The Cuban Missle Crisis Essays - Soviet UnionUnited States Relations

The Cuban Missle Crisis Essays - Soviet UnionUnited States Relations The Cuban Missle Crisis The world will never be the same since October of 1962. It is now known as the Cuban Missile Crisis. The U.S. learned that the Soviets were building nuclear missile bases on Cuba because the Soviets wanted to close the missile gap. Even though the Soviet Union promised they would not attempt to place nuclear weapons in Cuba, they put them there anyway in hopes that the U.S. would not find out until it was too late to do anything about it. The ploy almost worked. The nuclear bases were very near completion when a U.S. U-2 spy plane discovered the bases. The world held its breath as these events unfolded before their eyes; If any decision had have been different, it might have led to WW III. That is not a very comforting thought, knowing that we were so close to a nuclear holocaust. Many believe Kennedy made the right decision, I ! stand with that group; Others believe we should have conducted surgical strikes against the bases to show we would not tolerate a threat that close to our own shores. Kennedy was probably cautious about strikes because of the Bay of Pigs invasion which had failed so miserably just a year before. The Bay of Pigs invasion was an attempt by the U.S. to remove Castro from office. We armed and trained about 2000 Cuban exiles for this job. The hope was that a general uprising would begin, and Castro would be removed from office by his own people and not by any United States personnel. What cost the success of the mission was that the U.S. neglected to provide air cover for the troops. Of the 2000 troops, 300 were killed and the rest were taken prisoner. Evidently, Kennedy did not want another Bay of Pigs, so he elected to try a naval! blockade. He must have made the right choice, because we are still here today. An advantage that the U.S.S.R. had if we had not found the missile bases in time, would have been the first strike capability. This does not necessarily mean the ability to strike first, needless to say, any country can do that; It means the ability to strike first and disarm the opponent at the same time. If the U.S.S.R. had active nuclear missile bases in Cuba, many Americans feared that the Soviets could make an attempt take out our air bases without our even realizing it until it was too late. In being so close to the U.S. coast, they could conduct strikes against our B-52 bases virtually undetected by our radar. This would eliminate our ability to strike back at them. Even when we realized they were attacking it would be to late to do anything. With our ability to counter attack gone, the Soviets could dictate whatever policy it wanted to the U.S., and we would have no choice but to accept their terms. If we did not, we would suffer the consequences (Smoke 36). Those consequences could be very harsh and detrimental to our society. A country that has first strike capability knows that it can start a war any time it chooses. On the other hand, a country that knows that they are not capable of first strike, will not be as willing to start a war. This was the problem we had encountered in Cuba. We believed that the placing of Soviet missiles inside of Cuba's borders would give them this first strike ability. In our eyes, that seriously endangered our national security. So we decided that we must either eliminate the threat, or have them withdraw all nuclear materials from their bases in Cuba (36-37). Richard Smoke, the author of Nuclear Arms Control: Understanding the Arms Race, sees the Soviets as a people who tried every option possible to get every advantage that they could. Khrushchev believed that putting nuclear missiles in Cuba was the most expedient way to close the missile gap with the United States. In Smoke's opinion, they were willing to risk WW III in order to obtain first strike capability. As he says, the plan almost worked, but a U.S. U2 spy plane discovered the secret bases

French Rhythm - Le Rythme

French Rhythm - Le Rythme Youve probably noticed, or at least heard others say, that the French language is very musical. The reason for this is that in French there are no stress marks on words: all syllables are pronounced at the same intensity (volume). In addition, many final consonants are liaised or enchaà ®nà ©s onto the next word. The lack of stress marks combined with liaisons and enchaà ®nements are what give French its rhythm: all of the words flow together like music. In contrast, English words each have a stressed syllable, which makes English sound comparatively choppy or staccato. (Im speaking purely from a linguistic point of view - this is not a judgment about which language sounds prettier.)Instead of stressed and unstressed syllables, French sentences are divided into rhythmic groups (groupes rythmiques or mots phonà ©tiques). A rhythmic group is a group of syntactically-related words in a sentence.* There are three basic kinds: Nominal (noun) groupsVerbal groupsPrepositional groups *Note that since the individual words within rhythmic groups are syntactically related, they are usually subject to required liaisons.The last syllable of each rhythmic group is accentuated in two ways. Intonation   Intonation refers to the pitch of someones voice. The last syllable of each rhythmic group inside the sentence is pronounced at a higher pitch than the rest of the sentence, while the final rhythmic groups final syllable is pronounced at a lower pitch. The only exceptions to this are  questions: in this case, the last rhythmic groups final syllable is also at a high pitch. Tonic accent The French tonic accent is a slight elongation of the final syllable in each rhythmic group. Rhythmic groups normally have up to 7 syllables, but this varies according to how quickly they are being spoken. If a sentence is spoken very quickly, some of the shorter rhythmic groups may be joined together. For example, Allez-vous au thà ©Ãƒ ¢tre  ? is short enough that you might choose to pronounce it as a single rhythmic group rather than Allez-vous  | au thà ©Ãƒ ¢tre  ?The following chart shows how rhythmic groups fit together. Click on the Listen links to hear each sentence pronounced at two different speeds. Due to the (lack of) quality of internet sound, I exaggerated the accentuation in the slow version. Please remember that this is just a guide to help you better understand rhythm and improve your French listening and speaking skills.   Nominal group Verbal group Prepositional Listen David et Luc | veulent vivre | au Mexique. slow normal Mon mari tienne | est prof danglais | Casablanca. slow normal Un tudiant | est arriv. slow normal Nous parlons | dun film. slow normal Allez-vous | au thtre ? slow normal

Introduction to e-commerce Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Introduction to e-commerce - Essay Example g intranets, extranets, ecommerce applications and the Web, to work closely with business partners and best satisfy the requirements of their customers. E-business methods assists companies to minimize costs significantly, take customer satisfaction to the highest levels, access new markets, craft added revenue routes and revive business relationships. Dell Computers sets the best example as a pioneering e-business today. E-business goes far beyond e-commerce. While e-business refers to more of strategic business focus, e-commerce is a division of an overall e-business strategy. Electronic business dealings which involve money are termed as e-commerce activities. They are sales based activities which are closely linked with the customers, suppliers and other business partners such as order taking, delivery, payment through credit cards and customer support (Adam 2003). Though there are various differences between e-commerce and e-business but the genuine distinction is mirrored in the excellence in performance of companies implementing them. As more businesses embrace the Internet revolution with rising enthusiasm, it is becoming necessary for businesses to swiftly shape a bay for themselves in cyberspace and better their

Reading Response on Design and Technology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Reading Response on Design and Technology - Essay Example Because of the nature of this new mode of computer interaction, this technology is now referred to as natural user interface. In terms of the core functionality of this technology, it’s noted that this technology is primarily concerned with visibility in terms of the main computer menus. Such interfaces have a history dating back to the 1960s, with multiple-touch systems debuting in the 1980s; prominently these interfaces have existed within game design and electronic input devices such as musical instruments. Still, one recognizes that such incorporations of the technology provide a liberal definition of the interface. Notably, Norman (2010) indicates that gestural interaction is not an objective element of human existence, but is culturally specific. In these regards, one considers that these technological innovations are not simply altering the way humans interact with computers, but extending the nature of cultural non-verbal communication globally. Still, Norman (2010) no tes that gestures also present a number of problems in successful computer integration. Many individuals will remember the poor functionality of the Nintendo Power Glove in the 1980s; still, Norman (2010) contends that with technological advancements many of these functional challenges can be overcome. While the contemporary implementation of Nintendo gestural technology in the Wii is demonstrated to have much higher functionality, the article notes that there still remain a number of complications in this incarnation. In terms of necessary technological advancements that still must be developed there are a number of specific elements considered. The article notes that momentum and viscous friction need to be combined so that motions on the screen continue to move after they occur. Another prominent area of concern is multiple computer interaction; Norman (2010) wonders if computers should designed so that an individual can make a gesture from one computer screen that will carry an object over to another. Norman (2010) compares such technological challenges to the challenges that were faced by individuals in developing Windows type operating systems. Some of the remaining questions are the extent that the technology should incorporate partial gesture systems or full-body gestural interaction. In these regards, Norman (2010, p. 9) notes, â€Å"We need ways of specifying scope, range, temporal order, and conditional dependencies.† The article also notes that the systems must develop sufficient feedback systems for continued technological development. There are a number of notable sociological contributions such technological advancements have been argued to contribute to the contemporary cultural lexicon. For instance, Norman (2010) notes that human gestural interaction with computer interfaces has created new structural modes of signification; Norman (2010, p. 8) states, â€Å"Shaking a device is starting to mean ‘provide another alternative.†™ A horizontal wiping motion of the fingers means to go to a new page.† In these regards, one considers that gestural interaction, or ‘natural use interface,’ not only constitutes a new mode of technology, but also a higher level of union between humans and technology. To an even greater extent, technology has become an extension of the human rather than a simple tool. The article also considers

Edward Mandell House Essay Example for Free

Edward Mandell House Essay Edward Mandell House (1858-1938) was a United States statesman and influential adviser of President Woodrow Wilson. House was born in Houston, Texas. His father was a banker. After attending Cornell University, he managed his inherited cotton plantations after his father has died and entered Texas politics due to his acquired wealth from his father. He was often called â€Å"Colonel House† because he held the rank of colonel on the staff of the governor of Texas. In 1912, Edward House played a major role in the nomination and election of Wilson to the presidency. As a personal representative of Wilson, Edward House tried to arrange peace negotiations in the early days of World War I. After the United States entered the war, he conferred with Allied statesmen on war aims and strategy. Edward House helped draw up Wilson’s Fourteen Points and the covenant of the League of Nations. He was a delegate to the Paris of Peace Conference in 1919. Edward House’s friendship with Wilson ended after he unsuccessfully urged the President to revise the Treaty of Versailles in order to secure its ratification by the United States Senate.

Individualism versus Collectivism in The Fountainhead Essay example --

Individualism versus Collectivism in The Fountainhead      Ã‚  Ã‚   The theme of The Fountainhead as stated by its author, Ayn Rand, is "individualism versus collectivism, not in politics, but in man's soul." Three major characters serve as types for the noble, contemptible, and parasitic in this comparison. Howard Roark is an architect who serves as Rand's model for individualism to the extent that he is willing to sacrifice everything he has in order to retain his status as an individual. Ellsworth Monkton Toohey is a charismatic genius who uses his knowledge of human nature and collectivism to manipulate and control the masses, who hang on his every word. Peter Keating is an ambitious young man who is in all actuality exactly what the public says he is; he reaps the benefits--and the curses--of collectivism in his rise to and fall from the top. The actions and motives of these three men serve as a means of bringing the two concepts in question to life for the readers of The Fountainhead.    Howard Roark summarizes his philosophy of existence when, in the course of a courtroom speech, he states: "I came here to say that I do not recognize anyone's right to one minute of my life."(1) Roark designs buildings for a living, or more accurately, he lives to design buildings. He sees his clients as a secondary--albeit necessary--element of his profession. When someone asks him to design a building, he accepts only the basic requirements and funds for the project; he designs the structure to make optimum use of the building materials and construction site. He will agree to no suggestions or modifications; he builds for himself only, and his clients may accept it as they accept him, or reject it in much the same... ...ions of three distinct philosophies. Roark is the individualist--the man who will not borrow his life from others; he is the man who will give all he has to preserve the fundamental purity of his soul. Toohey is the propagator and employer of collectivism, the voice of the people, the enemy of the individual and everything it stands for. There is no Peter Keating--the name represents the shell of a man who is shaped and directed by society and its caprices. Peter Keating is collectivism incarnate. It is through the concrete characterization of each of these men that the reader is able to grasp the meaning of individualism and collectivism, and their effect on mankind.    1. The Fountainhead, 50th Anniversary Edition (Penguin Books), page 686, line 3. 2. ibid. page 640, line 7. 3. ibid. page 640, line 22. 4. ibid. page 637, line 6.   

A child centred society Essay

Present British society is certainly more child centred than it ever was. Some may argue Britain is a totally child centred society focusing on the needs and protection of children. However this hasn’t always been the case, back to as recent as just before the 20th century children were regarded as ‘little adults’ who could be hanged or punished for crimes, work and behave just the same as adults. However there was a major change in attitudes starting with the 1870 education act giving children from the ages 5-13 an opportunity for education. As the ‘little adults’ were now attending school rather than being an economic asset to the family-by going out to work- they became a financial responsibility, more of an investment for the parents, a view reinforced by recent statistics showing an average child costs i 155. 60 a week in the UK. Other social policies devised by the government include the factory acts such as the factory and workshop act of 1901 raising minimum working age to 12 and then consequently up to 16. the 1889 prevention of cruelty to children act was another policy, all these with the combination of recent laws restricting the use of drugs, alcohol, smoking and sex to for under 16s and 18s have sent out the message that children were not the same as adults, needed to be treated differently and above all needed protection. These, along with welfare provisions such as social services, child benefits and higher standard of living and medical knowledge ensure better attachment to the children have led to a massive change of attitude where the difference between children and adults is concerned, and ensure children stay healthy and safe being protected. However some may argue that Britain is far from being the rosy happy child centred society it may be portrayed as, Neil Postmans view is that if Britain was indeed a completely child centered society there would be no threat to children whatsoever. This is no the case with 17,727 cases of sexual crimes against children being reported in 2010/11 within England and whales. Along with 1 in 9 young adults reporting experiences of physical violence committed by adults in there childhood means although the majority of children are protected its not all. Neil Postman also argues childhood is disappearing due to the increasing integration of children and adults life accessed via the media, exposing children to adult issues and behaviour through tv programmes such as soaps are bringing the lives of children and adults closer. This is also reflected in the increasing similarity of dress ode between young children and their adult counterparts. To conclude I would say Britain is, at the moment mainly a child centered society, we do not have an economy dependant by 20% on children unlike India so it is definitely better than most. However it cannot be said that Britain is totally a child centered society although it has improved greatly not all children do experience the protection they needed and do come across violence and abuse in their childhood.

Personal Trainer Essay

1. What options does Personal Trainer have for developing a new system? What are some specific issues and options that Susan should consider in making a decision Creating a web site that allows members to login and access information about their personalized fitness program. Susan needs to do some research and find out what internet development environments she wants to use such as web sphere or .net by Microsoft. Susan needs to look at the similarities and differences between the old and new center. 2. Susan has been asked to prepare a system requirements document and deliver a presentation to the management team. What should be the main elements of the system requirements document? Susan needs to create a document that includes an introduction, summary, findings, recommendations, time and cost estimates, expected benefits and an appendix, and maybe to also include charts, graphs, and/or other helpful visuals in the document to support her presentation. 3. Based on the suggestions in Part A of the Systems Analyst’s Toolkit, what visual aids should Susan use during her presentation? Susan should use power point as a visual aid, some flip charts, overhead transparencies, videos, slides, to improve her presentation. She should also prepare a contingency plan in case anything was to happen to her presentation. 4. Susan wants to prepare a presentation that will calculate the total cost of ownership for the system. What financial analysis tools are available to her, and what are the advantages (and possible disadvantages) of each tool? Payback Analysis – is the process of determining how long it takes an information system to pay for itself. The time it takes to recover the systems cost is called the payback period. Susan Can use this tool to see how long it will take to recoup her costs. Return on Investment (ROI) – percentage rate that measures profitability by comparing the total net benefits (return) received from a project to the total costs. Susan can use this tool to calculate how long it will take to see a return on her investments Net Present Value (NPV) – This tool will

Analysis of the Evolution Essays

Analysis of the Evolution Essays Analysis of the Evolution Essay Analysis of the Evolution Essay See whether the question is of (I) 500 words, (it) 250 words or (iii) 100 words. For the first and second it may be necessary to write a description with a comment. For the third YOU have to pick out the necessary facts and arrange them precisely. B) Selection This meaner picking out from your material the matter important for answering your question: For this: Take notes of the relevant material. Look them over carefully. Delete information not directly relevant to the question. Prepare a first draft. This will help you in getting a clear idea of what information you want to put down and what o want to leave out. This will also help in giving your plan a practical shape. C) Presentation : Prepare now a second draft. This is important for putting down your ideas in a sharp and clear manner. With this you will get an idea as to how you will be able to state what you want to say within the word limits. Prepare a Tanta or a Tall art to scene out winner you nave put clown all you wanted to say. Read to check whether your answer is within the word limits. D) Interpretation: Interpretation is a constant process in history writing. It is already reflected in your planning and selection. Explanatory comments with phrases like may be, because, could be, etc. , immediately introduce an element of interpretation in writing itself. Here you have to be careful that these comments can be supported by the material you have in the answer. Note: In case you run short of time you should prepare a rough draft, check that you havent left anything out, and go on to write the final draft. Now we believe you are ready to answer the questions. Tutor Marked Assignment (TAMA) Assignment code: BASH-III /SAT,TAMA/2012-13 Total Marks: 100 Descriptive Category Questions (DC) answer any two in 500 words each: Analyses the evolution of man as a tool making animal. 20 Does the post Industrial society differ from the Industrial society? Explain Analyses the role of Gandhi in the National Movement. How do you assess the performance of Indian Economy during the initial years of Globalization (since 1991)? B. Middle Category Questions (MAC) answer any four in 250 words each: 5. Discuss the achievements of Renaissance in the field of art and architecture. 12 Has the Indian Economy made any progress in the field of Distributive Justice? Discuss the directive Principles of State policies. Discuss the fundamental Rights guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. How are the different? What role do non-state actors play in the democratic process? Discuss. Want role does cord Initial play In ten management AT organizations* . Diddles. 10. Discuss the concept of governance. Is fostering openness in the system a part of DOD governance. 11. How do you look at the concept of Human Security? Discuss. 12. Discuss the concept of Digital Divide. How do you think it can be bridged? Short Category Questions (SC) Secularism Abernathy Lealer Paintings Kyoto Protocol

Major Events in the Trojan War

Major Events in the Trojan War The ancient Greeks traced their history to mythological events and their genealogy to the gods and goddesses. Perhaps the most pivotal event in the early history of ancient Greece was the Trojan War. This is that most famous of ancient wars that the Greeks ended with an insidious gift. We call it the Trojan Horse. We know about the Trojan War primarily from the works of the poet Homer (the Iliad and the Odyssey), as well as stories told in other ancient literature, known as the Epic Cycle. ​Goddesses Set the Trojan War in Motion According to ancient, non-eye-witness reports, a conflict among the goddesses started the Trojan War. This conflict led to the famous story of Paris (known as The Judgment of Paris) awarding a golden apple to the goddess, Aphrodite. In return for Paris judgment, Aphrodite promised Paris the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen. This world-class Greek beauty is known as Helen of Troy and called the face that launched a thousand ships. Perhaps it didnt matter to the godsespecially the goddess of lovewhether Helen was already taken, but for mere mortals it did. Unfortunately, Helen was already married. She was the wife of King Menelaus of Sparta. Paris Abducts Helen Discussed in more detail in connection with Odysseuswho was one of the leaders of the Greek (Achaean) side of the Trojan Waris the importance of hospitality in the ancient world. While Odysseus was away, suitors abused the hospitality of Odysseus wife and household. Odysseus, however, relied on the hospitality of strangers to survive his 10-year odyssey home. Without certain standards of expected behavior on the part of host and visitor, anything could happen, as, indeed, it did when the Trojan prince Paris, a guest of Menelaus, stole from his host. Now, Menelaus had been aware of the possibility that his wife, Helen, would be snatched from him. Helen had been snatched before their marriage, by Theseus, and she had been courted by almost all the Achaean leaders. When Menelaus finally won the hand of Helen, he (and Helens father) extracted a promise from all the other suitors that they would come to his aid should Helen be taken away again. It was on the basis of this promise that Agamemnonacting on brother Menelaus behalfwas able to coerce the Achaeans to join forces with him and his brother and sail against the Asian city-state of Troy to win back Helen. Trojan War Draft Dodgers Agamemnon had trouble rounding up the men. Odysseus feigned madness. Achilles tried to pretend he was a woman. But Agamemnon saw through Odysseus ruse and Odysseus tricked Achilles into revealing himself, and so, all the leaders who had promised to join did so. Each leader brought his own troops, weapons, and ships and stood, poised to sail, at Aulis. Agamemnon and His Family Agamemnon was from the  House of Atreus, that cursed family that stemmed from Tantalus, a son of Zeus. Tantalus had spitefully served the gods a feast with an awful main course, the cooked body of his own son Pelops. Demeter was upset at the time because her daughter, Persephone, had disappeared. This left her distracted, so unlike all the other gods and goddesses, she failed to recognize the meat dish as human flesh. As a result, Demeter ate some of the stew.  Afterward, the gods put Pelops back together again, but there was, of course, a missing part. Demeter had eaten one of Pelops shoulders, so she replaced it with a piece of ivory. Tantalus did not get off unscathed. His well-suited punishment helped inform the Christian vision of Hell. Tantalus  familys behavior remained unimproved through the generations. Agamemnon and his brother Menelaus (Helens husband) were among his descendants. Raising the ire of the gods seems to have come very naturally to all the descendants of Tantalus. The Greek troops heading for Troy, under the lead of Agamemnon, waited at Aulis for  a wind  that just wouldnt come.  Eventually, a seer named Calchas deduced the problem: The virgin huntress and goddess, Artemis, had been offended by a boast Agamemnon had made about his own hunting skills. To appease Artemis, Agamemnon had to sacrifice his own daughter Iphigenia. Only then would the winds come to fill their sails and let them set off from Aulis to Troy. To put his daughter Iphigenia to the sacrificial knife was hard for Agamemnon the father, but not for Agamemnon the military leader. He sent word to his wife that Iphigenia was to marry Achilles at Aulis (Achilles was left out of the loop). Clytemnestra and their daughter  Iphigenia  went happily to Aulis for a wedding to the great Greek warrior. But there, instead of a marriage, Agamemnon performed the deadly ritual. Clytemnestra would never forgive her husband. The goddess Artemis  appeased, favorable winds filled the sails of Achaean ships so they could sail to Troy. The Action of the Iliad Begins in the Tenth Year Well-matched forces dragged the Trojan War on and on. It was in its tenth year when the climactic and most dramatic events finally took place. First, a sacrilegious Agamemnon, leader of all the Achaeans (Greeks), captured a priestess of Apollo. When the Greek leader refused to return the priestess to her father,  a plague  struck the Achaeans. This plague may have been  bubonic since it was connected with the  mouse-aspect  of Apollo. Calchas, the seer, summoned once again, augured that health would be restored only when the priestess was returned. Agamemnon agreed, but only if he could have a substitute war prize: Briseis, Achilles concubine. When Agamemnon took Briseis from Achilles, the hero was outraged and refused to fight. Thetis, Achilles immortal mother, prevailed upon Zeus to punish Agamemnon by making the Trojans stymy the Achaeansat least for a while. Patroclus Fights as Achilles Achilles had a dear friend and companion at Troy named Patroclus. In the movie  Troy, he is Achilles cousin. While thats a possibility, many consider the two not so much cousins, in the sense of son of ones uncle, as lovers. Patroclus tried to persuade Achilles to fight because Achilles was so capable a warrior that he could turn the tide of battle. Nothing had changed for Achilles, so he refused. Patroclus presented an alternative. He asked Achilles to let him lead Achilles troops, the Myrmidons. Achilles  agreed and even  lent  Patroclus his armor. Dressed like Achilles and accompanied by the Myrmidons, Patroclus went into battle. He acquitted himself well, killing a number of Trojans. But then the greatest of the Trojan heroes, Hector, mistaking  Patroclus  for Achilles, killed him. Now the situation was different for Achilles. Agamemnon was an annoyance, but the Trojans were, once again, the enemy. Achilles was so grieved by the death of his dear Patroclus that he reconciled with Agamemnon (who returned Briseis), and entered the battle. A Madman Kills and Disgraces Hector Achilles met Hector in single combat and killed him. Then, in his madness and grief over Patroclus, Achilles dishonored the Trojan heros body by dragging it  around  the ground tied to his chariot by a belt. This belt had been given Hector by the Achaean hero Ajax in exchange for a sword. Days later, Priam, Hectors aged father and  the king of Troy, persuaded Achilles to stop abusing the body and return it for proper burial. The Achilles Heel Soon after, Achilles was killed, wounded in the one spot  where  legend tells us he was not immortalhis heel. When Achilles was born, his mother, the nymph Thetis, had dipped him into the river Styx to confer immortality, but the spot where she held him, his heel, remained dry.  Paris  is said to have hit that one spot with his arrow, but Paris wasnt that good a marksman. He could only have hit it with divine guidancein this case, with the help of Apollo. The Next Greatest Hero The Achaeans and Trojans valued the armor of fallen soldiers. They triumphed in capturing the helmets, weapons, and armor of the enemy, but also prized that of their own dead. The Achaeans wanted to award the armor of Achilles to the Achaean hero they thought came next in stature to Achilles. Odysseus won. Ajax, who thought the armor should have been his, went mad with rage, tried to kill his fellow countrymen, and killed himself with the sword which he had received from his belt-exchange with Hector. Aphrodite Continues to Help Paris What had Paris been up to all this time? Besides his dalliance with Helen of Troy and slaying of Achilles, Paris had shot and killed a number of Achaeans. He had even fought one-on-one with Menelaus. When Paris was in danger of being killed, his divine protector, Aphrodite, broke the strap of the helmet, which Menelaus was clutching. Aphrodite then shrouded Paris in a mist so that he could escape back to  Helen of Troy. The Arrows of Hercules After the death of Achilles, Calchas uttered yet another prophecy. He told the Achaeans they needed the bow and arrows of Hercules (Herakles) to defeat the Trojans and end the war. Philoctetes, who had been left wounded on  the island of Lemnos, had said bow and poisoned arrows. So an embassy was sent to bring Philoctetes to the battlefront. Before he joined the Greek battle line, one of the sons of Asclepius healed him. Philoctetes then shot one of  Hercules  arrows  at  Paris. There was barely a scratch. But ironically, like the  wound  Paris had inflicted on Achilles one weak spot, that scratch was enough to kill the Trojan prince. The Return of Odysseus Odysseus  soon devised a way to end the Trojan Warthe erection of a giant wooden horse filled with Achaean (Greek) men to be left at the gates of Troy. The Trojans had noticed Achaean ships sailing away earlier that day and thought the giant horse was a peace (or sacrificial) offering from the Achaeans. Rejoicing, they opened the gates and led the horse into their city. Then, after 10 years of privations for the sake of the war, the Trojans brought out their equivalent of champagne. They feasted, drank hard, and fell asleep. During the night, the Achaeans stationed inside the horse opened the trap door, crept down, opened the gates, and let in their countrymen who had only pretended to slip away. The Achaeans then torched Troy, killing the men and taking the women prisoner. Helen, now  middle-aged but still a  beauty,  was reunited with her husband Menelaus. So ended the Trojan War and so began the Achaean leaders torturous and mostly deadly trips home, some of which are told in the sequel to The Iliad, The Odyssey, which is also attributed to Homer. Agamemnon  got his comeuppance at the hand of his wife Clytemnestra and her lover, Agamemnons cousin Aegisthus. Patroclus, Hector, Achilles, Ajax, Paris, and countless others were dead, but the Trojan War dragged on.

Psychological Theories in Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Psychological Theories in Education - Essay Example In recent years, the focus has been on creating a socialization process which assists the novice educators in understanding and applying general insights relating to teaching and learning. Thus, it can be seen that various theoretical approaches and practices were suggested by several psychological theorists in the history of education. In the 20th century, one most prominent researcher in developmental psychology has been Jean Piaget (1896-1980) who was mainly interested in the biological influences on how people come to know or learn and considered himself a genetic epistemologist. He is one of the most significant education theorists who has dealt with the cognitive as well as constructivist strategies of learning and contributed heavily to the various aspects of education through his significant theories. The Piagetian theory of cognitive development and constructivist learning theory have both had a significant impact in the field of education. Jean Piaget is the central contrib utor of Cognitive constructivism which is mainly based on his work. The two major aspects of his theory are the process of coming to know and the stages one moves through as one gradually acquires the ability to know. In an analysis of Piag... to the physical and mental stimuli is of significant value for human beings to survive in any kind of environment and this process of adaptation incorporates both assimilation and accommodation. According to Piaget, every individual holds mental structures. It is through assimilation of external events, and conversion of these events to suit one's mental structures that one gains the ability to adapt to the physical and mental stimuli. Furthermore, it is important to realize that the mental structures themselves lodge to new, strange, and frequently changing aspects of the outer environment. The second principle of Piaget, termed as organization, is concerned with the nature of the adaptive mental structures which he explained through the first principle. According to Piaget, the organization of the mind is in multifarious and integrated ways. It is important to understand the theories of Piaget in relation to the mental development of the child. "Piaget's theory has two major parts: an "ages and stages" component that predicts what children can and cannot understand at different ages, and a theory of development that describes how children develop cognitive abilities." (Cognitive Constructivist Theories). Piaget's theory of cognitive development is the major foundation for cognitive constructivist approaches to teaching and learning. According to his theory of development, humans cannot be 'given' information which they immediately understand and use, but instead, they must 'construct' their own knowledge. They build their knowledge through experience which facilitates them to create schemas which can be understood as mental models. Through the complimentary processes of assimilation and accommodation, these schemas are changed, engorged, and made more sophisticated.