How to Spot a Narcissistic Sociopath

How to Spot a Narcissistic Sociopath Theories Personality Psychology Print Qualities of a Narcissistic Sociopath By Arlin Cuncic Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of Therapy in Focus: What to Expect from CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder and 7 Weeks to Reduce Anxiety. Learn about our editorial policy Arlin Cuncic Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on April 09, 2019 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on December 09, 2019 More in Theories Personality Psychology Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Behavioral Psychology Cognitive Psychology Developmental Psychology Social Psychology Biological Psychology Psychosocial Psychology Most people assume that others have the same moral code as themselves. We assume that others agree it is wrong to lie, steal, and manipulate others for our own gain. It can come as a shock, then, when you eventually cross paths in your life with someone who shatters that perception. In some cases, this person may be a narcissistic sociopathâ€"a person with a unique combination of traits that causes them to leave behind a trail of destruction in their personal and professional lives. 1:24 How to Identify a Malignant Narcissist While there is no official diagnosis of narcissistic sociopath, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) recognizes two disorders that may be present to form this constellation of traits: narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) and antisocial personality disorder (APD). People who have aspects of both of these personality disorders could be considered narcissistic sociopaths. Most people assume that they would know a narcissist or sociopath if they met one, but these people are not always easy to identify. Some people may show traits of a narcissistic sociopathâ€"however, its important to note that only when the patterns of behavior are severe and interfere in his/her life and the lives of those around this person would he/she potentially be considered to have a personality disorder. Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin   Diagnosing the Narcissistic Sociopath In order to arrive at the conclusion that a person is a narcissistic sociopath, it would be necessary for them to be diagnosed with aspects of both narcissistic personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder. These two personality disorders are both a part of the Cluster B group in the DSM-5. In general terms, a personality disorder refers to unhealthy and rigid patterns of thinking and behaving that impair social, work, and school functioning. Most people with personality disorders do not realize that they have a problem and blame others for the issues that they create themselves. DSM-5 Criteria for Narcissistic Personality Disorder Narcissistic personality disorder  is a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, according to the DSM-5. In addition, five or more from the following list of DSM-5 criteria need to be present for an official diagnosis. Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (exaggerates achievements and abilities)Preoccupied with dreams of unlimited power, success, physical attractiveness, and loveHolds the belief that he is of special or high status and can only be understood by similar people or should only associate with those people (or institutions)Has a need for excessive admirationPossesses a sense of entitlement and expects favorable treatment or complianceExploits other people to achieve personal goalsLacks empathy regarding the needs and feelings of other peopleIs envious of other people or think other people envy himHas arrogant behaviors and attitudes People with this disorder may monopolize conversations and look down on people whom they feel are inferior to them.   They will take advantage of you to get what they want, no matter who gets hurt along the way. Individuals with NPD live with many negative outcomes of their personality disorder. Some examples of the problems that they face include the following: Trouble handling criticismEasily become impatient or angry if they dont think they are being treated correctlyFeel easily slighted and may have relationship problemsTry to belittle others or react with rage to make themselves seem superiorHave trouble regulating their behavior and emotionsTrouble adapting to change and dealing with stressCan become depressed if they fall short of what they feel is idealSecretly feel insecure, vulnerable, and humiliated and have fragile self-esteem DSM-5 Criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder Antisocial personality disorder  is a pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of the rights of others, occurring since age 15 years, according to the DSM-5. In addition, an individual must show at least three of the following: The repeated failure to follow social norms resulting in grounds for arrestEngaging in deceitfulness (lying, using aliases, not paying off debts)Impulsivity and not planning ahead; moving around constantlyIrritability and aggressiveness (resulting in physical fights/assaults)Reckless disregard or concern for the safety of other peopleChronic irresponsibility reflected by a continued failure to maintain a job, finish school or stay on top of financial commitmentsLack of remorse about hurting others (indifferent or rationalizes) The individual must be at least 18 years old and have had evidence of a conduct disorder by age 15. The Narcissistic Sociopath Now that we have a picture of narcissistic personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder, we can start to construct an understanding of what it means to be a narcissistic sociopath. In order for someone to fall into this category, they would need to be diagnosed with both features of NPD and APD. A picture starts to emerge of a person who lacks empathy as they go about their daily lives. Narcissism intensifies with qualities of APD (or sociopathy) to worsen outcomes. A sociopathic narcissist will be cold and callous but will also be seeking the admiration of others (and will believe that he deserves it). He will have a disdain for people and think its okay to exploit and dispose of others in whatever way it helps him to get ahead. While a sociopath doesnt think about other people unless they can benefit her in some way, a narcissist only thinks of others in terms of how they reflect back on her. When you put these two qualities together, a picture emerges of a person on a quest for power and control, who uses the love and admiration of others as a tool to dominate and manipulate, and who goes about all of this thinking that it is his right and that he is justified. There will be no guilt, no apologies, and no remorse coming from the narcissistic sociopath. Even if these behaviors land this person in trouble, or worse, in prisonâ€"he wont stop. After all, its all just a game and the people are pawns. When he gets tired of those people or they arent serving a useful role in his life (his game) anymore, then he will cast them aside. A narcissist without APD might have some ability to feel guilt or remorse and may be able to be helped with appropriate psychotherapy. A narcissistic sociopath, however, is unlikely to feel those emotions or be helped in a genuine way through psychotherapy. Therapy is a game to be manipulated and the therapist is a pawn. The Prototypical Narcissistic Sociopath What would a prototypical narcissistic sociopath look like? While there are variations in the severity of symptoms, we can start to assemble a picture that will help you to identify these people in real life. Most likely, youve encountered these types of people in news reports. You may see them associated with serial killings or financial scandals. The prison population is composed of a large percentage of these individuals (70 percent in prison versus .2 to 3.3 percent in the general population for APD). At the less severe end of the spectrum, you might find these individuals climbing the corporate ladder (but stepping on people to get there) or holding positions of power in local and national government, as frightening as that might be. The scariest part is that people with this disorder will be hard to spot. They may be polished, well-dressed, successful, and charming. They may take part in charitable causes or charitable activities, not because they care, but because it makes them look good. To the outside observer, it might be hard to tell the difference. In particular, people with money and privilege with these disorders may be particularly hard to spot. A narcissistic sociopathic business owner might default on debts or misrepresent what the company is selling. Some will be physically aggressive while others may be harmful on an emotional level. Regardless of the harm that they do, these people believe they are exempt from the moral code that everyone else follows, which is what makes them so dangerous and so difficult to spot. Causes While we dont know the exact causes of NPD or APD, it is believed that environment, genetics, and neurobiology play a role. These disorders are more common in males than females and begin in the teenage/early adult years. This makes it likely that some aspect of their upbringing or early environment, or even later stressors, combined with a genetic predisposition or biology, leads to a disorder. Traits Shared by Narcissists and Sociopaths What are the traits shared by narcissists and sociopaths? They may both be charismatic and charming, unreliable, controlling, selfish, and dishonest. They both have a sense of entitlement and deny responsibility for their actions. They usually lack insight into their personality disorder, lack empathy, and lack emotional responsiveness. Narcissists vs. Sociopaths What are the differences between narcissists and sociopaths? While in this article we are considering the case of a person diagnosed with a combination of these, it can also be useful to consider where they diverge rather than simply where they overlap. In general, we consider that the driving force behind the two disorders differs. In the case of the narcissist, the persons ego is always at stake, and this drives many of their behaviors. On the other hand, sociopaths are always driven by their self-interest, may be cunning, and take on whatever persona gets them ahead in the moment. Sociopaths are more like classic con artists, while narcissists are more like hurt children lashing out and faking superiority to hide inner pain. Classic sociopaths are not trying to impress you to build up their own ego; rather, they will only try to impress you if it serves a purpose in their greater plan. They are less likely to brag than narcissists. Instead, the sociopath is more likely to bestow compliments on you and center the conversation around you to get you to like them (and get you to do what they want). Sociopaths are more calculating while narcissists are more reactive. Sociopaths might even apologize or put themselves down if it serves some greater purpose in the game they are playing. Narcissists work to achieve success while exploiting others, while sociopaths will steal and exploit others, taking any risks necessary to fit their agenda. Treatment for Narcissistic Sociopaths Is there a treatment for narcissistic sociopaths? Unfortunately, the effectiveness of the treatment depends on the level of insight a person has. While talk therapy can be used for narcissistic personality disorder, a person who also is a sociopath isnt likely to benefit from therapy, as their goal will be to manipulate the therapist. However, if the person falls closer to NPD than APD, talk therapy may be of help. Narcissists generally dont seek treatment on their own unless they are experiencing extreme stress or depression, substance abuse problems, or their partner insists. People with APD (sociopaths) may be put in court-ordered therapy but arent likely to seek treatment on their own as they dont believe they have a problem. Therapy for NPD often focuses on techniques to facilitate a more resilient sense of self-esteem. However, it can be hard for them to follow through on treatment because it is common for them to perceive the whole process as insulting to their self-esteem. At the same time, people with NPD are dependent on others and are less likely to leave relationships than those with APD. They often have families and children and may be amenable to change if the right balance can be struck with the therapist. Coping How do you know youve met a narcissistic sociopath or if there is one in your life? The following list of characteristics might be helpful. Does the person: Constantly make you feel like you are the problem, not them?Punish you with criticism or silence?Seem to get you to take responsibility for their errors or insults?Make you feel special and shower you with attention but then withdraw it for no reason?Obsess about their physical appearance and need compliments? Unfortunately, narcissistic sociopaths are good at finding the right people to manipulate. They know that you are trusting. They know you will make excuses for their bad behavior because you dont want to see it for what it really is. However, if your gut is sending you signals and youre brushing off feelings of anger, distrust, and fear, there is probably a good reason. This is known as cognitive dissonance. You want to believe that this person you know is as good as they appear, even though you know it all seems too good to be true. The first step to dealing with this person is to stop reinterpreting the facts. Dont give someone with a narcissistic sociopathic personality the benefit of the doubt. Youre a good, trusting person who wants to see the good in othersâ€"thats understandable. This may make it hard for you to see clearly. You might also be in a disadvantaged social or financial position that impairs your ability to fight back. Most importantly, however, if the relationship is abusive, you must find a way to leave. If there is no abuse, you can set boundaries, build your assertiveness, and set limits, but you cant change the other person. Its not an easy decision whether to stay or go. Gain awareness and help from others and confront the situation with as much logic and rational thought as you can muster. Fighting or arguing with the narcissistic sociopath wont help and will only make things worse. A Word From Verywell If you know someone who fits the criteria for a narcissistic sociopath, it is important to recognize that its unlikely that person will change or seek help. Your best option is to arm yourself with knowledge, set strong boundaries, and distance yourself from the person as much as possible. If you find yourself in an abusive relationship with someone displaying these qualities, it is important to find a safe way to leave. Setting Healthy Boundaries

Artificial Intelligence Is An Idea That Machines Can Think...

Artificial Intelligence is an idea. An idea that machines can think and make decisions just as us humans can. With an ever growing knowledge of technology, we have seen a major impact from Artificial Intelligence and it will continue to impact our lives. One future impact of AI is its use in the judicial system. Judicial systems exist all around the world, in one form or anther, each with different laws and policies, but all judicial systems can be significantly impacted by AI. However, the question that arises is on a moral and ethical basis, should AI be used in the judicial system? This issue brings much controversy as to whether AI can effectively make correct decisions on its own based on the evidence that has been presented to them and in which ways they are able to assist employees of the judiciary system. AI actually already play a role in the judiciary process. They are used in evidence and document research to make lawyers jobs much easier. â€Å"I would suspect that AI use in data mining for e-discovery might be one of the most helpful advancements. This would include the ability to examine data for contextual relevance† (5 Questions On Artificial Intelligence). E-discovery is a very popular tool with lawyers as it is able to perform tedious tasks, making their job much more time efficient. Artificial Intelligence has also begun making serious strides in systems that can notify and update lawyer’s research when relevant changes to the law have occurred (5 Questions OnShow MoreRelatedEssay on An Overview of Artificial Intelligence1748 Words   |  7 PagesAn Overview of Artificial Intelligence Artificial Intelligence, a concept that would make possible our most remote dreams, specially for housewives. Would not it be interesting to know what is this marvelous thing that is going to make our dreams come true? I think it is. 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Can a machine even think on its own, or it is just based on human science and engineering to make computer systems perform tasks that re quire intelligence when done by humans? SubstantialRead More Mary Shelleys Frankenstein and Modern Day Implications Essay1301 Words   |  6 Pagesnot merely a human being the sciences are lusting blindly to bring to life, as was the deranged quest of Victor Frankenstein, but rather to generate something potentially even more dangerous and horrifying with implications that could endanger the entire world and human population. Few things are more powerful than the human mind or human intelligence. This ability to think, learn and process complex thoughts has been the driving force that has allowed for the immense growth of human culture andRead MoreThe Dangers Of Artificial Intelligence1701 Words   |  7 Pagesâ€Å"Whoever perceives that robots and artificial intelligence are merely here to serve humanity, think again. With virtual domestic assistants and driverless cars just the latest in a growing list of applications, it is we humans who risk becoming dumbed down and ultimately subservient to machines.† ― Alex Morritt As the years have progressed, more and more people have adapted artificial intelligence systems into their home and everyday lives. A range of inventions include patient simulation systemsRead MoreMoral Status of Robots Essay1172 Words   |  5 Pagesthat humans had a few thousand years ago were not as advanced as today, they were still toying with the idea of creating machines that would have the capability to make similar rational decisions that we do. As we are entering further into the technological age, it is becoming less of a far fetch idea and more of a possibility that artificial intelligence will reach the same capacity for thought that we have. Numerous scientists and scholars have disputed over whether or not if/when artificial intelligence

Poverty and Inequality in the United States

Americans are proud of their economic system, believing it provides opportunities for all citizens to have good lives. Their faith is clouded, however, by the fact that poverty persists in many parts of the country. Government anti-poverty efforts have made some progress but have not eradicated the problem. Similarly, periods of strong economic growth, which bring more jobs and higher wages, have helped reduce poverty but have not eliminated it entirely. The federal government defines a minimum amount of income necessary for the basic maintenance of a family of four. This amount may fluctuate depending on the cost of living and the location of the family. In 1998, a family of four with an annual income below $16,530 was classified as living in poverty. The percentage of people living below the poverty level dropped from 22.4 percent in 1959 to 11.4 percent in 1978. But since then, it has fluctuated in a fairly narrow range. In 1998, it stood at 12.7 percent. What is more, the overall figures mask much more severe pockets of poverty. In 1998, more than one-quarter of all African-Americans (26.1 percent) lived in poverty; though distressingly high, that figure did represent an improvement from 1979, when 31 percent of blacks were officially classified as poor, and it was the lowest poverty rate for this group since 1959. Families headed by single mothers are particularly susceptible to poverty. Partly as a result of this phenomenon, almost one in five children (18.9 percent) was poor in 1997. The poverty rate was 36.7 percent among African-American children and 34.4 percent of Hispanic children. Some analysts have suggested that the official poverty figures overstate the real extent of poverty because they measure only cash income and exclude certain government assistance programs such as Food Stamps, health care, and public housing. Others point out, however, that these programs rarely cover all of a familys food or health care needs and that there is a shortage of public housing. Some argue that even families whose incomes are above the official poverty level sometimes go hungry, skimping on food to pay for such things as housing, medical care, and clothing. Still, others point out that people at the poverty level sometimes receive cash income from casual work and in the underground sector of the economy, which is never recorded in official statistics. In any event, it is clear that the American economic system does not apportion its rewards equally. In 1997, the wealthiest one-fifth of American families accounted for 47.2 percent of the nations income, according to the Economic Policy Institute, a Washington-based research organization. In contrast, the poorest one-fifth earned just 4.2 percent of the nations income, and the poorest 40 percent accounted for only 14 percent of income. Despite the generally prosperous American economy as a whole, concerns about inequality continued during the 1980s and 1990s. Increasing global competition threatened workers in many traditional manufacturing industries, and their wages stagnated. At the same time, the federal government edged away from tax policies that sought to favor lower-income families at the expense of wealthier ones, and it also cut spending on a number of domestic social programs intended to help the disadvantaged. Meanwhile, wealthier families reaped most of the gains from the booming stock market. In the late 1990s, there were some signs these patterns were reversing, as wage gains accelerated -- especially among poorer workers. But at the end of the decade, it was still too early to determine whether this trend would continue. --- Next Article: The Growth of Government in the United States This article is adapted from the book Outline of the U.S. Economy by Conte and Carr and has been adapted with permission from the U.S. Department of State.

The Day You Were Born Free Essays

The Day You Were Born I was forty-one weeks and one day pregnant, lying in an uncomfortable hospital bed, wearing a hideous pink gown, and counting the minutes until my next contraction. Apparently, you were very comfortable in my tummy because there was no sign of you making your appearance any time soon. I was having plenty of contractions but was not dilating; our doctor was looking for a count of at least 60 on the room monitor, but I was only in the mid-20s. We will write a custom essay sample on The Day You Were Born or any similar topic only for you Order Now Before long she ordered that Pitocin be administered to induce productive labor. It seemed to work– after only twenty minutes, my contractions went from the twenties to the eighties and continued to increase after that. A few more long hours passed. The doctor returned to our room to check on my progress. Surprisingly, after the initial dosage of Pitocin, I had only slightly progressed during the intervening hours. The doctor told me I should have advanced toward your delivery much more than I had and determined that my inability to relax my body was the reason why the process had again been slowed. I was so excited to meet you that I couldn’t help but cry, thinking that you would never show up. A wonderful nurse then came in the room and sat down to talk with us. She assured me that every woman, and every pregnancy, are different. She promised me that I would not leave the hospital without you in my arms. She introduced herself as Nurse Pam, and called herself â€Å"The Pitocin Queen. † She told your Daddy and me all about her days as an Army nurse. We became instant friends. In order to get things moving along a little more quickly, she encouraged me to undergo an epidural to help me relax. Your Daddy was very supportive, holding my hand and reassuring me. Accepting pain medication, he said, did not mean that I was a failure; it just meant that plans had changed. After forty hours of labor, I was willing to try anything to get you to come into the world. After another long hour passed, the anesthesiologist came into our room. Your Nana happened to be downstairs getting coffee, and your Daddy and Aunt Lindsay couldn’t stomach a procedure involving a large needle, so the anesthesiologist ordered everyone but your Mimi to leave. The epidural took only about ten minutes, and between the anxiety and pain from the contractions, I didn’t even feel the needle. I was ordered to lie down and relax so that the medicine could fully take effect and was urged to let the nurses or doctor know if I wasn’t completely numb within a few minutes. About forty-five minutes passed, but I was still able to feel my left leg and move it around. Nurse Pam called the anesthesiologist back in for round two, and that time it finally worked. It was so odd to be lying in bed watching television while your Nana, Aunt Lindsay, Daddy and Mimi giggled about how I couldn’t feel the contractions. We would take turns looking at the monitor and exclaiming, â€Å"Did you feel that one? It was huge! † I had completely relaxed at this point and wasn’t nearly as anxious about the passing time. I was even able to joke with your Daddy, â€Å"Wouldn’t it be crazy if they came back in here and I still haven’t progressed? Looks like we are moving in! † He was happy that I was feeling better, but now he was getting more anxious and ready to meet you. When the doctor came back in to check my progress, we were all happy and relieved to hear that I had progressed to the point where delivery was imminent. The excitement intensified with everyone talking about who you might look like and whose personality you would take after. It was only about one last hour later when I grabbed your Daddy and said, â€Å"Get the doctor– the epidural isn’t working anymore. I feel a lot of pressure. † The doctor returned and checked my progress, and said that the epidural was still working, but that the time for your delivery had finally arrived! The doctor dressed in her gown and gloves and said, â€Å"Go ahead and push when you’re ready! † I grabbed your Daddy’s hand and pushed hard, took a deep breath, and pushed again. The doctor yelled, â€Å"She has black hair! One more push! † I closed my eyes, pushed so hard, and after a big exhale, I heard you scream. That moment the doctor laid you on my chest was indescribable. My heart was pounding and tears were pouring down my face. I couldn’t believe that after waiting forty-one weeks to meet you, you were finally here! Nurse Pam gently took you to bathe, weigh and measure you. Your Daddy and I looked at each other and just smiled. We were both so happy you were finally here with us. Pam called out, â€Å"She’s nine pounds one ounce, and nineteen and a half inches long. She’s a big girl. † She wrapped you up in a blanket and placed you in your Daddy’s arms. His eyes welled up with tears and he immediately fell in love with you. Everyone in the room was staring at your Daddy holding you and your Nana was lots of taking pictures. You had a full head of jet-black hair, dark eyes, ten precious figures and toes and flawless soft skin. You were the most perfect thing we had ever seen. How to cite The Day You Were Born, Essay examples

Six Unbeatable Research Tips

Six Unbeatable Research Tips Whether you’re starting in a library, a computer lab, or at home, there are certain how to make research guidelines you should follow. These guidelines are in place to make your life easier. As we said before, the more you participate in the research step, the more prepared you are to write a rough draft. 1. Use government and official websites This means â€Å".org† and â€Å".gov†. If you use a â€Å".com† website, you need to have proof that it holds valid information. Anyone can create a â€Å".com† address through WordPress, Weebly, or another platform for just twenty dollars a year. This hardly makes them reputable websites. While there are exceptions (you can always search for â€Å"authority† websites such as the New York Times or USA Today), â€Å".com† addresses are generally unacceptable for research papers and essay purposes. The same isn’t true for books. We don’t have a valid screening process for information found in printed media. One can argue that the cover of a book and the quality of its contents can probably speak to its accuracy, but it can’t be proven entirely. It also takes far less work to obtain a website address than it does to obtain a book. For this reason, professors are often harder on website URLs and their accuracy than the accuracy of published books. Also, never ever use Wikipedia for research projects or essays. Anyone can change the contents of a Wikipedia page, as long as they are familiar with the platform. Don’t fall into that trap. Your professor won’t accept it. 2. Record information and quotes as you find them Never write down a source without a specific quote that you want to use. If there’s more than one, make multiple references to that source. Organize this information on a separate document – or, more usefully, on index cards that can be easily rearranged. Number the index cards or mark them with a symbol. This symbol can mean that the index cards cover a certain subtopic (for example, a star might represent Barrack Obama during the 2008 election while a carrot might represent Hillary Clinton). It can also represent the paragraph of your essay in which the quote on the index card belongs. This system of reference will help you organize your paper before you begin the academic writing process. Also, keep in mind that you should write all of the information needed for a bibliography citation on the index card or document. This will avoid a second trip to the library. It will also ensure that you don’t have to drag any books or reference materials home. By the time you leave, you should have everything you need. 3. Visit the library You can probably do the majority of your paper at home, but your research should really be done in an academic setting. There are an endless number of resources and books that you can access data for free through your library database. The system really can’t be beat on this level. You won’t be able to find the same information on your laptop at home. It just isn’t feasible. Do your essay justice – start in a library. You’ll only need to spend two or three hours there. After that, you can go home and stay home (as long as you follow the index card process, of course). 4. Ask your professor for references If you’re struggling to find information for your topic, ask for ideas. Professors are chock full of helpful hints, and they are usually more than happy to help you with your paper. While they are hard on you come grading time, they don’t want to see you fail. Obviously, there are exceptions to that rule. Everyone has faced a miserable professor in their college career. But we’ve found, for the most part, that professors want to help their students succeed. You can visit during office hours, ask for an opinion after class, or send an email. It’s worth the hassle – especially since you’re showing the person grading your essay that you have the motivation to do well. Talk to your professor. It’s the smart thing to do. 5. Skim your resources – don’t read them in their entirety Yes, we’re telling you to do less work. Your professor wouldn’t expect you to dive into every piece of information that you acquire. Why? Because it isn’t necessary. And, quite honestly, a professor wouldn’t do it either. It just isn’t an efficient way to spend your time. Skim for the quotes that you need to write your essay, then be done with it. These are quotes that feed into your â€Å"angle†, which we’ll talk about in the next section. Once you have what you need and you’ve recorded the necessary information, close the book or exit the page. You can always come back to it later, if you realize you don’t have enough to reference already. 6. Establish a mental link between you and your subject You might not have any interest in the 2008 Presidential Election – but you need to find that common ground. Maybe, after a bit of research, you’ve found that Barrack Obama was an underdog during the beginning stages of his campaign. Maybe you can relate to that. Maybe you decide to angle your essay around that. That’s completely fine, but you need to establish this connection. In other words, find something about your essay topic that genuinely piques your interest.

The Wild History of Roller Skates

The Wild History of Roller Skates An overview of the evolution of dry land skating aka roller skates. Early 1700s - Skeelers In Holland, an unknown Dutchman decided to go ice skating in the summer, ice skating was the widespread method used in the Netherlands to travel the numerous frozen canals in winter. The unknown inventor accomplished dry land skating by nailing wooden spools to strips of wood and attaching them to his shoes. Skeelers was the nickname given to the new dry-land skaters. 1760 - Crashing the Masquerade Party A London instrument maker and inventor, Joseph Merlin, attended a masquerade party wearing one of his new inventions, metal-wheeled boots. Joseph desiring to make a grand entrance added the pizzazz of rolling in while playing the violin. Lining the huge ballroom was a very expensive wall-length mirror. The fiddling skater stood no chance and Merlin crashed solidly into the mirrored wall, as his roller skates crashed into society. 1818 - Roller Ballet In Berlin, roller skates made a more graceful entrance into society, with the premier of the German ballet Der Maler oder die Wintervergn Ugungen (The Artist or Winter Pleasures). The ballet called for ice-skating but because it was impossible at that time to produce ice on a stage, roller skates substituted. 1819 - First Patent In France, the first patent for a roller skate issued to a Monsieur Petibledin. The skate was made of a wood sole that attached to the bottom of a boot, fitted with two to four rollers made of copper, wood or ivory, and arranged in a straight single line. 1823 - The Rolito Robert John Tyers of London patented a skate called the Rolito with five wheels in a single row on the bottom of a shoe or boot. The Rolito was unable to follow a curved path, unlike the in-line skates of today. 1840 - Barmaids on Wheels In a beer tavern known as Corse Halle, near Berlin, barmaids on roller skates served thirsty patrons. This was a practical decision, given the size of beer halls in Germany, which gave dry land skating a publicity boost. 1857 - Public Rinks Huge public rinks opened in the Floral Hall and in the Strand of London. 1863 - Inventor James Plimpton American, James Plimpton found a way to make a very useable pair of skates. Plimptons skates had two parallel sets of wheels, one pair under the ball of the foot and the other pair under the heel. The four wheels were made of boxwood and worked on rubber springs. Plimptons design was the first dry-land skate that could maneuver in a smooth curve. This considered the birth of the modern four-wheeled roller skates, which allowed for turns and the ability to skate backwards. 1884 - Pin Ball-Bearing Wheels The invention of pin ball-bearing wheels made rolling easier and skates lighter. 1902 - The Coliseum The Coliseum in Chicago opened a public skating rink. Over 7,000 people attended the opening night. 1908 - Madison Square Gardens Madison Square Gardens in New York became a skating rink. Hundreds of rink openings in the United States and Europe followed. The sport was becoming very popular and various versions of the roller skating developed: recreational skating on indoor and outdoor rinks, polo skating, ballroom roller dancing and competitive speed skating. 1960s - Plastics Technology (with the advent of new plastics) helped the wheel truly come of age with new designs. 70s 80s - Disco A second big skating boom occurred with the marriage of disco and roller-skating. Over 4,000 roller-discos were in operation and Hollywood began making roller-movies. 1979 - Redesigning Roller Skates Scott Olson and Brennan Olson, brothers and  hockey  players who lived in Minneapolis, Minnesota, found an antique pair of roller skates. It was one of the early  skates  that used the in-line wheels rather than the four-wheeled parallel design of George Plimpton. Intrigued by the in-line design, the brothers began redesigning roller skates, taking design elements from the found skates and using modern materials. They used  polyurethane  wheels, attached the skates to ice hockey boots, and added a rubber toe-brake to their new design. 1983 - Rollerblade Inc Scott Olson founded Rollerblade Inc and  the term rollerblading  meant the sport of in-line skating because Rollerblade Inc was the only manufacturer of in-line skates for a long time. The first mass-produced rollerblades, while innovative had some design flaws: they were difficult to put on and adjust, prone to collecting dirt and moisture in the ball-bearings, the wheels were easily damaged and the brakes came from the old roller skate toe-brake and were not very effective. Rollerblade Inc Sold The Olson brothers sold Rollerblade Inc and the new owners had the money to really improve the design. The first massively successful Rollerblade skate was the Lightning TRS. In this pair of  skates  the flaws had vanished, fiberglass was used to produce the frames, the wheels were better protected, the skates were easier to put on and adjust and stronger brakes were placed at the rear. With the success of the Lightning TRS, other in-line skate companies appeared: Ultra Wheels, Oxygen,  K2  and others. 1989 - Macro and Aeroblades Models Rollerblade Inc produced the Macro and Aeroblades models, the first skates fastened with three buckles instead of long laces that needed threading. 1990 - Lighter Skates Rollerblade Inc switched to a glass-reinforced thermoplastic resin (durethan  polyamide) for their skates, replacing the  polyurethane  compounds previously used. This decreased the average weight of skates by nearly fifty percent. 1993 - Active Brake Technology Rollerblade, Inc. developed ABT or Active Brake Technology. A fiberglass post attached at one end to the top of the boot and at the other end to a  rubber-brake,  hinged the chassis at the back wheel. The skater had to straighten one leg to stop, driving the post into the brake, which then hit the ground. Skaters had been tilting their foot back to make contact with the ground, before ABT. The new brake design increased safety. Presently the best way for you to experience the latest inventions in the world of wheels is up-close and personal. Please do so, try in-line skating and keep rolling.

Harriet Quimby - First Woman Licensed Pilot in the US

Harriet Quimby - First Woman Licensed Pilot in the US Harriet Quimby Facts: Known for: the first woman licensed as a pilot in the United States; first woman to fly solo across the English Channel Occupation: pilot, journalist, actress, screenwriterDates: May 11, 1875 - July 1, 1912Also known as: Americas First Lady of the Air Harriet Quimby Biography: Harriet Quimby was born in Michigan in 1875 and was raised on a farm. She moved with her family to California in 1887. She claimed a birth date of May 1, 1884, a birthplace of Arroyo Grande, California, and wealthy parents. Harriet Quimby appears in the 1900 census in San Francisco, listing herself as an actress, but no record of any acting appearances has turned up. She did write for several San Francisco publications. New York Journalism Career In 1903, Harriet Quimby moved to New York to work for Leslies Illustrated Weekly, a popular womens journal. There, she was the drama critic, writing reviews of plays, the circus, comedians, and even that new novelty, moving pictures. She also served as a photojournalist, traveling to Europe, Mexico, Cuba, and Egypt for Leslies. She also wrote advice articles, including articles advising women on their careers, on auto repairs, and on household tips. Screenplay Writer / Independent Woman During these years, she also made the acquaintance of pioneer filmmaker D. W. Griffith and wrote seven screenplays for him. Harriet Quimby epitomized the independent woman of her day, living on her own, working at a career, driving her own car, and even smoking even before her fateful journalistic assignment in 1910. Harriet Quimby Discovers Flying In October 1910, Harriet Quimby went to the Belmont Park International Aviation Tournament, to write a story. She was bitten by the flying bug. She befriended Matilde Moisant and her brother, John Moisant. John and his brother Alfred ran a flying school, and Harriet Quimby and Matilde Moisant began taking flying lessons there though Matilde had already been flying by that time. They continued with their lessons even after John was killed in a flying accident. The press discovered Harriet Quimbys lessons she may have tipped them off and began covering her progress as a news story. Harriet herself began writing about flying for Leslies. First American Woman to Earn a Pilots License On August 1, 1911, Harriet Quimby passed her pilots test and was awarded license #37 from Aero Club of America, part of the International Aeronautic Federation, which granted international pilots licenses. Quimby was the second woman in the world to be licensed; the Baroness de la Roche had been awarded a license in France. Matilde Moisant became the second woman to be licensed as a pilot in the United States. Flying Career Immediately after winning her pilots license, Harriet Quimby began touring as an exhibition flyer in the United States and Mexico. Harriet Quimby designed her flying costume of plum-colored wool-backed satin, with a cowl hood made of the same fabric. At that time, most women pilots used adapted versions of mens clothing. Harriet Quimby and the English Channel In late 1911, Harriet Quimby decided to become the first woman to fly across the English Channel. Another woman beat her to it: Miss Trehawke-Davis flew across as a passenger. The record for the first woman pilot remained for Quimby to achieve, but she was afraid that someone would beat her to it. So she sailed secretly in March 1912 for England and borrowed a 50 HP monoplane from Louis Bleriot, who was the first person to fly across the Channel in 1909. On April 16, 1912, Harriet Quimby flew approximately the same route that Bleriot has flown but in reverse. She took off from Dover at dawn. The overcast skies forced her to rely solely on her compass for position. In about an hour, she landed in France near Calais, thirty miles from the planned landing spot, becoming the first woman to fly solo across the English Channel. Because the Titanic sank a few days before, the newspaper coverage of Harriet Quimbys record in the United States and Britain was sparse and buried deep within the papers. Harriet Quimby at Boston Harbor Harriet Quimby returned to exhibition flying. On July 1, 1912, she had agreed to fly at the Third Annual Boston Aviation Meet. She took off, with William Willard, organizer of the event, as a passenger, and circled the Boston Lighthouse. Suddenly, in view of hundreds of spectators, the two-seater plane, flying at 1500 feet, lurched. Willard fell out and plunged to his death in the mud flats below. Moments later, Harriet Quimby also fell from the plane and was killed. The plane glided to a landing in the mud, flipping over, and was damaged severely. Blanche Stuart Scott, another female pilot (but who never got a pilots license), saw the accident happen from her own plane in the air. Theories on the cause of the accident vary: cables became tangled in the plane, causing it to lurchWillard suddenly shifted his weight, unbalancing the planeWillard and Quimby failed to wear their seat belts Harriet Quimby was buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in New York, and then was moved to Kenisco Cemetery in Valhalla, New York. Legacy Though Harriet Quimbys career as a pilot lasted only 11 months, she was nevertheless a heroine and role model for generations to follow even inspiring Amelia Earhart. Harriet Quimby was featured on a 1991 50-cent airmail stamp.