Allan Yashinski Essay Example

Allan Yashinski Paper Allan Yashinski is currently a Temporary Assistant Professor and a postdoc in mathematics at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Earlier he worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Pennsylvania State University. He received his B.S. in Mathematics with highest honors from the Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA in 2007. Coursework is fulfilling the Computer Science major in the Bachelor of Arts degree program also has been completed. Later he received his Ph.D. in Mathematics from Pennsylvania State University in 2013, where his adviser was Nigel Higson. Mr. Yashinski is a co-organizer of the weekly Noncommutative Geometry Seminar at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He also was a co-organizer of the Student Noncommutative Geometry and Mathematical Physics Seminar at Pennsylvania State University. Allan Yashinski participated in a panel of instructors who discussed the preparedness of students after their first two semesters of calculus at the Teaching Seminar, Life after Math 141. He served as a teaching assistant to Prof. Anton Petrunin for the Mathematics Advanced Study Semesters program at Pennsylvania State University, a unique mathematics program for advanced undergraduates from across the country. We will write a custom essay sample on Allan Yashinski specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Allan Yashinski specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Allan Yashinski specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Allan Yashinski has a number of awards and honors, such as The President’s Award for Distinguished Academic Achievement at Bucknell University, The Bucknell Prize in Computer Science at Bucknell University, Phi Beta Kappa at Bucknell University chapter, and Pi Mu Epsilon Society Prize, Bucknell University, that is awarded to the member of the graduating class whose work in mathematics has been outstanding. He was also awarded University Graduate Fellowship and Department of Mathematics Graduate Assistant Teaching Award at Pennsylvania State University. Mr. Yashinski was also nominated for the Harold F. Martin Graduate Assistant Outstanding Teaching Award at Pennsylvania State University, and Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Hawaii at Manoa. Professor Allan Yashinski has wide scientific interests. His researchers are focused on noncommutative geometry, deformations of algebras, cyclic cohomology, K-theory, index theory, and operator algebras. He is also working in the area of the behavior of cyclic cohomology and K-theory under deformations of algebras.

Labeling Theory Essays - Criminology, Social Philosophy, Free Essays

Labeling Theory Essays - Criminology, Social Philosophy, Free Essays Labeling Theory Labeling Theory Labeling theory is associated with Howard Becket and was introduced in 1963. Labeling theory is the theory of deviance that views deviance as a label assigned to behavior and individuals by particular figures of authority. That means that no one is actually a deviant and no action is deviant unless specified by society. The acts that are considered deviant today, may be acceptable or even normal tomorrow or in another part of the world. This theory doesnt plausibly explain Nevet and Begonias behavior. Strain Theory French sociologist Emile Durkheim (1858 1917) used the term anomie to describe a state of normlessness in society, when many people are unclear as to the expectations others have of them (Durkheim, 1951). The importance of Durkheims study for an understanding of deviance is his focus on the way a society can actually create strains in the lives of its individual members. Anomie theory in essence states that deviant behavior is encouraged by strains builkt into the very fabric or society. Durkheims concept was borrowed from American sociologist Robert Merton in his study of deviance. Merton (1956) analyzed societal strains by pointing out the variety of ways that people might respond to such strain. As the strains occur in all walks of life so too do the (often-deviant) adaptations. The rebellion response to strain explains Nevet and Begonias action by offering that they were encouraged to act deviantly because there was so much strain of them to be perfect

Public's Responsibilities toward Nature and the Environment Essay

Public's Responsibilities toward Nature and the Environment - Essay Example With the ascent of human civilization and technological progress, the equations of power have been skewed somewhat, whereby we now have unprecedented capability to self-destruct. In this context, the pressing question is how should humans utilize their newly acquired powers in dealing with the broader nature? The rest of this essay will argue in support of the view that unless we revere and respect nature, we are paving way for our own ultimate destruction. Â  As Barbara Ehrenreich points out in her article The Myth of Man as Hunter, for much of our history as a species, we have been the prey rather than the predator. It is only as recently as 40,000 years ago that we invented primitive tools necessary for killing wild animals. Even then, it is only in the last two-hundred years or so that we achieved significant mastery over other life forms on earth (Ehrenreich, 1993). But today, we could hardly claim to be living a peaceful existence, for the threats from geological and climatic forces of nature are as real as ever before. Our population levels are also at an all-time high and soon there will come a time when the planet can no longer support all its inhabitants. This would lead to resource wars, a collapse of law and order and a general decline in culture and civilization. Â  One could glean from Ehrenreich’s article that after being prey animals for long, human beings have gone overboard in exercising their recently acquired dominion over other life forms. With their newfound prowess, humans have over-indulged in hunting, fishing and farming activities which are proving to self-detrimental. Further, in the article titled The Last Fish, authors Daniel Pauly & Reg Watson expound a specific example of this general tendency, namely the practice of over-fishing.

The whole secret of life is to be interested in one thing profoundly Thesis

The whole secret of life is to be interested in one thing profoundly and a thousand other things well Hugh Walpole - Thesis Example While there are many such people in the market, only few of them succeed. Google set a new milestone in online searching, Microsoft paved the way for home computing and the Body shop by Anita Roddick succeeded only because it focused on eco-friendly beauty products. History speaks volumes about the above quoted words too. Thomas Alva Edison, the American inventor and businessman succeeded in giving the world the light bulb only because he was interested in one thing profoundly. He was keen on experimenting and continued to do it with great passion. Records stated that when Edison failed for a thousand times, he did not say he failed. He said that he knew of a thousand ways not to make a light bulb. Had it not been profound interest for one thing, Edison would have given up his experiments and considered his life a failure. We would not have benefited so soon from a light bulb and would not have remembered him with the great reverence that we do today. Even great leaders like Mahatma Gandhi could help India gain freedom only through constant interest in working towards it. Had these men been diverted with various interests, they would never have been able to put their heart and mind into huge successes. The quoted words hold good in our personal lives too. Success is achieved when one does not spread oneself too thin, staying focused on work helps accomplish it and the secret of living life to the fullest and to the happiest comes only from being the king of one's empire. Antithesis While the above statements portray the goodness in Hugh Walpole's statements, the same is not always true. In today's changing times, where there is throat cutting competition and one has to be ahead of the other in the mad race of life, statements like the one made by Hugh Walpole have their own shortcomings. If we were to be profoundly interested in one thing with a general interest in other things we would not get ahead in life. If a businessman, for example, just takes deep passion for selling cell phones, he would do well. However in order to succeed, he would need to take an equal interest in understanding the needs of the market (business researching), new product launches (technology), caring for employees (organizational behavior), caring for customers etc. Unless all these aspects are not looked after, with equal interest and enthusiasm, the organization and the businessman are doomed to lesser degree of success. Thus while the above examples of Google, Microsoft and the Bo dy shop did take into consideration their core areas, they gave equal importance to a million other issues. That is also the reason all large organizations have different departments (like HR, research, marketing, product development, customer care) and equal importance is given to all of them. History also leads us to believe this to be true. Thomas Alva Edison could give the world great inventions because he had profound interest in one thing. But let us not forget that even during his times, when there was not much competitiveness, he had profound interest in business too, which led him to form the General Electric. Had he not been able to let the world know of his inventions and market them through the organization, it would have possible that someone else would have taken the credit for

Critique Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Critique - Essay Example We were all excited because it not only took us out of the confines of the classroom but also gave us opportunity to enjoy getting wet in the rains! Our walk through the history was a real eye opener because it kept attracting people to join our small group. At each of the destination, the number of people increased and finally when we reached Brown Island Park, we were actually part of a big crowd. It was highly satisfying because our walk had served to motivate other people, including the young and the old who were similarly inclined to explore the socio-cultural history of Richmond. Most interesting was the fact that rain had absolutely failed to deter the history enthusiasts who had kept their zeal till the end. I can thus confidently assert that ‘walking tours’ are highly relevant in the contemporary times because it inspires people to learn from history. Historical places and documents showcase a country’s inheritances of its socio-cultural values that have traversed time and help inculcate sense of national pride. I tremendously enjoyed the walk and learnt that knowing our history is important part of development. (words: 282)

Key Points Of Adam Smith David Ricardo Economics Essay

Key Points Of Adam Smith David Ricardo Economics Essay The classical writers of the eighteen and nineteen century when offering definitions of their science expressed themselves about the nature of the economic in two distinct ways. They could define the subject known as political economy. Or having defined the political economy as the science of wealth, they could proceed to set forth the nature of that wealth with which it was maintained that economics is concerned. (Israel M. Kirzner, The Economic Point of View, p 13). The earliest classical economist adopted the description of the economic side of affairs in terms of wealth, but developments narrowed down the concept of wealth to the idea of material wealth of mankind. The attitude toward the utility of economic inquiries in elevation of wealth became an object of scientific study. Investigations that aims finding the means of enriching people and the sovereign; discovering laws of governing and to make the nation wealthy. From the beginning alternative suggestions were made by the e conomists themselves about what should and what should not be included under the heading of wealth. Adam Smith in An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, 1776, explains that the free market, while appearing chaotic and unrestrained, is actually guided to produce the right amount and variety of goods by a so-called invisible hand. He argued that self-interested competition in the free market would tend to benefit society as a whole by keeping prices low, while still building in an incentive for a wide variety of goods and services. An often-quoted passage from The Wealth of Nations is: It is not from the benevolence of the butcher, the brewer, or the baker that we expect our dinner, but from their regard to their own self-interest. We address ourselves, not to their humanity but to their self-love, and never talk to them of our own necessities but of their advantages.(Adam Smith, p.  18). Smith believed that economic development was best fostered in an environment of free competition. Smith saw no role for government in economic life but believed that the government should enforce contracts and grant patents and copyrights to encourage inventions and new ideas. He also thought that the government should provide public works, such as roads and bridges that, he assumed, would not be worthwhile for individuals to provide. Interestingly, though, he wanted the users of such public works to pay in proportion to their use. Value theory was important in classical theory. Smith wrote that the real price of one thing is the labor and difficulty of acquiring it as influenced by its scarcity. Smith also believed that the main cause of prosperity was increasing division of labor. It would affect a great increase in productivity, one example he used was the making of pins. One worker could probably make only twenty pins per day. However, if ten people divided up the eighteen steps required making a pin, they could make a combined amount of 48,000 pins in one day (Adam Smith, ch. 1). Smith claimed that an individual would invest a resource-for example, land or labor-so as to earn the highest possible return on it. Consequently, all uses of the resource must yield an equal rate of return (adjusted for the relative riskiness of each enterprise), otherwise reallocation would result. Smith used this insight on equality of returns to explain why wage rates differed. Wage rates would be higher, he argued, for trades that were more difficult to learn, because people would not be willing to learn them if they were not compensated by a higher wage. Similarly, wage rates would also be higher for those who engaged in dirty or unsafe occupations, such as coal mining and butchering. In short, differences in work were compensated by differences in pay. David Ricardo another classical economist wrote his famous work Principles of Political Economy and Taxation, (1817). Ricardo continued to work on value theory (ch. 1). He explains the labor theory of value that the relative price of two goods is determined by the ratio of the quantities of labor required in their production. He demonstrates that prices do not correspond to this value; he retained the theory, however as an approximation. His labor theory of value, however, required several assumptions: 1- both sectors have the same wage rate and the same profit rate; 2- the capital employed in production is made up of wages only; 3- the period of production has the same length for both goods. Ricardo himself realized that the second and third assumptions were quite unrealistic and hence admitted two exceptions to his labor theory of value: 1- production periods may differ; 2- the two production processes may employ instruments and equipment as capital and not just wages, and in very different proportions. In his book, Ricardos concept of rent is laid out. Due to variation in scarcity of land, some land pays a higher monopoly value due to its scarcity than other land. Ricardo labels Rent as the portion of individual benefit, that accrues to scarce, resources such as land or gold or houses that is over and above any socially beneficial exchange (ch. 2). If all land were equally situated, however scarce, one could determine that all market exchange of the produce thereof was free and equal and that the exact value of the trade was conveyed simultaneously to both parties and to society. Ricardo extrapolates the problem of monopolistic rent to other situations/resources that are fundamentally scarce: land or gold. Like Adam Smith, Ricardo was also an opponent in the field of a nations trade protectionism policy. In this book Ricardo introduces the theory of comparative advantage (ch. 28). According to this theory, even if a country could produce everything more efficiently than another country, it would reap gains from specializing in what it was best at producing and trading with other nations. The benefits of comparative advantage are both distributional and related to improved real income. Ricardo believed that wages should be left to free completion. . Another idea developed by Ricardo is Ricardian EquivalenceArtComComputers2010-09-04T09:20:00 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ricardian_equivalence#Introduction, is an economic theory that suggests consumers internalise the governments budget constraints and thus the timing of any tax change does not affect their change in spending. Consequently, Ricardian equivalence suggests that it does not matter whether a government finances its spending with debt or a tax increase, the effect on total level of demand in an economy being the same. Ricardo believed that in the long run, prices reflect the cost of production. The price of an object is determined by the sum of the costs of the resources that went into making it, and referred to this long run price as a Natural price. The natural price of labor was the cost of its production that cost of maintaining the laborer. If wages correspond to the natural price of labor, then wages would be at subsistence level. In his Theory of Profit, Ricardo stated that as real wages  increase, real profits decrease because the revenue from the sale of manufactured goods is split between profits and wages. He assumed in his Essay on ProfitsArtComComputers2010-09-03T16:28:00 http://socserv.mcmaster.ca/~econ/ugcm/3ll3/ricardo/profits.txt, 1815 that profits depend on high or low wages, wages on the price of necessaries, and the price of necessaries chiefly on the price of food. We will treat the economic definitions of another classical writer John Stuart Mill in his writing Essays on Some Unsettled Questions on Political Economy, 1844 as below. -If a country produces both commodities with greater facilities or both with greater difficulty in exactly the same degree, then there will be no motive for exchange. On the other side if they have advantage in producing some commodities, then through commerce the nations can benefit both if each one will specialize in producing those commodities. So a country, by devoting all inputs in the production of goods which their advantage is greatest and give for exchange to the foreign country, would obtain a greater return from labor and capital. But in what proportion the two countries would share the advantage of trade? The problem is concerning about of proportion of goods in exchange, thus exchangeable value or price, regulated by the demand and supply to respective importing and exporting countries. The costs of carriage, tariffs, and taxes are deductive to gain advantage. So two countries would have equal shares of benefit of trade if cost of transportation and other barriers would not exist, otherwise the gross gain is divided in unequal ratio. So a country through the legislative policy can affect the benefits from foreign commerce. As conclusion we may say that a country gains most from the foreign commerce as much as are the foreign needs for its products (Essay I: On the Laws of Interchange Commercial Between Nations and Gain of Commerce Among of Commercial World). A great and rapid consumption leading to an extensive demand, fast circulation and big spending of money was conceived to be the great conditions of prosperity. But consumption is of two kinds: reproductive and unproductive and the first augments to the national wealth while the second weaken it. What is consumed for unproductive is gone for present enjoyment, but what is consumed for reproductive consumption leaves commodities of equal value, commonly with addition of a profit (Essay II: Of the Influence of Consumption on Production). -The phrases productive labor and productive consumption has been used by writers of political economy considering all the labor which serves for useful purposes and consumption which is not waste- in a limited sense productive of wealth. When it is uncertain to which of the two classes (productive and unproductive) an object belongs then should be distinguished characteristics and usage of it. All workmen that work in producing or giving value to things and functionaries positions who have invested to their skills are included in productive labor. The settled classification definitions were used for determining their consequences in economy. A country is enriched in proportion to the amount of the productive labor and consumption and impoverished in proportion of unproductive labor and capital (Essay III: On the Words Productive and Unproductive). -Profit is the surplus which remains to the capitalists after replacing his capital in a gain purpose process. The rate of profit depends on the ratio between the price and proportion of labor, materials, tools and the produce of them; upon the proportionate share of the produce of industry. David RicardoArtComComputers2010-08-11T16:32:00 On the Principles of Political Economy and Taxation, 1817 said that profits depend upon wages: it increases when wages fall and decreases when wages rise. When he says rise of wages it is meant an increase in the cost of production of wages or an increase in the number of hours. So as we can see it is strictly true, that the rate of profits varies inversely with the cost of wages. Rate of profit can increase if: there is an increase of population beyond the capital; improvements in labor efficiency and new entrance successive technologies. The producer, who borrows capital to employ in his business, will pay for the use of it (the interest). There are variations in the market-rate of interest from day to day establishing the actual rate from the movement of demand and supply. The rate of interest has the increase tendency if there is a big demand, low supply, low security individual loan or industry and specific situations. The difference between the profit which can be made by the u se of capital and the interest which will be paid for it is characterized as wages of superintendence (for the risk and labor for carrying business). Interest and wages of superintendence are in the same inverse relation as wages and profits are (Essay IV: On the Words Profit and Interest). -Adam SmithArtComComputers2010-08-11T17:39:00 Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations. gives a definition that Political Economy is a science which teaches or gives the means and laws of making a nation rich. It has included individual decisions connected with the ideas and feelings in man- forming part of a union or aggregations. John S. MillArtComComputers2010-08-11T17:53:00 Essays on Some Unsettled questions of Political Economy. gives another more complete definition of Political Economy: -The science which treats of the production and distribution of wealth so far as they depend upon the laws of human nature, or -The science relating to the moral or psychological laws of the production and distribution of wealth. Under the influence of this desire it shows operations of: accumulating wealth, employing that wealth, producing other wealth under the influence of competition, governed by laws, sanctioning by mutual agreements, establishing laws etc. The science proceeds to investigate the laws which govern several operations on acquisition of wealth (Essay V: On the Definition of the Political Economy and on the Method of Investigation Proper to it).

Childhood Memories of Dad :: Descriptive Writing Examples

Cold winters, hot summers, pokey gravel, darkness, inconvenient tools and deterioration of the old hotrods. All of this came to an abrupt hault when a father and son's dream became a reality. A place of our own to operate without distractions. A place to bring our thoughts together and mechanically reconstruct cars and repair them within our own limits. This place that my dad and I started building would be known as "The Shop" or a.k.a. "Hopshop." This shop is the last project that my dad started and I was going to finish it. It all started by excavating the ground that would one-day support this shop. The shop plans had been previously made and were followed exactly. After the concrete was poured and steel beams were secured, it was ready to put the metal siding on. Within the concrete is our handprints and names, which makes it even more special to me. This sturdy architecture was unable to be finished because of the lack of expenses, after my dad's death. After that cold lonely winter, leading to the on coming year flew by very swiftly. I finally overcame my fear and decided that it was time to step up and find the will to complete the project. It took some time and money, but finally it was completed. It included automatic garage doors, sophisticated lighting system, a pellet stove for the cold winters and an air conditioner for the scorching summer. I moved all of our air tools, craftsman wrenches, sockets, vises, grinders, and the vehicles. In addition to the shop, there are things within the shop that have stories to them, making it what it is, such as the toolbox, Mustang, and Bronco. The Mustang was my dad's and it has been his since it was first manufactured. We were going to restore it to its original look that was established from my dad's artistic ability. Designing it with gloss black and flames coming from both fender wells. It had 20 inch racing slicks with a 4:11 positive track pushing 400 horses with its 302 boss engine. I remember how it used to smell, like hot dust leather and it used to suck me back in the seat almost giving me whiplash. We called The "Stang." It has been wrecked but only has a minor dent in its front right fender. The engine is now in my dad's 79 Ford but the

Economic Growth Essay

There are different drivers of economic growth into country and research has to some extent also demonstrated that it can be associated with typical characteristics of the country too. Explaining economic growth through a relatively new theory of endogenous growth suggest that policy measures, if taken properly, can result into long term benefits for the country and that the country does not necessarily need to rely on the external or exogenous factors such as technological innovation. The neo-classical models of growth advocated that in order to attain a consistent long term economic growth, a consistent change into the technological advances such as new processes, new goods and new markets etc must take place. (Aghion et. al, 1998). It has always been believed that high investment and saving rates in any country tend to sustain high economic growth in that country and that coupled with relatively stable economic outlook, a higher saving rate can significantly result into greater economic growth because a larger pool of funds will be available to the firms, in the shape of household savings, that can be utilized to the best possible efficiency. It is also imperative to discuss here that the trends of saving markedly differ in developing as well as developed countries as developing countries tend to have high saving rates due to relatively smaller propensity to consume of the general masses. Since developing countries do no possess the strong manufacturing base therefore consumption tends to be relatively low as compared to the developed countries and people prefer to save rather than spend. (Aghevli, at. al, 1990) One of the most important aspects of economic growth is how the saving rates in a country shape and how they with respect to the different economic variables. However, over the period of time, research has also demonstrated that saving rates show a correlation with different economic variables in any given country. Though the same characteristics may be find over some regions however it is still believed that country’s individual characteristics such as demographics, rule of law, public finances, also show some relationship with the saving rates. It has been also successfully demonstrated that the saving rates are uneven across the countries confirming to the argument that saving rates respond to certain characteristics which may be typical of that country or region however in a study conducted by Hondroyiannis (2006) suggested that â€Å"A long-run saving function sensitive to dependency ratio, old dependency ratio, liquidity, public finances, real disposable income growth, real interest rate and inflation is found to exist†(Hondroyiannis,2006) in European countries. Thus, to some extent, it can be easily inferred that the saving rates in a particular country or a region show some related characteristics and tend to get affected by different so called country specific characteristics however the impact is in long run with little or no impact been witnessed on the short run saving rates within any country. One of the most interesting findings of the research also suggest that the government savings, in any particular country, are not particularly exogenous in nature and respond to the political as well as economic determinants of the country. (Edwards,1996). This cross country analysis conducted by Edwards strongly suggested that public savings in countries with higher degree of political instability are lower than the countries with relatively stable political situation at hand. References 1. Philippe Aghion, Peter Howitt, Maxine Brant-Collett, Cecilia Garcia-Penalosa (1998). Endogenous Growth Theory. New York: MIT Press. 694. 2. George Hondroyiannis. (2006). Private saving determinants in European countries: A panel cointegration approach . The Social Science Journal. 43 (4), 553-569 . 3. Sebastian Edwards. (1996). Why are Latin America’s Savings Rates So Low? An International Comparative Analysis. Journal of Development Economics,. 51 (1), 5-44. 4. Bijan B. Aghevli, James M. Boughton, Peter J. Montiel, Del Villanueva (1990). The Role of National Saving in the World Economy. New York: International Monetary Fund. 64.

The Definition of Popular Culture in Sociology

The Definition of Popular Culture in Sociology Popular culture is the accumulation of cultural products such as music, art, literature, fashion, dance, film, cyberculture, television and radio that are consumed  by the majority of a societys population. Popular culture has  mass accessibility and appeal. The term popular culture was coined in the 19th century or earlier. Traditionally, it was associated with lower classes and poor education as opposed to the official culture of the upper class. The Rise of Popular Culture After the end of World War II, innovations in mass media led to significant cultural and social changes. Scholars trace the origins of the  rise of popular culture to the creation of the middle class generated by the Industrial Revolution. The meaning of popular culture then began to merge with that of mass culture, consumer culture, image culture,  media culture and culture for mass consumption. John Storey and Popular Culture There are two opposing sociological arguments in relation to popular culture. One argument is that popular culture is used by the elites (who tend to control the mass media and popular culture outlets) to control those below them because it dulls people’s minds, making them passive and easy to control. A second argument is just the opposite, that popular culture is a vehicle for rebellion against the culture of dominant groups. In his book, Cultural Theory and Popular Culture, John Storey offers six different definitions of popular culture. In one definition, Storey describes mass or popular culture as a hopelessly commercial culture [that is] mass-produced for mass consumption [by] a mass of non-discriminating consumers.†Ã‚  He further states that popular culture is â€Å"formulaic [and] manipulative,† not unlike how he views the process of advertising.  A product or brand has to be â€Å"sold† to an audience before it can be entrenched in mass or popular culture; by bombarding society with it, it then finds its place in popular culture. Britney Spears is a good example of this definition; her road to stardom and place in popular culture were based on marketing strategies to build look along with her fan base. As a result, she generated millions of fans, her songs were played frequently on numerous radio stations, and she went on to sell out concerts and garner the publics fascination with her meltdown. Like the creation of Britney Spears, pop culture almost always depends on mass production for mass consumption because we rely on mass media to get our information and shape our interests. Pop Culture vs. High Culture Pop culture is the culture of the people and it is accessible to the masses. High culture, on the other hand, isnt meant for mass consumption nor is it readily available to everyone. It belongs to the social elite. The fine arts, theater, opera, intellectual pursuits -   these are associated with the upper socioeconomic strata and require more a high brow approach, training or reflection to be appreciated. Elements from this realm rarely cross over into pop culture. As such, high culture is considered sophisticated while popular culture is often looked down upon as being superficial.

Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed Essays

Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed Essays Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed Paper Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed Paper The first novel that I finished reading was Jurassic Park, by Michael Chriton. That was the first book that captivated my imagination and brought me into the world of reading. I noticed that the book was far better than the movie. My imagination could take me any where and my mind painted extraordinary pictures of hundreds of beautiful dinosaurs walking along side fully developed characters with whom I could relate to. I felt their fear, joy, and even sadness. All I can say is that I was addicted, and I kept on reading. Since than, I have read hundreds of books. I treat the books I read with a lot of caution. Like everyone else, I feel that my time is very precious. If I invest my time into reading, than the reading must yield some sort of profit. As Samuel Patterson once put it, Books, like friends, should be few and well chosen. My best friends are friends from whom I might be able to gain some wisdom. The literature I choose to read must contain some wisdom that I can gain. The first book I read where I felt that I had truly gained some wisdom was, Platos Republic. I spent months reading the book. I slowly digest every single word that Socrates had spoken. Even though the book was nearly 3,000 years old, every single idea was totally new to me. I learned about justice, freedom, war, the good, the bad, politics, hate, love, god, and so much more. I was able to incorporate many of those ideas in the world we live in today. For a short time, I studied the Socratic Method, and tried to incorporate his style of conversation with my friends. The book was a book of wisdom. In some ways, it could even be a guide on how to live your life. Its the one book that I can easily recommend to everyone. Another great book of wisdom would have to be The Main Spring of Human Progress, by Henry Grady Weaver. The book tries to explain why American life has become so good over the last one hundred years. It sums up nearly 2,000 years of human struggle over food, money, and literature in order to unmask the reasons as to why we can live so comfortably in the 20th, and now the 21st, century. Perhaps the most significant argument the book made was of the worlds history during the dark ages of Europe. Apparently, while Europe was experiencing the dark ages, the rest of the world was busy at producing advanced mathematical concepts, pieces of art, and works of literature. The book opened my eyes to the world of Islam, a place where oil lamps were being used for lighting (instead of candles), where people washed every day, and beautiful churches were built in the name of god. Eventually, the book took me on a tour through the industrial age and it helped me to appreciate the life I have living in America. Another work of literature that helped set my mind to the way it is today is a short essay called A Message to Garcia, by Elbert Hubbard. This short ten page essay helped me to realize the one thing that must be learned the hard way, a strong and proper work ethic. After reading the essay, hundreds of thoughts burst into my head. I soon began to realize how the rich could become so rich, how America could become so prosperous, and even how to improve my laziness. I stopped asking so many questions and just got to work. No matter how much I might disapprove of something, if a job is given to me, I must try my best to complete the job. This short little essay changed the whole way I treat every second of my life. It is amazing that the mind is one part of the human body that improves the more you use it. I must agree with something that Francis Bacon once said, I would live to study, and not study to live. With that, I hope I can study as well as I live my life.

Modernist Art - A New Approach in Theatre Essay

Modernist Art - A New Approach in Theatre - Essay Example The essay "Modernist Art - A New Approach in Theatre" focuses on modern era and art. Modernity can be understood as a conceptual framework of individual expression at the same time that it can be considered a reflection of society as a whole. This suggests that it is comprised of intellectual ideas as well as by the development of new processes, techniques and materials. Modernity has been described as the â€Å"dialectical relationship ... which modernism consciously or unconsciously, directly or indirectly, positively or negatively reflects the effects of capitalist development.† The modernist ideology is thus revealed to have a number of different contexts bound together and interacting with our social understandings contributing to our intuitive and overt sense and understanding of the world around us. With the arrival of modernism, the realism and humanism of earlier periods melts away as performing artists focus more upon style, technique and spatial form in an attempt t o find a deeper expression of human experience, such as is seen in the ‘radical theatre’ approach taken by Peter Brook. The use of the word ‘radical’ in modern is deliberate when it comes to Brook’s theater. The Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines the adjective as â€Å"believing or expressing the belief that there should be great or extreme social or political change† and the noun in terms of â€Å"a person who supports great social and political change.† Toni Sant claims â€Å"radical theatre aims to make extreme changes...".

Consumer culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Consumer culture - Essay Example One of such events is the World War II. At the end of the war, there were various changes that occurred in the country. The changes that took place in the country were fascinating to the soldiers returning from war (PBS 1). As soldiers arrived in the country, they found many changes that were not there in the past. The changes were associated with the manufacture of various goods that were meant for the war. The increased production had helped America get out of the challenges it has experienced during the era of the Great Depression (PBS 1). The obvious phenomenon is that billions of people in the world belong to consumer class. According to a study done, it is estimated that approximately 1.7 billion people in the world belong to the â€Å"consumer class† (Mayell 1). The war helped America get out of various challenges that occurred in the past. One of such challenges was The Great Depression that had serious ramification on the economy (PBS 1). For this reason, as the challenge was overcome through wartime production, young people found an opportunity to spend. In addition, improved accessibility of jobs, increased wages, and lack of consumer goods in the event of war increased eagerness for American to spend as the war ended (PBS 1). Other changes were seen as young couples married and begun to get children at a higher rates. There were also changes in federal programs that provided an opportunity for young families to purchase their homes mostly in posh areas. However, there are various questions that arise. The first question is how the society transformed after this period in terms of spending. Secondly, what was the impact of such changes to society? Were the impacts positive or negative? The consumer culture had a negative influence on American society because it firmly brings shortcomings on personal life and social environment. There were significant changes in