Biography of Howard Hughes, Businessman and Aviator

Howard Hughes (December 24, 1905–April 5, 1976) was an American businessman, movie producer, aviator, and philanthropist. Over the course of his life, he amassed a fortune of $1.5 billion. Though Hughes had many accomplishments in his professional career, he is now best remembered for his final years as an eccentric recluse. Fast Facts: Howard Hughes Known For: Hughes was a businessman, film producer, and aviator known for his immense wealth and eccentric lifestyle.Also Known As: Howard Robard Hughes Jr.Born: December 24, 1905 in Humble or Houston, TexasParents: Howard R. Hughes Sr. and Allene Stone GanoDied: April 5, 1976 in Houston, TexasEducation: California Institute of Technology, Rice UniversityAwards and Honors: Congressional Gold Medal, International Air Space Hall of FameSpouse(s): Ella Rice (m. 1925–1929), Jean Peters (m. 1957–1971) Early Life Howard Hughes was born in either Humble or Houston, Texas, on December 24, 1905. Hughes father, Howard Hughes Sr., made his fortune by designing a drill bit that could penetrate hard rock. Prior to this invention, oil drillers werent able to reach the large pockets of oil lying beneath such rock. Howard Hughes Sr. and a colleague established the Sharp-Hughes Tool Company, which held the patent for the new drill bit, manufactured it, and leased it to oil companies. Though he grew up in a wealthy household, Howard Hughes Jr. had difficulty focusing on his studies and changed schools often. Rather than sitting in a classroom, Hughes preferred to learn by tinkering with mechanical things. For instance, when his mother forbade him from having a motorcycle, he built one himself by assembling a motor and adding it to his bicycle. Hughes was a loner in his youth. With one notable exception, he never really had any friends. Family Tragedy and Inheritance When Hughes was just 16 years old, his doting mother passed away. Then, not even two years later, his father suddenly died. Howard Hughes received 75 percent of his fathers million-dollar estate (the other 25 percent went to relatives). Hughes immediately disagreed with his relatives over the running of Hughes Tool Company, but being only 18 years old, Hughes could not do anything about it. He would not legally be considered an adult until he reached the age of 21. Frustrated but determined, Hughes went to court and got a judge to grant him legal adulthood. He then bought out his relatives shares of the company. At age 19, Hughes became the full owner of the company. That same year he married Ella Rice, his first wife. Film Production In 1925, Hughes and his wife decided to move to Hollywood and spend some time with Hughes uncle Rupert, who was a screenwriter. Hughes quickly became enchanted with movie making. He jumped right in and produced a film called Swell Hogan. He quickly realized the film wasnt good, however, and never released it. Hughes learned from his mistakes and continued making films. Two Arabian Knights, his third film, won an Oscar for Best Comedy Direction in 1929. With this success under his belt, Hughes decided to make an epic about aviation and set to work on Hells Angels, the story of two British pilots set during World War I. The film became Hughes obsession. His wife, tired of being neglected, divorced him. Hughes continued making films and produced more than 25 of them, including Scarface and The Outlaw. Aviation In 1932, Hughes developed a new obsession—aviation. He formed the Hughes Aircraft Company, bought several airplanes, and hired numerous engineers and designers to help him design a faster plane. He spent the rest of the 1930s setting new speed records. He flew around the world in 1938, breaking Wiley Posts record. Though Hughes was given a ticker-tape parade upon his arrival in New York, he was already showing signs of wanting to shun the public spotlight. In 1944, Hughes won a government contract to design a large, flying boat that could carry both people and supplies to the war in Europe. The Hughes H-4 Hercules (also known as the Spruce Goose), the largest plane ever constructed, was flown successfully in 1947 but never flew again. Hughes was involved in several accidents during his aviation career, including one that killed two people and left Hughes with major injuries. A near-fatal crash in 1946 left Hughes with a crushed lung, cracked ribs, and third-degree burns. During his recovery, he enlisted the help of engineers to design a new hospital bed. Reclusion By the mid-1950s, Hughes dislike of being a public figure began to severely affect his life. Though he married actress Jean Peters in 1957, he began avoiding public appearances. He traveled for a bit and in 1966 he moved to Las Vegas, where he holed himself up in the Desert Inn Hotel. When the hotel threatened to evict him, he purchased the hotel. Hughes also bought several other hotels and properties in Las Vegas. For the next several years, hardly a single person saw him. He had become so reclusive that he almost never left his hotel suite. At this time, Hughes was suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder and germophobia. Death In 1970, Hughes marriage ended and he left Las Vegas. He moved from one country to another and died in 1976 aboard an airplane while traveling from Acapulco, Mexico, to Houston, Texas. Hughes had become such a hermit in his final years—and his physical health had so deteriorated—that no one was quite sure it was he who had died, so the Treasury Department had to use fingerprints to confirm his death. Legacy Hughes is perhaps best remembered for his contributions to the American film industry and for his eccentric behavior. His film archive—a collection of over 200 works—is now part of the Academy Film Archive. Hughes life has been the subject of numerous films, including The Amazing Howard Hughes, Melvin and Howard, and The Aviator. Sources Bartlett, Donald L., and James B. Steele.  Empire: The Life, Legend, and Madness of Howard Hughes. W.W. Norton, 1980.Higham, Charles.  Howard Hughes: The Secret Life. Virgin, 2011.

Oedipus The Two-Face of Ancient Greece Essay - 957 Words

Oedipus: The Two-Face of Ancient Greece In Sophocles’ tragic drama Oedipus the King, Oedipus, the king of Thebes, suddenly realizes that he killed his father and marries his mother. Oedipus shows great concern for his kingdom and his people, calling to â€Å"drive the corruption from the land† by bringing Laius’s murderer to justice (109). He summons Tiresias to find Laius’ murderer, but Oedipus becomes enraged when Tiresias accuses Oedipus of being the murderer. Oedipus, thinking that Creon is involved in this so-called conspiacy as well makes false accusations against Creon. Much to his surprise, however, Oedipus learns that the man he killed long ago is Laius, his father, and that Oedipus’ wife, Jocasta, is his mother, all in†¦show more content†¦This implies that Oedipus would not have had to suffer having his prophecy come true and experiencing the pain that follows if Cithaeron had killed him. The words â€Å"all mankind† suggest that Oedipus is famous. This i mplies that everyone is going to know that Oedipus married his own mother, which hurts Oedipus’ reputation. Cithaeron, by sparing Oedipus, makes Oedipus suffer from a hurt reputation and suffer the pain from the prophecy coming true. It is not fair when one has to suffer immensely from another’s actions. Therefore, the play displays injustice at this moment in the story because Oedipus complains about the injustice in his life. Ironically, even though Oedipus claims that others are unjust to him, he is unaware of the fact that he himself is unjust to others. The theme of injustice is also evident in Oedipus’ condescending treatment of Tiresias. Oedipus summons Tiresias to Oedipus’ palace to have him tell Oedipus the identity of Laius’ murderer. Tiresias answers by stating that Oedipus himself is the murderer. Enraged by the answer, Oedipus accuses Tiresias of making false accusations and starts to mock his blindness. Tiresias rebukes Oedipus by saying, â€Å"You are the king no doubt, but in one respect, at least, I am your equal: the right to reply. I claim that privilege too. I am not your slave† (183). By describing himself as Oedipus’ â€Å"equal,† which suggests sameness, Tiresias implies that heShow MoreRelatedSexism In Oedipus The King1395 Words   |  6 Pagestragedy, Oedipus the King, is not sexist. The prominent play portrays both men and women justly. The events presented by Sophocles exemplifies a level of admiration and respect for women that was not ordinary in ancient Greec e. This is predominantly achieved through the dialogue of Jocasta and Oedipus, illustrating a corresponding relationship. In addition, the behavior of Jocasta, analysis of other literature, as well as the bad fortune of the male characters reaffirm that the Oedipus the King isRead MoreEssay What Does Violence Mean to the Greek?1142 Words   |  5 Pagesinvolved, whether it is athletic or intellectual, violence exists everywhere. According to Homer, violence means courage, strength, power, the might of domination, the taking of human life and psychological violence. Hesiod, on the other hand, defines two different types of violence: one which is hateful and is shown in war and the other which is peaceful which is expressed in society. For the Greeks, violence was a positive thing, it was an intrinsic part of their society. In this essay, I define violenceRead MoreCompare and Contrast Othello and Waiting for Godot Plays Essay1104 Words   |  5 Pages4/25/13 Oedipus the king is a representative of ancient Greek drama by Sophocles. The Latin title of the play is Oedipus Rex. 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The implementation of a protagonist into theatrical performances there made the dramas more dramatic; the character could face a dilemma, respond to questions from the chorus and create conflict with the chorus. Conflict lies at the very root of what factors of drama appeal to the human condition, and would be developed by the dramatists successor. Thespis is also creditedRead MoreThe Tragedy Of Sophocles Antigone928 Words   |  4 PagesAntigone Antigone was written in 441 BC by the Greek playwright Sophocles. The play is set in the ancient city of Thebes. Women were not recognized of importance in ancient Athens, so in turn they were not allowed to attend the plays and any character that was a woman was to be played as a man, wearing a mask. Sophocles wrote many other great Greek tragedies including Odeipus the King. In the prequel to Antigone, Odeipus the King, Odeipus is born as a curse. His parents went to the oracle and receivedRead MorePlay Analysis: Oedipus the King1353 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿Oedipus the King is one of the most representative plays of ancient Greek theater and has contributed greatly to the development of the theatrical concept and influenced the writing techniques to this day. Sophocles made use of a story that was well known for the Greek audience in the 4th century BC. The subject is rather complex for the time and focuses on the tragedy of a man from Thebes, a Greek city, who becomes king aft er a series of events that lead to the salvation of the city from theRead MoreGreek Theatre And Medieval Drama1587 Words   |  7 PagesDrama: Distant Siblings Greek theatre and medieval drama were both very popular artistic events in their own periods of performance. However, from ancient Greece to the renaissance, time has set them apart in terms of methodology; their practitioners use a creative process based off of different mindsets. Therefore, the significant time lapse between the two genres has had an evident impact on the way theatre was perceived and presented. In comparing aspects such as religious motivations, conditionsRead MoreThe Ethics Of The National Women s Hall Of Fame1453 Words   |  6 PagesFate is debatable. Some say that we are all pawns in a higher being’s chess game. Others believe that we execute free will in every aspect of our lives. Most people, however, believe a combination of the two. It is an age old question, and like all intangible questions we try again and again to formulate an answer through books, movies, conversations, analysis of history and prediction of the future. We look at snapsh ots of the past or theoretical worlds and try to discern our own answers.

Elwyn Palmerton Essay Example For Students

Elwyn Palmerton Essay 1984/ One Flew Over the Cuckoos NestHow can one compare a novel about a mental ward with a novel which paints a bleak picture of an futuristic dystopia? In the case of Ken Keseys One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest and George Orwells 1984 the similarities are startling . Although they take place in vastly different times and settings, Ken Kesey and George Orwell were trying to express almost exactly the same theme. One Flew over the Cuckoos Nest uses a mental ward as a microcosm of the world and how he was afraid the world was becoming. 1984 uses the future a device to show what society could become. Both novels show how those in power can manipulate and enslave the masses. Nurse Ratched and Big Brother are very similar in the ways they present themselves and manipulate people. Nurse Ratched control her image so that she seems more powerful. She always wears the same neat smile which does not seem to crack under any kind of pressure. Even when Randle McMurphy is trying his best, he can hardly get her to flinch from that perfect, unmoving expression. She would also stand in her office behind the big glass window for hours at a time, emphasizing the fact that she is watching them. . Nurse Ratched leaves a book out and rewards the patients if they can get compromising information about someone else and write it down. Big Brother also is presented as an unmoving face which watches the people. Big Brother himself is never seen by the people who live in Oceania, but his presence is everywhere in the form of giant posters which are plastered everywhere with the caption Big Brother is Watching. The picture on the poster is drawn so that the eye!s seem to follow anyone who is looking at the picture. Big Brother used the Youth League to get kids to spy on their parents to see if they were going against the Party. By turning their people against themselves it makes it very difficult for them to join together in any collective effort against the hospital or government policy. In both novels there is a place that no one wants to be sent to. It is a place they have heard about, but have not seen. In One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest there is also a room, it is called Electro-Shock Therapy or abbreviated as EST, but it is commonly known as the Shock Shop. Randle McMurphy and Chief Bromden are both taken here and put on the table. Two electrodes are touched to the sides of their heads. One shock sends the patient into unconsciousness, only to awaken up a day or two later and to be in a semi-conscious stupor for several days. Thought criminals are punished in a way very similar to the mental patients. In 1984 this room is called Room 101. It lies deep within the Ministry of Justice. Winston Smith was brought to this room and strapped to a table. OBrien turned a dial to a number between one and one hundred. The higher the pain, the higher degree of pain that Winston would experience. For more severe thought-crimes, or infractions of hospi!tal policy multiple sessi ons are prescribed. The societies presented are also run in very similar ways. The best example of this in One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest is when the patients want to switch the work time with the television watching time so that they can watch the World Series. The nurse prevents them from doing this even though there is no good reason for it. The patients are awakened by the lights being turned on every morning at the same time. Nurse Ratched plays the same music over and over in the day room where the patients spend their leisure time. She allowed her them to watch the six o clock news as their only outlet for receiving news from the outside world. The Mental Ward and Oceania both have same rules. Winston Smith also cant miss work or else he could be arrested by the Thought Police. Party members are awakened each day by the telescreens. The telescreens constantly play music, and the people are forced to listen to it. This is just one way that a ruler can display his power by maki n!g the people more miserable. In Oceania the newspapers were written by government officials to serve the purposes of the government. Both societies strictly control when people can eat, sleep, and work. .uce26b76a1ddb3a3c1ab1bdb8778075b3 , .uce26b76a1ddb3a3c1ab1bdb8778075b3 .postImageUrl , .uce26b76a1ddb3a3c1ab1bdb8778075b3 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uce26b76a1ddb3a3c1ab1bdb8778075b3 , .uce26b76a1ddb3a3c1ab1bdb8778075b3:hover , .uce26b76a1ddb3a3c1ab1bdb8778075b3:visited , .uce26b76a1ddb3a3c1ab1bdb8778075b3:active { border:0!important; } .uce26b76a1ddb3a3c1ab1bdb8778075b3 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uce26b76a1ddb3a3c1ab1bdb8778075b3 { 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; } .uce26b76a1ddb3a3c1ab1bdb8778075b3:active , .uce26b76a1ddb3a3c1ab1bdb8778075b3:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uce26b76a1ddb3a3c1ab1bdb8778075b3 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uce26b76a1ddb3a3c1ab1bdb8778075b3 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uce26b76a1ddb3a3c1ab1bdb8778075b3 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uce26b76a1ddb3a3c1ab1bdb8778075b3 .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; } .uce26b76a1ddb3a3c1ab1bdb8778075b3:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uce26b76a1ddb3a3c1ab1bdb8778075b3 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uce26b76a1ddb3a3c1ab1bdb8778075b3 .uce26b76a1ddb3a3c1ab1bdb8778075b3-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uce26b76a1ddb3a3c1ab1bdb8778075b3:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Cuba and US relations EssayThese two novels both serve as warnings, or reminders, of how those in power can manipulate people, and prevent them from having any avenue to gain power or to escape the rule under which they live.Many patients on Nurse Ratcheds ward were there voluntarily, and in 1984 the Party members felt privileged to be part of the Party and looked down upon the Proles.Anyone who lives in a free society and reads one of these books should be disturbed, not only at the degree to which people be oppressed or controlled, but that they can be manipulated into not even realizing how horribly oppressed they are, and even liking their oppressors.

Is It Ethical to Abort Based On Genetic Disability

Introduction This argumentative paper seeks to discuss whether it is ethical to procure abortion based on genetic disability. There are several arguments put forward by different people supporting abortion and others against the act. While this paper is not going to focus on the legality of abortion or lack of it, it is crucial to note from the outset that the author opposes the act and has internalized that it is illegitimate.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Is It Ethical to Abort Based On Genetic Disability? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The most important question, which people from either side grapple with is whether abortion is acceptable. The author takes a stand that abortion is not justified whatsoever. This is because the aborted foetus is a life, whose termination amounts to killing. In addition, the bible is against termination of life and process normally presents long-term wellbeing chall enges to people. The author also recognizes the views in support of abortion such as foetus only become alive at birth. Additional views are that the bible has not explicitly outlawed termination of life and that bringing forth such a baby may present undesirable effects in future. Much as the views in support of aborting developing foetus suspected of genetic disability may be compelling, the author argues that, the act is unjustifiable because foetus is a life with a heartbeat, capable of movement, and that there are options of allowing other people to adopt such children. Finally, the paper will provide a conclusion summarizing the key discussion points. Determination of Disability in Unborn Babies Sophistication in the medical field presently makes it possible to detect anomalies in unborn babies. Pregnant women normally undergo routine prenatal care. The activities completed during prenatal care include widespread screening, which may detect presence of genetically initiated di sabilities on the unborn baby (Johnstone 89). This normally leads to the birth of a child who will live with disability for the rest of his or her life. Some Individuals take advantage of such results to offer persuasive reasoning why such unborn babies cannot live. Is abortion ever justified even based on genetic disability? The proponents of abortion argue that a foetus cannot be not a live until their birth thus removing them does not amount to killing. They have also suggested that the bible does not explicitly express God’s disapproval of abortion and that having the baby could lead to bad effects such as life with disability and stress to the family (Johnston 41).Advertising Looking for research paper on ethics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More They suggest that getting abortion is not about discrimination the disabled community but that potential mothers enjoy independence to abort if they are not prepared to bear and nurture a disabled baby (Johnstone 89). In fact, they justify their reasoning by suggesting that presuming the right of a foetus counteracts a woman’s independence and rights, which extremely ill mannered. However, even with all the persuasive and convincing arguments the question would be, is abortion really justified on these grounds? As a response to this disturbing question the answer is no because abortion is simply unacceptable (Shafer-Landau 440). Procuring abortion because of anticipated disability predicaments is like sanctioning eugenics. The reasons why abortion cannot be justifiable even in these cases supersede all other arguments. The unborn foetus is a life whose termination amounts to killing and a murder (Shafer-Landau 442). Furthermore, the bible, which is humanity’s supreme law, forbids killing and that only God has the powers to create and take away life (Johnston 41). Therefore, anyone acting on the contrary negates God’s law. Thirdly, abortion causes massive body and psychological challenges among potential mothers (Shafer-Landau 442). The after – effects of the procedure give women dreadful nightmares of babies calling them and of bloody children crying for them. They also suffer terrible psychological pain, develop feelings of worthlessness, and victimized for rejecting motherly roles (Orshan 28). Reply to Objections These reasoning’s are unbelievable and appears farfetched because they lack clear thoughts. The suggestion that unborn babies are not alive is amazing. This is because the foetus begins to indicate that they are alive once they are well formed. The unborn babies are capable of heartbeats and physiological processes (Shafer-Landau 446). Indeed, pregnant women have reported movement of the babies moving in their womb and this is the cornerstone of prenatal care. It is unimaginable that some individuals prefer termination of pregnancies because of genetic testing. This procedure devalues the sanctity of life of the disabled babies (Shafer-Landau 446). Furthermore, supporters of abortion based on genetic challenges must stop implying that disabled people are inferior to normal people. The unappreciative group should be aware that there is no difference between a child born with disability and individuals acquiring disability later in life (Shafer-Landau 446). Individuals who support abortion are also highly influenced by their interpretation of life particularly where it begins. Most importantly, the pregnant mothers carrying disabled unborn babies should give birth and seek adoption services for them.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Is It Ethical to Abort Based On Genetic Disability? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Conclusion This argumentative paper has strongly opposed inducing abortion based on predicted disability. It has recognized that proponents of abortion present compelling a rguments about termination of pregnancy in similar situations. However, much as the proponents views are persuasive, this paper remains resolute that abortion is unjustifiable and it has gone ahead to discuss the reasons for taking that stance. These include the fact that a foetus becomes a life when the fertilized egg enters its trimester. The bible also prohibits abortion and termination of life arguing that God has the power to sanctify life. Lastly, abortion has terrible body and psychological impacts on the potential mothers who choose to terminate their pregnancies. Works Cited Johnston, George.  Abortion from the Religious and Moral Perspective: An Annotated Bibliography. Westport, Conn: Praeger Pub, 2003. Print. Johnstone, David. An Introduction to Disability Studies. New York, NY: Routledge, 2012. Print. Orshan, Susan.  Maternity, Newborn, and Women’s Health Nursing: Comprehensive Care Across the Lifespan. Pennsylvania, PA: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams Wil kins, 2008. Print. Shafer-Landau, Russ.  Ethical Theory: An Anthology. Massachusetts, MA: Blackwell, 2007. Print. This research paper on Is It Ethical to Abort Based On Genetic Disability? was written and submitted by user Zaiden T. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.