Biography of Malcolm Gladwell, Writer

English-born Canadian journalist, author, and speaker Malcolm Timothy  Gladwell is known for his articles and books that identify, approach and explain the unexpected implications of social science research. In addition to his writing work, he is the podcast host of  Revisionist History. Early Life Malcolm Gladwell was born on September 3, 1963, in  Fareham,  Hampshire, England  to a father who was a mathematics professor, Graham Gladwell, and his mother Joyce Gladwell, a Jamaican psychotherapist. Gladwell grew up in Elmira, Ontario, Canada. He studied at the University of Toronto and received his bachelors degree in History in 1984 before moving to the U.S. to become a journalist. He initially covered business and science at the Washington Post where he worked for nine years. He began freelancing at The New Yorker before being offered a position as a staff writer there in 1996.   Malcolm Gladwell’s Literary Work In 2000, Malcolm Gladwell took a phrase that had up until that point been most frequently associated with epidemiology and single-handedly realigned it in all of our minds as a social phenomenon. The phrase was tipping point, and Gladwells breakthrough pop-sociology book of the same name was about why and how some ideas spread like social epidemics. became a social epidemic itself and continues to be a bestseller. Gladwell followed with Blink (2005), another book in which he examined a social phenomenon by dissecting numerous examples to arrive at his conclusions. Like The Tipping Point, Blink claimed a  basis in research, but it was still written in a breezy and accessible voice that give Gladwells writing popular appeal. Blink is about the notion of rapid cognition — snap judgments and how and why people make them. The idea for the book came to Gladwell after he noticed that he was experiencing social repercussions as a result of growing out his afro (prior to that point, he had kept his hair close-cropped). Both The Tipping Point and Blink were phenomenal bestsellers and his third book, Outliers (2008), took the same bestselling track. In Outliers, Gladwell once again synthesizes the experiences of numerous individuals in order to move beyond those experiences to arrive at a social phenomenon that others hadnt noticed, or at least hadnt popularized in the way that Gladwell has proved adept at doing. In compelling narrative form, Outliers examines the role that environment and cultural background play in the unfolding of great success stories. Gladwells fourth book,  What the Dog Saw: And Other Adventures (2009) gathers Gladwells favorite articles from  The New Yorker  from his time as a staff writer with the publication. The stories play with the common theme of perception as Gladwell tries to show the reader the world through the eyes of others - even if the point of view happens to be that of a dog. His most recent publication,  David and Goliath (2013), was inspired in part by an article that Gladwell penned for  The New Yorker  in 2009 called How David Beats Goliath. This fifth book from Gladwell focuses on the contrast of advantage and probability of success amongst the underdogs from varying situations, the most well-known story concerning the biblical David and Goliath. Although the book didnt receive intense critical acclaim, it was a bestseller and hit No. 4 on  The New York Times  hardcover non-fiction chart, and No. 5 on USA Todays best-selling books.

The Tragedy Of John F. Kennedy - 2068 Words

â€Å"The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word ‘Crisis’. One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger- but recognize the opportunity.† (The Famous People) This quote is from John F. Kennedy and it shows his way of thinking in an under pressure situation. This quote can also have described his Brother Robert F. Kennedy, due to his wanting to get rid of the wrongs that he saw in the world. Both of these men lived not long lives, but meaningful ones that changed how things are today. Not only a better place for our own country, but other countries as well, and wanting everyone to live a better life. Both of the Kennedy brothers shared a lot in terms of wanting to make the world a better place, and they worked extremely hard for this goal until their untimely deaths. John F. Kennedy (JFK) wanted to help his country the best he could and would do anything to help it. JFK went to serve his country in the Navy for four years and earned the title of Lieutenant of a PT. During his time, he won the Purple Heart as well as the Navy and Marine Corps medal for â€Å"extreme heroic conduct† (The Famous People). These awards are handed out to the bravest and the most courageous and not handed out lightly. JFK did not stop with the military though; in fact, that is where it began. In life JFK wanted to deal with the big issues and not with some of the smaller ones. JFK went on to hold many seats such as House of Representatives,Show MoreRelatedAssassination Of John F. Kennedy1002 Words   |  5 PagesThe Assassination of John F. Kennedy â€Å"Our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future. And we are all mortal.† President Kennedy stated in his commencement speech at American University on June 10, 1963. John F. Kennedy was an American politician who served as the 35th President of the United States from January 1961 to his assassination in November 1963. There are numerous conspiracy theories involving Kennedy’s assassinationRead MoreThe Bad Luck Kennedys Essay1236 Words   |  5 Pages The Kennedy family, the quintessential all-American family, filled with some of the countrys best and brightest. That special family contains a soldier, a few senators, and even a president, the famous John Franklin Kennedy. However, some of us have probably heard about the bad luck this family seems to run into, from a botched lobotomy to that famous JFK assassination. The whole entire family seems cursed, those ghastly curses ra nging from Rosemary Kennedys misdiagnosis and rather unfortunateRead MoreThe Day the Music Began834 Words   |  3 PagesAmerican President, John F. Kennedy. Toward the end of his third year of presidency, Kennedy was shot and killed in a parade in Dallas, Texas. Americans were shocked to have lost such a promising young leader, and a somber silence swept across the nation as Americans lamented his death; this silence, however, was broken by the melancholy music of mourning (Baldacci). The assassination of President John F. Kennedy started a new movement of music that was inspired by the tragedy and differed in structureRead Moreâ€Å"The President Has Been Shot† the Assassination of John F. Kennedy600 Words   |  3 PagesPresident Has Been Shot† the Assassination of John F. Kennedy tells the story of one of the most horrifying events in American history. James L. Swanson takes the reader through the events leading up to the assassination and depicts the sunny, T exas afternoon on November 22, 1963 with dramatic details and an impeccable perspective. Born in Brookline, Massachusetts in May of 1917, Kennedy remains the youngest man ever elected president of the United States. John, known to friends as Jack, had a powerfulRead MorePresident John F. Kennedy1738 Words   |  7 Pages President John Fitzgerald Kennedy Our Nation’s 35th President Andrew Hogenson History 112 June 15, 2015 John Fitzgerald Kennedy was the 35th President of the USA and served at that position only for three years as at the end of the third year he was assassinated in Texas. Even though his presidential term was not long, it was significant, mostly with the strong opposition against the USSR (in a person of its Prime Minister of that time, Nikita Khrushchev). President Kennedy’s name is associatedRead MoreEssay Jfk Informative Speech Outline869 Words   |  4 PagesTopic/Title: _____Jhon F. Kennedy an Inspiration through the Ages. _______ Introduction: Purpose: The purpose of this speech is to provide information on President John F. Kennedy. The speech will provide a history of President Kennedy’s life, the memorable points of his presidency and why he is an inspiration. Specific Purpose: To share with them his early life, his political career, his load of presidency, his tragic death, and his inspiration. Thesis Statement: President Kennedy proved to beRead MoreThe Legacy Of John F. Kennedy1879 Words   |  8 PagesUnited State of America which was John F. Kennedy has been assassinated. Lyndon’s purpose of the speech was comfort America after the death of John F. Kennedy and also to insure America that with this horrific tragedy that America has to go through he will continue the act of the forward thrust of America that John F. Kennedy had begun to do while he was in was the President. Also Johnson ensures America that John F. Kennedy will live on with us. John Fitzgerald Kennedy was the youngest president heRead MoreJohn F. Kennedy: A Legacy Never Forgotten1377 Words   |  6 Pages Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names(Brainy Quotes). John F Kennedy said this during one of his speeches, and ironically no one will ever forget the name of the person who murdered him, Lee Harvey Oswald, an enemy of the American Public. When Kennedy ran for office, he had to seem like the more experienced candidate and appeal to all of the people. During his speeches, Kennedy engaged his audiences and they hung on his every word. However, the tragic event of his assassinationRead MoreThe Assassination Of John F. Kennedy Essay967 Words   |  4 PagesThe book I chose to read is The Assassination of John F. Kennedy by Lauren Spencer. It was published in 2002 by The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. It contains 64 pages. This book not only provides information on the killing of President Kennedy, but also information on his life, the arrested murderer s life, and more interesting background information and details. This books main objective is to go deeper into the case of John F. Kennedy s assassination, to discuss personal information about suspectsRead MoreBrittany Nensel . Ms. Davis. College Prep English 1. 41535 Words   |  7 Pagesthose around him. His reaction was also indistinguishable from his peers that surrounded him on that playground. As any elementary child would react, he thought the other student that had ran out and exclaimed these news was pulling a joke. Since Kennedy was a beloved president to the whole nation, his death seemed even more outrageous than if the boy exclaimed that he saw a pig fly. When Tom had gotten home, he could tell his mother was upset and that her whole world was changed. Luckily his mother

Film Summary Gladiator Essay Example For Students

Film Summary Gladiator Essay This essay has been written to analyze 6 frames from the film, Gladiator, in terms of camera distance and angle, framing, lighting, color, characterization, lenses used, and theme. These factors work together to determine how effective the sequence is. The 6 frames take place in sequence 1, of the film, the battle scene. In frame 1, we can see Maximus’s hand passing through grass. The type of shot used is a close-up, and the camera angle is an eye-level angle. The framing focuses the viewers attention on the hand. A normal lens is used in this shot. This happens right in the beginning of the film. The hand passing through the grass has symbolism. It symbolizes Maximus’s home, and farm. He draws on this image during the battle scene, to give him comfort, and make him feel at ease. The colors used are very light. Soft colours giving the audience a feeling of serenity, peace, and happiness. In frame 3, a bird can be seen sitting on a twig or branch. The shot is an eye-level long shot, a normal lens is used. The framing focuses the viewers attention on the bird. The lighting and colors are very dark, and this gives the viewer a depressing feeling. This bird on the twig also has an important symbolism in the film. Maximus studies and watches this bird before the battle commences. The bird could symbolize humility during chaotic time of war. It could also symbolize home for Maximus. In sequence 2, we see Maximus’ face. The type of shot is an eye-level, close up. The frame focuses the views attention on Maximus’s facial expression. He seems calm and is looking into distance. He is most likely thinking of the battle thats to come, or of home. Maximus is very calm in a situation that could be very tense. The colors are very dark, and these dark colors will continue to be in the battle scene, to create a feeling of sadness. This symbolizes that this war is evil. In frame 4, we can see a soldier on a horseback, and the landscape. This shot is an eye-level establishing shot. The lighting and colors are once again very dark and morbid. This shot is used at the beginning of the sequence to show the viewers the setting of where the battle will take place. It says Germania in the frame, and this informs the viewer of their location. In sequence 8, we see Roman soldiers cheering war chants. The type of shot is a low angle, long shot. The low angle shot is used to indicate strength and power. It points upwards giving the people strength. The roman army is very powerful, and it seems as if no-one can defeat them. The lighting is once again dark and morbid. In sequence 6 we see the emperor, Marcus Aurelius’ and a few of his protectors. The shot used is a medium close up with a low angle. This gives strength and power to the emperor, and this is what he possesses. The framing gets the viewers to focus on the facial expression of the emperor. He seems rather calm, but also very interested at the same time. He is almost finished with his war campaign, and is very eager for the battle to start. The lighting and colour is dark In conclusion, each of the 6 frames coveys a different message to the viewer. The symbolism in each frame is very important and effective. It makes the film more interesting and captivating. This sequence was very effective as it gives the viewer a basic look at their characters. It sets the scene for the film, and it was a very goof opening sequence. It is effective, as it gives the viewer a glimpse of all the action that is to follow.

Malorie Blackman- Noughts and Crosses Personal Response Essay Example

Malorie Blackman- Noughts and Crosses Personal Response Essay Noughts and Crosses- Malorie Blackman The book Noughts and Crosses is a sitting on the fence sort of book for me. The writing of it hooked you in and made you think but I absolutely hated what happened in the end. The plot was good but as I said I didn’t like some things that occurred during the novel, like the fact Callum dying made me want to scream and rip my hair out (I did restrain myself by the way). But the fact that I did want to do that was because you grew attached to the characters, as if they were real people. Even if they’re not, they could be in the future, you never know ) I hated/ loved that about the book. My favourite characters would have to be the guys of Callum’s family, especially Callum. Partly because of his complete ‘it is how it is’ attitude and his loyalty. Even though most people probably hated Jude, I quite liked him. He had a tough attitude, but really he was quite vulnerable, especially at the end when he’s prett y much lost all his family because of the Crosses. I also held quite a fair bit of respect (for a book character anyway) for Ryan, Callum’s dad. His courage for taking the consequences of Jude’s slight slip up, originally resulting in him going to the gallows to hang. Even though he ended up not hanging he walked up to the gallows expecting death. And not backing down from it; accepting death so his family could live. I didn’t like Sephy particularly; in fact I hated her to be honest. I didn’t like the choices that she made; choosing the baby over Callum. I most certainly disliked her parents, most of all her father. But I started to tolerate her mother near the end when you find out she paid for the lawyer to help Ryan. My favourite scene would have to be. I actually don’t have a favourite scene, lol The setting of the book was based sometime in the future; it hasn’t happened and is a possibility, who knows, it could happen (shudder). I think the book was targeted at teens. We will write a custom essay sample on Malorie Blackman- Noughts and Crosses Personal Response specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Malorie Blackman- Noughts and Crosses Personal Response specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Malorie Blackman- Noughts and Crosses Personal Response specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer I also think that Malorie Blackman swapped the places of the people in charge so people would feel or imagine what it would be like if we were in their place, seeing as one of the main themes was racism. A few other themes were sacrifice, love and friendship and another main one,-death. Sacrifice and death made a big part of this book, constantly having to choose between love, family, religion and your race. It was a massive balancing act for the two main characters, Sephy and Callum, who you got to study in depth of how they thought and what choices they always had to make as they were constantly switching between characters’ point of views; that’s how the book was written, in points of view. I think this book inspires a whole pile of ‘what if? ’ questions; it’s not too hard to imagine how much our lives would be different, and not by a little. I think she’s really trying to make us look deeper into the racism that surrounds this book. Even though it is made up, the more you think about it, the possibility of it happening is actually quite possible, scarily enough. Arianna Hogan

Niccolò Machiavelli Essay Example

Niccolà ² Machiavelli Essay Example Niccolà ² Machiavelli Paper Niccolà ² Machiavelli Paper The Prince, the philosopher Machiavellis most famous work, was a book dedicated to the leader Lorenzo de Medici, written on the topic of how to be an effective ruler. The basis of Machiavellis theory was that conditions of a society rise and fall perpetually as time continues, and a successful leader must learn to cope with these fluctuations. Of all the philosophers so far, Machiavellis take on the obligations of leaders and on government itself has been the most agreeable. In order to contend with constant change, leaders must understand and consider 5 key ideas: fortuna, virtu, necessita, occasione, and ordini. The factual existence and proof of these ideas are demonstrated today. Fortuna is the idea that everything that occurs, occurs by chance. Combined with virtu, the ability to think and act intelligently to overcome fortuna, and necessita, the obligation to face things necessary for human purposes, this states that a good leader must be prepared to help his people cope with sudden changes. For example, President Bush has given regular speeches about the September 11th attacks to keep the country in a state of ordini, which is the constant goal of order in a government. The United States Government is now using its virtu and necessita to determine the next step whether it be war or peace and is trying to find the occasione the time to act upon its decisions. Machiavelli was greatly disliked for his opinions expressed in The Prince. He thought that politics was a science; by studying the lives of great politicians of the past, the world today could supposedly do the same and gain the same results. In addition, he appropriately believed religion and morals should be eliminated from politics altogether, leaving politics amoral (with no knowledge of morals). This stated that leaders, therefore, could do bad or evil things in order to gain a greater good, such as in the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki though many lives were lost, more would have been inevitably taken if the war had dragged on. Sometimes, however, leaders misjudge what the greater good actually is, and ends up doing immoral or at least incorrect things without any more-positive results; in these instances, according to Machiavelli, the leader is in fact in the wrong. For example, the USs interference in the Vietnam War simply cost us thousands of American lives. In order to be an effective leader, one must understand that people are not always agreeable, and peace is not a given. As a result of this, Machiavelli developed a 7th idea of an economy of violence if people do not listen to the government, then they must be punished. A truly competent leader would be able to minimize the amount of punishment and violence, and maximize prosperity. The US is once again a good example of this the government has created laws, which, if the people abide by them, allow benefits for the abiding individuals; however, those who break the laws are punished. Machiavellis views are accurate in stating, The end justifies the means. Though sometimes certain situations are too extreme to be applied to this theory, the idea in itself is appropriate, for if there is a greater good to be had, then sometimes evil acts are necessary. Society is in constant change, and leaders who have been accepted and beneficial have been able to cope with these changes.

Substance Abuse Prevention Essays - Substance Abuse, Human Behavior

Substance Abuse Prevention Essays - Substance Abuse, Human Behavior Substance Abuse Prevention Substance Abuse Prevention Community Assessment The community that we have chosen to assess is Springfield, Missouri. Springfield is located in Green County in Southwest. According to the USDC, Bureau of the Census in 1999 the population estimate for the Springfield Metropolitan area was 308,332. The annual population growth rate is 1.8% for Springfield. This is compared to 0.6% for the state of Missouri and 1.2% for the United States. Population density of Springfield is 2,068 people per square mile. Comparatively speaking this density is located between the densities of Kansas City (1,397 people per square mile) and St. Louis (6,406 people per square mile). The average family size of Springfield is 2.96 and the approximate percentage of persons in a family is 77.6%. The age-sex pyramid for Springfield MSA has peaks around 15-24 and 35-44 for both males and females. Overall the chart shows that Springfield has a slow to medium growth pattern. The population of Springfield is predominantly Caucasian while Asians, African-Americans and Hispanics represent a very small percentage of the population. Of the total workforce of 171,577 in Springfield only 3,305 people are unemployed which is 1.9% of the total workforce. Since 1990, as a general trend, unemployment rate has dropped from about 5.6% to the current level. According to the Missouri Division of Workforce Development in August 2000 the total breakdown of persons employed by sector is as follows: Number Employed Percentage of workforce Government 19,600 11.4% Services 49,500 28.9% Finance 8,700 5.1% Retail 33,700 19.6% Wholesale 11,100 6.5% Transportation & Utilities 12,800 7.5% Mining & Construction 8,600 5.0% Manufacturing 23,500 13.7% Other 4,077 2.4% According to the Missouri State Census Data Center, the median household income in 1995-1996 was $31,499 and the BEA Per Capita Income was $25,059. There are several major employers in the Springfield MSA. These include Bass Pro Shops, The Battlefield Mall, Tracker Boats, Prime Trucking, Cox North Hospital, Cox South Hospital, Saint Johns Hospital, John Q Hammons Enterprises, as well as several government state and county offices. The Springfield school systems are also a major employer of the city. The school system is one of the strongest in Missouri. The largest high school, Kickapoo, has received Gold Star and Blue Ribbon national recognition for outstanding secondary schools. The three major problems areas in Springfield are alcohol abuse including dunk driving and use by minors, tobacco use, and use of marijuana primarily among adolescents. These three major problems are influenced by many different risk factors. 1. Factors contributing to alcohol abuse: The two main problem areas that have been noted within alcohol abuse are drunk driving, and minors consuming alcoholic beverages. It seems that many people who drink and drive do so as a direct act of defiance for the law. Other possible risk factor for drinking and driving include peer pressure, and lack of overall law enforcement which leads to feelings of security. Minors consuming alcohol is a totally different situation. This use generally stems from lack of parental influence, depression, resistance to authority, lack of law enforcement, and easy access to alcohol. 2. Factors contributing to tobacco use: There are several risk factors that lead to the use of tobacco products. Generally people begin using as a result of peer pressure, observation of role models smoking, lack of parental supervision, high tolerance for deviance, and exposure to advertising. 3. Factors contributing to the use of marijuana: A few of these factors are rebelliousness, nonconformity to family values, resistance to authority, relatively easy access, and an overall lack of anti-drug enforcement. With these three main problems now established, it is important to see the way that various individuals or groups of individuals throughout the community can help to prevent these problems: 1. Individual: The individual is responsible for making productive decisions that will help to get his or her life back on the right path away from any type of abuse or addiction. Also, the individual must be responsible enough to recognize that there is a problem and ask for help if necessary. 2. Peer Group: It is essential that the peer group provide a supportive network for the individual to overcome his or her problems. It is also the responsibility of the peer group to seek help for the individual when necessary. 3. Parental: The parents play a key role

The Tell-Tale Heart and A Rose for Emily, gothic but with a twist Essay - 1

The Tell-Tale Heart and A Rose for Emily, gothic but with a twist - Essay Example Miss Emily Grierson of Faulkner’s tale belonged to a once rich family, but her mansion is now old and decayed through time and neglect (perhaps because she is too poor to spend money on it?). Maybe once there were people who came to visit, but now with Miss Grierson, or Miss Emily as she is referred to in the tale, turning into a recluse, there is nobody who goes inside the house, except for her Negro servant Tobe. We see in the beginning of the story how curious everyone is to see what is inside her house when they enter it at her funeral. Poe adds more mystery to his story by telling it through the crazed person, thereby ensuring that we never find out where exactly he lives, though we do get a feel of the house, and since most of the story happens after night has fallen, we are left with a sense of dark and mysterious surroundings. The violent and macabre occurrences in the stories are accompanied by a sense of a similar kind not only through the personalities of the protagonists, but via the ambiance or settings as well. That is to say not only did the stories hold a sense of mystery because of the complex central characters, but the dark and desolate environment of the houses where they took place also added to the Gothic effect that the writers were trying to create. It will not be remiss to say that the settings mirrored the lead characters of the tales. Miss Emily’s house, like her, was an unchanging symbol in changed times. It had been constructed when the family was rich, so it had an allusion to grandeur, albeit there were no riches to keep it in its pristine condition. So with changing times the neighborhood did not remain noble or â€Å"august† anymore and the area was taken over by garages and cotton gins, however, Miss Emily refused to give her house up; it remained, as Faulkner puts it, â€Å"an eyesore among eyesores.† Murky, dusty and decayed, just like