Exploring the History of CRIMINOLOGY

To many people interested in the roots and origin of Criminology, Lombroso is considered to be the father of the science, meaning that he explored it and examined it from many angles in order to expose it.  It was first used by a law professor in Italy, Raffaele Garofalo, who actually used the Italian term for the word, criminologia.  A French anthropologist also used the term around the same time as Garofalo, who referred to the term as criminology.  

Three women in the pillory, China, Anonymous, c.1875 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are some who believe that it is possible that the study of bumps on an individual’s skull, referred to as Phrenology, is a better mark of representation when it comes to the scientific origins of the term.  Lombroso is considered to be the father of criminology because of the many advances that he attempted to make in the field.  If not for him, criminology might not be as developed as it is today. 

Over time, many different theories were composed as to what caused criminal behavior.  These theories have their roots in biology, psychology, and society, to name a few.  Over time, by using these foundations for new theories, different schools of thought began to emerge.  Through these different schools of thought, the theoretical science of the criminal element could be rationalized.  Individuals often debate in order to attempt to define the reason for crime, so that it may then be eliminated by solving the problem of what causes crime.  By identifying and responding to the motivator for crime and deviant behavior, more effective measures of social control could be put into action.  Currently, we are able to take care of the symptoms of crime.  For example, we have police officers who catch criminals.  When found guilty by a panel of their own peers, the criminal will go to jail.  That takes the criminal out of society.  However, there are new criminals emerging every day.  We have learned to treat the symptoms, the individual criminals, but we have not yet been able to determine the instigating factor in these developments.  

Throughout the history of criminology, this is the main goal of the science.  Since it is a theoretical science, all of the theories that correspond to the topic cannot immediately be proven as accurate or inaccurate, merely theoretical.  However, the continuous effort of individuals to idealize the workings of the individual and society have been transformed and re-defined since the beginning use of the term.  If the history of criminology shows us anything, it is that the human nature to establish right from wrong and the differences between individuals distinguishing the difference is virtually a timeless theme, at least since its birth.

By continuously researching and documenting the variables and changes within society and crime, people who are interested in criminology can line up the theories with the established facts.  After this is done, it is possible to sit down and analyze the coinciding factors in order to determine the best course of action when it comes to evolving society so as to limit crime and intolerance as much as possible.  

What is the Safest Seat in an AIRPLANE?

Unbroken seal on the emergency exit door of a passenger airplane 

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A question often asked by anxious airplane passengers is this: What is the safest seat in an airplane? The answer: none. Because accidents can erupt at any spot within the aircraft.

Some people are of the opinion that the nearer one is seated to an emergency exit, the safer one is. Sadly, that is not absolutely true. A fire can start near the emergency exit as in any place within the plane. And if the emergency exit is jammed, then the person sitting nearest it is in as much of the same fix as the one sitting farthest from it.

Regardless of where the passenger is seated inside the aircraft, the risks to one’s safety is greatly minimized by one thing above all else: by being alert and aware of one’s surroundings.

Being alert means being watchful and attentive. Note the location of all exits. Listen to all pre-flight and in-flight instructions. Do not drink too much. Use common sense and try not to do anything that will be detrimental to your own safety, as well as to that of others, such as having too many or too heavy carry-on luggage, spilling hot drinks, being careless with pointed objects or things with sharp edges, and the like. Again, use common sense.

Airplane accidents are rare, despite the fears and misgivings surrounding air travel. But if one does occur during the flight, it is very important for the passenger to stay calm and not to panic. Fear is a highly contagious disease. Many casualties in accidents, even those that happened on land, could have been prevented had the panic been contained. Thus, in case of an accident, take a deep breath, keep the tone of voice down and follow the line.

There is no such thing as the safest seat in the plane. But any passenger can always make his or hers the safest seat if he or she chooses to, wherever he or she is seated. Creating the sense of safety within one’s self, after all, is a mind game.

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COIN COLLECTION: A General Overview

Coin collecting is an activity that is enjoyed many, including individuals of all ages.  In fact, coin collecting is more than just a fun and enjoyable activity; it is considered a hobby.  This hobby is one that many people wish to enjoy and learn more about.  Please continue reading on for a general overview of the great hobby of coin collecting.

A photo of coin collection. By jiji john Mallasery. This hobby started from my early school days.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The history of coin collecting can date back to when coins were originally issued.  Coin collecting was commonly referred to in the past as the “Hobby of Kings.”  This is due in part to the expense of coin collecting back in the older days.  Many of the individuals able to coin collect were royalty, literally.  As for more modern coin collecting, it took off in the early 1900s in the United States.  Although coin collecting was enjoyed well before this point in time, its popularity increased drastically when it was clear coin collecting could be profitable.

Coin collecting is considered a popular activity, as it is one that anyone can enjoy, including children.  In fact, coin collecting is a hobby that many parents and professionals in the field of education encourage children to enjoy.  In this sense, coin collecting can not only be profitable, but it can be educational as well.  Also, coin collecting is a hobby that is relatively easy do.  For many coin collectors, especially children, the startup costs are low or are non-existent.  

The purpose of coin collecting is another reason for its success and increase in popularity.  There are five main types of collectors. These individuals include investors, hoarders, hobbyists, dealers, and inheritors.  Those who collect coins for a hobby do so for personal fulfillment, not necessarily profits.  Those who are considered inheritors often inherit coin collections from hobbyists.  As for investors, they are in it for the money.  Hoarders usually examine their coin collections for value, but many tend to just collect as many types of coins as possible.

Another likeable aspect surrounding coin collecting is that of the supplies needed.  Often times, little or no supplies are needed, especially for children or hobbyists.  With that in mind, there are many benefits to using professional coin collecting supplies.  The good news is that many supplies, including coin folders, coin albums, coin holders, and magnifying glasses, are affordably priced.

The options that coin collectors have, when looking to expand their coin collections, are another reason for its popularity.  Coin collectors have a number of different options when looking to expand their collections.  Many hobbyists stay on the lookout for rare, limited edition, or older coins that they or those that they know may receive on a daily basis.  Other coin collectors, especially those looking for rare or other valuable coins, often turn to professional coin dealers or the internet.  

In keeping with the acquisition of coins, coin collectors have freedom to collect whatever they want.  While coin collectors looking to make a profits, also commonly referred to as investors, tend to stick to rare, outdated, limited edition coins, and other coins of value, there are no requirements to do so.  Hobbyists, as well as children, tend to collect any coins that catch their interest, either in date, value, condition, or size.  No specialty requirements are necessary; however, it may add to the excitement of coin collecting.

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A Brief Look on the History of CHESS

Chess is a competitive game normally played between two players. It is sometimes called the nternational or Western chess. The recent form of the game emerged in the southern part of Europe during the second half of the fifteenth century. Nowadays, the chess is one of the world’s most popular games.

A large chess game inside Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, MD, USA (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Humble Beginnings

The game of Chess has been attributed both by the Arabs and the Persian people to the Indians. Chess then spread throughout the world and several variants of chess soon began taking form. Chess was introduced to the Near East from India and eventually became the part of a courtly and princely education of the Persian nobility. It is also known that the Silk Road traders, Buddhist pilgrims and others carried the game to the Far East where it was assimilated and transformed into a game played on the intersection of lines of the board rather than within the squares.

The game Chaturanga reached Europe through the Byzantine and Arabian empire, and Persia. By the tenth century, the Muslims carried the chess game to Sicily, North Africa and Spain.

Later on, chess was extensively developed in Europe during the late fifteenth century. Fortunately, the

game survived several series of prohibitions and sanctions by the Christian Church.

When the game arrived in Europe it attained a social value and seen as a prestigious pastime related with high culture and nobility. This status of the game explained the exquisite and expensively made

chessboards during the medieval era. The popularity of the game in the Western society peaked during the twelfth and fifteenth centuries.

Eventually, chess was incorporated into the knightly lifestyle in Europe. In fact, Peter Alfonsi mentioned in one of his books that chess is one the seven skills required by an individual to be a good knight. Also, the game became a subject of art during the period. There are several monarchs, like Queen Margaret of England who symbolized the position of chess in the royal art treasures through jasper and crystal chess sets.

Rise of Modern Chess

During the years 1834 and 1851, cutthroat chess became noticeable through the London Chess tournaments, which also made concern regarding the time taken by players to move their pieces. It was realized that the players normally took hours to analyze the moves and one almost took nearly two hours and twenty minutes to think over a single move during the tournament.

Fortunately, the development of speed chess was seen during the following years, where the most popular variant is the five-minute chess. There is also a final variant that allowed a player who made the predetermined amount of moves in the agreed time to receive extra time budget for his or her next moves.

It was not until 1861 when the first time limits, through the use of sandglasses, were used in a tournament at Bristol. Later on, the sandglasses were replaced by pendulums. During the turn of the 19th century, a tiny latch, also known as flag, helped settle the arguments over the players exceeding time limit turn.

Also in the 19th century, position analysis became popular. There is even a Russian composer with the name of Vladimir Korolkov who created the "Excelsior", which stated that the White side wins only by creating six consecutive captures by a pawn. Later, there are several analysts who emerged, including Vasily Smyslov, Jan Timman, and Mikhail Botvinnik.

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WINEMAKING Secrets From Napa & Sonoma, California

Sonoma and Napa Counties are known for its fine wines.

The golden sun and the abundant soil yield luscious, flavorful grapes. These are then carefully fermented and blended with closely guarded secrets that have been passed on from generation to generation, and perfected—like wine itself—through time.

Oak wine barrels at the Robert Mondavi vineyard, Oakville, Califorian USA (Napa Valley) 

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Visitors to Sonoma and nearby Napa County can arrange wine tours where they can visit different vineyards and learn at least some of the techniques and technology that goes into each bottle. Each label has its own secret, and its own philosophy.

For example, wines can use different kinds of grapes, and vineyards can hold as many as 20 different kinds, each baptized with very poetic names: Petite Syrah, Grenache, Bouschet.

Winemakers study the flavor, acidity, color, fruit intensity, and tannin structure of each grape—which all contribute to a blend’s appearance, complexity and taste. The winemaker’s skill is seen in the delicate orchestra of flavors, as unique to the winery and to the harvest year as a fingerprint.

Some wineries will maintain “genetic libraries” of grapes, which contain different cross-breeding of varieties that allow the experts to experiment with the flavors. This also allows them to employ a technique called micro-vinification. Essentially, the property is divided into vineyard blocks, each planted with a different kind of grape to yield a greater diversity of flavors, aromas, colors and textures.

Soil, fertilization, irrigation and time of planting and harvest can also yield different flavors from a single variety of grape. For example, some vineyards believe that it’s better to minimize irrigation, since it dilutes the intensity of the fruit. This is called “dry farming.” This must be balanced, of course, with the plant’s need for moisture—hence the need to choose an area where the roots can mine the water efficiently.

The flavor can also change according to when the grapes are picked, and the wine experts carefully study the optimum time of harvest. For example, the Zinfandel grape is an early ripener, and must be fermented two weeks before the other grapes that go into what wine aficionados call “Mixed Blacks.”

The grapes must be hand-picked and then put through a special pressing process that preserves the skins and phenolic bitterness. Then, experts must gauge the length of the fermentation process based on the grape’s ripeness and inherent amount of sugar. These are then put into barrels. Many wineries boast of using only the finest containers, such as 100% French oak, which carry the wines for several months before they are bottled by hand.

The bottling itself must be done with great precision and gentleness, and the challenge is to minimize the amount of sulfites and other foreign matter. Some of the wineries use century old techniques, with delicate tools that tap gravity.

These are just some of the secrets of Sonoma and Napa wines. However, to truly understand the science and art of winemaking, it’s best to arrange a tour of the different vineyards. Many of the tours include a “palate class” where experts will point out what flavors to watch out for in each glass, and how to pair a wine with different kinds of food.

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DRONE Helicopters

Drone helicopters are increasing in popularity every single year, mainly because of the advances in technology that makes them so appealing but also because they are hitting the market by storm so are freely available. Most drone helicopters are quadrotors, which means that they are lifted and kept up by four separate rotors although you can get some that vary from this. For this reason, many of the designs are known as ‘quadcopters’ which is an amalgamation of the two. 

Aeryon Scout UAV system with its controller, missions and support cases (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

These devices normally use two different sets of propellers; one set of two will go clockwise with the other set going counter-clockwise. This keeps the device stable when in the air and able to quickly change direction in all conditions. Due to the success of the drones, production actually begun on a larger scale version of the quadcopters but ultimately ended in failure. At first, many people believed that a helicopter would benefit from the counteracting rotors instead of the front rotor and the rear vertical rotor (which actually produces little lift and therefore little help to the taking-off process). Many test vehicles appeared around the world in the early to mid-1900s and were, at first, a success and were many of the early vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. However, this soon came to an end after many problems including poor and inconsistent performance. Improvement was thought to have been made a few years later only to suffer again as the workload of the pilot became too heavy. 

With advancements in technology in recent years, quadcopters have benefitted hugely from additions such as cameras, GPS as well as better and more efficient designs that now allow the user to use the drone inside and outside. These devices are now small and lightweight making it easier to carry around as well as fly. Quadcopters have also been used for research into unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) as a result of their efficiency. 

Quadcopters are often cheaper than original remote control helicopters because of their size and their lower cost of production. They are also known for causing less damage because they have smaller blades meaning that they produce less kinetic energy. The risk of any damage can also be further diminished with the addition of rotor protection that is available that will not affect the performance of the drone.

It was at the beginning of the twentieth century in 1907 that the first product of this idea came to light when Louis Breguet designed and built a four-rotor helicopter. Though it only flew a few feet from the ground a couple of times, it is widely seen as the first product of its type. It would take over ten years for somebody else to follow up on Breguet’s hard work when a French helicopter designer built a number of different aircraft. One of which was made up of four rotors and up to eight propellers (which included many clockwise but also counter-clockwise). This device started with small flights but could stay in the air for several minutes by 1923. This was seen as a success thus being the catalyst for all future four-rotor vehicles. 

BONSAI Plant Care

Bonsai plants are very similar to Bonsai trees in so far as if you give them a lot of care and attention and keep them healthy you will get a beautiful miniature plant in return. There are many different varieties of plant that you can use to create Bonsai plants. Some plants require very precise care routines to maintain a healthy and aesthetically pleasing plant, but regardless of what breed of plant you are using there are some basic guidelines to follow that will keep your plant in condition. All of these tips will be dependant on the type of plant you buy but are meant as rough guides only.

Crassula ovata presented as an indoor bonsai (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Temperature.

Indoor Bonsai plants will need protection from the elements during cold weather because many of them are tropical or subtropical plants. The singly most effective form of protection is bringing them indoors. However, if you are planting your Bonsai outdoors you should plant them somewhere where they are protected from wintry conditions. Alternatively it does a plant a lot of good if you put them out for some warm weather when the risk of frost is gone completely. The humidity indoors can cause dehydration of Bonsai plants, which is the biggest killer of these timid plants.

Watering.

It is important to water Bonsai early in the day before the temperature lowers in the evening. The type of plant you have will determine the watering regime you need to undertake. How much moisture the plant needs is a very important factor and you should always water the soil as thoroughly as possible to ensure that all the roots get a good watering.

Light.

Because the sun is at it’s brightest and strongest between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. you should try as far as possible to keep your Bonsai out of the sunlight between these hours. It is also important to remember that electrical items around the house give off a very humid heat that can damage not only the leaves of you Bonsai but can also dehydrate your plants or trees and eventually kill them. It’s also important to alter your watering schedule to meet the demands of increased light, heat and humidity.

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Growing Bonsai

Fertilizing.

You can use fertilizers to help the growth of your Bonsai plants, but it’s best to use mild ones that only contain trace elements. Trees are usually fed during the growing season to help with their growth and shouldn’t be used in either plants or trees during dormant growth periods.

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