Tuesday, November 26, 2019

MDG poverty goals may be achieved, but child mortality is not improving

MDG poverty goals may be achieved, but child mortality is not improving Article Summary The news article under analysis, titled MDG poverty goals may be achieved, but child mortality is not improving, appears in the Guardian newspaper. The article was authored by Claire Provost and details the progress in achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), especially by developing countries. Provost begins by stating that two-thirds of developing countries are on course to meeting the MDG targets in fighting poverty, according to reports from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on MDG poverty goals may be achieved, but child mortality is not improving specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Provost then cites reports from the Global Monitoring Report that mentioned that the number of persons living below the poverty line would decrease to 883 million by 2015. This would be a large significant drop since the number of people living in acute povert y had been 1.4 billion in 2005 and 1.8 billion in 1990. The progress in achieving the first goal- to cut the number of people living in poverty by half- is evidenced by the high growth rates in China and India. The report further shows that China is on course to reducing poverty by 4.8%, however, some African countries may fail to achieve the MDG goals by 2015. Progress in combating poverty may be hampered further by the high and unstable food prices, and could increase the number of people living in extreme poverty. World Bank president, Thomas Zoellick, gives strategies for reducing poverty levels and prevents future food crises. These include a ban on food exports, improve access to information on food quality, quantity, and increase food reserves. Despite the progress of developing progress in achieving MDGs, maternal and child mortality rates remain the most challenging issues as 40% of developing nations are not likely to meet this target despite a lot of resources being direc ted at this effort. Sanitation targets are a challenge too as 45% of developing nations have deviated from the path to achieving MDGs on sanitation. Topics Related to the Article Two topics can be derived from this news article: socio-cultural issues and human development. Socio-cultural issues arise from the reference to social issues such as maternal and child mortality rates. Besides, the article reports that a number of developing nations are on course to meeting MDGs on primary education and access to clean water. Provost writes that no low-income country has achieved significant progress in lowering mortality for children under the age of five, and most of them are likely to fail on this target. The countries are on course to achieving targets on primary education access and eradicate gender disparity in the education sector. All of these subjects: maternal and child mortality, education, reflect on the socio-cultural aspect of life in developing countries.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Human development is reflected on Provost’s discussion of the progress of developing countries in achieving the MDGs on education. Education is a very important aspect of human development, and failure to achieve this target will likely affect human development in these nations. Fortunately, the report mentions that most developing countries are on target to achieving MDG targets on education. I chose this article since it touched on a very important element of human development. It informs us of the progress in achieving the MDGs by developing countries, and the steps that have been taken in achieving the same. Besides, the article gives solutions for combating extreme poverty in developing nations, these strategies may prove useful for developing nations.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Prosody and the Music of Speech

Prosody and the Music of Speech In phonetics, prosody (or suprasegmental phonology)  is  the use of pitch, loudness, tempo, and rhythm in speech to convey information about the structure and meaning of an utterance. Alternatively, in literary studies prosody is the theory and principles of versification, especially in reference to rhythm, accent and stanza. In speech as opposed to composition, there are no full stops or capital letters, no grammatical ways in which to add emphasis as in writing. Instead, speakers utilize prosody to add inflection and depth to statements and arguments, altering stress, pitch, loudness and tempo, which can then be translated into writing to achieve the same effect. Further, prosody does not rely on the sentence as a basic unit, unlike in composition, often utilizing fragments and spontaneous pauses between thoughts and ideas for emphasis. This allows more versatility of language dependent on stress and intonation. Functions of Prosody Unlike morphemes and phonemes in composition, features of prosody cannot be assigned meaning based on their use alone, rather based on usage and contextual factors to ascribe meaning to the particular utterance. Rebecca L. Damron notes in Prosodic Schemas that recent work in the field take into consideration such aspects of interaction as how prosody can signal speakers intentions in the discourse, rather than relying solely on semantics and the phrasing itself. The interplay between grammar and other situational factors, Damron posits, are intimately connected with pitch and tone, and called for a move away from describing and analyzing prosodic features as discrete units. As a result, prosody can be utilized in a number of ways, including segmentation, phrasing, stress, accentuation and phonological distinctions in tone languages - as Christophe dAlessandro puts it in Voice Source Parameters and Prosodic Analysis, a given sentence in a given context generally expresses much more than its linguistic content wherein the same sentence, with the same linguistic content may have plenty of different expressive contents or pragmatic meanings. What Determines Prosody The determining factors of these expressive contents are what help define the context and meaning of any given prosody. According to dAlessandro these include the identity of the speaker, her/his attitude, mood, ages, sex, sociolinguistic group and other extralinguistic features.   Pragmatic meaning, too, help determine the prosodys intended purpose, including the attitudes of both the speaker and audience - ranging from aggressive to submissive - as well as the relationship between the speaker and the subject matter - his or her belief, confidence or assertiveness in the field. Pitch is a great way to also determine meaning, or at least be able to ascertain the beginnings and endings of thought. David Crystal describes the relationship in Rediscover Grammar wherein he states we know whether [the thought] is complete or not by the pitch of the voice. If the pitch is rising ... there are more items to come. If it is falling ... there is nothing further to come. In any way you use it, prosody is pivotal to successful public speaking, allowing the speaker to convey a broad range of meaning in as few words as possible, relying instead on context and cues to the audience in their speech patterns.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Social media - internet forum,email and picture sharing Term Paper

Social media - internet forum,email and picture sharing - Term Paper Example At the present, almost all the business organizations are well aware of the fact that the use of the Internet can be very helpful for better serving customers and reaching into the international markets. When the size and business of a company expands the need for the distribution of these products to their target customers also increases. In this scenario, the Internet marketing is the most excellent way that offers higher potency and access to international markets for the marketing of products. On the other hand, traditional marketing and its techniques have turned out to be less efficient to defeat the need for more targeted and wide marketing. In addition, with the emergence of the Internet, the techniques of marketing not only have changed but also improved amazingly, and at the present business organization are more talented in telling their stories and carrying out their marketing communications out there (Rao, Salam and DosSantos; Summers, Gardiner and Lamb; Watson, Zinkhan and Pitt). This paper presents an overview of some of the important marketing and advertising techniques such as email, internet forums and picture sharing. The basic aim of this research is to show how these marketing techniques can play a significant role in business marketing. Changing Trend in Advertisement and Promotion As discussed in the above section, in the past few years the majority of business organizations have started making use of the Internet to reach worldwide customers and access international markets without spending a lot of money.... In addition, the Web-based nature of social networks allows the business organizations to make use of this modern tool in different forms that can take benefit of the users' personal and social data. In fact, these social networking websites have a great effect on the social life of a lot of people, even more than millions of people that make use of these web sites directly (Golbeck; Conti, Hasani and Crispo). Keeping the numerous benefits of social networks in mind, Sony Corporation took a great advantage of this wonderful technology, which has proven to be successful and effective for its business marketing. According to information given on (Facebook), â€Å"the creation of this Facebook page was aimed at allowing the consumers to engage with the product. Additionally, this advertising campaign attracted more than 173,000 Facebook users that straight away linked to the Sony VAIO Page since September 24, 2010, approximately doubling the objective of catching 90,000 users, also unt il 2011, above 380,000 people had connected to the Page† (Facebook). Figure 1Example of Social Media based Adverting, Image Source: http://ads.ak.facebook.com/ads/FacebookAds/Sony_Vaio_CaseStudy.pdf Online Advertising and Promotion The cost of web based marketing and advertising depends on the experience that a company is looking for. However, the standard cost for per click is about a quarter. In fact, the majority of small size businesses are spending extremely little by performing associated marketing, with other websites to bring traffic to their website. In this scenario, they just pay the host website a proportion of their corporate based on the

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Program for Homeless Alcoholics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Program for Homeless Alcoholics - Research Paper Example One of the challenges the alcoholics face in the rehabilitation program is dealing with their own opinion of self- hesitation. Patients suffering from alcoholism addiction are meant to undergo therapeutic treatment within a program. They have several problems like handling life without reliance on the drugs that maintain them in addiction. Dipping onward in spite of these self- uncertainties are often the primary step in the way to a victorious recovery (Fineout-Overholt & Schultz, 2005). Besides being distrustful of themselves, there are frequently a few other individuals in the vicinity of the rehabilitation program who believe they will by no means conquer the challenges facing them. This is mainly true when the long-suffering individual is going in the course of rehab to regulate to life devoid of any limbs. This doubt often leads them back to alcoholism (Balas, & Boren, 2000). The sluggish process that is prevalent in affecting and physician treatment can over and over again be exasperating for therapy patients. This is predominantly factual when the patient is turning out to be worse instead of getting better during therapy. While in the process of a delay, it is problematical to remember that it is not extraordinary for alcoholic patients to obtain a small number of steps frontward only to go reverse to old habits. During these times when growth is sluggish or non- current, the patients have to over and over again appear away from the conditions of today and concentrate more on somewhere he or she needs to subsist for a number of months from the current day. From these challenges there is need to develop a plan for homeless alcoholics to go to in house rehab, learn a skill to help them get a job and at the end of the program assist them in finding a job and a place to live independently. Theoretical Framework The research will adapt the evidence-based put into practice models. These models have been developed to assist nurses move proof into effect (Dear holt 2008). The utilization of these models brings out a prearranged method to evidence-based put into practice, prevents unfinished implementation, and can make the most of use of treatment time and assets. There is no model of evidence-based put into practice is contemporary and can meet the requirements of all nursing environment (Feussner, & Demakis 2000). This proposal presents a methodical procedure that can be utilized by institutions to choose an evidence-based put into practice model that best tackles the requirements of a program. Rosswurm and Larrabee’s Model for Evidence-Based Practice Change Rosswurm and Larrabee (1999), from the University of West Virginia, urbanized a 6-step model to make possible a shift from conventional and perception -driven practice to implement evidence- based dynamics into practice (Figure 1.1). The model was experienced in the sensitive care experimental setting, but the writers imagine it is flexible to most important care surroundings . Below are the six steps of this model (Balas, & Boren, 2000). 1. Assess the necessitate for change in put into practice by comparing interior data with outside data 2. Association of the problem with procedures and products which has normal interventions, if potential 3. Combine the best proof (investigates and related evidence) 4. Intend a transform in put into pract

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Political and ideological discourse Essay Example for Free

Political and ideological discourse Essay America is founded upon some deeply disturbing prejudices, which are dangerously implanted in our youth at a young age. The impact is a sick culture, capable of terrible acts of impulse that are inspired by fear and contempt. This is at the core of The Crucible. In many ways, The Crucible, which recounts the awful details of the Salem Witch Trials, still resonates today. The term Witch Hunt is often invoked in modern social, political and ideological discourse to characterize any malicious or unfounded crusade against an innocent party or parties. The narrative of the 1954 Arthur Miller play helps to keep fresh the understanding of that which we are capable of at our worst, our most misguided and our most ignorant. In addition, it cautions against the type of repression which marked the Salem society, elucidating that such unnaturally draconian standards will inevitably cause revolt. Perhaps among the most shocking elements of the play is that which is revealed to the play’s reader in the introduction regarding the extraordinary young age of the girls. Acknowledging them as being barely out of their puberty, this introduction helps to pave the way for the cruel behavior perpetrated by such young aggressors, producing a useful discussion on the cultural impact bore upon our young by a culture that behaves with such virulent fanaticism. This also helps us in our consideration of the realities surrounding the witch trials, with Miller’s telling pairing with some historical notes of interest. These do help us to appreciate the danger tread by Americans in this context and in those modern parallels thereto. To this extent, the shocking detail noted in the introduction relates to the fact that in the years after the witch trials, when the state of Massachusetts had come to fully acknowledge and provide reparations for what had occurred, it did so with precious little remorse. Though it provided a small financial sum to the compensation of the Proctors—with John Proctor already deceased by execution—â€Å"perversely, damages were paid not only to the victims but also to such people as William Good, who was his wife’s accuser, and Abigail Hobbs, a ‘confessed witch’ who became a hostile witness. ’† (viii) In addition to this grotesque distortion of a reconciliation, the statement provided by the Governor accompanying this statement of apology would argue nonetheless that the accusers could be forgiven for their atrocities due to the fact that the time and place in question was â€Å"infested with a horrible Witchcraft. † (vii) This would seem a most unyielding apology. These observations lead to a number of questions concerning the play as a whole. Particularly, the fact of this unrepentence causes us to wonder whether Miller’s political enemies recognized the parallels suggested between McCarthyism and the Witch Trials. A second question wonders whether this play might have been made had not the era of McCarthyism begun to impact artists, authors and entertainers, even in spite of the fact that it was based on events more than 200 years passed. A final question as we enter further discussion on this subject questions whether or not—without a loaded intention—Miller’s analogy between the Witch Trials and the anti-communist loyalty trials of the 1950s. The story is presented with some dramatic elements which do not blunt but tend instead to make more relatable the impact of certain characters. The most prominent of distinctions from history is the set of dramatic liberties taken with regard to personal relationships, such as the affair between Proctor and Abigail, which would be a device intended to move forward themes of personal vindictiveness. Additional distinctions are the characterizations which in many contexts, Miller acknowledges, were intended as ‘composite’ sketches of groups of individuals identified by historical record. His characters were fictionalized for the purpose of economy. An additional detail of importance is that many of the character ages were altered in order to create dramatic tensions and possibilities central to the narrative action but distinct from historical accuracy. Ultimately, none of these distinction detract from the imposition of Miller’s message, which is that the danger present in this age would emerge once again in the era of McCarthyism, and perhaps we might argue, again today in the age of terrorism. Namely, we can see that fear of an unseen villain has bred a blind and irrational wave of paranoia and its attendant behaviors, establishing a society deeply vulnerable to exploitation and mob mentality. 2. Ultimately, it is impossible for this reason of mob mentality to place the blame for the horrific series of events upon any one individual. Though some appear as more insidious than others, and where others still will tend to even demonstrate remorse in eventuality, all individuals in the society may be said to play a hand in the disgrace for which Miller’s play accounts. Indeed, as much as the aggressive pursuit shown by some, it would be the spineless docility of others which would allow so many to lose there lives. Indeed, we may be immediately struck by how fast speculation is turned around in the sequence described by Act I. Here, the manipulative young girls escape culpability for deviant behavior by exploiting the primitive instincts of the townsfolk. Miller’s work seems largely fixated upon the easy and willing susceptibility of the Salem townsfolk to such a ploy. The story utilized fast sequence of narrative action in order to demonstrate the stunning quickness with which the Church moves to respond to allegations, eschewing sensible law enforcement or due process to instead begin a series of completely unfounded arrests. Indeed, the arrival of Hale, the specialist on witchcraft, brings with it a gloomy sense of foreboding that seems to target this man with the onus of blame for that which is to occur. With the sentence of death being the outcome to such proceedings as those brought forth, the reader is moved by the remarkably errant posing of Church authority. The courtroom drama which is used in the Third Act of the play is compelling if a little overstated. Here, the genuine hysteria has set in and the outrageous turnabout between first Mary and John toward Abigail and ultimately, Mary and Abigail toward John demonstrates the greatest problem of the play. It is clear that everybody is on trial, which we may denote is likewise how Miller views it. To his perspective, the town is indeed on trial for its behavior. The carnage and extremity of the outcome is perhaps less surprising therefore than something such as the reversal of Hale in the finally act. Initially, the reader views him as a sinister figure but it is clear by this juncture that the forces governing Salem had leapt far beyond his intent or control. The finality of the play here is unforgiving, as the accused are hanged with no redemption. The theme of intolerance as a crime of which the whole town is guilty is presented largely in the descriptions by Miller, who portrayed the Puritans as living in what â€Å"was a barbaric frontier inhabited by a sect of fanatics who, nevertheless, were shipping out products of slowly increasing quantity and value. † (4) Miller would describe them as a people who ‘forbade anything resembling a theater or ‘vain enjoyment. ’ We might therefore argue that the theme of intolerance is best exemplified by the impact which it has on the cruel and hateful children, made so by the puritan society. A contrary indication, given by the kindly Rebecca, notes that â€Å"a child’s spirit is like a child, you can never catch it by running after; you must stand still, and, for love, it will soon itself come back. † (24) Here, we are given an intuition otherwise absent from Salem, and much to the destruction of its people as it drives the neglected children to become ripe with meanness. Indeed, all are guilty, right down to the children who laughed while others died. Works Cited: Miller, A. (1964) The Crucible: A Play in Four Acts. Penguin Books.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

American Dreams Come True Every Day! Essays -- Essays on the American D

â€Å"Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness†¦Ã¢â‚¬  are the famous words every American hears throughout their lifetime. These words are part of America’s history through the Declaration of Independence, America is the only country where the â€Å"pursuit of happiness† is actually guaranteed in writing. What exactly are the â€Å"pursuit of happiness,† and the â€Å"American Dream?† As defined by most writers, such as Hemmingway, it’s becoming rich young and having the opportunity and will to do what you please with your wealth. To many foreigners, such as my father, the â€Å"American Dream† is just to escape poverty and retain a better life. Maybe, the â€Å"American Way† is philanthropy, making billions of dollars and giving some of it back to those who really need it. The â€Å"American Dream† is different to all people but always involves one common factor, the almighty â€Å"buck.† Current times call fo r new techniques in gaining the â€Å"American Dream.† The possibilities are endless through the World Wide Web, and the booming economy make it possible for anyone to make a good living.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Henry B. Plant is featured in the article â€Å"Florida’s hidden treasures: Museums, cultural parks† written by Copley News Service in the Washington Post for talking about his dreams. Plant had the goal of turning the Florida wilderness in to a â€Å"shining utopia.† His dreams came true, Plant created a historic museum in the Pinellas Suncoast. He’s able to provide historical information to the public whil...

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Liesel’s Obsession with Stealing Books

1. Given that the setting for the story was during Nazi Germany, the fact that Death is telling the story is no surprise. Since many lives were taken and lost during the Holocaust, the presence of Death adds an eerie feeling to the story. Death enhances the feeling of the story by giving us an interesting point of view of what he saw during the Holocaust. In the story, instead of enjoying picking up bodies, he tells the reader that he is tired of his job and complains about the constant workloads that war puts on his shoulders.Further more, there is even a part in the book where death indicates that he is loyal to Hitler’s causes since he took up hundreds and thousands of lives. Death attempts to resist Liesel because his hands are full. However he is unable to get away from her tragic life story, as she gives to her family and friends, and her interest in books. The ugly and beautiful thing about the characters is the war surrounded by humans is ugly and the love and friendsh ip to survive during bombs and bullets is the beauty. 2. Liesel’s obsession with stealing books is her revenge plan to get back at Hitler.Through the book she learns that words are powerful and very significant. She learns that books and their contents can show her the path to freedom from. She noticed that Hitler used word to get Germany against anyone who was different; consequently, she used those words to destroy what Hitler made. She noticed that Hitler used convincing words to push Germany against anyone who did not fit his list of likes. Accordingly, she used the same type of powerful, bold and convincing types of words to get back at him. 3. Death’s allure with the colors of the sky functions shows great importance in the form of imagery.It helps portray the mood of the story, as well as create an atmosphere. By focusing on the sky’s colors at the time of human death, Death suggests that there is a connection between the human death and the climate. The idea of each person that dies has there own color of sky represents a vision of a universe which cares about humans, and isn't indifferent to them. For Death, the colors are so edible, and he sucks on them for distraction while on the job. 4. Liesel steals The Grave Digger’s Handbook after her brother’s burial. She takes the book in as a reminder of her brother, and later sees it as reminder of her mother.In spite of the book being stolen and not to be discovered by Hans, the title of the book was a part of Liesel’s past that she wanted to keep secret therefore she hid the book under the mattress. When Hans first discovers the book, his reaction was quite surprising but later he discovered that it was a great deal for Liesel. Later Hans goes through the trouble of teaching Liesel how to read. The second book she steals is The Shcoulder Shrug from the bon fire on Hitler’s Birthday. The reason why she steals the book is because she comes to know that her pa rent's were taken away because they were communists.This act of book thievery becomes a way Liesel can get back at Hitler for taking her parent's. The third book she steals is The Whistler, from Ilsa’s library. The day that Ilsa refuses to take the laundry from Liesel, Ilsa offers the book to Liesel, but Liesel refuses it. Later, Liesel goes back to Ilsa’s house with Rudy to steal the book as an act of revenge against Ilsa. However, Liesel feels guilty for stealing the book because Ilsa was actually giving her the book and becomes grateful. Liesel writes a letter to Ilsa indicating that she will no longer steal from the library.As a result, Liesel is gifted a journal by Ilsa where Liesel is able to write her own stories. Stealing the book from the mayor’s house lead to a friendship with the mayor’s wife. Each night, Liesel goes down to the basement to write. Himmel Street was bombed. Liesel’s mama and papa and Rudy were dead due to the bombings. Ho wever Liesel was saved because she was in the basement, perfecting her book. In a way, words saved her life. 5. Some people find it difficult to go through a day, not being in an angry mood. The reason why Rosa became irritated was because she lost her job as a laundry maid.The way Rosa’s life is continuing makes her an angry and bitter woman. 6. Hans tthroughout the novel proves to be â€Å"worth a lot. † He ends up earning Liesel's trust and love by being the one who is there for her when she had nightmares every night. He also stayed with Liesel for many hours playing his accordion and teaching her how to roll cigarettes. Not only that, he taught Liesel how to read and was the only one to believe that Liesel had great potential. Liesel had a great attachment with Hans that made him feel like Liesel was his child.Normally, Trudy only comes to visit during the holidays for a day or two while Hans Junior detest his father for not being in the Hitler group. Liesel is th e only one that shows love, affection, and the true feeling of a daughter/child to Hans. Hans feels special when he is with her. On the other hand, Rosa appears to be a heartless bad-mouth woman. However, she is a very caring person but just doesn't show it. The hard times of poverty and working for the rich made Rosa a bitter woman. So instead of saying â€Å"I love you† to Liesel, she calls Liesel a Saumensch.However, Rosa also proves her love towards her foster daughter by gifting Max's journal to Liesel. Towards the end of the book, Liesel comes to realize how beautiful Rosa really is. For example, when Hans leaves for the war, Rosa stays up all night holding on to Hans' accordion and is quiet. Liesel learns that Rosa really does love Hans and is devoted to him. 7. Liesel sees love with abandonment because her mother left her in order to keep her safe. She understood why she was abandoned by her mother when Max abandons her, then Hans. They did not leave her because they didn't want to be with her but because they had to.Therefore, she was abandoned by circumstance because at the end, everybody leaves her because of the bomb. 8. Hans is guilty for Erik's life because Erik saved Hans life. During that time, Hans was a young person who didn't have his own family yet while Erik had a wife and a son. Hans Channels his guilt by trying to save others. Max also feels guilty because he constantly asking for Hans and Rosa's forgiveness for putting their lives in danger. â€Å"Living was living. The price was guilt and shame. † Erik feels guilty because he knows it's not fair for him to ask them for food, living place, and possibly their lives.He feels guilty for asking and the response of yes. He feels a little ashamed that he can't do these things for himself like he used to. 9. Liesel and Max are both haunted by their dreams. Liesel on one hand, dreams of her dead brother. On the other hand, Max dreams about the way he left his family. They're both victims of Hitler's hate. Max gives Liesel's life purpose because he helps her learn the power of words. As the days pass, Liesel and Max become really good friends. Max later gives Liesel â€Å"The Stanover Man† for her birthday to show his appreciation for her friendship.The significance of the story is that he writes his little book with the pages of Hitler's Mein Kampf. 10. To face Hitler it takes an immense amount of courage. During the time of the Holocaust Germany was a very dangerous place to live for people who opposed the Nazi party. Since the supporters of the Nazi party were the majority in Germany at that point in time, they also had an enormous amount of power. They could destroy the lives of people who opposed them in merely seconds. Thus, to oppose the Nazi’s while living in Germany took a large amount of courage.In the Hubermann’s house everyone showed the trait of courage tthroughout the book. For example, Rosa and Hans showed courage by hiding a Jewish person in their basement. Doing at the time could have cost both Rosa and Hans their lives. In addition Liesel shows courage by keeping the secret of the Jew in their basement. This can be called a courageous act because; if they were caught Liesel would have died along with her family. Rudy also showed an example of courageousness, not many boys have the courage to ask a girl to kiss them. 11. Liesel and Rudy started out as being neighbors and soon became best friends.Rudy loves Liesel and continuously tries to get her to kiss him. Though the truth is that Rudy is afraid of the day she will actually kiss him. On other hand, Liesel simply sees Rudy as a brother in the beginning. The two continue to be friends and steal together as well as go through tough times through out the book. Towards the end, when Liesel confesses to Rudy about Max she realizes how much she truly is in love with him. In my opinion Liesel had a hard time learning her true feelings about Rudy because, of the fear of abandonment by Death like her brother. Deaths statement describes that Rudy truly loves Liesel.

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Thelma and Louise: Micro Analysis

In this essay I will be analysing the closing sequence of the film ‘Thelma and Louise' written by Callie Khouri and directed by Ridley Scott. The focus of this essay on film language is mise-en-scene and sound/dialogue and how it is used to create meaning and generate response. In the beginning of this scene Thelma and Louise are driving and they suddenly come to a cliff edge. Louise slams on the breaks and manages to stop the car just before going off the edge. The dialogue between Thelma and Louise, ‘What the hell is this?' ‘I think it's the God damned Grand Canyon,' demonstrates their disbelief at how close they came to falling to their death. Thelma's question also illustrates how little she was allowed out of the house when she was living with Darrell. The next dialogue as the camera pans round the canyon is of Thelma and Louise's amazement at its beauty. Thelma says, ‘Isn't it beautiful?' Louise responds, ‘Yeah, it's somethin' else alright.' The camera pans around the canyon as if it was in the car and it is as if we are seeing through Thelma and Louise's eyes. The audience see how beautiful the canyon is. There is a slight pause in dialogue and movement, except the camera on a static shot of Thelma's face starring out in awe at the canyon. Then Thelma and Louise look at each other and the helicopter comes up from in the canyon taking them by surprise. The helicopter is black and symbolises the good verses evil of the modern western film. As the helicopter flies over tem Louise turns the car around and tries to run quickly coming to a stop and realising the huge convoy of police cars surrounding them and trapping them in a semi circle again the cliff. The helicopter flies behind the cars and lands, Hal and Max exit it. Again Thelma and Louise's dialogue is important here. Thelma says, ‘Oh my God. Look's like the army!' and Louise say, ‘All this for us!' Louise is astonished that anyone could ever pay this much attention to her even considering what they have done. Thelma and Louise are told to shut the car engine down and place their hands in plain view and that any inabili ty to do so will be considered an act of violence against the police. At this point you can see the strong oppositions in the setting and this reflects Thelma and Louise's point of view and decision about their situation. On one side of Thelma and Louise in the car you have the beautiful Grand Canyon, whereas on the other side you have the police line and capture. In the middle Thelma and Louise are stuck deciding what to do (give up or try and escape somehow), however the car is facing the cliff and away from the police so this indicates that they may have already made their decision. I have drawn a diagram to help explain my point: Bad Good Louise then starts to load her gun and Thelma asks what she is doing. Louise replies, â€Å"I'm not givin' up.† Thelma realises that Louise will try escaping using violence and realises she will be out numbered and they will both get shot. Thelma comes up with an idea of throwing themselves off the cliff. They would rather die than give up and surrender to the men in the forces and have to stand trial and be hanged for murder. The dialogue is then as follows: Thelma: â€Å"Ok then listen. Let's not get caught.† Louise: â€Å"Wha' do y'u mean?† Thelma: â€Å"Lets keep goin' (pause and there is a CU camera shot of Louise's shocked face) Go.† Louise: â€Å"You sure?† Thelma: â€Å"Yeah. Hit it.† This is the last thing we hear Thelma and Louise say in the film and it has strong significance. You as the audience know that they will not live and we feel sad because we have been wanting them to escape all the way through the film but then we also feel a great sense of joy that they won't get caught they are going to commit suicide and end their life on a happy note instead of a hanging. After the dialogue Louise kisses Thelma and this demonstrates the bond between them which has been so strong, but still grown, throughout the film. The audience is deeply moved by this as we admire them for having such courage and love for each other as to kill themselves. We then view their death which is all silent except for Max yelling, ‘Hey!' at Hal as he runs towards the car just before it speeds off over the cliff edge. Also the moving gospel like music which plays louder and with more harmony as Thelma and Louise get closer to the cliff edge. The music has had clips playing throughout the film and we recognise it instantly as an important part of the film. (The music always plays at important parts of the film.) The death involves lots of camera shots and changing angles and some slow motion which I shall now list below to avoid confusion. * Thelma and Louise Kiss * Shot of Hal's face with an expression of concern looking straight down the camera giving us the impression he is looking and Thelma and Louise. – Hal cares about what happens to the girls. He is the only male throughout the film who shows caring for either of them. * Louise revs the engine as she starts to drive * Hal starts to run towards them and Max yells * (Slow motion) Hal is running towards them from behind waving his arm in the air as if to say peace or wait to the girls. – He wants to try to save them. There is also a barrier of dust and we can't see the car though it. – This is what the police gunmen would be seeing; Hal and the dust are protecting the girls from getting shot. * (Normal speed) Two shots of the car driving, one of the front and one of the back. (The voices in the music begin.) * (Slow motion) Hal running from a front view. We see his expression and realise he wants the girls to stop. He wants to save them. He is the only caring concerned male. * (Normal Speed) Car driving towards cliff, we see a CU of the girls hands reaching out and clasping each other. – This is another powerful symbol of their bond. The voices in the music get louder and more harmonies come into the music. This provokes a strong emotional reaction from the audience as we know there is no going back now they are going to fast and will die, but we are happy for Thelma and Louise. * We see a shot of the back of the car and we see the first photo that Thelma and Louise took of themselves before going on their trip fly off the back seat out of the car and behind them. This symbolises Thelma and Louise being free spirits and that they are free from the oppression of males they have had all their lives. They are dead and free. * We see a shot of Thelma and Louise smiling at each other (Two separate shots of their faces which we assume are looking at one another) which illustrates they are happy with their decision and they love each other. Their hands are still clasped together. Reinforcing this image. * We see a CU of Louise flooring the cars accelerator pedal which represents the finality of it all. * Then we see the shot of the car leaving the cliff edge from a low angle shot. We are looking up at the car as it flies upwards then as it starts to come down the shot freezes and fades out to white. This is an alternative ending instead of watching the car free fall. It is better because it represents Thelma and Louise going to heaven and dying happily instead of seeing their horrible bloody death in the explosion as the car hits the bottom of the cliff. At this point the music is fully harmonised and very loud. The music throughout this scene has been used to build tension and convey strong emotion of the characters in the audience towards the end of the film. In conclusion I think that this essay has demonstrated adequately how mise-en-scene and sound is used to generate response and create meaning in the film Thelma and Louise. And I believe that the closing scene is one of the most provocative and emotional of the entire film.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

The boeing case essays

The boeing case essays As we have captured knowledge from reading articles and listening to news, we notice that competing in the aircraft is not an easy job. Companies need millions of dollars to develop a single airplane. This kind of business or manufacturing needs more than 100% accuracy, it concerns the life of millions of people. Building a plane needs an enormous budget; industries need to concentrate on research and development, and to have a high level of dependence on technology. Due to the enormous costs associated with developing a new airliner; a company has to be very fortunate to break even in 10 to 14 years. Usually 5 to 6 years of negative cash flow are associated with the development phase. The estimated costs for the Airbus A380 are between 10 billion to 15 billion. The enormous development costs alone forces the company to capture a significant share of the world demand to break even. Boeing and McDonnell had already got their business established through subsidies therefore in order for Airbus to be successful they had to do the same thing. I believe it was necessary for Airbus to receive subsidies to launch their program, because of the large costs and national interest in the industry. Without subsides, it would have taken Airbus a while to earn enough profit to finance the program themselves and by then, it would have been much harder or even too late to compete. Another reason Airbus needed subsidies were because the commercial aircraft industry requires very large expenses which includes production and labor. Airbus counters that its success was due to a good product and a good strategy, not subsidies; but they only acquired the state of the art technology through government funding. The European government felt the need to invest so much money into Airbus so that they could capture some of the market share that the U.S. companies had already done. Airbus i s a viable competitor not only because of good products and a good stra...

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Types of Columns and Architectures Classical Order

Types of Columns and Architectures Classical Order If your architect suggests a Classical order for your new porch columns, theres no need to return a blank stare. Its a good idea. An Order of Architecture is a set of rules or principles for designing buildings - similar to todays building code. Five Classical orders, three Greek and two Roman, comprise the types of columns we use even in todays architecture. In Western-based architecture, anything called classical means its from the civilizations of ancient Greece and Rome. A Classical order of architecture is the approach to building design established in Greece and Rome during what we now call the Classical period of architecture, from roughly 500 B.C. to 500 A.D. Greece became a province of Rome in 146 B.C. which is why these two Western civilizations are grouped together as Classical. During this time period, temples and important public buildings were constructed according to five distinct orders, each using a defined pedestal, type of column (base, shaft, and capital), and a different style entablature above the column. The Classical orders grew in popularity during the Renaissance era when architects such as Giacomo barozzi of Vignola wrote about them and used the design. In Architecture the word Order signifies a composition (in the same style) of a pedestal, a column, and an entablature, together with their ornamentation. Order means a perfect and regular disposition of all the parts of a beautiful composition; in a word, order is the opposite of confusion. - Giacomo da Vignola, 1563 Heres a brief overview of what the orders are and how they came to be written down. The Greek Orders of Architecture When studying an era-by-era timeline of ancient Greece, the height of Greek civilization was known as Classical Greece, from about 500 B.C. The inventive ancient Greeks developed three architecture orders using three distinct column styles. The earliest known stone column is from the Doric order, named for architecture first seen in the Dorian area of western Greece. Not to be outdone, the builders in the eastern Greece area of Ionia developed their own column style, which is known as the Ionic order. Classical orders are not unique to each area, but they were named for the part of Greece where they were first observed. The most ornate Grecian order, the latest developed and perhaps the most well-known by todays observer is the Corinthian order, first seen in the central area of Greece called Corinth. The Roman Orders of Architecture The Classical architecture of ancient Greece influenced the building designs of the Roman Empire. The Greek orders of architecture were continued in Italian architecture, and Roman architects also added their own variations by imitating two Greek column styles. The Tuscan order, first seen in the Tuscany area of Italy, is characterized by its grand simplicity - even more streamlined than the Grecian Doric. The capital and shaft of the Composite order of Roman architecture can be easily confused with the Greek Corinthean column, but the top entablature is much different. Rediscovering the Classical Orders The Classical orders of architecture might have become lost to history if it were not for the writings of early scholars and architects. The Roman architect Marcus Vitruvius, who lived during the first century B.C., documented the three Greek orders and the Tuscan order in his famous treatise De Architectura, or Ten Books on Architecture. Architecture depends on what Vitruvius calls propriety - that perfection of style which comes when a work is authoritatively constructed on approved principles. That perfection can be prescribed, and the Greeks prescribed certain architectural orders to honor the different Greek gods and goddesses. The temples of Minerva, Mars, and Hercules, will be Doric, since the virile strength of these gods makes daintiness entirely inappropriate to their houses. In temples to Venus, Flora, Proserpine, Spring-Water, and the Nymphs, the Corinthian order will be found to have peculiar significance, because these are delicate divinities and so its rather slender outlines, its flowers, leaves, and ornamental volutes will lend propriety where it is due. The construction of temples of the Ionic order to Juno, Diana, Father Bacchus, and the other gods of that kind, will be in keeping with the middle position which they hold; for the building of such will be an appropriate combination of the severity of the Doric and the delicacy of the Corinthian. - Vitruvius, Book I In Book III, Vitruvius writes prescriptively about symmetry and proportion  - how thick the column shafts should be and the proportional heights of columns when arranged for a temple. All the members which are to be above the capitals of the columns, that is, architraves, friezes, coronae, tympana, gables, and acroteria, should be inclined to the front a twelfth part of their own height...Each column should have twenty-four flutes... After the specifications, Vitruvius explains why - the visual impact of the specification. Writing specifications for his Emperor to enforce, Vitruvius wrote what many consider the first architecture textbook. The High Renaissance of the 15th and 16th centuries renewed interest in Greek and Roman architecture, and this is when Vitruvian beauty was translated - literally and figuratively. More than 1,500 years after Vitruvius wrote De Architectura, it was translated from Latin and Greek into Italian. More importantly, perhaps, the Italian Renaissance architect Giacomo da Vignola wrote an important treatise in which he more thoroughly described all five classical orders of architecture. Published in 1563, Vignolas treatise, The Five Orders of Architecture, became a guide for builders throughout western Europe. The Renaissance masters translated Classical architecture into a new type of architecture, in the manner of Classical designs, just as todays new classical or neoclassical styles are not strictly Classical orders of architecture. Even if the dimensions and proportions are not exactly followed, Classical orders make an architectural statement whenever they are used. How we design our temples is not far off from ancient times. Knowing how Vitruvius used columns can inform what columns we use today  - even on our porches.   Sources The Ten Books on Architecture by Vitruvius Pollio, Translated by Morris Hicky Morgan, Harvard University Press, 1914, Book I, Chapter II, Paragraph 5; Book III, Chapter V, paragraphs 13-14 The Five Orders of Architecture by Giacomo barozzi of Vignola, translated by Tommaso Juglaris and Warren Locke, 1889, p. 5

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Research in Motion Company Analysis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Research in Motion Company Analysis - Assignment Example MICRO ANALYSIS a) Demand Factors: The factors that affect the demand for Blackberry greatly vary from country to country since the customer’s preferences and their association with certain brands change based on their perception. According to the study, the share of RIMs worldwide sales of smartphones declined to 14 percent in the period last quarter of 2011 compared to last quarter sales of 20 percent for the same period. On the other hand, Apple’s share remained stable at 16 percent while Android was able to drastically lift its sales almost threefold to about 33 percent. (Miller, 2011) This was mainly due to the fact that the demand for Blackberry devices fell sharply during the last year owing to the success of its competitors. The unprecedented success of Samsung Galaxy S2 coupled by the low prices other Android phones were available in the market; Blackberry’s sales were badly dented. Therefore, the competitors’ factor played a crucial and a signific ant role in determining the demand for Blackberry devices. ... uth shift to smartphone devices, the competition will only toughen and with new and cheap competitors emerging from all parts of the world such as ZTE and Huawei from China, Blackberry will have to rethink its strategy to sell high-end phones to elites since now even the middle class wants to buy such phones. Although, the distinctive feature of Blackberry that resulted in high demands initially namely the BBM service has now been overcome by software’s like Whatsapp and Viber which offer similar services free of charge. Moreover, among the customers who were interviewed to inquire about their preference for buying a new phone in the next 90 days, only 6 percent stated their inclination towards Blackberry devices. Their main comment was that Blackberry has lost its competitive edge both in its shape and appeal. They complained that the bulkiness of the set and the loss of its distinctive feature have contributed to this disliking in the recent past. (Evan, 2010) a) Supply Fact ors: In comparison to this, the supply of Blackberry devices has increased in the past year since the analysts predicted future growth. Factors affecting supply are the demand itself and the price of the device. Other important factors include the technology and raw materials. Materials required for such a device are very unique and expensive, for example, cameras, LCD screen and processors. Therefore, being a company located in Canada, it has generally good access to the most essential raw materials although at times it has to import these materials from other manufacturers who have firm control over these resources in various parts of the world. Blackberry also holds an advantage since RIM is the sole manufacturer of its devices, therefore, they pay special attention to its hardware and the

Friday, November 1, 2019

The United States Air Force Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

The United States Air Force - Case Study Example Enlisted members are the â€Å"backbone† of the Air Force. They perform the primary jobs that need to be done. Enlisted members are â€Å"specialists†, trained to perform specific specialties in the military. As enlisted personnel progress up the ranks, they assume more responsibility, and provide direct supervision to their subordinates. Commissioned officers primary function is to provide overall management and leadership in their area of responsibility. Commissioned officers do not specialize as much (with certain exceptions such as pilots, doctors, nurses, and lawyers). Commission officers are commissioned through specific commissioning programs, such as one of the military academies. There are ten commissioned officer grades and commissioned officers outrank all enlisted personnel. In the process of making decisions, there are at least two acceptable processes; (1) rational, and (2) political. By definition and by practice the made a concerted effort to base its de cision-making on the rational process, which rests heavily on a analytic process. An analytic process can be defined as one which there are agreed upon methods for generating alternative solutions to problems, and for assigning values to the 2 benefits and costs expected from each of the alternatives. The USAF has computational methods readily available for calculating benefits and costs ratios once these values are assigned. assigned. The critical point here being, given the structure, size, importance and power influence, there is a strategic need to continually be in sync with the DOD, the President, Congress, and fellow military personnel. The essence of the rational process is the belief that, "all good persons, given the same information, will come to the same conclusion". USAF History According to the National Security Act of 1947 which created the Air Force, "In general the United States Air Force shall include aviation forces both combat and service not otherwise assigned. It shall be organized, trained, and equipped primarily for prompt and sustained offensive and defensive operations. The Air Force shall be responsible for the preparation of the air forces necessary for the effective prosecution of war except as otherwise assigned and, in accordance with integrated joint mobilization plans, for the expansion of the peace time components of the Air Force to meet the needs of war"( Act of 1947) The Air Force came into being after more than 30 years of debate on how best to incorporate an airpower presence into the nations demanding national defense program. The Air force approached the defense scene with the awesome ability to make a formidable presence known, seen,and felt across the globe, and provided the US with an immediate presence in the geopolitical arena. Melinger makes a salient point on the impact of the Air Force into the theatre of war, he says, "the USAF history is more than