Technological Improvement Essays - Metanarratives, Historiography

Technological Improvement Many people today assume automatically that technology is progress. Still, there is some criticism of this view in America, partially because of 20th century wars and arms races. Marx visited China in 1984, and it seemed as though the Chinese were incredibly optimistic about western technology, and had little sense any problems that technology might create. Where did this idea of technology as progress come from, and where do the roots of distrust of technology come from? Early Americans like Ben Franklin saw technology as a means to achieving social and political liberation for the masses; it was part of the revolt from authoritarianism. If some technology, especially the factory system, would jeopardize these social and political goals, then that thing isn't worth its price in quality of life and should be rejected. As America became more industrialized, the new industrialists who had both money and power came to see the technology which they helped produce as an end in itself, or as a means to more purely economic ends. The used phrases like "manifest destiny" and "the conquest of nature" to help justify the increasing forces of technology, even at the cost of the environment or Native Americans, all in the name of "civilization." Technological advancement is seen as advancement, period, regardless of what social and political changes it might bring. There was a great deal of optimism that if we continue to make scientific innovations, the rest--quality of life, and social and political ideals--will take care of itself automatically. The "technocratic" ideal, which sees everything as parts of the machine, began to take control, and humanitarian goals like justice, freedom, and self-fulfillment became secondary. Technology was accepted unquestioningly, and efficiency and scientific progress were the main goals. This is the stage that the Chinese seem to be at, says Marx. However, there was some backlash from the technocratic view. Emerson, Thoreau, and others questioned whether we were remaking America for the better, and whether we were beginning to almost worship technology. They questioned whether new inventions were "improved means to unimproved ends" (p. 12), and whether we're becoming "the tools of our tools" (p. 12). However, it was hard to take this too seriously when rapid improvements were being made in the material conditions of life. Today, as we're becoming aware of some of the unintended effects of technology, many people are starting to wonder if technology is always a good thing. Is technology better used as a tool for social and political progress, or is it instead an end in itself? Moreover, can technology cure all of our social and political problems (for example, SDI)? The early notion of progress which saw technology as a mere means to more important ends provided natural limits, and a way of assessing particular pieces of technology. If, however, we view technology as an end in itself, we're not led to ever question its value or place any limits on it. Marx thinks we need to consider what we want our technologies to accomplish. Does technology mean progress? Progress toward what, Marx asks. What are our goals? When we answer that question, we can see that technology does not automatically mean progress toward those goals

How to Write a Resume or CV in English

How to Write a Resume or CV in English Writing a resume in English can be very different than in your own language. The first and most important step is to take the time to prepare your materials thoroughly. Taking notes on your career, education, and other accomplishments and skills will ensure that you can shape your resume to a wide variety of professional opportunities. This is a moderately difficult task that may take around two hours. What You Need PaperTypewriter or computerDictionaryThesaurusPast employer addresses Steps to Writing Your Resume First, take notes on your work experience - both paid and unpaid, full time and part-time. Write down your responsibilities, job title, and company information. Include everything!Take notes on your education. Include degree or certificates, major or course emphasis, school names, and courses relevant to career objectives.Take notes on other accomplishments. Include membership in organizations, military service, and any other special accomplishments.From the notes, choose which skills are transferable (skills that are similar) to the job you are applying for - these are the most important points for your resume.Begin resume by writing your full name, address, telephone number, fax, and email at the top of the resume.Write an objective. The objective is a short sentence describing what type of work you hope to obtain.Begin work experience with your most recent job. Include the company specifics and your responsibilities - focus on the skills you have identified as transferable.Cont inue to list all of your work experience job by job progressing backward in time. Remember to focus on skills that are transferable. Summarize your education, including important facts (degree type, specific courses studied) that are applicable to the job you are applying for.Include other relevant information such as languages spoken, computer programming knowledge, etc. under the heading Additional Skills. Be ready to speak about your skills in the interview.Finish with the phrase: References: Available upon request.Your entire resume should ideally not be any longer than one page. If you have had a number of years of experience specific to the job you are applying for, two pages are also acceptable.Spacing: Separate each category (i.e.  Work Experience, Objective, Education, etc.)  with an empty line to improve readability.  Make sure to read your resume carefully to check grammar, spelling, etc.  Prepare thoroughly with your resume for the job interview. Its best to get as much job interviewing practice as possible. More Tips for Writing a Solid Resume Use dynamic action verbs such as accomplished, collaborated, encouraged, established, facilitated, founded, managed, etc.Do not use the subject I, use tenses in the past, except for your present job. Example: Conducted routine inspections of on-site equipment.Place your work experience  before  your education. In English speaking countries, especially in the United States, work experience is the most important factor in hiring.Ask for permission to use someone as a reference  before  you interview for a position. Its also a good idea to let your references know that you will be interviewing if you havent interviewed for a while. In this way, references will be in the loop if a potential employer calls or sends an email for further information.  Dont include the contact information of your references on your resume. The phrase  available upon request  will suffice.  Use a thesaurus to help you improve work-related vocabulary and eliminate unnecessary repetition. Example Resume Heres an example resume following the simple outline above. Notice how work experience uses shortened sentences in the past without a subject. This style is more common than repeating I.   Sample Resume Peter Jenkins25456 NW 72nd AvenuePortland, Oregon 97026503-687-9812pjenkinshappymail.comObjectiveBecome an Executive Producer in an established recording studio.Work Experience2004 - 2008  Lead singer in a band which toured North America.Responsibilities included arranging music and recording live performances.After two years, managed entire group and bookings.2008 - 2010  Producer at Sound Mixers Aligned studios in San Diego, California.Collaborated with a wide range of musicians to help produce demo recordings for major recording labels.Developed sound profiles recording setups for small to large ensembles.Became accomplished on a wide range of audio software packages.2010 - PresentDirector of artist relations at Spooky People Studios.Responsible for establishing a solid working relationship with our artists while meeting the needs of Spooky People Studios.  Education2000 - 2004  Bachelor of Science University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee  Additional SkillsFluent in Spa nish and FrenchExpert in Office Suite and Google DocumentsReferencesAvailable upon request Final Tip Make sure to always include a cover letter when applying for a job. These days, a cover letter is usually an email to which you attach your resume. Check Your Understanding Answer  true  or  false  for the following questions regarding the preparation of your resume in English.   Provide the references contact information on your resume.Place your education before your work experience.  List your work experience in reverse chronological order (i.e. begin with your current job and go backward in time).Focus on transferable skills to improve your chances of getting an interview.Longer resumes make better impressions. Answers False -  Only include the phrase References available upon request.False -  In English speaking countries, especially the USA, its more important to place your work experience first.True -  Start with your current job and list in backward order.True -  Transferable skills focus on skills that will apply directly to the position for which you are applying.False -  Try to keep your resume to just one page if possible.

The Grassland Biome Habitat

The Grassland Biome Habitat The grassland biome includes terrestrial habitats that are dominated by grasses and have relatively few large trees or shrubs. There are three main types of grasslands- temperate grasslands, tropical grasslands (also known as savannas), and steppe grasslands. Sufficient Rainfall Most grasslands experience a dry season and a rainy season. During the dry season, grasslands can be susceptible to fires which often start as a result of lightning strikes. The annual rainfall in a grassland habitat is greater than the annual rainfall that occurs in desert habitats. Grasslands receive sufficient rainfall to support the growth of grasses and other plants, but not enough to support the growth of significant numbers of trees. The soils of grasslands also limit the vegetation structure that grows in them. In general, grassland soils are too shallow and dry to support tree growth. Variety of Wildlife Grasslands support a variety of wildlife including reptiles, mammals, amphibians, birds and many types of invertebrates. The dry grasslands of Africa are among the most ecologically diverse of all grasslands and support populations of animals such as giraffes, zebras, lions, hyenas, rhinoceroses, and elephants. The grasslands of Australia provide habitat for kangaroos, mice, snakes, and a variety of birds. The grasslands of North America and Europe support wolves, wild turkeys, coyotes, Canada geese, cranes, bison, bobcats, and eagles. Some common plant species that occur in North American grasslands include buffalo grass, asters, coneflowers, clover, goldenrods, and wild indigos. Key Characteristics The following are the key characteristics of the grassland biome: Vegetation structure that is dominated by grassesSemi-arid climateRainfall and soils not sufficient to support significant tree growthMost common at mid-latitudes and near the interiors of continentsGrasslands are often exploited for agricultural use Classification The grassland biome is classified within the following habitat hierarchy: Biomes of the World Grassland Biome The grassland biome is divided into the following habitats: Temperate grasslands - Temperate grasslands are habitats that are dominated by grasses and have lack trees and large shrubs. Temperate grasslands include tall-grass prairies which are wet and humid and short-grass prairies which are dry and experience hot summers and cold winters. The soil of temperate grasslands has an upper layer that is nutrient-rich. Seasonal droughts are often accompanied by fires that prevent trees and shrubs from growing.Tropical grasslands - Tropical grasslands are grasslands that are located near the equator. They have warmer, wetter climates than temperate grasslands and experience more pronounced seasonal droughts. Tropical grasslands are dominated by grasses but also have some scattered trees. The soil of tropical grasslands are very porous and drain rapidly. Tropical grasslands occur in Africa, India, Australia, Nepal, and South America.Steppe grasslands - Steppe grasslands are dry grasslands that border on semi-arid deserts. The grasses found in steppe grasslands is much shorter than that of temperate and tropical grasslands. Steppe grasslands lack trees except along the banks of rivers and streams. Animals of the Grassland Biome Some of the animals that inhabit the grassland biome include: African elephant (Loxodonta africana) - African elephants have a large head, large ears, and a long muscular trunk. The two front incisors of African elephants grow into large tusks that curve forward.Lions (Panthera leo) - Lions are the largest of all African cats. Lions inhabit the savannas of Africa and the Gir Forest in northwest India.Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) - Spotted hyenas inhabit the grasslands, savannas, and semi-deserts of sub-Saharan Africa. Their population densities are highest in the Serengeti, a vast plains ecosystem that stretches from northern Tanzania to southwestern Kenya.American bison (Bison bison) - Millions of bison used to roam North Americas grasslands, boreal regions, and scrublands but the relentless slaughter of bison for meat, hides, and sport drove the species to the brink of extinction.

Issue Invention Handout (Formulating an Issue) Assignment

Issue Invention Handout (Formulating an Issue) - Assignment Example Red is love, but also Chinese nationalism and the society in which the word is used can influence which meanings are intended. This was about method : both the way that Chinese people use English in their own way, but also there was an element of perception in how they view the mistakes that occur as something to be ashamed of rather than something funny. I wanted to show how technology creates a link with home for international students, and how this allows them to maintain their links with family, and also form new links with other international students, particularly by sharing images of family members. This is a kind of dual discourse and is very important for student welfare and motivation. There seems to be a clear difference between the way the university communicates with its international students on printed brochures – the language is more imperative and less â€Å"open† than it is in the brochures for other students. There seems to be a clear difference between the way the university communicates with its international students on printed brochures – the language is more imperative and less â€Å"inviting† than it is in the brochures for other

Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 38

Art - Essay Example The modern Conte crayons are in different assortment of colors that focus primarily on the nuances of shading and designing as opposed to bold coloration. Using Conte crayons, a skilled artist is capable of achieving very subtle shading that is almost photorealistic. Notably, Conte crayon often takes different mode of paining including graphite pencil painting, wax crayon, and watercolor among others (Avery 55). This is the initial stage of drawing and it is often referred to the mapping stage. This stage involves drawing ordinarily on white Lenox 100 paper using a graphite pencil (Avery 57). The above drawing is the road map to indicate where wax should follow. Applying wax on the above drawing leads to a wax crayon that is shown in the figure below The basis of using wax in this sketch is to protect areas that are intended to remain white; therefore, areas that are intended to be visible white are waxed. It is appropriate at this stage to use a reasonable amount of wax, for instance the size of the finger since that is would be sizable to cut. After this procedure, it is appropriate to slightly water the waxed surface to obtain a receptive and even surface. At this stage, it would be appropriate to introduce wash paint. In this case, a very light gray ink wash is introduced. Notably, the gray ink will not be used alone, but it will be mixed with small quantities of black ink. Mixing these two inks shall be done in a large presence of water (Avery 60). After obtaining the uniform ink, the solution is then applied or brushed onto the white paper. Notably, the waxed point will not darken like the rest of the drawing, but it will remain white. The media obtained herein is watercolor media and it is done below. This process can rep eat itself as many times and with different colors as possible, all the repetitions with depend on the artist and type of painting they intend to

Training Key Areas Essay Example for Free

Training Key Areas Essay Introduction Employees bring talent, happiness, productivity measures an organization overall prosperity. Corporate responsibility has become an important value in large organizations. At State Farm Insurance, they requires high levels of employee contribution, promoting, diversity to provide to the community. Working towards positive culture will build the employee value and moral over time. Todays society requires businesses to account for its value on various levels, organizational achievements, community success, and personal growth of employees within State Farm. This paper will analyze key trainings that focus on legal requirements, diversity, and employee growth with larger organizations. Legal Requirements The different situations that can result in legal actions include failure to meet all training requirements, injuries sustained during a training session. It is vital that each organization uses the correct copyright material within orientation and that they obtain permission. If permission is not asked for or obtained, the organization is punished by law. State Farm Automobile Insurance Company is looking for ways to structure the workforce so as to minimize the expense of benefits. , State Farm Automobile Insurance Company may require overtime rather than hiring new employees. State Farm utilizes independent contractors rather than hiring employees. Some of their choices are limited by legal requirements. Fair Labor Standards Act requires employees to be paid for their overtime if the employee is nonexempt (Cretella, P, 2013). The Internal Revenue Service limits the definition of independent contractors so employees know the difference as a temporary and permanent employee. Diversity Great diversity training within State Farm’s organization provides employees with the proper tools needed to attract new employees and maintain a diversity workplace. The development of diversity training is more than race, gender, culture and ethics. These training programs are offered to each employee and increases the abilities of growth and reduces complaints and lawsuits filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). When a complaint is filed with the EEOC that can be for any violation against the Civil Rights Act Noe,R.A. 2008). The Civil Rights Act title VII prohibits employment discrimination based on color, national origin, sex, or race (Risser, Rita, 2008). Women, minorities, senior citizens, and disabled workers are treated equally in training session. Diversity recognizes and respects people’s differences and realizes the full potential of promoting different cultures to all employees, staff, students, and consumers. The requirements for organizational training is ensuring all employees are present and none of the materials presented are offensive. Organizations that do not report expenses or reimbursement as income may harm the organization and damage their reputation. Cultural sensitivity has become increasingly important providing a healthy and productive work environment. Although diversity training can’t change individual’s beliefs, it has the ability to increase awareness, impart knowledge and educate employees further as to how to accept differences among fellow employees. Diversity initiatives enacted by State Farm Insurance Companies help to optimize the money spent on employee salaries, benefits, recruitment and training. In addition, observers characterize diversity training in different ways. Its proponents consider it morally correct because it respects diversity, recognizing the value and contributions of every human being. Employee Growth State Farm is committed to retaining talented associates and inviting their best contributions. State Farm expects associates to be accountable for their development, with development plans built in collaboration with and support from team leaders. State Farm employees have a bias toward internal  growth, supporting people who demonstrate a commitment to their own development with developmental plans. Managers begin to work closely with employees to mentor and provide them with any desired qualities that he or she may possess and be trained to further advance within the organization. The end result is more stress free environment and increase self-esteem and have fewer turn overs. State Farm does not end training with the new employees. State Farm feels that there are always opportunities to connect with their employees to the company’s business needs and goals. Providing the employees with a structured training and development program ensures State Farm that employees are receiving experience and background knowledge consistent with trends, current topics relevant to the organization and any other needed support. State Farm employees are continuously receiving training also ensures that all of us have the same exposure to the organizations initiatives. State Farm invests in employee, which makes the employee feel valued and connected with the organization, resulting in the employee being more effective, creative, and loyal to the organization. Results from legal requirements, diversity, and employee growth  Continuously evolution of organizations and employee laws has shaped the way organizations conduct themselves. Creating a work environment that is open to diversity, enables the organization and employees to experience and develop respect for one another. Diversity in the workplace is when the organization has a diverse work place for women and minorities and all guidelines are met. State Farm implements the guidelines of the Civil Rights Act to having an open door policy for all new hires, knowledge, and untapped skills which ensures a bright future for employees and the organization (Cretella, P 2013). Successful diversity of the workplace enable organizations to gain new talents and skills from an untapped resource. The push for employers to acknowledge women, minorities, and those with that are disabled as viable assets will only enhance the success of State Farm’s growth. Conclusion The road is open for all business and or organizations both large and small for diversity, employee growth, and legal requirements which assists with how the organization is conducted. At the end, State Farm has implemented its resources on diversity, employee growth, and legal requirements not only eliminate unnecessary lawsuits but ensures that State Farm Insurance is the organization is reviewed as the employer of choice. Reference http://trainingtoday.blr.com/free-training-webinars- Cretella, Peggy, 2013 http://www.fairmeasures.com/ask/enews/articles/new330.asp- Rita Risser, 2008

The Role of External Pressure in the Fight Against Apartheid and Minori

The Role of External Pressure in the Fight Against Apartheid and Minority Rule in South Africa External pressure played a very important part in bringing about the end of the apartheid. The embodied rejection of White domination in South Africa, in formations of protests, strikes and demonstrations caused a decade of turbulent mass action in resistance to the imposition of still harsher forms of segregation and oppression. The Defiance Campaign of 1952 carried mass mobilisation to new heights under the banner of non-violent resistance to the pass laws. These actions were influenced in part by the philosophy of Mohandas Gandhi. A critical step in the emergence of non-racialism was the formation of the Congress Alliance, including the ANC; South African Indian Congress; the Coloured People?s Congress; a small White congress organisation (the Congress of Democrats); and the South African Congress of Trade Unions. The Alliance gave formal expression to an emerging unity across racial and class lines that was manifested in the Defiance Campaign and other mass protests of this period, which also saw women?s resistance take a more organised character with the formation of the Federation of South African Women. In 1955, a Freedom Charter was drawn up at the Congress of the People in Soweto. The Charter enunciated the principles of the struggle, binding the movement to a culture of human rights and no racialism. Over the next few decades, the Freedom Charter was elevated to an important symbol of the freedom struggle. The Pan-Africans Congress (PAC), founded by Robert Sobukwe and based on the philosophies of ?Africanism? and anti-com... ...economy and increasing international pressure, these developments made historic changes inevitable. F.W. de Klerk, who replaced Botha as State President in 1989, announced at the opening of Parliament in February 1990 the unbanning of the liberation movements and release of political prisoners, notably Nelson Mandela. A number of factors led to this step. International financial, trade, sport and cultural sanctions were clearly biting. Above all, even if South Africa were nowhere near collapse, either militarily or economically, several years of emergency rule and ruthless repression had clearly neither destroyed the structures of organised resistance, nor helped establish legitimacy for the Apartheid regime or its collaborators. Instead, popular resistance, including mass and armed action, was intensifying.