...Reaction Paper: Flash of Genius The movie Flash of Genius which is based on a true story depicts a battle of an innovator against a big company for patent infringement. Bob Kearns who invented the intermittent windscreen wiper did not hesitate to file a case against one of the biggest automotive companies, Ford corporation. Kearns’ situation is a classic example of a David and Goliath story. No matter how small you are in the eyes of dominant people, you can still achieve triumph as long as you are determined and certain for what you’re fighting for. What Mr. Kearns went through speaks of the many other innovators who were also put down by other big industries. For innovators like him, money would be worthless if their exclusive rights for a certain invention are stolen from them. It’s just normal for Mr. Kearns to react that way because his distinction as an innovator was taken for granted. Despite the huge amount of bribe offered two Mr. Kearns, he still sticked to his conviction which really inspired me. He also proved that nothing would be impossible for a man that practices his profession ethically. Engineers are expected to create something innovative that would benefit mankind. As a future engineer, I was motivated to contribute a significant impact on the society out of my own terms in the future. In my opinion, innovators should set aside personal interests to come up with an efficient design. As portrayed in the story, Mr. Kearns intention is to raise a lot of...
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...them more than the patent rights, but what the hell. You can't go around encouraging these pipsqueaks. I know that I sound just like a liberal, but at this point in history I am sick and tired of giant corporations running roughshod over decent people -- cutting their wages, polluting their work environment, denying them health care, forcing them to work unpaid overtime, busting their unions and other crimes we have never heard George Bush denouncing while he was cutting corporate taxes. I am sure lower taxes help corporations to function more profitably. Why is that considered progress, when many workers live in borderline poverty and executives have pissing contests over who has the biggest stock options? But enough. I have "Flash of Genius" to review. Yes, I am agitated. I am writing during days of economic meltdown, after Wall Street raped Main Street while the Bush ideology held it down. Believe me, I could go on like this all day. But consider the case of Robert Kearns, played here touchingly by Greg Kinnear. He was a professor of engineering, a decent, unremarkable family man, and had a eureka! moment: Why did windshield wipers only go on and off? Why couldn't they reflect existing conditions, as the human eyelid does? Working in his basement, Kearns put together the first intermittent wiper from off-the-shelf components and tested it in a fish tank. He patented it in 1967. He demonstrated it to Ford, but wouldn't tell them how it worked until he had a deal. After...
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...Movie Analysis J501 Vishal Shirwadkar Movie – Flash of Genius Director – Marc Abraham Prephase: The movie “Flash of Genius” is based on a true story of Robert Kearns who invented the Intermittent Windshield Wiper. Robert Kearns tried to sell his Idea to Ford Motor Company but Ford rejected it but at the same time they started using that technology in their cars. Robert Kearns sued the Ford Motor Company for patent infringement in 1978 and the case was put to trial in 1990. Robert Kearns won the case against Ford and Chrysler. Detailed Analysis: I am going to look at this case from the two perspectives: Ford’s perspective and Robert Kearns’ perspective. 1970s was the time of automobile boom. The big three car manufacturers were thriving, with a very little or no competition from Japanese auto makers. The automobile industry was then in an evolution phase. New features were added to the cars to attract the consumers. As indicated in the movie, Ford was already trying to develop intermittent wipers, but Ford engineers were not able to come up with a working design. When the Ford Research and Development saw the intermittent wipers working, Ford should have realized that the Robert Kearns has the potential as an inventor and may help Ford with other inventions in the future. There are two strategic steps that Ford could have taken. 1. Assign the contract for the intermittent wiper units to Robert Kearns as originally intended by him. Ford always had the option to...
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...Standing on a street corner at the intersection of 142nd Street and Lenox Avenue, in Harlem, New York, New York, around the year 1930, dazzling lights would flash, a sign would read Cotton Club. Inside could be heard, on any given night, the likes of Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, or even the great Satchmo himself, Louis Armstrong wailing on his trumpet. Welcome to the Harlem Renaissance, a period of time where according to the book Harlem Renaissance, is said to be: “Harlem intellectuals, sharing in that belief and seeing themselves as living out the moment of their race’s rebirth” (Huggins 9). The Harlem Renaissance was a time of a great cultural blossoming, not only for New York, but for the United States. During this period, one man stands above the rest, Louis Armstrong. Louis Armstrong is the most noteworthy jazz player of the Harlem Renaissance. Not only is Armstrong’s skill with a trumpet unmatched, the length and depth of his career is a tell tale sign of a legend.The affect in which Louis imprinted on jazz, elevated jazz itself. Armstrong raised the bar for the next generation. Louis Armstrong's ever lasting legacy rings throughout time....
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...Apple Case Cindy Romani MAR 4231 U01 Retail Marketing September 30, 2014 Assignment #2 1. Every time that I go to the mall, if there is an Apple Store, I definitely stop and go in. All of the Apple Products that I own have been purchased from there. At the Dadeland store, I have purchased all the iPhones and iPods that I have owned throughout the years, my iPads, MacBook, and most recently my Apple TV. Its safe to say that I own almost every Apple product. The reason why I purchase my Apple products from their store is because I feel like I am getting it directly from the source. That’s the closest that I can get besides having Tim Cook give it to me himself. If there is ever an issue with any of the products I know that I can go to the Apple Store and that they will solve any issue that I have even if it’s a simple question. The returning and exchanging process is much simpler than if I were to get my MacBook at Best Buy for example. By purchasing it at the Apple Store I know that I am getting the best deal and I feel secure knowing that if anything happens I can return it. Also, as if someone is actually considering not buying from the Apple Store, they have some incentives that they use in order to attract people to them. For instance, if its back to school season they give students a $100 iTunes gift card with the purchase of a MacBook. This is great for the students and it doesn’t harm Apple at all since that $100 are going directly back to them anyways. 2...
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...knowing about many poets and dramatists. However, there is one particular poet whose name is etched in my memory. Whenever somebody asks about my favorite poet, his name will automatically flash into my mind. He is Michael Madhusudan Dutt, was a popular 19th century Bengali poet, dramatist and the first sonnet writer in Indian Subcontinent. Michael Madhusudan Dutt was born in Jessore District, East Bengal, India (now in Bangladesh). His early schooling was in Bengali and Persian. In 1837 he entered Hindu College where most of his education was in English. Early exposure to English education and European literature at home and in Kolkata made him desire to emulate the proverbially stiff upper-lip Englishman in taste, manners and intellect. One of the early impressions was that of his teacher, Capt. D.L.Richardson at Hindu College. His adolescence, coupled with the spirit of intellectual enquiry convinced him that he was born on the wrong side of the planet, and that conservative Hindu society in early nineteenth century Bengal had not yet developed the spirit of rationalistic enquiry and appreciation of greater intellectual sophistry to appreciate his talents. He espoused the view that free thinking and post Enlightenment West would be more receptive to his intellectual acumen and creative genius. In this, perhaps he forgot the color of his skin, as he was to realize later on in life, much to his consternation and disgust. In 1840, He ran away from home and converted to Christianity...
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...Kearns converts his basement into a laboratory and develops a prototype of the intermittent wiper that he tests in a fish tank before installing it in his car. He patents his invention and demonstrates it for Ford researchers, who had also been working on a developing a new windshield wiper without success. Kearns refuses to explain how his mechanism works until he and Ford come to a financial and manufacturing agreement. Impressed with Kearns' invention, the executive, Macklin Tyler, asks him to prepare a business plan detailing the cost, which Robert intends to manufacture himself. Ford apparently did not like the idea of Kearns manufacturing the wipers himself. Considering this to be a sufficient commitment from Ford, he rents a warehouse to use as a wiper factory. He gives Ford with the financial information it requested along with a sample unit, then waits for their response. Time passes, and when nobody contacts Robert, he begins placing phone calls that are never returned. Tired and Frustrated, Kearns stops by Ford car show where they reveal the latest model of the Mustang with the intermittent wiper as a selling point. Kearns decides to sue ford for the rights to manufacture the intermittent wiper, acknowledgement of his accomplishment, and the money he ahs rightfully earned. At trial, Kearns represents himself after attorney Gregory Lawson withdraws from the case because Robert refuses to settle. It was not until he made some progress that his ex-wife and children support...
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...Phạm Công Thiện June 1st 1941, Mytho, Vietnam March 8th 2011, Spring, Texas, USA "All conditioned Dharmas Are like Dreams, Illusions, Bubbles, Shadows, Like Dew Drops and a Lightning Flash: Contemplate them thus." Prajna Paramita Vajracchedika Sutra (Vajra or Diamond Sutra) Phạm Công Thiện left his body peacefully on March 8th 2011 in his home of Spring, Texas (USA). The famous Vietnamese mystic, poet, philosopher, novelist, translator, professor, scholar, mentor was 71 years old. Up to the end he kept his razor sharp mind and lifelong devotion to the teaching of the Buddha. His last words were to ask: « If you have any question on Dharma, I will answer now! Do you? » As his relatives could not find any question, he repeated once again: « If you have any question on Dharma, I will answer now! Do you? » No question was asked, and three minutes later his breath stopped. He had spent the previous hours in meditation, at times making mudras with his hands. Many auspicious signs suggestive of mastery over the dying process showed up later. For instance, immediately after his cremation, his children saw in the sky a cloud in the shape of a meditating Buddha or yogi. A multidimensional genius, he was both an artist well-known for his unique and flamboyant style, a polymath and versatile scholar, with encyclopaedic knowledge in wide ranging subjects (Buddhism, Western and Oriental philosophy, litterature and poetry of all countries, art, science, philology, linguistics...
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...knowing about many poets and dramatists. However, there is one particular poet whose name is etched in my memory. Whenever somebody asks about my favorite poet, his name will automatically flash into my mind. He is Michael Madhusudan Dutt, was a popular 19th century Bengali poet, dramatist and the first sonnet writer in Indian Subcontinent. Michael Madhusudan Dutt was born in Jessore District, East Bengal, India (now in Bangladesh). His early schooling was in Bengali and Persian. In 1837 he entered Hindu College where most of his education was in English. Early exposure to English education and European literature at home and in Kolkata made him desire to emulate the proverbially stiff upper-lip Englishman in taste, manners and intellect. One of the early impressions was that of his teacher, Capt. D.L.Richardson at Hindu College. His adolescence, coupled with the spirit of intellectual enquiry convinced him that he was born on the wrong side of the planet, and that conservative Hindu society in early nineteenth century Bengal had not yet developed the spirit of rationalistic enquiry and appreciation of greater intellectual sophistry to appreciate his talents. He espoused the view that free thinking and post Enlightenment West would be more receptive to his intellectual acumen and creative genius. In this, perhaps he forgot the color of his skin, as he was to realize later on in life, much to his consternation and disgust. In 1840, He ran away from home and converted to Christianity...
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................ 7 The promise of early reading................................................ 8 Early reading can prevent dyslexia....................................... 9 Chapter 3: WHOLE LANGUAGE VS PHONICS...................... 12 Why teach whole language?................................................ 13 Why teach phonics?............................................................ 14 The dyslexia debate............................................................ 16 The voice in the head.......................................................... 17 Earlier is easier.................................................................... 18 Summing up....................................................................... 21 Chapter 4: FLASH...
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...e-business service. The iPod + iTunes halo effect and new great Mac computers and Mac OS software did the rest in increasing Apple revenue stream. In the 5 years between 2003 to 2008 the Apple share value increased 25 times, from $7.5 to $180 per share. At july 2008 prices, before the US Financial Crisis, Apple stock market capitalization was $160 billion. In January 2010 Apple shares topped the $210 mark. But even the best companies with the best products have bottleneck factors which often avoid full exploitation of the opportunities. The iPad. The new Apple Tablet, the iPad - an unnecessary product? - iPad Marketing Strategy Steve Jobs claims the iPad gives the best way to experience the web. Yet, the iPad does not have Flash Player, Flash is essential on the web and is used everywhere....
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...If we encounter a man of rare intellect, we should ask him what books he reads said Ralph Waldo Emerson. Learning is a big component of staying relevant, and expanding your skillset. Knowledge is power and Information is liberating. Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence. The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go. Business & Personal Transformation Best Sellers Books Boxed Set is a collection of 100 bestseller audio books(in MP3) that will better your business & life in a dramatic way and help you achieve your goals. Whether it's figuring out how to get increase your income, jumpstart and scale up your business, learning how to be happier, or trying to find ways to get a promotion or becoming a better leader/manager, listening a couple of these audio books is guaranteed to change your life for good. 1 The Small Business Bible - Everything You Need to Know to Succeed in Your Small Business 2 Talent is Overrated - What Really Separates World-Class Performers from Everybody Else by Geoff Colvin 3 The Start-up of You - Adapt to the Future, Invest in Yourself, and Transform Your Career by Reid Hoffman 4 Essentialism; The Disciplined Pursuit of Less - Greg McKeown 5 Zero to One - Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future by Peter Thiel 6 Titan - The Life of John D. Rockefeller Sr. - Ron Chernow 7 The...
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...! Cirillo - Thinking about Philosophy ! The word philosophy refers to both a discipline and a mindset. At its essence, philosophy implies the mindset of critical thinking, a quest to find out the truth and the discipline to have a good argument. Derived from the Greek words Philos - loving and Sophia - meaning wisdom and the the love of wisdom. Philosophy can be broken down into many categories. Included in theses subsets are metaphysics, ethics, epistemology, aesthetics and logic. Metaphysics encompasses the why and how of reality and being. Ethics incorporates morality moral systems. Epistemology explains ways of individual knowing. Aesthetics lends elements of beauty and the arts. Lastly, logic contributes the attributes of logic and reasoning. Philosophers pursue fundamental questions - questions that make sense but cannot be answered by relying on common sense or scientific procedures. Pythagoras defines philosophy as “too modest to wish to be called wise, he said he was not a wise man, but only a lover of wisdom”. According to Descartes, philosophy is the highest wisdom that could be achieved by logic; it taught the reason how to set about obtaining knowledge of as yet unknown truths. Frances Bacon described philosophy as the universal science, from which all other sciences grew like branches of a tree. Philosophers do not do experiments, they use priori - truths derived from a direct intuitive understanding of the truth. Many people misuse the word Philosophy...
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...A quiet word about classical concert etiquette Who says classical music must be enjoyed in silence? Despite a summer of mobiles, coughs and even a misfiring hearing aid, our writer refuses to join the tutters When friends who aren't used to live classical music come with me to concerts, they often ask if they need to behave in a particular way. I usually tell them to just turn up and listen – that a concert needs no dress code, no special handshake. But there are unspoken rules. The recurring theme muttered about at this year's Edinburgh international festival had to do with noise: not that made by performers on stage, which they had paid to hear, but the noise made by audiences. Edinburgh, it turns out, is a pretty loud crowd. Take the last movement of Mahler's Ninth Symphony: that tender, faltering statement of resignation and frailty. As conductor Daniele Gatti held the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in a breathtaking suspended whisper, the moment should have been utterly transporting – unfortunately, the piercing sound of an unadjusted hearing aid went ringing round the hall like a tiny, whiny theremin. A couple of weeks earlier, Mariss Jansons and the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra had to compete with a cheerful volley of dry coughs ricocheting around the Usher Hall. And there were phones ringing while Nikolai Lugansky played Janáček, not to mention shuffling and chatting as Ensemble musikFabrik played Cage. It's not just Edinburgh, of course. In his review of...
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...Apple in the digital age from the iPod to the iPad Apple Inc. The Case Study 2000 - 2010 Foreward John Ashcroft Welcome to this Apple case study. I have always been something of a computer geek. My first computer was a Commodore Pet in 1978. It had 8k of RAM and a cassette player for storage. Programmed effectively, a two dimensional pencil sketch of a rocket would take off and zoom off screen. Beyond that and a few simple games, I don’t recall it did much at all. My first experience of Apple was the Apple II in the early 1980’s. The combination of Apple and a Visicalc spreadsheet, greatly enhanced financial and business plan modelling. Business models were more easily produced and what-if simulations were available at the click of a button. It was a great step up from the pencil and calculator. Seven years ago, I abandoned Microsoft and converted entirely to Apple. Apple Macs, MacBooks, MacBook Air, iPods, iTouch, the iPhone and the iPad, I had to try them all and never looked back This is the case study of Apple in the digital age. The great era of the iPod, the discovery of the digital hub and Apple’s move into the mainstream consumer market with the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad. It has many great examples for enthusiasts of marketing, leadership, organization, financial analysis and strategic management. The story begins almost ten years ago. In 2001, Apple sales fell by a third and the company reported an operating loss of $350 million some 6% of sales. The company...
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