Odysseus Persuasive Essay Example For Students

Odysseus Persuasive Essay Odysseus is a hero of all times thanks to Homer who wrote his story in The Odyssey. Odysseus is a hero in his on time because of all his adventures and characteristics. Homer wrote about the Trojan War, in which Odysseus took part in, in the Iliad, and about Odysseus long journey home in, The Odyssey. There have been theories that suggest that Homer was illiterate and could not have possibly recited poems of these lengths by memory, and that they were put together much later on and added to. However, there is evidence that a city, possible Troy, existed and was destroyed. Also there was a kingdom of Ithica which allows for a king Odysseus. Even if the King did not go to the war there was still a chance that he might have existed. In the Odyssey, Homer used a narrative structure to tell his stories. The original texts were wrote on papyrus scrolls and it is theorized that these scrolls each told a chapter in Homers plays. The modern version of The Odyssey is a combination of all these scrolls that could have existed as separate stories about Odysseus travels, his encounters, and how he obtained his status as a hero. Ancient Greece has always been an interest of mine. In 6th grade a teacher that I had know for my whole schooling showed a movie every week. One week we watched Jason and the Argonaughts. Ever since then I could never get enough Greek mythology. In freshman year of high school we read the annotated text book version of The Odyssey. Lucky for me, I transferred English classes at the semester and I was able to read The Odyssey twice. And since then Odysseus has been a hero to me. The story starts in book 9, Odysseus telling his story to the King of Phaeaica. They sacked a city then sailed away when faced with opposing force. Next, they landed on the island of the lotus-eaters. After Odysseus pried his crew away from the lotus-eaters, they landed on the island of the Cyclops. Here is where Odysseus displays all his heroic qualities. Odysseus picked twelve of the best warriors from his crew to accompany him on the visit to the Cyclops, Polyphemus, and son of the god that shakes the Earth, Poseidon. Polyphemus takes Odysseus captive and proceeds to eat his warriors for meals. Odysseus dreams up an ingenious plan. He reveals to the Cyclops that his name is Nobody. Then, while the Cyclops slept, Odysseus sharpened a log, heated it to an ember, and blinded the Cyclops. When Polyphemus cried to the other Cyclops that he had been blinded, he told them that Nobody had blinded him so the other Cyclops did not come to his help. Then to complete his plan, Odysseus and his remaining crew hid in the under belly of Polyphemus sheep when they went out to pasture. Odysseus had to actually hold on to the sheeps under belly with his arms, unlike his crew who was tied to them. Odysseus uses his heroic qualities to over come all the conflicts that the fates and the Gods throw at him. He uses his cunning when he returns to his household. First he has to figure out a way to defeat all the suitors when there are only three of them. After he defeats the suitors, he has to play mind games with his wife Penelope because of the warning Agamemnon gave him at the river of death. Another heroic quality is his looks and charm. If Odysseus had not have been as handsome then Circe would not have seduced him and he would not have been giving the advice about the river of the dead, the Sirens, Scylla and Charyboidis. Also, at the end of his journey had he not been handsome, Calypso would not have taken him in, fed him and gave him shelter, and he would have died on her island. And after all that, I do not believe that he would have been as welcomed at the Kingdom of Pheaecia by the princess Nausicaa. Having the protection of a god is also a certain quality of a hero. Athe na constantly helps Odysseus during his travels. Athena helps him escape from Calypsos island, helps him land on Pheaecia, and she also disguises him when he finally reaches home in order to help trick the suitors. .u55121c892ceade3e7a221c34a4334b7e , .u55121c892ceade3e7a221c34a4334b7e .postImageUrl , .u55121c892ceade3e7a221c34a4334b7e .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u55121c892ceade3e7a221c34a4334b7e , .u55121c892ceade3e7a221c34a4334b7e:hover , .u55121c892ceade3e7a221c34a4334b7e:visited , .u55121c892ceade3e7a221c34a4334b7e:active { border:0!important; } .u55121c892ceade3e7a221c34a4334b7e .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u55121c892ceade3e7a221c34a4334b7e { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u55121c892ceade3e7a221c34a4334b7e:active , .u55121c892ceade3e7a221c34a4334b7e:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u55121c892ceade3e7a221c34a4334b7e .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u55121c892ceade3e7a221c34a4334b7e .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u55121c892ceade3e7a221c34a4334b7e .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u55121c892ceade3e7a221c34a4334b7e .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u55121c892ceade3e7a221c34a4334b7e:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u55121c892ceade3e7a221c34a4334b7e .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u55121c892ceade3e7a221c34a4334b7e .u55121c892ceade3e7a221c34a4334b7e-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u55121c892ceade3e7a221c34a4334b7e:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Knights 2 EssayFinally Odysseus super human strength helps him become a hero. Out of all the heroes that went into the Trojan War, Odysseus was one of the few that came back alive and lived. His strength and fighting ability helped him in the war. Also without his strength he would have not been able to escape from the Cyclops, Polyphemus. His strength was also useful when he had to string his bow in order to win Penelope from the suitors and kill them all. In the text, heroism is defined as certain qualities that are revealed in interaction between the Gods, monsters and other humans. In book 8, page 207, line 559-84, the bard, Demodocus, tells the story of the hero Odyss eus and how he defeated the Trojans. This is an example of how the Greeks remembered heroes, by their actions. Before the story Odysseus earns his title as a superb war hero by defeating the Trojans. Then in his journey home, Odysseus bests the son of a god, the Cyclops, Polyphemus. After that he tricks Circe, then he passes the Sirens, Scylla, and Charyboidis. And upon completion of his journey home Odysseus achieves the greatest task of all. A mere mortal beats a god; Odysseus battles with Poseidon through the whole story. All these conflicts earn Odysseus his rightful title of Hero in ancient Greece. In order to encounter all these conflicts, Odysseus has to endure great suffering. He is kept from his lovely wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus, for twenty years. Not only that but he has to suffer by watching monsters such as Polypheums and Scylla devour his crew. And then he has to endure the destruction of his ship and crew at the hands of Zeus after they slaughtered the sun gods cattle. Odysseus has suffered more than anyone that I can imagine. Odysseus is a classic Greek hero. A person has many attributes and events that make them a hero. In ancient Greece to be a hero you had to have certain advantages then the ordinary citizen. There was a very strict view on who could become a hero in ancient Greece. This stereotype was, a male born to a rich/high class family. Many heroes have come and gone, but Odysseus is one of the few that have remained. The reason that Odysseus is one of the few is that he displays all the characteristics of a hero in ancient Greek culture as well in todays culture. During all of Odysseus encounters, he uses his metes, or street smarts, the most to survive and come out on top. Even though in most situations he could easily fight his way out he still tries to think his way out. Will Odysseus remain in the realm of heroism in the distant future or will our views of heroism change and eliminate Odysseus from the hero category?Category: Philosophy

The days of broadcasting are behind us

Introduction Media is important to the society given that it is one of the main sources of information. Unfortunately, in the course of playing its roles, media faces some critical challenges. Broadcasting via radio and television has been a part of the society for a long time, but it seems to have run its course.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The days of broadcasting are behind us specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Broadcasting in this context refers to transmitting of information, either in the form of audio or video (mainly through radio television) to the audiences (Holznagel 2000). On the other hand, media in this context refers to the emerging forms of communication like the Internet. The public conception about broadcasting is continuously negating the ways through which media is behaving in the context of how it is currently handling public matters (Manovich 2001). Almost the entire population across the world significantly depends on broadcasting for critical information on contemporary issues of daily life. Commonly known as Public Service Broadcasting (PSB), which radio and television heavily support, there is a conviction that a new phase of modernized communication is threatening the survival of broadcasting. In relation to radio and television broadcasting, this essay critically analyses the statement, ‘the days of broadcasting are behind us’. Major Facts arising about broadcasting The globalized world is rapidly developing with a massive influx of new technologies that come with newly integrated features becoming more appealing to users. Lately, the world of media has gradually evolved from old broadcasting and information and communication platforms to modernized and efficient technologically supported media. So far, the conviction that ‘the days of broadcasting are behind us’ is rooted to the perception that technologies are constantly changing, w ith each of the new forms of media proving more competent and capable. In a bid to understand this conviction attached to broadcasting from a deeper perspective, the philosophy of new media is influential, but yet to prove competent to public service broadcasting. The face of public broadcasting, especially the ones involving radio and television networks in the digital and technological age, is constantly losing its initial value as the world witnesses rapid emergence of new media platforms.Advertising Looking for essay on communications media? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Whether it will remain considered as subjugation resulting from technological advancement or changes in consumer attitudes and behavior, it is clear that broadcasting is diminishing in importance as the world approaches new world innovations. Traditionally, innovators in the broadcasting realm endeavored to convey important events beyond their immediate location to the fast-growing listening public that microphones uncomfortably offered (Scannell 1997). The radio broadcasting was perhaps the most successful technologies that marked significant changes in information sharing and communication, but little was known that technology was transforming rapidly. At this point, massive public interest in broadcasting developed, with individuals becoming less interested in certain events like sports becoming solid fans (Laven 1998). Radio integrally redistributed broadcasting of public events too far wider audiences than via microphones, thus making events more tantalizing. Gradually, the television technology emerged with its ability to integrate audio and visual communication elements in the same communication device, thus making radio broadcasting a little worthless. Subsequently, the radio technology and it is broadcasting techniques started receiving little attention, as the television technology became more convincing and efficient (A rino Ahlert 2004). The essence in the modernity of televisions and their broadcasting techniques that expanded the public communication services to the representation and expectations of the modern society did not take long before the massive growth of the Internet and web technologies emerged (Hoeg, 2009). Before that, television suitably gained consumers’ reputation following its ability to communicate and redistribute information to far wider audiences. As noted by Thompson (1999), the primary intent of public broadcasting services if not abused in any manner as opposed to its focus, is to convey a message to massive population.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The days of broadcasting are behind us specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Despite television communication and its broadcasting techniques meaning to manipulate public reputation to further lengths and proving to be a significant communication med ia to the present times, a looming debate is raising whether it is still competent in meeting the advancing public communication demands given modern viewers’ preferences. Indication that broadcasting is still unique Despite the unrelenting criticisms protracting from public convictions regarding the current position of media broadcasting in the modern technologically supported communication life, the broadcasting technique has its own uniqueness. The swiftly growing Internet communication that supports social networking platform is becoming competent, but undoubtedly a dangerous form of public communication that comes with manipulated, distorted, and confusion in its communication. One of the imperative features of broadcasting, as noticed by Scannell (1997) and Thompson (1999) is its ability to communicate information after the occurrence of actual events. Accuracy of information passed to the public is integral to avoid mayhem and confusion, and through broadcasting, infor mation passed is heavily confirmed and corrected before reaching the audience. According to Manovich (2001), the elements of audio and video broadcasting through the radio and television platforms have an essential responsibility of informing the public as imagination becomes easier when verbal communication is clear and that people enjoy live events that also provide an opportunity for joining significant discussions in bulletins. The Internet and social networking communication platforms are becoming private and individualized communication tools, which pose a significant challenge for marginalized groups, the unfortunate, and other excluded social groups. According to Scannell (1997), â€Å"the radio and television platforms have given voice to voiceless and faces to faceless, creating new communicative entitlements† (p.64). Televisions and radios are going through a slow extinction, but the attractiveness of the news, bulletins, and other programs that the Internet and ot her modern communication tools can barely support, makes broadcasting an old, but resilient technology (Hoeg, 2009).Advertising Looking for essay on communications media? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Notably, the television and radio communication is still clinching high in public broadcasting following its professional approach to information sharing and permeation. Scannell (1997) postulates that the fact that televisions and radios have the ability to use professionals and experts with consultation aspects in broadcasting is more appealing and realistic to the public. Even though it comes with greater features that are engaging and attractive, live streaming of news and other programs via the Internet is expensive and incompetent. Influence of new technologies in broadcasting The advent of Internet technologies might have posed great challenges to the slowly evolving radio and television broadcasting technologies, but modern technologies have emerged with unprecedented changes to the broadcasting itself (Arino Ahlert 2004). Virtually, all concepts and elements that initially supported traditional broadcasting in radios and televisions are fading away as new technological cha nges much determine the way news travel. The focal points of technological changes entail computers that have significantly enabled transmission of information in a more advanced manner. Nonetheless, the pace of computerized technologies is growing in relative tempo with broadcasting technologies and it has allowed presentation of news with an open view and with multilayered contexts (Jakubowicz 2003). A significant transformation that will make broadcasting triumph even further is the modern digital age that has received unprecedented support. The digital revolution, as postulated by Norris and Pauling (2005), is swiftly sweeping through the world of communication since digital compression has enabled the formation of assorted television channels. The trend of digital television networks has taken time, but it is worthwhile to enhance expected changes. The amount of visual and audio information has greatly increased to become more interactive (Holznagel, 2000). A digital platform t hat comes with compression technology has changed broadcasting of information and entertainment. Despite being immobile, unlike other technological devices such as laptops, tablets, phones, and other Internet-enabled devices, new innovations make television broadcasting more enticing (Norris Pauling 2005). High-definition TVs (HDTVs) produce standardized clarity of picture and sound with its flat widescreen technology delivering a unique experience to consumers, hence more entertaining. Interactive applications that have been integrated into modern televisions allow consumers to engage more in broadcasting and other services. The personal Video Recorders (PVRs) in digital platforms allow consumers to record programs, pause, and replay programming, hence fitting consumer’s preferences. The Electronic Program Guides (EPGs) allow consumers to navigate easily through the content superfluity. Modern televisions are broadband-enabled, and thus they allow some computerized features . Hence, this aspect makes broadcasting a lifetime technology. Broadcasting still may continue performing The convictions of some individuals that broadcasting is becoming obsolete are perfectly in moral lapse and contain no evidence whatsoever. The future of broadcasting is still lively and promising since it is a unique style of information transference and connects better with listeners (Thompson 1999). In the modern broadcasting practice persons, whether broadcasters or those featured in news and programs, must possess specific characteristics to attract listeners and viewers. Most interesting in the contemporary world is global and national politics, celebrity life, entertainment, sportsmanship, and women circulate where broadcasting technology is covering exponentially. According to Scannell (1997), â€Å"broadcasting has created a public world of public persons who are routinely made available to whole populations† (p. 67). The practice of broadcasting is usually the most reliable and depended on communication media that enlightens populations about major entertainers, politicians, celebrities, churchmen, and even sportsmen and their involvement in certain occasions. This aspect makes broadcasting a more proffered communication tool despite substantial literature connecting it to extermination. Broadcasting is unique as it presents information and entertainment to the public. Most captivating to the youthful generation, which accounts for the highest global population, is show that involves modern technologies and movies and music (Jacka 2006). Broadcasting is the only reliable and effective means of delivering modern movie and music entertainment, and this aspect makes public broadcasting a unique information transference tool. Also, many comedy, soap operas and documentary programs feature in broadcasting televisions and radios each day. According to Jakubowicz (2003), as many people have little time to watch the news or prefer broadcasting, i t might stay part of the greater society. Coupled with its ability to deliver news in a professional manner, entertainment in the most anticipated form and inclusion of accuracy and confirmation of news for surety, viewers, and listeners’ confidence increases each consecutive year. The television and radio media devices form a more significant part of people’s living room milieu and they are the most available media tools readily available for entertainment and leisure in different homes. This aspect makes broadcasting in its present form; the best public communication and information sharing means that heavily contribute to democratization of everyday life. Some forms of news are better presented as a broadcast, especially those containing an inclusion of ordinary social life matters or different entertainment parameters (Jacka 2006). Crime, injustice, ethical prejudice, the plight of women, and other issues of marginalized groups across the world have affected the mo dern living and broadcasting has been in the forefront in sensitizing people across the world on such matters. As postulated by Scannell (1997) and Thompson (1999), sportsmen entertainment including events of football, athletics, basketballs and tennis among others, which form a greater part of youth involvement, makes television and radio broadcasting all-generation media devices. Conclusion and recollection of positives and negatives Historically, broadcasting forms an integral part of human communication and interaction through television and radio platforms. Whether the broadcasting process is undergoing recession, no one has firmly stood to confer this judgment. Digital media is still evolving, but at a slow pace and cannot match modern tablets, phones, laptops, and other modern. However, despite the growing trend in consumption of new media innovations, including the Internet and computerized communication and information sharing devices that enable interactive social networki ng platforms, broadcasting is still championing essential segments of modern communication. So far, the new media technologies have not made any destruction to broadcasting, and if any, then it has little influence on the broadcasting practice. Digital platforms that enable high compression of channels to convey numerous broadcasts with high definition video and audio make broadcasting attractive and appealing to public. Professional broadcasters with their ability to feature almost all aspects of political, social, and economic issues make broadcasting a unique form of information dissemination than other media and thus, the days of broadcasting are not behind us. Reference List Arino, M Ahlert, C 2004, ‘Beyond broadcasting: the digital future of public service broadcasting’, Prometheus, vol. 22 no. 4, pp. 393-410. Hoeg, W 2009, Digital Audio Broadcasting: Principles and Applications of DAB, DAB + and DMB, John Wiley Sons, West Sussex. Holznagel, B 2000, ‘The m ission of public service broadcasters’, International Journal of Communications Law and Policy, vol.1 no. 5, pp. 1-6. Jacka, E 2006, ‘The Future of Public Service Broadcasting’, in S Cunningham G Turner (eds), The Media and Communications in Australia, 2nd edn, Allen Unwin, Sydney, pp. 344-56. Jakubowicz, K 2003, ‘Endgame: Contracts, Audits, and the future of public service broadcasting’, The Public, vol. 10 no. 3, pp. 45-62. Laven, P 1998, ‘Predicting the future of broadcasting’, EBU Technical Review, pp.1-12. Manovich, L 2001, ‘The Language of New Media’, MIT Press, Cambridge, MA. Norris, P Pauling, B 2005, Public Broadcasting in the Digital Age: Issues for New Zealand. Web. Scannell, P 1997, ‘Public Service Broadcasting and Modern Public Life’, in T O’Sullivan and J Yvonne (eds), The Media Studies Reader, Arnold, London, pp. 60-71. Thompson, J 1999, ‘The Media and Modernity’, in H Mack ay and T O’Sullivan (eds), The Media Reader: Continuity and Transformation, Sage, London, pp. 12-27. This essay on The days of broadcasting are behind us was written and submitted by user Haylee Michael to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Asia Pacific Economic essays

Asia Pacific Economic essays The purpose of this report is to analyze the business process in Asia by planning a business venture in China. The report will present and apply knowledge in terms of the strategic business planning and development process. With nearly 1.3 billion people, the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) is the worlds largest country and the worlds fastest-growing economy. Since its opening to the outside world in 1978 China has begun building a modern, internationally oriented industrial economy based on imports of technology and export-oriented production (Genzberger A. C, 1995, P1). Chinas political, economic and investment environment are changing, albeit gradually, and it has a growing core of forward-looking technocrats committed to economic reform. 2.1 What analysis would you want to undertake before actually considering market entry into China. Australia is Chinas thirteenth largest source of utilized FDI (foreign direct investment), with 2500 direct investment projects in a wide range of fields (China Daily, 4 Jan 1997). Evidences show that sixty per cent of Australian firms were interested in China, citing the huge potential of the market, low labour costs and Australias economic interests being largely in East Asia. Although there were a lot of barriers during investment process, for example, a complex and often conflicting system of administrative controls regulates access by foreign investors to Chinas market, the limited availability of foreign exchange, inadequate protection for intellectual property, barriers to market access and production controls, treatment hat is unequal when compared with that of domestic companies, and the lack of an adequate mechanism for resolving disputes (Genzberger A. C, 1995, P43), the number of Australian cumulative investment in China increased to around A$1 billion, with realized ou tlays averaging over A$200 million per year recently- mostly in manufact...

Rules for Writing out Numbers

Rules for Writing out Numbers Why do so many people find it difficult to remember the rules for using numbers in formal writing? Probably because the rules seem a little fuzzy sometimes. So what can you do? Its no mystery: as with anything, read and study the rules several times, and it will all seem natural, eventually. Writing Numbers One through Ten Spell out numbers one through ten, as in this example: My little brother ate four apples before dinner and became ill.Why do parents always check to see if babies have ten toes? Writing Numbers Above Ten Spell out numbers above ten, unless writing the number would involve using more than two words. For example: I have sixty-three dead bugs in my collection.My cousin has 207 bugs in his.This site has given me a thousand helpful hints for my homework.My grandmother is seventy-two today.My little sister had about 4,763 measles on her face. Always Spell Out Numbers that Begin Sentences It would look odd to begin a sentence with a numeral. Four hundred fifty people attended the birthday party. However, you should try to avoid using long, clunky numbers at the beginning of a sentence. Instead of writing that four hundred and fifty people attended a party, you could re-write: There were 450 people at the party. Dates, Phone Numbers, and Time Use numbers for dates: My birthday is on March 16.He was born on Valentines Day, 1975. And use numbers for phone numbers: The phone number for the school is 800-555-6262The international code for England is 44. And use numbers for telling time if using a.m. or p.m.: The alarm will sound at 7 p.m.I make my bed at 7 a.m. each morning. But spell out times when using oclock or when the a.m. or p.m. are omitted: The alarm will sound at seven oclock.I make my bed at seven each morning.

Microl8 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Microl8 - Essay Example (c) The slope of demand function is – 2. It tells that with the increase in quantity demanded by 1 unit, price of that good or service decreases by $2 (or 2 currency units). (d) The slope of supply function is 1. It tells that with the increase in quantity supplied by 1 unit, price of that good or service increases by $1 (or 1 currency unit). ... That’s why any change in prices of food is prominent and significant for them, which makes their food demand flexible in response to its price changes; i.e. with the changes in price, they vary their food consumption accordingly. However, U.S. is a high-income country. Its consumption is diversely distributed to variety of luxury goods in addition to the necessity goods. Thus, food consumption of American people comprises of a smaller portion of their income; in fact it is much smaller if compared with a low-income country as Tanzania. That’s why any change in food prices is not so observed by them which makes their food demand almost irresponsive to price. In short, high elasticity of food demand in Tanzania imply higher level of its foods purchases as compared to that in U.S. where food purchases are not so higher as compared to the purchases of other goods – luxury goods (Parkin n.d., p. 95). Taxes S’ (= S+T) P S D Q With the imposition of tax, supply c urve shifts left as tax serves as increasing cost of production for producers. Now, the price paid by the consumer (PD) is not the same as that received by the supplier (PS) as the difference is to be paid as a tax; there would be no equilibrium now (The Impact of an Excise Tax or Subsidy on Price n.d.). It can be illustrated here in the graph that since the customer has to pay more price than before and since suppliers cost increases due to the tax, the market price would be increased and due to the increase in price, there would be leftward movement along the demand curve and thus the quantity demanded would be decreased. (a) Tax revenue would be greater from the good for which price increase would not much

Petroleum Engineering final research Paper Essay

Petroleum Engineering final research Paper - Essay Example While engineering and research have developed methods of extracting different petroleum products from crude oil in practical approaches, the academic and the overall public domain is unable to know from research how exactly the formation of crude oil takes place as many theories exist within the sources credited as scholarly articles and approved books. Given the increasing threat of reading and believing various sources in existence, this essay seeks to answer the following question as it relates to petroleum engineering and research on petroleum production: Research Question If petroleum engineering was developed through research on petroleum formation, why is it that petroleum engineering follows the same concepts and methods of processing while petroleum research on petroleum formation differs considerably? LITERATURE REVIEW 1. Research on Petroleum a. Formation of crude oil ‘The origin of oil’ is a phrase that anyone can take a wild guess and appear right on. From t ime immemorial, societies have become accustomed to the popular believe that crude oil is a product from the interiors of the earth. However, while the origin or oil has been researched on, most research tends to lean on where crude oil exists or where around the world oil can be drilled. Research goes further to explain that the origin of oil is a phenomenon that can be explained through the consideration of hydrocarbons undergoing gradual changes within the confinements of the earth’s crust. According to Bluemale & Manz (2), crude oil is constituted of 50-95% of hydrocarbons. While chemical engineering is a crucial input in the field of petroleum research, some sources fall short of relevant information regarding the types and actual chemical components of these hydrocarbons. Research by other researchers indicate that the formation of crude is an indefinite process upon which most researchers have relied on theories rather than taking a practical approach in identifying th e actual process of crude oil formation. In statistics, forecasts are made through the consideration of the mean in order to predict the occurrence of some results. While the field of quantitative data can use means to predict outcomes, it is unable to use the same method to predict results from qualitative data. For example, the different researches on the formation of crude oil cannot be reduced to an average concept. This therefore discredits such research conclusion that crude oil is made up of 50-95% of hydrocarbons. The 50-95% gap is way too wide to show substantiality of the research as it is impossible to believe that one bottle of the original coca cola can have 50-95% sugar content and still be classified under the same category of either diet coca cola or the original sugar-rich product. b. Chemical Composition The formation of petroleum has been able to produce substantial evidence of how chemicals are combined or developed to become petroleum. In this case, the scientif ic inability is influenced by timeline as scientists are unable to reproduce 100 million years. While the impossibility is logical, the mentioning of 100 million years may has well be wrong as the determinant of the period

An Overview of Delta Dental Insurance Essay Example for Free

An Overview of Delta Dental Insurance Essay Abstract This paper provides an overview of Delta Dental one of the most successful health care companies in the United States. As good oral health becomes more essential of Americans’ healthy lifestyle, Delta Dental insurance plans help more than 59.5 million people to be covered on their plans. By describing the outline of Delta Dental’s history and current structure, this article focuses on how Delta Dental insurance has grown and improved access and overall health status. Also, this paper explores strengths and weaknesses (especially with healthcare delivery point of view) as well as makes comparison with other dental insurances companies to reveal that why Delta Dental is better and more successful than others. Finally, the future plans of Delta Dental about how to improve oral care delivery of services to clients and enrollees, as well as how it fared compare to its peer insurance companies are initialed at the end of the paper. Keywords: dental benefits programs, strengths and weaknesses, multiple types, expanding, effective benefits Introduction: Many people in the world may have best access to oral health care, yet millions are unable to get basic dental care. Poor oral hygiene has significant impact on overall personal health. Researches show that poor oral hygiene increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease and poor birth outcome. That’s why nobody can deny the importance of oral health care. According to many statistics insurance companies that play a pivotal role in improving oral health care of the communities, we will focus on the Delta Dental insurance and how growth of the company improved access and overall health status. Delta Dental insurance was established in 1966. Over the years it faces many challenges to expand and increase access of dental care in community. The efforts paid the Delta Dental as widely accepted by community. This paper focuses on challenges Delta Dental had to face to build its pillar in the market. After evolution, Delta Dental insurance exponentially expanded due to its benefits and low primer. Over the years it has made strategies so that many people prefer Delta Dental over other insurances for maximum benefits, which helped improve oral health care. This paper will also highlight some of those strategies. Compare to other dental insurance company, Delta Dental insurance provide wide coverage and offer maximum benefits. This is a unique characteristic of the Delta Dental. We will talk about current structure of the Delta Dental and its future about how to improve oral care delivery of services to clients and enrollees, as well as how it fared compare to its peer insurance companies. Finally, the paper will mention about the future plan of the Delta Dental. History: In order to increase access to oral health care, in 1954, a group of dentists formed a dental service corporation in California, Oregon and Washington. It was lead by Washington Dental Service (WDS), and initiated by providing service to organized labor unions. Later, it expanded its services to all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Delta dental is now a fifteen billion dollar a year nationwide group providing dental insurance to 59 million Americans, making it one of the largest non-profits in the country (â€Å"Our Mission History†, n.d.). Washington Dental Service was joined by more local organizations, which then created Delta Dental Plans Association (DDPA) in 1966. Shortly a year after, WDS partnered with the International Association of Machinists, which was the first step into creating a multi-state dental benefits program. There was a growing number of out of state subscribers, and therefore in order to meet their needs WDS worked with other Delta Dental member companies and Blue Cross/Blue Shield Association members, to continue serving its clients. It provided coverage until 1980s this way (â€Å"Our Mission History†, n.d.). The program continued as such until a bid was won by Delta Dental of California being chosen as the dental benefits carrier for the Office of the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services (OCHAMPUS) program. In order for the administration of this very large account to be centralized, other member companies agreed to share its provider data with Delta Dental of California sharing the administrative income and risk. As a result of this change, the National Provider File (NPF), and the establishment in 1990 of Delta USA — was created, the company responsible for overseeing dentist data and enabling the administration of national business (â€Å"Our Mission History†, n.d.). Currently, there are 39 independent Delta Dental member companies operating in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. As one of the largest dental benefits provider DDPA provides coverage to more than 59.5 million people enrolled in more than 97,000 groups. The company was named Dental Care until 1970s and then it officially changed its name to Delta Dental (â€Å"About Us Home†, n.d.). All Delta Dental companies are members, or affiliate of members, of the Delta Dental Plans Association a network of 39 Delta Dental companies throughout the country. Delta Dental companies range from multi-state to single state (â€Å"About Us Home†, n.d.). The multi-state programs consist of the following: * Delta Dental of New Jersey Started in 1969, it provides coverage to over 1.5 million residents of New Jersey and Connecticut (â€Å"Delta Dental of New Jersey†, n.d.). * Delta Dental Plan of Michigan Michigan Dental Service (MDS) was established in 1957, and in 1963 it received its non-profit status. In 1980 MDS expanded to Ohio and Indiana. In early 2006, Delta Dental of Michigan, with its affiliates in Ohio and Indiana, and Tennessee, signed an affiliation agreement under a new nonprofit holding company to strengthen their market positions and increase the number of Americans with dental benefits. In 2009, Delta Dental of Kentucky and Delta Dental of New Mexico affiliated with the family of companies. The newest affiliate, Delta Dental of North Carolina, joined the enterprise in 2010. Currently they cover 8.8 million individuals (â€Å"Delta Dental of Michigan†, n.d.). * Delta Dental of Minnesota It was founded in 1969, and later expanded to North Dakota. It is the largest program in the upper Midwest, serving 7500 Minnesota based on purchasing groups and 3.8 million members nationwide (â€Å"Delta Dental of Minnesota†, n.d.). * Delta Dental of Missouri Delta Dental of Missouri started 50 years ago and has offered dental and vision benefits in the states of Missouri and South Carolina. More than 1,800 companies in Missouri and South Carolina have selected Delta Dental as their dental benefits carrier. The Delta-Vision plan started in 2011 (â€Å"Delta Dental of Missouri†, n.d.). * Dentegra Companies Dentegra is not affiliated with Delta Dental Plans Association. However, this insurance company is authorized by Delta Dental Plans Association to market and underwrites certain national Delta Dental programs. This plan covers 23 million Americans. It serves the states of: Alabama, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Texas, Utah, Virgin Islands, West Virginia (â€Å"Why do more than†, n.d.). * Hawaii Dental Service Hawaii Dental Service (HDS) is the first and largest nonprofit dental service corporation in Hawaii providing dental benefit plans to more than a half million members. This plan was incorporated on February 15, 1962, and soon 221 licensed dentists became charter members. HDS serves Guam, Hawaii and Northern Mariana Islands (â€Å"Caring, Visionary Dentists From HDS†, n.d.). * Northeast Delta Dental NDD offers the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, providing quality dental care to millions of residents (â€Å"Northeast Delta Dental†, n.d.). * Oregon Dental Service This plan covers Alaska and Oregon. A research to find affordable dental health by Longshoremens and Warehousemens Union, led them to find Oregon Dental Service in 1955(â€Å"A trailblazer in health†, n.d.). * The single state companies include: Delta Dental of Arizona that started in 1972. Delta Dental of Arkansas, Delta Dental of Colorado began in 1958. Delta Dental of Idaho, Delta Dental of Illinois, Delta Dental of Iowa, Delta Dental of Kansas, Delta Dental of Massachusetts, Delta Dental of Nebraska, Delta Dental of Oklahoma, Delta Dental of Rhode Island, Delta Dental of South Dakota, Washington Dental Service, Delta Dental of Wisconsin, Delta Dental of Wyoming (â€Å"Delta Dental: Members†, n.d.). Delta Dental Plans: Delta Dental offers various plans for individuals, families and enrollees. There are 39 member companies of Delta Dental and each of them provides a variety of dental benefits programs. It also forms contacts with small and large business companies to provide dental insurance coverage for their employees (â€Å"Products and Plans†, n.d.). The various plans offered are the following: 1. Delta Dental Premier ®: This is their traditional fee-for-service plan with largest dentist network with more than four out of five nation’s dentist participating (â€Å"Delta Dental Premier ®Ã¢â‚¬ , n.d., p. 2). It allows patients to get treated by any licensed dentist and also can change dentists at any time without notifying Delta Dental. The main attraction for this plan is that you do not have to pay more than the co-insurance percentage specified by your coverage (â€Å"Delta Dental’s plans†, n.d.). The participating dentists agree to accept pre-negotiated fees and are prohibited from billing more. 2. Delta Dental PPOâ„  : This is a mid-priced fee-for-service plan with the secondary largest dentist network. It has an option to get treated by any dentists and still have lower out-of-pocket costs because the dentists in this network have agreed to do so (â€Å"Delta Dental’s plans†, n.d.). It also has a Delta Dental PPO plus Premier plan which includes all the benefits of Delta Dental PPO and also allows for a patient to see a Delta Dental Premier dentist with benefits of that dentist’s contracted fee (â€Å" Delta Dental PPOâ„   †, n.d.). 3. DeltaCare ® USA: It is a HMO-type prepaid plan with a large network of participating dentists. You must select a dentist from their network for this plan. The main features are there is no annual deductibles, no maximums for covered benefits and set copayments (â€Å"Delta Dental’s plans†, n.d .). 4. Delta Dental Individual and Family: Individual and its family can get the same quality dental benefits as provided by the employers under this plan. Delta Dental offers different plans in different states (â€Å"Delta Dental Individual and Family†, n.d.). 5. Delta Dental Legion ®: It is also known as TRICARE Retiree Dental Program. â€Å"The first and only dental benefits plan created by Congress especially for Uniformed Services retirees and their family members and administered by Delta Dental of California.†(â€Å"TRICARE Retiree Dental Program†, n.d.). 6. Delta Dental Patient Direct ®: It is a dental discount plan for individual, families and groups that do not have dental benefits. The patients choose dentists from the network and pay them directly with the discount price at the time of their treatment. No paper work is required and it is available in the selected markets only (â€Å"Delta Dental Patient Direct ®Ã¢â‚¬ , n.d.). 7. DeltaVision ®: This is vision benefit plan, which is offered in the selected markets only. It includes various pre-negotiated pricing eye-care services, such as professional eye exams, eyewear, contact lenses and laser vision correction (â€Å"DeltaVision ®Ã¢â‚¬ , n.d.). 8. Delta Dental Member Companies: â€Å"They serve nearly one-third of the estimated 173 million Americans with Dental insurance, providing dental insurance coverage to more than 54 million people in more than 93,000 groups across the nation.†(â€Å"Delta Dental Member Companies†, n.d.). There are other plans which are available in few selected populations and states like the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Dental Insurance Plan which is exclusively for AARP members and the Costco Group Dental Plan for the Individuals and Families, which is available only in California (â€Å"Delta Dental’s plans, n.d.). Strengths and weaknesses (especially with healthcare delivery point of view): Delta Dental is the largest dental care carrier in the United States, and they provide coverage to more than 59.5 million people enrolled in more than 97,000 groups. The strengths are obviously regarding to the high level access of the dental care. Many years ago, most of people lost their teeth by middle age, but now many Americans have very good oral health because of the various Delta Dental Plans. They may keep their teeth throughout the lifetime. There are some strengths of Delta Dental according to a recent study (â€Å"Delta Dental by the Numbers†, n.d.): * Delta Dental’s nationwide dentist networks offer unprecedented access: * Delta Dental Premier ® offers the largest network of dentists in the country — encompassing more than 142,000 dentists and more than 251,000 office locations. * Delta Dental PPOSM has a national network of more than 83,900 dentists practicing in more than 168,000 locations. * DeltaCare ® USA provides more than 39,800 dentist office locations. * Delta Dentals PPO Plan delivers the industrys best effective discount — averaging 19 percent nationally — resulting in nearly $3 billion in annual savings compared to dentists average charges. * Delta Dental posted approximately $17 billion in premium revenue during fiscal year 2011, our 32nd consecutive year of financial gains. * Delta Dental’s unique cost-control measures and contractual agreements with dentists help to ensure quality care at moderate fees, collectively saving subscribers with group dental coverage more than $9.0 billion in 2011. * In 2011, Delta Dental member companies processed more than 90 million dental claims or approximately 1.7 million every week, with an accuracy rate of 99.7 percent. Delta Dental focuses on the practice sharing, best services, perfo rmance guarantees, brand name recognition and reputation, whereas, it still have weaknesses such as geographic limitations, innovative practices. Through the numbers above, people might think that we have more and more dentists in large networks so that we would get easy access to dental care, but how do these dentists located? Low-income patients still feel hard to get access to meet one dentist regularly due to the inconvenient transportation, difficulties on appointments, and so on. The president and CEO of Delta Dental, Radine (2011) wrote on â€Å"Annual Report 2011†, â€Å"Delta Dental takes pride in being a single-line carrier with unparalleled expertise in dental benefits, our specialty.† Indeed, they against larger, multi-line insurance companies, and they use competitive strategies to survive during the worst of the economic downturn. However, this kind of single-line model can also be a weakness of dental health care, because coordination of dentists needed to reinforce to increase the quality of companies health care performance. Single-line service may hinder such coordination in between the large dentist network, although they meet the needs for restraining the continuous increased costs. As each program have dissimilar strengths and weaknesses and according to Access to Dental Care/Oral Health Care (American Dental Association, 2012), there are still barriers to getting oral health care: * The dental sections in Medicaid and the State Childrens Health Insurance Programs (SCHIP), which are supposed to provide health care to disadvantaged Americans, rarely have enough money budgeted to do so. Federal law requires that Medicaid cover basic dental services. But many state programs fail to deliver care to even half of their eligible children. * Adult dental coverage through public health programs is even worse; many states simply dont provide it. Its not just about the money. Patients covered under public programs still face hurdles, such as transportation to dental appointments and the difficulty of missing work to keep the appointments. Taking care of ourselves is the key to good oral health, and too many Americans lack a basic understanding of how to brush, floss, eat a healthy diet and drink water with fluoride in it. * About one-third of public water systems are not fluoridated, even though that is the single most effective public health measure to protect against tooth decay. And also, people need to treat what form of coverage they require most and make sure the selected plan provides a low price for the needed processes. Comparison of Delta Dental with all other dental insurances: There are many essential things to keep in mind when deciding on a dental insurance plan, such as prices and co-payment options, local dentist availability, actual coverage, whether it meets your needs and more (â€Å"Dental Insurance Review†, n.d.). Delta Dental Insurance ranking at number three after United Concordia and Ameritas Group Dental is one of the top ten insurance plans in the United States (â€Å"2013 Dental Insurance Comparison†, n.d.). As one of the largest dental coverage plans, founded by dentists, it creates dental coverage plans based on current research and designed to keep people their healthiest and most productive (â€Å"Choosing the Right Dental Plan†, n.d.). Delta Dental Insurance pursues their mission by increasing access to benefits, offering the largest national network of dentists, adding innovative new plan features, aggressively working to keep costs down, and supporting p hilanthropic programs that encourage better overall oral health. Delta Dental Insurance plans offer top of the line features and programs to make insurance services more accessible and convenient for its members. Some of the features that Delta Dental Insurance consists are secure and accessible sites for online enrollment, finding dentists and getting information about available plans. It offers Group/Employer plans, which is important as it gives companies information on the cost of getting dental insurance for their employees. This is important as well for families who wish to enroll other members of the family into the insurance plan. Also Delta Dental Insurance offers individual plans, provides up-front cost information for customers and has Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation (â€Å"Dental Insurance Review†, n.d.). Better Business Bureau accreditation is definitely a plus, because they provide ratings based on customer service and satisfaction of members. In addition, Delta Dental Insurance offers multiple types of different plans for its consumers. There is Delta Dental Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), DeltaCare ® USA (Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) option), Fee-for-Service (FFS) Plan, and they also used to offer Discount Plans. But the Discounted Plans are no longer offered by Delta Dental since majority of the members prefer PPO, HMO and FFS plans. The Delta Dental PPO plan is offered worldwide, and for that reason it is more accessible even if the customer relocates (â€Å"Choosing between a PPO and HMO†, n.d.). When choosing a PPO dentist, the out of-pocket costs of customers are often lower because PPO dentists have agreed to charge Delta Dental PPO patients reduced fees. The plan also pays enhanced benefits when patients visit a PPO dentist, so they pay only 20 percent of the PPO dentists contracted fee after their deductible for such services as fillings, oral surgery, root canals and treatment of gum disease in addition to other benefit enhancements (â€Å"Types of Dental Plans†, n.d.). Delta Dental PPO does not cover teeth bleaching and other cosmetic procedures (â€Å"University of California†, 2009). The good thing about a PPO plan is that customers have the freedom to choose any licensed dentist, anywhere in the world, each time the member or a family member requires treatment. And there is no referral required for specialty care. On the other hand, DeltaCare ® USA (HMO option) customers must be residents of California to enroll. It provides individuals and their families with inclusive plans and easy referrals to specialists and even has a benefit for teeth bleaching. The plan emphasizes preventive care; so many services are provided at no cost. There is no annual plan maximum for DeltaCare ® USA (â€Å"Types of Dental Plans†, n.d.). As an HMO member, customers are assigned to network dentist that accept the plans and they must be referred specialist by their assigned dentists. Fee-for-service plans, also known as indemnity or traditional plans, typically offer the greatest choice of dentists. It is up to the customer what dentist to choose or procedure they would like to purchase. Like PPO plans, when you visit a network dentist, you typically pay a certain percentage for each service (called coinsurance) and the plan pays the rest. The percentage usually varies by the type of coverage, such as diagnostic and preventive, major services, etc. (â€Å"Types of Dental Plans†, n.d.). However with FFS plan the member might pay a little extra than the PPO plan. And finally, the Discounted Plans are insurance plans that are offered at reduced rates. There is generally no paperwork, annual limits or deductibles, but you must visit a participating dentist to receive the discount. Also, you may be responsible for a greater portion of the treatment cost compare to PPO or HMO plan. The downside of this plan was the fact that there was a possibility of the dentists being changed annually, and new dentists would be assigned to the customers. But on the plus side, the rates that the customers would receive would be unbeatable. Figure 1 shows the continued growth in enrolment throughout the recession. This also proves that Delta Dental is the largest dental carrier in the United States and it has more than 26 million enrollees at present (â€Å"Delta Dental: Annual Report2011†, n.d., p. 10). Figure 1: Shows the increase in the enrollment of Delta Dental plans by the population. The Y-axis shows the number of enrollees in increasing order and the X-axis shows the years starting from 2008-2012. Adapted from: â€Å"Delta Dental: Annual Report 2011.† (n.d., p. 10). Why is Delta Dental better and more successful than other insurances? Delta Dental offers some of the best dental insurance plans in the United States and around the world since 1954 and as the first company exclusively specializing in dental benefits, Delta Dental has been working hard to improve oral health around the world by providing access to the largest network of dentists, great service, top of the line care plans and developing relationships that emphasize prevention and positive oral health care results over the long term (Delta Dental, 2010). Over 56 million enrollees trust Delta Dental Insurance plans with their oral health and the numbers of satisfied members keep growing (â€Å"Why do more than†, n.d.). â€Å"In 2011, the vast majority of surveyed enrollees from our open network plans said they would recommend Delta Dental to a family or friend. That loyalty is also evident in our exceptionally high enrollee retention rate.† (â€Å"Delta Dental 2011 Annual Report†, n.d., p. 11). Figure 2 which is adapted from the â€Å"Delta Dental: Annual Report 2011† (n.d., p. 11) shows the percentage of enrollee satisfaction and enrollee retention in 2011. Figure 2: The percentage of Enrollee satisfaction and Enrollee Retention. 95% of the Enrollees were satisfied with their Delta Dental Plan and 99% of the Enrollees retained their Delta Dental plan. Adapted from: â€Å"Delta Dental: Annual Report 2011† (n.d., p. 11) Future plans: Delta dental has proven itself as one of the good companies in the market but still they are working diligently to make it better. Delta Dental supports projects in conjunction with major universities and other leading research organizations that are designed to advance scientific knowledge and improve health. Among the projects, recently supports are: a study on the potential for dentists to play a greater role in the detection of health conditions such as diabetes; the cost impact of oral cancer; the application of salivary diagnostics to dentistry; and the development of biotechnology to advance health (Carruth, 2012). All these are the major projects of Delta Dental. Delta Dental is trying to identify ways to improve offerings in ways that will reduce costs while still covering the treatment our subscribers need to stay healthy. Delta Dental will focus on expanding their network in remote places and provide oral care. They are planning continue creating dynamic product lines that provide effective benefits to improve oral health–and overall health – while reducing costs. Delta Dental would concentrate on providing good customer service staff as well as an automated phone line for inquiries. Conclusion: Delta Dental has received many awards in improving oral health care. Their current plans are focused on expanding their network and providing good care for the patients. Delta Dental’s strategies are such that not only patients but also dentist and employees are benefitted. They also focus on many researches to improve quality of care. Moreover, their future plans are focus on reducing cost and providing quality of care for patients. They are providing funds for incurable diseases like cancer and other malignancy. References: A trailblazer in health. n.d.). 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