [secondary source] Mintz, Sidney W. Tasting Food, Tasting Freedom: Excursions into Eating, Culture, and the Past. Boston: Beacon Press, 1996. [secondary source] Mizruchi, Susan L. "The Place of Ritual in Our Time." American Literary History 12, no. 3 (2000): 467-492. [secondary source] Rowlandson, Mary. The Sovereignty and Goodness of God. Boston: Bedford Books, 1997.

Market Analysis of L’Oreal and Garnier

Garnier is a brand that epitomizes smart marketing practice. This is a brand that came to India in 1991 and crafted a special place for itself in the Indian market. This is one global brand, which has understood the dynamics of Indian market. Garnier came to India with its Ultra Duox range of shampoos. The brand is amass market brand from Loreal which has a range of global premium personal care brands like Maybelline, Ralph Lauren. , Diesel ,Vichy etc. Loreal started its operations as a joint venture with MJ Group, Later in 1994, the company started its own operations.All through these years, Garnier had a very consistent marketing approach. What I liked about this brand was the kind of investment that it had put in for marketing activities. Of course all these happened because it had the support of its parent company. Garnier can be considered as a masstige brand. Although positioned as a premium offering, the brand was wise enough to price it reasonable. Currently Garnier is target ing the middle and upper socio-economic class. Globally Loreal is a company that is famous for its product innovation.Garnier too has built its brand by launching new products on a regular basis. A strategy based on product innovation works best for a brand like Garnier. When the consumer sees regular new product flow from the brand, it creates a sense of excitement with in the consumer, which will prompt her to stick to this brand. Garnier was the first brand to introduce a cream based hair coloring solution. Garnier is now present in a diverse range of personal care product categories. It is present in the hair-care and skin-care segments.The brand has two sub-brands: Garnier Fructis and Garnier Ultra Doux. Fructis is an interesting sub-brand which has clicked in the Indian market because of its positioning as a fruit based product. Consumers readily embraced this variant because it made sense to depend on a natural shampoo rather than chemical based one. Garnier is positioned as a nature- based (green) innovative personal care brand, which takes care of your skin. The brand has a very catchy tagline † Take Care † Garnier's positioning strategy is more products based in the sense that it as tried to emphasis individual product properties rather than a common brand image. Most of its commercials are emphasizing on product strengths and innovation. The brand is an example of the success of rational product based advertising success. The brand is also sending a message that Indian consumers are also influenced by rational messages. Another interesting marketing strategy adopted by Garnier is its advertising execution. True to its global parentage, Garnier was careful in its advertising theme. It uses a blend of foreign and Indian models and themes for its campaign.Garnier ads can be termed as localized international advertising, which has a global touch but does not appear alien to Indian realities. The brand uses a careful blend of celebrities and models in their campaigns without relying much on their individual persona. Their products are always the stars in their campaigns. Whether these innovations fail or succeed, Garnier gains much equity through this steady stream of product launches. The premium positioning, smart pricing, heavy investment in brand promotion, innovative products and strong distribution reach has enabled this brand to create a special place in the Indian personal care industry.

Health tourism,a boon or a curse Essay

Health Tourism (Also known as Medical tourism) refers to the act of traveling to a foreign country in order to receive medical care. Varying reports based on the US alone put the number of American patients seeking healthcare abroad between 500,000 to 750,000 in 2007. This is a steady increase from 2006 in which medical experts believed as many as 200,000 to 1/2 a million Americans traveled out of the country for medical procedures. These figures indicate a significant growth in the industry, currently a $20 billion market, which can reach $100 billion by 2012. Governments in places such as India and Malaysia (as well as some others) are already getting involved and investing in this growing industry. The main reasons that people travel to receive medical treatment are: Certain medical services are not available in their country of residence. Their health insurance does not cover the full cost of a procedure. Wait lines are too long. Quality of care is better in a different country. Costs are lower in a different country. (even when factoring in the travel arrangements) Medical tourism is a growing sector in India. India’s medical tourism sector is expected to experience an annual growth rate of 30%, making it a $2 billion industry by 2015.[1][2] As medical treatment costs in the developed world balloon – with the United States leading the way – more and more Westerners are finding the prospect of international travel for medical care increasingly appealing. An estimated 150,000 of these travel to India for low-priced healthcare procedures every year.[3] Advantages for medical treatment in India include reduced costs, the availability of latest medical technologies,[4] and a growing compliance on international quality standards, as well as the fact that foreigners are less likely to face a language barrier in India. The Indian government is taking steps to address infrastructure issues that hinder the country’s growth in medical tourism. The government has removed visa restrictions on tourist visas that required a two-month gap between consecutive visits for people from Gulf countries which is likely to boost medical tourism.[5] A visa-on-arrival scheme for tourists from select countries has been instituted which allows foreign nationals to stay in India for 30 days for medical reasons.[6] In Noida, which is fast emerging as a hotspot for medical tourism, a number of hospitals have hired language translators to make patients from Balkan and African countries feel more comfortable while at the same time helping in the facilitation of their  treatment.[7] Confederation of Indian Industry reported that 150,000 medical tourists came to India in 2005, based on feedback from the organization’s member hospitals. The number grew to 200,000 by 2008. A separate study by ASSOCHAM reported that the year 2011 saw 850,000 medical tourists in India and projected that by 2015 this number would rise to 3,200,000.[8] Most estimates claim treatment costs in India start at around a tenth of the price of comparable treatment in America or Britain.[9][10] The most popular treatments sought in India by medical tourists are alternative medicine, bone-marrow transplant, cardiac bypass, eye surgery and hip replacement,dental treatment. India is known in particular for heart surgery, hip resurfacing and for dental treatments at cheap prices. Lower treatment cost does not necessarily mean lower healthcare standards. There are 18 JCI accredited hospitals in India.[11] However, for a patient traveling to India, it is important to find the optimal Doctor-Hospital combination. After the patient has been treated, the patient has the option of either recuperating in the hospital or at a paid accommodation nearby. Many hospitals also give the option of continuing the treatment through telemedicine. The city of Chennai has been termed India’s health capital. Multi- and super-specialty hospitals across the city bring in an estimated 150 international patients every day. Chennai attracts about 45 percent of health tourists from abroad arriving in the country and 30 to 40 percent of domestic health tourists. Factors behind the tourists inflow in the city include low costs, little to no waiting period, and facilities offered at the specialty hospitals in the city. The city has an estimated 12,500 hospital beds, of which only half is used by the city’s population with the rest being shared by patients from other states of the country and foreigners. Dental clinics have attracted dental care tourism to Chennai[17] India’s annual earnings through Medical Tourism is all set to double to 8000 Crore Rupees [2000 million US dollars] by year 2012 according to a recent study. The main reasons the study claims why medical tourism would flourish in India include much more lower medical costs for various surgical procedures such as bone narrow transparent, coronary bye-pass surgery, knee transplant and liver transplant as compared to western countries and even many of the Asian countries. Very good medical infrastructure not only in large Metros but also in tertiary  towns is another reason for medical tourists favouring India.Availability of highly qualified medical professionals and nurses gives them the confidence to do such major procedures here. The disadvantages are: It make health sector highly commercial and the common man in the country will be hard pressed for medical care; 2) All the resources of health sector will be thrown open for the international tourist so much so that even the so called middle class will be able to ill afford the medical care. 3) Patients from overseas, if they come in droves, may bring in new types of diseases and the risks of infection. 4) In the name of medical tourism, many people who want to enjoy themselves in this country, with the ostensible intention for treatment in this country, may turn the hospitals into merry making resorts and convert the hotels into hospitals.Tourism has its own benefits as well as demerits.

Biography of Charles Sheeler, Precisionist Artist

Biography of Charles Sheeler, Precisionist Artist Charles Sheeler (July 16, 1883 - May 7, 1965) was an artist who received acclaim for both his photography and painting. He was a leader of the American Precisionist movement which focused on realistic depictions of strong geometric lines and forms. He also revolutionized commercial art blurring the lines between advertising and fine art. Fast Facts: Charles Sheeler Occupation: ArtistArtistic Movement: PrecisionismBorn: July 16, 1883, in Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaDied: May 7, 1965, in Dobbs Ferry, New YorkEducation: Pennsylvania Academy of Fine ArtsSelected Works: Crissed Crossed Conveyors (1927), American Landscape (1930), Golden Gate (1955)Notable Quote: â€Å"I favor a picture which arrives at its destination without the evidence of a trying journey rather than one which shows the marks of battle.† Early Life and Career Born and raised in a middle-class family in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Charles Sheeler received encouragement from his parents to pursue art from an early age. After graduating from high school, he attended the Pennsylvania School of Industrial Art to study industrial drawing and applied arts. At the academy, he met American impressionist painter William Merritt Chase  who became his mentor and modernist painter and photographer Morton Schamberg who became his best friend. During the first decade of the 20th century, Sheeler traveled to Europe with his parents and Schamberg. He studied painters from the Middle Ages in Italy and visited Michael and Sarah Stein, patrons of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, in Paris. The Cubist style of the latter two had a significant impact on Sheelers later work. When he returned to the U.S., Sheeler knew that he could not support himself with income from his painting alone, so he turned to photography. He taught himself to take photos with a $5 Kodak Brownie camera. Sheeler opened a photography studio in Doylestown, Pennsylvania in 1910 and earned money photographing construction projects of local architects and builders. The wood stove in Sheelers house in Doylestown, Pennsylvania was the subject of many of his early photographic works. In the 1910s, Charles Sheeler supplemented his income by photographing works of art for both galleries and collectors. In 1913, he participated in the landmark Armory Show in New York City that exhibited the works of the most noted American modernists of the time. Painting After the tragic death of his best friend Morton Schamberg in the influenza pandemic of 1918, Charles Sheeler moved to New York City. There, the streets and buildings of Manhattan became the focus of his work. He worked with fellow photographer Paul Strand on the 1921 short film Manhatta. Following its exploration of the urban landscape, Sheeler created paintings of some of the scenes. He followed his usual technique of taking photographs and drawing sketches before committing the image to paint. In New York, Sheeler became friends with poet William Carlos Williams. Precision with words was a hallmark of Williams writing, and it matched Sheelers attention to structure and forms in his painting and photography. They attended speakeasies together with their wives during the Prohibition years. Another important friendship developed with the French artist Marcel Duchamp. The pair shared an appreciation of the Dada movements break from concern about traditional notions of aesthetics. Alfred Eisenstaedt / LIFE Picture Collection / Getty Images Sheeler considered his 1929 painting Upper Deck a powerful representation of all that hed learned to that point about art. He based the work on a photograph of the German steamship S.S. Majestic. To Sheeler, it allowed him to use the structures of abstract painting to represent something entirely realistic. In the 1930s, Sheeler painted celebrated scenes of the Ford Motor Company River Rouge plant based on his own photographs. At first glance, his 1930 painting American Landscape appears peaceful like a traditional pastoral landscape painting. However, all of the subject matter is the result of American technological might. It is an example of what was called the industrial sublime. By the 1950s, Sheelers painting turned toward abstraction as he created works that featured parts of larger structures like his bright-colored Golden Gate showing a close-up portion of San Franciscos iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Photography Charles Sheeler worked for corporate photography clients throughout his career. He joined the staff of the Conde Nast magazine publishing firm in 1926 and worked regularly on articles in Vogue and Vanity Fair until 1931 when he was offered regular gallery representation in Manhattan. In late 1927 and early 1928, Sheeler spent six weeks photographing Ford Motor Companys River Rouge production plant. His images received strong positive acclaim. Among the most memorable was Crissed Crossed Conveyors. By the late 1930s, Sheeler was so prominent that Life magazine ran a story on him as their first featured American artist in 1938. The next year New Yorks Museum of Modern Art conducted the first Charles Sheeler museum retrospective including over one hundred paintings and drawings and seventy-three photographs. William Carlos Williams wrote the exhibition catalog. Alfred Eisenstaedt / LIFE Picture Collection / Getty Images In the 1940s and 1950s, Sheeler worked with additional corporations such as General Motors, U.S. Steel, and Kodak. He also worked for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in the 1940s photographing items from their collections. Sheeler cultivated friendships with other renowned photographers including Edward Weston and Ansel Adams. Precisionism By his own definition, Charle Sheeler was part of the distinctly American movement in the arts called Precisionism. It is one of the earliest modernist styles. It is most often characterized by a precise depiction of the strong geometric lines and forms found in realistic subject matter. The works of precisionist artists celebrated the new industrial American landscape of skyscrapers, factories, and bridges. Influenced by Cubism and presaging Pop Art, Precisionism avoided social and political commentary while the artists rendered their image in an exact, almost rigid style. Among the key figures were Charles Demuth, Joseph Stella, and Charles Sheeler himself. Georgia OKeefes husband, photographer, and art dealer Alfred Stieglitz was a strong supporter of the movement. By the 1950s, many observers considered the style outdated. Later Years Sheelers style in his later years remained distinctive. He abstracted subjects into an almost flat plane of lines and angles. In 1959, Charles Sheeler suffered a debilitating stroke which ended his active career. He died in 1965. Legacy Charles Sheelers focus on industry and cityscapes as subjects for his art influenced the Beat movement of the 1950s. Author Allen Ginsberg, in particular, taught himself photography skills to emulate Sheelers groundbreaking work. Sheelers photography blurred the boundaries between commercial and fine art when he eagerly embraced industrial corporations and artistic depictions of their production plants and products. Source Brock, Charles. Charles Sheeler: Across Media. University of California Press, 2006.

Independent Study

Independent Study Sometimes gifted students want to learn about topics that are not offered at their own schools. Fortunately, these students do have an option when it comes to their studies. Independent study is a great way to shape a program to your own personal needs. What Is an Independent Study? An independent study is a course of study that a student pursues... well, independently. Students plan a course of study in cooperation with a willing advisor who also sticks around to make sure that the student stays on track and completes assignments and tests. Students pursue independent study for a variety of reasons. Usually, students look to independent study when they have an interest in a special topic that’s not offered at most high schools. Some examples of special topics would be courses like Asian-American history, British Literature, or Chinese language. Beware! There are a few things to consider before you begin. First, you must be sure that you have space for an elective course in your diploma program. Don’t attempt an independent study if there is a chance that it will send you off your diploma schedule! Secondly, you want to make sure that any pre-packaged course you choose is sponsored by a reputable institution. There are some seedy programs out there. How Does It Work? Generally, there are two types of independent study programs: pre-packaged courses and self-designed courses. You will find that there are many pre-packaged online programs available from colleges and universities around the nation. While independent study courses have been a part of college studies for a long time, high schools are just getting around to offering independent studies for students. As a matter of fact, if you attend a small high school you may find that there is no policy at all. You may be the first student to ask, which means you’ll have some work to do. Check with your counselor to make sure that an independent study will fit in your diploma program. Of course, you want to graduate on time! Once you know it’s feasible, you can initiate the process of independent study by asking a teacher or counselor to serve as advisor. You will work with the advisor to decide the type of program to pursue. Designing Your Own Independent Study If you decide to develop a program, you may need to come up with a proposal package that you will submit to a panel of teachers, the guidance counselor, or the principal. Again, every school will have its own policy. In your proposal, you should include a course topic description, a syllabus, a list of reading materials, and a list of assignments. Your advisor may or may not choose to test you on the material. Often the final research paper will suffice. Pre-Packaged Independent Study Programs Many universities offer high school-level online independent study courses or courses that you complete through the mail. University programs have many advantages. The programs have been designed by university staff, and quite often they are monitored by staff as well. They are less work for you and your advisor. However, they do have one big drawback. You guessed it- the price! Individual courses normally cost a few hundred dollars. You can sample a few programs that are available through Brigham Young University and the University of Oklahoma.

Emergency Response & Crisis Comm Plans Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Emergency Response & Crisis Comm Plans - Essay Example The Crisis Centre includes two component parts. The first is the Operational Control Incident Centre (OCIC) which is the corporate command and control centre that provides policy guidelines, responds to enquiries from the media fraternity, and has admission to a wide selection of resources such as key personnel and communication instruments. The second component part is the Emergency Procedures Information Centre (EPIC). EPIC provides the coordination and control of all passenger and family information for the British Airways and liases with activated Telephone Enquiry Centers (TEC’s) worldwide, including the U.S.A. The second component part will support the OCIC in providing information and support (Belliotti, 2008).   However, the British Airways Emergency Response Plan does not mention any background on the anticipated crisis. There is a general mentioning of a possible accident but does not include any further details as to the type of crisis that can occur. In case a crisis does occur, the emergency response plan has outlined various specific actions that will be taken to address the needs of the families of the passengers involved. Detailed sections are included in the plan specifying the most relevant and necessary actions to be taken in case of an accident. The plan contains specific instructions on corporate command and control centre to be carried out by the OCIC and the EPIC. Overall, the plan is well presented with specific sections to address specific issues that are likely to come up in case of an accident. All the anticipated problems are dealt with in the emergency response plan and specifically put the interest of the involved families and stakeholders first. However, the Emergency Response Plan does not highlight the stakeholders on the nature of the accident for which the plan was proposed. It fails to inform the stakeholders on the specific nature of the accident. Considering the nature of the plan, the anticipated