Thursday, November 28, 2019

The major musical development of the classical period Essay Example For Students

The major musical development of the classical period Essay Outline the major musical development of the classical period and the main characteristics of the classical style. Main characteristics of the classical style: Contrast of mood Mood in classical music may change gradually or suddenly. Masters like Haydn and Beethoven were able to impart unity and logic to music of wide emotional range. Rhythm In Classical music, there is a flexibility of rhythm. A classical composition has a range of rhythmic patterns. The classical style also can include unexpected pauses, syncopation, and frequent changes from long notes to short ones. Also they have a change from one pattern of note lengths to another, which may be either sudden or gradual. Texture Classical music is basically homophobic. However, texture is treated as flexibly as rhythm. Pieces shift smoothly or suddenly from one texture to another. Melody Classical melodies are one of the most tuneful and easy to remember. The themes of even highly sophisticated compositions may have a folk or popular flavor. Occasionally, composer simply borrowed popular tunes, but more often, they rote original themes with a popular character. We will write a custom essay on The major musical development of the classical period specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now Classical melodies often sound balanced and symmetrical because they are frequently made up of two phrases of the same length. The second phrase, in such melodies, may begin like the first, but it will end more conclusively and it will be easier to sing. Dynamics and the piano The Classical composers interest in expressing shades of emotion led to the widespread use of gradual dynamic change crescendo (gradually getting louder) and diminuendo ( gradually getting softer). The end of basso continuo The basso continuo was gradually abandoned during the classical period. One reason why the basso continuo became obsolete was that more and more music was written for amateurs, who could not master the difficult art of improvising from a figured bass. The major musical development of the classical period and the main characteristics of the classical style. By Rebecca The dates of the Classical period in are generally known as being between about 1750 and 1820. However, the term classical music is used colloquially to describe a rarity of Western musical styles from the ninth century to the present, and especially from the sixteenth or seventeenth to the nineteenth. The Classical period falls between the Baroque and the Romantic periods. The best known composers from this period are Joseph Haydn, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven; other notable names include Lugging Bickering, Mezzo Clementine, Antonio Soles, Antonio Saltier, Francis Joseph Gooses, Johann Stamina, Carl Frederica Able, Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, and Christopher Willable Cluck. Ludwig van Beethoven is also sometimes regarded either as a Romantic composer or a composer who was part of the transition to the Romantic. At first the new style took over Baroque forms, the ternary dad capo aria and the assassin and concerto, but composed with simpler parts, more notated ornamentation and more emphatic division into sections. However, over time, the new aesthetic caused radical changes in how pieces were put together, and the basic layouts changed. Composers from this period sought dramatic effects, striking melodies, and clearer textures

Monday, November 25, 2019

Exempt vs Non-Exempt Employees

Exempt vs Non-Exempt Employees Free Online Research Papers In most organizations employees fall into two categoriesexempt and non-exempt status. The exempt and non-exempt terms was brought into effect through the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and was written to protect employees from being required to work long hours with out being compensated and an incentive for employers to attract potential candidates. The difference between the two categories could cost the organization quite a lot of money. This means that employees who fall into the exempt status are exempt from overtime regulations and minimum wage laws. On the other hand, employees who are classified as nonexempt must be paid for every extra hour of overtime they work. According to the U.S Department of Labor (2007), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), requires that most employees in the United States be paid at least the federal minimum wage for all hours worked and overtime pay at time and one-half the regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 hours in a workweek. In addition, the FLSA also dictates that an employee’s title does not determine their status. In other words, for an employee to be considered exempt the employee’s pay and specific job duties must meet all the requirements. Regardless of the number of hours worked exempt employees do not receive overtime pay. However based on the supervisor’s discretion employees are offered compensatory time for excess hours worked. Determining exemption status can sometimes be a very complex process. To determine employers have to consider the primary purpose of the position and how the tasks fits with the purpose. According to Turner (n.d), job analysts use organizational charts, compare similar positions, use field manuals, and read the FLSA guidebooks to determine the category. Misclassification of status can result in severe penalties for employers. In some cases employers are required to pay back pay of up to two years for any employee who is misclassified as exempt. Exempt employees are generally paid for any full week in which they perform work without regard to the number of days or hours worked. Paid vacations, time off and holidays are all fringe benefits offered by employers. That is why employers must be careful when deducting unpaid time off, especially if organizations do not provide paid vacation or personal day. Then this could be deducted from employees’ salary. On the other hand, the FLSA states that employers may make pay deductions when an employee is absent for a full day for personal reasons when paid vacations, time off and holidays are granted. Similarly, if you give paid vacation days and the employee has used them all, you may deduct any additional personal time off. Non-exempt employees on the other hand are required to work a certain number of hours in a week period and if that number is met and exceeded it is then considered overtime. Non-exempt employees are required to maintain a regular schedule to track actual hours worked. Ensuring that all procedures and policies are clear with regards to recording time and working overtime are all important information that should be communicated to the employee. According to the Business Owners (2007), The Federal Fair Labor Standards Act requires, among other things, that a minimum wage be established, and that all nonexempt employees be paid that minimum wage. This rate must be paid to all nonexempt employees for each hour worked up to 40 hours and must be paid time and a half for time worked beyond. However, in complying with the laws, employers must validate that employees did work the time indicated, computed at the employee’s regular rate and ensure that the organization maintain an equal pay requirement. The FLSA is a useful tool to help guide employers as well as employees determine the criteria for exemption. The law guides both categories and as noted job titles should not be the only criteria for claim exemptions and surely not simply paying on a salary. This means that each and every situation must be looked at individually. Exempt positions are excluded from minimum wage; and overtime regulations unlike nonexempt employees who are allowed overtime and must be paid for time worked over the specified number. References Business Owners Toolkit (2007). Exempt and Nonexempt Employees. Retrieved November 19, 2007, from http://toolkit.com Turner D. (n.d). Non-Exempt and Exempt: What do these terms men and why does it Matter? Retrieved November 19, 2007, from purdue.edu US Department of Labor (2007). Fair Pay Fact Sheet by Exemption Under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Retrieved November 19, 2007 from dol.gov Research Papers on Exempt vs Non-Exempt EmployeesWhat are Stock OptionsDistance Learning Survival GuideA Marketing Analysis of the Fast-Food RestaurantGene One the Transition from Private to PublicDeontological Teleological TheoriesThe Mechanics of Grading Grading SystemsAmerican Central Banking and OilThe Equal Rights AmendmentQuebec and CanadaDefinition of Export Quotas

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Case Brief, Tax Law Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Brief, Tax Law - Case Study Example Between 1913 and 1948, each person was supposed to be taxed on their own without considering their marital status. In 1948, the Revenue Act spelt out that each married couple was supposed to file a joint return then remit double the tax that would be paid by a single individual (Fox 59). In 1969, a new class of tax payers called the two wage-earners married couple with a greater combined tax burden. This was the root cause of the "marriage penalty." ii. Does the ‘marriage penalty’ deny a person their freedom and rights in marriage? How is it related on contravenes the Fourteenth Amendment of the US Constitution which guarantees individual freedom? Analysis: The court addressed the issue of the Fourteenth Amendment and the constitutionality of the Internal Revenue Commission laws. While acknowledging that the law offers individual liberty, it was held that the "marriage penalty," in no way, violates the constitution. Besides, while accepting that this law has some adverse effects on individual taxpayers, it is an essential close in the constitution. Tax compliance is a duty and a responsibility of a patriotic citizen. IRC Section 1(D) clearly stipulates that married couple with higher incomes like the Drukers have to fall into a new category from other couples with less income. After all, the court confirmed, Revenue Act of 1948 states such married couples are supposed to file a joint tax return and double their remittances. I.R.C. Sec. 6694 (a) which forms part of the Tax Reform Act of 1976 imposes a penalty of $100 for any deliberate or intentional underestimation when filling tax returns. Such a violation constitutes neglig ence which is punishable by law. Revenue Act of 1948 states such married couples are supposed to file a joint tax return and double their remittances. I.R.C. Sec. 6694 (a) which forms part of the Tax Reform Act of 1976 imposes a penalty of $100 for any

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Crime Prevention, Disorder and Community Safety (Criminolgy) Essay

Crime Prevention, Disorder and Community Safety (Criminolgy) - Essay Example In reality, the term "fear of crime" is an artifact of a broad interest in what is presumed to be the psychological effect of crime. As a result, there is no clear rationale behind its use.† Researches indicate that people especially women fear crime more than men but they do not report it quite often so it can be concluded that the actual statistics of women victimization is higher than reported. Stanko (1992) observed that according to the surveys, males are more capable of being victimized than women despite of the fact that women show more insecure behavior. It is perceived that the fear is irrational and unrealistic. However it should be noted that crimes happened with women are not reported all the time as women are more sensitive to their social image than man thus less willing to report that they are being victimized. Young (1988: 174) wrote that: "Domestic crisis and sexual crimes are less likely to enter the statistics than property crimes, which leads to the systemat ic underestimation of crimes against women". It should also be considered that researches and surveys only consist of crimes happened in front of witnesses or road-crimes. Women are often victimized within the walls of their own homes and do not report to any one. Warr (1984, 1985) investigates that as women are scared more of sexual assault than men so the general fear gets mix with the fear of sexual assault and heighten their insecurity. He also suggested that women's fear of victimization should be differently analyzed than men as men rarely fears sexual assault. Keane (1995) suggested that women’s fear of crime consists of two fears basically i.e. concrete fear and formless fear. Concrete fears are the fears of some specific crimes while formless fear is general fear or fear that can not be associated with some specific crimes. This theory of Keane has an underlying assumption that some crimes are more fear inducing than others. For women sexual assault is more fear indu cing than any type of theft or property damages. As per Keane, women reported both types of fears whether concrete or formless but younger females reported more of a concrete fear than elderly ladies. It can be deduced that elder age feels more formless fear than younger. Elders are more sensitive and insecure in perceiving crimes and have less tolerance for it. According to the researches of Warr (1985) and Ferraro (1996), women perceive rape as much serious crime as a murder. After an extensive research work by Ferraro (1996), he concluded that elder women and younger women both report the highest level of fear however the basis of fear can be different entirely. The elder women are more sensitive about the risk of financial damage, risk of being injured or loss of life while younger women are more scared of sexual assault. The fear of younger women is mostly comprises of rape or harassment and is more dominant in them than any other fear. The main difference in the reasons of fea r is the fear of sexual assault. If this fear will be excluded from the fear of crime in women, the difference between male and female fears of being victimized will be reduced. Warr (1985) also reported that women who are below the age of 35 fear more of sexual assault. As per him, as the girls become older, their fear increases and as they become women and start to age the fear diminishes. However as per Kennedy and Silverman (1984), as they become more

Monday, November 18, 2019

Personal Response of The Piano Lesson by August Wilson Assignment

Personal Response of The Piano Lesson by August Wilson - Assignment Example In fact, it was confusion that I experienced for I could not understand why keep a thing that makes one suffer and that one does not use at all. In addition to this, Doaker mentions that â€Å"she [Bernice] say it [the piano] got blood on it† (Wilson 10). It is obvious Bernice does not play it because of some superstitions she has and keeping the piano at home seems to be unreasonable. Moreover, Bernice’s brother needs the money that could be obtained if the instrument is sold for a good purpose. Of course, he wants to buy the land to be a master there; he also wants to buy it, however, to be the master of the land on which his ancestors were enslaved. When the long and tragic story of the piano was revealed to me, I experienced a belief conflict as I understood the actual value of the musical instrument. It appears to be both a symbol of both a family reunion and a reminder of slavery. Thus, it is more than an instrument: â€Å"[Boy Charles] Say [the piano] was the story of our whole family and as long as Sutter had it†¦ he had us. Say we was still in slavery† (Wilson 45). On the one hand, the idea of buying Sutter’s land is the way to pay tribute to the ancestors and the opportunity to create happier future. On the other hand, selling the piano may be compared to selling the family’s past. I hesitated whose side to take almost to the very last scene of the play, in which the author of the piece himself suggests what is right. The character that appeals to me is Boy Willie. It is mostly so because of his practical and somewhat down-to-earth view on life. He is the character that introduces the conflict into play saying he plans to sell the piano to buy the land. He says, â€Å"The only thing make the piano worth something is them carvings Papa Willie Boy put on there. [†¦] Papa Boy Charles brought that piano into the house. Now, I’ m supposed to build on what they left me† (Wilson 51). In other words, for Boy Willie, selling the instrument to buy the

Friday, November 15, 2019

Impact Of Globalization On Industrial Relations

Impact Of Globalization On Industrial Relations Globalisation is inevitable trend with the development of technologies in transportation, communication, and information etc. Globalisation has its impacts on many fields including politics, economics, and cultures around the world. With respect to impact on the economy, the impact of globalisation on the firms performance has been studied for a long time by scholars. Industrial relations are one important aspect in organization and it highly affects the performance of one firm. Thus, this essay takes a close look on what impact of globalisation will have on the industrial relations. Two countries which are classically represented by different market economy (USA: Liberal Market Economy; Japan: Coordinated Market Economy) are selected so as to analyse the impact of globalisation on their industrial relations in different variety of capitalism. Introduction Along with the globalisation especially in economy, it has led to new changes and features in global competitive environment, decentralisation of negotiation between labour and employers, more flexible wage system, labour allocation workshop organization and industrial relations in both developed and developing countries. Globalization has certainly influenced the industrial relations in developed countries with different types of market economy. With the deeper expansion of globalisation and enhancement of cross-border capital flows, traditional industrial relations systems in countries are facing great challenge. Whether the future development of industrial relations will have more similarities or differences between countries is always a hot topic focused by industrial relations scholars around the world. Globalisation has accelerated the interdependence in economy between countries and offered new possibilities for global economic growth. It is the progress of human society and inevitable results of world economic development. Meanwhile, globalisation is also one of the important features of the contemporary world economy. However, globalisation will have significant impact on industrial relations and unions in countries. In this essay, based on the USA and Japan experience in industrial relations after globalisation, it will provide an overall analysis of how the globalisation impacts the industrial relations in these two countries. Since USA and Japan are obviously featured with two different market economies, Liberal Market Economy and Co-ordinated Market Economy, it will have significant meaning in comparing and explaining the different impacts on these two countries industrial relations caused by globalisation. At the end of this essay, it will draw a proper conclusion based on the analyses in the previous parts. Globalization and industrial relations To begin with the analyses of the topic, there are two very important concepts which should be clearly explained, globalization and industrial relations. Globalization mainly refers to economic globalization, meaning the economic activities crossing the national borders, and forming an organic economic integrity worldwide through foreign trade, capital flows, technology transfer, provision of services, interdependent and interrelations (Greenaway, Gullstrand Kneller, 2008). Globalization has begun in 1980s; especially in 1990s its process was accelerated greatly. Globalization is good for the globally reasonable resources and production elements allocation, is beneficial for the flow of capital and products globally, technological expansion in the world, and helps to promote economic development in underdeveloped countries or regions. Industrial relations are also called employment relationship in some countries. Industrial relations are applied to denote the collective relationships between employers management and the employees (Colling Terry, 2010). The relations are established by the Labor Agreement or Group Agreement signed by both employer party and employee party. Industrial relations is called employment relationship, on the one hand, employee is hired by employer and gets salary from the employer, on the other hand, the owner or manager or representative of an organization who employees labors on behalf of the organization deals with the associated labor issues. The relation between them is so called employment relationship. Impact of globalisation on industrial relations in USA Under the globalization environment, Western developed countries such as United States of America has experienced new problems and very much challenge in its industrial relations. From historical perspective, industrial relations in USA were dominated by Labor Union and Political parties. Although historically two of the American political parties did not highly emphasize on the benefits of labor class, traditionally compared with Republican Party, Democratic Party treated Labor Union more friendlily not only from legislation view or national policies. Since the development of globalization especially in 1990s, the competition between enterprises is intensified, America was forming a situation where Labor Unions were weakened while Enterprise owners were strengthened. American Enterprises weakened the negotiation force of Labor Unions through various ways by introducing human resources management methods such as quality circle, objective management, group construction, professional p lanning etc. and subcontracting or outsourcing, non-labor unions in new enterprises or withdrawing labor unions in the existing enterprises. The result was directly leading to decrease in numbers and density of unions. The density of labor unions was reduced to 15.5% in 1990 from 23.5% in 1973 and until 1999; the density of labor unions was 13.4% (Blanchflower Bryson, 2011). Non-labor union in organization was popular and it resulted in dissatisfaction over the retirement pension, medical insurance, unemployment insurance etc. from labor force when comparing with the European labors. The difference in incomes between labors and employers has become the most important feature in American industrial relations. For instance, in 1965, the income of an American CEO was 25 times of the income of an ordinary worker, while 1n 2005, the figure was 265 times (Mishel, Bernstein Allegretto, 2005). From the market economy perspective, America is a typical country based on the Liberal Market Economy. According to Peter A. Hall and David Soskice, Liberal Market Economy (LME) is one of the major varieties of capitalism. America is a classic example of LME, and also this LME system is also applied by other developed countries in addition to USA. Under LMEs which are recognized as free market economies, firms resolve coordination problems mainly through hierarchies and market mechanisms. LMEs are featured with a relatively decentralized system of industrial relations (Hall Soskice, 2003). The employee relations under LMEs are short term, market relations between employee and employer. And the top management has unilateral control of the firm. Speaking to the industrial relations in LME, the relationship between employer organizations and unions is relatively weak, the wage setting is decentralized and employment is not secured. Due to the features of LMEs, there are many characteri stics in its industrial relations under the great pressure of globalization which has led to the competition more fierce for firms. In the first place, employees profession in American firms is not secured. American Labor force market applies free employment system. Once the economy of one firm declines, there will be a large number of employees to be laid off. The relationship between workers and the management level is conflicting, or to be said as the true sense of employed and employing. Therefore, American employees have the reasons to not be loyal to a firm and the conflict or relations between employers and employees are representing in strikes or layoffs forms. In America, capital is the determining factor for the production. Just as Karl Marx described it a hundred year ago, capitalists or their representatives employ labor force according to the market price and make every important decision solely based on their own interests (Commons, 2009). This principle has been fully reflected in American Liberal Market Economy. In the international capitalism market economy, according to Adam Smiths theory, the u ltimate goal of enterprises owners or managers is to pursue to maximize profits for the owners or shareholders, but less likely to attach importance or concerns to the welfare and wages of employees (Chiu, 2009). Secondly, globalization has led to more flexible and polarization in labor force market. In the process of globalization, labor market in America has a tendency of non-management and government loosens even removes the control of the labor market. Non-regulatory employment such as part-time workers, temporary workers, home workers with low wages are rapidly increasing. This change in industrial relations in USA has intensified the conflicts between capitalists and labor. In addition, with the day by day decreasing in Labor Unions power, labor in America feels extremely unprotected. And the labor bargaining power also decreases in this way. Therefore, in USA, every employee will have to take more serious attitude toward the labor contract than in other countries and every detail things relevant will be clearly stated in the contract. Thirdly, globalization leads to the diversity in managing the labor force in firms. Due to the globalization of sharing resources, technologies, even labor resources worldwide, multinational enterprises are increasingly developed and established branches in different courtiers and regions around the world. All of these MNEs have to face its diversity in managing labor in different cultural contexts. Globalization makes the labor force to transfer internationally more and more frequently with larger and larger scale. Globalization enables people from different countries with different cultures to work in an organization. In this way, the industrial relations will have to change to adopt the local regulations or environments. Impact of globalisation on industrial relations in Japan Like Germany, Japan is also a Coordinated Market Economy (CME). CME represents another kind of varieties of capitalism and it resolves coordination problems not only through hierarchies and markets but also through formal non-market institutions in firms (Hall Soskice, 2003). CMEs have the employee relations long term, formalised participation, consensus decision-making with the management. The industrial relations under CMEs are trade unions and employers organized, industry wide collective bargaining and pay determination, employment relatively secured. Under globalisation, the features of industrial relations in Japanese firms will be analysed from the following aspects. Firstly, compared with America, employment system in Japan is characterized by corporate life time employment and trade unions belong to firms. Life time employment provides with high degree of employment security on the one hand, but on the other hand, it restricts labour mobility. Under this employment system, large Japanese Corporations actually offer the complete profession security for their â€Å"core† workers. Correspondingly, in Japanese firms, lifelong services for a company will progressively be promoted; however, the opportunity of getting promotion through â€Å"job-hopping† is very tiny. Due to job security, employees are very loyal to the firms. Employees loyalty to firms is good for establishing inter-cooperation industrial relations. Or to be specific, it is good for establishing a good relationship between owners, managers, shareholders and employees. Under CMEs, in Japanese firms, employees negotiate with the management together, and employees are high ly involved in the decisions making in plants and workshops. Technical training and improvement are the important components in Japanese industrial activity. Firms in Japan will be less likely to conduct layoff unless the company is about to go bankruptcy. This harmonious employee-manager relationship and high sense of objective recognition are the secrets of rapid increase in labour productivity in Japan. Comparing to capital determining production in USA, labour is the determining factor in Japan. It is obvious that Japanese individual names are less likely to be seen in the global billionaires, however, world large companies in various industries are many Japanese companies. Japan economy is not dominated by capital owners but controlled by a group of managers and core workers. In Japan, 90% of people consider themselves as middle class. With regard to the salary difference, the difference in Japan is far better than America. Japanese corporations and government respect a relativ ely equal salary system which is similar to the traditional socialist ideology. In Japan, difference in salary between an ordinary worker and the top CEO is far much less than those in USA. Therefore, due to small salary difference, it is natural that workers can unite with the management level. Secondly, collective bargaining is a main and important way to deal with industrial relations in Japan previously. Collective bargaining is the process in which employers and employees are bargaining their own interests. Employee bargaining power in Japan is better than in USA before, but now under the globalisation trend, the collective bargaining power is becoming less relevant and companies gain greater discretion in wage setting across a number of areas. Unions in Japan are also confronted with declined bargaining power and influence. As the involvement of employees and unions in enterprise governance varies considerably between countries, Japan has to find a way to properly maintain this relationship. However, it can not be said that unions are not making efforts in maintaining the industrial relations, the unions are still functioning in maintaining the relationship between employer and employees in Japan. Japanese firms also emphasize the consultation between employers and the workers. Under the globalisation trend, there are many unknown competition forces coming from the markets, industrial relations is extremely emphasized by Japanese firms as a sustainable resources to be competitive in the global market. Thirdly, with the development of globalisation, international cooperation is urgently in need. Many Japanese companies started to establish sub-companies in overseas markets, and sell their products in foreign marketplaces. Globalisation accelerates the changing structure industrial relations in foreign markets. Under CME, Japan has maintained its type of industrial relations in domestic firms very well and very mature; however, whenever speaking to managing the workforce in other countries such as in China, the firms have to design industrial relations which are suitable for the local cultural context. So when Japanese firms operate factories in China, they have to combine the Asian Market Economy to design new industrial relations. Under such circumstance, industrial relations in Japanese firms will experience great challenge to change the traditional model of employment practices. Conclusion In conclusion, this essay interprets the concept of globalisation, industrial relations as well as two models of â€Å"varieties of capitalism† which are liberal market system and coordinated market system represented typically by USA and Japan. Further with the studies of globalisations impact on industrial relations in the liberal market economy of USA and in coordinated market economy of Japan with application of the Variety of Capitalism approach, it has analysed several impacts of globalisation on industrial relations in these two countries found. Both America and Japan have followed the previous industrial relations characterised by their liberal market economy and coordinated market economy. The industrial relations under these two different market economy systems are different a lot in terms of the employment period, job security, unions relationship and so on. Both of these two countries have encountered new challenges in their industrial relations under the globalisa tion environment as it requires the firms to operate in global different culture contexts. As the industrial relations can be a very important factor to influence the companys productivity, firms have to deal with the industrial relations within the organizations properly so as to be more competitiveness in the global market.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Jealousy and Love in The Lady, or the Tiger? by Frank R. Stockton Essay

Jealousy and Love in The Lady, or the Tiger? by Frank R. Stockton Women will do almost anything for love, to be loved, or to keep love. That is their mission. When women become jealous, however, the love they want to hold onto disappears, becomes selfishness, and one does not know if it is love anymore. In the short story â€Å"The Lady, or the Tiger?† written by Frank R. Stockton, a semi barbaric princess motions which door her lover, the accused man, must open to either receive punishment or a reward. The punishment is to be devoured by a fierce tiger and the reward is to be married to a lovely damsel of the court. This semi barbaric princess loves the man and chooses which door the man deserves to open. Like many women in love, this princess would not dare to let another woman take her lover away from her. Instead, jealousy takes over and the door that opens will emerge a tiger because she will go berserk to see her man happy with another woman, and will prefer to have him eaten by a tiger and await the princess herself on a heavenly earth. According to Frank R. Stockton, he states, â€Å"How in her grievous reveries has she gnashed her teeth and torn her hair, when she saw his start of rapturous delight as he opened the door of the lady† (150). Obviously, this describes her frenzied actions as the lovely damsel appears at the door on the right. If she leads her lover to the door with the damsel behind it, this princess will be green with envy to see him happily marrie...

Monday, November 11, 2019

Electronic Gadgets

Issues in Information Systems Volume 13, Issue 1, pp. 225-231, 2012 IS THE GROWING USE OF ELECTRONIC DEVICES BENEFICIAL TO ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE? RESULTS FROM ARCHIVAL DATA AND A SURVEY Taylor S. Drain, Washburn University, taylor. [email  protected] edu Lakeisha E. Grier, Washburn University, lakeisha. [email  protected] edu Wenying Sun, Washburn University, nan. [email  protected] edu ABSTRACT In this study, we investigate the relationship between academic performance and the use of computer technology.We test our hypothesis which proposes that the growing use of electronic deveices is academically beneficial to high school students' standardized test scores and GPA. Our method of data collection includes both a survey of high school students in the Midwest area and an analysis of national SAT scores in the years before computing and in years with computing. Analysis of SAT archival data shows a negative correlation between scores pre -computing and scores post-computing (with computing influences), meaning that as scores before computing were decreasing, scores with prevalent computer technology are increasing.Our survey data also displayed a positive correlation between time spent on electronic devices for school purpose and GPA. Keywords: Computer Technology, Academic Performance , SAT, GPA, Electronic Devices INTRODUCTION The availability and use of electronic devices continues to grow. Over 420 million smart phones were sold worldwide in 2011 [6]. Almost 400 million computers were sold during 2010 , and that figure is expected to increase to over 1 billion units which will incl ude computers and smart phones by 2014 [3]. With the development of Wi-Fi hotspots, it is now easier for people to stay connected with their portable devices.Since electronic devices continue to be adapted to be friendlier to the end users, we want to research how the increased use of computer based technologies both in the classroom and at home impacts the academic performan ce of students. The following research question is posed: â€Å"Is the increased use of computer based technology improving the academic performance of students? † In order for us to investigate this question, we have analyzed two sources of data. The first being SAT test scores over the last 30 years. The second source is from data we collected from a survey that we presented to high school students.This study is important because it shows that the increasing use of electronic technologies for schoolwork is improving students’ academic performance. Computer technology is everywhere in the society, and most of the high school students in the U. S. own or have access to computer technology on a daily basis. We hope to show appropriate use of these technologies will increase learning. The remainder of the paper is organized as follows. We provide a literature review on related research. We then discuss the data analysis and present the results. The last section provides discussions of the results along with the implications of this study.LITERATURE REVIEW Our literature review suggests there are contradictory conclusions from various studies regarding whether computer use improves academic performance. Some studies state that computer use improves academic performance. Others propose that academic performance has nothing to do with computer use. A few studies suggest that computer use is a distraction to school studies and negatively impacts academic performance. 225 Issues in Information Systems Volume 13, Issue 1, pp. 225-231, 2012 One study claims that there exists evidence that Internet-time is harming children’s academic performance.This study was done by economists at the University of Munich named Thomas Fuchs and Ludger Woessmann who surveyed students in 31 countries. They created a very thorough, detailed survey in order to eliminate other possible causes of the downward trend of academic performance . They state in their results th at the â€Å"sheer ubiquity of information technology is getting in the way of learning† [7]. Another study hoped to find correlation in Internet/ Gaming Use and its numerous effects on adolescents. They analyzed not just academic performance, but social skills, relationship s, sense of reality and violent behavior.Their conclusion regarding internet use and its impact on academic performance was â€Å" although playing specific computer games has immediate positive effects on specific spatial, iconic, and attentional skills used b y the game, we need more research to see if long term computer and Internet use (both game and nongame) can lead to long term improvements in cognitive skills and academic achievement† [8]. Another study investigated the relationship between academic achievement and computer use. The focus was students in the 10th grade. They did a survey of three high schools in Ohio.This study had the students keep a log of how much time they used the comp uter for several different categories of activities. The study did not focus on any testing scores. Everything was measured against the students GPA. It did not find computer use at home and GPA to have a significant relationship [5]. A final study analyzed the impact of owning a computer at home and not necessar ily using it to assist in the classroom. They concluded that â€Å"home computers are associated with a 6-8 percentage point higher probability of graduating from high school† [2].They also discussed that their statistics supported the idea that owning a perso nal computer or having access to one at home had a positive correlation with grades and a negative correlation with suspension. While many studies, experiments and discussions continue to dwell around this topic, we will specifically analyze the impact of computer technology on high school students’ standardized test scores and determine if we can further support the idea that computing benefits learning . RESEARCH METHODOLOGY We gathered data from two sources. One was external and compiled from publicly reported standardized test scores.The second was collected from a survey of high school students we conducted. Our first data source is compiled ACT and SAT scores from their respective institutions statistical data archives. [1,4] We have access to ACT scores from 1994 to 2011 and SAT scores from 19 78 – 2011. SAT scores were not separated by state until 1998. We choose one state from each of the following regions to represent the United States: Midwest (Kansas), New England (Massachusetts), Southwest (Texas), Pacific Coast (California), Southeast (Florida), Mid -Atlantic (New York).We chose Kansas to represent the Midwest, as we knew our survey data would be gathered from that state. As for selecting representative states for the other regions, we took into consideration that we wanted the most general, unbiased data. Therefore we selected states with the largest population s in hopes that those who took the standardized tests would be a more thorough and accurate sample of that state. Prior to 2005, the SAT did not contain a writing section to the standardized assessment. In order to make our data comparable, we only compared the verbal and math scores for all the years we analyzed .We took the mean of the SAT, per year, per region (state), to the mean of the GPA that is recorded that year. For the ACT, we compared the scores for each year, for each region, to the national mean of that year and observed the trends present. We determined ACT data to be unusable for our study due to the fact that the year s and breakdown of the scores was very limited. Our second source of data is the responses from a survey that were distributed to high school students in the Midwest area. We took several steps to conduct this survey. First, we designed the survey instrument.This included several rounds of determining more refined questions and formatting for the best presentation. Our survey questions were divided into two categories. One category was general demographic information including: gender, age, and 226 Issues in Information Systems Volume 13, Issue 1, pp. 225-231, 2012 grade level. After looking at common survey questions, we were able to word these basic demographic questions to be clear and concise. The other category included data that would directly relate to our theory: GPA, SAT score, ACT score, time spent on computer for entertainment, school, and other purposes.In order to eliminate potential human error problems or difficulty reading participants' answers, we provided answers with checkboxes for every question except for the computer usage question. Our survey questions were divided into two categories. One category was general demographic information including: gender, age, and grade level. After looking at common survey questions, we were able to word these basic demographic questions to be clear and concise. The other cat egory included data that would directly relate to our theory: GPA, SAT score, ACT score, time spent on computer for entertainment, school, and other purposes.In order to eliminate potential human error problems or difficulty reading participants' answ ers, we provided answers with checkboxes for every question except for the computer usage question. Next, in order to survey students, we had to have our research project approved by our university's Institutional Review Board. This process included an extensive application requiring a description of potential participants, reason for research, research plan, survey instrument, and how the participation of students would be used.Shortly after submission, our application was approved, allowing us to rea ch out to local schools and begin our surveying. Third, we conducted a trial run of the survey by asking seven high schools students to take the survey and report any suggestions for improvement or problems comprehending the questions. F ourth, we distributed copies of the surveys to high schools in the area. We contacted principals to get their permission and delivered them to the schools that were willing to participate.The following pieces of data were collected: hours spent using an electronic devices on school days and non schools (for educational, entertainment or other purposes), SAT score, ACT score, GPA, age, gender and opinion of the effect of technology on their personal learning on a 7 point Likert Scale. Before analyzing the survey data, we prepared the data for analysis. We converted non-numerical data into a comparable numerical format. We declared 1 as representing Male and 2 representing Female. We used 1 – 7 to represent strongly disagree to strongly agree on the Likert scale.We assigne d numbers to the ranges of ACT and SAT scores starting at 1 for the lowest range and ending at 13 for ACT and 14 for SAT. For GPA, we assigned numbers for the ranges, 1 for less than 2. 0, 2 for 2. 0 – 2. 49, 3 for 2. 5 – 2. 99, 4 for 3. 0 – 3. 49 and 5 for 3. 5 – 4. 0. We then used SPSS to determine correlation between both GPA and standardized test scores and computer usage and GPA. We analyzed our data using a T -test For Equality of the Means to compare each region to the significant region of the Midwest. We consider this region to be significant because it is where our survey data is collected.The analysis of our survey data and SAT and ACT collected data is discussed in the next section. 227 Issues in Information Systems Volume 13, Issue 1, pp. 225-231, 2012 Figure 1. Survey RESULTS Archival Data We used the years 1972 – 1987 to represent prior to popular computer use and the years 199 5 – 2010 to represent the emergence of computer technology and increased use of it for educational or other purposes. Using SPSS, we found significant negative relationships between these time periods with both Spearman’s and Pearson’s correla tion tests. The Spearman test between these two 15 year periods of scores was -. 59 and (p-value = 0. 01). The Pearson test between these time periods was -. 764 (p-value = 0. 01). We graphed the Combined Verbal and Math scores for both the pre-computing time period (1972 – 1987) and for the with-computing time period (1995 – 2010). Figure 1 below shows the National SAT score trend for a fifteen year period before computing was prevalent among high school st udents (1972 – 1987). The data illustrates a negative trend for this time period. Figure 2 below shows the National SAT score trend for the fifteen year period 228 Issues in Information Systems Volume 13, Issue 1, pp. 25-231, 2012 with computing among high school students (1995 – 2010). The data for this time period illustrates an initial upward trend for the first ten years. Figure 2. National SAT scores from 1972-1987 Figure 3. National SAT scores from 1995-2010 Survey Data 102 complete surveys were returned and the demographics of the respondents are shown in Table 1. The sample population had slightly more males (52%) than females (48%). The sample population had various ages including 12 years (1%), 14 years (14. 7%), 15 years (26. 5%), 16 years (20. 6%), 18 years (21. 6%), and 19 years (1%).We had students from four grades; 9th had 33 (32. 45), 10th had 29 (28. 4%), 11th had 10 (9. 8%), and 12th had 31 (30. 4%). Students spent an average of 5. 36 hours using computer technology on school days and 8. 45 hours on non -school days. 229 Issues in Information Systems Volume 13, Issue 1, pp. 225-231, 2012 Gender Female Male Grade 9th 10th 11th 12th Table 1. Demographics of the Respondents Age Avg Comp Use 49 (48%) 12 1 (1%) School Days 53 (52%) 14 15 (14. 7%) Std. Deviation 15 27 (26. 5%) 33 (32. 4%) 16 21 (20. 6%) Non-School Days 29 (28. 4%) 17 15 (14. 7%) Std. Deviation 10 (9. 8%) 8 22 (21. 6%) 31 (30. 4%) 19 1 (1%) 5. 36 hrs 3. 91 8. 45 hrs 4. 81 We analyzed our data with SPS S and ran tests against variables in order to note correlation among factors that were recorded in our survey data. Several significant relationships were evident in our survey data. All of the results listed below use Spearman’s correlation test between two variables. We had a . 223 positive correlation between reported GPA and Computer Use for School on School Days (p-value = . 05). There was a . 213 positive correlation between GPA and Computer Use for Other on School Days (p-value = . 05).No significant correlation was found between computer use for school on Non-School Days and GPA, due to the fact that the majority of our respondents reported that they did not spend any hours on schoolwork on Non-School Days. We found a . 663 positive correlation between GPA and ACT scores (p-value = . 01). We also found a positive correlation of . 224 between GPA and sex. Finally, we found a . 241 positive correlation between students that felt that computer use was beneficial to their personal academic performance and those that utilized technology for school purposes had a p-value of . 5. Table 2 summarizes these correlations and highlights the significant correlations. School Days Entertainment School Other Total Hours Non-School Days Entertainment School Other Total Hours GPA GPA -. 125 .223 .213 .107 -. 157 .099 .085 .003 1 Table 2. Correlations p-value ACT Score p-value .237 .084 .657 .034 -. 070 .714 .044 -. 055 .774 .304 .058 .761 .137 .352 .428 .977 -. 033 .027 -. 190 -. 129 .663 .863 .889 .314 .497 .000 Opinion .030 .241 -. 080 .068 p-value .778 .020 .447 .509 -. 055 .061 -. 050 .015 .010 .598 .561 .638 .887 .920CONCLUSION In this study, we aimed to answer the following research question, â€Å"Is the increased use of computer based technology improving the academic performance of students? † We analyzed standardized test scores, the SAT, in the years before prevalent computing (1972 – 1987) and in the years with prevalent and ever-increas ing computer use (1995 – 2010). We also surveyed local high school students asking for computer usage in hours, standardized test scores and GPA. The analysis of SAT scores reveals an evident negative correlation.This significant correlation illustrates that in the first time period, 1972 – 1987, SAT scores were decreasing, but that in the years with computing, 1995 – 2010, scores were increasing. It can be inferred, without regarding other external factors, that computing has benefite d student performance in standardized testing, specifically the SAT. A thorough comparative analysis of our survey data indicates several significant correlations. First, the positive relationship between the hours of computer use for school purposes and GPA demonstrates the idea that use of electronic devices for school urposes benefits academic performance. Second, those with high GPA's also had high standardized test scores, such that it can be inferred that appropriate use of electronic devices also benefits students 230 Issues in Information Systems Volume 13, Issue 1, pp. 225-231, 2012 in their standardized testing. Finally, students who had the opinion that use of electronic devices improved their personal academic performance utilized those tools, which are shown by the significant correlation between students who held this opinion and used electronic devices for schoolwork.These significant correlat ions imply, in our sample, that use of computing, or electronic devices for school work and the like, benefit students in both their GPAs and their standardized test scores. Our survey results and standardized test score analysis show an improvement in academic performance with increased computer usage. Specifically, our results show that students who spent more time using their electronic devices for school purposes did better in school than those who claimed they used their devices for other purposes.This result in our survey sample group illustrates o ur theory that â€Å"intelligent use† of electronic devices improves academic performance of students. LIMITATIONS AND FUTURE RESEARCH This study has a few limitations. First, in our analysis of standardized test scores, we decided against including the Writing section of the ACT as it made comparing scores between previous to 2005 and after 2005 inaccurate. This limited our ability to determine the improvement of devolvement of writing skills based upon increase in computer usage.Also, in our analysis of standardized test scores we did not include ACT scores in our results section because there was a very narrow amount of data available before prevalent computer use. Finally, we only surveyed students in local area high schools. In order to make a more accurate and generalized conclusion, we would need to have a further reaching and larger sur vey size. Further research must be conducted in order to determine if our results could be duplicated in another sample group and to rule out external factors. REFERENCES 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. . 231 ACT Incorporated. (2012). ACT national and state scores. Retrieved from http://www. act. org/newsroom/data/ Beltran, D. (2008). Home computers and educational outcomes: Evidence from the NLSY97 and CPS. Retrieved from Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Web site: http://www. federalreserve. gov/pubs/ifdp/2008/958/ifdp958. pdf Clark, N. (2011). Annual computer sale to pass 1 billion by 2014. Retrieved from The Independent Web site: http://www. independent. co. uk/news/business/news/annual -computer-sales-to-pass-1-billion-by-20142187923. tml Collegeboard. org Incorporated. (2012). Retrieved from http://professionals. collegeboard. com/data-reportsresearch/sat/archived Delgado-Hachey, Maria, et al. (2005). Adolescent computer use and academic achievement. Adolescence, 40(158), 307-318. Epstein, Z. (2011). IMS: Annual smartphone sales to reach 1 billion units by 2016; Apple, Samsung winners so far. Retrieved from BGR Web site: http://www. bgr. com/2011/07/27/ims-annual-smartphone-sales-to-reach-1billion-units-by-2016-apple-samsung-winners-so-far/ Ferguson, S. (2005). How computers

Friday, November 8, 2019

NBA Research Paper

NBA Research Paper Many critics and fans around the world call it the NBA greatest show on earth. No other league around the world brings what the NBAs game has brought every season. The greatest plays, games, dunks, players and passion for the basketball are reasons why the fans keep watching. The NBAs style of playing the game has changed dramatically through the years. From the 1980s to 2002, even though many aspects of the playing style have gone in to new era, NBAs style of playing basketball kept its heart the same. Professional basketball has usually kept its popularity with great stylish plays by the players. And style, which is defined as the way in which something is said, done, expressed, or performed, the league has maintained their unique game plays. The changes occurred when Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Magic Johnson changed the game during the 80s to guard dominantÐ ±Ã ¿ from Ð ±Ã ¾center domination from the 70s. Magic and Bird excited the crowds with their new styles and spectacular plays, as they influenced the rest of the league to change into a league based on their styles of play. (Levin) Then in 90s Michael Jordan has showed the best basketball in the NBAs history. As entering the new millennium, the leagues change in style showed up and downs but Shaquille ONeal, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, and Vince Carter brought a new definition to the game. These key players contain their own individual styles, but different generations in NBA had its own shooting, dribbling, dunking, coaching, defensively and other more line-ups of plays. Through this research paper the reader will recognize the differences in every categories and playerÐ ±Ã ¿s unique performance that NBA has maintain through the years. Most teams in the league kept its momentum style the same through the years with Ð ±Ã ¾run-and-gunÐ ±Ã ¿ executed by the point guards. In the NBA, momentum of the game decides which team survives with the victory. Having momentum will boost their team with chance of destroying the opponent. Great hustle plays usually brings out the momentum (Gandolfi 67). In 1980s Lakers switched the opponentÐ ±Ã ¿s momentum to theirs through Magic Johnson. Plays like Ð ±Ã ¾rebound from opponents miss shot then kick it off to Magic, and as Magic drives down the court he feeds no look pass to Byron Scott for the slam dunkÐ ±Ã ¿ these kinds of plays shifted the momentum for Lakers. Current season, teams like New Jersey Nets led by point guard Jason Kidd uses similar method like the 80Ð ±Ã ¿s Lakers. Running and gunning it with amazing ally-hoop passes from J. Kidd to Kenyon Martin, shifts the momentum to victories for the Nets. In fact with such plays, Nets came out to be this seasonÐ ±Ã ¿s most improved team in NBA. Pace of the game has been slowed down as years went by in the league. During the 80s and 90s, temple of the game was faster with more of the hustle plays ran by the point guards. Slow it down! is one of a coachÐ ±Ã ¿s favorite things to say in an offensive set. It gives a coach time to evaluate a defense, call his own play, and generally be a control freak (Oliver). This happens at lower levels as much as the NBA now and, as a consequence, so many point guards are now unwilling to lead a fast break for fear of an undressing by their coach (Oliver). Player like Shaquille ONeal, who is almost 350 pound, is able to keep up because of slow pace. So, is slow pace games a bad thing? Yes and no, because fast pace game excites the crowd and they are fun to watch. But speedy games lack in game plans strategically. The NBA team coaches want to do plays and run it for the offense. Coaches nowadays want their teams style to be slower, that way their team gets more efficient baskets. The NBA te am coaches want to do plays and run it for the offense. Teams like Chicago Bulls during the 90s used play call triangle defense, and won six NBA championship titles with that certain play (Sachare 93). Since the pace speed decreased, more of the half court offense and three pointers came in handy for some teams. During the 80s fast pace action, the three-pointer shooting teams were hardly recognizable. Although 3-point shooters were present in couple of the teams, players like Reggie Miller, Mark Price, Larry Bird, and John Paxson were known as three pointers. But today, teams like Celtics, Bucks, and Dallas Mavericks received the motivation of Ð ±Ã ¾live by the three, die by the threeÐ ±Ã ¿. Not only star players shoot threes in these teams, the entire team goes for the attempt. Three point attempts per game have increased from 10 to 16 during the 94 and 95(Oliver). Still these downtown shooting teams do not make all the treys, even though attempts are high, the percentage of making the shot is nearly 30%. Since threes are harder to make they significantly low. According to OliverÐ ±Ã ¿s research, the ratios of high percentage 3-point shooters are 1:4. That percentage can be very serious problem for the NBA. More attempts will lead to huge number of misses and slow the temple down even more. A huge significant change from 80 to 02 season has been the rule changes. The NBAs board of governors placed different rules for the 2001-2002 season, and removed the old rules as well. First of all, the league removed illegal defense to allow zone defense. That means that for the first time in 50 years, or almost since the league began, NBA teams will be allowed to play whats known as a zone defense, in which defensive players guard areas of the court. (White) Previous man-to-man defense is not the only way to play defense in the league today. But zone defense means less exciting plays off the offense. Since there are more defenders standing around the basket, the offensive players have to work their butts off to get a single point. Media folks tend to think that the new rule is a tradeoff. The game may become more exciting in the strategic sense, but itll lose the big plays and one-on-one matches that defined the NBA during its most recent heyday in the 1990s (White). Another chang e is the 8-second half court rule, in which ball carrier have to cross half court before 8 second runs out. This rule was made for one purpose only, to speed up the game. Also 8-second rule helps to eliminate walk-it-up approach that allows coaches to talk to their point guards while approaching the offensive set (Oliver). Other minor changes like 3 second defense rule which means defense gets called for 3 second inside key just like offense does. The significant part of the NBA style change was the key players who influenced the league to the NBA as greatest show on earth. When it comes to greatest key players in the1980s, it wonÐ ±Ã ¿t be a surprise if Magic Johnson and Larry bird comes in first. As Levin said, They influenced the rest of the league changed into league based on their style, Magic and Larry changed the game during 80s. Magic Johnson wasnÐ ±Ã ¿t a top scorer but his passing ability led the Lakers to championships. Larry Bird who was top-notch shooter who had dominant skill in offense led his Boston Celtics to championship also. MagicÐ ±Ã ¿s passing game taught rest of the league that scoring is not the only way to win a game. Great assists bring out smarter looks for a basket. Current player who carry the similar style as Magic is Jason Kidd (Smith). Before the 2001-02 season Jason Kidd was traded to New Jersey Nets, who only won 20+ games the previous year. When all the critics thought Kidds career migh t end with the Nets, right now Nets are competing in Eastern Finals and won 50 games this season. It is amazing how one player who is not even a scorer changes team 180 degrees with his passing ability. Kidd probably couldnt make it this far without observing the MagicÐ ±Ã ¿s style. A player who adopted Birds style is Dirk Nowitzki from Dallas Maverick. This player who is almost 7 foot plays guard and forward position, and he is also deadly from 3-point arc just like Bird. With their height advantage and offensive presence, Nowitzki demolishes his defender like how Bird gave his defenders a nightmare. With another style adoption starting 1990s, a player who changed the leagueÐ ±Ã ¿s style the most is Michael Air Jordan. As coming into the league in 1984, all the NBA fans were soaked with Magic and Birds performance. As years went by Jordan single handedly led his team, Chicago Bulls, to the playoffs and show the league whatÐ ±Ã ¿s known as human highlight film. Michael Jordans style was high flying acrobatic dunks, jumping ability, shooterÐ ±Ã ¿s touch, defense, and unstoppable (Sachare 173). He was simply the best all around player. Most importantly Jordan created his own style of basketball and influenced the entire NBA. For example, Jordan created whats known as A fade away jump shot, where he leans back avoiding the block while shooting. Right now about 70% of the player use this shooting style (Schwartz). Star players like Allen Iverson, Vince Carter, and Kobe Bryant use this shooting style every time they shoot. Speaking of Kobe Bryant, when people watch Kobe play, the y will see the Michael JordanÐ ±Ã ¿s style in him. From fade away jump shot to being unstoppable, Kobe is known as Jordan II. Great players influencing the rest of the league is what defines NBA. Slam-dunk is most popular style of basketball that pro players like as well as fans want to see. The dunk shot is one that can boost your teammates spirits and quickly demoralize the opponent. (Gandolfi 115) During the 80s before Michael Jordan came in to the league dunking was simply known as easy way to score a basket. But Jordan showed that dunks are style and creative art. Slam-dunk leads to change in momentum, temple, teamÐ ±Ã ¿s spirit, intimidation, and defenders mind. Although jumping ability is required to dunk, that just wonÐ ±Ã ¿t do much when it comes to stylish high-flyer. Players need creativity and timing when dunking. Michael Jordan dunk on opponents and almost over their head. But Vince Carter who is known to be best dunker of history clearly jumped over a 7 2 center and slammed through the basket during the 2000 Olympics. That dunk was called greatest play in sports history. And Vince continues on to do dunks that never seen before in the previous years. His sty le is what people love and keep watching NBAs basketball. The NBA has changed its outside styles like the new rule and plays, but it came into fact that inside heart didnt change. Players style influencing each other and passing down through decades is similar to cultural tradition. Back then game was exciting because of fast pace performance, now the games are still full of excitement because explosive plays like dunks, special moves, and great style that adopt from NBA icons. These two facts relates to each other in a way that they define NBAs heart and soul, the style.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Realism in Girlfriends (1978) Directed by Claudia Weill

Realism in Girlfriends (1978) Directed by Claudia Weill The Girlfriends is a movie produced in 1978 and directed by Claudia Weill. The movie’s script was written by Vickie Polon (Tibbetts 270). In spite of the fact that it narrates about women, the movie cannot be considered feministic. Nonetheless, Girlfriends has some similar attributes to Agnes Vardar’s movie titled One Sings, The Other Doesn’t in terms of the theme and other technical aspects.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Realism in Girlfriends (1978) Directed by Claudia Weill specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The film is basically about two women who fight to sustain their companionship in light of a male-dominated society, marriage, abortion and family obligations. The women strive to keep a balance between their affection for each other and their affection for the men they love (Tibbetts 271). Claudia has kept the slice-of-life movie pragmatic and simple, with humor and charisma unde r the silence anxiety (Levy 6). The Girlfriends bears similarities to Eric Rohmer’s movies of 1970s and 1980s in terms of style. The Girlfriends film is extremely stark and nothing much occurs in it. Nonetheless, the ordinary nature of the characters appears to attract the viewers. In a number of ways, the cast of this movie is plain and the scenery is very grey. The dialogue is also mundane. However, the film possesses charm and warmth which draws the viewers (IMDB 1). In contrast to the openly feminist angle employed in the One Song, The Other Doesn’t, The Girl Friend’s film steers clear of feminist polemic, first-person storyline as well as the doubtful corroboration of fable and street theater. The Girlfriends film does not make use of didacticism and declamation of the Brechtian technique apparent in the Varda film. The dialogues in The Girlfriends movie are moderate and oblique, and a superb sense of the accidental exists. What’s more, the movie doe s not purely confront us but rather shuffles alongside, serenely waiting for the audience to discern it. In other words, it is episodic, discourteous, baffling as well as ultimately unpredictable (Tibbetts, 271). When Suzanne and Apple (characters in the Varda film) finally meet at the end of the film, we recognize it as a major triumph for feminism. However, when Susan and Annie (characters in The Girl Friends film) attain their final conspiratorial fete, we merely comprehend that the triumph of companionship is really a hurdling of portrayals. It is liberating as well as mysterious. However, according to Vickie Polon, this theme is rarely depicted in many movies. Vickie contends: It’s hard to think of any American films that have intelligently treated changing female roles†¦recent films have demonstrated a new the power of women in major film roles†¦for that reason, am very pleased to see these films come out of Hollywood†¦I think The Girlfriends is a breakth rough in the treatment of female relationships (Tibbetts 271).Advertising Looking for research paper on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The movie begins with both Susan and Annie trying to conserve what they feel is actually the definite boundary of their existence. The first shot of the film discloses Susan taking a photo of the sleeping shape of Annie, her roommate. Later on, when Annie gets married to Martin, Susan relentlessly asks Annie if she is sure the relationship will work. However, Annie settles for marriage because she feels that it embodies an extension of the reliance she has on Susan. The new situations that both Anne and Susan find themselves in justify new survival ploys (Levy 5). For Annie, it implies dealing with children and an oddly passive and quite spouse, as well as a shattered writing job. For Susan, it implies learning to steer the unfamiliar terrain of a vacant apartment, co ping assertively with her potential photography patrons, as well as her association with a mystifying world of men- a nagging boyfriend, a demeaning magazine editor, a lonely rabbi and an incapable cab driver (Tibbetts 272). The movie does not present the story in the conventional sense of the word; neither does it reveal any objective lessons. In light of the tightly-plotted storyline, everything that takes place in the present is geared towards what Suzanne Langer describes, as a destiny, an essential scene which is the logical outcome of everything that precedes it. The 19th century playwrights, such as Sardou and Scribe, and movie makers (e.g. Hitchcock and Lang) have previously explored this deterministic representation. Although most of commercial movies utilize clear-cut linear storylines, The Girl Friends intentionally does not lend importance to the causality in the arrangement of scenes and shots (Kubrick 2). The film is somewhat plot-less (events and details are scattered ). The details of the film are more autonomous and not tied to the overall plot structure. In fact, the main scene may be lost in general. However, the presence of a key situation or character unites this type of schema (Tibbetts 273). The Girlfriends is united together by the fluctuating rhythm that alternately unites and divides Annie and Susan (IDMB n. p.). The screenplay and direction are arranged in a manner that keeps main themes at the edge of the vision (off-angle). As a result, events and characters in the film are depicted half out of the picture.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Realism in Girlfriends (1978) Directed by Claudia Weill specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More For example, key themes in the film are oppression; marital mix-up and abortion are kept off-angle. Consequently, the news about Annie’s abortion is offhandedly slotted into a discussion about something else. What’s more, the love affair between Susan and her boyfriend takes place during a discussion on mashed potatoes. The relationship between Rabbi Gold and Susan ends when the former decides to take his family to a football match (Tibbetts 273). The Girlfriends film seems to depict a deceptively off-hand appearance which in part is attributed to the oblique technique employed. This technique is described by Polon as â€Å"moment to moment quality, the deception of those little things that can make us make choices that reveal us as people† (Tibbetts 273). These details are cautiously selected. He further notes that â€Å"the development of situations and the order of events are carefully thought out†¦there is an incredible attention to structure and character† (Tibbetts 273). The film also employs minor characters (e.g. the young female hitchhiker) whose role is to reveal the key characters in high relief. On the same note, the incidental quality of most of the conversations in t he film is illusory. The gibberish word-game between Susan and Annie at the end of the film provides the much needed relief for them in light of the alterations that separated them. For example, the obliquity of the conversation between the two characters about Annie’s abortion is among the outstanding aspects of the movie. It is the type of dialogue uncharacteristic of classic drama. It lacks both mathematical and symmetrical structure. Therefore, the dialogue in the movie functions elliptically and follows a disjointed, zigzag course that is scarcely noticed in real life. However, the same might be referred to as absurd or naturalistic in the film or theatre. Evidences of this phenomenon abound in the movie. For example, the numerous exchanges between Susan and Annie (as well as the hitchhiker); the scene (at the party) where Erik and Susan meet and pair up; and particularly the exchange between Rabbi Gold and Susan as they rest following a bar-mitzvah (Tibbetts 274). Throu ghout the dialogues presented in the film, it becomes apparent that characters prod cautiously at each other, leap forward and back, always in search for what Strindberg referred to as chance cogs. The film’s obliquity seems to have derive its inspiration from Chekhov, especially from The Cherry Orchard play in which the characters appear to encircle cautiously around each other. It thus becomes irritating (Tibbetts 275).Advertising Looking for research paper on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Neither Annie nor Susan can be compared to any expedient outlines we may anticipate from the unshackled females of contemporary cinema or the sensational productions of classic movies. For example, Ann is neurotic, pinched and wan whereas Susan is short-sighted, plump and clumsy. Thus, they do not present themselves in the center-screen. On the contrary, just like all other aspects of the movie, they are at an off-angle. For example, Susan peers behind thick glasses and camera tripods while Annie glances from behind loads of laundry and typewriters. Nonetheless, both Susan and Annie are intensely lively characters (Tibbetts 276). According to Polon, some of the established definitions appear challenged by this film. For example, the characters have to deal with somewhat inflexible boundaries that segregate their lives. What’s more, viewers have to cope with a movie that constantly interrupts their assumptions and expectations. The Girlfriends is neither a story movie nor a fe minist polemic. Nonetheless, it amazes and amuses in its own distinctive way. The approach employed in the movie is oblique engagement (before the audience is aware, the movie seems to have emerged from nowhere). For example, during one spectacular scene when the rabbi and Susan rest (following a bar-mitzvah), the viewers become conscious that something wonderful is taking place even as the two characters engage in quite discussions (Tibbetts 276). Questions and Answers What is the difference between Hollywood films and The Girl Friends film? The Girl Friend’s film steers clear of feminist polemic, first-person storyline and the doubtful corroboration of fable and street theater. It does not use didacticism and declamation of the Brechtian technique apparent in the Varda film. The dialogues in the movie are moderate and oblique and a superb sense of the accidental exists (an attribute not seen in Hollywood films). What’s more, the movie does not purely confront us bu t rather shuffle alongside, serenely waiting for the audience to discern it. Briefly describe the plot-structure employed in the film The movie does not present the story in the conventional sense of the word neither does it reveal any objective lessons. In light of the tightly-plotted storyline, everything that takes place in the present is geared toward a destiny, an essential scene which is the logical outcome of all that precede it. Although most of commercial movies use clear-cut linear storylines, The Girl Friends intentionally does not lend importance with regard to the causality in the arrangement of scenes and plots. The film is somewhat plot-less (events and details are scattered). Briefly describe the oblique technique employed in the movie The Girl Friends film seems to depict a deceptively off-hand appearance which, in part, is attributed to the oblique technique employed. The screenplay and direction are arranged in a way that keeps main themes at the edge of the v ision (off-angle). As a result, events and characters in the film are depicted half out of the picture. IDMB. â€Å"Girlfriends.† 12 Jun. 2010. Web. Kubrick, Stanley. â€Å"AMG AllMovie Guide: Girlfriends.† 2012. Web. Levy, Emmanuel. â€Å"Film Reviews: The Girl Friends.† 2012. Web. Tibbetts, John. A matter of Definition: Out of Bounds in The Girlfriends. Kansas: University of Kansas, 1978. Print.

Monday, November 4, 2019

Marketing research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Marketing research - Essay Example the marketing feedback progression, marketing research offers decision makers with information on the usefulness of the existing marketing strategies and provide comprehension of the required modifications. Second, marketing research is the most important instrument for discovering new opportunities in the marketplace. Research plays a significant role in the development of marketing strategies for all kinds of organizations. Similarly, marketing research is essential for recognizing the target market for a product or service along with the effectiveness of pricing strategy, promotional activities and distribution of the products and services. Thus, marketers should consider marketing research an essential tool for effective marketing. Businesses, in the cotemporary world, are very different from those of the past. Business today is far more aggressive in their search of success. With the development of the Internet, competitiveness has gone global. A business that wants to continue to be competitive and be successful will need to understand the products and services that their target market needs and desires. This kind of information can only be obtained from marketing research. Not only will they need to understand what products and services should be introduced in the market, but also the success of their existing products and services. Information regarding what the company is doing right and what it could use to make their products and services better is fundamental to a business’ success. Therefore, it is only with the accurate information that companies can develop their marketing strategies or adjust the existing ones (Pride & Ferrell 2007). Philip Kotler (2006) defined marketing as â€Å"a social and managerial process by which individuals and groups obtain what they need and want through developing, providing, and exchanging products and services of value with others. It is the process of planning and performing, pricing, promotion, and delivery of

Friday, November 1, 2019

Sexual Health and HIV strategy 2001 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Sexual Health and HIV strategy 2001 - Essay Example The intricacies of the policy and statistics on UK’s unwanted teenage pregnancy are also detailed. Finally, the positive role of the strategy for curbing teenage pregnancy rates is described. 1. Introduction The first national strategy to modernize sexual health and to provide HIV services in the country to address the rising number of HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) cases was introduced in 2001. The hazards of poor sexual health are dangerous because unintended pregnancies and certain, sexually transmitted infections can create long lasting effects on one’s lives. The number of people visiting the genito-urinary medicine (GUM) clinics increased by 100% in the last decade and currently, the cases are more than a million in a year in the UK (Department of Health. There exists a clear link between social environment, poverty and sexual ill health (Clements et al, 1998). Impact is also visible on minority ethnic groups and gay men. Furthermore, there have be en deviations in the sexual health of people across the country which is not satisfactory. The Sexual Health and HIV Strategy 2001 created a need to raise the level of services in coordination with the principles of NHS plan. HIV is incurable and a life threatening condition and the use of certain drugs can improve the lifespan of infected individuals but it presents severe challenges related to the care, treatment and support, and this strategy recognizes these issues (Dennison, 2004). 2. The Role of Groups in the Formation of the Strategy The Department of Health strives to bring progress in the health and well-being rates in England and wants to make it better in health care and other such values. The Secretary of State for Health in 2001 came out with novel goals for health and social care aimed at 5 primary points (Department of Health, 2011): Patient-led National Health Strategy Coming out with best health scenarios Responsible and autonomous health system Public health improv ement Bringing about greater reform in social care The 2001 strategy was to get the service providers and representatives participate. There was a major role for voluntary organizations as well, especially in the field of HIV. An effective partnership with voluntary organizations, service providers and representatives were important. A commitment period of ten years along with a strategic move rendered greater results. Investment of about ?47.5 million extra was set aside for the coming two years to cater to the needs of the scheme (British Medical Association, 2000). The strategy has been successful, as it has definitely brought down the inequalities in sexual health, especially for teenagers (DCSF, 2010). There will be place for advanced, effective and dedicated services that comes without the pressure of sex illness like HIV (CRD, 1997). The 2001 strategy has gained more support through public opinions. The last strategy implemented by the government took up the views of the serv ice users, representatives and the public as a whole, along with stake holders and those involved in the public health field. In order to strengthen the strategy and develop it the best way, the help of professionals and service users was essential. A wide range of professionals and health experts attended the six consultations conducted in England (Department of Health, 2003). The Department of Health supported events like the Brook and the African HIV Policy Network and Terrence Higgins Trust Lighthouse. The National AIDS Trust, FPA and the professional bodies controlling the spread of HIV were identified as a key priority in the Chief Medical Officer’s Infectious Disease Strategy (Bearman and Bruckner, 2001). Getting Ahead of the Curve was the other key stake holder through whom the Department of