Biography and Legacy of Ferdinand Magellan

One of the greatest explorers of the Age of Discovery, Ferdinand Magellan is best known for leading the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe. However, he personally did not complete the route and perished in the South Pacific. A determined man, he overcame personal obstacles, mutinies, uncharted seas, biting hunger, and malnutrition during the course of his voyage. Today, his name is synonymous with discovery and exploration. Early Years and Education Fernà £o Magalhà £es (Ferdinand Magellan is an anglicized version of his name) was born in approximately 1480 in the small Portuguese town of Villa de Sabroza. As the son of the mayor, he led a privileged childhood, and at an early age, he went to the royal court in Lisbon to serve as page to the Queen. He was very well educated, studying with some of the finest tutors in Portugal, and from an early age showed an interest in navigation and exploration. The De Almeida Expedition As a well-educated and well-connected young man, it was easy for Magellan to sign on with many of the different expeditions departing from Spain and Portugal at the time. In 1505, he accompanied Francisco De Almeida, who had been named Viceroy of India. De Almeida had a fleet of 20 heavily-armed ships, and they sacked settlements and established towns and forts in north-eastern Africa along the way. Magellan fell out of favor with De Almeida around 1510 when he was accused of illegally trading with Islamic locals. He returned to Portugal in disgrace and offers for him to join new expeditions dried up. From Portugal to Spain Magellan was convinced that a new route to the lucrative Spice Islands could be found by going through the New World. He presented his plan to the King of Portugal, Manuel I. He was rejected, possibly because of his past problems with De Almeida. Determined to get funding for his trip, Magellan went to Spain. Here, he was granted an audience with Charles V, who agreed to finance his journey. By August of 1519, Magellan had five ships: the Trinidad (his flagship), Victoria, San Antonio, Concepcià ³n, and the Santiago. His crew of 270 men was mostly Spanish. Departure, Mutiny, and the Wreck Magellan’s fleet left Seville on August 10, 1519. After stopovers in the Canary and Cape Verde Islands, they headed for Portuguese Brazil. Here, they anchored near present-day Rio de Janeiro in January of 1520 to take on supplies, trading with locals for food and water. It was at this time that serious troubles began: the Santiago was wrecked and the survivors had to be picked up. The captains of the other ships attempted to mutiny. At one point, Magellan was forced to open fire on the San Antonio. He reasserted command and executed or marooned most of those responsible, pardoning the others. The Strait of Magellan The four remaining ships headed south, searching for passage around South America. Between October and November 1520, they navigated through the islands and waterways on the continent’s southern tip. The passage they found was named the Strait of Magellan. They discovered Tierra del Fuego as the sailed. On November 28, 1520, they found a tranquil-looking body of water. Magellan named it the Mar Pacà ­fico, or the Pacific Ocean. During the exploration of the islands, the San Antonio deserted. The ship returned to Spain and took too much of the remaining provisions with it, forcing the men to hunt and fish for food. Across the Pacific Convinced the Spice Islands were only a short sail away, Magellan led his ships across the Pacific, discovering the Marianas Islands and Guam. Although Magellan named them the Islas de las Velas Latinas (Islands of the Triangular Sails), the name Islas de los Ladrones (Islands of Thieves) stuck because locals made off with one of the landing boats after giving Magellan’s men some supplies. Pressing on, they landed on Homonhon Island in the Philippines. Magellan found he could communicate with the people, as one of his men spoke Malay. He had reached the Eastern edge of the world known to Europeans. Death Homonhon was uninhabited, but Magellan’s ships were seen and contacted by some locals who led them to Cebu, home of Chief Humabon, who befriended Magellan. Humabon and his wife even converted to Christianity along with many of the locals. They then convinced Magellan to attack Lapu-Lapu, a rival chieftain on nearby Mactan Island. On April 17, 1521, Magellan and some of his men attacked a much larger force of islanders, trusting their armor and advanced weapons to win the day. The attack was fought off, however, and Magellan was among those killed. Efforts to ransom his body failed. It was never recovered. Return to Spain Leaderless and short on men, the remaining sailors decided to burn the Concepcià ³n and return to Spain. The two ships managed to find the Spice Islands and loaded up the holds with valuable cinnamon and cloves. As they crossed the Indian Ocean, however, the Trinidad began to leak. It eventually sank, although some of the men made it to India and from there back to Spain. The Victoria kept going, losing several men to starvation. It arrived in Spain on September 6, 1522, more than three years after it had left. There were only 18 sickly men crewing the ship, a fraction of the 270 who had set out. Ferdinand Magellan Legacy Magellan is credited with being the first to circumnavigate the world in spite of two somewhat glaring details: first, he died halfway through the journey and second, he never intended to travel in a circle. He simply wanted to find a new route to the Spice Islands. Some historians have said that Juan Sebastià ¡n Elcano, who captained the Victoria back from the Philippines, is a worthier candidate for the title of first to circumnavigate the globe. Elcano had begun the voyage as master on board the Concepcià ³n. There are two written records of the journey. The first was a journal kept by an Italian passenger who paid to go on the trip, Antonio Pigafetta. The second was a series of interviews with the survivors made by Maximilianus of Transylvania upon their return. Both documents reveal a fascinating voyage of discovery. The Magellan expedition was responsible for several major discoveries. In addition to the Pacific Ocean and numerous islands, waterways and other geographic information, the expedition also sighted a great many new animals, including penguins and guanacos. The discrepancies between the log book and the date when they returned to Spain led directly to the concept of the International Date Line. Their measurements of distances traveled helped contemporary scientists determine the size of the earth. They were the first to sight certain galaxies visible in the night sky, now aptly known as the Magellanic Clouds. Although the Pacific had been first discovered in 1513 by Vasco Nuà ±ez de Balboa, it is Magellans name for it that stuck. Balboa called it the South Sea. Immediately upon the return of the Victoria, European sailing ships began trying to duplicate the voyage, including an expedition led by surviving captain Elcano. It wasn’t until Sir Francis Drake’s 1577 voyage, however, that anyone managed to do it again. Still, the knowledge gained from Magellans voyage immensely advanced the science of navigation at the time. Today, Magellan’s name is synonymous with discovery and exploration. Telescopes and spacecraft bear his name, as does a region in Chile. Perhaps because of his untimely demise, his name does not have the negative baggage associated with it like fellow explorer Christopher Columbus, blamed by many for subsequent atrocities in the lands he discovered. Source: Thomas, Hugh. Rivers of Gold: The Rise of the Spanish Empire, from Columbus to Magellan. Paperback, Random House Trade Paperback, May 31, 2005.

An Introduction to the Constitutional Principles of...

02-03-2009 Tatyana Kurtiyakova It is common knowledge that without general rules any game will turn to chaos and disorder when everyone will behave as wishes to achieve a victory in what way soever. The most powerful â€Å"rules of the game† is the Constitution and the most important thing is to construe it correctly. More than 200 years the US Constitution remains the organic law of successfully developing state, which territory and population have increased many times over, and the political and economic life has changed radically. In the context of United States constitutional interpretation, invariability, political stability and†¦show more content†¦I’m going to discuss two theoretical doctrines of interpretation’s limits, which are based on specific methods of â€Å"original intent† and â€Å"living document† constitutional interpretation. The first of them, original intent, maintains that in interpreting a text, a court should determine what the author s of the text were trying to achieve, and to give effect to what they intended the statute to accomplish, the actual text of the legislation notwithstanding. Obviously, the defined method of explanation is undoubtedly good, as allows answering not only on a question, what sense has been enclosed in the given norm but also to what the legislator really aspired, accepting it. In this case work of the lawyer, the judge should remind work of the professional-restorer which by the most careful studying of the source, analogues, an epoch, time, techniques of the letter etc. restores the original. For all that I can’t agree with this idea because there can be the situation when the judge is beyond the maintenance of the source text and gives his own view of the legislator’s intentions. It goes without saying, explanation does not bring and cannot bring additions and changes in effective law standards. It urged only to explain and specify what is formulated in a norm, to open a legal will of the legislator. Naturally, standard interpretation cannot be found out in a separation from surrounding conditions, but it should not mean at all, that during theShow MoreRelatedJudicial Review And The Indian Courts1444 Words   |  6 PagesPolitical Science Essay Monsoon Semester 2014 Submitted by- Pradyumna Soni 214048 JUDICIAL REVIEW AND THE INDIAN COURTS Introduction Judicial Review is basically an aspect of judicial power of the state which is exercised by the courts to determine the validity of a rule of law or an action of any agency of the state. The courts have the power of testing the validity of legislative as well as other governmental action with reference to the provisions of the constitution. 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Schizophrenia2 Essay Example For Students

Schizophrenia2 Essay Schizophrenia is a mental disorder marked by the loss of contact with reality. Delusions, hallucinations, irregular thinking or emotions are the usual symptoms. About one hundred years ago schizophrenia was first recognized as a mental disorder and researchers have been searching for a cure since. The exact cause of schizophrenia is still unknown and scientists are certain that schizophrenia has more than one cause. Scientists have developed dozens of theories to explain what causes this disease, but researchers are focusing on three leading theories. The Genetic Theory argues that schizophrenia is caused by traits in a persons genetic makeup. As we all know, a person has twenty-three pairs of chromosomes. Each pair contains one chromosome from each parent. In corresponding locations of each chromosome the genes for specific traits are located. If there are mutations or if there is the presence of an extra chromosome, genetic disorders occur. For example, Down Syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra 21st chromosome. It is believed that problems with the genetic make up can cause schizophrenia (Encarta 96). In an attempt to prove this theory scientists study identical twins. Due to the fact that identical twins have the exact genetic make up researchers will be able to determine if heredity is the main cause of schizophrenia. However, evidence seems to disprove this theory. This is because on some occasions both identical twins are schizophrenics and other times only one is inflicted. To defend the theory, it should be noted that this research is difficult and complicated. Identical twins are relatively rare, especially twins who are both diagnosed with schizophrenia. Further defending the theory, studies have shown that children with one parent diagnosed with schizophrenia have a ten percent chance of suffering from schizophrenia. When both parents are schizophrenic their risk raises to about fifty percent (468 Myers). The Biochemical theory is built mainly on stress that effects human behavior. However, most researchers agree that stress alone cannot be the main cause of schizophrenia. Most researchers agree that stress can trigger or worsen the symptoms when the illness is already present. Other researchers focus on drug abuse. Like stress, certain drugs such as amphetamines can make psychotic symptoms worse if a person already has schizophrenia. Also, amphetamines and other drugs cause an increase in dopamine. Brains of schizophrenics were found to contain an excess of receptors for dopamine (468 Myers). In one particular experiment, researchers injected animals with amphetamines, which causes an increase of dopamine in the brain. Following the injection, the animals exhibit the same behavior as humans who have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, such as standing still for long periods of time or continuously pacing. Nerve cells have an effect on schizophrenics as well. When something acts upon one of our senses, electrical impulses are sent to the brain. These impulses allow us to feel pain, smell, and also manage our thought processes. In our body we have a complex nerve system. For example, there is no one single nerve that travels from our feet to our brain. Therefore, in order for information to be sent to the brain the nerves must interact with each other. Because the system is so complex it is possible for the signal to get mixed up. When this happens, our brain may misinterpret the signal or may not receive it at all. If the signal does get mixed up on the way to the brain the make up of the impulse can undergo a chemical change resulting in abnormal thought processes and abnormal behavior (Smith). The Bio-Psycho-Social Theory combines all of the previous theories. Some researchers believe that biochemical abnormalities are a contributing factor but that other events must also occur. They suggest that environmental and social problems have to be considered along with biological problems. .ubbebcbe1ea8e9ebe8c929b7efdcbaf16 , .ubbebcbe1ea8e9ebe8c929b7efdcbaf16 .postImageUrl , .ubbebcbe1ea8e9ebe8c929b7efdcbaf16 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ubbebcbe1ea8e9ebe8c929b7efdcbaf16 , .ubbebcbe1ea8e9ebe8c929b7efdcbaf16:hover , .ubbebcbe1ea8e9ebe8c929b7efdcbaf16:visited , .ubbebcbe1ea8e9ebe8c929b7efdcbaf16:active { border:0!important; } .ubbebcbe1ea8e9ebe8c929b7efdcbaf16 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ubbebcbe1ea8e9ebe8c929b7efdcbaf16 { 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; } .ubbebcbe1ea8e9ebe8c929b7efdcbaf16:active , .ubbebcbe1ea8e9ebe8c929b7efdcbaf16:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ubbebcbe1ea8e9ebe8c929b7efdcbaf16 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ubbebcbe1ea8e9ebe8c929b7efdcbaf16 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ubbebcbe1ea8e9ebe8c929b7efdcbaf16 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ubbebcbe1ea8e9ebe8c929b7efdcbaf16 .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; } .ubbebcbe1ea8e9ebe8c929b7efdcbaf16:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ubbebcbe1ea8e9ebe8c929b7efdcbaf16 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ubbebcbe1ea8e9ebe8c929b7efdcbaf16 .ubbebcbe1ea8e9ebe8c929b7efdcbaf16-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ubbebcbe1ea8e9ebe8c929b7efdcbaf16:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Nelson Mandela Essay Social scientists believe that no chemical factors are involved, instead they believe mental disorders are described as a consequence of human motivations, drives, and unconscious forces (Smith). These scientists suggest that people become overloaded with stress, information, and stimulation. When this happens they lose their ability to cope with the anxiety which accompanies stress. Instead of dealing with their problems they seek peace in their own world. For example,

Sunbeam Essay Example

Sunbeam Essay In 1897 John K. Stewart and Thomas Clark incorporated their Chicago Flexible Shaft Company, which made horse trimming and sheep shearing machinery. [4] In 1910 the company produced its first Sunbeam branded household appliance, the Princess Electric Iron. The company did not officially change its name to Sunbeam until 1946. [5] In 1928, the companys head designer, Swedish immigrant Ivar Jepson, invented the Mixmaster mixer. Introduced in 1930, it was the first mechanical mixer with two detachable beaters whose blades interlocked. [6] The Mixmaster became the companys flagship product for the next forty years, but the brand also became known for the designs, mainly by Robert Davol Budlong, of electric toasters, coffee makers, and electric shavers, among other appliances. [edit] Purchases and acquisitions Sunbeam bought out the Rain King Sprinkler Company and produced one of the most popular lawn sprinkler lines of the 1950s and 1960s. Meanwhile, Sunbeam continued to expand outside of Chicago. By the end of the 1970s, as the leading American manufacturer of small appliances, Sunbeam enjoyed about $1. 3 billion in annual sales and employed nearly 30,000 people worldwide. The John Oster Manufacturing Company was acquired in 1980 by Sunbeam Corporation. In 1981, after Sunbeam was bought by Allegheny International Inc. of Pittsburgh, most of the Chicago-area factories were closed and the headquarters moved from the Chicago region. We will write a custom essay sample on Sunbeam specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Sunbeam specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Sunbeam specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer During this time the companies Allegheny controlled included John Zink Company (manufactured air pollution control devices) and Hanson Scale (manufactured bathroom scales and other balance machines). [7] Alleghenys 4 principal divisions, including Sunbeam, went into decline through the mid 1980s. Since Sunbeam-Oster was one of the most important divisions, responsible for nearly half of all sales, the stockholders were very concerned about the leadership. In 1986, the stockholders accused the Chairman and CEO, Robert Buckley of mis-appropriating funds. 8][9] Buckleys successor, Oliver Travers, downsized considerably and by 1988, the company was essentially just Sunbeam and Oster. The decline continued aided by the stock market crash of October 1987 and Allegheny filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. [10] In the fall of 1989 an investment group called Japonica Partners [11] purchased the remains of Allegheny for $250 million ($468. 7 million today) in hostile takeover. [12] The company was renamed Sunbeam-Oster Company, Inc. At this point the usiness was then divided into 4 divisions: Outdoor Products, Household Products, Specialty Products, and International Sales. The company headquarters were moved again from Pittsburgh to Providence, Rhode Island and then finally to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. [13] By late 1991, Sunbeam-Osters sales had increased 7% enabling it to make the Fortune 500 list. [edit] Chainsaw Al In 1996, Albert J. Dunlap was recruited to be CEO and Chairman of Sunbeam-Oster. In 1997, Sunbeam reported massive increases in sales for its various backyard and kitchen