Wednesday, October 30, 2019

The U.K Identity Cards Bill and its implcations Essay

The U.K Identity Cards Bill and its implcations - Essay Example While the Bill and the stated objectives seem reasonable, and a large majority of the general public believe it to be good idea, there remains confusion and apprehension on the potential implications of the Bill to their privacy and civil liberties, not to mention the cost and policy implications.3 Unlike other means of individual identification, the proposed use of biometric technologies utilising biological information, and the introduction of a computerised National Identity Register, which permits users to track anybody, anytime, anywhere, in the modern networked society, apparently present far-reaching implications on the privacy and security of the individual, as well as the society. A research is deemed necessary to understand the implications of the Bill including that of the technology involved, in terms of the privacy and security concerns, as well as to look at alternative techniques or modes of identification, which may be considered by the government for successful imple mentation of the identity project. Researchers observe that biometric techniques, such as fingerprint verification, retina analysis, iris or face recognition, voice recognition, hand-written signature verification, are increasingly used in individual authentication and identification systems.4 While researchers are generally in agreement on the efficacy of the technology, experts in information technology and data security caution the possibility of errors including false matches and multiple identities, and the dangers of manipulations and misuse.5 Many researchers, both in the U.K and elsewhere, have studied the impact of biometric technologies on individual privacy and security.6 Researchers like Zorkadis and Donos observe that, "too wide utilisation of biometrics creates general concern for the protection of the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals."7 According to them any human physiological or behavioural traits used in biometric technologies are personal data protected by privacy protection legislation. The U.K. Identity Cards Bill and the use of biometrics have received widespread criticism by policy analysts and academic researchers.8 The report by Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) raises "a number of concerns relating to the human rights compatibility of the Bill"9. According to academics from the London School of Economics and Political Science the identity card bill proposals are "too complex, technically unsafe, overly prescriptive and lack a foundation of public trust and confidence."10 While the researchers support the concept of a national identity system for the UK, it considers the present legislation and the scheme "as a potential danger to the public interest and to the legal rights of individuals."11 Other policy analysts also condemn the Bill as an unwarranted state intervention in individual freedom and privacy-Dolan Cummings states that the ID card proposals are in effect trying to "reconstitute the public as membership organisation" 12 creating a society in which the members have to constantly prove their identity to

Monday, October 28, 2019

Basic Economics Definitions Essay Example for Free

Basic Economics Definitions Essay Colander (2010) stated, â€Å"Economics is the study of how human beings coordinate their wants and desires, given the decision-making mechanisms, social customs, and political realities of the society† (p. 4). The main word defining â€Å"economics† would be coordination, and in economics, refers to three central problems that face any economy and how they are solved. These central problems are 1. What and how much to produce. 2. How to produce it. 3. For whom to produce it (Colander, 2010). Individuals frequently assume that economics only concern is with business, money, and supply, and demand. However, economics began as a branch of philosophy, and Alfred Marshall, the 19th century economist describes economics as the study of individuals in the business of everyday life. * Scarcity Colander (2010) stated â€Å"scarcity has two elements: our wants and our means of fulfilling those wants. These can be interrelated since wants are changeable and partially determined by society† (p. 5). Scarcity is a basic problem of economics it has apparent limitless individual wants and needs when the world in fact has limited resources. We as a society have scarce creative resources to fulfill everyone’s wants and needs. * TANSTAAFL Colander (2010) states TANSTAAFL â€Å"economic knowledge in one sentence â€Å"There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch† (p. 7). This acronym is trying to illustrate the cost of spending and decision making, and expresses that there is always a cost whether hidden or indirect even if it may seem like it is free. * Opportunity Cost Colander (2010) states â€Å"Opportunity cost is the benefit that you might have gained from choosing the next-best alternative. To obtain the benefit of something, you must give up something else. TANSTAAFL theory embodies the opportunity cost concept because it tells us that there is a cost to everything; that cost is the next-best forgone alternative† (p. 9). In economics, the term â€Å"opportunity cost† refers to money or benefits lost or given up pursuing a particular path specific path of action instead of an alternative or something else. Almost every decision made in business has an opportunity cost attached to it. For example should a business continue using a particular piece of equipment, or should the business purchase new equipment with additional features, and pay a higher rate. * Production Possibilities Curve Colander (2010) states the definition as â€Å"The production possibility curve is a curve that measures the maximum combination of outputs that can be obtained with a given number of inputs† (p. 29). The Production Possibility Curve is a graph representing the difference in rate when two products are produced with only a specific quantity of resources. For example, Suzie will bake brownies and cookies, but she has only one oven. An area in the oven used for baking brownies is not necessarily used for the cookies; therefore, for each brownie baked there are fewer baked cookies. * Comparative Advantage Colander (2010) states the definition as â€Å"some resources have a comparative advantage over other resources— the ability to be better suited to the production of one good than to the production of another good† (p. 28-29). Comparative advantage is the capability to manufacture services or merchandise at an opportunity cost lower than other individuals or businesses giving the individuals or businesses the capability of selling their services or merchandise at lower pricing than their competitors price. * Business Cycle Colander (2010) states the definition, as â€Å"a business cycle is the upward or downward movement of economic activity that occurs around the growth trend† (p. 158). Business cycles refer to economic fluctuations in trade, production, and economic activity in over several months or years. Economic fluctuations take place throughout long-term growth trends, involving shifts over time showing fast economic growth, and periods of decline. * CPI Colander (2010) states the definition, as â€Å"the consumer price index (CPI) is an index of inflation measuring prices of a fixed basket of consumer goods, weighted according to each component’s share of an average consumer’s expenditures† (p. 171). The CPI or consumer price index is a measurement showing household purchases indicating the change in the price levels of services and consumer goods. The CPI calculates the price changes for each predetermined item in the â€Å"basket of goods† and averages them, and weighted by their importance with the price changes related to the cost of living. * Labor Force To define labor force or workforce, and this is the calculation of every adult whether employed or unemployed. Estimated by The Bureau of Labor Statistics labor is categorized by employed, unemployed or not in the labor force for individuals age 16 and over. Individuals not categorized into the labor force are students, retired, or institutionalized individuals. The labor force changes over periods because of social and demographic changes. * Transfer Payments Colander (2010) states the definition, as â€Å"payments to individuals that do not involve production by those individuals. Transfer payments include Social Security payments, and unemployment insurance† (p. 184). Transfer payments are monies from the government given to individuals such payments include unemployment, social security, disability, and other welfare payments. References * Business cycle. (2013). In Merriam-Webster. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/business cycle Comparative advantage. (2013). In Merriam-Webster. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comparative advantage Colander, D. C. (2010). Macroeconomics (8th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. (pg. 4, 5, 7, 9, 28-29, 158, 171, 184). Economics. (2013). In Merriam-Webster. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/economics Opportunity cost. (2013). In Merriam-Webster. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opportunity cost Scarcity. (2013). In Merriam-Webster. Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scarcity

Saturday, October 26, 2019

The Beneficial Relationship of Music and Mathematics for Young Children

Many educators would agree that music has the ability to unlock doors for young children to learn the various aspects of mathematics. The relationship of the two subjects can be traced back to the early stages of ancient history where they were taught together, unlike a majority of America’s public schools. Fortunately, there are public schools beginning to recognize this close relationship once again and have developed lesson plans that teach mathematics, science and music in a much more conjunctive nature. Studies have proven time and time again that this is an excellent learning system to develop because children introduced to music at an early age have a higher rate of mathematical comprehension. The National Association for Music Education (MENC) has compiled statistical information proving how well students have done when applying musical overtones to mathematical studies. A study of 237 second grade children used piano keyboard training and newly designed math software to demonstrate improvement in math skills. The group scored 27% higher on proportional math and fractions tests than children that used only the math software (http://www.menc.org, 2005). These numbers hold true as students progress through school without regard to the students background. MENC continues to back their argument with the following: In an analysis of U.S. Department of Education data on more than 25,000 secondary school students (NELS:88, National Education Longitudinal Survey), researchers found that students who report consistent high levels of involvement in instrumental music over the middle and high school years show â€Å"significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12.† This observation holds regardless of students’ socio-economic status, and differences in those who are involved with instrumental music vs. those who are not is more significant over time (2005). Being able to understand mathematics, regardless of the instruments used to teach it, is futile unless the student is able to follow through with their new found knowledge and achieve the grades they are capable of. MENC follows through with their research by stating that data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 showed that music participants received more academic honors and awards than non-music students, and that the percentage of music participants receiving As and Bs w... ...omplexities of Ancient Greek philosophy is far more complex than what young children are learning in school. However, Plato and Aristotle considered music to be something more than the warm and fuzzy romantic expressions we hear on the radio today; to them, music was math (http://www.jhu.edu, 1998). Research has clearly shown the potential for students to excel when an emphasis is placed on the integration of music in to their education. Studies paint a promising picture for the relationship of mathematics and music, and teachers have found real life ways to implement this powerful unity in their classrooms. When examples such as the curriculum from Bear Creek Elementary are available, there is no excuse for denying children such a promising opportunity to expand their chance for success. References Argabright, R (Winter, 2005). Connecting with music. General Music Today, 18(2)5. Retrieved May 15, 2005, from EBSCO research database. Bear Creek Elementary School Website. Retrieved May 15, 2005 from http:www.bvsd.k12.co.us/schools/bearcreek/focus.shtml Cavanaugh, J. (February, 1998). Arithmetic of the soul. Retrieved May 15, 2005 from http://www.jhu.edu/~jhumag/0298web/math.html

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Philippine Canning Corporation Case Essay

I. Issues that Azucena Inalis must take into consideration. There seems to be two major issues that PCC must tackle in its ‘corned beef venture’; 1) where should PCC get its raw materials? (beef) and 2) Where does PCC source its debt? When it comes to the outsourcing of beef, PCC is considering Argentina, Australia, and/ or India. There are a number of concerns that must be addressed when it comes to importing raw materials from any one of these countries: 1) Political and Legal Considerations 2) Economic Performance and Management 3) Government Protectionist Policies The matter of sourcing debt is relatively simple because there are only two options being deliberated; 1) Denomination in Philippine Pesos, or 2) denomination in US Dollars. II. Evaluating the Issues 1) Political and Legal Considerations Argentina is widely considered to be one of the most corrupt countries in the world. Argentina scored 35/100 on the Transparency International rating as of 2011. 0/100 would be extremely corrupt while 100/100 would be clean. Crime rates as well as poverty are known issues. There is high risk as far as the political considerations in Argentina are concerned. India scored 36/100 on the Transparency International rating as of 2011. 0/100 would be extremely corrupt while 100/100 would be clean. Australia is would be considered in a low risk bracket, there is a strong legal system in operation and there is high confidence in government Australia scored 85/100 and they are well recognized for their efforts to stymy and eventually eradicate corruption and poverty altogether. 2) Economic Performance and Management Taken from Teadingeconomics.com(2013) | Instituto Nacional de Stadista ^ The latest reported inflation rate for Argentina is 10.5% for this month. It has been steadily decreasing from a high of 11.1% in early February  (Instituto Nacional de Estadista, 2013) but it has been forecasted to increase to 10.8% by mid-October. Taken from Tradingeconomics.com(2013) | Ministry of Comerce and Industry ^ India’s latest reported inflation rate is 4.86%. It has also been decreasing but in a more rapid rate compared to Argentina. From 10% in late 2011 to a sudden drop to7-8% in early 2012, and a gradual decrease to 6.68-7.5% in late 2012 and early 2013. Taken from Tradingeconomics.com | Australian Burau of Statistics ^ Inflation in Australia From 2010-2012, Australias inflation has been in the 2.1% (low) to 3.6% (high) region. Inflation went as low as 1.2% in the mid-2012, and gradually increased back to 2.5% through late 2012 and the first quarter of 2013. In the second quarter of 2013 however, inflation is back down to 2.4%. As far as inflation is concerned, the Australian economy is outperforming both Argentina and India by the proverbial mile. Let’s take a look at economic management. Indian Central Bank Base Interest Rates (Historical) Retrieved from Global-rates.com (2013) The current base interest rate is 7.25%. It has fluctuated in recent years from 5% in 2010 to 8.5% in early 2012- probably to control inflation; it was during this period that India’s inflation rate suddenly dropped frombeen on the decline from a high 8.5% in early 2012. This may be an explanation as to why India’s inflation dropped from 10% to 7+%. Retrieved from: Tradingeconomics.com (2013) 11.38 is the current base interest rate for Argentina. It has been moving in the 9-12% range since early 2012 3) Government Protectionist Policies REFERENCES Transparency International (2013) The Global Coalition Against Corruption; Corruption by Country/ Territory. Retrieved from: http://www.transparency.org/country#ARG_DataResearch Trading Economics (2013) Inflation Rates. Retrieved from : http://www.tradingeconomics.com/argentina/inflation-cpi

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Literature review- should marijuana be legalised? Essay

The legalisation of marijuana has long been a debated subject, and not only in Australia But all around the world. People’s views in this area vary greatly, with many reasonable arguments for and against the issue. In this report, past studies and literature will be reviewed providing an understanding into the possible consequences of legalising marijuana as well as the views and debates regarded to the issue. The organisation, Gallup has been examining America’s attitude towards the legalisation of marijuana since the late 1960’s. Their studies show that in the past Americans have been opposed to the issue, with just twelve percent supporting the drug’s legalisation in 1969. However, in 1977 this number increased to 25 percent, and in 2000 rose again to 31 percent (Carroll, 2005). According to a new study by Gallop, the amount of Americans in favour of marijuana’s legalisation today has now soared to a riveting fifty percent. Including people between the ages of eighteen and twenty nine most in favour of its legalisation, and people sixty five and older proved to be most opposed to it (daily mail reporter, 2011) A predominant question in the debate relating to the legalization of marijuana is whether consumption would rise and by how much. Many people are concerned that if the drug became legal it would become more accessible, affordable, and acceptable in society, making an increase in consumption a big possibility. Rand, a drug policy research centre, conducted a study that supports this argument. â€Å"Results from these studies suggest that regular use of marijuana will Increase both in prevalence and in terms of average level of use with a fall in the monetary price of marijuana and a reduction in the enforcement risk of using marijuana. The precise increase in use, particularly in terms of average quantities consumed among users, remains unclear because of inadequate analyses of conditional demand. However, it is clear that the number (prevalence) of regular users will rise in response to both (Pacula, 2010).† According to Rand there is still an uncertainty towards how much marijuana consumption will increase post-legalisation, however, their models suggest that numbers could increase by fifty to one hundred percent or more. This would depend on the retail price, availability, advertisement and the federal response (Kilmer, 2010). If more people are using the drug, more people will be open to the health disadvantages marijuana has on the human  body. The primary reason why marijuana has been illegal in the past is because the drug does have many adverse health effects. In the same way the government protects people on the road by making them wear seatbelts; they also want to protect members of society from falling to the consequences involved with consuming marijuana. The government does have a certain level of responsibility over the safety of society, which is why many people believe that marijuana should remain illegal. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has surveyed and conducted many scientific research projects, all showing that excessive marijuana use has a serious effect on a user’s memory, social skills and capability to be educated (buddy, 2006). Intensive use can also lead to many long term effects such as depression, anxiety and personality disorders as well as an increased risk of getting bronchitis, lung cancer and other diseases of the respiratory system (NSW Government, 2011). Despite these effects of marijuana usage, it has proved that marijuana is no more harmful than legal substances like alcohol and tobacco. Which brings into question, why should marijuana be illegal when alcohol and tobacco consumption is allowed? An investigation by the British Medical Association actually went on to prove that alcohol and tobacco are far more addictive than marijuana. In fact, the drinking of alcohol and the use of cigarettes result in more deaths per year than does the use of marijuana.(marijuana safety, 1999) † Alcohol is more toxic, more addictive, more harmful to the body, more likely to result in injuries, and more likely to lead to interpersonal violence than marijuana† (safer choice,2010) If marijuana were to be legalised it could provide a safer alternative to alcohol and more harmful drugs. Substituting these drugs with marijuana could be a successful approach to the battle against substance abuse. Amanda Reiman describes what she has found in her study about the substitution of other drugs with marijuana. â€Å"Substituting cannabis for alcohol has been described as a radical alcohol treatment protocol. This approach could be used to address heavy alcohol use in the British Isles – people might substitute cannabis, a potentially safer drug than alcohol with less negative side effects, if it were socially acceptable and available.†( Reiman, 2009) Similar studies in this area went on to suggest that legalising marijuana will decrease road  accidents. By viewing statistics in areas where the drug has been allowed, researchers have found that there was nearly a nine percent reduction in traffic deaths (science daily, 2011). Marijuana has actually proved to have many medical uses, although sometimes they are completely overlooked. In the past, many studies have shown the drug to have several beneficial effects, these include, effective pain relief as well as providing aid to the side effects of chemotherapy and the symptoms of AIDS, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, glaucoma and other serious illnesses.(co-ed magazines, 2010) In 1997, the National Institutes of Health published a report specifying the possible medical uses for marijuana. The report emphasized five areas of medical care that were most applicable. These included Stimulation of appetite and decreased cachexia, Controlled nausea and vomiting linked with cancer chemotherapy, Decreased intraocular pressure, pain relief and finally, the benefits in area of Neurological and movement disorders By allowing marijuana consumption the government would be providing many people with a cheaper and effective alternative for pain relief and other medical impa irments. Legalisation could also lead to further medical research and findings on the medical uses of the drug.( National Institutes of Health, 1997) ‘Though the benefits of medical marijuana are ignored by the federal government, many scientists seemingly agree that the benefits of marijuana from a medicinal standpoint heavily out weigh the risk when it comes to aiding patients’ (Gallagher, 2012) When looking at marijuana legalisation from an economic perspective many advantages are noted. a study lead by Dr. Jeffrey Miron reported that once legalised, If marijuana were to be taxed similarly to the taxation system used on alcoholic and tobacco products, Governments could be looking at annual savings and revenues of up to fourteen billion each year. This includes savings in areas like prohibition enforcement which is said to be around 7.7 billion dollars. Over 500 other economists are supporting Dr. Jeffrey Miron’s study and are calling for a debate considering the reason and basis behind marijuana prohibition. (Miron, 2005) Overall, views on the legalisation of marijuana vary greatly among the people of Australia and the world. Past literature and in depth studies have revealed many advantages and disadvantages in regards to the drugs legalisation. Society’s arguments  are centred around, the effects on marijuana consumption, health effects, health benefits, economic advantages and its harmfulness in regards to other legal drugs. Bibliography Vandaelle, I. (2012, Janurary 17). Majority of Canadians support legalizing or decriminalizing marijuana, new poll suggests. Retrieved 2012, from National Post: http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/01/17/majority-of-canadians-support-legalizing-or-decriminalizing-marijuana-new-poll-suggests/ 10 Major Health Benefits of Marijuana. (2010, September 2). Retrieved 2012, from Coed magazine: http://coedmagazine.com/2010/09/02/10-major-health-benefits-of-marijuana/ Cannabis is The Answer To Booze Problems. (2011, October 16). Retrieved 2012, from imarijuana.com: http://www.imarijuana.com/tag/medical-cannabis-dispensary Medical Marijuana Laws Reduce Traffic Deaths, Preliminary Research Suggests. (2011, November 29). Retrieved 2012, from science daily.com: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111129123257.htm Medical Marijuana Laws Reduce Traffic Deaths, Preliminary Research Suggests . (2011, november 30). Retrieved 2012, from The rational response squad: http://www.rationalresponders.co m/forum/30694 Record high: Gallup poll shows FIFTY per cent of Americans favour legalising marijuana. (2011, october 18). Retrieved 2012, from mail online: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2050348/Legalisation-marijuana-50-Americans-favour.html Carroll, J. (2005, November 1). Who Supports Marijuana Legalization? Retrieved 2012, from GALLUP: http://www.gallup.com/poll/19561/who-supports-marijuana-legalization.aspx Debate on legalising marijuana . (n.d.). Retrieved 2012, from Hun pages: http://ange1ica1.hubpages.com/hub/Debate-of-Legalizing-Marjuana Gallagher, P. (2012, April 30). Are the benifits of medical marijuana being completely overlooked. Retrieved 2012, from Activist Post: http://www.activistpost.com/2012/04/are-benefits-of-medical-marijuana-being.html Kilmer, B. (2010, September). Insights on the Effects of. Retrieved 2012, from Rand: http://www.rand.org/content/dam/rand/pubs/testimonies/2010/RAND_CT351.pdf

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Free Essays on Eloquent Expressionalism

Eloquent Expressionalism The thick morning fog swirls in plumes on the field as the sun attempts to break through the cover above. Hues of orange, purple, and red combine to form a breathtaking vista that belies the nature of what’s transpiring. The tall grass is stained red. Heat and humidity work in sync to establish an invisible barrier that bonds clothing to skin with little effort. To either side stand men in arms. Their brandished uniforms clearly visible against the backdrop of thick pine and spruce trees that surround the expanse of open land. Officers on horseback dictate orders to men who form the front line. Their well-groomed steeds exert a sense of power that would strike fear into anyone who would draw near. Pistols hug their sides as a reminder that abandonment is treason, and punishable by death. Cannons flank the field, positioned aggressively at the front of the line as to optimize their distance. Men awaiting the next shot step away in order to evade the recoil of the large gun. The smell of gunpowder and open wounds fill the air, a truly sickening combination. The sound of men screaming is overpowering, their cries heard only by god, a futile attempt at salvation. Whiffs of smoke emanate from the entrance of bullet holes, all while cauterizing tissue. The ground is littered with discarded weaponry. A rifle, lay jammed but mere feet from its owner, a pale young sergeant with thinning hair, and a look to his eyes as though he’d seen more than men twice his age. His vision slowly fading being replaced by instead, a murky darkness that drowns its victims in its sweet surrender. Soldiers charge over the already bent blades of grass, tripping, falling, over comrades and adversaries alike. Bodies taking cover from rogue cannonballs flying overhead. The earth is soft and rich, coating the smooth leather of the soldiers army issued boots. Unpolished buckles fail to gleam as they should due to oxidation, wh... Free Essays on Eloquent Expressionalism Free Essays on Eloquent Expressionalism Eloquent Expressionalism The thick morning fog swirls in plumes on the field as the sun attempts to break through the cover above. Hues of orange, purple, and red combine to form a breathtaking vista that belies the nature of what’s transpiring. The tall grass is stained red. Heat and humidity work in sync to establish an invisible barrier that bonds clothing to skin with little effort. To either side stand men in arms. Their brandished uniforms clearly visible against the backdrop of thick pine and spruce trees that surround the expanse of open land. Officers on horseback dictate orders to men who form the front line. Their well-groomed steeds exert a sense of power that would strike fear into anyone who would draw near. Pistols hug their sides as a reminder that abandonment is treason, and punishable by death. Cannons flank the field, positioned aggressively at the front of the line as to optimize their distance. Men awaiting the next shot step away in order to evade the recoil of the large gun. The smell of gunpowder and open wounds fill the air, a truly sickening combination. The sound of men screaming is overpowering, their cries heard only by god, a futile attempt at salvation. Whiffs of smoke emanate from the entrance of bullet holes, all while cauterizing tissue. The ground is littered with discarded weaponry. A rifle, lay jammed but mere feet from its owner, a pale young sergeant with thinning hair, and a look to his eyes as though he’d seen more than men twice his age. His vision slowly fading being replaced by instead, a murky darkness that drowns its victims in its sweet surrender. Soldiers charge over the already bent blades of grass, tripping, falling, over comrades and adversaries alike. Bodies taking cover from rogue cannonballs flying overhead. The earth is soft and rich, coating the smooth leather of the soldiers army issued boots. Unpolished buckles fail to gleam as they should due to oxidation, wh...

Monday, October 21, 2019

reniasance essays

reniasance essays The word renaissance, meaning rebirth is perfect to describe the renaissance because the renaissance was a period of creativity and rediscovery (Farah and Karls 402). Developments in art, architecture and literature spread from Italy to the rest of Europe as people revisited the past stories of Greek and Roman culture. These are just a few reasons why the Renaissance period should be seen as a great time of cultural evolution that paved the way for everything that was to follow. Art during the renaissance was full of complex painting and phenomenal sculpture. Italian sculptors went back in time to reflect on classical ideals of free - standing statues of nude figures that resembled those of Greek and Roman sculpture. Painters of the renaissance also used a more realistic style of painting than that of the medieval times. Medieval painting was quite flat and boring while renaissance painting was very detailed and thought out. Much like art, architecture took a step back in time during the renaissance to a classical style of building. The rebirth of such ideas was necessary to the construction of many structures during the renaissance, such as churches, palaces, and villas. On such structures, architects used columns and domes, which were used in the days of Greek and Roman, rule, instead of arches and spires found on medieval structures. Some of the most impressive and most important structures every constructed, were built during the time of renaissance and reformation. Literature of the renaissance also took a step back in time to the days of Greek and Roman rule. Interest in ancient Greece and Rome moved artists to include classical mythology as well as biblical themes in their works. The renaissance was especially known for drama. Such playwrights as William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe drew some of their ideas from classical mythology and histories of ancient Rome. ...