ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction The question of the extent to which nature determines one’s situation in life has occupied humanity for a long time. With the world almost evenly split between proponents and critics of the notion of free will, this question has been the subject of many debates. Inherent in this argument is the question of whether one’s intellectual capacity is of more or less significance, relative to practice, in determining one’s success; and if it is, to what extent. This essay seeks to critique ‘Sorry Strivers: Talent Matters’ an article written by David Z. Hambrick and Elizabeth J. Meinz, published in the New York Times Opinion section on November 19, 2011. The article adds another voice to the long drawn talent versus practice question. The writers’ aim was to use their authority as associate professors of psychology to discredit the meritocratic and wishful notion that talent only matters up to a point after which practice becomes the single most important determinant in hindering or aiding the achievement of high skills. I do agree with their argument, although it is not so persuasively put across. Foremost, the article was written for the benefit of a general audience, a factor that influences its lack of depth in handling the subject in question. It does not go into the fine aspects of the talent versus practice argument. It cites only three studies for instance; one that supports the argument for practice and two in support of the importance of talent. By using these studies, it only gives a very shallow overview, one that can hardly be used to reach a conclusive position on the matter. The article cites the study carried out by Anders Ericsson and on whose basis those who refute the significance of talent argue. Ericsson compared the success levels of violin students with the practice hours they had accumulated by age 20. He found out that the more the practice hours clocked, the higher the success levels (Hambrick and Meinz). On the basis of these findings, Ericsson concluded that it really was practice, and not innate genius that determines how good we become in whatever field. Hambrick and Meinz don’t find these findings credible and taunt this study as the single supporting evidence that is cited by the champions of the practice argument. However, they don’t give reasons why we should question Ericsson’s findings. By say faulting Ericsson’s research design or methodology, the authors would have been more successful in influencing their readers to rejecting his findings. At the same time, it could be argued that the apparent lack of motivation to practice on the part of those categorized as least skilled in Ericsson’s study was a manifestation of their being naturally predisposed to fail due to limits imposed by their intellect. Because of this oversight, the article loses its persuasiveness against the arguments fielded by proponents of practice. The authors cite the findings of their own study, which found out that “where the practice habits of pianists were similar, intellectual ability accounted for the difference in their success” to suppo
Introduction The use of digital media technologies such as web videos, e-books, and social media is rising at a high pace. The deployment of digital media has revolutionized the mode of communication between organizations. Besides, it has enhanced the manner in which businesses engage and/or interact with their clients. The use of digital media opens another platform where different organizations can interact in real-time, irrespective of their geographical locations. The paper will discuss how social media was successfully used by the cable network academy, namely, Grammy, to attract young viewers who were previously not reached by the network’s traditional means of advertising. Synopsis of the Article Grammy, one of the United States’ giant music awards, faced a declined viewership among fans of the 18-49 age bracket. According to Wesley and Rohm (2010) in the article, ‘Social Media and the Grammy Awards: The ‘We’re all Fans’ Campaign’, only 14% of its viewers were found to be in the said age bracket. In 2010, the majority of its viewers were elderly females. The shortage of youthful viewers was reflected in the show’s advertisements, which had also declined greatly. Grammy was charged with a responsibility to attract more young viewers while at the same time retaining its elderly viewers. An online campaign entitled We’re All Fans was designed to carry out massive marketing of the show to a wider audience through social media. Additionally, the campaign integrated the traditional methods of marketing, including television and press, to carry out an all-round mission. Importantly, the traditional methods were used to redirect attention to the social media platform. Various artistes were also contacted to appear on the Grammy website as a way of boosting the campaign’s outreach. Of those contacted, Lady Gaga was the most resourceful since she attracted over two million viewers to the website. The campaign resulted in improved ratings for Grammy, as well as a 32% of viewership in the 18-34 age bracket. The goal of the Organization Grammy Academy was facing stiff competition from other cable and network platforms. It needed to revisit its marketing strategy or risk being relegated to oblivion. The giant media platform faced unique challenges that had been occasioned by a transformation in technology and demographics. The first challenge was the dwindling viewers, owing to the increased competition from peers (Hanna, Rohm, & Crittenden, 2011). Secondly, the majority of Grammy’s viewers fell in the older female category. This situation implied that the company had f
Introduction Print media dominated the information passage systems globally since the innovation of the Guttenberg around 1439. Every college student has a good grasp of printed media in from textbooks, magazines and other printed resources found in libraries for reference purposes. Before the Guttenberg revolution, information sharing was not consistent. What could be reported and available for reading at Chicago could have different information from that available in Oxford, yet, from one source or author. The generation of printing brought and internalized the idea of one author and one piece of information. Authors had property rights, which upon someone’s violation could lead to legal pursuits. The usage of a print media brought some sort of an ease with a help of which students in colleges and universities could cite their works freely using the same reference material if found globally. The electronic media came into existence upon the starting of a digital computer generation. This was around 1980s when the world wide web which has enabled several people from different parts of the world to search the Internet for information. The web contains information of interest for all fields in life; health, agriculture, tourism, transport, catering/ hospitality, and education just but to name a few. Although the Internet came into being in the 1980s and it became popular in 1990s in many homes across the United States of America and United Kingdom. The delay in popularising was on the reluctance with which people view the uptake of the Internet services. Now the Internet has
Introduction It is rather interesting to note that society today has such a well-established preconception regarding genders (i.e. men being superior to women etc.) that when presented with alternatives to such established norms the result has been subject to confusion, disdain, at times even violence as seen in the case of the LGBT (Lesbian Gay Bi-sexual Transsexual) community. Society and Gender Classification What must be understood is that society has gotten so used to its defined means of classification that it is, at times, unable to neither change nor tell the distinction between new forms of gender and merely masculine/effeminate behavior. Take for example the case of lesbians, gays, and classifications regarding cross-gendered behavior; at times men showing distinctly feminine attributes or women having distinctly masculine characteristics are often attributed as being homosexual or bisexual even though they never really showed any interest in the same sex (Devor, 527-534). One example of this in particular can be seen in the case of female bodybuilders who often look more masculine than some men (a feat that is aesthetically displeasing) and, at times, automatically classified as being lesbians despite the fact they are straight. In the same regard, homosexuality and bisexuality are often thought of by various parts of society as being nothing more than a form of cross-gendered behavior and not classified as their type of gender, which the LGBT community is endeavoring to dispel (Devor, 527 – 534). Women and Socially Constructed Notions of Gender When examining such a disposition towards classification it can be seen that people have become so used to the characteristics that define a particular gender or stereotype preconception that despite the latter proving otherwise the same “standard” continues to stick (Wilchins 187-191). For example, despite women showing that they are just as capable as men within the corporate world the same gender stereotype preconception continues to exist (which classifies women as being the weaker sex) which results in greater rights, privileges, and distinction being given to their less than capable male counterparts. Taking such a concept to its zenith are instances where women are mentally and physically abused by their spouses through what is known as domestic violence (Crenshaw, 431 – 37). When examining this particular concept what must be understood is that it is the endemic social concept of male superiority that is behind this situation wherein if such a concept did not exist it domestic violence wouldn’t occur in the first place. Conclusion In conclusion, it can be seen that there is much that needs to be changed regarding social distinctions for gender and the necessity of implementing some means of ensuring equal gender rights and roles for all. Works Cited Crenshaw, Kimberle. “Mapping the Margins: Intersection
Written by William Wycherley, The Country Wife qualifies as a captivating informative piece of chef-d’oeuvre that tables the characteristics of the contemporary society that range from intimacy and hypocrisy amongst others. Harry Horner believes that his impotence would permit him to gain access to high-class women and have liaisons with them with the whole deal remaining secreted. He convinces ladies for instance in scene four where he manages to liaise with lady Fidget though “Mistress Squeamish enters too late and is disappointed to have missed her opportunity” (Wycherley 50). He argues that the liaisons with women would help them retain their honor before the public due to his condition. As Wycherley observes, “Inferences from Horner’s impotence rumors make Sir Jasper Fidget to make arrangements for Horner to become his wife’s chaperone and also her companion, later to turn out a secrete affair” (57). Upon the departure of Sir Fidget and his wife, two of Horner’s friends: Mr. Dorliant and Frank Harcourt enters, chat with him about friendship, wine and women. Amid the debate, Mr. Sparkish arrives who on boring the three men by his pretentious wit is exited by force. Jack Pinchwife portray his contempt for women when he ignorantly leaves Horner and his friends as Horner mentions that he had seen his wife, Margery at theatre. Margery complains to her sister in law about the Pinchwife’s jealousy, which render her forced to remain indoors. “On inquiring about the reason, Pinchwife laments that a licentious man had sighted her at the theatre and fallen in love with her” (Wycherley 60). Since Margery has developed interest on actors at the theatre, she gets delighted on hearing this. Later in scene three, Horner managers to hit on her, leave with her and later to return to her husband loaded with gifts from Horner: something that in scene five saw her visit Horner’s lodge. In scene four, consequently Pinchwife locks up her in a different room. Despite the fact that, Sparkish was to marry Alethea, his friend Harcourt in a witty way makes advances to her before his friends very eyes something that in scene three ,make Harcourt declare that he fell in love with her at first glance. In the end, Margery turns out to be the villain. The villain Margery Inexperience and innocence’s puts Margery far from being the heroin of play. She poses a question, “jealous? What’s that?” (Wycherley 61), which proves unfamiliarity with characteristics of men and women dominating the country when it comes to issues of emotion and affection. Unlike other women, she naturally does not subscribe to deceit implying why she did compose a love letter to Horner. Horner shed light that Margery’s love letter was “the first love-letter that ever was without flames, darts, fates, and destinies, lying and dissembling in it” (Wycherley 82). She seems to judge a book by its cover, and objects the belief that people who claim to be in love with her are up for missions to ruin her. She believes in guarding whatever that she holds and loves
Executive Summary Three companies: Nissan, Vestas and Rio Tinto have been analyzed for long term investments. Particular importance was given to financial prospects along with political situation and the ecological friendliness. Nissan scored better on the ecological friendliness and the new policies through the development of its new emission-free car but its financial prospects were to expect to reach optimal level in the next few years. Vestas was environmentally friendly through its work of constructing wind turbines and was being supported by the government policies of investments into researching the renewable energy sources. It has strong financial position even in the recessionary period compared to others. Last, Rio Tinto was facing severe legal issues against itself from different countries on human rights issues, bribery and leaking of state secrets. The company also lacks the strong financial prospects as its net earnings reduced by 65% for the half year. Hence, I would recommend investing $100,000 in Vestas that has a sound financial path ahead and works for a greener planet with all its available resources. Introduction The purpose of this report is to analyze possible companies for long term investments that have sound financial prospects and are ecologically friendly. The report will examine the three major companies: Nissan, Vestas and Rio Tinto and investigates their merits and demerits and recommends the final investing company that will be beneficial to Ethical Investments. The analysis is based on multiple criteria: financial prospects, political situation including legal issues of the company and environmental aspects, with more importance given to financial. At the same time due importance is also given to other two factors in the final decision. The data analyzed for reaching the final verdict has been obtained through the secondary sources including new reports. Nissan Nissan is one of the most highly positioned and respected company in
This is a research proposal on home-based business in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest producer of crude oil. It has also become a very important hub of business in the Middle East (Federal Research Division 2004; Mallakh, 1982). With the coming of technology, many Saudis are starting their own businesses from the comfort of their homes. The government of Saudi Arabia has also come up with suitable incentives for its citizens wishing to start businesses from home (Oxford Business Group 2009; Should 2006). Citizens can benefit from loans and advances by the Saudi government agents (Sayigh & Yusuf, 1978). In addition, they can benefit from tax cuts given by the Saudi government on upcoming small businesses. This research proposal will highlight these businesses. The research proposal’s aim is to get insight into the different home-based businesses in Saudi Arabia. The research seeks to find out the benefits of running a home-based company in the Kingdom. It will also look into the challenges that home-based business owners face in the oil-rich country. The research will also look at the role the Saudi government is playing to encourage home-based businesses in the country. Finally, it will seek to find out the impact of home-based companies in the Saudi Arabian economy.   * Purposes: According to the Federal Research Division (2004), the business environment in Saudi Arabia has improved tremendously compared to a few years back. The Saudi government has put several policies in place to encourage the mushrooming of home-based business. In addition, it has put a lot of incentives in terms of tax breaks and easy loan plans for people wishing to start home-based businesses. The research will focus on the business environment of the kingdom, together with the advantages of setting up a home-based business in the country. It will give insights into the task of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and the usefulness of the programs that they have set up. Further, it will establish how many businesses are being set up each year since the onset of the program. It will also seek to establish the number of home-based businesses in operation in the kingdom. Finally, it will find out the impact these businesses have on the economy, and the best way of improving them.   * Background: The research will be conducted by a team of six members. Each of the members will undertake a separate aspect of the research. This approach is well suited because the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has six branches. We plan to evaluate how all these branches work together in support of home-based businesses in the kingdom. We plan to focus our ene
Truth has always been a mystery since the olden times. It is something that can “set one free” or forever enslave the truth bearer. Being able to stand for the truth is a mark of courage, while holding on to a deep secret that may “make or break” a person may be an unbearable cause of suffering. Samuel Clemens’, a.k.a. Mark Twain’s anthology of his participation in the war efforts, have revealed much about his insights of the camaraderie shared between men. Although it seemed honest and candid, the truth gets played around a lot in the delivery of this literary piece. The television series “West Wing” interprets the workings in the White House and how the president’s staff has the power to whitewash the truth just to protect the president, in the guise of giving honor to their country. American presidents are in a way given a privilege with “truth weaving.” Naïve citizens would admire them as ideal people representing the true and the good, and this may be manipulated or exploited by presidents such as Abraham Lincoln or Lyndon Johnson. This essay attempts to explore how people may use the truth to their benefit. Spinning the truth or “phrase juggling” is a tool often used in literature, television, and presidential speeches, as exemplified in Mark Twain’s essay, “The Private History of a Campaign That Failed,” the tv series “West Wing,” and the presidential speeches of Lyndon Johnson on John F. Kennedy’s assassination and Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. On a number of occasions, Clemen’s narrator in his article exaggerates the reality of certain situations. As the young men recruited in the war, their supposed leader, Colonel Ralls, set them up to listen to his moving speech and eventually swore on the bible to drive any stranger away from the state of Missouri. “ This mixed us considerably, and we could not just make out what service we were involved in, but Colonel Ralls, the practiced politician and phrase juggler was not similarly in doubt.” It so happened that he was recruiting them to be part of the Southern Confederacy. Such an act is characteristic of politicians who seduce their audience with their heart-rendering speech, using only the most impressive stories, be they true or not, only to reveal at the end their hidden agenda. Another example of truth-spinning is this quote: “We had some horsemanship drill every forenoon, then, afternoons, we rode off here and there in squads a few miles and visited the farmer’s girls and had a youthful good time and got an honest dinner or supper, and then home again to camp, happy and content.” Lyrically written, such a state of fun may be an escape to the vicious realities of war. Due to the tension arising everywhere else, this statement may be meant to distract the narrator or even the readers from staring the truth of war in the eye as a way of dealing with the stress. The narrator of the story tried his best to impress his readers by showing how enthusiastic he is as a soldier of war. “ This was no place f
The Sumerians inspired the Hindus to write the Ramayana and Mahabharata poetic stories on the power of the gods and the ideals on how people should live. Brahmin who was named Valmiki wrote the poems that were made public between 400 and 200 BCE. Brahmin’s story was inspired by earlier events that occurred when Aryans worked hard to rule the Dravidians who were in Southern India using a strategy of divide and conquer combined with the use of military force and missionary activities. Brahmin who was later named Valmiki wrote seven books with 24,000 versus about Ramayana or Rama and embodied the Aryan culture of great ideals. Rama was a very powerful prince who esteemed the truth and stood against evil. On the other hand, Mahabharata also known as Vyasa, meaning Great India exists in eight books with several interspersed verses of prose were written by Brahmin between 400 and 100 BCE. Mahabharata contains a detailed description of the Aryan tribes’ way of life from northern India and the struggles the Aryans underwent to conquer the northern people and create an empire. Mahabharata’s writings provide a detailed description of the points of morality for the people to observe under the guardianship of the great hero Krishna. The writings emphasized on the gods of Vishnu and Shiv while different authors and editors who have written about Mahabharata differently emphasize on Bhagavad Gita, the infallible god, and reference on to conduct one’s self. Part of the story in Mahabharata that was later known as the Lord’s Song or Bhagavad Gita was one of the greatest Indian Hindu scripts that are widely read and referenced today as a source of inspiration on how to conduct one’s self. The work of Mahatma Gandhi adds value by viewing Bhagavad Gita as an infallible guide in day to day conduct of one’s life. The Lord’s song or Bhagavad Gita details how Vishnu went through an incarnation to become Krishna, the Supreme Deity who had appeared in human form who originated from north-western India as a non-Aryan god. Mahabharata narrated a story to Krishna the charioteer that Gita came into existence because of the effects of the royalty wars. As the war progressed, Krishna refused to give a signal to fight because their