Monday, December 9, 2019

Discussive essay Teenagers should not change their appearance by making plastic surgery free essay sample

Do you know that in South Korea most popular gift for teenagers age 12 – 18 is a cosmetic surgery? Nowadays making plastic surgery for teenagers became a normal, routine procedure in most developed countries such as U. S. A. , South Korea and China. Why teenagers willing to do a plastic surgery? There are many reasons, the main are: low self-esteem, changing of beauty concept and influence of society. Low self-esteem a spread problem of thousand teenagers, usually because of dislike their own appearance. Most of teens start to worry about their otherness and â€Å"defects† after comparing themselves with others. For example they might see an imperfection in small breasts, noticeable ears, thinking of beautiful celebrities and classmates. Also an important role plays surround attitude (classmates, friends), because for teenagers it is very important to fit in society. Every day beauty concepts changes, changing society’s thinking and perception, like the meaning of natural beauty. We will write a custom essay sample on Discussive essay Teenagers should not change their appearance by making plastic surgery or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Although plastic surgery may make teens love their reflection in the mirror, it also a very serious threat to patient’s health. Many people foolishly think that cosmetic interventions are not serious as other types of surgery. But any surgeries, even if a smallest one, can lead to dangerous consequences such as infection, nerve damage or death. Liposuction, breast implants, botox they are all the most unpredictable and dangerous types of surgeries, unfortunately they are the most popular among teenagers. The main problem of teen plastic surgery is that unlike adults, they are still developing as physically as mentally and it’s hard to predict the way of haling. Infection usually located along the incision, the main risk is that young organism could not withstand because of weak immune system or because of wrong treatment. Not rare occasions when due to surgery on the breast, patient’s hands went numb. Loss of sensation in particular occurs anywhere from 10% to 70% of the time, says Dr. Nahai, president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Because even the most professional surgeon cannot be absolutely sure that nerves wont be injured during the surgery. Also bleeding and hematoma are frequent affects appearing after surgery. Hematoma is one of the causes of death, excessive bleeding can necessitate a blood transfusion, leading to other health problems like blood poisoning. They are the effects on human’s body and health, but teenagers should know about the impact on psychology, which may come up after surgery. Many teenagers believe that surgery will make them more confident and open, but actually teens are trying to solve a deeper problem of low self esteem. Low self esteem and influence of rapidly changing fashion are some of the circumstances that promote to an addiction to cosmetic surgery. Addicted person is rushing to change something on his face or body to feel absolutely â€Å"perfect†. The aftermath of making surgery is usually connected with high risk. â€Å"I wish I could have a twin sister to look at how I would look like without any surgery†¦Ã¢â‚¬ - says 19 year old Dorothy Smith, student from Dakota University. Dorothy’s plastic gone wrong and now she has a very big and not attractive lips. She made botox – cosmetic surgery on lips. Some patient, such as Dorothy, really unhappy with results of operation, because of expectation of something quite different, something looking natural and perfect. In fact South Korea is the country on first place when it comes to the number of teen surgeries, according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. Do you believe that in 18-th birthday, adolescents are usually got cosmetic surgery on eye or nose from parents?! Kids from 14 are looking for the surgery, and double eye-lid is a favorite graduation gift from parents. When high school seniors are preparing for college or to work, the surgery clinics are the busiest. Making surgeries among the teen population become as routine deal as visit a dentist. Teenagers are plastic surgery experts. They tell the doctor, using scientific words, which surgery method to use, says Dr. Lee Min Ku, a Seoul surgeon whose patients are mostly in their teens or 20s. This phenomenon has painful aspect, that every person loses his individuality, his own appearance and surrounding people looking similar as twins – beautiful surgery victims. But there is other side of medal, other type of plastic surgery is a Reconstructive operation. Reconstructive procedures correct defects on the face or body. These include physical birth defects like cleft lips and palates and ear deformities, traumatic injuries. It is gives a helping hand to children and teenagers cope with the knowledge that he did not like others. To teenagers are difficult to live with such cosmetic defects, as they hinder the full development, as speech or communication with other guys. I think that changing in appearance when they are really needed very necessary, but teenagers should not do any change on what is already perfect and ideal, especially with the help of plastic intervention.

Monday, December 2, 2019

Legal Research Essay Example

Legal Research Essay Simon, a first year law student, decided to buy a DVD for use at university. He wanted a machine that would play his own DVDs as he had a collection of films he had copied from video to DVD at home. He explained exactly what he wanted at the shop. However, when he got the machine home he found it would not play home-recorded material, but it did play the pre-recorded DVDs he had bought. He went back to the shop but they said they did not have the machine he wanted at that he could not have his money back as the DVD player they sold him was in perfect working order. Simon, deciding he needed a break booked a holiday, looking for: Sun, sand and Sangria. He told the holiday agents exactly what he wanted; lots of people, a full night life, luxury accomodation and the beach. He was assured that Hotel Luxor in Macedonia in July would be perfect to meet his needs. He took the holiday, paying by credit card. On his arrival, he found himself booked into a small chalet in the mountains, where it snowed. There was no room service,lights out at 10.00 pm and the only other guest at the chalet was a surly sheep. Thoroughly dissapointed, Simon returned to Liverpool to resume his law studies. However, he had not paid his full fees from the previous year and was not allowed to enrol on the degree. Advise Simon of his legal remedies in all the above circumstances. We will write a custom essay sample on Legal Research specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Legal Research specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Legal Research specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer With view of the Sales of Goods Act 1979, Simon has a case for compensation in regards to a breach of conduct. In addition, Simon needs to look at Loss of Enjoyment, and Inconvinience, in regards to a falsely represented holiday abroad. Finally, the last paragraph deals with basic contract law, and the failure of paying for tuition fees. Section 2(1) of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 defines a contract of sales of goods as a contract by which the seller transfers or agrees to transfer the property in goods to the buyer for a money consideration, called the price. Section 13(1) of the Sale of Goods Act 1979 states that where there is a contract for the sale of goods by description, there is an implied term that the goods correspond with the discription. Section 14 deals with the implied terms about quality or fitness. Ss(3) states that where the seller sells goods in the course of a business and the buyer, expressly, or by implication, makes known to the seller (a) any particular purpose for which the goods are being bought, there is an implied term that the goods supplied under the contract are reasonably fit for that purpose Simon explained exactly what he wanted at the shop and thus the particular purpose as to why the good was being purchased, however the DVD machine that he purcahsed did not correspond with the description, and therefore did not satisfy the purpose for the purchase. An important remedy available to Simon is the rejection of the goods for breach of contract. Simon does not need to return the goods to the selller to reject the goods, as it is enough if he informs the seller that he refuses to accept them [Grimoldby v Wells] [1875]1. If there is any breach of condition within the time limited for performance the seller makes a conforming tender, then this may be effective. [Borrowman, Phillips Co v Free and Hollis] [1878]2. Simon may look to a compensatory damages for breach of conduct in regards to the DVD player. The aim of compensation is to put the claimant into as good a position as would have been if no breach of conduct had been committed. [Robinson v Harman] (1848)3 In 1994 a Bill was implemented and has now passed into law as the Sale and Supply of Goods Act 1994. The main change effecting this are to modify the quality warranties, and ammend the rules on acceptance and rejection. The three main terms laid down in the act are present in s13, s14(2), and s14(3), and the main objective of them is to give buyers some protection against the risk of the goods proving to have defects of quality or fitness for purpose. There is implied term that where goods are sold by description the goods must correspond with their description, however the protection here can be limited, particularly where the description of goods is not a detailed one. 4Distinction between s14(2) and s14(3) had been been muddled because such a wide interprentation has been given to s14(3) that it covers ordinary purpose as well as special purposes, leading to significant overlapping. Therefore Section 14(6) was implemented in order to distinguish between the two sections [Jones v Bright][1829]5 Section 14(6) provides the test of fitness for purpose. This provided the statutory definition of merchatable quality. Its main element requires that the goods should be reasonably fit for the purpose for which goods of that kind were commonly bought [Aswan Engineering Establishment Co v Lupdine Ltd] [1987]6 1 7Under the original section 14(1) the buyer has to satisfy the court that he had expressly or by implication made known to the seller the particular purpose for which the goods were required so as to show that he relied on the sellers skill or judgement The current s14(3) now mainly confirms the old case law on this point. It is now clear that the onus is on the buyer in the first place is to only show that he has made known the purpose for which the goods are being bought. Reliance will then be presumed, unless the seller can show it to have been unreasonable. [Grant v Austrailian Knitting Mills][1936]8 In Simons case, it states that he explained exactly what he wanted , and so it is assumed that the seller understood precisely what Simon required. The seller could argue that Simon was unreasonably reliant on him to find him the right good. [Dorset Yacht Company Ltd v Home Office], [1970]9. In contrast, if the defendants can show that the breach is so slight that it would be unreasonable for the buyer to reject the goods, then the breach will be just warranty.10 Damages may be awarded for injury to the victims inconvenience or loss of enjoyment where the inconvenience or loss would have been presumed to have been contemplated by the parties at the time of entering the contract [British Columbia Saw-Mill Co Ltd v Nettleship] [1868]11 12In contracts to provide entertainment and enjoyment, (such as holidays), damages may be awarded for loss of enjoyment and the frustration, annoyance and disappointment associated with such loss [Jarvis v Swans Tour] [1973]13 Since this decision in Jarvis v Swans Tour [1973], the courts have awarded damages for loss of enjoyment and the reduced value of the holiday purchased. A charge for reduced value of the holiday purchased (diminution in value) is where a service which has been contracted for, but has not been provided, or where there has been some other breach of the contract between the supplier of the holiday or service and the holidaymaker. If this is the case the claimant claims the difference between what he purchased and what he received Loss of enjoyment is the 14distress, vexation, disappointment and annoyance suffered by a claimant on holiday, and they were unable to enjoy their holiday because of factors for which the defendant is liable. Simon may be entitled to damages for disappointment and loss of enjoyment suffered as a result of the breach of contract. This recognises the objective of a holiday contract, to provide enjoyment, peace of mind and relaxation. To work out how much damges Simon would be awarded the judge would try to find the difference in value between what the holidaymaker contracted to receive and what was actually received. So for Simon it would be the difference between Sun, sand, and sangria, lots of people, full night life, luxury accommodation, and a beach and in contrast small chalet in the mountains, snow, no room service, lights out at 10pm, and no other guests. If Simon is to receive damages, the ammount awarded is dependant on a number of components. The main components consist of the length of the holiday, and the price of it. In addition, the importance of the holiday is a main factor. Simon could argue that the holiday was extremely important to him, as earlier on in the case it says he is in need of a break after the stress caused to him with the DVD player he purchased. If Simon can argue this case succesfully then the courts may look at his case in a favourable maner. It is likely Simon could claim a complete refund, if he can argue that the contract came to nothing and he got not one thing for which he had been contracted. Simon could argue that the holiday was inordinately bad [Forsdyke v Panorama Holiday Group Ltd][2002]15 as what he received was almost the opposite of what the contract he agreed, and therefore claim back between two and two and a half times the cost of the holiday, as suggested by District Judge Geoffery Martin. The University has made an offer to Simon of a place on the course. An offer is a proposal or proposition by one party, who is willing to be bound by the terms of the proposal if accepted by another party. An acceptance must be full and complete, and by Simon enroling on the course, he subsequently accepted in full the offer. 16Universities reserve the right to impose sanctions against students who refuse to pay fees, and may result in the suspension of the students registration. As Simon has failed to pay the University , he is unable to register for the next year of the course. However he may be allowed to be reinstated on the course if he clears the debt or some sort of a repayment schedule is agreed. In conclusion, Simon may look to receive compensation for the DVD player, as long as he takes the old one back in the same condition it was in when purchased. Furthermore, Simon may also look to be awarded in damages for loss of enjoyment, and inconvinience regarding the holiday to Macedonia, as it was not the holiday type he had described to the seller that he wanted. Finally, Simon may be able to get his place back on the unervisity course if he can pay the debt he owes to the university, subsequently if he can not afford to, then he can arrange a repayment schedule.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

How the word Planet is Defined

How the word Planet is Defined What is a planet?  Astronomers get this question a lot.  It seems like a simple-enough thing to ask about, but in reality  the definition of the term planet seems to be a moving target. Its also at the heart of a controversy that continues to spur debate in the astronomy community. To answer the question what is a planet? it helps to look back at the event that brought the issue to a head in 2006: the seeming demotion of Pluto  from planet to dwarf planet. Pluto: Planet or Not? In 2006, the International Astronomical Union  demoted a small ball of rock and ice out in the outer third of the outer solar system from planet status. Pluto became known as a dwarf planet.  The outcry, both from within and outside of the scientific community, was astounding and the subject is still under intense discussions today. The planetary science community, which is probably the best equipped to help define the term, was overruled by astronomers (not many of them planetary scientists) at an IAU meeting where the issue came up for discussion and a vote.   Why Define Planet At All? The argument of course, is that our current clumping of all the round, non-star, non-moon  objects in our solar system was not ideal. Clearly Mercury and Jupiter dont share much in common, yet they are classified as planets. In 2000, the New York Hayden planetarium was renovated, and one of the exhibits grouped the planets by similar features. This made them easier to study and understand. It also created a more coherent display with greater educational potential. However, it put Pluto as the odd world out.   That by itself didnt change the definition of planet, however. The idea of planet was under discussion for a long time before that. It continues to be an issue as scientists discover more and more worlds out there.   The 2006 decision by the IAU has been steeped in controversy among scientists, particularly those in planetary science who had not attended the meeting where a scant few astronomers voted on planetary status. However, beyond that gaffe, the  greater point of contention is that the definition as arrived at by the IAU committee frankly doesnt even make sense. What is the Definition of a Planet? Lets look at what the IAU thinks a planet is. There are three requirements:   a planet is a world that orbits the Sun and not another object;a planet is an object with sufficient gravity to become round;a planet is a world that has cleared its orbital path of debris. This last one was thought to be a problem for Pluto, although recent discoveries by the New Horizons spacecraft show that theres not much to clear around Pluto,  not even a ring!   One could argue that  Earth has not been able to completely clear its path of debris.  However, no one is arguing with the classification of Earth as a planet. Effectively the IAU was placing a distance cap on how far a planet can be from its host star. And this just doesnt make sense. So What Should the Definition Be? OK, so  the IAUs definition has problems, but its still clear that the definition of planet needs more thought and work. It is important to classify objects, its simply part of the scientific endeavour. Biologists classify life, while chemists classify compounds, and so on. But the means by which you classify the objects in a system needs to be cohesive and non-conditional. So what about the planets, and Pluto specifically? What if we just took the first two conditions laid forth by the IAU and let it go at that: massive enough to be round, but not so much that it ignites nuclear burning? That would leave the eight objects that we already consider planets and add in the ones that we currently call dwarf planets. It just so happens that Pluto is large enough that it formed itself into a sphere under the pressure of its own gravity.  And, this fact is at the heart of the IAUs third condition for planet-hood. But that isnt the end of the debate either, and for now, officially,  Pluto remains a dwarf planet.   Edited and updated by Carolyn Collins Petersen.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Using Más in Spanish as an Adverb, Noun, or Pronoun

Using Ms in Spanish as an Adverb, Noun, or Pronoun Ms is the word most commonly used in Spanish as the equivalent of more and sometimes most. It typically functions as an adverb but sometimes as an adjective or pronoun. Here is a guide to its usage: Using Ms to Mean ‘More’ or ‘Most’ In its most simple use, ms can come before an adjective or adverb to mean more or most, depending on the context. In the same way, ms is often the equivalent of the English suffix -er or -est.  ¿Cul es el idioma ms fcil para aprender? (What is the easiest language to learn?)Es ms difà ­cil vivir en el à ©xito. (It is more difficult to live with success.) ¿Si me baà ±o en cloro serà © ms blanco? (If I bathe in chlorine, will I be whiter?)La propulsià ³n warp de Star Trek se usa para viajar ms rpido que la luz. (Star Treks warp propulsion is used to travel faster than light.)El monte Fujiyama es conocido como la ms hermosa montaà ±a en la Tierra. (Mount Fujiyama is known as the most beautiful mountain on Earth.) When it comes before a noun, ms can function as a masculine or feminine adjective and also be translated as more. Its use as an adjective to mean most is possible but uncommon. Hay ms felicidad en dar que en recibir. (There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.)Puedes enviar una invitacià ³n por correo electrà ³nico a dos o ms personas a la vez. (You can send an invitation by email to two or more people at a time.) ¿Causa la contaminacià ³n del aire ms muertes extra al aà ±o que el tabaco? (Does air pollution cause more additional deaths each year than tobacco?) Ms can also function as a pronoun in the same way where it substitutes for ms noun: Tengo ms que tà º. (I have more than you.)Compramos ms cuando tenemos hambre. (We are buying more when we are hungry.)Lo ms que puedes lograr es ser nà ºmero dos. (The most you can accomplish is to be number two.) Ms Que vs. Ms De The phrase more than is nearly always translated as ms de or ms que. However, the two phrases are used in different ways, arent interchangeable, and should not be confused with each other. Ms de is used with numbers and quantities: Las olas, de ms de siete metros de altura, hicieron estragos. (The waves, more than 7 meters high, created havoc.)Habà ­a ms de un mil espectadores. (There were more than 1,000 spectators.)Es importante beber ms de dos litros de agua al dà ­a. (It is important to drink more than two liters of water per day.) Ms que is used otherwise. As in the second example below, an adjective or adverb can come between the ms and the que. Hoy te amo ms que ayer. (I love you more today than yesterday.)La paz es ms difà ­cil que la guerra. (Peace is more difficult than war.)Somos mucho ms que amigos. (We are much more than friends.) Using Ms With Verbs Although ms is often translated as more when used as an adverb following a verb, often it is better to let the context suggest a different translation:  ¡No puedo vivir ms con mis padres! (I cant live any longer with my parents!)Pienso ms cuando no hay distracciones. (I think better when there arent any distractions.)Esta pilas recargables duran ms. (These rechargeable batteries last longer.) Using Ms in Arithmetic In mathematical formulas, ms is the equivalent of plus: Dos ms dos es igual a cuatro. (Two plus two equals four.)La suma de cero ms cualquier nà ºmero da dicho nà ºmero. (The sum of zero plus any number gives that number.) Ms vs. Mas Ms should not be confused with mas, even though the two words sound alike and come from the same origin. Mas is a preposition meaning but. You wont hear it used very often- mas has a mostly literary use and in real life the word choice for but is pero. Centuries ago, ms and mas started out as the same word, with the former eventually getting the accent because it would get the stress as its more and but meanings diverged. Key Takeaways Ms is usually used as an adverb to mean more or most.Ms can also be used as an adjective or pronoun meaning more.Ms and mas are not the same word; the latter is a literary word meaning but.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Securities act of 1933 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Securities act of 1933 - Essay Example In fact, this law was brought into light after the great depression in 1929 in the US economy. By means of fraudulent activities, many companies sold fake securities based on false information and thus huge investment from the investors went in vain. So, underlying principle of 1933 act was to help potential investors get information about the company (issuer) and its securities that are offered for sale publicly. This overt expression from the issuer, thereby results a more concerned securities market because the investor were fully aware of the background of the company and their securities before investing money into purchase. Thus, it was a pressing need for a first major federal law which can govern the unstable situation in a uniform manner. In fact, from the buyer point of view, it was really inspiring step to make the issuers conformed to certain rules as to disclose their information accurately before they offer or sale securities. Regardless of whether securities must be registered, the 1933 Act makes it illegal to commit fraud in conjunction with the offer or sale of securities. A scammed investor can sue for recovery under the 1933 Act. Rule 144, promulgated by the SEC under the 1933 Act, permits, under limited circumstances, the sale of restricted and controlled securities without registration.. The amount of securities sold during any subsequent 3-month period generally does not exceed any of the following limitations: 1% of the stock outstanding, The avg. weekly reported volume of trading in the securities on all national securities exchanges for the preceding 4 weeks, and The avg. weekly volume of trading of the securities reported through the consolidated transactions reporting system (NASDAQ). Regulation S is a "safe harbor" that defines when an offering of 'securities' will be deemed to come to rest abroad and therefore not be subject to the registration obligations imposed under Section 5 of the 1933 Act. Civil Liability under the 1933 Securities Act Any violation of the registration requirements can be a cause to civil liability for the issuer and underwriters Sections 11, 12(a) (1) or 12(a) (2) of the Act. Additional

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Thoreau's views of Nature is primarily subjective in which he Essay

Thoreau's views of Nature is primarily subjective in which he identified himself as a part of Nature whereas those of Darwin and - Essay Example His political view seems to be much closer to the concept of Individualism but at the same time, it is of dangerous effects in terms of the line he drew through the chapters like Civil Disobedience. As any other writer, Thoreau’s writings may bear resemblance to the thoughts of different authors. To see through him from the perspective of an individualist thinker in comparison with some other individualistic ideologists is interesting. John Locke, a prominent English writer and philosopher of the 17th century who questioned the divine rights of the King, triggered a revolution of theorization in the field of political and philosophical thoughts. Locke is strictly an empiricist, who holds the view that the experience of the senses is pivotal in pursuit of knowledge. In this sense, when we turn back to Thoreau and his practical experiment with the simplicity of life in Walden Pond, can we find any similarities or dissimilarities between Thoreau and Locke? Or can we say that did the views propounded by Thoreau derive from the Locke’s writing? This research paper is an attempt to look into Thoreau’s thoughts on nature from this viewpoint. Does Thoreau’s Views of Nature Stem from Locke’s Writings? Let’s start with a quote used by Thoreau in his essay titled Where I Lived and What I lived for. â€Å"I am monarch of all I survey; My right there is none to dispute† (Thoreau retrieved from http://thoreau.eserver.org/walden00.html) Thoreau asserts that man is supreme in constituting his understanding of nature as we see in the philosophy of empiricism. From these words, it is obvious that Thoreau believes that human beings are absolutely free to lead their life in nature as they wish and a particular government or a law cannot reign over the free will of them. Again in the essay titled Civil Disobedience, one of the most controversial and influential essays by him which inspired the great social thinkers like Mahatma Gandh i and Tolstoy, â€Å"I heartily accept the motto , that government is best which governs least(Thoreau. Retrieved from http://thoreau.eserver.org/civil1.html)†. We can a draw a line connecting the main thought of both of the citations, which accentuates man’s freedom in the state of nature. In this regard, he is obliged to Locke’s views of nature as we read the essay titled Of the State of Nature: TO understand political power right, and derive it from its original, we must consider,what state all men are naturally in, and that is, a state of perfect freedom to order their actions, and dispose of their possessions and persons, as they think fit, within the bounds of the law of nature, without asking leave, or depending upon the will of any other man. (Locke. retrieved from http://www.constitution.org/jl/2ndtre). Here, we can see the meeting points of the ideology of both the writers and it is most probable that Thoreau’s views must have shaped from Lockeà ¢â‚¬â„¢s thoughts. According to individualistic ideology man is supreme and above another’s restrictions. The above-mentioned wordings of the both of the writers assert the same line of thought in different manner. It is easy to infer from this similarity in thought that Thoreau should have forged his conception of nature and human freedom from the individualistic ideologists like Locke. Through the analysis of The Second Treatise of Government by Locke it is obvious that he upholds the view that sovereignty is secured in the hands

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Leadership and Supervision Issues in Nathaniel Philbrick’s In the Heart of the Sea Essay Example for Free

Leadership and Supervision Issues in Nathaniel Philbrick’s In the Heart of the Sea Essay Nathaniel Philbrick’s In the Heart of the Sea describes the tragic final voyage of the Nantucket-based whaler Essex in 1820. The Essex was a floating factory, a comparatively small but sturdy vessel designed to travel great distances to find, kill, and process whales, thus yielding the extremely valuable whale oil and other products. In the Heart of the Sea also describes a series of errors, mishaps and miscalculations—often with fatal results—in the management, leadership and supervision of the enterprise. These events, despite the distance in time, provide scenarios to compare and contrast present-day concepts of leadership and supervision. The story of the Essex illustrates numerous instances of (a) poor planning before and during the journey, (b) poor staffing decisions before and during the journey, (c) indecisive and/or poor leadership and (d) poor supervision which contributed to the difficult journey, the sinking of the Essex and the horrible aftermath. Typical of the practices of the era and locale, Essex was captained, but not owned and provisioned, by a sailor-officer who had risen through the ranks. This would be the first command voyage of Captain George Pollard, Jr. By all accounts he had successfully risen to First Mate of the Essex on previous voyages and was given captaincy when the former captain was given a newer and larger vessel. Unfortunately he inherited a worn ship soon to be out of commission. Accordingly the owners spent as little as possible on repairs of the vessel and even less on provisions for the multi-year cruise. There is no indication Pollard had any input in either decision. As this was his first command he was likely to remain in his employers’ good graces and refrain from insisting on better repairs and outfitting. To further compound these initial as well as future problems was the wage payment structure in which Pollard and the crew were essentially working on commission. Payment to officers and seamen alike would be a portion based on rank and seniority paid only if the valuable whale oil was safely in port. Other experienced captains had the ability and option to add to the original provisions. Pollard either decided to set sail despite the meager provisions or was unable to supplement them by his own means. This system strongly contrasts to management practices of the day as well as contemporary practices. Owner-operated businesses were not at all uncommon in the era with a strong â€Å"hands-on† style of leadership. Most striking would be the owner-operated vessels with a captain well-versed on ship maintenance and outfitting. Obviously today anyone would be considered naive at best and insane at worst to take on such a logistical task of any sort without having been given decision-making authority. Today even with companies having distant or publicly held ownership the leadership and decision-makers of the company are urged to â€Å"buy into† the company in the sense of making decisions and leading in a manner consistent with actual ownership. If Pollard can be excused to some extent for the poor decision-making at home port, the disastrous lack of planning during his maiden voyage is his burden alone. After almost loosing his ship virtually at the onset of the voyage he is either unable or incapable of tactical or strategic planning when the Essex is destroyed. With a previously damaged vessel prudence would dictate some sort of â€Å"disaster plan† short of a belief that lightening will not strike the same place twice. While the Essex was sinking it was the foresight of others who managed to salvage essential items. Some decisions defied common sense. Instead of cooking and preparing a substantial amount of available turtle meat he simply placed two live turtles with each surviving whaleboat. Perhaps Pollard did not think the unthinkable could happen again. Such planning and preparedness is not something novel, for his era or ours. It is simply the ability to survive the unexpected and the wisdom to learn from it. Contemporary leadership in management, government, and virtually any other field must be prepared for the unexpected. The unexpected and the disastrous will certainly occur, usually when least expected. It then also becomes a learning experience for leadership to plan and think for the â€Å"unplanned and unthinkable†. Consistent with the idea of poor or non-existent planning was the Nantucket concept of staffing vessels with the unskilled. Pollard’s ship was manned by a significant number of â€Å"sailors† who had never lived in Nantucket nor experienced life on a whaler. Other â€Å"sailors† included inexperienced Nantucket youngsters anxious for their first cruise as well as officers sailing in newly-promoted ranks. It was expected of Pollard and his officers to essentially conduct on-the-job training for the unskilled staff. However, once again, if Pollard can be excused for having to deal with something out of his control, the staffing decisions made during the disaster were his alone. Most glaring was the decision regarding the placement of the survivors in what would become their lifeboats. No consideration was given to skill, ability or health. Instead, it was a system based on whether a sailor was black or white, Nantucketer or not. Apprenticeships and on-the-job training are time-honored practices dating back centuries and still valid today. Both systems are based on both a lengthy or at least sufficient period of time and a non-critical or at least supervised situation. The apprentice or OJT worker will make mistakes and is given the opportunity to make them and learn from them in a controlled situation. Once skilled, the staffing pattern must be developed to maintain whatever production or quality standard is to be met. In an emergency situation such decisions must be made by leadership without being distracted by pointless issues of race, class, or place of birth. Again, Pollard can be shielded to some extent by the customs and practices of his day. Contemporary leaders have no such excuse. Decision-making is often made in the lonely vacuum of sole command, something that Pollard, at times, was unable or willing to do. â€Å"Leadership by consensus† was not something he learned, but he did indeed practice. Additionally, indecision is in fact a decision, and one that eats time. After the initial near-fatal keeling of his ship Pollard commits both errors: he abdicates sole leadership, procrastinates, reverses himself, and by trying to lead by consensus ultimately leads his ship to disaster. Again, forces work against Pollard. To turn back with a damaged empty ship would result in no wages and possibly a loss of command. By deciding to continue the voyage with a damaged ship, lost provisions, and lost whaleboats Pollard was not talking a calculated risk, he was essentially dooming his ship and crew to disaster. Modern management case studies abound with the disastrous stories of managers failing to decide and having that â€Å"activity† yield worse results than a bad decision. Most missions are time-critical and while many, if not most missions can have a built-in method of correcting erroneous decisions there is no method for reversing time lost in indecision. The texts are equally full of the horror stories of leaders who take the â€Å"ahead at all costs† attitude without a realistic appraisal of whether their â€Å"ship† can handle the journey. This inevitably results in the learned experience that â€Å"profitability at all costs† is very unprofitable. After the sinking of the Essex a variety of decisions were made, some based on common sense, or lack of same, and others based on the nautical knowledge of the time. Perhaps the most glaring was the decision to allow the surviving whaleboats to operate in an individual fashion, without tying together during the night. While a questionable seafaring decision, it casts some light on broader contemporary issues. During critical situations, whether a production run or a full-scale emergency it is common sense and a practical necessity to maintain communication and command. Failure to maintain either can jeopardize the personnel and the mission. In the Heart of the Sea is filled with numerous examples of poor supervision. From the very onset there is no indication Pollard really supervised the repair and provisioning of his vessel; it all likelihood he delegated a great deal of this responsibility to his First and Second Mate. There is no indication he did a thorough, hands-on investigation of his damaged vessel after the initial near-sinking. Once whaling he was out in a whaleboat, as was the custom, instead of being in a position on deck to supervise all of the events that would unfold. There is no indication he personally undertook a surveillance of Henderson Island to determine if it could sustain the crew, or in the alternative, if it could better provision the survivors on their continued voyage. During many of the catastrophic events Pollard seemed overwhelmed and incapacitated by the situation. He was unable to command and supervise what can only be described as life-threatening or life-saving activity unfolding in front of him. Once all was lost he decided to allow the boats to go their own way, and was unable to maintain the supervision of survivors when that was his most critical duty. Throughout the disastrous journey the questionable command of Pollard is and will be debated. What is certain is there was considerable doubt at the time that he exercised the decision-making responsibilities in a prudent manner. The captain of a ship and the leader of a corporation must be able to face a situation, whether mundane or critical, and make very quick and decisive actions. First and foremost is the decision of whether to take a â€Å"hands on† approach or delegate responsibility. There is no easy or set answer, and either method can be disastrous, if a leader usurps a subordinate’s better command of a situation or if responsibility is delegated to someone incapable of handling the situation. However, the command of a ship is unique and very similar to many organizational situations in that the leader at the very top is expected to be well-versed and capable of every function in the entire organization. If that is not the case, then the leader must have a clear understanding of his personal abilities and limitations as well as that of all of the subordinates in the chain of command. Throughout the narratives and accounts which the book is comprised of there is mention of, and no doubt that the captain knew his ship better than anyone. However, it became very obvious at the onset that his knowledge of his and his officers’ capabilities was suspect. At only one point was Pollard described as acting with the authority and decisiveness normally required of a ship’s captain. He quickly and ferociously responded to an early â€Å"protest† by the crew relating to what they considered poor rations. His outburst and threatened action quelled the protest and certainly left the crew with no doubt of his intent. However, what is missing is the not-unusual comments and attitude from crewmen indicating complete respect of their captain and their willingness to follow his commands, regardless of outcome, because of their knowledge of him and his ability. It is imperative upon leaders to not just know their workplace, but to know their staff. It is not enough to â€Å"go ballistic† once in a while to let the staff know what will happen if something is discovered amiss or in response to what behavior is not to be tolerated. Command through intimidation is foolhardy; what is necessary of leadership is to prove competency to staff and subordinates to the point where there is no doubt there is respect in the leader’s ability. At that point leadership becomes â€Å"natural† if and when the staff and subordinates believe the leadership will in fact lead, but do so in a manner that takes into account the well-being, if not survival, of all. In modern society â€Å"survival† is often economic survival, and depending on the organization or industry economic survival must be paramount in management’s priorities. Pollard lost on both counts; the voyage was a complete economic disaster and resulted in the deaths of the majority of his crew. The journey was a voyage of poor planning, staffing, decision-making and supervision. It is an epic of missed opportunities and unrealistic goals. It is a blueprint for any manager or leader in what not to do. Leadership cannot afford to be unprepared in any of the areas noted above. Each interact and influence the other, often in ways unanticipated and noted only too late. It is easy, but very necessary to look at situations with twenty-twenty hindsight if lessons are to be learned and errors prevented in the future. There is a host of what-if questions presented by In the Heart of the Sea which every leader should take to heart.