Internet Protocol Is The Process Of Transmitting And...

Internet Protocol television (IPTV) is the process of transmitting and broadcasting television programs through the Internet using Internet Protocol (IP). A broadband connection is used as the medium of transmission for IPTV. Along consumers to tune in to their favorite programming when, where, and how they want. Improving the user experience compared to a traditional television transmission such as radio frequency broadcast, satellite broadcast and/or cable television. When downloading a file from the Internet, the file doesn’t travel in one big piece, as might be expected. Instead, it s broken up into small pieces, known as packets sent to specific IP address, a numeric address given to every computer on the Internet (194.66.82.11). Therefore every computer has a unique identifying number known as an IP address much like houses and street address. The Internet can be used for many things: sending emails, downloading files, making telephone calls VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol), and now watching TV using IPTV. Traditional TV programs are broadcasted through a rooftop antenna, satellite dish, phone line, coaxial cable or fiber-optic cable. With traditional linear programming someone else has decided what you can watch on TV and when you can watch it, since certain programs come at certain times. As, channel lineups have grown over the years, referring to Appendix A. Of all the channels in the lineup, selection is still limited because of time slot programming andShow MoreRelatedLive Streaming5704 Words   |  23 PagesLive  streaming media  is the transmission over the Internet of video of an event as it happens. Streaming is a form of online video in which the site sends video footage to a user’s machine â€Å"on the fly† rather than as a complete file. It’s akin to the difference between watching a TV show as it airs and watching a  DVD. Live streaming media is different than on-demand streaming. With the latter, the content has previously been recorded. The user then accesses it at a time of their choice, though itRead More Technology in Advertising Essay example2467 Words   |  10 PagesAs papers continued to flourish, so did technology. The history of radio began in 1873 with a publication, by the British physicist James Clerk Maxwell, on his theory of electromagnetic waves. The concept of using electromagnetic waves for the broadcasting of messages from one location to another was not new. The heliograph, for example, successfully transmitted messages via a beam of light rays, which could be transformed by a shutter to carry signals in the form of dots and dashes, Morse code.Read Moreâ€Å"Telecommunications vs. Information Services†2358 Words   |  10 Pagesinformation services, more specifically†¦the internet. The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) is the Government appointed regulating body that would be responsible for completing the aforementioned task. The reason there is virtually no regulation of the internet is because there is virtually no legislation concerning the service. However, there is legislation acknowledging the internet and the need to promote its development and availability to the public. The internet is typically made available to theRead MoreWireless Technology Essay16392 Words   |  66 Pagesthe form of electromagnetic waves. One of the biggest outcomes from this finding was his ability to learn that these waves could be polarized, refracted and reflected which is similar to light. Hertz used an end-loaded half-wave dipole as the transmitting antenna and a resonant half-wave receiving loop operating at a wavelength of 8 meters to produce what is known as short radio waves. He focused the waves with a reflector and showed their presence by means of sparks in the wire loop gap that wasRead MoreReport On Cellular Systems And Computer Science10 329 Words   |  42 Pageshandovers/handoffs. Components of cellular system: Cells: A cell is the basic geographic unit of a cellular system. The term cellular comes from the honeycomb shape of the areas into which a coverage region is divided. Cells are base stations transmitting over small geographic areas that are represented as hexagons. Each cell size varies depending on the landscape. Because of constraints imposed by natural terrain and man-made structures, the true shape of cells is not a perfect hexagon. Cell clusters:Read MoreCisco Systems, Inc.: Collaborating on New Product Introduction12030 Words   |  49 Pageslocations around the world for an important meeting. The purpose of the gathering was to get the green light from senior management to manufacture a new high-end router that would make the giant networking company more competitive in an age of surging Internet traffic.1 The project’s code name, Viking, said it all. The router for broadband service providers would break ground in power and speed, reminiscent of the Norse warriors and explorers of Europe during the eighth to eleventh centuries. The meetingRead MoreManaging Information Technology (7th Edition)239873 Words   |  960 PagesTechnology Chapter 2 Computer Systems 17 19 Basic Components of Computer Systems 20 Underlying Structure 20 Input/Output 20 Computer Memory 21 Arithmetic/Logical Unit Computer Files Control Unit 23 23 25 The Stored-Program Concept 25 Types of Computer Systems 28 Microcomputers 29 Midrange Systems 30 Mainframe Computers Supercomputers 33 34 Key Types of Software 34 Applications Software 36 An Example of an Application Product Personal ProductivityRead MoreIti Industrial Training Report16491 Words   |  66 Pagespractices and get the practical knowledge of what we have studied. 1.2. INDUSTRY PROFILE Telecommunications Industry Telecommunications industry deals with the activities and services of electronic systems for transmitting messages through cables, telephone, radio or television. Components and factors responsible behind the growth of telecommunications industry Two major factors responsible for the growth of telecommunications industry are use of  modern technology and market competition. OneRead MoreProject Managment Case Studies214937 Words   |  860 Pageshandout provided by instructor) An International Project Manager s Day (C) (see handout provided by instructor) An International Project Manager s Day (D) (see handout provided by instructor) Ellen Moore (A): Living and Working in Korea 177 Ji nan Broadcasting Corporation 196 4 PROJECT MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURES 205 Quasar Communications, Inc. 207 Jones and Shephard Accountants, Inc. 212 Fargo Foods 216 Government Project Management 220 Falls Engineering 222 White ManufacturingRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 Pages52 Intellectual Abilities 52 †¢ Physical Abilities 55 †¢ The Role of Disabilities 56 Implementing Diversity Management Strategies 56 Attracting, Selecting, Developing, and Retaining Diverse Employees 56 †¢ Diversity in Groups 58 †¢ Effective Diversity Programs 58 Summary and Implications for Managers 60 S A L Self-Assessment Library What’s My Attitude Toward Older People? 40 Myth or Science? â€Å"Dual-Career Couples Divorce Less† 47 An Ethical Choice Religious Tattoos 51 glOBalization! Images of Diversity

Human Trafficking A Global Issue - 1280 Words

The African Slave Trade began long ago in the 15th Century, after the Portuguese started exploring the coast of West Africa. It is now six centuries later and we as a human race still cannot say that slavery has ended. Since the onset of African slave trading, trafficking of women and children has since developed and atrociously branched into the trafficking of human organs as well as sex. It wasn t until several hundreds of years later that the Emancipation Proclamation would be created and signed. President Abraham Lincoln ordered and issued the Emancipation Proclamation as a war measure for the sole purpose of abolishing slavery in the United States during the Civil War. As time passes on, it seems to have been nothing as†¦show more content†¦Despite the century, year, month, day or location of this hideous act of crime toward humans, labor trafficking is wrong. People continue to be deceived and trapped into a contract agreement which leads to nowhere. These contract s are working commitments made by the victims in exchange for freedom, better living conditions, financial security, relief of debt, or anything of importance to them. They always end up believing that if they work for a little bit longer, things will work out in their favor. But in the end, the victims always end up being disappointed. Despite the many actions that are being taken to eradicate labor and human trafficking as a whole, it never seems to be enough or enough to make statistics drop significantly. In 2000, the United Nations adopted three Protocols under the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Together they would set a system of rules to explain the proper conduct, procedures and consequences of trafficking in persons, smuggling of migrants by land, sea and air as well as manufacturing and trafficking firearms. It now finally also recognizes all types of human trafficking as well as the victimization of men (Oyster). It is such a common thought that human trafficking only recognizes women, which is so untrue. Getting closer to current times, in 1949, the United Nations came together for a convention involvingShow MoreRelatedHuman Trafficking Is A Global Issue1322 Words   |  6 PagesFollowing the development of globalization, human trafficking is getting worse and worse. The human trafficking is a global issue that everybody should care about. Lots of young people become a victim of human trafficking, whether in developing countries or developed countries. Some organ izations and governments are beginning to solve this problem, but it is very hard to complete. Human trafficking, which is no respecter of national frontiers, is considered as a serious crime that has disturbed manyRead MoreHuman Trafficking as a Global Issue1405 Words   |  6 Pagesa situation of servitude or forces labour – or the slave trade – the sale and transfer of vulnerable, exploited persons’ (2009, p.5). Essentially, Eaves points out that the issue of global slavery is not, and has never been, a large scale issue of the past, as so many would assume, it is a contemporary, large scale global issue which is startlingly and vastly present, with approximately 27 million ‘enslaved people worldwide, nearly three times the number of slaves traded during the height of the transatlanticRead MoreHuman Trafficking : A Serious Global Issue1404 Words   |  6 PagesHuman trafficking is and has been a serious global issue that dates as far back as Greek and Roman times. It became extremely prevalent in the 1600s with the introduction of the African slave trade to North America; it had begun in the early 1400s in Europe and Portugal (Source 1). However, as time progressed, another serious form of human trafficking gained â€Å"popularity†; sex trafficking. Sex trafficking is an â€Å"umbrella term† that includes many different commercial sex work. For example, â€Å"prostitution†¦Read MoreHuman Trafficking : Global Issues Research2113 Words   |  9 Pages Human Trafficking Global Issues Research Paper 22 April 2016 Professor Owens Ashlyn Dumas Abstract: Human Trafficking is something that goes around all over the world. In this essay I will discuss what human trafficking is, how it is done and give three countries who are mainly known for this kind of inhuman act. The three countries are countries that are vey much known and are known as Bangladesh, Brazil and Ghana. All three countries are known for tourism so human traffickingRead MoreHuman Trafficking : Global Issue Of Modern Day Slavery2146 Words   |  9 Pages Human Trafficking: Global Issue of Modern Day Slavery Hannah Melson Tri-County Technical College Abstract Although slavery or forced labor is commonly thought to be just a thing of the past, human trafficking is a billion dollar illegal industry. Traffickers responsible for this crime make profit trapping millions of people in horrendous situations around the world, including right here in the United States. Traffickers commonly use violence, deception, fraud, threats, and other manipulativeRead MoreHuman Trafficking Is The Issue That Widely Being Concern Under The Global Governance2920 Words   |  12 Pages0 Introduction Human trafficking is the issue that widely being concern under the global governance. The worst issue included more than 15,000 innocent little children (Asghar, Farhat, Niaz, 2005, p.6) aged as young as three years old that not only being smuggled, but being slave and terrifying being abuse to work as camel jockey in UAE. United Nation under Article 3, paragraph (a) of the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons define human trafficking as recruitment byRead MoreSex Trafficking Is A Huge Global Health And Human Rights Issue Affecting Roughly 152 Countries Around The World1437 Words   |  6 PagesBy the time you finish reading this paper nearly 23 children around the world will be victims of sex trafficking. Sex trafficking is a huge global health and human rights issue affecting roughly 152 countries around the world (Greenbaum Crawford-Jakubiak, 2015). The United Nations describes sex trafficking as â€Å"the recruitment, transportation, transfer, har boring, or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of theRead MoreHuman Trafficking : An Evolving Global Phenomenon1719 Words   |  7 PagesHuman trafficking is an evolving global phenomenon that lacks adequate attention and information. The global issue has been around for many years, but it has been hidden and kept a secret by so many who knew it was going on. Today, there are â€Å"approximately 800,000 people trafficked across international borders† and many more trafficked from state to state (Richards 155). No longer is human trafficking hiding in the shadows of a small farm or town that is hidden away from a busy city near by. HumanRead MoreHuman Trafficking- The Escalating Global Violation of Human Rights1355 Words   |  6 PagesHuman Trafficking- The Escalating Global Violation of Human Rights Human Trafficking is a serious Global matter that violates a multitude of the Human Rights articles outline in The Universal Declarations of Human Rights. Thousands of individuals are subjects of Human Trafficking every year; the perpetrators of this crime do not discriminate, targeting men, women, the young and the old all over the world. Human Trafficking is indeed a Global issue, occurring in nearly every country on the planetRead MoreThe Globalization Of Human Trafficking990 Words   |  4 Pageswill define the globalization of human trafficking through the context of the United States as a first world nation and extension of this problematic issue in European nations, such as Russia and in the Baltic region. The first world status of the United States provides a context in which human trafficking has become a major problem when defining domestic markets for criminal organizations. However, the U.S. provides an example of the impact of human trafficking that occurs on a much wi der scale

Bad News for the Customers of Aviva

Question: Select a product or service that you now use. It could be your newspaper, internet service provider, car insurance company or asome other product or service that you regularly use. Assume that providers must raise its its rates, and you are the employee who must notify customers. Decide whether you should use the direct or indirect pattern. What, if anything, justifies the increase? What benefits can be cited? Answer: Bad news for the Customers of Aviva On March 17, 2015 Aviva Canada is declaring with a heavy heart about the increase in car insurance rate from 12% to 15%. The customers have to pay more premiums for their insured car. This is an economic recovery plan. The rate of increase will affect the insurer a temporary contribution related to tax compensation for financial institutions. A memo is enclosed with this announcement (Maggio, 2014). To, The Customers of Aviva, March XX, XXXX Sub: Increase in Insurance rate of Aviva Canada Dear Customers, It has been a pleasure to serve you for the past few decades and looking forward to enhance the customer relationship in near future. With the news of ongoing deflation prevailing in the market, as the export industry is facing a slow rebound with its major concerns the company has to make the decision consulting its board of directors for raising the rate of Insurance from 12% to 15%. Due to deflation the company was getting affected in its operations in the country specifically in branches of Toronto and Regina. Though the prime aim of Aviva is to please their customers but in situations like this the company had to request their customer to cooperate with the company in this situation (Guffey and Loewy, 2010). Unfortunately there is no alternative for the sustenance of the ongoing business and with no other option the company had to take this step. But the company is confident that the service quality will be better and even in view of these new prices, they would be competitive and reasonable enough for the choice of their respectable customer. A memo is enclosed with this copy Thank you for your cooperation Sincerely, Aviva Canada (Name: ) Director of marketing department. References Guffey, M. and Loewy, D. (2010).Essentials of business communication. Mason, OH: South-Western/Cengage Learning. Maggio, R. (2014).How to say it, third edition. Paramus, NJ: Prentice Hall Press.

Issues Facing Trans People In Organizations

Introduction Majority of the people in the world embrace two genders; male and female. However, a small group of people in the society have a different opinion with regard to their gender with some believing themselves to be genderless or not belonging to any of the genders (Iyall, 2008). This is recognised as the third gender in the society. Research has shown that trans people in the society have, higher than average, academic qualifications compared to the rest.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Issues Facing Trans People In Organizations specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Definition It is important to understand the definition of the several terms used in the description of the trans people in the society. Firstly, trans people defines a category of people who believe in having multiple or no genders (Whittle, 2000). Secondly, the trans people can also be defined as cross dressers as most of them prefer dressing with cloths from the opposite genders (Blackless, 2006). Current Situation Research findings in the United Kingdom by the Endangered Penalties reveal that between 2009 and 2012, about three to five hundred thousand (300,000 to 500,000) people experienced a degree of gender variance (Gooren, 2008). Out of these, six thousand (6,000) have already undertaken a gender transition (Gooren, 2008). The low number of individuals opting for reversal of their roles as compared to the high number of individuals with gender variations is attributed to stigmatization and alienation (Baranyi, 2009). Although organizations have been in the front line in creating non-discriminating policies against sexual orientation, some organizations have not implemented such measures. Exxon Mobil Company is an example of a company that has amended its policies to ensure that none of its employees are trans gender. According to the company’s website, this is to protect its corporate image in the business s ociety, as well as, protect its employees from discrimination. Discussion and Recommendation Trans people are exposed to personal and sexual harassment in their work place settings. A very common case is where they are not allowed to use restrooms of their preferred gender (Whittle, 2000). They become subjects of discussion and endless gossip from their workmates. These may wound their self esteem leading to the rise in conflicts cases as the trans people advocate for their rights. In some cases, employers deny the trans people their benefits and promotions on the basis of the gender variations. In addition, some end up losing their jobs after performing the transition surgery or after their bosses discover their condition of gender variation (Baranyi, 2009).Advertising Looking for essay on gender studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More An organization that is keen on upholding the rights of trans people should review its emp loyment procedures and policies. During the recruitment process, gender should not be used as a determinant for the candidates as this may have adverse effects on the trans people (Whittle, 2000). Organisations should also amend their policies to recognize the trans people as they too have the right to employment (Whittle, 2000). Microsoft Corporation is one of the leading companies that has incorporated the Gender Recognition Act of 2004 into its policies. In 2011, Microsoft announced that it had incorporated 1,300 trans gender employees in most of its branches around the world. This prompted other companies to accept the trans gender employees such as Google and Apple, which have also incorporated the Gender Recognition Act of 2004 into their own management policies. Conclusion Many people take their gender orientation lightly, which is not the case for the trans people who believe in gender sensitivity. When focusing on academic qualification, the trans people are considered to b e highly qualified. However, they suffer from high rates of unemployment that is escalated from stigmatization and alienation from employers and colleagues in work places. To cater for this, organizations should put in place procedures and policies that recognize the trans people; thus giving them equal employment opportunities. Works Cited Baranyi, Rothenhà ¤usler. â€Å"Male-to-female transsexualism. Sex reassignment surgery from a biopsychosocial perspective.† Wien Med Wochenschr 15.9 (2009): 548-557. Print. Blackless, Sutter. â€Å"Atypical Gender Development-A Review.† International Journal of Transgenderism 9.1 (2006): 29-41. Print. Gooren, Eliasson. â€Å"Long-term treatment of transsexuals with cross-sex hormones: extensive personal experience.† J Clin Endocrinol Metab 32.5 (2008): 19-25. Print.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Issues Facing Trans People In Organizations specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Iyall, Smith. Hybrid identities: theoretical and empirical examinations, New York, NY: Penguin, 2008. Print. Whittle, More. Reclaiming Genders: Transsexual Grammars at the Fin de Siecle, London, UK: Cassell, 2000. Print. This essay on Issues Facing Trans People In Organizations was written and submitted by user Leyla Ward to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Timeline of the Lebanese Civil War From 1975-1990

Timeline of the Lebanese Civil War From 1975-1990 The Lebanese Civil War took place from 1975 to 1990 and claimed the lives of some 200,000 people, which left Lebanon in ruins. Lebanese Civil War, 1975 to 1978 April 13, 1975:  Gunmen attempt to assassinate Maronite Christian Phalangist leader Pierre Gemayel as he’s leaving church that Sunday. In retaliation, Phalangist gunmen ambush a busload of Palestinians, most of them civilians, killing 27 passengers. Week-long clashes between Palestinian-Muslim forces and Phalangists follow, marking the beginning of Lebanon’s 15-year civil war. June 1976: Some 30,000 Syrian troops enter Lebanon, ostensibly to restore peace. Syria’s intervention stops vast military gains against Christians by Palestinian-Muslim forces. The invasion is, in fact, Syria’s attempt to claim Lebanon, which it never recognized when Lebanon won independence from France in 1943. October 1976: Egyptian, Saudi, and other Arab troops in small numbers join the Syrian force as a result of a peace summit brokered in Cairo. The so-called Arab Deterrent Force would be short-lived. March 11, 1978: Palestinian commandos attack an Israeli kibbutz between Haifa and Tel Aviv, then hijack a bus. Israeli forces respond. By the time the battle was over, 37 Israelis and nine Palestinians were killed. March 14, 1978: Some 25,000 Israeli soldiers crossed the Lebanese border in Operation Litani, named for the Litani River that crosses South Lebanon, not 20 miles from the Israeli border. The invasion is designed to wipe out the Palestine Liberation Organization’s structure in South Lebanon. The operation fails. March 19, 1978: The United Nations Security Council adopts Resolution 425, sponsored by the United States, calling on Israel to withdraw from South Lebanon and on the UN to establish a 4,000-strong UN peacekeeping force in South Lebanon. The force is termed the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. Its original mandate was for six months. The force is still in Lebanon today. June 13, 1978: Israel withdraws, mostly, from occupied territory, handing over authority to the breakaway Lebanese Army force of Maj. Saad Haddad, which expands its operations in South Lebanon, operating as an Israeli ally. July 1, 1978: Syria turns its guns on Lebanon’s Christians, pounding Christian areas of Lebanon in the worst fighting in two years. September 1978: U.S. President Jimmy Carter brokers the Camp David accords between Israel and Egypt, the first Arab-Israeli peace. Palestinians in Lebanon vow to escalate their attacks on Israel. 1982 to 1985 ​June 6, 1982: Israel invades Lebanon again. Gen. Ariel Sharon leads the attack. The two-month drive leads the Israeli army to the southern suburbs of Beirut. The Red Cross estimates the invasion costs the lives of some 18,000 people, mostly civilian Lebanese. August 24, 1982: A multinational force of U.S. Marines, French paratroopers, and Italian soldiers lands in Beirut to assist in the evacuation of the Palestine Liberation Organization. August 30, 1982: After intense mediation led by the United States, Yasser Arafat and the Palestine Liberation Organization, which had run a state-within-a-state in West Beirut and South Lebanon, evacuate Lebanon. Some 6,000 PLO fighters go mostly to Tunisia, where they are again dispersed. Most end up in the West Bank and Gaza. September 10, 1982: The Multinational force completes its withdrawal from Beirut. Sept. 14, 1982: The Israeli-backed Christian Phalangist leader and Lebanese President-Elect Bashir Gemayel is assassinated at his headquarters in East Beirut. Sept. 15, 1982: Israeli troops invade West Beirut, the first time an Israeli force enters an Arab capital. Sept. 15-16, 1982: Under the supervision of Israeli forces, Christian militiamen are bused into the two Palestinian refugee camps of Sabra and Shatila, ostensibly to â€Å"mop up† remaining Palestinian fighters. Between 2,000 and 3,000 Palestinian civilians are massacred. September 23, 1982: Amin Gemayel, brother of Bashir, takes office as Lebanon’s president. September 24, 1982: The U.S.-French-Italian Multinational Force returns to Lebanon in a show of force and support for the Gemayel’s government. At first, French and American soldiers play a neutral role. Gradually, they turn into defenders of the Gemayel regime against Druze and Shiites in central and South Lebanon. April 18, 1983: The American Embassy in Beirut is attacked by a suicide bomb, killing 63. By then, the United States is actively engaged in Lebanon’s civil war on the side of the Gemayel government. May 17, 1983: Lebanon and Israel sign a U.S.-brokered peace agreement that calls for the withdrawal of Israeli troops contingent on the withdrawal of Syrian troops from northern and eastern Lebanon. Syria opposes the agreement, which was never ratified by the Lebanese parliament and canceled in 1987. October 23, 1983: U.S. Marines barracks near Beirut International Airport, on the south side of the city, are attacked by a suicide bomber in a truck, killing 241 Marines. Moments later, French paratroopers’ barracks are attacked by a suicide bomber, killing 58 French soldiers. Feb. 6, 1984:  Predominantly Shiite Muslim militias seize control of West Beirut. June 10, 1985:  The Israeli army finishes withdrawing out of most of Lebanon, but keeps an occupation zone along the Lebanon-Israeli border and calls it its â€Å"security zone.† The zone is patrolled by the South Lebanon Army and Israeli soldiers. June 16, 1985:  Hezbollah militants hijack a TWA flight to Beirut, demanding the release of Shiite prisoners in Israeli jails. Militants murder U.S. Navy diver Robert Stethem. The passengers were not freed until two weeks later. Israel, over a period of weeks following the resolution of the hijacking,  released  some 700 prisoners, insisting the release was not related to the hijacking. 1987 to 1990 June 1, 1987:  Lebanese Prime Minister Rashid Karami, a Sunni Muslim, is assassinated when a bomb explodes in his helicopter. He is replaced by Selim  el Hoss. September 22, 1988:  The presidency of Amin Gemayel ends without a successor. Lebanon operates under two rival governments: a military government led by renegade general Michel Aoun, and a civil government headed by Selim  el Hoss, a Sunni Muslim. March 14, 1989:  Gen. Michel Aoun declares a â€Å"war of Liberation† against Syrian occupation. The war triggers a devastating final round to the Lebanese Civil War as Christian factions battle it out. September 22, 1989:  The Arab League brokers a cease-fire. Lebanese and Arab leaders meet in Taif, Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of Lebanese Sunni leader Rafik Hariri. The Taif agreement effectively lays the groundwork for an end to the war by reapportioning power in Lebanon. Christians lose their majority in Parliament, settling for a 50-50 split, though the president is to  remain  a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim, and the speaker of Parliament a Shiite Muslim. November 22, 1989:  President-Elect Renà ©Ã‚  Muawad, believed to have been a reunification candidate, is assassinated. He is replaced by Elias Harawi. Gen. Emile Lahoud is named to replace Gen. Michel Aoun as commander of the Lebanese army. October 13, 1990:  Syrian forces are given a green light by France and the United States to storm Michel Aoun’s presidential palace once Syria joins the American coalition against Saddam Hussein in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. October 13, 1990:  Michel Aoun takes refuge in the French Embassy, then chooses exile in Paris (he was to return as a Hezbollah ally in 2005). October 13, 1990, marks the official end of the Lebanese Civil War. Between 150,000 and 200,000 people, most of them civilians, are believed to have perished in the war.

Pac-Man Video Game History and Background

Pac-Man Video Game History and Background On May 22, 1980, the Pac-Man video game was released in Japan and by October of the same year, it was released in the United States. The yellow, pie-shaped Pac-Man character, who travels around a maze trying to eat dots and avoid four mean ghosts, quickly became an icon of the 1980s. To this day, Pac-Man remains one of the most popular video games in history. Inventing Pac-Man If you ever thought that the Pac-Man character looked like some kind of food, then you and Japanese game designer Toru Iwatani think alike. Iwatani was eating pizza when he came up with the idea for the Pac-Man character. Iwatani has more recently said that the Pac-Man character is also a simplification of the  Kanji character for mouth,  Ã¢â‚¬â€¹kuchi.   While a pizza with a slice out of it turned into the main character of Pac-Man, cookies became the power pellets. In the Japanese version, the pellets look like cookies, but they lost their cookie look when the game came to the U.S. Apparently, Namco, the company that made Pac-Man, was hoping to create a video game that would entice girls to play as well as boys. And everyone knows that girls like food, right? Hmmm. Anyway, a relatively nonviolent, food-based video game with cute little ghosts and a bit of humor did appeal to both genders, which quickly made Pac-Man an unquestionable success. How He Got His Name The name Pac-Man continues the eating theme of the game. In Japanese, puck-puck (sometimes said paku-paku) is a word used for munching. So, in Japan, Namco named the video game Puck-Man. After all, it was a video game about a pizza eating super-powered cookies. However, when it was time for the video game to be sold in the U.S., many were worried about the name Puck-Man, mostly because the name sounded a bit too similar to a particular four-letter word in English. Thus, Puck-Man underwent a name change and became Pac-Man when the game came to the States. Playing Pac-Man Its probably a very rare person who has never played Pac-Man. Even for those who may have missed it in the 1980s, Pac-Man has been remade on nearly every video game platform since then. Pac-Man even appeared on the front page of Google (as a playable game) on Pac-Mans 30th anniversary. However, for those few who are unfamiliar with the game, here are the basics. You, the player, control the yellow, circular Pac-Man using either keyboard arrows or a joystick. The goal is to move Pac-Man around the maze-like screen gobbling up all 240 dots before the four ghosts (sometimes called monsters) get you. The four ghosts are all different colors: Blinky (red), Inky (light blue), Pinky (pink), and Clyde (orange). Blinky was also known as Shadow because hes the fastest. The ghosts begin the game in the ghost cage in the center of the maze  and roam around the board as the game progresses. If Pac-Man collides with a ghost, he loses a life, and the game restarts. If Pac-Man eats one of the four power pellets available on each level; the ghosts all turn dark blue and Pac-Man is able to eat the ghosts. Once a ghost is gobbled up, it disappears- except for its eyes, which run back to the ghost cage. Occasionally, fruit and other objects appear on the screen. If Pac-Man gobbles those up then he earns a point bonus, with different fruit worth different values. While all this is happening, Pac-Man makes a wocka-wocka sound that is nearly as memorable as the yellow character itself. The game ends when Pac-Man has lost all (usually three) of his lives. When You Win Many people are impressed with themselves if they get to level five or six on Pac-Man. However, there are always those die-hards out there who are determined to finish the game. Despite how popular Pac-Man was in the 1980s, it actually took 19 years for the first person to ever finish Pac-Man. That amazing feat was reported to be accomplished by 33-year-old Billy Mitchell, who finished Pac-Man with a perfect game on July 3, 1999.   A Scandal in Gaming Mitchell completed all 255 levels of Pac-Man. When he reached level 256, half the screen became jumbled. This is an impossible level to complete and thus the end of the game. It took Mitchell about six hours to win the game and he did so with the highest possible score- 3,333,360 points. Mitchell went on to record record-breaking runs in Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr., and Centipede, and became a mini-celebrity, named as Gamer of the Century, featured in Life magazine in 1982 and in the 2007 movie The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters. In 2018, however, Twin Galaxies, the American organization that tracks video game records, announced their discovery that some of Mitchells record-breaking runs were not achieved on an arcade machine, but rather using emulation software, a violation of the rules. All of Mitchells titles, including his Guinness World Records, have since been stripped. Pac-Man Fever In the early 1980s, the nonviolent and goofy nature of Pac-Man made it a phenomenal attraction. In 1982 an estimated 30 million Americans spent $8 million a week playing Pac-Man, feeding quarters into machines located in arcades or bars. Its popularity among teenagers made it threatening to their parents: Pac-Man was loud and stunningly popular, and the arcades where the machines were located were noisy, congested places. Many towns in the United States passed statutes to regulate or restrict the games, just as they were allowed to regulate pinball machines and pool tables to combat gambling and other immoral behaviors. Des Plaines, Illinois, banned people under 21 from playing video games unless they were accompanied by their parents. Marshfield, Massachusetts, banned video games outright. Other cities used licensing or zoning to limit video game playing. A license to run an arcade could stipulate that it had to be at least a certain distance from a school, or it could not sell food or alcohol. Ms. Pac-Man and More The Pac-Man video game was so immensely popular that within a year there were spin-offs being created and released, some of them unauthorized. The most popular of these was Ms. Pac-Man, which first appeared in 1981 as an unauthorized version of the game. Ms. Pac-Man was created by Midway, the same company authorized to sell the original Pac-Man in the U.S. Ms. Pac-Man became so popular that Namco eventually made it an official game. Ms. Pac-Man has four different mazes with varying numbers of dots, compared to Pac-Mans only one with 240 dots; Ms. Pac-Mans maze walls, dots, and pellets come in a variety of colors; and the orange ghost is named Sue, not Clyde. A few of the other notable spin-offs were Pac-Man Plus, Professor Pac-Man, Junior Pac-Man, Pac-Land, Pac-Man World, and Pac-Pix. By the mid-1990s, Pac-Man was available on home computers, game consoles, and hand-held devices. Lunch Boxes and Other Collectibles As with anything super popular, merchandising went wild with the Pac-Man image. You could purchase Pac-Man T-shirts, mugs, stickers, a board game, plush dolls, belt buckles, puzzles, a card game, wind-up toys, wrapping paper, pajamas, lunch boxes, sheets, bumper stickers, plus so much more. In addition to buying Pac-Man merchandise, kids could satisfy their Pac-Man cravings by watching a 30-minute Pac-Man cartoon that started airing in 1982. Produced by Hanna-Barbera, the cartoon lasted for two seasons. In case you really wanted that wocka-wocka sound to stay in your head, listen again to the 1982 song by Jerry Buckner and Gary Garcia called Pac-Man Fever, which made it all the way up to No. 9 on Billboards Top 100 chart. Although the decade of Pac-Man Fever might be over, Pac-Man continues to be loved and played year after year. Sources Crecente, Brian. King of Kong Star Stripped of High Scores, Banned from Competition. Variety April 12, 2018.Gallagher, Marcus, and Amanda Ryan. Learning to Play Pac-Man: An Evolutionary, Rule-Based Approach. The 2003 Congress on Evolutionary Computation, 2003. CEC 03. 2003. Print.Goroff, David B. The First Amendment Side Effects of Curing Pac-Man Fever. Columbia Law Review 84.3 (1984): 744–74. Print.Lucas, Simon. Evolving a Neural Network Location Evaluation to Play Ms. Pac-Man. IEE 2005 Symposium on Computational Intelligence and Games. Ed. Graham Kendall and Simon Lucas. Essex University, 2005. Print.Moore, Mike. Videogames: Sons of Pong. Film Comment 19.1 (1983): 34–37. Print.Rife, Katie. King of Kongs Billy Mitchell Has Been Stripped of All His High Scores, Banned From Competitive Gaming. AV News April 12, 2018.Yannakakis, Georgios N., and John Hallam. A Generic Approach for Generating Interesting Interactive Pac-Man. IEE 2005 Symposium on Computational Intelligence and Games. Ed. Graham Kendall and Simon Lucas: Essex University, 2005. Print.

Flower Girl in Holland George Hitchock 1887 Term Paper

Flower Girl in Holland George Hitchock 1887 - Term Paper Example Hitchock uses unique materials in designing his works making his works to be presentable in the field of artistry. For instance, in the design of this work, he exploits the vast landscape as shown by the thick and firm brushwork, which he uses as the main apparatus in his work. The thick and firm brushwork indicates constant flow of motion in the painting. This illustrates the working routine of the flower girl in an evoking way. The painter illustrates the authenticity of his work in using something that everybody could have thought as having no use. Work of arts mainly depends on the authenticity of the artist that off course is an attribute of in this work. Hitchock also had a strong relationship with the women suggesting the inclusion of a flower girl as the protagonist of his work. His work is full of decorations making the sculpture to look even presentable. The work above is an exceptional for study because it provides a form of cleverly orchestrated tableaux. The painter uses the technique of gouache as shown by the squares and isosceles triangles. The squares and isosceles triangles depicts a sign of stability. A keen look at this painting shows that there is a deep meaning and reason to the idea of the painter. The motion depicted between the girl and the building conveys the exhausting rhythm which serves in showing the state of the subject. There are trees on the outside of the building making the setting seem remarkably peaceful. This is a representation of the human mind.

Soldiers Journal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Soldiers Journal - Essay Example In the absence of training, the soldier is just like any other person. Based on this, training continued to be part of our integral camping at the Shai-Hills Military Center when we were on peace keeping mission to Afghanistan. Thursday, 3rd March 2010, was to be a specialized training regime for the infantry in which I belonged. I term the training specialized because we were to receive dedicated training on self protection against enemies who may use indigenous forms of weapons. It would be noted that the part of the world where we went for the military camping is not as advanced as other parts of the world where sophisticated modern weapons of mass destruction are used. These are people who normally use medieval weapons. But it would be foolish on the part of any commander to underestimate the power of medieval weapons. For this reason, our commander arranged us for a special training on how to defend ourselves against the use of medieval weapons. The training program was with a r esourced person who was a military personnel and an anthropologist. He took us through the basic defense technique regarding the use of medieval weapons and how to protect ourselves against sudden attacks. It was indeed a very useful day as it was a giant step against getting any of us get attacked defenselessly. Saturday, 19th March 2010 Social Outing All work and no play, they say makes jack a doll boy. This means that it is always good to wine off after some hard season of tough brainy drills. Who says we do not have funny at the military camp? Without these fun-filled moments, we would have each burst out with stress. On 12th March 2010, there was a special social outing section arranged for the soldiers in my infantry. There was one peculiar thing that made this day very special to me. This was because the day presented those of us at the lower rank to easily mingle with our superior officers. In this military service, such form of socialization does not happen easily because o f bureaucratic discipline and respect for authority (DeVries, 2012). Personally, it was an opportunity for me to learn more about our commander in terms of how he started off as a young soldier and how he had risen through the ranks to the level he currently found himself. Opportunity for the interaction came when the junior officers engaged the commanders in several social activities including sports and games. Some of the activities included the playing of chess, soccer, basketball, hide and seek, and table tennis. After the major activities, where was an open forum where we freely asked our officers about their social life. Monday, 20th March 2010 War Field ‘Wahala’ In military terms, ‘walaha’ means trouble. I have therefore tagged the heading as war field ‘walaha’ to stand for a very serious encounter I had with an enemy on 20th March 2010. Before I even proceed, I must say that I thank God for keeping my life up till now because it was a v ery dangerous encounter with the enemy. Simply put, it was an unannounced attack on us at our camp. As soldiers on peace keeping, we try as much as possible not to be combative against the civilian or rebel soldiers. All that it is for us to do is to ensure peace between the two sides in the war (Gravett, 2003). But it was like a group of civilians did not appreciate this effort and wanted to take the law into their own hands. Their complain was that we were being too lenient with the rebels and so they came to attack as unawares and this started a battle between they and us. As predicted by our officers, these people came with medieval weapons such as bow, arrows, spears and even slings. There is no denying the fact that they showed mastery over these medieval weapons and could have been very deadly

Alchemy, Compare Paracelsus Essay Example for Free

Alchemy, Compare Paracelsus Essay Neither Francis Bacon nor Paracelsus claims to be a professional alchemist, however, they both portray a strong defence as to why it is imperative to divulge the mysteries of nature. Both readings assert alchemy as a way of discovering the true forms of things. Paracelsus uses alchemy as a reference point of the past in defence for his use of medicine, whereas Bacon asserts through inductive reasoning that this ‘art of logic’ is how ‘we conquer nature’ (Bacon 1620). What they both get right is their concept of alchemy as an art, and how it is seen as ‘the art of discovery’ (Dawkins 1999). f the divine power. Bacon has two readings that both discuss the matter of alchemy, however, in diverse ways. Firstly, let us acknowledge his insisting on inductive reasoning. Essentially, Bacon presumes through inductive reasoning several interpretations of nature; he chooses this argumentative approach because of his inferences of the unobserved patterns of the future from particulars observed in the past. He suggests an entirely new system of logic, which is based on induction, rather than on syllogism. In fact, Bacon rejects proof by syllogism as it ‘operates in confusion and lets nature slip out of our hands’ (Bacon 1620). Through alchemy, we can conquer nature; overcome the ‘difficult and dark things’ (Bacon 1620). What’s more is the role he suggests of observational experiment as prerequisites for the construction of scientific theory (Bacon 1620). Paracelsus, on the other hand, convinces us that alchemy is ‘nothing, but the art, which can separate the useful from the useless, and transmute it into its final substance and its ultimate essence’ (Paracelsus 1951). He deduces that, without alchemy, there would not be medicine. So we can conclude that when he defends alchemy, he defends medicine, rather than the revelation of the mysteries of nature. In his guide, Bacon discusses how we can teach our minds to be receptive to truth and how our minds can invoke illusions, perceptual illusions – idols of the tribe (Mulder 2000)that are inherent in the nature of the intellect itself. Our senses are how we inspect and analyse the nature of this real world (Bacon 1620), and it is within our subconsciousness that we devise things in certain ways. Our senses affect the way in which we perceive shapes, colours and metals. Whereas Paracelsus talks about physical changes, like from lead to gold. Did he then consider himself to be a ‘natural magician’, who explored the secrets of nature(Gal 2013)? Moreover, he notes the mysteries of nature and how alchemy attempts to reveal and ‘brings to light’ (Paracelsus 1951) what is hidden. There is physical transmutation, an experience, which leads to the unveiling of truth and disproves mystery. What we also should take into consideration is the role of God and how His influence has affected their respective analysis In Bacon’s The Making of Gold, he addresses the negative view on alchemy due to incorrect implementation. He notes that if done in a proper manner with axioms, then it would work and people would be more accepting of it. Similarly, Paracelsus believes his medicine is the only way to recognize and overcome diseases. ‘Physicians who say that the prescriptions (he) writes are poison’ (Paracelsus 1951), are lacking in understanding of natural forces. The mysterium of nature created by God is implemented through alchemy. As a consequence, are alchemists seen to be meddling with God’s creation? If they are, it is supposedly both futile and heretical, and we’ll say: dangerous. Indeed God tasks man with completing his natural creation, for ‘man is nature’s agent and interpreter’(Bacon 1620), however, can we say the transmutation of base metals to gold is a way for mankind to alter the ways of God’s creation, perhaps even replace God’s intentions? For example, the ‘spirit of metal be quickened, and the tangible parts opened’(Bacon 1627) leads to the revelation of gold, hence the alchemist reveals great virtues that ‘lie hidden in nature’(Paracelsus 1951). Here, Bacon presents us with two types of worlds in his Guide to the Interpretation of Nature; nature, free and unconstrained, and nature, confined and harassed when forced from its own condition by art and human agency (Bacon 1627). Essentially, Bacon argues that nature is more likely to reveal its full potential through the ‘harassment of art’, rather than in ‘her own proper freedom’(Bacon 1627). Although Paracelsus asserts that alchemy is indispensable, Bacon accepts the understanding of nature that upheld the theoretical principles of alchemy (Linden 1974). He embraced a similarity of sorts, but one divested in the tremendously complicated system of analogies (those referencing God, included) adopted by Paracelsus and the magicians.

Marketing - The Pet Food Market Essay -- Business Management Studies

7. Carry out a SWOT analysis for this market with all inclusions referenced to the information source. STRENGTH: The increasing consciousness of people regarding the health of their pets leads to a focus on nutritious food which helps increasing the life span of their beloved animals. This benefits the pet food industry greatly as it leads to increased demand and allows manufacturers to set their prices for selected products at a high level. (PFMA) Increased competition has lead to greater effort for developing new products in order to meet customers demand. Therefore a lot of money has been put into Research and Development strategies, stimulating technical progress in this industry. (Mars, 2003) Scientific evidence about the increased life of pets eating healthy and high quality food is well known amongst the people. Supermarkets offering own-brand pet foods, thus contributing to competition. (Ciao, 2004) Owner of pets gain health benefits, encouraging people to hold a pet WEAKNESS: Large, established companies such as Masterfoods, Nestlà ¨ and P&G may impede competition and prevent smaller firms from entrance. Some companies are reluctant to improve packaging and introducing more environmental-friendly production processes for financial reasons. Limited advertisement on high street, where pet owners are likely to notice it and get known to the benefits of the product Limited product range, not enough variation satisfying the cus...

Government-operated Gambling

Over the past few years, government operated gambling has grown into a massive business, there has been much controversy around the topic of weather or not Gambling should be regulated. In this essay I will explain my point of view on this topic and give examples that support my ideas. So, what should the state’s policy towards gambling? I believe that the state should not regulate gambling because of three main reasons. My first reason is people’s rights and freedoms.Second, Gambling has grown into a major industry over the pas few years; the centre for addiction and mental health stated in their Gambling Policy framework in 2011 â€Å"Government-operated gambling has steadily expanded in Ontario in the past two decades, revenues reaching $4. 7 billion in 2009. † (2). This shows that Gambling has grown to become a major industry in today’s economy and by doing so it has helped society in several different aspects, the growth of the gambling industry has l ead to an increase in revenue for the government, thus resulting in more social benefits towards the public.Finally, The gambling industry has lead to many job opportunities in north America, offering a beacon of hope to those in need of jobs during a recession. In modern society, freedom is not only supported but also cherished, people should be given the freedom to live their lives as they please, weather they choose to live their lives in a healthy way or not that is up to them. However, they must be given the right to live as they please. In the United States, groups such as the KKK are protected under the first amendment, which protects their freedom of speech, no matter how ludicrous it may be, they have the right to say as they please.The same should be applied to life. People should have the choice to live their lives as they please without being watched over by the government. Since gambling does require participants to be of legal age, we know that the people gambling are adults. These grown ups should be able to have control over their own lives, its their responsibility to understand the chances they are taking when gambling. Some may argue that certain people can’t control their gambling problems and have gotten too addicted to gambling and that casinos take advantage of these people.These claims are supported by some statistics given in the centre for addiction and mental health, which states, â€Å"it is estimated that between 30% and 40% of Ontario’s gambling revenues come from the 3% of the population with gambling problems† (2). This statistic shows that the gambling industry does heavily depend of the people addicted to the game. I would respond by expressing two points. First, the people with gambling problems of which they cannot control are a minority, in Jonathan Wolff’s â€Å"Ethics and public policy A Philosophical inquiry†, the author states that â€Å"between 0. and 0. 8 of the UK adult population could be classified as problem gambles† (59). Furthermore, in the centre for addiction and mental health’s Gambling Policy framework in 2011 that â€Å"just over 3% of the province’s population experiences moderate to severe gambling problems. †(57). These numbers do not justify having to discipline an entire industry that would affect hundreds of thousands of people that work in it and making their living off jobs in that industry.Second, increasing government regulations on casinos and lotteries will not stop these problem gamblers from gambling. Jonathan Wolff states â€Å"in the late 1950s there were towns about 25 percent of the adult population gambled illegally on a regular basis. †(55). Taking this point into perspective, it could be inferred that if the government increases the regulations on legal casinos and lotteries that would make it harder for people with an addiction to gamble, these people will find other ways to feed their addictio n.This is a severe problem because when these people begin to gamble illegally they will put their money into other illegal activities, which could include drugs, weapons or violence. In fact, many large gangs could use this opportunity to fund their illegal activities, which would lead to more trouble in society; another point to be made towards this issue would be that of money, not only would these gamblers be putting their lives at risk when gambling illegally and dealing with gangs, but they could also be keeping this money out of the government’s hand which could go government programs to help the less fortunate.This brings me to my next point and that is that gambling has become a major source of revenue for the government. Government regulated gambling has grown into a massive industry which generates a significant amount of revenue each year of which most ends up in the government as funding for many different organizations. in the paper named â€Å"Gambling: Its Pl easure and costs† by Lorne Tepperman it states that â€Å"The industry group’s report †¦ says 57 per cent of gambling revenue – $8. 7 billion- supported government services and charities. (9). Tepperman also states that gambling is the â€Å"most financially significant† (9) segment in entertainment and that it contributes â€Å"$15. 3 billion a year to the economy, according to the Canadian Gaming Association. † (9). Ronald Pavalko also states in his paper titled â€Å"gambling and public policy† â€Å"State revenues from casino taxes totaled nearly $3. 5 billion. † (336). The reality is that today, we are in a recession we can’t afford to decrease that revenue by implementing harsh restrictions on gambling.It is argued that even though gambling is a major source of revenue for the government, it is also a source of misery for people with gambling addictions. The centre for Addiction and Mental health states that â€Å"F or these individuals, a range of harms may occur, resulting in heavy social, economic, and health costs such as crime, dysfunctional relationships, and bankruptcy. † (2). However, the solution to this problem is not adding restrictions to gambling but is actually using the money made from gambling towards a better cause.As I have previously stated, people addicted to gambling will not be cured from their addiction by regulating legal gambling because they will find other means to feed their addiction. I believe that the best solution to these people’s gambling problem would be using the revenue that they generate for the government in taxes could be used to create social programs for people with serious addictions to gambling that would help them quit.I believe this solution would be ideal because the minority of people with gambling addictions will be treated in a proper healthy way in order to get over their addiction, the left over revenue could still be used in othe r social programs and finally, the money and profit that the casinos and lotteries generate will still flow which would result in more jobs, another source of income to the economy and would prevent people from getting fired from their jobs if harsh restrictions were to be applied to gambling agencies.My final argument for this essay is that of employment. As previously stated, gambling generates a huge amount of revenue for the government, Gambling is a growing industry and with its growth it creates several opportunities for jobs for people in need. Gambling generates many jobs that help the economy grow in this time of need. Gambling generates jobs of all sorts, from the engineers and architects that build and design the casinos, to the people who sell lottery tickets, to those who actually work in casinos.All of these people generate their income because of the gambling industry. Tepperman states that in Canada gambling accounts for â€Å"267,000 full time jobs. † (6). Pa valko also states in his paper that in only eleven states a total of 370,207 people are employed in casinos, In a country with a current unemployment rate of 8%, the Gambling industry should be seen as a source for solutions to a much more serious problem than an addiction to gambling. Expanding the gambling industry will in return create more job opportunities and help decrease the unemployment rate dramatically.However, if the government begins to set harsher policies towards gambling and casinos are required to cut costs, the unemployment rate might increase which would create even more social issue, which could result in protests and riots from the workers who have lost their jobs due to the harsh policy towards gambling. Some might argue that Gambling still creates harm towards many people and even though it can create jobs it can also result in many people losing their jobs. I would respond by quoting Lorne Tepperman â€Å"A majority of adults gamble responsible; only a small minority of the population experiences gambling related harm. (1). I believe that gambling will create more jobs that it will end and that that is just a minor side effect that could be easily cured by the revenue that gambling will generate for the government, this money could be put back into society and produce new projects that create new job opportunities and these jobs could be offered to those who had lost their previous jobs. In conclusion I would say that I do not believe that the government should regulate gambling because of the reasons that I have stated earlier in this essay.First, Gambling is a choice and freedom. It a civil right and the government should not be able to decide weather or not you are allowed to gamble or how much you are allowed to gamble. Second, Gambling has grown into a major industry and has become a major source of revenue to the government. Gambling has helped fund many government programs used to help the less fortunate, even though gambling do es create certain people who are addicted to it, they are nowhere near as many as the people whom gambling helps.In this situation the pros drastically outweigh the cons and as previously stated, the revenue generated from gambling could go towards social programs made to help people with gambling addictions, that way these people will eventually cure themselves of their addiction and the hundreds of thousands of people whom depend on gambling a source of income would not be affected, which is what I believe is a win-win situation. This brings me to my final argument, employment.The gambling industry has created hundreds of thousands of job opportunities to many of those who need it, especially in a recession where millions struggle to find an income support for them and their families. I would say that the government should encourage gambling businesses to grow. However, as Christiane Pouline states in his paper titled â€Å"Gambling† that â€Å"Decisions on policy pertaini ng to gambling need to be based on a full accounting of the health, economic and social benefits and costs of gambling. (1208). Which is why the policy towards gambling should be set to help both the gambler and the Casinos. That policy should state that a majority of the profit that is generated from Casinos should go towards social programs that will benefit society; these social programs should include programs made to help gambling addicts with their problems. James Doughney perfectly sums up this policy in his book titled â€Å"The poker machine state†.Doughney says, â€Å"Try to do good; but even when you cannot at least do not knowingly cause harm. † (1). Over the past several years, gambling has grown into the largest sector of the entertainment industry, creating the most amount of revenue to the government. Our society should be scared of this phenomenon and try to regulate it, we should actually take advantage of it and use it to help make the most the most of this opportunity by using the money made from gambling to improve our lives and the lives of those around us.

Bereavement: Emotion and Loss Essay

Bereaved children need support within school to deal with the loss of a loved one. This may be by being given opportunity to talk about their feelings or through practical activities. Naturally, each individual deals with bereavement in a different way, some may feel sad or angry, some may feel guilty about the death and others may withdraw and show signs of depression. The age of the child as well as their previous experiences, or lack of, can affect what they understand about death therefore it must be dealt with and prepared for accordingly. For instance, for those who have not dealt with loss before, starting with other kinds of loss is a good way in. With very young children this could be done effectively in circle time, using story, discussion and activities. You can talk about loss such as of toys or personal belongings and later develop this into a discussion about pets which may get lost or die, before finally talking about losing people who move on, move out or die. As a teacher we are more than likely able to empathise with children who are experiencing bereavement as this is probably something we, as adults, have experience. Consequently, it could be difficult to separate our own feelings and thoughts from the situation we are dealing with in order to console a child and reassure them that things will get better. It is important then to consider your own emotional response to the death and loss and reflect upon you feelings and how you deal with these situations in order to stop this from inhibiting your ability to help children in this situation. The parent/carer’s view and what they would like their child to understand about death is also important to consider as a teacher and it is important to make sure that you act on their wishes so that the message that you deliver reflects these views. However, whilst this is important, I also feel it is part of a teacher’s duty to help families understand the importance of children being appropriately involved in what is happening rather than being excluded and sheltered and how this can affect them in a negative way later in life also. Furthermore, this raises the importance of working and communicating effectively with parent/carer’s throughout these situations to find out behaviours the child is exhibiting when dealing with the loss and then develop a plan to help the child through this period. Most importantly, as a teacher, it is vital that a secure and closed environment which allows everyone to talk about the kinds of feelings that loss and bereavement bring is developed within the classroom and an appropriate level of confidentiality and trust is maintained.

What I learned from the Course Essays

What I learned from the Course Essays What I learned from the Course Essay What I learned from the Course Essay `Diversity Issues in the workplace` is a course that is essential for the study programs in the world today. With cross-continental and cultural barriers vanishing and distances shortening, it is important to know how to operate in a diverse environment. Of course, when the factor of diversity comes in to play in a work environment, it gives rise to its own issues and obstacles. In order to be able to work productively in a modern day organization, a person has to understand the element of diversity so that the issues can be avoided and dealt with in a professional and ethical manner.As I have taken this course, I now understand the different facets of the concept of diversity in a work place. First of all, what this course aims at developing is a sense of keenness towards dealing with situations in a humane and ethical manner, and at the same time, maintains professionalism. Different work places have different environments; the organization may have different attitudes towards diff erent sexes, ethnicities, sexual preferences, races or even age groups. Â  At the same time, people come from all sorts of demographics and cultural backgrounds. When these backgrounds and demographics mix, issues are bound to arise. This course has taught me how to deal with such situations.By first of all defining and clearing up the concept of diversity, the course makes it easy to understand that diversity is not just about races and color; it’s about differences and variations of people around us. Then, the course also highlights the advantages of diversity and how it helps diversify the environment, organization and idea generation. It removes all doubts, resistances or discriminatory thoughts that a person might have against the concept of diversity. Then, the course teaches us an important part of organizational behavior; identifying diversity. This is done through identifying and acknowledging different kinds of diversity factors such as cultural differences, differ ences in personal style and expression, privacy, intimacy and communication. Another aspect of the course that helped me understand the concept was the understanding of diversity barriers. These can come in various forms; stereotypes, discrimination and the wrong ways to deal with these issues. Understanding these barriers and the wrong approaches helped me understand about what not to do and how not to handle issues in a diverse workplace. It is important to consider every aspect of everyone’s feelings and cultural differences in order to not offend anyone around us and be objective and professional about everything we do.One of the most important aspects of a diverse workplace is communication. The course gives a clear understanding of the communication issues and barriers that arise in such an environment, how to overcome those barriers, bridge the communication gap and ensure a healthy relationship among the employees. The key to improving communication is to promote part icipation and take everyone’s input so that people around us, no matter how different, feel comfortable and significant in any team project or task. When this is done, a major diversity barrier is overcome and relationships strengthen.Managing diversity is also an important issue. It is important that the people’s core competencies are identified and people are judged and evaluated on the basis of skills and not any other factor. Workforce diversity comes into play in this representation aspect of a diverse organization. The concept of equal opportunity is important in such situations; the fact that all people living in a geographical area should have equal rights and equal and fair chances to all employment and work opportunities within and outside the organization. Affirmative action is mandatory.It is important to understand, not only the negative impact of diversity in a workplace, but also the positive impact; diversity promotes positive impact of diversity, incre ased creativity, multiple points of view and a multiple skills, wider range of experiences and backgrounds. There are several issues in a diverse workplace including dealing with different sexual orientations and sexual offenses and harassments. The key is to educate the employees and spread awareness about these issues and how people are different and have their own rights and choices. This helps implement a cooperative environment. Also, it gives the people a complete overview on identifying, reporting and dealing with discrimination and offenses.Employee retention through diversity is another important aspect of an organization. It is important to understand the people’s concerns and issues that are linked with organizations and to understand the factors that affect employee turnover. By better understanding these concerns, the organization would be able to reduce turnover rate and ensure that a healthy workplace exists and employee retention is high.Education on governmen t legislations about diversity is also important; it is important to understand federal laws and regulations regarding diversity, affirmative action and discrimination. Lastly, the course sheds light on developing and implementing a healthy and diverse corporate culture and creates an environment that employees from all cultural backgrounds can enjoy working in and be comfortable interacting within so that they can learn and grow personally and collectively. Â  (Class Syllabus: Diversity Training 101, 2009)

Points of the Compass in Spanish

Points of the Compass in Spanish The directions of the compass in Spanish are vaguely similar to those of English and ultimately come from the same Indo-European roots. However, Spanish also has synonyms for some of the directions as well as special adjective forms that should be learned. Lists of Spanish Words for Directions of the Compass The primary points of the compass include: norte - northeste (or, less commonly, oriente) - eastsur - southoeste (or, less commonly, occidente)- west As in English, the directions can be combined to indicate intermediate points: nornoreste - north-northeastnoreste - northeastestenoreste - east-northeastestesudeste - east-southeastsudeste - southeastsudsudeste - south-southeastsudsudoeste - south-southwestsudoeste - southwestoestesudoeste - west-southwestoestenoroeste - west-northwestnoroeste - northwestnornoroeste - north-northwest In some areas, the use of sur- as the stem meaning south is preferred, so youll also hear the variations such sureste and suroeste alone as well as in combination forms such as sursureste. Combinations using oriente and occidente, such as suroccidente for southwest and nororiente for northeast, are also used. Adjective forms- such as the equivalents of northern and eastern- can be made by preceding the direction with del (literally, of the) as in del norte and del sur to mean northern and southern, respectively. These are indicated below along with the special adjective forms: del norte, norteà ±o, boreal, septentrional - northerndel este, oriental - easterndel sur, sureà ±o, austral, meridional - southerndel oeste, occidental - western To indicate direction of movement, forms such as del oeste or desde el oeste for from the west and hacia el oeste for toward the west are used. Thus, an easterly wind (one coming from the east) is a viento del este, while to say that a door faces east, for example, you could say la puerta mira hacia el este. A few geographical terms use the noun form where the adjectival form might be expected. In particular, the north and south poles are often called the polo norte and polo sur, respectively. Similarly, the northern and southern hemispheres are often called the hemisferio norte and hemisferio sur, respectively, although terms such as hemisferio boreal can also be used. Capitalization of Directions Normally, directions, whether as nouns or adjectives, are not capitalized in Spanish. However, they typically are capitalized when referring to a recognized region. For example: Antes de la guerra de Secesià ³n, la tensià ³n entre el Norte y el Sur era extrema. (Before the Civil War, the tensions between the North and the South was extreme.) However, if you were referring just to the southern U.S. in general, rather the specific states that form a recognized region, capitalization would not be necessary. Directions also are capitalized when part of a name, such as in Carolina del Norte (North Carolina), Corea del Sur (South Korea), and Mercado Comà ºn del Sur (the formal name for the Mercosur, an international South American trading market). Key Takeaways The four main directions of the compass in Spanish come from the same historic roots as the English terms and thus are vaguely similar.The four main directions can be combined to indicate intermediate points, such as noroeste for northwest.Special adjective forms, not always similar to the names of the directions, are sometimes in use. Sample Sentences for Compass Directions Habà ­a cuatro muertos y muchos heridos en accidente de autobà ºs en el norte de Colombia. (There were four deaths and many injured in a bus accident in northern Columbia.) Gracias a su privilegiada ubicacià ³n geogrfica, el Sudeste Asitico ha sido una regià ³n que ha crecido econà ³micamente en las à ºltimas dà ©cadas. (Thanks to its favorable geographical location, Southeast Asia has been a region that has grown economically in recent decades.) Alrededor de 200 personas participaron en el chapuzà ³n ms austral del mundo. (About 200 people participated in the worlds most southern ocean dip.) Los vientos alcanzaron una velocidad de 50 kilà ³metros por hora desde el nornoroeste. (The winds reached a speed of 50 kilometers per hour from the north-northwest.) La nocià ³n de que ideas occidentales son subversivas ha sido recibida con amplia incredulidad, particularmente entre intelectuales. (The notion that Western ideas are subversive has been received with great incredulity, particularly among intellectuals.) La Antrtida es el continente ms austral de la Tierra. (Antarctica is the Earths most southerly continent.) Sur global es un tà ©rmino utilizado en estudios postcoloniales y transnacionales que puede referirse tanto al tercer mundo como al conjunto de paà ­ses en và ­as de desarrollo. (Global south is a term used in postcolonial and transnational studies that can refer to the third world as a combination of the developing countries.)

Crafting and Executing Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Crafting and Executing Strategy - Essay Example The taxi business section is operated by a fleet of 120 units headed by the taxi department while the other car rental functionality is operated by a fleet of 65 luxury vehicles with chauffer services available at the request of the clients. Both sections operate in ten different locations within the city. There are several players in the taxi business, and competition is relatively higher than in the luxury car rental section, which enables the company to diversify its markets. Under the circumstances of a business environment with challenges of different types such as economic volatility and continued competitors growth, a strategic plan is important in formulating the appropriate planning to overcome the challenges (Wasti, 2003). In terms of a volatile economic environment, a strategic plan enables the business to set goals within the potential and operation level that company affords and to produce the best possible sustainability results. In view of the competition experienced from rival companies in the transport section, it is imperative that the business stays ahead of the competitors by designing the most competitive products that enable sustainable operations. Better decision-making processes made from a vantage strategy view enable the business to make few mistakes and exploit the best opportunities achieved from appropriate decisions taken (Darbi, 2012). A strategic plan also facilitates the concentration of focus, resources, and energy on a com mon agreeable decision made on behalf of every participant of the company, and this reduces conflicts and divergent priorities. Customer satisfaction is facilitated by a competent team operating from a strategic plan as opposed to an ambiguous action approach. Alternatively, it is possible to grow a business brand from a coordinated strategy as opposed to a brand from an amorphous action approach. Drive America is a world-class transport service taking

Consumer Behaviour Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Consumer Behaviour - Essay Example In this respect, it is especially important in determining its characteristics. In addition, there is also insight it provides with regards to the consumer behavior and likely actions, which allow for the identification of problems and opportunities in marketing the product afterwards. There are at least five stages/steps by which the consumer makes his or her purchases: 1) need recognition; 2) information search; 3) evaluation of alternatives; 4) purchase; and, 5) postpurchase behavior (Lamb, Hair and McDaniel 2008, 140). Some experts add some stages in the process, such as with the model developed by Engle, Kollat and Blackswell, which divided the consumption stage into two - consumption and post-consumption - and adding a unique element in the form of divestment (Verma 2007, 178). All in all, the stages are pretty straightforward and speak for themselves. For instance, need recognition pertains to the actual desire, want or need of a consumer. This is usually the first stage in th e process, but the rest of the stages do not strictly follow the order by which they were outlined here in this paper. The stages as outlined by this paper highlight the fact that consumer purchase decisions are influenced by several factors - both external and internal influences. Personal desires, wants and needs as well as the available information and influencers are just some of these variables. They have to be understood in order to make sense of the complexity of the process. Finally, there is also the fact that consumer decision-making process does not end with the purchase of the product. For product developers, it may as well be an endless cycle that is why understanding the process is crucial in order to identify some semblance of pattern and coherence and make use of it in product development and in marketing. Theory 2: Family Roles influence on decision Making   Certainly, the motivating factors behind each consumer's purchase behavior are unique and different. Howeve r, the role of the family as a single most important variable in the decision-making process for all consumers is the same for most consumers in most purchase decisions. This powerful influence, according to Blythe (2006) is due to three reasons: 1. the parental influence in the case of the children is deeply embedded because it started the earliest and therefore impact the children's perception of everything that follows; 2. the parental desire to do what is best for the children and the family; and, 3. the influence of siblings as role models, particularly when the sibling is older or in some cases the carer or the adviser (138). The above reasons were just the fundamental ones especially when considering the fact that in some families, membership is not confined to the parents and their offspring. Rather, there are also the extended family such as aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. Finally, it must be underscored that within the family or within household, a relationship ex ists, wherein each member has a role and participates in every decision-making process. This relationship, role and participation are underpinned by other issues such as gender and other variables that characterize the interpersonal relations within. Collectively, they can define who

Laboratory Excercise Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Laboratory Excercise - Research Paper Example 2. Four tree species Four distinct tree species were observed in Ornithos Atlantic Rainforest between 20:30:19 and 21:00:19 Brazil times. One of the tree species had a thick stem and branches. The leaves of this tree were not observable within the viewpoint of the webcam. This tree species was located in the middle background of the webcam. The second tree had banana-like leaves and occupied the left hand side of the webcam. The branches and stem of this tree were not covered within the view of the webcam. The third tree species comprised of shrubs that occupied the lower left side the webcam. The leaves of these shrubs were bright, green and irregular in shapes. The fourth tree species composed of the dry stems in the middle background of the webcam. This tree species had no leaves nor branches since the remaining branches were dry. 3. Bat The bat flew from the left side of the webcam. It spent two minutes within the view of the camera before exploring the feeding table. The bat the n disappeared to the left side of the webcam. Environmental conditions Ornithos Atlantic Rainforest is characterized by wet and warm climate. Mean monthly temperatures remain above 180C throughout the year. The forest floor receives only 2% of the solar radiation due to extensive canopy. Ornithos Atlantic Rainforest receives more than 2,000 millimeter of rain per year (Marent & Morgan, 2006). The inter-tropical convergence zone plays a crucial role in creating the climatic conditions suitable for rain forests. The precipitation in this forest ranges between 700 and 1,600 millimeter. Approximately 50% of this precipitation comes from the forest’s own precipitation (Livejoy & Hannah, 2005). Ornithos Atlantic Rainforest is humid across the year because of heavy rains. Around 75% of the biotic species in Ornithos Atlantic Rainforest are indigenous. Patterns and Density of Biodiversity in Ornithos Atlantic Rainforest The rapid expansion of human population and economies in the 21s t century has led to stresses on natural ecosystems and the species within them (Marent & Morgan, 2006). Biodiversity is the range of variation found among the living organisms. Ecosystem refers to any geographic location occupied by living organisms and the nonliving parts of their physical environment. Ornithos Atlantic Rainforest has a dense and irregular tree species. The trees do not have any uniformity in pattern since Ornithos Atlantic Rainforest is a natural forest. The forest is covered by a variety of indigenous trees, but only four species were observable within the view of the webcam (Marent & Morgan, 2006). The forest also hosts a variety of animal species such as insects, reptiles and birds. The webcam, however, captured the white butterfly-like insect and a bat. Factors Influencing Biodiversity in Ornithos Atlantic Rainforest The first factor influencing biodiversity in Ornithos Atlantic Rainforest is global climate. Weather forecasters have revealed rapid climate cha nge across the world. Climate change such as increased temperatures, wind and intensity of sunshine affects the ecosystems in the Ornithos Atlantic Rainforest (DellaSalla, 2011). Organisms that do not have rapid adaptive features cannot survive extreme climatic conditions, and thus cease to exist. The second factor influencing biodiversity is natural disturbances. Storms and strong winds are common in rainforest areas, and frequently cause considerable damage in forests (Marent & Morgan,

Japanese Culture: Art, history and society

Japanese Culture: Art, history and society The Japanese culture is one that is rich within an historical and traditional context. Many of the traditional practices established hundreds of years ago can be seen today in modern Japan and are a direct reflection of significant historical accounts. The role of woodblock art in Japanese culture is one such reflection to which many historical references and traditions were recorded and captured in pictorial form. The art of woodblock printing first appeared as early as the 1600s within the cities of Kyoto and Osaka. These early forms of woodblock printing (spoken as Ukiyo-e in the Japanese native tongue) were a very simplistic process utilizing black ink and colored chalk. Typically during this initial time period, the art form was considered a lower class of art and therefore was not sought after by the higher class. Over time the woodblock printing process became more complex with the introduction of various colors by the artist. For this reason the art form became a group effort of artist, wood block carver, printer, and publisher. The popularity of the townsmen woodblock printing began to take root over the centuries as it migrated from the smaller villages to the city of Edo at its pinnacle during the nineteenth century. Revered as the classical era of Ukiyo-e, the Edo period spanned from early seventeenth century until its recorded end in 1868. The Japanese experienced a great deal of peace during this span of time under the rule of the Tokugawa Clan. This era of peace however, came with a great deal of political oppression and complete seclusion from the world outside its shores. The city of Edo began to flourish culturally as the lower class indulged in knowing pleasures and theater performances. The concentration of cultural activity within Edo had given way to new subjects and perspective within woodblock printing artwork. The long practiced subject of woodblock printing had shifted from landscape etchings to more contemporary settings of the city life. What had originally been a century old technique for copying text, the woodblock prints became a highly sought after commodity to visitors of Edo. The printing technique had evolved into a sophisticated practice, depicting landscapes, inner city dwellings, actors, actresses and performers during the seventeenth century. There are a myriad of woodblock prints linking to historical and contemporary events during the Edo period. One such print is the, Furyu The Great Battle of the Frogs, commissioned in 1864 by Kyosai. This print depicts two large forces of frogs engaged in battle across a narrow body of water. The severed heads of the slain enemy can be seen impaled on stakes as the opposing forces wage a vicious battle. This print is believed by some to represent a playful rendition of the Tokugawa clan fighting the Choshu forces. The exact interpretation of the artwork remains unknown, however, prints that may have shown a negative view towards the Tokugawa clan were oppressed and the artist imprisoned. The Tokugawa clan was dissolved in 1868 and the emperor was restored as the ruling authority in what began to be known as the Meiji Era. Political oppression continued into the new era as government officials regulated any publications that did promote national peace and the sanctity of the country. There is evidence to suggest that a strong conviction to suppress mockery and disapproval from the common wealth continued as late as the nineteenth century. The printmaker Kyosai and other citizens of Edo may not have perceived this turn of the tide in leadership of the country as a blessing. The economy of Edo had suffered greatly during this transition of power between the Tokugawa rule and the new Meiji era. A new slogan, Fukoku kyohei, was formulated under the emperor. The objective was to develop far reaching policies to transform society in an effort to catch up with the west. The dramatic changes that took place are well represented in the woodblock prints that were produced during this time frame. Once more, the Meiji Period had opened the shores of its country to commerce and trade among the rest of the world. Over the next three decades the popularity of woodblock prints as a commercial item had lost its appeal among the Japanese citizens; however it did remain the prevailing technology routinely used to print pictures and texts within books. A centuries old tradition of perfected woodblock printing that had captured the very essence of Japanese culture had come under pressure from western ideals and influences. An influx of western technologies such as photography, lithographs and other metal type processes quickly gained a foothold over the traditional methodologies of woodblock printing. Publishers, despite adopting metal type technology, continued to commission woodblock prints for supplements in newspapers and other illustrations. In 1894 publishers were confronted with the task of rallying open support from citizens for the war with China, and in an instance reverted from the new metal type print processes to the traditional woodblock methodology in production runs. The publishers recognized that woodblock prints in the style of ukiyo-e were their most influential means for gaining public attention. Many artists such as Kobayashi Kiyochika and Mizuno Toshikata, contributed to the attention of the war by creating more than three thousand prints. Over one hundred thousand of the more popular prints were sold during the war. As the zeal for the China War ended, numerous artist and craftsmen found that their services were no longer needed. The war prints were no longer a sought after commodity. Although sales of the popular prints diminished in time among widely used metal type printing technology, the widespread use of woodblock printing had left a lasting impression within Japanese tradition. In the brief years following the China War woodblock prints were still commissioned in the use for the reproduction of paintings and ukiyo-e for export. During this time, however, the birth of a new creative print movement was taking root. An artist by the name of Yamamotot Kanae had the revolutionary vision to create a print which utilized traditional woodblock methods. The now famous print entitled, Fisherman had attracted the attention of a new breed of artist. The new theory of the Sosaku Hanga movement defined what an artist should be at the turn of the early twentieth century. In the traditional role of ukiyo-e printmaking the processes were completed separately and meant that the design, wood carving and printing (publishing) of the woodblock prints were completed by highly skilled individuals. The Sosaku Hanga artist held the opposing view that the artist should be involved at every step of the process to the prints completion. The Sosaku Hanga movement and other developing art theories around that time period, which utilized woodblocks as their median for new age expressions, never became as popular as the traditional commercialized prints had become in centuries past.

This is Your Brain on God :: Biology Essays Research Papers

"With all your science can you tell how it is, and whence it is that light comes into the soul?" ~ Henry David Thoreau Belief in God has long been held to be a superstition by the scientific community as the existence of such a higher power cannot be demonstrated through objective observation. While science is unable to prove whether or not God is real, the field of neurotheology has instead posed a new question that we can find answers to: is there activity in the brain specific to religious experience? Can science in fact shed light on Thoreau's question? Through the use of brain imaging technology, Dr. Andrew Newberg has conducted research in an attempt to find answers to these questions. The participants in his study were Buddhists well-versed in meditation. Newberg used a SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) camera to make an image of the brain of an individual at the moment he reaches the climax of meditation. Such a picture would enable us to look at the brain as it "experiences God." The "peak" of meditation is clearly a subjective state, with each individual attaining it in different manners and having different time requirements. However, the sensation and meaning behind this moment is consistent among all who reach it. At the peak, the subjects indicate that they lose their sense of individual existence and feel inextricably bound with the universe. "There [are] no discrete objects or beings, no sense of space or the passage of time, no line between the self and the rest of the universe" (Newberg 119). As the river flowing east and west Merge in the sea and become one with it, Forgetting that they were ever separate rivers, So do all creatures lose their separateness When they merge at last . . . (Newberg 6-7) Newberg first took baseline images of the brains of the meditators to use as a standard for comparison (Newberg 5). It was important that these scans of the brain be taken while the subjects were at rest so that brain activity while one is simply relaxed could be differentiated from brain activity while one is having a spiritual experience. The baseline scans showed an "even distribution of activity throughout the brain," characterized by a large amount of activity in the posterior, superior parietal lobe and a moderate amount in the prefrontal cortex (Newberg 4).1 The subjects then meditated. When they reached the peak, they pulled on a string attached at one end to their finger and at the other to Dr.

Now You See Me, Now You Don’t Essay

â€Å"First rule of magic: always be the smartest person in the room.† This is demonstrated all throughout the mysteriously riveting 2013 movie Now You See Me, directed by Louis Leterrier. A group of four magicians: Daniel Atlas (Jesse Eisenberg), Henley Reeves (Isla Fisher), Merritt McKinney (Woody Harrelson), and Jack Wilder (Dave Franco), all receive a card with a date and location on where to meet. Upon meeting at the designated meeting spot, they discovered they were all chosen to be part of a series of special magic acts. They are from then on referred to as The Four Horseman. For their remarkable acting, thrilling stunts, and magical storyline, Now You See Me is an excellent pick for all ages to enjoy. The film follows The Four Horseman and their quest on helping people who got cheated out on their money by performing magic acts. The Horseman begin one of their shows by doing a magic trick where the audience pulls out a piece of paper with their account balance on, and the balance suddenly increases to a higher amount of money. The horseman call up to the stage Arthur Tressler (Michael Caine), who is the owner of Tressler Insurance. They explain that all the people in the audience have been cheated due to Tressler’s Insurance, and the money that was going into the audience’s accounts was coming out of Tressler’s bank account. Since the events of the horseman have been going on, the FBI hire agent Dylan Rhodes (Mark Ruffalo) to investigate along with Alma Dray (Melanie Laurent) of Interpol. In addition to the FBI, an illusion exposer Thaddeus Bradley (Morgan Freeman), try to uncover the mysteries of the illusions. Throughout the movie, it is unexplainable to why the horseman are undergoing these illusions without any benefits for themselves. However, it is revealed that agent Rhodes hired the horseman to get revenge on Bradley and the others that were involved for his father’s death. Many people seek revenge when something traumatic happens in their life. In the movie, it is revealed that Agent Rhodes’ father died from a faulty safe that he used in one of his underwater magic tricks. Rhodes is the hooded figure in the beginning of the film who chose the four magicians who later became The Four Horseman and help him seek out revenge. In the Horseman’s first magic trick, they chose a random guest out of the audience for their show. This illusion included the man getting teleported to a bank in Paris where he helped get money from the bank, and the money was then rained down from the ceiling of  where the show was being held. At another one of the Horseman’s shows, an illusion was preformed where money was stolen from Arthur Tressler’s account and placed into the audience’s accoun ts. These two illusions were not just random picks. The man’s bank that was in Paris and Tressler’s insurance company both would not give any benefits to Rhodes’ family after his father’s death. Rhodes also targeted Thaddeus Bradley because when his father was alive they were rivals. Rhodes’ father did the underwater trick that had the faulty safe because Bradley was in competition with him and challenged him to it. The themes in the film were performed well by the actors. So, the acting in Now You See Me was a great fit for the characters in the film. I loved Dave Franco’s character. He did a great job with the action role he was put in and being the underdog who had to fight and pull off stunts. For example, when the FBI finds the horseman in the apartment room, Franco’s character is left behind to get rid of papers and other information they had in the room. The agents come in the room, and Franco has to try to fight them away. The performance is very believable, and he makes it seem that fighting was natural and easy. This role in an action film contrasts from the movie Franco stars in, 21 Jump Street. This film is a comedy and Franco pulls of the different genres of movies. Another star I liked was Isla Fisher. Fisher played Henley Reeves, a magician who focused on intense stunts. I really loved Fisher in the movie The Bachelorette, which was a romantic comedy. She excelled in this movie and excels in Now You See Me, an action film. Fisher is great at performing her stunts and presenting the illusions. For example, when she first does her trick in the box of water and when she explains the transportation illusion. I like how she has a hint of mystery and wonder in her voice. One person that stood out as a performer was Mark Ruffalo, who played Agent Dylan Rhodes. I have seen him in many different movies and roles; two of my favorite movies Ruffalo has stared in are Rumor Has It and 13 Going On 30. In both of these movies, he is portrayed as a love interest and did really well. In contrast, his part in Now You See Me was an FBI agent, and he looked like a natural and as if he fit the part of a real agent. Ruffalo did a good job of not giving away that he was the one who brought the Horseman together and the one was behind it all. Along with the acting I thought the overall film was very believable as well. Although some tricks were a bit farfetched such as the  teleportation device, a lot of the tricks were believable. For example, the card tricks that Daniel Atlas does are very similar to magicians now, and hypnosis is a very believable thing to people who go to shows today. â€Å"The more you look, the less you see† is a quote said multiple times throughout the film. This ties into the stunts aspect of the movie because if you look closer to the tricks and analyze them you lose the full excitement and awe of the illusions being performed. The film had a very distinct style and ways of using each characters abilities. But there is another movie that it reminds me of, The Prestige. In this movie, there are two rival magicians that compete for the fame and try and steal each other’s tricks and secrets. There are both similarities and differences in these two films. In Now You See Me, Rhodes’ father is killed because of a faulty safe in an underwater magic trick her performed. Similarly, in The Prestige a woman is killed when she cannot escape from a box of water in a trick. At the end of the film, one of the main characters also drowns in a glass box filled with water used for a magic act. Another similarity is in the very end of both films the man who was responsible for the death and deception of another person is tricked, and they both end up in jail. In Contrast, The Prestige is more about the lives of the two men and how they try to compete and get the upper hand, while Now You See Me was about magicians helping one person get revenge on something that happened years before. Although Now You See Me is similar to other movies, it had great special effects and stunts. I thought the most impressive special effect was the scene of the car chase. They did a good job of making the chase look believable. When the car wrecked, rolled across the highway, and blew up into fire and smoke, the special effects made it look realistic and as if it really could have happened. A stunt scene that was performed well was when Jack Wilder fights the agents in the apartment building. The fight had a lot of advanced moves and violence and Wilder made it seem realistic. He has such ease in the stunts that really made his performance stand out. Another example is the final show that the horseman perform. There were lots of lights and the final three hor seman were projected on the buildings while they talked somewhere inside. When the horseman announce that it is their last show and said goodbye, they proceeded to jump off of a tall building. The special effects make it look as if the horseman turn into money as they fall from the rooftop. Because of  all the special effects and tricks that happen, I think the movie’s title was based off this. When the horseman perform their shows and tricks, they do it in front of everyone. Since they often show the audience what they are doing and explain what is happening, I think that is why it is called Now You See Me. It is also a play off the common saying â€Å"Now you see me, now you don’t†. This is a common saying among magicians because they often make things disappear and reappear, and the audiences don’t always see all their tricks and how they are executed. In my opinion, Now You See Me was an outstanding movie. The overall theme and storyline was easy to understand. One of the best scenes was when Jack Wilder fights off Dylan Rhodes. I loved the action of this scene and how it was performed. The best part of the fight was when Wilder fights Rhodes with magic. By doing this it shows that Wilder is versatile in his role of not only a magician but a great fighter as well. I would love to go and buy this movie so I could watch it more than once. This is a movie I really enjoyed and would love to watch more so I could see more of the details and pay more attention to the tricks. I would rate this a 10 out of 10 and would recommend it to others if you like exciting films that keep you interested and wondering what will happen next.