Epicurus His Philosophy of Pleasure

Epicurus His Philosophy of Pleasure Wisdom hasnt come a step further since Epicurus but has often gone many thousands of steps backwards.​Friedrich Nietzsche About Epicurus Epicurus (341-270 B.C.) was born in Samos and died in Athens. He studied at Platos Academy when it was run by Xenocrates. Later, when he joined his family on Colophon, Epicurus studied under Nausiphanes, who introduced him to the philosophy of Democritus. In 306/7 Epicurus bought a house in Athens. It was in its garden that he taught his philosophy. Epicurus and his followers, who included slaves and women, secluded themselves from the life of the city. The Virtue of Pleasure Epicurus and his philosophy of pleasure have been controversial for over 2000 years. One reason is our tendency to reject pleasure as a moral good. We usually think of charity, compassion, humility, wisdom, honor, justice, and other virtues as morally good, while pleasure is, at best, morally neutral, but for Epicurus, behavior in pursuit of pleasure assured an upright life. It is impossible to live a pleasant life without living wisely and honorably and justly, and it is impossible to live wisely and honorably and justly without living pleasantly. Whenever any one of these is lacking, when, for instance, the man is not able to live wisely, though he lives honorably and justly, it is impossible for him to live a pleasant life.Epicurus, from Principal Doctrines Hedonism and Ataraxia Hedonism (a life devoted to pleasure) is what many of us think of when we hear Epicurus name, but ataraxia, the experience of optimal, enduring pleasure, is what we should associate with the atomist philosopher. Epicurus says we should not try to increase our pleasure beyond the point of maximum intensity. Think of it in terms of eating. If youre hungry, theres pain. If you eat to fill the hunger, you feel good and are behaving in accordance with Epicureanism. In contrast, if you gorge yourself, you experience pain, again. The magnitude of pleasure reaches its limit in the removal of all pain. When such pleasure is present, so long as it is uninterrupted, there is no pain either of body or of mind or of both together. Satiation According to Dr. J. Chander*, in his course notes on Stoicism and Epicureanism, for Epicurus, extravagance leads to pain, not pleasure. Therefore we should avoid extravagance. Sensual pleasures move us towards ataraxia, which is pleasing in itself. We should not pursue endless stimulation, but rather seek out enduring satiation. All desires that do not lead to pain when they remain unsatisfied are unnecessary, but the desire is easily got rid of, when the thing desired is difficult to obtain or the desires seem likely to produce harm. The Spread of Epicureanism According to The Intellectual Development and Spread of Epicureanism, Epicurus guaranteed the survival of his school (The Garden) in his will. Challenges from competing for Hellenistic philosophies, notably, Stoicism and Skepticism, spurred Epicureans to develop some of their doctrines in much greater detail, notably their epistemology and some of their ethical theories, especially their theories concerning friendship and virtue. Stranger, here you will do well to tarry; here our highest good is pleasure. The caretaker of that abode, a kindly host, will be ready for you; he will welcome you with bread, and serve you water also in abundance, with these words: Have you not been well entertained? This garden does not whet your appetite; but quenches it. Anti-Epicurean Cato In 155 B.C., Athens exported some of its leading philosophers to Rome, where Epicureanism, in particular, offended conservatives like Marcus Porcius Cato. Eventually, however, Epicureanism took root in Rome and can be found in the poets, Vergil (Virgil), Horace, and Lucretius. Pro-Epicurean Thomas Jefferson More recently, Thomas Jefferson was an Epicurean. In his 1819 Letter to William Short, Jefferson points up the shortcomings of other philosophies and the virtues of Epicureanism. The letter also contains a short Syllabus of the doctrines of Epicurus. Ancient Writers on the Topic of Epicureanism EpicurusDiogenes LaertiusLucretiusCiceroHoraceLucianCornelius NeposPlutarchSenecaLactantiusOrigen Sources David John Furley Epicurus Whos Who in the Classical World. Ed. Simon Hornblower and Tony Spawforth. Oxford University Press, 2000. Hedonism and the Happy Life: The Epicurean Theory of Pleasure, www.epicureans.org/intro.html Stoicism and Epicureanism, moon.pepperdine.edu/gsep/ class/ethics/stoicism/default.html

Animal Farm Quotes Explained

Animal Farm Quotes Explained The following Animal Farm quotes are some of the most recognizable examples of political satire in English literature. The novel, which tells the story of farm animals who organize a revolution, is an allegory for the Russian Revolution and the regime of Joseph Stalin. Discover how Orwell creates this political allegory and conveys themes of corruption, totalitarianism, and propaganda with the following analysis of key quotes. Four legs good, two legs bad. (Chapter 3) After Snowball establishes the Seven Commandments of Animalism, he composes this statement (Four legs good, two legs bad) in order to simplify Animalisms concepts for the other animals. Simple, xenophobic statements such as this one are a trademark of dictators and fascist regimes throughout history. Initially, the expression gives the animals a common enemy and inspires unity among them. Over the course of the novel, the slogan is distorted and reinterpreted to suit the needs of the powerful leaders. Four legs good, two legs bad is general enough that Napoleon and the other pigs can apply it to any individual or situation. Eventually, the expression is changed to four legs good, two legs better, demonstrating that the farm animals revolution has led to the same oppressive social system they initially sought to overthrow. I will work harder! (Chapter 3) This statement- Boxer the workhorse’s personal mantra- demonstrates the sublimation of the self under the concept of the greater good. Boxer’s existence becomes wrapped up in his efforts to support the Farm. Any setback or failure is blamed on his own personal lack of effort. This quotation demonstrates how concept of communal effort, upon which Animalism was founded, gets perverted into a self-destructive commitment to endless toil. Under Napoleons totalitarian reign, failure has nothing to do with the leadership; instead, its always blamed on the common working animal’s lack of faith or energy. â€Å"At this there was a terrible baying sound outside, and nine enormous dogs wearing brass-studded collars came bounding into the barn. They dashed straight for Snowball, who only sprang from his place just in time to escape their snapping jaws.† (Chapter 5) Napoleon enforces his rule through propaganda, misinformation, and a cult of personality, but he initially seizes power through violence, as depicted in this quotation. This scene takes place just as Snowballs eloquent, passionate ideas are winning the debate over the Windmill. In order to wrest power away from Snowball, Napoleon unleashes his specially-trained dogs to drive Snowball away from the Farm. This violent episode mirrors the way power was seized from Leon Trotsky by Joseph Stalin. Trotsky was an effective speaker, and Stalin drove him into exile and relentlessly attempted to assassinate him decades before finally succeeding in 1940. In addition, Napoleons dogs demonstrate the way violence can be used as a means of oppression. Whereas Snowball works hard to educate the animals and improve the Farm, Napoleon trains his dogs in secret and then uses them to keep the animals in line. He focuses not on developing an informed and empowered populace, but rather on using violence to enforce his will. No animal shall drink alcohol to excess. (Chapter 8) After Napoleon drinks whiskey for the first time, he suffers a hangover so terrible that he believes he is dying. As a result, he forbids the animals from drinking any alcohol at all, because he believed it to be poison. Later, he recovers and learns how to enjoy alcohol without making himself sick. The rule is quietly changed to this statement (No animal shall drink alcohol to excess), but the fact that the alteration has ever happened is denied. The transformation of this rule demonstrates how language is used to manipulate and control the animals according to even the most trivial whims of the leader, Napoleon.ï » ¿ In the Soviet Union, Stalin’s style of dictatorship was notable for the extreme cult of personality he created, linking himself personally to the success and health of the nation. With this quotation, Orwell shows how such an extreme cult of personality is developed. Napoleon takes credit for every good event that takes place on the Farm, and he makes loyalty to himself personally equivalent to support of the Farm. He encourages the animals to compete to be the most loyal, the most dedicated, and the most supportive of the Farm and Animalism- and, thus, of Napoleon. â€Å"Do you not understand what that means? They are taking Boxer to the knacker’s!† (Chapter 9) When Boxer becomes too sick to work, he is unceremoniously sold to a knacker to be killed and processed into glue and other materials. In return for Boxers life, Napoleon gets a few barrels of whiskey. The brutal and unceremonious treatment loyal, hard-working Boxer shocks the other animals, even coming close to spurring rebellion. This quotation, spoken by Benjamin the donkey, reflects the horror that the animals feel upon learning of Boxers fate. It also clearly demonstrates the ruthlessness and violence at the heart of Napoleons totalitarian regime, as well as the efforts made by the regime to keep that violence secret. All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others. (Chapter 10) This quotation, which is seen painted on the side of the barn, represents the ultimate betrayal of the animals by their leaders. At the start of the animals revolution, the seventh commandment of Animalism was, All animals are equal. Indeed, equality and unity among animals was the revolutions core principle. However, as Napoleon consolidates power, his regime become increasingly corrupt. He and his fellow pig leaders seek to separate themselves out from the other animals. They walk on their hind legs, live in the farm house, and even negotiate with humans (once common enemy of Animalism) for personal gain. These behaviors directly oppose the principles of the original revolutionary movement. When this statement, which itself directly opposes Animalism, appears on the barn, the animals are told they are wrong to remember it any other way- reinforcing Napoleons willingness to brazenly alter historical record in order to manipulate and control the animals.

Financial Planning and Control Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Financial Planning and Control - Essay Example are how the financial planning is applied to an engineering business, the effect of financial information on decision making, and how other the use of other financial techniques such as standard cost and variance analysis are used to optimize the effectiveness of an engineering business. Three questions are answered derived from a textbook written by a scholar that provides information about the topics covered in this paper. Companies dedicated to offering engineering service solution have a business structure in which each individual talent represents a unique vendor that purchases unique solution that are typically independent of each other. Each contract is a peculiar project that must be design to obtain a gross profit that satisfies the income expectations of the stakeholders of the company. In order to better serve the needs of future customer the company has to plan the financial decisions that will allow the firm to expand its productivity capacity. For example the purchases of a new mega server worth $150,000 can provide engineering the opportunity to take more IT project to increase the company’s income. If a manager plans to make such a purchase other factors that have financial implication in the costs of the company must be planned for such as its facility layout and human labor require achieving expansion. When an engineering firm takes on a new job the project manager of the contract must perform financial planning for the project to determine the budget that is needed to be able to complete the project on a timely manner. A full risk management analysis is necessary to reduce the risk of unwanted events from occurring, while at the same time developing mitigation plans to have an action option that can implemented if an unforeseen event occurs. An engineering firm working on a construction project can mitigate risks from natural disasters by making the financial decision of purchasing insurance that covers 100% of the damage causes by such an

CORPORATE RESEARCH PAPER Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

CORPORATE - Research Paper Example As of the financial year 2011, Chevron generated a sales value worth $244 billion and the net income attributable to the company during the same period was $27 billion. The profitability of the company can be gauged from the fact that the net income per share of the company during 2011 was $13.44, while the company also paid cash dividends worth $3.09 per share. The return on capital and the return on equity of Chevron during as of 2011 were 21.6% and 23.8% respectively (Chevron, 2012). Though the company is instituted in California, in the United States, Chevron has business activities throughout the world in over 120 countries. The following figure represents the geographic reach of Chevron across the world, by means of onshore operations, offshore operations, pipelines or refineries. Figure 1: Global Reach of Chevron Corporation (Juhasz, 2009) In 2011, the average net production of Chevron was 2.673 million oil barrels for every day, of which around 75% of the volume was produced from countries other than the United States (Chevron, 2012). This can be lucidly illustrated from the following figure: Figure 2: Geographic Segmentation of Chevron’s Production (Chevron, 2011) Chevron is present in various countries, such as the USA, the UK, Canada, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Nigeria, Singapore and Australia to name a few. Chevron Corporation has a number of subsidiaries and associates for managing and operating its worldwide operations. Some of them are Chevron U.S.A. Inc. (CUSA), Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LLC, Chevron Transport Corporation Ltd. (CTC), and Tengizchevroil LLP (TCO) among others. Even though every subsidiary of Chevron is accountable for its individual affairs, Chevron Corporation handles its investments in its subsidiaries in addition to their affiliates. The operations and business activities of Chevron are categorised into two business divisions, namely, Upstream and Downstream. The upstream business segment comprise s of sale of crude oil and natural gas produced by the company itself, in addition to the sale of natural gas produced by other companies. On the other hand, the downstream segment comprises of activities related to the processing and marketing of various forms of petroleum products. The United States of America is the principal country of operation of Chevron Corporation. Hence, in its annual reports, the company presents its geographic breakdown of performance in terms of two categories, i.e., the United States, Chevron’s domicile nation while other countries where the company operates reported as ‘International’ (outside the United States). The following table represents the breakdown of sales, assets and income of Chevron Corporation for the year 2011, in terms of the above discussed segments: Year 2011 Sales Assets Earnings Upstream United States 27,738 37,108 6,512 International 55,098 98,540 18,274 Downstream United States 91,078 22,182 1,506 International 123,221 20,517 2,085 All others United States 1,598 8,824 - International 46 17,661 - Total United States 120,414 68,114 8018 International 178,365 136,718 20,359 (All values in millions of US dollars) (Chevron Corporation, 2011) In this context, it is should be noted that excluding the United States,

Ethical Decision Making Essay Example for Free

Ethical Decision Making Essay Abstract Ethics is the branch of philosophy that examines questions of morality, or right and wrong. In this paper we will discuss the philosophical approaches used in ethical decision making. The two approaches that will be elaborated on are the utilitarian approach and the universal approach. Several questions will be addressed, (1) what is the utilitarian and universal approach? (2) How do we use them in the ethical decision making process and (3) examples of how it relate in the field of Criminal Justice? When conflict arises it’s not always possible to decide who is right or wrong; however our moral responsibility is to resolve problems to the best of our ability. The utilitarian and universal theories are two of several philosophical approaches or methods that can be implemented when making these types of decisions (Zalta Geoff, 2008). The Utilitarian Approach: Utilitarianism is one of the most powerful and persuasive approaches to normative ethics in the history of philosophy. The utilitarian approach to ethical decision making focuses on taking the action that will result in the greatest good for the greatest number of people. It also focuses on the consequences of the course of action and policy, as well as the affects it has on the well-being of the people directly or indirectly impacted by that action or policy. This approach is used to promote the welfare of everybody by maximizing benefits and minimizing harm (Zalta Geoff, 2008). For instance, when faced with a situation your first thought or question is what should you do? Once you assess the situation then you would apply which ethical decision is the best action to take. If you implement the utilitarian approach you did so with the intent of producing the greatest balance over harm. Utilitarianism offers a relatively straightforward method for deciding the morally right course of action for any particular situation we may find ourselves in. In the criminal justice field this approach can be widely used. To discover what we ought to do in any situation, we first identify the various courses of action that we could perform. Second, we determine all of the foreseeable benefits and harms that would result from each course of action for everyone affected by the action. And third, we choose the course of action that provides the greatest benefits after the costs have been taken into account (Velasquez, Claire, Shanks, S.J). The Universal Approach: The universal approach to ethical decision making is similar to the Golden Rule. The golden rule is best interpreted as â€Å"Treat others as you want to be treated†. Universalism argues that knowledge can and should be applied to everyone in every similar situation (Williams Arrigo, 2008). This approach can be taken in two steps. First, determine whether or not a particular action should be applied to all people under all circumstances. Second, decide if you would be willing to have that same rule to you. This approach claims that ethical principles hold for all and not for some, it is for everybody without exception (Williams Arrigo, 2008). In other words if you act a certain way towards another and are not willing to be treated in that same regard than you are in violation of the universal rule. To apply the universal approach correctly we need to take into consideration the effects our decision making have on other people’s lives. We also have to be able to imagine ourselves in the other person’s shoes on the receiving end of the action. Imagine you are a police officer in pursuit of what seems to be a drunk driver, while in pursuit the drunk driver hits a pregnant woman crossing the street. What do you do, do you stop for her and leave a drunk driver on the road, or do you call the accident in and continue to pursue the drunk driver to keep him from potentially killing himself and others. The utilitarian approach would more likely call for back up and continue after the drunk driver, but if we use this same example and compare it to the universal approach, the question then becomes what would you want done to you. Both philosophical approaches are infused with flaws, the use of â€Å"utilitarian† thinking is not always clear of what form of action should be taken or if the action you took will have a favorable outcome for the majority. It is difficult to judge what decision will supply the best way to respond to a situation. The universal approach unlike the utilitarian bases its decisions on the facts that the action taken is best for everyone regardless of the situation or the difference in people. My choice between the two is somewhat tossed, because my belief is that you should do unto other as you would want done to you, but at the same time my desire to ensure the greatest number of success is important to me as well. Within the Judicial system decisions are made with or without the input of others; however it is our moral obligation to ensure that we make the best ethical decisions that we can, because every decision somehow directly or indirectly affects someone else. References Velasquez, M., Claire, A., Shanks, M. M., S.J. (n.d.). Markula Center for Applied Ethics. Retrieved from Santa Clara University: http://www.scu.edu/ethics/practicing/decision/thinking.html Williams, C. R., Arrigo, B. A. (2008). Is Morality Relative? The variability of Norms and Values. In C. R. Williams, B. A. Arrigo, Ethics, Crime and Criminal Justice (p. 77). Upper Saddle River: Pearson Prentice Hall. Zalta, E. N., Geoff, S.-M. (2008). The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved from Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosphy : http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/metaethics/

American Independence Essay -- essays research papers

The British colonies of north America declared their independence primarily for political reasons to what extent do you agree with this statement? The original 13 colonies of the United States of America were in desperation of independence and the advantages of leading a long, successful, happy life. In colonial times words like ?tyranny,? ?enslavement,? ?entrapment? and ?slavery? were part of the cultural norm. These words were common place and often used to describe the British control over the colonies. Thomas Jefferson, the writer or the Declaration of Independence, stated 27 gripes which were a direct result of years of frustration, abuse, and neglect from Britain. The Declaration of Independence was an inevitable rebellion which stated their independence and was the beginning of the new era which would now be called, The United States of America. The foundation of representative government is the power of the people to make laws for the good of all people. King George interfered with that process by rejecting legislation proposed by the colonies, dissolving colonial ...

Nutrition leads to Academic Success and better life

All of us have an amazing gift, have you ever considered how incredible the human body is? Just look at what the brain is capable of doing and how it deals with our daily classroom requirements. Our brain needs several very important ingredients to make it more efficient with our academic success. Shockingly, fats are critical, our brains need good fats. We also need proteins, carbohydrates and water. These ingredients are really necessary for us to process information effectively. We will now look at the way our brains work. Within your brain, a biochemical process of learning is occurring, that parallels the classroom experience. Making connections, finding meaning, and solving problems are learning tasks that require lightning-fast electrical impulses between areas of the brain It's 5:30pm. You just arrived for your class after a long day at work. You have prepared yourself for this learning experience of visual input, hands-on activities, reading and experimentation – to absorb as much as possible (Norman). You look around your class room, do you see bright eyes and positive, expectant expressions, or do you see squirming, sleeping, or distracted fellow students. Do you notice if your peers are stressed, depressed and anxious? According to experts, the internal environment of the brain is an integral part of learning, just as important as the classroom environment. You may find in some cases students are not able to learn due to poor nutrition or inadequate hydration (Norman). A balance diet is critical to health, and physicians are concerned about today’s increased marketing of junk food and fast food. A trend that so alarming that some have termed it the next â€Å"tobacco† (Jenkins). Within your brain, a biochemical process of learning is occurring, that parallels the classroom experience. Making connections, finding meaning, and solving problems are learning tasks that require lightning-fast electrical impulses between areas of the brain. Formation of memory requires physical growth and reshaping of networks of brain cells. So that wonderful experience – when the lights go on and you say, â€Å"I get it! † – is a neurochemical process as well as an academic one. By nourishing the brain with healthy food and water, you will optimize the internal environment, enabling you to truly engage in the classroom environment and achieve your potential by knowing what your brain needs (Norman). The nutrients that help our brains work well are found in high concentration in the Mediterranean diet (Jenkins). Place your two fists together, with your inner wrists touching. Your brain is about this size and shape. Most of us have seen the rubbery pink models which aren’t a good representation; the brain is amazingly soft, composed primarily of fat and water. It is grayish and pudding-like – composed of 100 billion brain cells – called neurons that drive our thinking, learning, feeling and states of being. Neurons need good fats, protein, complex carbohydrates, micronutrients – vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and water. These nutrients are necessary to power the learning functions of neurons. It’s amazing how our neurons connect (Norman). Just imagine your neurons are shaped like an outstretched hand, with fingers spread. Dendrites (fingers) receive information from other neurons, which is then sent through the axon (arm) to another neuron. The connection between two cells is called a synapse, where the dendrite of one cell nearly touches the body or axon of another cell. Neurons can connect multiple times with the same cell; grow extensions to connect with distant cells, and connect with many different cells at once by growing more dendrites. The brain is dynamic, responsive, and efficient: new connections will be made to record and integrate new information learned. Old, unused connections will be pruned away. This process of building and pruning is not confined to the time of the classroom experience, but continually evolves with all learning that occurs in your life, integrating what is learned within and outside the classroom, integrating life's experiences into the knowledge base and personality we have. The raw material for building and pruning of these connections comes from the food we eat. The big question is what should we feed our brains and body (Norman)? In past years fat was considered an unhealthy part of your diet, now we know that good fats are essential. Our solid matter of the brain is 60% fat, being that our brain consists largely of fatty membranes. Most brain fats are polyunsaturated, meaning their structure contains few or no double bonds which makes the molecules flexible. These fats help maintain flexible, dynamic membranes that are able to transmit and receive information, and maintain other cell functions such as energy production and stores water. Cholesterol is a saturated fat that is often linked Adkisson 4 ith heart disease, but the right cholesterol is an important part of a healthy brain. Sufficient quantities of cholesterol are manufactured in the body without dietary sources. Fat provides energy for the brain as well as a transformation using B-vitamins and other trace nutrients within the neuron to produce pure ATP. The best fats to consume are omega-3 oils from fish, nuts, seeds and dark leafy greens. The next ingredient provides the building blocks of our entire body (Norman). Protein provides amino acids that are used to form our neurotransmitters (NT) and support structures in neurons. Tryptophan from turkey and milk is used to produce serotonin, an NT creating feelings of well-being. Tyrosine, an amino acid found in almonds, an avocado, bananas and meat, is used to make dopamine, associated with enthusiasm (Norman). Our bodies produce about half of the twenty amino acids it needs the other ten are obtained from the foods we eat (Jenkins). Amino acids are also reassembled into powerful antioxidants that are used to protect DNA and other cell components from damage. Proteins also form receptors; structures embedded in membranes that aid in cell communication. All of us need energy and the best was to get it is through the following (Norman). Carbohydrates are the number one energy source for our brain. Sugar is the main fuel for the brain. Most of us have noticed a boost of energy when we eat something that provides sugar. Keep in mind that consuming excessive sugar for breakfast, causing bursts of energy followed by headaches, trouble concentrating, or drowsiness. When our sugar levels rise in our bloodstream, the pancreas releases insulin, which directs sugar into cells, to keep our blood sugar at a stable level. The more sugar we eat causes more insulin to be released, which leads to drowsiness. Many persons instinctively reach for more sugar to boost their energy, thus initiating this cycle again. People, who begin their day with a large donut and sugary juice drink, have a candy bar for a snack, followed by a soda afterwards. This becomes an addiction that’s very difficult to overcome the awful rollercoaster effect of the sugar-insulin response. The best way to overcome it is to make sure your meals contain complex carbohydrates – i. e. whole grains or products made with whole grain flour, rather than refined sugars. Nonetheless, the absorption rate of refined sugar is generally higher, causing a greater release of insulin. One must not forget the next very important ingredient that 60% of our bodies are made up of (Norman). I’m so amazed with the way our neurons store water in tiny balloon-like structures called vacuoles. Water is necessary for optimal brain health and function. Water maintains the tone of our membranes for normal neurotransmission. It improves our circulation and helps in removing wastes. It also keeps our brain from overheating; lack of water could cause serious damage. Dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, poor concentration and reduced cognitive abilities. Even mild levels of dehydration can impact learning performance. It is interesting to note that hydration has been found to affect exercise tolerance. People who are dehydrated tend to feel tired during exercise and avoid activity, a risk factor for obesity. When you are hydrated well before exercise and drink water while exercising leads to an enjoyable experience with less fatigue. It’s encouragement to keep a water bottle at you desk to sip throughout your classes to achieve the recommended intake of water throughout the day. Nutrition and hydration make a difference that helps the foundation for healthy learning. Making healthier choices is an essential part of your education and well-being. Keep water bottle at your desk throughout your class periods. Eat healthy treats such as whole fruit, whole grain crackers, and veggies. Learn how to choose the healthiest foods from the menus at the mall or carry a lunch. Incorporate healthy nutrition at work and home. By making these small changes you’ll be more attentive, and able to enjoy learning and improve you and your families’ lives (Norman). We all have a gift from God, our bodies are temples. We need to take care of it by feeding it properly, exercising and keeping it healthy. Some of us do not do that, unfortunately. We live in an unhealthy nation. There are steps we can take to make changes that can improve our academic success and lives. Sixty percent of our brain is made up of good fats that we should ensure we get. Proteins support structures in neurons. Carbohydrates are the number one energy source for our brain and water is necessary for optimal brain health and function. A person should have enough respect for their bodies to feed it and make it healthy.

Fast Food Essay

Fast food is the term given to food that can be prepared and served very quickly. While any meal with low preparation time can be considered to be fast food, typically the term refers to food sold in a restaurant or store with preheated or precooked ingredients, and served to the customer in a packaged form for take-out/take-away. The term â€Å"fast food† was recognized in a dictionary by Merriam–Webster in 1951. Outlets may be stands or kiosks, which may provide no shelter or seating, or fast food restaurants (also known as quick service restaurants). Franchise operations which are part of restaurant chains have standardized foodstuffs shipped to each restaurant from central locations. Defination of Fast Food ?Food that can be prepared and served very quickly ?Any meal with low preparation time can be considered ?Food sold with preheated or precooked ingredients. The first fast food restaurants originated in the United States with A&W in 1916 and White Castle, founded by Billy Ingram and Walter Anderson in Wichita, Kansas in 1921, is generally credited with opening the second fast food outlet and first hamburger chain, selling hamburgers McDonald’s and KFC are multinational corporations with outlets across the globe. The United States has the largest fast food industry in the world, and American fast food restaurants are located in over 100 countries. Approximately 2 million U. S. workers are employed in the areas of food preparation and food servicing including fast food in the USA. Famous Fast Food Brands From America (TOP 10) LINK: http://cuclife. com/famous-brand/Fast-food/list_711_1. html (Photo Use) 1. Burger King 2. Burger King 3. Taco Bell 4. Arby’s 5. Wendy’s 6. White Castle 7. Kentucky Fried Chicken 8. Pizza Hut 9. Chick-fil-A 10. Subway History of Fast Food Culture Significant Events in the US Fast Food Industry 1916: The first low-cost limited menu high-speed hamburger restaurant called White Castle opens in Wichita KS. 1921: White Castle opens its first restaurant selling hamburgers for 50 cents. 1940: The first McDonald’s store Established. 1951: The term fast food is recognized in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. 1967: McDonald’s opens its first restaurant outside the United States 1971: The first Starbucks store opens in Seattle 2002: McDonald’s cuts back on trans fat on its French fries by 48%. 2005: McDonald’s mascot Ronald ranks 2nd in the top-10 advertising icons of the 20th century. 2006: According to an estimate, Americans spend nearly $142 billion on fast food. Development of Fast Food Industry Restaurants have been around in some form for most of human civilization. But they usually catered to travelers. As far back as ancient Greece and Rome, inns and taverns generally served food to people who had a reason to be away from home. This trend continued until relatively recently. Although taverns and coffee houses were popular places to gather and share beverages in the 17th century, the idea of eating out for fun didn’t take off in Western society until the late 18th century. Although McDonald’s was the first restaurant to use the assembly-line system, some people think of White Castle as the first fast-food chain. White Castle was founded in 1921 in Wichita, Kansas. At the time, most people considered the burgers sold at fairs, circuses, lunch counters and carts to be low-quality. Many people thought hamburger came from slaughterhouse scraps and spoiled meat. White Castle’s founders decided to change the public’s perception of hamburgers. They built their restaurants so that customers could see the food being prepared. They painted the buildings white and even chose a name that suggested cleanliness. White Castle was most popular in the American East and Midwest, but its success helped give hamburger meat a better reputation nationwide. So, like cars, White Castle played an important part in the development of fast food. The McDonald brothers opened their redesigned restaurant in 1948, and several fast-food chains that exist today opened soon after. Burger King and Taco Bell got their start in the 1950s, and Wendy’s opened in 1969. Some chains, like Carl’s Jr. , KFC and Jack in the Box, existed before the Speedee Service System, but modified their cooking techniques after its debut. McDonald’s, which started it all, is now the world’s largest fast-food chain. According to the National Restaurant Association, American sales of fast food totaled $163. 5 billion in 2005. The industry is growing globally as well. Total sales for McDonald’s grew 5. 6 percent in 2005, and the company now has 30,000 franchised stores in more than 120 countries. However, McDonald’s – and fast food in general – does not always get a welcoming reception around the world. McDonald’s restaurants have been attacked in several countries, including the United States, China, Belgium, Holland, India, Russia, Sweden and the U. K. Protestors have accused McDonald’s and other chains of selling unhealthy food, marketing aggressively to children and undermining local values and culture. Reason why the Fast Food Industry can be so Successful ?Cheap ?Fast (Convenience) ?Tasty ?Change in lifestyle (Working Long Hours, Busy Life, Rapid Paces) ? Child-Friendly Atmosphere (E. g. Toys) ?Franchising Scheme (E. g. McDonald’s) Variants: How the fast food culture in America influence the whole world.

The Future of Democracy in Canada essays

The Future of Democracy in Canada essays Consider the following claim: "Canada will become a more democratic country in the next 25 years". One might take exception to this claim, countering that Canada is not only a democratic country in 2004, but is a country whose democratic character is envied in most parts of the world. Conversely, within Canada, one does not need to dig too deeply in society to find people who are dissatisfied with the state of Canadian democracy. This dissatisfaction is not limited to embittered followers of the far right political parties who almost continually are unable to persuade a majority of Canadians to support their policies. Nor is this dissatisfaction limited to Quebec and French speaking communities in other provinces who their culture and values to be under threat from the onslaught of Anglo Canadian culture. In fact, pockets of serious political dissatisfaction exist across the country. Unfortunately (in the context of being able to pursue their objectives effectively, the only issues on which consensus typically develops among these pockets of dissatisfaction is on (a) opposition to a Conservative national government and (b) opposition to The fact that political dissatisfaction in Canada tends to be balkanized, however, does not imply that the situation is either unimportant or that political reform should not be implemented to redress the problem. Neither does the balkanized political dissatisfaction in the country indicate that such reform of the country's political is either In fact, the thesis of this essay is embodied in the claim stated at the beginning of this discussion, with which there is full agreement. "Canada will become a more democratic country in the next 25 years". If Canada is going to become a more democratic country over the coming 25 years, the people of Canada must be motivated to seek such change. Additionally, there must be some...

Lloyd Augustus Hall - Chemist and Inventor

Lloyd Augustus Hall - Chemist and Inventor An industrial food chemist, Lloyd Augustus Hall revolutionized the meatpacking industry with his development of curing salts for the processing and reserving of meats. He developed a technique of flash-driving (evaporating) and a technique of sterilization with ethylene oxide which is still used by medical professionals today. Earlier Years Lloyd Augustus Hall was born in Elgin, Illinois, on June 20, 1894.  Halls grandmother came to Illinois via the Underground Railroad  when she was 16. Halls grandfather came to Chicago in 1837 and was one of the founders of the Quinn Chapel  A.M.E. Church. In 1841, he was the churchs first pastor. Hall’s parents, Augustus and Isabel, both graduated high school. Lloyd was born in Elgin but his family moved to  Aurora, Illinois​, which is where he was raised. He graduated in 1912 from East Side High School in Aurora. After graduation, he studied   pharmaceutical chemistry  at  Northwestern University,  earning a bachelor of science degree, followed by a  masters  degree from the  University of Chicago. At Northwestern, Hall met Carroll L. Griffith, who with his father, Enoch L. Griffith, founded  Griffith Laboratories​. The Griffiths later hired Hall as their chief chemist. After finishing college, Hall was hired by the  Western Electric Company  after a phone interview. But the company refused to hire Hall when they learned he was black. Hall then began working as a chemist for the Department of Health in  Chicago  followed by a job as chief chemist with the John Morrell Company. During  World War I, Hall served with the  United States Ordnance Department  where he was promoted to Chief Inspector of Powder and Explosives. Following the war, Hall married Myrrhene Newsome and they moved to Chicago where he worked for the Boyer Chemical Laboratory, again as a chief chemist. Hall then became president and chemical director for Chemical Products Corporations consulting laboratory. In 1925, Hall took a position with Griffith Laboratories where he remained for 34 years. Inventions Hall invented new ways to preserve food. In 1925, at Griffith Laboratories, Hall invented his processes for preserving meat using sodium chloride and nitrate and nitrite crystals.   This process was known as flash-drying. Hall also pioneered the use of antioxidants. Fats and oils spoil when exposed to oxygen in the air. Hall used lecithin, propyl gallate, and ascorbyl ​palmite as antioxidants, and invented a process to prepare the antioxidants for food preservation. He invented a process to sterilized spices using ​ethylenoxide gas, an insecticide. Today, the use of preservatives has been reexamined. Preservatives have been linked to many health issues. Retirement After retiring from Griffith Laboratories in 1959, Hall consulted for the  Food and Agriculture Organization  of the  United Nations. From 1962 to 1964, he was on the American  Food for Peace  Council. He died in 1971 in  Pasadena,  California. He was awarded several honors during his lifetime, including  honorary degrees  from  Virginia State University,  Howard University​  and the  Tuskegee Institute,  and in 2004 he was inducted into the  National Inventors Hall of Fame​.

Artificial Intelligence Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Artificial Intelligence - Research Paper Example This study seeks to understand the behaviour in humans and animals, and the hope to reproduce it after extensive analysis. As such, AI has become a significant subject in computer science owing to numerous studies on intelligent behaviour through computer simulation. The simulations are geared towards influencing similar intelligent traits on to agents that perceive their environment and takes appropriate action to ensure success. The discipline is subdivided into various fields depending on their area of study and application of their product. These fields include statistical analysis, psychology, cognition, biology among others. However, the different fields often fail to communicate with each other owing to social, cultural and ethical factors, which limit the success of artificial intelligence. Although AI research does not aim at wholly imitating human intelligence, evidence exists that suggests human intelligence is a key tacit heuristic to AI researchers and strongly affects A I studies (Prudkov, 2010). In this regard, intelligence is described as a set of properties of mind, which include the ability to plan, solve problems and reason out depending on the presented stimuli. The replication of intelligence based on human and animal behaviour produces intelligent agents, which have the capacity to respond to the environment in natural way. For instance, artificial intelligence in machines coupled with algorithms, enables them to solve complex problems in humanistic fashion. In essence, AI seeks to produce useful machines that are guided by human-like intelligence and behavioural traits. The history of artificial intelligence dates back to mid-1950s where researchers wrote programs that allowed computers to solve algebraic expressions, confirming logical theorems as well as speak English. This application AI holds similar characteristics with the methods used to study cognition in experimental psychology. These methods include the measurement of IQ levels, which requires that the thinking, reasoning and learning skills be gauged to establish the level of perceptual skills.AI and psychology disciplines have naturally interacted with each other to borrow concepts while criticising the weaknesses of the other. However, it is important that psychologist and AI researchers work together as cognitive scientists in order to understand the human cognition and its incorporation into intelligent agents. The success of such research has seen the development of advanced and highly effective technological systems with industrial and social application. These technologies have illustrated the potential within AI research by developing sophisticated methods of solving problems through robust diagnostic and planning systems. Artificial intelligence is housed in sophisticated hardware systems that have evolved over time based on technological advances. Historically, the hardware system was based on vacuum tubes as established with the production of th e first generation computers. Over the years, technological advance have seen the vacuum tubes replaced by microchips to build smaller and faster hardware components for artificial intelligence. The hardware is controlled be a set of instruction in the form of software and applications, which perform designated tasks and yield results. The interaction between the hardware and software

Parenting And Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Parenting And Education - Essay Example My Mother’s frequent visits affirmed her love for us and encouraged us to excel at academics. During the vacations, my aunts sometimes contributed to our care during my Mother’s regular business trips, but I am aware that it was my Mother who raised us single-handedly, and with several sacrifices on her part. My Mother was not as fortunate as we have been. Her separation from her parents at a very young age, due to compelling economic factors, persisted throughout her life. My maternal grandparents were poor traders in Ghana, who did not have the means to support their children. As their poor livelihood did not permit them to educate my Mother, she was sent to live in her uncle’s home. This uncle saw her through school, and then my Mother secured a scholarship which enabled her to pay her way through college and secure her Bachelor’s degree in Art. My Mother met and married my father in her late thirties, while on a short visit to the United States, and he r parents passed away before the birth of my eldest brother. As such, my Mother is very much a self-educated and self-made woman. When I consider the differences in the manner in which my Mother secured her education and the way in which she supported us through our academic careers, I never cease to marvel at her strength of purpose and her clear perspective on what she wanted for us. My Mother was determined not to let economic factors or the nature of her occupation compel her to send us away to grow up in the homes of relatives.