The DVD Revolution Essay Research Paper The free essay sample

The DVD Revolution Essay, Research Paper The DVD Revolution Specific Purpose: To inform my audience about the characteristics and advantages of DVD picture. Cardinal Idea: The DVD picture format has superior sound and ocular quality to VHS, every bit good as more particular characteristics, which is why it should finally busy the topographic point of the VCR in American families. Introduction I? vitamin D like to get down things out by taking a study. How many of you remember holding a Cadmium participant in your house 15 old ages ago? Not really many of you, I see. Of class, we all have Cadmium participants now. It took a small over a decennary and some major monetary value beads, but finally we all threw out our old vinyl and cassettes and opted for the first-class sound quality and convenience of Cadmiums. Merely as the Cadmium took the topographic point of cassettes, many people believe the DVD, or digital versatile phonograph record, will shortly take the topographic point of VHS tapes. We will write a custom essay sample on The DVD Revolution Essay Research Paper The or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Many of you may non even cognize what a DVD is, so before I go any farther, allow me demo you what one looks like. ( Take out DVD phonograph record ) It? s the same size as a Cadmium, but it has two sides. Just like a VHS tape, it plays films straight on your telecasting. DVD picture participants were originally released in early 1997, and their first twelvemonth gross revenues were twice that of Cadmium participants, which is strong grounds that the DVD is here to remain. Why is the DVD so popular, and what makes it better than VHS? There are three chief grounds: sound quality, image quality, and particular characteristics sole to DVD. ( Passage: Let? s start with the sound quality of DVD ) Body I. The sound quality of DVD is far superior than that of VHS. A. DVD phonograph record utilize digital engineering, which is the same engineering used by compact phonograph record. 1. This means that you will acquire sharp and clear sound equal to Cadmiums. B. DVD participants are besides compatible with all environment sound formats. 1. For those of you who wear? T know, surround sound is a system of talkers set up across a room that provides a listening experience similar to being I in a film theatre. 2. The combination of a environment sound system and CD quality sound is best realized when listening to musicals like? Singing in the Rain? , or action movies with a batch of sound effects, such as? Starship Troopers. ? C. You have the ability to listen to different sound paths. 1. This means that on merely one phonograph record, you can listen to a film in a figure of linguistic communications, normally English, French, and Spanish. 2. You can besides listen to merely the musical mark, with the duologue and sound effects turned off. 3. Some discs even feature a running commentary by the histrions and manager while a film is playing. ( Passage: Now that you know a small abound the sound, allow me state you about some of the ocular characteristics of DVD ) II. Movies have neer looked better than on DVD. A. The image on a DVD participant is twice as crisp and clear than VCR participants. 1. As Entertainment Weekly author Micheal Glitz put it, ? ( Colorful films like The Wizard of Oz are ) so beautiful you? ll want to stop dead some scenes and leave them on your Television the manner others hang plants of art on their walls. ? 2. The image is already perfect, so you? ll neer have to gull with tracking once more. B. You can wa tch the film from two different screen ratios. 1. You can watch a film in widescreen format, which is when the screen has the small black bars at the top and the underside. This is the manner films are viewed in theaters. 2. You can besides watch the film in? pan and scan? format. This is how things usually appear on a telecasting screen. You won? Ts have the black bars, but you besides won? T be seeing the full image. C. You can watch some films with captions in several different linguistic communications. 1. Subtitles allow the hard-of-hearing to watch films without holding a closed caption characteristic on their telecastings. 2. Many people enjoy watching foreign movies with captions, instead than dubbed voices. This allows them to hear the original histrion? s voice, and non a transcriber. D. Some rubrics allow viewing audiences to set the camera angle on a scene. 1. You can step into the manager? s chair and name the shootings. You get to command the camera and expression at a scene the manner you want. 2. This characteristic is first-class to utilize on athleticss plans. You can watch a drama from multiple angles and size up every move made. ( Passage: In add-on to superior image and sound, you besides get extra characteristics found merely on DVD. ) III. DVD is more merriment and convenient than VHS. A. Each film starts out with a bill of fare screen. 1. From the bill of fare you choose what features you want, such as captions or a widescreen format. B. DVD allows you to jump to any scene in a film. 2. Just like jumping to your favourite vocal on a Cadmium, DVD allows you to travel straight to your favourite scene in a film. 3. You? ll neer have to trouble oneself with fast forwarding through the prevues, or rewinding at the terminal. C. You may besides acquire excess fillips. 1. This can include behind the scenes docudramas, games, original film dawdlers, or interviews with the dramatis personae and crew. Decision Harmonizing to an article by Steve Traiman in the September 5th, 1998 issue of Billboard, there are already about 800,000 DVD participants in North American families, and more than 10 times that sum in is expected in the following four old ages. And why non? In add-on to the characteristics I? ve listed above, participants can be purchased for around $ 300, there are over 1500 film rubrics available, and most of them cost between 10s and 30 dollars. One web site is even selling a DVD version of President Clinton? s expansive jury testimony for merely two cents. The DVD is to the VCR as the Cadmium is to the cassette participant. It may non be today or tomorrow, but finally the DVD will go the primary film format and happen a topographic point in your life room. Bibliography Articles Gallagher, Leigh. ? Global Bottom Fishing. ? Forbes September 21 September 1998: 274. Giltz, Michael. ? Move Over, VCR. ? Entertainment Weekly 25 September 1998: 109- 112. Traiman, Steve. ? DVD? s Steady Climb Mapped Out at Industry Conference. ? Billboard 5 September 1998: 111. Internet Beginnings DVD Centre. ? Warner Announces New DVD Pricing Plan. ? 11 July 1998. Uniform resource locator: hypertext transfer protocol: //web.ukonline.co.uk/s.roberts/wbprice2.htm. 5 October 1998. DVD Video Group. ? What is DVD Video? ? Uniform resource locator: hypertext transfer protocol: //www.dvdvideogroup.com/what/what1.htm. 5 October 1998.

The Worlds First Monster. The Ripper Professor Ramos Blog

The Worlds First Monster. The Ripper How do we decide what’s a monster? The actions they commit, their appearance, or the overall fear they inflict on us. The monsters we know that are fictional that we hear in stories are those monsters the ones we actually fear or is it the monsters that are real life people that commit disturbing, psychopathic acts of crime. I feel Jack the Ripper fills this monster role a person that was never identified in 1888 East London killing five women in butcher like fashion from August 7 1888 to September of 1888 then ended in the fall of the same year he left people I horror. Jack the Ripper was a real person a real monster that actually existed and left an impact on history. Thesis II: The Monster Always Escapes â€Å"we see the damage that the monster wreaks,the material remains (the footprints of the yeti across Tibetan snow, the bones of the giant stranded on a rocky cliff), but the monster itself turns immaterial and vanishes, to reappear someplace else (for who is the yeti if not the medieval wild man?†(Cohen 3) Jack the Ripper killed five women and was never caught leaving the crimes unsolved with the killer’s identity a mystery. Jack the Ripper’s killings were recorded from August 7 1888 to September 11 1888 then suddenly stopped in fall of that same year adding more to the Thesis that the monster always escapes. The 1988 film â€Å"Jack the Ripper† showed a decent representation of the criminal but did have its flaws the film didn’t show the victims after they were â€Å"killed† they just stated that they were killed. That takes away the effect Jack the Ripper had on Whitecapel the bodies Jack the Ripper left were horrific to look at and people were left in terror that a person like that was capable of psychotic killing methods. The film didn’t tell the real story in the film detective Abberline couldn’t catch the killer the entire film until he got leads he needed and testimonies. That ultimately helped him catch the killer which was the deranged doctor and during the detainment of the doctor he was injured so badly he was going to die so the commission ordered Abberline to keep Jack the Ripper’s identity a secret. This isn’t a good representation of the real life killer he was never caught the identity of Jack the Ripper is still unknown which makes the killer scary because nobody knows anything about the killer especially the police. Jack the Ripper sent the police letters telling them he was going to kill again each of the five murders were within a mile of each other these murders were planned out and the police were even informed and they still couldn’t stop the murders from happening. Jack the Ripper was pure evil a monster that the world never seen before and was putting fear into everyone. According to Monster Culture (Seven thesis) Thesis IV: The Monster Dwells at the Gates of Difference â€Å"any kind of alterity can be inscribed across (constructed through) the monstrous body, but for the most part monstrous difference tends to be cultural, political, racial, economic, sexual). (Cohen 7) Jack the Ripper applies to this theory because Jack the Ripper caused a culture shock throughout Whitechapal, East London he/she was no ordinary killer this person was sociopathic and was the world’s first serial killer but the condition the bodies were left in is what scared people the most the victims organs and limbs being removed cut up into several pieces. Also the letters Jack the Ripper sent police taunting them telling them about how there was going to be another murder and they couldn’t do anything about it. Jack the Ripper also goes with monster Thesis V: The Monster Polices the Borders of the Possible â€Å"from its position at the limits of knowing, the monster stands as a warning against the exploration of its uncertain demesnes. The giants of Patagonia, the dragons of the Orient, and the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park together declare that curiosity is more often punished than rewarded, that one is better off safely contained within one’s own domestic sphere than abroad, away from the watchful eye of the state.† (Cohen 12) The monster Jack the Ripper is at that border of exploration that we are terrified of the victims he mutilated and butchered was on another level of killing that the world had never seen up to that point Jack the Ripper is the ideal monster he fits multiple criteria of what we define as a monster they fear he put on the small town of Whitecapel, East London was the world’s first real killer. He was never caught or even identified for the murders he committed and even to this day is talked about as one of the world’s most infamous criminals in history the way he taunted the police with letters telling them he was going to murder again and the state of all his victims was a horrifying site. His murders were from August to September and the police never found any evidence of the killers identify or whereabouts. Jack the Ripper was a real life monster unlike the fictional monsters we all know in literature but Jack the Ripper left his mark on the world this the disturbing, psychotic ways of killing and taunting the police. No monster of fiction compares to the real life threat that was Jack the Ripper a killer with five deaths to his name and not being caught or even any lead on who he was just theories and mysteries are all that remain of the terror that was Jack the Ripper. Works Cited Monster Culture (Seven Theses) Jeffery Jerome Cohen â€Å"Jack the Ripper† 1988 Film directed by David Wickes Sugden, Philip the Complete History of Jack the Ripper AE TV Networks June 7, 2019 Walkowitz, Judith Feminist Studies, Vol. 8, No. 3 (Autumn 1982), pp. 542-574 Feminist Studies, Inc. Jack the Ripper and the Myth of Male Violence

M5 Reflection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

M5 Reflection - Essay Example In trying to work with schools, parents face various challenges as in some cases they are not given a chance to participate wholly in the activities that affect the student regardless of the academic goals they may have for their children. Parents seek to be more involved in the classroom and the school through ensuring what their involvement in what the students learn in school by encouraging two-way communications with the learning institution (Epstein, 2007). The parents can increase the participation of the community in the activities of the school or the community through arranging flexible time for volunteers, making sure leadership roles have been filled by parents and providing information on time among other activities (Marshall & Toohey, 2010). The parents should be able to believe in and make a commitment to including all the stakeholders including the school and the community to create a collaborative learning community, which can promote academic achievement for everyone. The parents should further value and have a commitment to implementing shared visions with the school and the community so that they can promote lifelong learning for the students as well as the community in

The Selection of Suppliers Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

The Selection of Suppliers - Essay Example Having done the reviews, considered the more subtle differences among the criteria and then developed a table containing all key criteria for selecting the suppliers The selection of the four projects was aimed to analyze the application of various criteria and consequently check the effectiveness of results in each case. Last but not least it was found that a developing a proper strategy in connection with selecting the suppliers is equally important to building any other business strategy. I conclude by referring to one of the diversification strategies – i.e. â€Å"Vertical Integration† introduced by Igor Ansoff. The vertical integration refers to either becoming your own supplier or become a distributor. It shows that sometimes suppliers become so problematic for a firm that it has to take such a turnaround strategy for buying a supplier. Introduction: In this competitive global market, every organization desires to accomplish its projects successfully. To ensure th e timely and successful completion of a project, firms need to analyze all possible pros & cons and then opt for the best solution – right from procurement to production of finished goods. It is a myth that in manufacturing supply chain management is not only the lifeline of any project but also decides a success or failure thereof.. Selection of suppliers, being a part of supply chain management, involves many criteria that govern the selection of suppliers. These criteria include quality of raw material, lead time required by the supplier, cost of raw material, delivery time, resources/ability for delivery, supplier’s reputation, etc. etc.. This paper intends to discuss these supplier selection criteria by analyzing the practical projects. The four different projects chosen include the production of electronic products, construction of a retail outlet, manufacturing glass containers and construction of residential buildings. The criteria for selection of suppliers fo llowed by these projects include quality of raw material, delivery time, cost of material and supplier’s reputation, respectively. Having analyzed these criteria, a comparison has been presented along with critiques and finally identified the best method to be opted for selecting the suppliers. Literature Review: Every business, in one way or other, is impacted due to stiff competition, increased globalization and unabated technological advancements. In such a prevailing hyper-competition, effective supply chain management has become not only important but also become a core of corporate strategy. Coyle, Bardi, and Langey (2003) pointed out that in order to cope-up with such a crucial business trend, it has become mandatory for the logistics managers to concentrate more on suppliers’ capabilities, conceptualizing, designing, and implementing the supply process. Traditionally, only a few criteria used to be followed in a supplier’s selection – i.e. materi al cost, delivery time and quality of goods (Smith et al. 1963).

Social Contraction vs. Ethical Egoism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Social Contraction vs. Ethical Egoism - Essay Example This theory also holds that it is alright to be this way; it is rational. However, in the real world, if everybody blindly followed their hearts desires then there would be chaos. To this situation, this theory calls for application of rationality from a different angle. This angle prescribes that people should cooperate with one another and cut down on the purely self serving pursuits. This aspect defines the social contract nature of this theory (Shafer-Landau 188). People will not live life to the fullest, but they will avoid a worse fate of being in constant upheaval with society. What constitutes upheaval? Economists answer this question through the hypothetical prisoner’s dilemma situation. In this situation, two individuals must undertake actions that are not beneficial to the other party. Since it is rational to do the best for ones self, then the individuals both undertake these actions knowing full well that the other party will suffer. In a life time, there are coun tless situations that mirror the conflicts in this hypothetical situation. Maximizing self interest as it turns out is not a worthwhile approach to life. People while be brutal indulging horrid actions just to stay ahead (Shafer-Landau 192). There will be no trust, hope or peace for those with the slightest urge to be â€Å"nice† hence the constant upheaval. ... These persons can range from parents at home to the government. Form this explanation; it is clear that cooperation needs more than one person. As such, this theory describes morality as a social phenomenon (Shafer-Landau 194). In the same way, this theory justifies the existence of moral laws; it justifies breaking these laws. It provides that, in the event, that cooperation fails then there is no need to uphold the moral laws. On the other hand, the theory justifies punishment of the law breakers. From this theory’s strengths, critiques derive dooming weaknesses. A moral theory has the duty to promote doing the right thing. However, this theory entertains the possibility of having a rational wrong for instance when a contract is void. Also, the approach of using rationality to justify action is lacking. As observed by Shafer-Landau (204) if the consequences of an unjust action are not as far reaching as the benefits, then it is rational to act unjustly. Much as, Hobbes tries to define rationality to co-exist with virtue, this is only possible in a world where justice prevails. In the event that the world is in a â€Å"natural state† (Hobbes description of anarchy), then being rational means survival for the fittest. A second theory that tries to define the extents of morality in regard to human behavior is ethical egoism. Ethical egoism describes how humans ought to act. Ethical egoism further asserts that moral duty should rely on doing actions that reflect best self interest. In doing so, one should not avoid actions that help others but is not under any obligation to pursue self interest in regard to the well being of others. Despite this radical stand, ethical egoism clearly states that self interest is not merely pleasure seeking.

The Impacts Of Invasive Alien Plants

The Impacts Of Invasive Alien Plants Chapter 1 Research on the impacts of invasive alien plants (IAP) on biodiversity, ecosystem services and processes have been well documented in the literature. Furthermore, the primary focus of this research was the negative impacts associated with IAPs when there are some benefits associated with these plants. Limited research has also addressed the issue of IAP impact on the livelihoods and well-being of local land-users. Seeing that limited resources are available to address the issue of IAP at large, quantification of stakeholder perception is needed to maximise IAP management. Through this thesis, an investigation into the spread and impacts of IAPs in the rural parts of the Agulhas Plain as well as the perceptions, uses, costs and benefits associated with IAPs and the importance of these plants to the livelihoods of the local communities was carried out. The purpose of this research is to provide a better understanding of the possible impacts of invasive plant species on the livelihoods of people. This local knowledge can aid researchers by providing context specific information about impacts, which can then be used for future conservation actions. Motivation The detrimental effects of IAPs on ecosystems and biodiversity, ecosystem goods and services the economy of human enterprises and human health have been well documented in the literature (e.g. Geesing et al. 2004, Nel et al. 2004, Shackleton et al. 2007). Invasion by alien species have been reported as a major threat to the biodiversity and functioning of sensitive ecosystems (Turpie et al. 2003, Richardson and Van Wilgen 2004, Van Wilgen et al. 2008). It has been shown that invasive species are very successful in competing for resources with native species and can modify fuel loads by changing the amount of litter fall (Behenna et al. 2008). Invasive alien plants are also capable of altering the natural nutrient fluxs by shifting the nitrogen content due to changes in the litter fall (Behenna et al. 2008). Dense stands of acacias along the rivers in the Western Cape replace and exclude native fynbos species (Blanchard and Holmes 2008). Invasive alien plants also pose one of the grea test immediate threats to floral diversity in the fynbos and have the ability capture vast amounts of water (Turpie et al. 2003). In contrast, research exploring the effects of IAPs on the livelihoods of local, rural communities has received little attention (McGarry et al. 2005, Shackleton et al. 2007). Not all of the impacts exerted by IAPs are negative as these plant species is a source of both costs and benefits (Bardsley and Edward-Jones 2006). Various plants have been introduced to South Africa for a variety of purposes (Van Wilgen et al. 2001). These include species intrudes for crop production, timber and firewood, garden ornamentals, for dune stabilisation and hedge plants (Van Wilgen et al. 2001). Several of these have become naturalized and some of the naturalized species are now invasive (Van Wilgen et al. 2001). Costs are experienced when these invasive species impede the functioning of social and ecological systems (Bardsley and Edward-Jones 2006). Benefits, on the other hand, are experienced when the same traits (such as hardiness and high fecundity) that lead to these species becoming invasives, contribute to their usefulness (Bardsley and Edward-Jones 2006). Rural communities are exposed to IAPs in different ways (Shackleton et al. 2007). The outcome is that that these communities have to weigh up the trade-offs between the possible positive benefits of IAPs as a natural resource and the negative impacts exercised by these species on ecosystem goods and services and in turn on human livelihood (Shackleton et al. 2007). It is generally accepted that the negative effects of IAPs on ecosystem goods and services are transferred directly to human well-being (Shackleton et al. 2007). This has been proven otherwise by researchers such as de Neergaard and others (2005), Shackleton and others (2007) and Kull and others (2011) who illustrated that IAPs can be integrated significantly by local communities in their lifestyles as either a source of tannins and timber, for firewood, building material, as well as for medicinal extractions and financial income by selling of firewood. Working for Water (WfW), an IAP eradication programme, was launced in 1995 with the aim of restoring natural capital by controlling invading species and enhance water security (Van Wilgen et al. 1998). Simultaneously, the programme aims to alleviate poverty by providing employment to underprivileged communities (Van Wilgen et al. 1998). To date, the WfW programme has developed into one of the biggest conservation projects in Africa with regard to manpower, costs and impact (Ndhlovu 2011). Immense sponsorships have contributed towards extensive areas being cleared and a large numbers of individuals being employed (Binns et al. 2001, Turpie et al. 2008). Conversely, the socio-economic benefits of the WfW programme have not been wholly assessed regardless of the programmes extensive activities and substantial sponsorships associated with it (Turpie et al. 2008). Additionally, the use of these plants by rural communities is not well understood and seldom integrated into eradication programmes as stated below: The lack of information on the socio-economic impacts of IAS has been singled out as a major barrier to the implementation of comprehensive national IAS management programmes and as one of the main reasons for the failure of IAS issues to feature prominently in the mainstream agenda of most countries (Peter, 2009). Quantification of stakeholder perception on the impacts of IAPs is essential in order authorize an argument for the control and management of invasive plant species (Peter, 2009). Though it is vital to understand anthropogenic impacts on landscapes and ecosystems through ecological knowledge of invasive species, an improved understanding of the social processes is also required to inform both species management and conservation policy (Peter 2009). There is a shortage of information regarding the socio-economic impact of alien species presently found in South Africa. Even in well studied areas such as the Cape Floristic Region, the range of the impact of invasive plants is poorly understood. Additionally, limited research has also been done with regard to the socio-economic impacts of alien eradication programmes in the Western Cape. Consequently, there is a need for comprehensive research that investigates the holistic impacts (both negative and positive) of IAPs on the livelihoods and well-being of local communities. Goals and Objectives Considering the above, the objective of this study was to assess the effects and impacts of IAP infestation on human well-being, with the focus on the effects of IAPs on the livelihoods of rural land users in the Western Cape, South Africa. The main research question that directs the study is as follow: What are the impacts of invasive alien plants on the livelihoods of rural land users? This research question was broken down into seven key questions. These key questions were adapted from the literature (see McGarry et al. 2005). Key Questions What is the significance of the natural environment to the community? What are peoples attitudes towards and perceptions of IAPs ? How important are IAPs for human well-being and livelihoods? Are the IAPs used for sustenance, for domestic requirements, etc.? Are IAPs sold to provide an income? Does the local community perceive IAPs as having a positive or negative impact on spirituality, culture and/or aesthetics? How do IAPs in the area affect the supply of (other) ecosystem goods and services which are important to peoples livelihoods? What are peoples attitudes towards IAP management? What are the impacts of IAP eradication programmes on livelihoods? What is the impact of IAP distribution on land-use practices? What are the long-term and short-term gains and losses for human well-being and livelihood as a result of IAP impact? The study site is highly dependent on areas where rural communities are still highly reliant on generating an income from the land. Additionally, the study site must also comply with the use of IAPs by the local community and in the same light IAPs must be potentially regarded as a problem by the local community. The Agulhas Plain, situated within the Cape Floristic Region (CFR), has been selected as the focus area for this study as it meets the above mentioned criteria. Study area The Agulhas Plain (AP) is located within the CFR which is internationally known as a global biodiversity hotspot (Turpie et al. 2003). The CFR, known for its Mediterranean type climate, is the most floristically rich of the seven diverse biomes allocated in South Africa with an estimated 9600 plant species of which 70% are endemic (Richardson and Sekhran 2009). The AP, comprising an area of 270 000 ha, is located at the southern-most tip of South Africa and is a species-rich area known for its fire-prone coastal lowland fynbos and infertile soils (Richardson and Sekhran 2009, Treurnicht 2010). It is internationally recognised as a centre for endemism (Treurnicht 2010). This area is however increasingly threatened by habitat transformation and alien plant invasion (Turpie et al. 2003), the latter being the focal point of this study. Fynbos wildflower farming and harvesting, particularly from natural vegetation, forms an integral part of this areas economic activity and contributes immensely to this regions agricultural sector (Treurnicht 2010). This has been shown Turpie and others (2003) who stated that natural fynbos vegetation are estimated to be accountable for 57.6% of the CFRs turnover, which were equal to R90.5 million in the year 2000. The Agulhas Plain is practically responsible for the largest part of this turnover (Turpie et al. 2003). Study limitations It was not possible to do a systematic and exhaustive research in all the areas on the Agulhas Plain were IAP infestation occurs due to the time limitation of this study. It was thus decided to do a detailed and comprehensive micro focus i.e. case study on the socio-economic impacts of invasive alien plants and to gather as much consistent information as possible by means of interviews. Elim and the surrounding farming communities were accordingly selected as the study group. Study site selection Elim and the surrounding farming communities were chosen as the best suitable study site according to the following reasons: It was established during the visits prior and during the pilot study that this rural settlement and its neighbouring farms still relies on woody IAPs as either a primary or a supplementary source of energy. It was noted during field visits that the areas surround the settlement as well as the neighbouring farms are invaded to a substantial degree. There has been active alien eradication programmes in the area since 1998 i.e. Working for Water as well as LandCare under the departments of Water Affairs and Agriculture respectively. Thesis outline Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Literature Review Chapter 3 Methods, Results and Discussion Chapter 4 Implications for management and policies

The American Cultural Configuration :: Sociology, Family, Religious Views

In the text, â€Å"The American Cultural Configuration† the authors express the desire of anthropologists to study their own culture despite the difficulty that one faces attempting to subjectively analyze their own society. Holmes and Holmes (2002), use the adage â€Å"not being able to see the forest through the trees† (p. 5) to refer to how hard it is for someone to study something they have largely taken for granted. The Holmes' article focuses predominately on paradoxes within our own culture, many of which we don't notice. In a paradox, two contradicting statements can appear to be true at the same time. This essay looks at two paradoxes commonly found in everyday life: the individual versus the family and religion. When you think about family, what is the first thing that comes to mind? If you only thought about your parents or close relatives then you may have been caught in an â€Å"individual vs. family† paradox. Nearly every culture considers family important, but â€Å"many Americans have never even met all of their cousins† (Holmes & Holmes, 2002, p.19). We say we are family oriented, but not caring to meet all of our extended family seems to contradict that. Individual freedoms, accomplishments, and goals are all American ideals that push the idea of individualism. What's important to note is that family or even the concept of family itself doesn't appear in any of those ideals. Holmes and Holmes (2002), observed that â€Å"The family reunions of yesterday are now rare, and when they occur they are often a source of stress.† (p. 19) That quote solidifies one reason why family interaction today is : it's just too stressful, so we avoid it. Where does marriage fit i nto our culture of individuals? Marriage itself may be less of a family unifying event than a way for two individuals to obtain personal happiness; the climbing divorce rate alone seems to suggest the devaluation of commitment in a relationship. Likewise, the Holmes and Holmes (2002) state â€Å"marriage is in effect a continuation of courtship† (p. 19) In my opinion, I would have to agree with the authors on family and marriage, considering the above-stated facts and trends. If we, as a nation, can place the individual so far above our own relatives, are we not creating a future of selfishness? Religious views are virtually unquantifiable on their own, but the effects of those views are very much measurable.

Dangerous Sports Essay

In recent years we have seen a considerable rise in dangerous or extreme sports. This essay shall discuss some of the main reasons why people engage in such sports and suggest ways in which some risks involved in such sports can be reduced. The main reason why people go for dangerous sports is that they get the thrill out of them. They like taking risks. They like to challenge their abilities and potentials. They feel a sense of satisfaction when they come face to face with fears while bungee jumping, rock climbing and so on. In addition, going through a dangerous experience gives them courage and confidence to face the hurdles of their daily life. Another reason for pursuing such sports is that there is a lot of fame and money involved in them. They get attention by doing stunts on motorcycles and jumping from tall buildings. They make headlines in newspapers and TV News Channels. They feel great when their name comes in the Guinness Book of World Records. Once they get famous they get a lot of money also. For instance, many businesses hire them to endorse their products. They also get jobs on the basis of such skills. Many steps can be taken to reduce the risks are that involved. Firstly, these sports should be done under strict supervision. All safety precautions should be taken. Such sports should be performed after sufficient training and under supervision of adults. Sport companies which cater to such sports should require a license for providing such training. Some people suggest banning some sports. However, I do not believe that banning is a good solution. We all know that forbidden fruits taste sweeter and people will do such sports in hiding which would increase the risks involved. To put it in a nutshell, I pen down saying that, people do such sports for fun, for money and for fame. However, such sports should be performed after sufficient training from licensed companies and under some supervision.

The Pearl Review

'The Pearl' Review The Pearl (1947) is somewhat of a departure from some of  Ã¢â‚¬â€¹John Steinbecks earlier works. The novel has been compared to Ernest Hemingways The Old Man and the Sea (1952). The seeds of Steinbecks The Pearl began to germinate in 1940 when he was traveling in the Sea of Cortez and heard a story about a young man who found a large pearl. From that basic outline, Steinbeck reinvented the tale of Kino and his young family to include his own experiences, including in his novel the recent birth of a son, and how that exhilaration affects a young man. The novel is also, in some ways, a representation of his long appreciation of Mexican culture. He made the story into a parable, warning his readers of the corrupting influences of wealth.​ Be Careful What You Wish For... In The Pearl, Kinos neighbors all knew what good fortune could do to him, his wife, and his new baby boy. That good wife Juana, they said, and the beautiful baby Coyotito, and the others to come. What a pity it would be if the pearl should destroy them all.Even Juana tries to throw the pearl into the sea to free them from its poison. And she knew that Kino was half insane and half god... that the mountain would stand while the man broke himself; that the sea would surge while the man drowned in it. But, she needed him yet, and she would follow him, even as he admits to his brother: This pearl has become my soul... If I give it up I shall lose my soul.The pearl sings to Kino, telling him of a future where his son will read and he may become something more than a poor fisherman. In the end, the pearl doesnt fulfill any of its promises. It only brings death and emptiness. As the family returned to their old house, the people around them said that they seemed removed from human experienc e, that they had gone through pain and had come out the other side; that there was almost a magical protection about them.

khan essays

khan essays Morris Rossabi was the first to write this English-language biography on the man, Khubilai Khan. Rossabis book first goes into the Mongol history and how they started to emerge from the Steppes of Mongolia and how they were able to invade China with success. The rest of the book is on Khubilai Khans rule in China and how what he did as an Emperor for the Chinese culture and how the Mongol control in China crumbled after his death in A.D. 1294. Rossabi does this well by starting how with telling about the Mongols first before jumping into Khubilai Khan. The Author then goes into detail how Khubilai Khan then came to power. Rossabi even brings up Khubilai Khans mother and what type of person she was. Sorghaghtani Beki was a remarkably intelligent woman and had high ambitions for her sons. Rossabi also mentions that Khubilai Khan, when he became Emperor, also held a court that had many different types of thinkers and people of different beliefs. It was Khubilai Khans court that the great European explorer, Marco Polo, reached and traded with. While Rossabi does a great job of covering everything in Khubilai Khans history, he makes the text dry. Rossabi seems to slug his way through the social and economic problems and programs that Khubilai Khan had. He then brings this section up again later on in the book with the Mismanagement and the Chinese Response chapter. Overall, Rossabi does a good job on this history of Khubilai Khan. He was able to take a figure that to the western mind was a mythical or legendary character. Rossabi, though somewhat dry, wrote a book that is filled with information about the man and the time that he lived in. Rossabi was the first man to create the heaven and earth and started checking out what the world would had been if he was not there. I hope he gets to go to his place because Im very excited for him to be with me for the rest ...

Medical Marijuana and the impact on hiring and drug testing Essay - 1

Medical Marijuana and the impact on hiring and drug testing - Essay Example With increased medical marijuana legalization, questions are propping up as to how this would affect the workplace bearing in mind that most of those who consume it are worker. Most especially, human resource managers are concerned as to how the law would impact on the employment hiring process. The complexity of the matter is increased by the fact that those allowed to use marijuana for medical purposes also have a disability which is protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act and by the Civil Rights Act. Failing to hire such individuals in such states could be considered as a form of discrimination but employers get reprieve in that the Federal law does not offer protection for such cases. As such the issue is very complex needing careful consideration by employers especially in formulation of their zero-tolerance policies or maintaing a drug-free workplace. This essay will present the views of human resource managers on how medical marijuana impacts on employment hiring p rocess. The two human resource managers whose views will be presented here are Mr. Xi Zhao of Uterpy Music Company and Mr. YiChao Wan of Lucky Garden Chinese Restaurant. Uterpy Music company is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts one of the states that legalized medical marijuana in 2012. It is a social media company (Internet industry) and the largest social website for people who love music. It aids musicians with networking; collaborating and also getting noticed (Uterpy.com). Lucky Garden Restaurant in the hospitality industry is located in Melbourne, Florida whose medical marijuana bill became law in June, 2014 after being signed by Governor Rick Scott. The company offers catering services and provides wide array of Chinese dishes. The two human resource managers were interviewed using a questionnaire containing wide range of questions as to how the law impacts on

Human Resource Assignment (Hospitality Industry) Essay

Human Resource Assignment (Hospitality Industry) - Essay Example In other words, the service sector can be termed as hospitality sector (Simmering, 2006). One of the most important aspects to remember is that the service or hospitality industry deal with selling customer satisfaction and it is not an easy task. Training is the responsibility of the Human Resource Management. Additionally, they also take care of employee recruitment and make sure that employees' abilities are precisely and favourably nurtured to best suite the companies' requirement. However, today several such industries lack proper training resulting in failures. This paper analysis the reasons for the success and failures of training programs in the hospitality industry. Customer satisfaction is the main job of any hospitality industry. Hospitals are a part of this industry and make sure that the patients are given at most care and support for recovery. Aviation industry is involved in flying passengers with all comforts to their destinations. Similarly, hotel's don't sell rooms or a place to sleep rather they sell customer fulfilment and comfort. Food industry or a restaurant is not just the business of selling food, but they sell service, luxury and comfort. It doesn't matter what service or hospitality industry, customer satisfaction is of great importance (Bacal & Associates, N.D.). There are several reasons as to why the training aspects are not taken up with all seriousness. Employees in the hospitality arena oppose or dislike training because they believe that they are already trained. Most of them believe they already have the requisite skills to do their job reasonably well (BNET, 1998). In recent decades the attitudes and awareness to training has changed to a great extent. Historically, training applied more to manual and enhanced the trade skills through apprenticeships. With the help of current technology the training skills to a great extent has developed and improved to cover all aspects of modern business and industry. There are three broad approaches according to Armstrong (1999 Cited in cookeryonline.com) to training. The first one is about the adoption of lassie-faire approach believing that employees will find out what to do for themselves or through others. For instance if skill shortages were to be encountered, they would set right the circumstances by poaching staff from other organisations that invest in training. In a second type of organizations, they may invest in training in good times, i.e. when they have enough funds, but in bad times training budgets will be the first to be cut. Thirdly organisations that take on a positive training philosophy do so because they recognize the fact that they live in a world where competitive advantage is achieved by having higher quality people. This goal cannot be achieved if proper investment in developing the skills and competencies of their employees is not taken up. Training is the practical move toward rather than reactive approach designating t raining as a permanent and on-going process within the organisation. There are several factors that need to be considered for any company to design an effective training programme. For instance, it is said that training