Thursday, January 30, 2020
Two Milestones In The History Of Space Exploration Essay Example for Free
Two Milestones In The History Of Space Exploration Essay The subject of space conquest has been a very interesting aspect of human history for the past few decades. Although to date, we already use advanced technologies, high-powered telescopes, satellites and spacecrafts, it would still be helpful for us to look back through time and consider the beginnings of space exploration. We will do this by studying two important events that enabled humanity to realize the possibility of conquering space.            On April 12, 1961, Moscow Time, the world entered the realm of outer space flight when the spacecraft Vostok 1 carried to outer space the first human being to ever orbit the earth. The name of the cosmonaut to first orbit the earth was Yuri Gagarin. Zal (2002) wrote an interesting record of the Vostok 1 flight as follows: â€Å"The launch vehicle blasted off nearly as scheduled at 09:06:59.7 Moscow Time and the orbital insertion looked nominal to Gagarin. However unknown to the pilot, the core (second) stage of the rocket burned longer than scheduled, leaving the spacecraft in a 327-kilometer apogee orbit, instead of planned 230 kilometers. It meant, that in case of a complete failure of the braking engine, a natural reentry of the spacecraft caused by the friction in the upper atmosphere would take place at least five days after a 10-day supply of vital life-support consumables onboard Vostok would run out†.            When the Russian government launched the Vostok 1 project and chose Yuri Gagarin to be on board, there was no complete certainty that the mission would work out one hundred percent successful. Two years earlier, the first artificial satellite to enter geocentric orbit, named Sputnik 1, burned into space as it attempted to reenter the earth’s atmosphere. Previous unmanned test launches of Vostok 1 prototypes turned out to be failures. â€Å"Out of seven prototypes of the Vostok spacecraft flown (Versions 1K and 3KA), two spacecraft did not reach orbit due to the failure of the launch vehicle and two vehicles did not complete all their tasks†. (Zal, 2001)            A few hours before the flight of Vostok 1, it encountered a strange problem. During the closure of Gagarin’s capsule hatch, one of its sensors suddenly would not turn on. The hatch had to be re-opened to activate the sensor and everything went back to normal. Later however, the spacecraft, was able to successfully get out of the earth’s atmosphere. Its flight around the earth’s orbit took a total of 108 minutes.            The plan regarding Gagarin’s reentry into the earth was that he would detach from the spacecraft and enter the atmosphere by a capsule. Strange as it may seem, the capsule took ten minutes longer than expected before it actually detached from the spacecraft. This is crucial because any miscalculation and digression from the plan may cause the capsule to explode in the atmosphere. According to Gagarin, he experienced rapid spinning and extreme heat as the capsule began to enter the atmosphere. In the midst of the turmoil, Gagarin sent a message to the ground monitors which will later become an inspiration for other cosmonauts for the years to come: â€Å"Everything OK†.            Needless to say, Yuri Gagarin successfully returned to earth and was regarded a hero by Russian authorities. His name also changed the history of space exploration forever.            Meanwhile, if Yuri Gagarin was the first person to orbit the earth, Galileo Galilei was the first person to use a telescope to study the moon and other heavenly objects. What he did was improve the newly invented spyglass (invented in 1608 by a Dutch spectacle maker)[1] and turned it skyward in an attempt to study elements in outer space. His findings were shocking to the people of his time. Galileo found out that the moon doesn’t have a smooth surface, just like everyone supposed. In fact, it was full of rocky terrain and craters. He was also the first to discover sunspots, the four large moons of Jupiter, and the rings of Saturn.            Although Galileo’s findings were challenged and was not generally accepted by the religion of his time, still he was able to contribute to modern space conquest and research. Isaac Newton, in 1750, improved Galileo’s concept of the telescope. In future centuries, telescopes of a greater and broader view of the universe were invented. Among these far reaching telescopes are the Keck Telescope, the Very Large Telescope and the Hubble Space Telescope. According to Mould, Geffner and Lesser (1991), the Keck telescope is 33 feet in diameter, situated 33,000 feet above sea level in the Mauna Kea, Hawaii. The Very Large Telescope, a European project, is 52.5 feet in diameter and situated in the mountains of Chile. The Hubble Space Telescope is a satellite telescope and can see images in outer space up to 14 billion light years away.            Galileo’s basic findings through the telescope evidently paved the way for giant leaps of astronomical findings in future years and gave us a better understanding of the universe. Works Cited: Bellis, M. (2005). History of the Telescope – Binocular. Retrieved September 1, 2007, from http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/bltelescope.htm Mould, J.A., Geffner, S.L., Lesser, S.M., (1991). General Science (3rd ed.).     New York: Amsco School Publications. Pogge, R.W. (2006). Lecture 16: The Starry Messenger: Galileo Galilei the  Telescope. In An Introduction to Solar System Astronomy (Astronomy 161). Retrieved September 1, 2007, from http://www-astronomy.mps.ohio- state.edu/~pogge/Ast161/Unit3/galileo.html  Zak, A. (2001). Vostok 1: Dawn Of Human Space Flight. Retrieved September 1,        2007, from http://www.russianspaceweb.com/vostok1.htm            [1] Although the credit for the invention of spyglass or early telescope was often given to Hans Lippershey of Holland, there was no sufficient evidence that he was the first to make one. See Bellis (2005).
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Another Catcher In The Rye :: essays research papers fc
Here is an essay on "The Catcher in the Rye" Hope you will be able to post it! Through Holden's Eyes The Catcher in the Rye has truly earned it's place among great classic works. J. D. Salinger created a literary piece that was completely unique. The entire novel was written in the first person view of the 17-year-old, Holden Caulfield. The majority of the story is compiled of Holden's rudimentary monologue of 'complexly simple' thoughts, the rest utilizing his relay of previous dialogue. That and the use of unique punctuation, digressing explanations, and complex characterization, transformed the simple plot into the complex literary classic. The novel's dialogue and monologue alike, manage to relay the feel of natural speaking such as: "I mean you'd be different in some way - I can't explain what I mean." The contractions; you'd and can't - since they are common in everyday language - establish a very common and simple tone. Stress on the first syllable of "different," reinforces the tone by demonstrating how typically they speak, just as in reality. He uses dashes for pauses and signaling associative digressions. Instead of signaling pauses, commas are used mostly where mechanically required, for instance: "So all of a sudden, I ran like a madman across the street - I d*** near got myself killed doing it, if you want to know the truth - and went in this stationary store and bought a pad and pencil." Holden Caulfield creates a thought provoking point of view. On the surface many of his thought patterns seem unrelated and straying from the topic. His association of topic with digression is used almost constantly throughout the novel. However, realizing that these digressions are very relevant and even crucial to the topic allow the reader to gain true insight to the character. His statements about his sister's intelligence, followed by explanations of how well she listens, reveals Holden's associations of intelligence with being quiet and observant. Another example would be his tension around the nuns. Even though he enjoyed the conversation, he worried about being asked if he was Catholic. He stated they "...would have liked it better if he were Catholic." This gives insight to his discomfort with being judged morally, and to his association of people of morals looking down on those who don't share them. In Holden's descriptions and thoughts, Salinger accomplished the most unique aspect of the story's point-of-view. Instead of using the popular - however overrated - style of well refined thoughts and flowery descriptions, Salinger describes things as they are perceived upon a first impression. Naturally the human mind does not instantly process first encounters or experiences
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
McNeal Book Review Final Essay
Abstract This paper will constitute a review of Practicing Greatness: 7 Disciplines of Extraordinary Spiritual Leaders,1 with attention given to the disciplines themselves, as well as the rationale and method that McNeal believes will lead to leadership success. The work begins with a quotation from Elton Trueblood that sets the tone for the book’s contents. Trueblood states that â€Å"Deliberate mediocrity is a sin,†2 and to be mediocre is to be without discipline. McNeal penned this work to highlight the disciplines that lead to greatness, both spiritual and in leadership. Interestingly, the listed â€Å"Disciplines†require a course of action on the part of the reader; and this implies not being idle or in the words of Trueblood, mediocre. The â€Å"Disciplines†comprise seven chapters and are noted as follows: The discipline of selfâ€â€awareness is crucial as it safeguards the leader against unhealthy views of self and needs as well as from task oriented rather than people oriented. The discipline of selfâ€â€management supports the claim that great leaders are great managers, not merely of others but, primarily and chiefly, of themselves. The discipline of selfâ€â€development is indicative of all great leaders. They will never stop learning and developing. The discipline of mission honors the propensity of great leaders to sacrifice themselves to great causes. The discipline of decision making sets great leaders apart from good or average leaders. The discipline of belonging characterizes great leaders’ ability to retain and nurture significant relationships that in turn nurture their lives. The discipline of aloneness celebrates great leaders’ ability and grace not only to endure the loneliness of leadership but to actually build solitude into their lives. The over-arching theme of the book, is the spiritual leader that is truly â€Å"great,†achieves that distinction not â€Å"for what they do for themselves or even as a way to become recognized as great leaders. Their end game is about expanding the kingdom of God.†3 Great leaders are cognizant of their inner selves and the signals they send to others via actions. In Boundaries, Cloud and Townsend list four boundary personalities that can derail a leaders’ ability to maintain trust and influence in those they lead. These boundaries are noted as â€Å"Complaints, Avoidants, Controllers and Non-responsives.†4 To augment the above, McNeal cites Gary McIntosh and Samuel Rima’s identification of the leaders’ â€Å"dark-side†comprised of the following characteristics: 1. Compulsive Leaders 2. Narcissistic Leaders 3. Paranoid Leaders 4. Co-dependent Leaders5 McNeal notes that â€Å"Great leaders are great managersâ€â€not just managers of projects or other people but mostly of themselves.†6 Yet they are also distributors of â€Å"blessing and encouragement†7 with their work done in humility and in a servant mentality, guaranteeing â€Å"extraordinary character and exceptional competence developed over time.†8 The author writes with people in view first, and then delves into the varied aspects of leadership based on the disciplines listed in the contents of the book. McNeal draws from years of ministry and teaching experience to demonstrate from Scripture that biblical leadership is possible if one is committed to looking at themselves in light of what Scripture states regarding our condition. Current patterns and preconceptions must be dealt with before change can be implemented; and McNeal provides support from biblical characters who, while not perfect, heeded sound wisdom and learned from experiences so that they would be able to become prepared for what God had planned for them to do. In this regard, McNeal states that all spiritual leaders must flesh out superlatives to distinguish the essence of their call from God to ministry. Questions to be asked in this regard below, will aid the future/current leader in providing answers to questions he/she might have regarding their present ministry or avocation: a. What people or cause do you feel drawn to? b. What do you want to help people do or achieve or experience? c. How do you want to help people? d. What message do you want to deliver? e. How do you intend to serve or have an impact on the world? f. Why did you say yes to God to begin with?9 Mc Neal expounds on leadership and those who will seek to carry it out. the work is not overtly religious, yet it is balanced in the biblical references included. The illustrations of real people in real situations and with real leadership styles are instrumental in bringing clarity and focus to an exhaustive subject. The author has clearly demonstrated his objectives set out in the introduction, and has provided examples for leadership that are able to be implemented in all business applications and not merely the church only. This work is to be commended for anyone interested in not only what makes leaders great; but as well, how they arrived at the summit and are able to remain there. Two things are clear from a complete reading of this book: 1. Great spiritual leaders are committed consciously and intentionally to the spiritual disciplines 2. Great leaders feel blessed, have an attitude of gratitude and have chosen excellence before God and men. Response One major life experience that this book triggered involves the section of â€Å"Managing Expectations in The Discipline of Self-Management.10 I had recently been promoted to assistant manager at my place of employment where I was to be responsible for the implementation of new sales protocols. In reading McNeal, and in retrospect, I realize that because an understanding of self-awareness was lacking, I set expectations so high my natural and learned abilities could not stay even with them. I failed in goals I set and therefore lost confidence in my ability to manage others who worked under me. I knew that there were things which were wrong in how I was doing things; yet I could not figure it out. I arrived at the point where I felt that I would become ill anytime I had to make decisions on the job. I sat down and cried because things seemed to have no solution where it seemed, I was able to find solutions and fix things. I remember hearing a preacher once who was teaching on the wisdom of God and the finiteness of the mind of men. I took my Bible out and went to the concordance where I searched for words and phrases relating to wisdom, mind and knowledge, and I was led to Proverbs 3:5-6 which states to 5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (KJV). After studying these verses, I realized that not only was I lacking understanding of self-awareness, I was lacking in acknowledging God faithfully considering his infinite wisdom and sovereignty. This was the point where I had to confess my sins of ingratitude and ignorance of God and his power and wisdom. I knew in my heart that I would have to pray and listen to God through his Word more than I ever had; and I knew that I would have to be disciplined so that I would not find it easy to revert to where I had been before in my working life without him. Reflection One question that immediately came to my mind the further I went in this book was why McNeal did not incorporate more Scripture references than he did, or at the least alluded to? The â€Å"disciplines†of extraordinary spiritual leaders, one might think, would be found in Scripture with an excursus into what these disciplines entail. Were the decision left to me, I would have drawn especially from the teachings of Christ; and from various leaders found within the pages of the sacred text.11 In retrospect, McNeal gave considerable attention to various disciplines within the teaching (illustrating) and ministry (practical) of Christ; yet the reader would likely desire more from the author in these regards than what he did present. There were areas of this work that read more as a psychological development course than the dynamics of spiritual development as the sanctified life of the leader will become apparent within his or her duties regardless the arena they work in. In r eading and discussing this book with my husband, I feel that a sense of balance would have been achieved were McNeal delved a bit more into biblical application of the topics he presented throughout. In terms of fleshing out the ordinary from the extraordinary, McNeal provides generous circumstances and situations from his own ministry life to demonstrate that every aspect of self-awareness and development hinge upon how the person views him/her-self in light of the truth. These â€Å"truths†are the non-negotiable prima fasciae of obedience to God and his will. In terms of readability, this work does not pose difficulty in determining where the author is headed in his teaching. The main issue is that more references to biblical characters might help to balance the illustrations of modern day people within various ministry or organizational structures. Action One of the first things I aim to accomplish in my life is to focus more on God and his wisdom rather than my own. It is so easy and tempting to second guess what one should do to achieve desired results; and more often than not, I have been guilty of over-guessing what I should do to the point that I am correcting every aspect of something to the point of micro-management and monarchial temperament. In the second place, I must set aside daily and consistent times to be alone with God in prayer and meditation on him rather than myself and my needs. I realize that most issues may be solved with remembering that â€Å"he must increase while I decrease†(Jn. 3:30). The power of God is not going to be neither availed nor prevalent if one does not fully relinquish the reins of their life to him, thus following rather than leading him. The above can have no time-table for measurement, so it seems best to state that it is a daily discipline that only grows and develops properly over a course of time never ending. My ministry now and in the future will very likely utilize vast sections of this work with a focus on the three â€Å"Self’s:†Self-Awareness, Self-Management and Self-Development. I must commit to long-term developed and sustained growth interspersed with bench-marks as a measurement to demonstrate that I am growing and ministering properly. The people I will eventually teach and lead have a right to know what will be expected of them; they also have a right to point out the missteps leaders can make. Here is where I need to be receptive to criticism and rebuke; not wearing my emotions on my sleeve, rather, considering what is being said and then praying to God for the mind to take the necessary steps to corrective action and further development. I know where I am at now, even if I have not fully figured out everything about myself. I do anticipate a long road ahead toward restructuring and complete discipline; yet I believe that â€Å"the race does not belong to the swift, but to those who will never quit†(Eccl. 9:11). Bibliography McNeal, Reggie. Practicing Greatness: 7 Disciplines of Extraordinary Spiritual Leaders. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 2006.
Sunday, January 5, 2020
Definition and Meaning of Illiteracy
Illiteracy is the quality or condition of being unable to read or write. Illiteracy is a major problem throughout the world. According to Anne-Marie Trammell, Worldwide, 880 million adults have been labeled as illiterate, and in the United States it is estimated that almost 90 million adults are functionally illiterate, that is to say that they do not have the minimal skills needed to function in society (Encyclopedia of Distance Learning, 2009). In England, says a report from the National Literacy Trust, Around 16 percent, or 5.2 million adults, can be described as functionally illiterate. They would not pass an English GCSE and have literacy levels at or below those expected of an 11-year-old (Literacy: State of the Nation, 2014). Observations The subculture of illiteracy is larger than anyone on the outside would ever believe. The National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) conducted a study of illiteracy among adults in the United States in 2003, the results of which were released in December 2005. NAAL found that 43 percent of the total population aged 16 and older, or some 93 million people, ranked at the below-basic or basic level in their reading skills. Fourteen percent of the adult population had below-basic skills in reading and understanding prose texts, a percentage that was unchanged from 1992 when the first NAAL report was released.The gap between the 43 percent at below-basic and basic prose literacy and the 57 percent at intermediate and proficient raises the question: How can those at lower levels compete in a world that demands increasing literacy skills? Not surprisingly, the NAAL study found that among adults with below-basic prose literacy, 51 percent were not in the labor force. (John Corcoran, The Br idge to Literacy. Kaplan, 2009) Illiteracy and the Internet As teenagers’ scores on standardized reading tests have declined or stagnated, some argue that the hours spent prowling the Internet are the enemy of reading, diminishing literacy, wrecking attention spans and destroying a precious common culture that exists only through the reading of books.But others say the Internet has created a new kind of reading, one that schools and society should not discount. The Web inspires a teenager who might otherwise spend most of her leisure time watching television, to read and write. (Motoko Rich, Literacy Debate: Online, R U Really Reading? The New York Times, July 27, 2008) Literacy as a Continuum of Skills Illiteracy has fallen from one in five people to almost nonexistent over a century and a bit. But illiteracy clearly isn’t a single on-or-off switch. It’s not just you can read and write or you can’t. Literacy is a continuum of skills. Basic education now reaches virtually all Americans. But many among the poorest have the weakest skills in formal English.That combines with another fact: more people are writing than ever before. Even most of the poor today have cell phones and internet. When they text or scribble on Facebook, they’re writing. We easily forget that this is something that farmhands and the urban poor almost never did in centuries past. They lacked the time and means even if they had the education. (Robert Lane Greene, Schotts Vocab Guest Post: Robert Lane Greene on Language Sticklers. The New York Times, March 8, 2011)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)