Social Media as Emerging Technology

Social Media as Emerging Technology Investigate emerging IT technologies:  Social Networks appear to be all  the rage at the moment. Introduction Psychology is classically defined as â€Å"†¦ The science of behavior †¦Ã¢â‚¬ , which in the case of human beings manifests itself when others are present, thus representing behavioral instances in social interaction (Kenny, 1996). The phenomenon of socialization and networking have been extended by the global presence of the Internet whereby individuals through specific social networking websites have access to a broad context of toher individuals that is further defined by the type of website which have differing population, age and constituency compositions (Freeman, 2004, pp. 10- 29). The internet through emails, instant messaging, online dating and blogging has created a relatively secure means for people to engage in socialized behavior while being able to feel relatively safe in terms of personality differences and other areas that might not be the case in situations whereby they are exposed to individuals on a direct basis with whom they might not have common inte rest areas and or outlooks (Ethier, 2004). All of the preceding factors are components that have given rise to the dramatic increase and popularity in online social network services. Classmates.com, which was started in 1995, represented the first social network website, which was followed by Company of Friends that was the online network of the magazine Fast Company in 1997 that began the era of business networking (FastCompany.com, 2004). The promise of privacy, like-minded interests, and being able to socialize saw online social networking become extremely popular in 2002 and increase to the point where presently there are over 200 of these types of web sites globally (RateItAll.com, 2007). And as it is with any type of activity that attracts large numbers of people, social networking is big business. As a result the Internet has and is offering firms in this sphere an advantage in bringing together distinct profiles of individuals with marketing potential beyond any fees or charges to the members (Robson, 1996, pp. 250-26 0). However, that business segment, social networking, is increasing taking on the look of the dot-com frenzy that gripped in Internet in 2001 (Madslien, 2005). As was the question then, looms as the same questions now regarding online social networking. What are their business models? What type of revenue are they generating? What is their profitability? What are their differences and will the phenomenon last? These factors are areas that will be explored herein. Online social networks are forums whereby people can meet new individuals, network and initiate or maintain contact with old acquaintances through the relative privacy of the Internet, thus enabling business or socially minded people to enlarge their spheres through providing and exchanging information on themselves (Epic.org, 2006). Facebook (2007) is system comprised of a number of networks, with each one based around a region, or company, high school and or college that permits its users to share information on themselves that allows a broad category of differing types and demographics of people to use their social networks as opposed to offering contacts that are geared to a specific type of profile. Thus it provides a more diverse population and appeal to advertisers implementing this type of expanded user profile. The differing networks within Facebook are independent as well as being closed off to users that are non-affiliated thereby providing control over the content to spec ific group profiles. It, Facebook, is an English language web site that enjoys popularity among college students as its largest profile group, numbering in excess of 17 million, or roughly 85% of all U.S. college students (Arrington, 2006). Facebook is free for users, utilizing advertising, banner ads and sponsored groups for revenues that are estimated to be in the area of $53,000,000 annually (Arrington, 2006). Another type of social networking web site is LinkedIn, which is business oriented, primarily established to enable professional networking (Dragan, 2004). The company’s 40,000 member list includes such high profile individuals as company vice presidents, over 700, Chief Executive Officers, over 500, and 140 Chief Treasury Officers (Dragan, 2004). Not yet generating a profit, LinkedIn, charges a fee regarding its basic service and charges what it terms as ‘power users’ representing executive recruiters, investment professionals and sales representatives who use the service to tap into its network an additional charge (Liedtke, 2004). Many members utilized their personal contacts and associates to find, fill jobs and to increase their sales, thus offering a very high select user profile that also generates income from advertisers, however, the business model has yet to prove profitable (Liedtke, 2004). Founded in 2003, it has become a sort of ‘in’ plac e for professionals increasingly identifying its members as being in a special group of movers and shakers, as it is termed (Copeland, 2006). At present, LinkedIn has existed on venture capital funding representing almost $15 million USD from investors such as Sequoia Capital along with Greylock, with the company’s business model based upon advertising revenue and fees projected to generate $100 million in revenues by the year 2008 (Copeland, 2006). The goal is to increase the web site’s membership making it the number one professional resource for business and networking, job referrals, references, experts and whatever else is needed for professionals (Copeland, 2006). The younger generation of teens and those in their early twenties tend to use hi5, which has over 40 million members in the pattern of a MySpace social network (Mashable.com, 2006). The massive traffic the web site generates makes it the eighth most visited social network web site in the United States, but is losing market share in the face of rival companies such as Facebook, Bebo, Piczo, Tagworld, Multiply and others that also covet this user group, with MySpace as the dominant performer, stealing market share from all these rivals (Mashable.com, 2006). In keeping with the general social network format, hi5 offers profile pages with basic services offered for free and the site, like others, generating revenues from advertising, banner ads and referrals to music and other web sites such as iTunes for music downloads. The mode of this social network allows users to connect to their friends, build and introduce themselves to new ones as well as invite their own (hi5.com, 2007). Still in the venture capital backed stage, hi5 does not provide information on its revenues or related data. Bebo (2007), as is the case with social networking sites geared at the younger generation, offers users the ability to post their pictures, write blogs and of course send messages. A relative newcomer, 2005, Bebo like hi5, Facebook, Tagworld, Multiply and other allows users to post their talents on their personal pages on a special â€Å"New Music Only on Bebo† section (Bebo, 2007). Any discussion of online social networks must of course include MySpace, the largest web site of its kind, achieving almost 80% of online visits in this category (Answers.com, 2007a). With over 125 million users the site is targeted at the teenage and under thirty crowd that in typical fashion, allows users to create their own personal profile pages that can be enhanced with HTML code to make them into multimedia pages (Answers.com, 2007a). This aspect allows users to post special aspects on themselves, such as their talents, videos, music and paintings, with its success being proven by its purchase by News Corporation for in excess of 500 million USD (Answers.com, 2007a). MySpace business model of advertising revenues, banners and fees has achieved success as a result of size, the determining factor in Internet related businesses. Friends United in the UK represents a combination of all of the other online social networking sites discussed. It encourages friends, family and individuals to connect for reunions, communication, genealogy, socializing, dating and like LinkedIn it offers job searches and job hunting (Friends Reunited, 2007). And in going one better than its American counterparts, the site offers television broadcasts via the company’s parent company ITV network as well as the popular format of music CD collections. All of these facets are revenue generators that users can access free (Answers.com, 2007b). With 15 million members, Friends United has access to almost half of all UK households with Internet service and was founded on the idea of the owners, Steve and Julie Pankhurst, who were looking for old classmates and found a lost friend of 30 years (Answers.com, 2007b). The success of the multiple interest web site, combining all of the features found in the highly successful U.S. social networks, and with its own fresh new wrinkles such as television broadcasts, resulted from the purchase of the company from the Pankhursts by ITV in December of 2005 for  £120,000,000. As would be expected, online social networks have become a global phenomenon that has taken off particularly in the Asian region. Japan’s top social networking site ‘Mixi’ is a highly organized, in Japanese fashion, web site that is a kind of MySpace knock off in the Japanese language, utilizing the same advertising, banner ad, music referral business model (Kageyama, 2007). The cultural nuance is apparent in that â€Å"MySpace is about me, me, me and look at me †¦Ã¢â‚¬ , whereas â€Å" †¦ Mixi, is not all about me. It’s all about us† reflecting the more reserved nature of the Japanese culture (Kageyama, 2007). Social networks of the non online variety have long been a fixture of Asian societies, and in Korea CyWorld has grown to the point where it is launching a U.S. version with an initial investment of $10 million USD and a pledge to spend whatever it takes to be successful. (Kirkpatrick, 2006). With versions in Japan as well as China and Taiwan, CyWorld is an example of the universal nature of the social networking business model. The formulas utilized globally are basically the same, free access, bring in large numbers of people, charge advertisers, and diversify the revenue stream through music, television access, movie CD’s and other sources. Conclusion As was and is the case in the United States as represented by MySpace, market share and dominance determine value, to advertisers, investors and buyers. Friends United is the largest social networking site in the UK and commanded the same interest on the part of a large corporation that MySpace did in the U.S. Success translates as having a commanding percentage of a nation’s user profile, which aids in the web site being able to attract better and more advertisers at increased rates, along with banner ads, music web site referrals and other revenue streams. The venture capital backed nature of the online social network sites makes access to their profitability elusive, with all but the most popular sites, as indicated having been either acquired by large corporations, MySpace – Friends Reunited for example, or having an expansive nature, CyWorld and MySpace, indicating that revenues and profits must be adequate if not substantial. As eBay and Yahoo have proven, market dominance does translate into revenues, but there is a lag time that takes well heeled investors or corporations to underwrite. And the stakes have made the game hotter as more entrants as well as current players up the ante (Hicks, 2004). But, that is not all bad news as â€Å"†¦ not all online social networks are the same †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Jacobs, 2006). And while the differences in demographics, profiles, appeal and niche are similar, the tremendous online numbers allow for the distinctions (Jacobs, 2006). And as is the case with dominant sized competitors, they have the clout to slowly dip into their smaller competitors, thus increasing their size advantage, or accomplishing the same through acquisition. And this brings up the other side of the coin, with most of the online social network sites funded by venture capitalists who are in it for the sell off to another company, and or stock play, is the phenomenon one that is ready to burst (seomoz.org, 2006). MySpace has yet to prove its $580 million investment by Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation despite its size, and the venture capital market, which has pumped more that $824 million into the sector since 2001 is still awaiting returns on most of that money (Rosmarin, 2006). But, with MySpace and Friends Reunited pulling in almost half of their respective countries Internet access subscribers, the potential for huge profits represents a bet that most companies have opted not to miss out on. Privately held Facebook’s recent rejection of a $750 million offer is a demonstration of this point (Rosenbush, 2006). The jury and the results are still out as the industry grows and some consolidation occurs, then the real story will reveal itself in terms of profitability as well as staying power. Bibliography Answers.com (2007b) Friends Reunited. Retrieved on 24 February 2007 from http://www.answers.com/topic/friends-reunited Answers.com (2007a) MySpace. Retrieved on 24 February 2007 from http://www.answers.com/topic/myspace Arrington (2006) 85% of College Students Use Facebook. Retrieved on 24 February 2007 from http://www.techcrunch.com/2005/09/07/85-of-college-students-use-facebook/ Bebo (2007) Bebo. Retrieved on 24 February 2007 from http://www.bebo.com/ Copeland, M. (2006) A MySpace for grown-ups. 4 December 2006. Retrieved on 24 February 2007 from http://money.cnn.com/magazines/business2/business2_archive/2006/12/01/8394967/index.htm?postversion=2006120415 Dragan, R. (2004) LinkedIn. Retrieved on 23 February 2007 from http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,1418686,00.asp Epic.org (2006) Social Networking Privacy. Retrieved on 23 February 2007 from http://www.epic.org/privacy/socialnet/default.html Ethier, J. (2004) Current Research in Social Network Theory. Retrieved on 22 February 2007 from http://www.ccs.neu.edu/home/perrolle/archive/Ethier-SocialNetworks.html Facebook (2007) Facebook. Retrieved on 23 February 2007 from http://www.facebook.com/ FastCompany.com (204) What the Heck is Social Networking. 16 March 2004. Retrieved on 22 February 2007 from http://blog.fastcompany.com/archives/2004/03/16/what_the_heck_is_social_networking.html Freeman, L. (2004) The Development of Social Network Analysis: A Study in the Sociology of Science. Empirical Press Friends Reunited (2007) Welcome to Friends Reunited – what are your old friends doing now. Retrieved on 24 February 2007 from http://www.friendsreunited.co.uk/friendsreunited.asp?WCI=FRMainshow=Ypage=UKrandomiser=4 hi5.com (2007) hi5. Retrieved on 24 February 2007 from http://www.hi5.com/ Hicks, M. (2004) Social Networking Keeps Buzzing. 15 October 2004. Retrieved 24 February 2007 from http://www.eweek.com/article2/0,1895,1677508,00.asp Jacobs, D. (2007) Different Online Social Networks Draw Different Age Groups: Report. 7 October 2007. Retrieved on 24 February 2007 from http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/20061007/myspace-friendster-xanga-facebook.htm Kageyama, Y. (2007) MySpace faces stiff competition in Japan. 18 February 2007. Retrieved on 24 February 2007 from http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070219/ap_on_hi_te/japan_social_networking Kenny, D. (1996) The Design and Analysis of Social-Interaction Research. Vol. 47. Annual Review of Psychology Kirkpatrick, M. (2006) Massive Korean Social Network CyWorld Launches in U.S. 27 July 2006. Retrieved on 24 February 2007 from http://www.techcrunch.com/2006/07/27/this-is-nuts-cyworld-us-opens-for-use/ Liedtke, M. (2004) Networking site LinkedIn Causes Buzz – but can it be profitable? 25 October 2004. Retrieved on 24 February 2007 from http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/196580_linkedin25.html Madslien, J. (2005) Dotcom Shares Still Spook Investors. Retrieved on 22 February 2007 from http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4333899.stm Mashable.com (2006) hi5, Another Massive Social Network. Retrieved on 24 February 2007 from http://mashable.com/2006/07/16/hi5-another-massive-social-network/ RateItAll.com (2007) Social Networking Web Sites. Retrieved on 22 February 2007 from http://www.rateitall.com/t-1900-social-networking-web-sites.aspx?age=zipcode=gender=sort=0pagesize=all Robson, W. (1996) Strategic Management and Information Systems: An Integrated Approach. Trans-Atlantic Publications Rosenbush, S. (2006) Facebook’s on the Block. 28 March 2006. Retrieved on 24 February 2007 from http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/mar2006/tc20060327_215976.htm?chan=technology_technology+index+page_todays+top+stories Rosmarin, R. (2006) The MySpace Bubble. 29 June 2006. Retrieved on 24 February 2007 from http://www.forbes.com/home/digitalentertainment/2006/06/29/myspace-network-facebook_cx_rr_0629socialnetwork.html seomoz.org. (2006) Is Social Networking a Dotcom Bubble Waiting to Burst? 28 September 2006. Retrieved on 24 February 2007 from http://www.seomoz.org/blog/is-social-networking-a-dotcom-bubble-waiting-to-burst

Heart disease Essay

Before you start the rehabilitation programme you will have an initial assessment to find out how much exercise you can safely do. A physiotherapist or an exercise physiologist can then carefully work out a programme of exercises for you, tailoring the programme to your individual needs. At the beginning of each session you will do warm-up exercises which involve stretching your muscles. All the exercises will be carefully explained to you. The exercises will be ‘aerobic’ (exercises that help to improve your heart and circulation). You will be encouraged to increase your exercise gradually over the weeks of the rehabilitation programme. It is very important that you work within your limits and follow the advice given to you. At the end of each exercise session you will do ‘cool-down’ exercises to stretch out your muscles and prevent them from aching the next day. It is normal to feel anxious about exercise after a heart attack. However, attending rehabilitation classes can help give you the confidence to become active again. Relaxation You will be able to practice different relaxation techniques and find one that suits you. You will also find out how important relaxation is for people who have had a heart problem. If possible, encourage your partner or a family member or friend to go along with you. This will help lessen their fears as well and give them the chance to ask any questions. This may involve structured but informal sessions within your group. You may cover one or more topics in each session and will have the opportunity to ask any questions. Going back to work. People who have had an uncomplicated heart attack will usually be able to return to work. You can talk to a member of the cardiac rehabilitation team about the type of work you do. They will help to assess how easily you might take up your job again and when you should return to work. Attending cardiac rehabilitation classes gives you the opportunity to ask questions and talk about any worries you may still have.

How Diversity

How diversity affects police work? Tract Ann Fuchs August 16, 2013 AS 310 cultural Diversity DRY. Don Kirk Macon The role of the police is to enforce the law, not to question it. This meaner that the police have been used to do society racial dirty work–to return runaway slaves to their masters and to enforce segregation in the South. We have only to think of Southern sheriffs like â€Å"Bull† Connors to remind us of how the white power structure has fought to maintain its privileges. However, it also pays to remember that it is always easier to admit the sins of the past than it is to identify those of today.Few people today would defend a sheriff like Connors, but while there Is widespread agreement today that racism is a serious problem, that consensus dwindles when people are asked to confirm specific examples. People will admit to the problem in general, but balk at attributing racist motives to any example that cuts too close to home. The police today must contend directly with a number of Issues that carry a racial subtext both in fact and in perception: crime, drugs, disorder, civil unrest, and police brutality.While some can look at the same glass and call it half empty, while there call it half full, there is ample reason to suggest that even the most optimistic observers would agree that the police face a major challenge In this era of racial anxiety (Transaction & Becquerel, 1991). The purpose of this paper will be to explore the dynamics of the racially charged issues that the police must deal with, It will also explore how and why a nationwide shift to Community Policing is essential if law enforcement Is to face the challenge of promoting greater racial harmony as we are In the 21st century.It will also contend that Community Policing helps ensure hat the police are not misused again, as they have been in the past. Given the daily interaction between law enforcement officers and the diverse public, diversity training tort law enforc ement workers aids a better understanding tot different types of people and their situations. Such education leads to better Interaction. Those whose professional ideal Is to protect and serve people equally from all backgrounds must face the challenges and complexities off diverse society.A lack of communication effectiveness, coupled with little understanding of individuals' surrounds, can result In Inadvertent violation of Individuals' rights as well as officer safety and risk issues. Officers, even more than others, must ensure that their prejudices remain in check and that they refrain from acting on any biased thought. Although our nation has been enriched by diversity, many police procedures and Interactions with citizens can be more complex because of diversity. Racial tensions and communication challenges with immigrants. Or example, are bound to complicate some police encounters. It would be naive to preach to law enforcement officers, agents, and managers about the value of diversity when day-to-day activities part of all criminal Justice representatives is required as a precursor to improving interpersonal relations and contact across cultural, ethnic, and racial lines. (Robert M. Shasta, 2103) Law enforcement officers are affected by culture diversity each day as they patrol and interact with citizen within their Jurisdictions. Communities depend on law enforcement for measures of security, safety and service.Some segments of communities have felt neglected or misunderstood by local law enforcement, leading to a lack of trust and a sense of insecurity. With this being the feeling of the community, contemporary law enforcement on the local, state, and federal level has changed immensely from the practices used by law enforcement in the past. Today law enforcement officers receive education and training far exceeding any training implemented in history. Training and education focuses on cultural diversity, religion, and effective communication.In ad dition, a demand for a more educated, professional, and level headed officer is sought-after by a system imposed of rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and laws that if not followed can result in due process of law violations, loss of cases, civil litigation's, and much more. These positive characteristics instilled in law enforcement officers alleviate behaviors considered unethical. Law enforcement officers educated in cultural diversity are less likely to apply bias, prejudice, and discrimination toward people of color, or one's sexual preference, gender, age, and religious and spiritual beliefs (Harley, 2008).Unfortunately, even with professionalism and equality at the top of law enforcement acquirement individuals working within the criminal Justice system are permitted discretionary powers that can be used in either a positive or negative manner. Law enforcement officers when encountering a situation can apply discretion based on personal, religious, and family beliefs. This, in return can be detrimental to the indigent and minority groups as ignorance appears to be a trait beneficial to an officer who engages in prejudice or discriminatory decision making.Unfair treatment, such as racial profiling, continues to be problem indigent and minorities encounter throughout the United States on a regular basis. Racial profiling has led to numerous civil litigation's, and criminal charges filed against individual officers, departments, and states. Not all bad comes from a culturally diverse Nation and criminal Justice system. Contemporary law enforcement is considered an equal opportunity employer and seeks out minority to work as professionals within the system.In addition, more minorities are attending college and receiving associates, bachelors, masters, and even doctoral degrees. Research proved by pairing law enforcement officers from different ethnic backgrounds community members are given the ability to witness Irishman different ethnic groups can, in fact coexist, and work together for the greater good of society. Moreover, in certain situations and under certain circumstances minority officers are better capable of understand and dealing with the actions of an individual from the same ethnic group than that of an officer from a different ethnicity.This in return can alleviate the possibility of verbal and physical confrontation between the citizen and law enforcement officer. Understanding different cultures can further alleviate civil litigation against the individual officer, apartment, and state as departments can create policies and procedures that assist offices when encountering minority. Diversity within a law enforcement department creative ideas. These ideas can produce a more effective and organized police department (Harley, 2008).Community policing is a key feature that was used in the past and still is by law enforcement today. Officers concerned with and focus on obtaining good community policing skills are cul turally diverse and realize establishing a rapport with members of society from the same culture and different culture is equally important. Community and law enforcement relations is crucial in more ways than not. A majority of investigations require the cooperation and assistance of community members for the successful detection and apprehension of criminal wrongdoers.Without the cooperation of community members, law enforcement is left without eye witnesses, testimony, and other assistance much needed to save valuable time, money, and resource. The Job of law enforcement requires a certain level of comfort and professionalism in interacting with people from all backgrounds whether one is working with community members to build trust r dealing with suspects, victims, and coworkers. Through increased awareness, cultural knowledge, and skills, law enforcement as a profession can increase its cultural competence.Acquiring cultural competence is not an instantaneous process; it is mul tilayered and complex, and includes: Exploration of officers' belief systems and biases Awareness of an officer's perspectives and perceptions, especially as they may differ from those associated with minority viewpoints Acquisition of cultural information relevant to the concerns of law enforcement, and he capacity to apply that knowledge in ethnic, racial, and other diverse communities Increased communication skills leading to effective rapport building and communication with all community members Development of a set of principles, attitudes, policies, and structures that will enable all individuals in an organization to work effectively and equitably across all cultures and ethnicities. There are, of course, no guarantees that Community Policing can prevent civil disorders. But by reducing opportunities for police brutality and encouraging better relations between people and their police, Community policing an reduce the threat. Obviously, Community Policing cannot solve all the underlying economic and social problems, that poor neighborhoods face.Community Officers also cannot close the income gap between whites and minorities, nor do they come to their beats bearing lists of high-paying Jobs for unskilled workers. Community Officers also cannot undo the effects of past childhood abuse and neglect. They cannot single-handedly eradicate the scourge of substance abuse, domestic evidence, illiteracy, and poverty, though they may be able to do far more than their motor patrol counterparts. Yet even the most dedicated Community Officers cannot lay both Mother and Father for all the children whose parent's simply do not care. The strategies an individual uses to approach and build rapport with his or her own cultural group may result in unexpected difficulties with another group.The acts of approaching, communicating, questioning, assisting, and establishing trust with members of culturally diverse groups require special knowledge and skills that have nothing t o do with the fact that â€Å"the law is the law' and must be enforced equally. Acquiring knowledge and skills that lead to sensitivity does not imply preferential members of all groups. (Robert M. Shasta, 2103) The American criminal Justice system was based on the belief of providing equality to all individuals legal and illegal charged with a crime or suspected of committing a crime in the United States. Unfortunately, disparity and discrimination continues to occur from the time an individual of a low socioeconomic status or of color comes into contact with law enforcement right through the entire stages of a trial, and into the correctional facility.

History of Astronomy - Rise of Modern in 20th Century

Tycho Brahe has often been called the Father of modern astronomy, and for good reasons. However, I think that title really belongs to Galileo Galilei for his pioneering use of the telescope to magnify the view of the sky. However, Brahe did advance the science more than anyone in the past, simply by using his senses, rather than philosophy to study the sky. The work that Brahe began was continued and expanded by his assistant, Johannes Kepler, whose laws of planetary motion are among the foundations of modern astronomy. There are many other astronomers since Galileo, Brahe, and Kepler who have advanced the science:  Here, in brief, are some of the other bright lights who helped bring astronomy to its current place. Edmund Halley (1656-1742) was a British astronomer who was also a big fan of Sir Isaac Newton. After encouraging Newton to write his Principia, Halley then published it at his own expense. Not stopping to rest on the fame of another, he went on to calculate the orbits of comets, including the one named after him.Sir William Herschel (1738-1822), though born in Germany, was a British astronomer. He discovered Uranus in 1781 coined the word asteroids. He also cataloged about 2,000 nebulae, discovered several satellites of Uranus and Saturn, studied the rotation of planets. Discovered and studied binary stars. He discovered two satellites each orbiting Uranus and Saturn. He studied the rotation period of many planets, the motion of double stars, and nebulae. He cataloged more than 800 double stars and contributed new information on the constitution of nebulae. Herschel was the first to propose that these nebulae were composed of stars. He is considered the founder of sidereal astronomy. Albert Einstein (1879-1955) was a German-born American physicist and Nobel laureate. He may be the most well-known scientist of the 20th century. In 1915, he developed his general theory of relativity, which states that the speed of light is constant and that the curvature of space and the passage of time are linked to gravity. Thinking the universe was unchanging, he inserted a  cosmological constant fudge factor  into his calculations to make them fit his viewpoint.Willem de Sitter: (1872 - 1934), a Dutch astronomer, removed Einsteins cosmological constant from his calculations and used the theory of relativity to show that the universe may always be expanding.Georges-Henri Lemaitre: (1894 - 1966) was not only a Belgian astronomer, he was also a Jesuit priest. Discovering the writings of Russian mathematician, Alexander Friedmann, Lemaitre took his solution for an expanding universe and theorized that if the universe is expanding, if we follow it back to the starting point, th en our universe began as a great cosmic egg which exploded and expanded outward. Lemaitre is often referred to as the father of the Big Bang theory.Edwin P Hubble (1889-1953), American Astronomer. In the 1920s, Albert Einstein stated, I have made my greatest blunder. This pronouncement came when Hubble  demonstrated that the universe was not static and Einsteins cosmological constant was not necessary. Utilizing improved telescopic devices, he was also able to confirm that those fuzzy objects astronomers had seen for years were in fact other galaxies.Thomas Gold (1920 - 2004) was an American astronomer. Though it is generally believed that Golds steady state theory of the universe is incorrect, he made many major contributions to our knowledge of the universe, including the nature of pulsars as rotating neutron stars, and the origin of planetary hydrocarbons. These are just a few of the astronomers and their findings in the pre- and early 20th century history of astronomy. There have been and are many other great brains in the field of astronomy, but its time to get away from history for now. Well meet some of these other astronomers throughout the rest of our lessons. Next, well look at numbers. Fourth Lesson Big Numbers Lesson 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Edited and updated by Carolyn Collins Petersen.