The Magic Paint Brush

The ‘Magic Paint Brush’ It seems like every six months or so I discover an MIT video that leaves me in awe. This time, it is the I/O Brush: [I just realized that Laura blogged this almost two years ago! Where have I been?] The I/O Brush is a project by Kimiko Ryokai in the Tangible Media Group at the Media Lab. Her site describes the invention: I/O Brush is a new drawing tool to explore colors, textures, and movements found in everyday materials by picking up and drawing with them. I/O Brush looks like a regular physical paintbrush but has a small video camera with lights and touch sensors embedded inside. Outside of the drawing canvas, the brush can pick up color, texture, and movement of a brushed surface. On the canvas, artists can draw with the special ink they just picked up from their immediate environment. There are many paint/drawing programs on the market today that are designed especially for kids. These let kids do neat things, but kids usually end up playing only with the preprogrammed digital palette the software provides. The idea of I/O Brush is to let the kids build their own ink. They can take any colors, textures, and movements they want to experiment with from their own environment and paint with their personal and unique ink. Kids are not only exploring through construction of their personal art project, but they are also exploring through construction of their own tools (i.e., the palette/ink) to build their art project with. The BBC also did a story on I/O Brush: The MIT researcher took the brush into a local classroom for about five weeks to see how children reacted to it. I didnt tell them to run around the classroom and look for colours, she says, they did it spontaneously. One kid would say Hmm, I need that colour and other kids would suggest ideas for sources for the colour. Ryokai is critical of typical painting programmes created for children. A lot of the time kids only end up playing with the clip art that comes with the software, and picking colours only from the computers palette she says. By contrast, the I/O Brush pushes kids to look around, and explore and investigate the richness of colours that surround us. She found that pictures contained many personal objects and provoked story-telling about the images, such as where the colour came from, where they got it and what it was about. A brown wasnt just a brown, but a brown that came from their favourite teddy bear or friends hair, she says. In one exercise they were shown a Matisse painting and were asked where the blue colour might have come from. Kids who played with the I/O Brush would say oceans, Jacobs jacket, a lunchbox or someones pants, she says . The blue wasnt just this abstract blue but was blue from a personal object or from their environment. I previously blogged two other awesome projects/videos, http://web.media.mit.edu/~hayes/topobo/Topobo and ASSIST. Im not sure which of these three Id want first!

ray charles Essay - 995 Words

Ray Charles nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;In the 1930s many black musicians where coming out of the south. One especially who would soon top the charts and hit fame and fortune starting in his young years, Ray Charles. After conquering poverty, blindness and many other things, success was possible. In his young age he had a few losses in his family and near after came down with a disease which was causing him to go blind. He later came over the blindness and was able to learn and compose music with the help of his skills in mathematics. After enduring a harsh childhood and blindness, Ray Charles was able to over come his handicap and follow his dream in music. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Ray Charles was born on September 23, 1903 to a†¦show more content†¦Not too soon after Ray turned five years old, there was a very tragic accident at their house. While RC’s little brother was in the bath tub he drowned. At first Ray was unsure that he was drowning and thought that he was just playing going to the bottom of the washtub to get a shiny penny, but then Ray realized his splashes and kicks weren’t from him playing around. When Ray realized, he attempted to pull him out since he was only one year older than his brother, he lacked the strength to pull him out, so he yelled for his mother. Retha ran out but by the time she had pulled George out of the tub, it was to late (Michael 9). nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;A few months after this tragic event RC was having trouble with his vision, he was having problems with puss coming from his eyes and would wake up every morning with his eyes stuck shut. After his vision was just getting worse and worse, his mother took him to a doctor, Doctor McLeod. He was then prescribed ointments and eye drops and was also instructed to visit a clinic fourteen miles away from their home (Michael 9). Soon after Retha was told that her son was going blind, so she admitted him to a new school. He was then put on the train and sent to Saint Augustine’s school for the def and the blind (10). nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;At the age of seven RC went completely blind. At this new school, St. Augustine’s, RC was able to learn and become a great basket weaver; he was also able to build his musicalShow MoreRelatedEssay about Ray Charles2718 Words   |  11 PagesRay Charles   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ray Charles was a revolutionary pianist and a soul singer who helped shape the sound of rhythm and blues. He brought a soulful sound to everything from country music to pop standards to â€Å"God Bless America.† His birth name was Ray Charles Robinson, but he shortened it when he entered show business to avoid confusion with the famous boxer Sugar Ray Robinson. I chose Ray Charles as the topic for my paper after seeing the movie Ray. After viewing this film I realized that thereRead MoreEssay about Ray Charles Robinson1095 Words   |  5 PagesRay Charles Robinson Ray Charles Robinson, more commonly known as Ray Charles (to avoid confusion with boxer Sugar Ray Robinson), was born in the southern city of Albany, GA on September 23, 1930. He was a prolific, multi-talented singer, pianist, bandleader, and composer who, when on stage captivated his audience not only by his musical ability, but also because he was a blind, African American man. He was given the nickname â€Å"the Genius† for his capability of combining the musicRead MoreLife and Music of Ray Charles Essay1128 Words   |  5 PagesLife and Music of Ray Charles The history of musicians is a very interesting subject. There are thousands and millions of interesting types of musicians. Ray Charles was a very talented musician. His focus was on Soul Music, which was Jazz combined with Gospel music. Jazz was also a big focus of his music. Ray Charles wasn’t like other musicians. He was a blind musician. Many often wonder how someone can be blind and also be a musician, but Ray Charles was a fine example to show that it was possibleRead MoreThe Impact Of Ray Charles On American Culture1164 Words   |  5 Pages The impact that Ray Charles has had on American culture is nearly indescribable. Although unable to see, he was successful in making his artistic visions come to life by fusing the sounds of blues, gospel, jazz, and RB, making him one of the leading soul artists of the 1950s. The legendary musician is recognized for being a pillar in the industry, credited with making strides in desegregating musical genres. Although he composed many of his early hits, Charles is considered to be an interpreterRead More The Legendary Musician, Ray Charles Robinson Essay532 Words   |  3 PagesThe Legendary Musician, Ray Charles Robinson Ray Charles Robinson was born on September 23, 1930 in Albany Georgia. His father was Bailey Robinson, a railroad repair man, and his mother was Retha. His father never married his mother. His legal wife was Mary Jane, who also helped to raise Charles. By the time he was three, young Charles was learning to play the piano. When he was five his brother, who was three at the time, drowned. A few months later Charles got the disease that wouldRead MoreRay Charles : The Devil s Advocate And La Bamba1072 Words   |  5 PagesThe biography/drama based on the worldwide entertainer Ray Charles is directed by Taylor Hackford, who is known for his other works such as The Devil’s Advocate and La Bamba. In this 2004 film, Hackford along with sound designer Scott Sanders, sound supervisor Karen Baker Landers and composer Craig Armstrong musically bring to life the life of the famous performer. The introduction credits of the film begin with complete silence, at first I was worried that there was something wrong with my computerRead MoreRay Charles683 Words   |  3 PagesRay Charles Is it justifiable or not for him to take gospel music and turn the song into secular songs? Explain whether it was right or wrong. What motivated Ray Charles to experiment with so many genres of music? Was Ray Charles responsible for Margie Hendrix’s early death? Why/Why not? Use one word to describe Ray Charles and explain why. It was justifiable for Ray Charles to take gospel music and turn the song into secular because a new generation was arising. In a community where differentRead MoreRay Charles2786 Words   |  12 PagesRay Charles The Life and Legacy of a Genius Ray Charles was a revolutionary pianist and a soul singer who helped shape the sound of rhythm and blues. He brought a soulful sound to everything from country music to pop standards to God Bless America. His birth name was Ray Charles Robinson, but he shortened it when he entered show business to avoid confusion with the famous boxer Sugar Ray Robinson. I chose Ray Charles as the topic for my paper after seeing the movie Ray. AfterRead MoreRay Charles Addiction827 Words   |  4 PagesRay Charles was suffering from substance abuse disorder. Substance disorder is defined as a complex behavioral disorder characterized by preoccupation with obtaining alcohol or other drugs (AOD) and a narrowing of the behavioral repertoire towards excessive consumption and loss of control over consumption. It is usually also accompanied by the development of tolerance and withdrawal and impairment in social and occupational functioning. Ray Charles continued substance abuse caused fights at ho meRead MoreTrue Grit And Ray From Charles Portis s The Dog Of The South Show Devotion1369 Words   |  6 PagesWhen someone is devoted in life, they can most likely achieve their all time life goals. Mattie Ross from Charles Portis s True Grit and Ray from Charles Portis s The dog of the south show devotion throughout their novels: obsession showing devotion, revenge showing devotion, and bravery leading to devotion. Throughout True Grit Mattie is shown to be obsessive, which is shown through her devotion throughout the novel. That is my father. I stood there looking at him. What a waste! Tom Chaney

The UN Promoting Environmental Sustainability - 1733 Words

Action Plan How will you decide which aspect of the UN to look at? I will decide which aspect of the UN to look at, by firstly looking into the different aspects of the UN, which are related to geography, about which I can write. Next, choosing the most interesting of these aspects for me. Finally, I will have arrived at the aspect of the UN which I will be looking into. Which sources of information will you first consult? As the project is regarding an aspect of the UN, I will consult sources such as: magazine or newspaper articles relating to the UN, journal entries relating to the topic, books and encyclopedias relating to the aspect I’m looking into, and internet sources majorly websites relating to the topic I’m looking†¦show more content†¦5. Spreading the word about Climate Change: This paragraph will talk about spreading the word amongst people of South and North America about climate change and its effects and why we should try our best to limit it, also talk about conversational methods used to convey these messages and the benefits of more people knowing about climate change and its effects. 6.Conclusion: This paragraph will sum up all the major points mentioned in this investigation of the Unite States, and will also address the research question by answering it through saying the different strategies that are used by the UN to limit climate change and therefore promote environmental sustainability. Introduction About the United Nations The United Nations is an international organization, which was founded in 1945 after the Second World War, committed to providing the means to help resolve international conflicts and formulate policies on matters affecting human beings all over the world (Wikipedia). The organization is committed to maintaining international peace and security, developing friendly relations among nations and promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights (Wikipedia). ‘EnsuringShow MoreRelatedHow Does the United Nations Support Environmental Sustainability?865 Words   |  3 Pagesand promoting social progress, better living standards and human rights (Wikipedia). ‘Ensuring environmental sustainability’, climate change being one of the major factors, is one of the millennium development goals of the UN. The United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, along with many organizations/agencies under the UN, collaboratively work towards achieving this goal. About the Chosen Aspect of Study ‘How does the United Nations support the millennium development goal of promoting environmentalRead MoreRole Of Energy Development Sustainable Development Goals Essay1591 Words   |  7 Pagesmeeting their own needs ‘(Brundtland, 1987). This concept has developed more from the intergenerational framework as indicated in the brundtland report to incorporate the three pillars (social, environment and economic) as a whole through series of environmental meeting held. Today, the focus is on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which was established in 2015.It is an improvement of the millennium development goals (MDGS) in that, its focus is in all countries in terms of not what the developed nationsRead MoreSiemens, The World Most Sustainable Company1148 Words   |  5 Pagesinequalities in general, aim towards clean water and sanitation, in addition to other goals that tackle environmental and working conditions issues. This essay is about Siemens, the huge corporation based in Germany, and how it is incorporating sustainability or as White calls it â€Å"long-term wealth creation† in its heart. Figure 1: The United Nations General Assembly 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (â€Å"UN News Centre†, 2015) Discussion Named the most sustainable company in the world in 2017 by CorporateRead MoreThe Between Science, Policy And Sustainability1103 Words   |  5 Pagesinternational political agenda called Sustainable Development, and nowadays became a widely used terminology. This essay will outline the interplay between Science, Policy and Sustainability to address the following question: How Sustainable Development, Science and Policy are connected? It will do so by first illustrating how the sustainability debate began in science, how it later developed into a global political movement, and how it currently boosts scientific knowledge generation to think of solutions forRead MoreSustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility at IKEA928 Words   |  4 Pagesthe top sustainability leaders in the Scandinavian region. The company is able to confidently respond to questions of responsibility raised by consumers, employees, and investors regarding eco-friendly products and services. They have answered the call for both without sacrificing quality or price. Environmental and sustainability concerns originate most often from governments, consumer activists, and the general public (Pedersen Andersen, 2006). Organizations must implement sustainability into dailyRead MoreSustainable Development Goals Twelves Targets1038 Words   |  5 Pagesmeasurability, however, key terms in the target wording lack quantifiable definitions making measurement difficult. For example, target 12.2 refers to the â€Å"sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources† (emphasis added) (UN DESA, 2015). While sustainability conceptually encapsulates meeting the needs of today without compromising the needs of tomorrow, in practical application, quantifying any population’s need for natural resources is very difficult (GEOG 200, Sept 17, Slide 17/18). ThoughRead MorePromoting Environmental Stability For Poverty Reduction And Sustainable Development Essay1677 Words   |  7 PagesTopic 1: Promoting Environmental Stability for Poverty R eduction and sustainable Development Introduction In UNEP’s Global Trends in Renewable Energy Investment in 2016 report, they discovered that the developing world’s investment in renewable energy now accounts for more than 50% of all investments in renewable energies . 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History The rising need for protection of intellectual property rights and improvement of public health lead the pharmaceutical industry to establish an agreement in 2001 with the World Trade Organization. In Sanofi’s earliest archived sustainability effort, Environmental Progress Report 2001, it states that Sanofi has taken initiatives to promote sustainable development as a reaction to the rise of wider and on going responsibilities. They have pursuedRead MoreSustainability Is Sustainability A Criterion For Purchasing Decisions?1103 Words   |  5 PagesDo you have systems in place for incorporating sustainability in decision-making? Is sustainability a criterion for purchasing decisions? Do you have a project gating system? Do you have a system to vet green marketing claims? Does sustainability factor into your acquisition due diligence process? Do you consider sustainability in your RD and tech investments? Coca cola have a system in place for incorporating sustainability in decision-making. There’s a story of a farm somewhere in the world in

Identify and Explain Two Reasons for an Increase Free Essays

Identify and explain two reasons for an increase in cohabitation [17] One reason is changing social attitudes. Religion regarded cohabitation as ‘living in sin’, but today there is less shame attached to it. Barlow et al found increasing acceptance of cohabitation. We will write a custom essay sample on Identify and Explain Two Reasons for an Increase or any similar topic only for you Order Now This shows that the change in religions social attitude, cohabitation is accepted more, leading to an increase in cohabitation. Some people prefer love that focuses of on intimacy, closeness and emotion rather than the duties of marriage. Giddens argues that there has been a trend towards confluent love. This love focuses on the intimacy, closeness and emotion of a relationship, rather than the feelings of obligation and duty that is in vows at marriage. When a marriage no longer has confluent love, the relationship is likely to end. This shows that monogamy may start being replaced by serial monogamy, in which cohabitation is most suited to. However, the ONS found that 60% of cohabiting couples will eventually end in marriage showing that monogamy can often replace serial monogamy. There is less pressure to follow traditional norms and values. Beck and Beck-Gernshiem argue that individualism has led to changing attitudes towards cohabitation and marriage. There is less pressure to follow the norms and values around love and relationships set by family, religion or culture. This shows that the change in attitudes has led to people making their own decision about whether they marry or cohabitate. The acceptance of sex outside marriage has made it more likely that cohabitation will occur. Allan and Crow argue that effective contraception has made it possible for partners to cohabit without fear of pregnancy. This alongside the acceptance of sex before marriage means cohabitation without marriage is likely to occur. This shows that the change in social attitudes towards sex outside of marriage has led to an increase in cohabitation. Another reason is the decline in the popularity of marriage. The drawbacks that come with marriage often turn people away from marriage. McRae found cohabitation had been chosen over marriage because marriage was seen as limiting personal freedom and independence, offering no advantages over cohabitation. This shows that more people started a cohabiting relationship rather than a marriage, leading to a decline in marriage, but a rise in cohabitation. Some people find it better to have more sexual partners than to get married. Patricia Morgan argues that cohabitation is part of a worrying trend in which marriage is going out of fashion and the family is in decline. It is a sign of an increasing trend to have more sexual partners and change them frequently than to commit to stable married relationships. This shows that cohabitation is becoming more popular than marriage because people are starting to want more than just one partner for life. Cohabitation is an alternative to marriage Chandler argues cohabitation is a relatively stable alternative to marriage and that the length of time couples spend together is expanding. This shows that it is a good alternative to marriage, but with more freedom. However, the New Right claim that cohabitation is less stable than marriage and can lead to negative consequences. Fear of divorce could lead to more people cohabitating, rather than getting married. The ONS showed that 45% of marriages ended in divorce, which could lead to people not wanting to get married and preferring to cohabit instead. This shows that the fear of divorce can turn people away from marriage and turning to cohabitation, which declines the popularity of marriage and increases cohabitation. Related article: â€Å"My Ideal Wife† How to cite Identify and Explain Two Reasons for an Increase, Essay examples

Psych Approach to Othello free essay sample

Approach of William Shakespeares Othello Jealousy is bred in doubts. When those doubts change into certainties, then the passion either ceases or turns absolute madness,- Francois De La Rochefoucauld. All people have the seed of jealousy inside them. However, the doubts of ones self help grow the seed of jealousy. Othello was never what seemed to be a jealous man but when Iago led him to believe Desdemona was being unfaithful, Othello started to show his side of jealousy which ultimately led to his self destruction. Othellos ego is shown through his indecisive decision and the wavering of his judgement. Othellos primal instincts take over consuming his ego and superego leading him to his downfall. Finally, Othello superego prevails in his reasonable decisions throughout the play. In William Shakespeares Othello, Othello starts off as a rational and moral character. As the play progresses, Othello becomes consumed by jealousy and he deteriorates resulting in his overactive ID and superego leading to his destruction. We will write a custom essay sample on Psych Approach to Othello or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Othello appears as a fair and reasonable character from what the audience can see. His psyche is initially balanced and he does not seem like a character that would be despicable by Iago. Initaly, Othellos ego becomes visible when he get brought to court and Brabantio is accusing Othello of witchcraft on his daughter Desdemona, to make her fall in love with him. Othello reacts calmly and says hold your hands, both you of my fight, i should have known it without a prompter. Whither will you that i go to answer this your charge. ( Shakespeare 1. 84-86 )Through the use of words, Othello is able to communicate reason towards the court showing his prevailing ego. In addition, Othello once again reveals his ego, when hes in the court and allows Desdemona to speak on his behalf, showing his reasonable and mature actions. Othello says, And till she come as truly as to heaven I do confess the vices of my blood. ( Shakespeare 1. 3 124-125) Othello responds very reasonably as he states his opi nions rather than starting an argument. Therefore displaying his ability to control his ID like qualities. Finally, before Othello kills Desdemona, he experiences self conflict as he is trying to decide weather or not to act on this murder, thus displaying his ability to decipher between good and bad. Overall Othello demonstrates his ego because no one is manipulating him in the beginning of the play Othello is his own person, and his love for Desdemona is so strong that nothing is getting in the way. However this changes when Iago starts his lies into othello. Othello started off as the character that compassion could not shake but quickly his character took a turn for the worse and an immense character change occurred. Through out the middle of the play ID has overcome his character which ultimately causes his falling point. For instance, during the last acts of the play,Othello slaps Desdemona and says, devil†¦. if that the earth could teem with womens tears, each drop she falls would prove a crocodile. Out of my slight. (Shakespeare 4. 1 231- ) His character looks horrific and this kind of violence was frown upon. Othello striking Desdemona shows his ID like qualities coming out and not being able to control his anger at all times. Towards the end of Othello, after he questions Emilia on Desdemonas loyalty, Othello says to Desdemona, oh, ay as summer flies are in the shambles, That quicken even with blowing. O thou weed, who art so lovely fair and smellst so sweet that the sense aches at thee, would thou hadst neer been born! ( Shakespeare 4. 2 69-73 ) Othello is stating that Desdemona is unfaithful and wishes she was never born, nonetheless Othello has lost all of his moral and values through his desires caused by Iago. In addition, Iago dominates over Othellos psyche creating an ID behaviour by informing the idea that othello should kill his innocent wife. After Iago tells him about Cassio using the handkerchief this prevailed othello into killing him own naive wife, get me some poison Iago this night, ill not expostulate with her, lest her body and beauty unprovided my mind- this night Iago. (Shakespeare 4. 1 194-196) This demonstrates the ID behaviour for the reason that his desire overpowers his voice of restraint ultimately leading to him killing desdemona. Othellos id is fuelled by Iago since his reputation and needs to not be seen as a fool are eventually more important to him than his own wife. In the last sense on the play Othellos ID developed even stronger into an overactive Id this is shown when othello walks into the room when Desdemona is sleeping in her wedding sheets. Othello begins to speak to himself to justify his reason to preform an immoral action, it is the cause, it is the cause my soul . ( Shakespeare 5. 2 1 ) Othello reputation is more essential to him because he is well liked in Cyprus ultimately leading him to killing Desdemona. Overall, Othellos ID grew stronger as Iago fabrications became more believable and forced upon him. Othellos strong conscience and internalized moral standards begin to take over Othellos ego and ID which results into his downfall. His sense of morals are processed in the play when his voice of restraint becomes predominate over his desires and reputation. This is seen in the beginning of the play when Othello removes Cassios rank in cyprus. â€Å" Thy honesty and love doth mince this matter, Making it light to Cassio. Cassio I love thee, but never more be office of mine† ( Shakespeare 2. 3. 26-28), this is demonstrating his super ego because there is a slight voice of restraint when he says i love thee. In particular this proves his superego because although Cassios status is important it is the friendship between Cassio and himself that makes him feel guilt. Eventually this leads to his superego becoming more existent when Iago begins to plot that Cassio and Desdemona are having an affair. Othello begins to believe it however, he demands proof showing his sense of right from wrong, †¦.. i think that thou art just and think thou art not, ill have some proof (Shakespeare 3. 3 392-394 ). His superego is shown because he is demonstrating that he has a sense of morals by telling Iago he will not believe it until he has proof. Although there might be slight truth on what Iago is saying he still believes his wife is faithful unless Iago provides him with the proof he needs because ultimately he does not want to believe that his wife would do such a thing. After killing his wife Desdemona, Othello realizes that he will never have her back again, he cant regain his ego which ultimately leads to his suicide. Before committing suicide othello states, †¦. of one that loved not wisely, but to well. Of one not easily jealous, but being wrought, perplexed in the extreme. Of one whose hand. ( Shakespeare 5. 360-363) This eventually demonstrates his overactive superego because finally knowing the truth about Iagos lies developed a heavy guilt leading to his death. His superego becomes predominant over the others which is eventually grown as a neurosis. Othellos overactive superego is ultimately shown through his guilt of killing his wife since he now knows the truth of Iagos evil schemes. In the final analysis o f William Shakespeares Othello, Othello starts of as a rational and moral character but as the play progresses his ID and superego result in his own destruction. Othello begins to be consumed by jealousy which ultimately leads to his decline within himself. In the beginning of the play Othellos ego since is able to balance out his ID and superego. As the play continues on Othellos ID becomes essential to him through Iagos unethical lies, however at the end of the play it is his overactive superego and guilt that leads to his suicide. William Shakespeare is trying to state that those who have an ego and are able to withhold themselves will ultimately be okay, but if individual allows others to manipulate them it will lead to a downfall within one, this is proven in Othello.

Role of Technology in Retail Sector

Role of Technology in Retail Sector Today, in the 21st century, retailers all over the world are increasingly obtaining profit in return by delivering customer satisfaction through the adoption of many powerful technologies.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Role of Technology in Retail Sector specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Indeed, technology has substantially shifted the landscape of the retail industry, as more retailers adopt and implement technological solutions that accentuate mobility, efficiency, competitiveness and sustainability (Delgado 2012; Fiorito et al 2010). The present paper attempts to discuss how technology is utilized in the retail sector, how it has impacted the retail business and its customers, and the critical technologies found in the retail industry. Technology is utilized in the retail sector in numerous ways not only to achieve profitability and competitiveness for the organization, but also to generate value for custome rs and change the relationship with customers and other trading agencies (Ko Kincade, 1997). Novel technologies such as Point-of-Sale (POS) systems can be utilized in the retail sector for efficient and effective transactions, proper accounting, â€Å"customer loyalty, CRM [Customer Relationship Management], PCI [Payment Card Industry] issues, back office transfers and receiving, time-keeping and scheduling, and task management†(Delgado, 2010 p. 10). Other technological solutions, such as the Retail Pro system and Microsoft Retail Management System, have been effectively used in retail to, among other things: minimize theft and human error; enhance efficiency and speed in the checkout process; provide extensive tracking of business transactions, discounts and products; avail up-to-date sales productivity statistics; facilitate inventory control and management; undertake purchase order management; and promote customer relationship management as well as payment processing solu tions (Delgado, 2010) Furthermore, some technological solutions such as e-business can be utilized to integrate emerging communication technologies with business processes and management practices via the internet, resulting in overall transformation of the relationships that retailers have with their customers, suppliers and other business partners (Bordonaba-Juste et al., 2012). In discussing the impact of technology on retail business and its customers, extant literature demonstrates that â€Å"web technologies help firms to understand customer needs, to customize products, to adopt product-market solutions, and to take customers’ orders† (Bordonaba-Juste et al., 2012 p. 533).Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Retail businesses, in particular, are impacted by newer disruptive innovations such as e-business as they have to reorganize and restruct ure themselves continuously, with the view to integrating the technological solutions into their existing work processes to achieve profitability and competitiveness. Additionally, mobile payment programs have positively impacted the retail sector in terms of faster checkout times and the capacity by customers to receive e-mail receipts that are more convenient since they can be stored on a smart phone and accessed more easily than paper-based receipts (Delgado, 2010). Moving on, it is a well known fact that critical technologies in the retail sector have the capacity to tie a customer to a transaction, and consequently to a broad range of products, not only leading to the opening up of a new frontier for one-on-one marketing (Delgado, 2010), but also substantially changing the way business is conducted through availing important data both within the organization and to suppliers, channel partners and customers (Bordonaba-Juste et al., 2012). Such capabilities have been known to sig nificantly reduce customers’ search-related costs, facilitate the speed of reaction to important market information, provide a better shopping experience, decrease stock-out rate, improve inventory and replenishment rates, assist retailers to predict what is likely to occur and decide what to do next, and enhance access to new products in new channels, hence positively affecting the retailer’s bottom-line in terms of profits and competitive advantage (Fiorito et al., 2010; Ko Kincade, 1997; Puleri, 2011). However, a major negative impact of technology on retailers concerns the fact that â€Å"competitors are more numerous because the marketplace has no barriers and new entrants have access to a global market† (Bordonaba-Juste et al., 2012 p. 534). Another negative impact concerns the fact that some web-based technologies such as e-business avail critical market information not only to customers but also to competitors, implying that retailers must employ strate gies to ensure such information becomes a core competency rather than a disadvantage to the company (Barlow et al., 2004). In discussing the last section of the paper, which concerns the critical technologies found in the retail industry, it can be argued that quick response technologies such as electronic data interchange (EDI), bar-coding, and point-of-sale (POS) data capture act to improve inventory and replenishment rates, optimize the flow of information and merchandise between channel partners to optimize customer value and satisfaction, and improve turn of goods (Ko Kincade, 1997).Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Role of Technology in Retail Sector specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It is important to note the POS software solutions presently utilized in the retailing sector comprise â€Å" Retail Pro, Microsoft Retail Management System (RMS), and Keystroke POS, while examples of leading POS hardware sys tems are HP’s rp5800 Point of Sale solution, IBM’s SurePOS 500 system, and NCR’s RealPOS 25 system† (Delgado, 2010 p. 11). Other technologies currently used in the retail sector include smart phones, iPods, iPads, tablets, Quick Response (QR) codes, and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID). Individually and collectively, these technologies are known to enhance mobility, efficiency and customer satisfaction, while also providing valuable product information and facilitating the capacity for the retailer to know how much inventory of any particular product they have, right down to size, quantity and color (Barlow et al., 2004; Delgado, 2010). Overall, it can be concluded that the adoption of emerging technologies is the right way to go for retailers in their attempt to revolutionalize the sector in not only achieving profitability and competitive advantage for the businesses, but also in enhancing customers’ value, satisfaction and ability to researc h any product offering and making purchases wherever and whenever they wish. References Barlow, A.K.J., Siddiqui, N.Q., Mannion, M. (2004). Developments in information and communication technologies for retail marketing channels. International Journal of Retail Distribution Management, 32(3), 157-163. Bordonaba-Juste, V., Lucia-Palacios, L., Polo-Redondo, Y. (2012). Antecedents and consequences of e-business adoption for European retailers. Internet Research, 22(5), 532-550. Delgado, F.J. (2012). New retail technologies. Sporting Goods Business, 45(9), 10-13. Fiorito, S.S., Gable, M., Conseur, A. (2010). Technology: Advancing retail buyer performance in the 21st century. International Journal of Retail Distribution Management, 38(11/12), 879-893.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Ko, E., Kincade, D.H. (1997). The impact of quick response technologies on retail store attributes. International Journal of Retail Distribution Management, 25(2), 90-98. Puleri, J. (2011). The future of technology in retail. Chain Store Age, 87(7), 22-22.

HMS Queen Mary at the Battle of Jutland

HMS Queen Mary at the Battle of Jutland HMS Queen Mary was a British battlecruiser that entered service in 1913. The last battlecruiser completed for the Royal Navy prior to World War I, it saw action during the early engagements of the conflict. Sailing with the 1st Battlecruiser Squadron, Queen Mary was lost at the Battle of Jutland in May 1916. HMS Queen Mary Nation:  Great BritainType:  BattlecruiserShipyard:  Palmers Shipbuilding and Iron CompanyLaid Down:  March 6, 1911Launched:  March 20, 1912Commissioned:  September 4, 1913Fate:  Sunk at the Battle of Jutland, May 31, 1916 Specifications Displacement:  27,200 tonsLength:  703 ft., 6 in.Beam:  89 ft., 0.5 in.Draft:  32 ft., 4 in.Propulsion:  Parsons direct-drive steam turbines, 42 Yarrow boilers, 4 x propellersSpeed:  28 knotsRange:  6,460 miles at 10 knotsComplement:  1,275 men Armament 4 Ãâ€" 2 – BL 13.5-inch Mk V guns16 Ãâ€" 1 – BL 4-inch Mk VII guns2 Ãâ€" 1 – 21-inch Mk II submerged torpedo tubes Background On October 21, 1904, Admiral John Jackie Fisher became First Sea Lord at the behest of King Edward VII. Tasked with reducing expenditures and modernizing the Royal Navy, he also began advocating for all big gun battleships. Moving forward with this initiative, Fisher had the revolutionary HMS Dreadnought built two years later. Featuring ten 12-in. guns, Dreadnought instantly made all existing battleships obsolete. Fisher next desired to support this class of battleship with a new type of cruiser that sacrificed armor for speed. Dubbed battlecruisers, the first of this new class, HMS Invincible, was laid down in April 1906. It was Fishers vision that battlecruisers would conduct reconnaissance, support the battle fleet, protect commerce, and pursue a defeated enemy. Over the next eight years, several battlecruisers were constructed by both the Royal Navy and the German Kaiserliche Marine. Design Ordered as part of the 1910–11 Naval Program along with four King George V-class battleships, HMS Queen Mary was to be the sole ship of its class. A follow-on to the earlier Lion-class, the new ship featured an altered interior arrangement, a redistribution of its secondary armament, and a longer hull than its predecessors. Armed with eight 13.5 in. guns in four twin turrets, the battlecruiser also carried sixteen 4 in. guns mounted in casemates. The ships armament received direction from an experimental fire-control system designed by Arthur Pollen. Queen Marys armor scheme varied little from the Lions and was thickest amidships. At the waterline, between B and X turrets, the ship was protected by 9 Krupp cemented armor.   This thinned moving towards the bow and stern. An upper belt of reached a thickness of 6 over the same length. Armor for the turrets consisted of 9 on the front and sides and varied from 2.5 to 3.25 on the roofs. The battlecruisers conning tower was protected by 10 on the sides and 3 on the roof. Additionally, Queen Marys armored citadel was closed off by 4 transverse bulkheads. Power for the new design came from two paired sets of Parsons direct-drive turbines which turned four propellers. While the outboard propellers were turned by high-pressure turbines, the inner propellers were turned by low-pressure turbines. In a change from other British ships since Dreadnought, which had positioned the officers quarters near their action stations amidships, Queen Mary saw them returned to their traditional location in the stern. As a result, it was it the first British battlecruiser to possess a sternwalk. Construction Laid down on March 6, 1911 at Palmer Shipbuilding and Iron Company in Jarrow, the new battlecruiser was named for King George Vs wife, Mary of Teck. Work progressed over the next year and Queen Mary slid down the ways on March 20, 1912, with Lady Alexandrina Vane-Tempest serving as the Queens representative. Initial work on the battlecruiser ended in May 1913 and sea trials were conducted through June. Though Queen Mary utilized more powerful turbines than earlier battlecruisers, it only barely exceeded its design speed of 28 knots. Returning to the yard for final alterations, Queen Mary came under the command of Captain Reginald Hall. With the completion of the ship, it entered commission on September 4, 1913. World War I Assigned to Vice Admiral David Beattys 1st Battlecruiser Squadron, Queen Mary commenced operations in the North Sea. The following spring saw the battlecruiser make a port call at Brest before a voyage to Russia in June. In August, with Britains entry into World War I, Queen Mary and its consorts prepared for combat. On August 28, 1914, the 1st Battlecruiser Squadron sortied in support of a raid on the German coast by British light cruisers and destroyers. In the early fighting during the Battle of Heligoland Bight, British forces had difficulty disengaging and the light cruiser HMS Arethusa was crippled. Under fire from the light cruisers SMS Strassburg and SMS Cà ¶ln, it called for aid from Beatty. Steaming to the rescue, his battlecruisers, including Queen Mary, sank Cà ¶ln and the light cruiser SMS Ariadne before covering the British withdrawal. Refit That December, Queen Mary took part in Beattys attempt to ambush German naval forces as they conducted a raid on Scarborough, Hartlepool, and Whitby. In a confused series of events, Beatty failed to bring the Germans to battle and they successfully escaped back the Jade Estuary. Withdrawn in December 1915, Queen Mary received a new fire control system before entering the yard for a refit the following month. As a result, it was not with Beatty for the Battle of Dogger Bank on January 24. Returning to duty in February, Queen Mary continued to operate with the 1st Battlecruiser Squadron through 1915 and into 1916. In May, British naval intelligence learned that the German High Seas Fleet had left port. Loss at Jutland Steaming in advance of Admiral Sir John Jellicoes Grand Fleet, Beattys battlecruisers, supported by the battleships of the 5th Battle Squadron, collided with Vice Admiral Franz Hippers battlecruisers in the opening phases of the Battle of Jutland. Engaging at 3:48 PM on May 31, the German fire proved accurate from the outset. At 3:50 PM, Queen Mary opened fire on SMS Seydlitz with its forward turrets. As Beatty closed the range, Queen Mary scored two hits on its opponent and disabled one of Seydlitzs aft turrets. Around 4:15, HMS Lion came under intense fire from Hippers ships. The smoke from this obscured HMS Princess Royal forcing SMS Derfflinger to shift its fire to Queen Mary. As this new enemy engaged, the British ship continued to trade hits with Seydlitz. At 4:26 PM, a shell from Derfflinger struck Queen Mary detonating one or both of its forward magazines. The resulting explosion broke the battlecruiser in half near its foremast. A second shell from Derfflinger may have hit further aft. As the after part of the ship began to roll, it was rocked by a ​large explosion before sinking. Of Queen Marys crew, 1,266 were lost while only twenty were rescued. Though Jutland resulted in a strategic victory for the British, it saw two battlecruisers, HMS Indefatigable and Queen Mary, lost with nearly all hands. An investigation into the losses led to changes in ammunition handling aboard British ships as the report showed that cordite handling practices may have contributed to the loss of the two battlecruisers.