The eNotes Blog How Reading Kafka Can Make YouSmarter

How Reading Kafka Can Make YouSmarter Got a big test coming up? Think youve tried every study tip available? Think again Heres one you likely havent heard of: read a short story by Franz Kafka before your exam and you may come out of it with an improved test score. The short story in question is a surreal work by Kafka called A Country Doctor. It was selected by post-doctoral researcher Travis Proulx (of the University of California, Santa Barbara) and Professor of Psychology Steven J. Heine (University of British Columbia) in their 2009 study specifically because of its absurdist elements. The hypothesis behind their research was that the exposure to a strange and unnerving stimulus would lead the brain to look for structure and order in any subsequent activity. The Method: The method of Proulx and Heines study involved exposing a test group to the surreal stimulus (in this case A Country Doctor) and then administering a grammar test to the group. The test was made up of an artificial-grammar learning task in which [subjects] were exposed to hidden patterns in letter strings. They were asked to copy the individual letter strings and then to put a mark next to those that followed a similar pattern. A control group was also tested; these subjects pre-test reading consisted of a substantially edited version of Kafkas text, which arranged the story in a more straightforward plot structure. Proulx and Heine labeled the surreal stimulus as a Meaning Threatsomething that fundamentally does not make sensewhile the absence of a surreal stimulus was categorized as having No-Meaning Threat. The Results: It was quickly apparent that Proulx and Heines hypothesis was correct; the test subjects who had been exposed to the Meaning Threat (A Country Doctor) not only found more patterns within the letter strings presented to them, but they were also correct in their findings more of the time than the test subjects who were not exposed to that surreal stimulus. â€Å"People feel uncomfortable when their expected associations are violated, and that creates an unconscious desire to make sense of their surroundings.† -Travis Proulx It turns out that the test subjects were so unsettled by the absurdism in Kafkas short story that their brains felt compelled to find order and meaning afterwards, as if to make up for the nonsensical nature of what came before it. So, how can this be applied to your studies? Well, besides reading A Country Doctor before a test, there are a number of other Meaning Threats you could apply to your life. You just have to understand what exactly a Meaning Threat is. You need something that challenges your very nature and the way you innately look at the world. When, for example, we think of fire, we instinctively associate it with heat. Now imagine placing your hand over a flame and feeling an icy coldness, the exact opposite of your expectations. Pretty disturbing, right? Thats exactly what a threat to meaning is. Meaning is an expected association within one’s environment. A Meaning Threat is therefore something that doesnt make sense. When a committed meaning framework is  threatened, people experience an arousal state that prompts  them to affirm any other meaning framework to which they  are committed. Exposing yourself to mind-opening (or mind-bending) works similar to Kafkas will spur you to find patterns and structure in other works. These can include the works of Surrealist painters, or certain movies,  like Blue Velvet by David Lynch or Un Chien Andalou by Salvador Dali and  Luis Buà ±uel.

History 101. Comparing facts and fiction in movies Essay

History 101. Comparing facts and fiction in movies - Essay Example Some of the main differences between the original Greek myth and the film is that based from the Greek myths, Zeus, Athena, Apollo, Hera, Aphrodite and Poseidon all played active roles in the Trojan War. In the movie it did not show the gods as existent or actively intervening. The impetus relationship between Paris and Helen making it catalyst for the entire war called the Judgment of Paris is not mentioned. In the movie, it seemed that the Trojan War only lasted for weeks when in fact it consumed 10 years of endless battles. Like any other historical tales and events such as Samson and Delilah or Cleopatra, the woman may be the cause of a man's demise. And if a man is too weak to resist the seductive advances of a woman, an entire nation can suffer same as what has been shown in the movie Troy. The huge army of the Persian Empire is sweeping across the globe, destroying every force that gets in their way. When Persian envoy arrives in Sparta offering King Leonidas power and control over all of Greece if only he will bow down to the wishes of the Persian King, Xerxes, the strong willed leader summons a small army comprised of his empire's best trained fighters and marches to battle. This act however futile is his way of saying that no Spartan King will bow down to foreign invaders. When King Leonidas together with his 300 Spartan men fell to the overpowering Persian army at the Battle of Thermopylae, the courageous actions of the noble fighters inspired all of Greece to defend their empire against their Persian adversary and wage the battle that would eventually give rise to the modern concept of democracy. In the actual Battle of Thermopylae, King Leonidas was joined by forces from other Greek city states having some 4,000 to 7,000 strong men under his command. 300 of those are Spartans being his personal bodyguards which was actually depicted in the movie. In the movie it was said that the downfall of King Leonidas is the betrayal Ephialtes of Trachis but in historical facts it is debated that it could be Onetas and Crydallus. One thing that can be learned from the movie is that no matter the odds, a man should know how to defend his people for the generations to come. In the quest to achieve this, only trusted and well-trained soldiers will ensure victory. Although there is strength in number but even a few but with stronger convictions can ensure success in some sense. References: (1) Pressfield, Steven. Gates of Fire: An Epic Novel of the Battle of Thermopylae. New York: Bantam Books. 2005. GLADIATOR The death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius in the hands of his murderous and ambitious son, Commodus caused great chaos in the entire Roman Empire. One of the Roman army's capable and trusted generals, General Maximus Decimus Meridius is also the Emperor's key advisor. Even to his death, Aurelius decided to appoint Maximus temporary leadership of the empire and the enraged Commodus. He ordered the execution of Maximus and sends off the Praetorian Guards to murder his wife and son. Maximus escapes his execution but was severely injured. He was then captured and enslaved along the out borders of the Roman Empire. However, Maximus rises through the ranks of the gladiator arena to

Individual research and contribution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Individual research and contribution - Essay Example The first method involves survey whereby the consumers will interact directly with the researchers. They would be given questionnaires that are straightforward. They would be asked if they would prefer having the e-books than the actual book. In my opinion, other feasible research method would involve focus groups, which makes it possible for individuals to discuss the products among different groups of people. This makes it possible for the publishing company to understand the different perception of different groups. The research could as well involve personal interviews of writers and the readers. The publishers will have the creative minds of the writers who would likely be their clients in the future projects. I believe that responses from individuals might not give the clear interpretation of what the individual wants. This gives a good interpretation of the consumer behavior of individuals. Finally, the research would involve field trial where some of the books that have been published will be given to the consumers. This would make them understand some of the quality of the products from the

The Computer Forensics Investigator Career Essay Example for Free

The Computer Forensics Investigator Career Essay The career of a computer Forensics Investigator is that of a specially trained professional who works with various law enforcement agencies as well as private firms to retrieve information from computers and other types of data storage devices. Computers and equipment can often be damaged externally as well as internally corrupted by hacking or viruses. The Computer Forensics Investigator is most well-known for working within the law enforcement industry. They can also be tasked to test the security of a private companys information systems. The Investigator should have an excellent knowledge of all aspects of the computer including hard drives, networking, and encryption. The Computer Forensics Investigator recovers and examines data from computers and other electronic storage devices in order to use the data as evidence in criminal prosecutions. Following data retrieval, the Investigator writes up technical reports detailing how the computer evidence was discovered and all of the steps taken during the retrieval process. Patience and willingness to work long hours are qualities that are well suited for this profession. Common Certifications for a Computer Forensics Investigator Some common Certifications for a Computer Forensics Investigator are the Certifications of Ethical Hacker, Penetration Tester, Computer Forensics Examiner and Reverse Engineering Analyst. The Certification of Ethical Hacker is achieved after completing a program involved with popular information security and hacking training. Investigators are taught techniques that are used by malicious, black hat hackers. The Certification of Penetration Tester is achieved after taking a course that is designed to certify that candidates have expert level knowledge and skills in relation to penetration testing. An expert penetration tester is a person who is highly skilled in methods of evaluating the security of computer systems, networks and software by simulating attacks by a malicious user. An Investigator can earn the Certified Computer Forensics Examiner Certificate by taking a course that tests a candidates fundamental knowledge of the computer forensics evidence recovery and analysis process. The Certified Reverse Engineering Analyst Certification is gained by taking a multiple part exam. The first portion consists of multiple choice style questions. Candidates have 2 hours to complete the exam and must achieve a 70% score or higher in order to pass this part of the exam. Candidates that pass the first portion of the exam can receive the practical portion part of the exam. The practical examination consists of an encrypted archived zip file which contains a live malware sample collected in the wild. The password for the file is infected. Investigators must solve the issues to pass the second part of the exam. Links to all these certifications are listed below: * Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) * Certified Penetration Tester (CPT) * Certified Computer Forensics Examiner (CCFE) * Certified Reverse Engineering Analyst (CREA) Associations that Support Computer Forensics Some associations that support this career are the IACIS, the ISFCE and the National Center for Forensic Science. The IACIS is The International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists. IACIS is an international volunteer nonprofit corporation composed of law enforcement professionals dedicated to education in the field of forensic computer science. The ISFCE is The International Society of Forensic Computer Examiners. The ISFCE’s members conduct research and produce developments of new and emerging technologies and methods used in the science of computer forensics. This development is reflected in the certifications that are offered by this organization at a minimal fee to Computer Forensics Investigators. The third association that supports Computer Forensics is the National Center for Forensic Science. This association provides innovative solutions to forensic science problems through high quality research. This association’s members are dedicated to pushing back the frontiers of forensic science by integrating high level research, technology, and scientific working groups. Certification testing is offered to Computer Forensics Investigators at a minimal fee by this association.

Symbols of Steinbeck’s Social Commentary Essays -- Literary Analysis

People in the 1930s were fighting a losing battle with themselves. They were approaching a depression, facing the eyes of war, and trying to stay on their feet with what little resources they had. Most were farmers and made a living by manual labor. The majority of what they owned, they made themselves. Such is the setting in John Steinbeck’s critically acclaimed short story â€Å"The Chrysanthemums†. In this story, Steinbeck set out to paint a portrait of what the conditions of the people were really like, but in a different light. Instead of focusing on technicalities, he focused on what the heart of America was going through—the struggles between what social standards expected and what individuals desired. In â€Å"The Chrysanthemums†, Steinbeck uses the characters Elisa Allen, the Tinker, and Henry Allen to exemplify the different personas of the time, and to reveal certain truths of society associated with each. Elisa Allen lives a peaceful life, but is fighting a constant battle with the prejudicial, parental society against her as a female. As Kenneth Kempton, author of Short Stories for Study, notes, â€Å"whether it is freedom suggested by the nomadic life of the tinker, or children symbolized by her care of the young plants, or manliness as indicated by her delight in her strength and her masochist scrubbing of her body in the bath, or a normal sex life hinted at by her tenseness with when with her possibly impotent husband, or merely her lost youth as implied at the end†, Elisa is struggling inwardly. Beginning with a detailed description of the Salinas River Valley, which is enclosed in fog like a pot, the physical surroundings echo Elisa’s lifestyle. In fact, â€Å"the chrysanthemum stems seemed too small and easy for her ene... ...n the â€Å"bright direction† of the Tinker. Had the Tinker been better able to support himself, perhaps he would not have had to throw Elisa’s chrysanthemums on the side of the road. Opportunity, although presented to each of the characters, was never fully grasped, and so it remained, that â€Å"fog and rain did not go together†. Works Cited Kempton, Kenneth Payson. "Objectivity as Approach." Short Stories for Study. Cambridge [Mass.: Harvard UP, 1953. 120-24. Print. Palmerino, Gregory J. "Steinbeck's THE CHRYSANTHEMUMS." Rev. of "The Chrysanthemums" Explicator 62.3 (2004): 164-67. Literary Reference Center. Web. Price, Victoria. "The Chrysanthemums." Masterplots. 4th ed. Pasadena, CA: Salem, 2011. 1-3. Print. Sheets-Nesbitt, Anna, ed. "The Chrysanthemums." Short Story Criticism. Ed. Anja Barnard. Vol. 37. Detroit: Gale Group, 2000. 320-63. Print.

My Leadership Style Essay

Abstract Leadership is defined as a social influence process in which an individual seeks the participation of subordinates in an effort to research organizational goals. (Kinicki-Kreitner (p.346). My personal leadership style is based on the situational theory of leadership. Based on the type of situation my ability to adapt my leadership style is what makes me an effective manager. My Leadership Style Leadership is defined as a social influence process in which an individual seeks the participation of subordinates in an effort to research organizational goals. (Kinicki-Kreitner p.346) Being a leader in today environment is even challenging than ever. This is due to the pressure for increased transparency due to corporate greed, government pressure and individual corruption. There are great leaders throughout our history such as Martin Luther King, George Washington, and Jack Welsh. However, great leaders don’t have to be good. Barbara Kellerman notes that â€Å"leaders are like the rest of us are: trustworthy and deceitful, cowardly and brave, greedy and generous†. (Kinicki-Kreitner p.346) Hitler, Mussolini, and Stalin are examples of great leaders that use their influence for their own personal gain. Kinicki-Kreitner states that â€Å"to assume that all leaders are good is to be willfully blind (p.346). There are many different leadership styles and different leadership theories that individuals and corporations use. My personal leadership style is based on the Situational Theory. It is also transactional and adaptive compassionate and open. The situational theory of leadership is based on the effectiveness of a particular style of leader behavior depends on the situation. As the situation changes, so does the leadership style of the leader. As a retail manger managing 103 employees, my leadership styles changes on a daily basis. Things are always changing in this fast pace environment. Rules,  regulations, personal challenges, customer issues, are some of the many challenges that my managers and I face on a daily basis. I relate very well to Fiedlers’ situational model of leadership. His model is based on two factors. The first factor is that the degree which the situation gives the leaders control and influence is the likelihood the leader can successfully accomplish the job (Kinicki-Kreitner p.352). The second factor is based on how the leader is motivated. Is he or she motivated for accomplishment of the task or for close and personal relations? (Kinicki-Kreitner p.352) Based on these assumptions, my leadership style is based on build relationships. I value building relationships with people. I believe that building structured relationships with my employees will give them confidence in me and my ability to lead them. Making hard decisions such as hours reduction was easier to communicate to my employees because of the relationship that I built with them. They were able to understand and accept that this was necessary for the greater good of keeping the store open and profitable. This leads me to believe that I have a high amount of situational control within my environment. Situational control refers to the â€Å"amount of control and influence a leader has in his or her environment† (Kinicki-Kreitner p.352) There are three dimensions of situational control. They are Leader member relations, task structure and position power. I relate to all three dimensions with leader-member relations being the highest. Due to the relationships that I have built within my organization, I have the support, loyalty and trust of my assistant managers and my hourly employees. Leaders in today’s economic and political conditions must me servants and not dictators. Robert Greenleafs servant-leadership approach emphasizes â€Å"increased service to others† through a holistic approach.(Spears p.1) Larry Spears in â€Å"Practicing Servant-Leadership† states that the â€Å"great leader is first experienced as a servant to others work, promoting a sense of community, and a the sharing of power in decision making† (p.1) Being a servant-leader is a approach that I use within my organization. By holding daily huddles and having my employees state their opinion on any issues allows them to feel involved in the daily operation of running the store. Having an open heart is also an important aspect to my leadership ability. Ronald Heifetz and Marty Linsky in â€Å"Leading with an Open Heart†, states that  if we â€Å"lose our capacity for innocence, curiosity, and compassion. Our innocence turns to cynicism, our curiosity turns into arrogance and our compassion turns into callousness†. (p.2) Being a leader in my organization is very challenging. However, the situation theory allows me to adapt to each and every challenging situation on a daily basis. Managing with an open heart and being a servant leader will allow me to take on any challenges without becoming a dictator or being resentful in the decisions that I make. The ultimate key to my leadership style is building relationships. Building structured relationships allows loyalty, respect and confidence that I get from my employees knowing that I will lead them in any situation. References Kinicki, A., & Kreitner, R. (2009). Organizational Key concepts, Skills, & Best Practices. (4th ed.). Ashford University Heifetz, R. & Linsky, M (2002) Leading with an Open Heart. In the Leader to Leader Journal Retrieved February 10, 2010 from http://www.leadertoleader.org/knowledgecenter/journal.aspx?ArticleID=127 Spears, L. (2004 Practicing Servant-Leadership. In the Leader to Leader Journal Retrieved February 10, 2010 from http://www.leadertoleader.org/knowledgecenter/journal.aspx?ArticleID=51.

Pips Perspectives on Social Classes in Great Expectations...

Great Expectations by Charles Dickens is a coming-of-age story written from December 1860 to 1861. Great Expectations follows the life of Phillip Pirrip, self-named Pip; as his â€Å"infant tongue could make of both name nothing longer or more explicit than Pip. So, I called myself Pip, and came to be called Pip.† (I, Page 3) The story begins with Pip as a young child, destined to be the apprentice of his blacksmith brother-in-law, Joe Gargery. After spending time with an upper-class elderly woman, Miss Havesham and her adopted daughter, Estella, Estella, with whom he has fallen in love, he realizes that she could never love a person as common as himself, and his view on the social classes change. Pip’s view of society grows†¦show more content†¦Joe called Pompeyed, or (as I render it) pampered.† (VII, Page 39) This affection to the trade and his parentage starts to fade as Pip enters his teenage years. After Pip has spent time with Miss Havesham and Estella, Pip realizes that becoming the apprentice to the blacksmith is no longer what he wishes for in life. Pip wants to be with Estella, and he knows that the only way for that to happen is if he were to be a gentleman. He begins to see the gentle class as superior to the common folk, and that the common folk as low-lived. I set off on the four-mile walk to our forge; pondering, as I went along, on all I had seen, and deeply revolving that I was a common labouring-boy; that my hands were coarse; that my boots were thick; that I had fallen into a despicable habit of calling knaves Jacks; that I was much more ignorant than I had considered myself last night, and generally that I was in a low-lived bad way. (IX, Page 59) Pip reflects that, although at one point in his life, he had accepted who he was, and what he was destined to do, he no longer felt that way, and that he â€Å"had a strong conviction on me that I should never like Joes trade. I had liked it once, but once was not now.† (XIII, Page 69) The part that Pip seems most conflicted by during this time in his life, is that he very well could have remained ignorant to the fact that there were othersShow MoreRelatedA Satirical Expedition in Charles Dickens Great Expectations698 Words   |  3 PagesMeanwhile, throughout the novel, Charles Dickens employs satire to depict the faults and criticisms, with a small sense of humor, in Pip’s knotty expectations though his usage of intricate symbolism, irony, paralleling social classes, unexpected plot twists and the poignant mysteries confining the devilish, yet beautiful orphan, Estella. 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