Spinal Cord Repair Essays - Glial Cells, Neurophysiology

Spinal Cord Repair Spinal Cord Repair Once a pipe dream, researchers now are uncovering ways to repair spinal cord injuries. Current methods reduce the nerve cell damage or death that occurs in the hours following injury and increase the efficiency of surviving nerve cells. New evidence suggests that future treatments also may assist the regeneration of lost connections. Prospects include transplanting new nerve cells and supporting cells, delivering proteins that stimulate regeneration by the cells already in the spinal cord, and strategies to reduce inhibition of regeneration. A gymnast cartwheels from one side of the balance beam to the other. As she flips, underneath the ripple of protective bones called vertebrae, nerve cells are passing brain messages through the spinal cord. The cells' chatter directs the coordinated movement of muscles that propel her body. If an accident, such as a fall off the beam, injures these cells, the communication line shuts down below the point of impact. Some 250,000 Americans have spinal cord injuries. The result can include paralysis, a loss of sensation or the ability to move. The spinal cord and brain, known as the central nervous system (CNS), is one main part of our nervous system. The other primary section is the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which includes the nerves that project to the limbs, heart, skin and other organs outside the brain. Both consist of nerve cells, or neurons, and supporting cells. Scientists have known for years that following an injury, many neurons in the PNS can repair themselves, but CNS neurons are incapable of rebuilding connections. In fact, certain cells in the CNS produce proteins that inhibit the appendages of neurons, known as axons, from regrowing. In the early 1980s, however, researchers demonstrated that the manipulation of the neuron's environment could promote cell regeneration in animals. This finding is prompting: New insight on the mechanisms that regulate repair. Approaches for repairing damaged cells. In the last five years, researchers have unveiled techniques that modestly improve function in animals. One example involves the transplantation of cells taken from embryos, which are known to ignore the central nervous system's regeneration opponents. Researchers discovered that these cells can integrate into the spinal cord's broken communication line. In addition, when they grafted the cells into rats and cats with bruised spinal cords, close to the time of injury, some animals showed partial improved locomotion. Other researchers are making use of non-embryonic mature tissues. In one recent study, rats with completely severed spinal cords apparently showed limited functional improvement with multiple peripheral nerve section implants. The cells in the grafts initially include supporting cells, and cut axons. These axons degenerate, however, leaving behind a natural tube for the CNS axons to regrow through. In the study, the CNS axons grew across the grafts and apparently made connections with the neurons that move the legs. To create a better environment for growth, the scientists aimed the grafts into the gray matter -- the butterfly-shaped tissue in the center of the spinal cord -- which bypassed the spinal cord's inhibitory proteins (see illustration). The grafts were secured with a glue that contained cell injury reducing proteins known as growth factors. These natural factors, themselves, are an intense area of interest. Scientists are perfecting techniques to administer the proteins including specialized implants and genetically-modified cells that produce the factors. One study showed that rat cells, engineered to secrete a growth factor and then transplanted into the animal, regenerated some of the neuronal projections needed for walking. Researchers now are testing whether the growth improves function. Scientists also are examining the benefits of transplanting PNS supporting cells dislodged from their neighboring cells. These cells, called Schwann cells, naturally secrete their own growth factors and have membrane proteins that aid neuron growth. Recently, scientists successfully transplanted purified human Schwann cells into the severed spinal cords of rats and reported that some of the animals had a small improvement in function. More analysis is needed, however, to determine if effective connections were established Psychology Essays

Neil Young †My My, Hey Hey

Neil Young – My My, Hey Hey Evidently, the Neil Young’s song (My My Hey Hey) is symbolic in nature. His choice of words and thematic use of colors are evident upon analysis. It is crucial to understand various provisions of this song in the context of its meaning and symbolic aspects. For example, Kurt Cobain quoted it in his suicidal note. Lyrically and symbolically, the line â€Å"Out of the blue and into the black means a lot and can be used variedly to demonstrate diverse situations. It is symbolical that ‘blue’ is better than ‘black’ in the contexts of fate (Young Crazy par. 1).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Neil Young – â€Å"My My, Hey Hey† specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This provision depicts that one has moved from better to worse. Contextually, Neil Young could not believe that, at one moment, his rock songs would be irrelevant and obsolete. This is what is simply summarized by the concerned lyrical phrase. This symbolism does not apply only in the music industry; however, it is applicable in various contexts. It is vital to understand what an individual does in an industry so as to remain relevant. The issue of remaining germane in the artistic industry is a critical provision. Literally, blue and black colors tend to contrast both in appearance and application. Their use in this song can be considered critical and meaningful in bringing out what Neil Young meant thematically. Another relevant example helpful in this context can be drawn when one uses heroine to avert pain. In this context, the side effects of heroine might be worse than the atrocities initially caused by the pain. The song is inspirational. It urges people to put their best foot forward and endeavor to produce the best as time runs out. One might be irrelevant as time passes as depicted by the artist (Neil Young). The situation is worse when things have gone stuffy and nothing can be done ab out them. Precisely, this can be the symbolic meaning of this phrase and the color codes used. Also, there is a considerable difference between the use of burning out and â€Å"fading away in the song. Neil Young used the two phrases to support the previously mentioned color codes. Symbolically, â€Å"burning out† has been used to denote a total extinction from existence. Conversely, â€Å"fading away† is a slow-paced disappearance from existence. The latter is retrievable while the former is irreversible. By using the two phrases together, the artist provided an opportunity to evaluate various artistic situations. This is backed up by another line in the song, â€Å"And once youre gone, you can never come back†, which supports the previously mentioned total extinction. It is evident that songs are written to reflect on the daily happenings. Neil used this song to discern various aspects of artistry and other relevant provisions. It is crucial to understand the deeper meaning of the entire phrases within the song. This will help in revealing the symbolic meaning of the song. Critically, the differences that exist between the use of burning out and â€Å"fading away, can be discerned contextually and variably. As indicated before, the consequences of burning out incorporate the absolute extermination. Symbolically, things that have burnt out are no longer in existence (Lyricsfreak 2). Another credible issue in this context is the fact that various fashions and artistic styles have come and gone.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This denotes what Neil meant symbolically. Conversely, the consequences of fading away are evident. What has faded away might sound irrelevant when considered critically. Several things happen when one has passed his or her prime life. It is unfortunate that as time passes by, one becomes unable to do t he things he/she could do during his or her prime time. Evidently, life changes considerably. This is what Neil wanted to demonstrate. Additionally, the line, They give you this, but you pay for that is an interesting concept as evident from the song. Usually, people do not get what they desire. They fight to obtain a particular thing only to get the reverse. This is an interesting provision in the context of human life and how people relate. This phrase also denotes the insincerity evident among people. Most individuals are not straight forward. What they give out is not what was asked for. Neil used this phrase to discern the aspects of dishonesty amongst masses. â€Å"They†, in this song, refers to individuals who one deals with regardless of the sector. One can be deceived in numerous ways (Lyricsfreak 4). The deceit in this context means that what one realizes later might not be what he or she expected before. What is given out is not what was asked for. This can range f rom physical objects to vital information. Precisely, there is no honesty in the concerned deals. â€Å"Payment† refers to the ultimate loss incurred in the concerned deal. Conclusively, Neil Young used symbolism in his song. The significance of colors and thematic styles of the song are evident. It is important to understand various provisions of this song as discussed earlier. Contextually, this is a critical provision in regard to symbolism and song writing. Lyricsfreak. Neil Young My My, Hey Hey Lyrics. 2012. Web. https://www.lyricsfreak.com/n/neil+young/hey+hey+my+my_10191111.html Young, Neil and Crazy Horse. My My Hey Hey. Rust Never Sleeps. 1979. New York, NY: Reprise, 1990. Print.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Neil Young – â€Å"My My, Hey Hey† specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More

Technology In The Workplace Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Technology In The Workplace - Research Paper Example These discussions on novel information technology called IT is what most of the people link with the use of personal computers and conventionally assume that its rate of diffusion and adoption is accelerating and rapid leading in considerable implications for firms, workers, and the overall economy. Obviously, the technology seems to have completely transformed the Canadian industry significantly. This essay analyzes the changes in computer literacy, workers adaptation, and growth of computer use in the workplace over a course of time. It also takes into account the effects of this technological advancement on security and job content ( Bravo E & Statham A, 1990).  The GSS Statistic of Canada gave a comprehensive review of workplace computerization since the year 1984, filing in mainly the positive replies to questions about job content and job security (Lowe, 1991 and 1992).the workers who believed that their job had been massively or somehow affected by the advent of computers or the automated technology in five years before GSS was held, sixty-eight percent said that their necessary job skills had enhanced by the year 1989 and this rose to approximately seventy-one percent in 1994. In the year 1989, seventy percent people said that there has been no effect on their job security and the figure was reduced to sixty-seven percent in 1994. In both of these years, over sixty percent people said that their work has become more exciting due to the innovation of automated technology or computers in their workplace environment. Only 2% people in both the years were persistent that there was no or little change which was rather negative in their skill needs of jobs. Likewise, only four percent people in both the years said that this technological revolution has made their job monotonous and boring. This is a significant change in general work pattern over the decade.  

Employee Reinstatement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Employee Reinstatement - Essay Example Asthmatic Oshawa, an employee in the Ontario automotive parts manufacturing plant is an example of employee dissatisfaction. The employer never met the terms and conditions agreed in the employer-employee contract. I do not agree with the employer’s decision of firing the employee regardless of the medical evidence. The grievor’s doctor records said that the employee could return to work although careful measures were necessary to avoid reinjures. The employer could return him to work and make sure that his working environment is safe from those factors that could facilitate worsening of his condition; for example, ensuring effective ventilation and clean air, inspection in the working environment to ensure everything is all right. This will avoid putting the health of the employee and others at risk. The employer should allow the employees to make their own decision in resigning or returning to work. The employer must take the responsibility because it is simply ethical and the right thing to do. The decision of firing the employee will have negative implications for the organization and other employees. It will destroy the corporate image of the organization in the society and this will directly affect the market. This is by scaring away its customers and its stakeholders. In addition, the unethical action can affect the other employees by discouraging their efforts. This will reflect directly on the organization’s production.

Microeconomics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Microeconomics - Essay Example Now, there is only a single supplier of potato chip all across the region (Brigham, 1976). As all firms decided to merge together to create a single monopoly, now there will be barriers to entry in the industry as no further firms can enter the market easily and threaten the existence of existing firms. The firm is now protected against any other foreign threat as no other firm can enter the market to compete with it. This monopoly is owned by a single firm and so the business enjoys the benefit of having the entire market share to itself without any pressure or constraints. However, this monopoly is not a natural monopoly and so it can charge its customers with whatever price suits it and gain higher profits. A monopoly also produces goods and services by producing required quantity at a price where marginal cost equals marginal revenue just like any other market structure. But, it can also choose to set a price at which quantity is demanded where price might exceed the marginal cos t (Case, 1996). Monopoly is highly beneficial to society and consumers as well. Large firms usually attain the benefit of gaining from economies of scale. Economies of scale is increase in efficiency as the number of goods produced by a firm increases. Due to economies of scale, the Average cost curve goes downwards. If the fall in Average cost curve is very large so a monopolist can charge its consumers a lower price and generate a higher output than the monopolistic competition of the market. This way, monopolist maximizes the profits. Marginal cost becomes equal to marginal revenue at this point. This means that now the consumers can enjoy potato chips at a lower price than it was when the market was monopolistic due to huge producer surplus. The society gains as well (Allen, 2005). As this monopoly is privately owned, and not a government regulated natural monopoly, government does not have any say here. But it can produce revenues for the entire economy in form of more and more exports. This single firm can take advantage of economies of scale from its home economy and maintain a cost advantage through which it can exploit the international market and can sell at a relatively cheap rate abroad. Governments do gain when the economies prosper as now government receives more money in form of taxes which it can utilize in infrastructure and other welfare activities (Allen, 2005). However, the change from monopolistic market structure to monopoly does come with a lot of changes in profits and revenues. In a monopolistic competition, the industry comprise of a huge number of firms, each one of those have relatively small size as compared to total market. That is why; no firm can affect the overall market price because of its small size. But, in a monopolistic structure, firms can differentiate their output by having some control over price (Allen, 2005). The short-run equilibrium of monopolistic market is achieved by setting the price where marginal cost is equ al to marginal revenue. The profits of a firm arise by entrance of similar products by different firms in the market; where every firm competes for only a percentage of the total demand. Whenever a new firm enters the market, the demand curve shifts downwards due to which profits remain no more (Allen, 2005). Now due to large entrants of firms in the market, the individual demand curve shifts to the left. Here, the zero profit condition arises where

Design Concepts in Architecture

Design Concepts in Architecture Design is the most basic human creative activity. One could argue that Palaeolithic cave drawings were based on this fundamental human creative need. The word design derives from the Italian word disegno, meaning drawing of a work. Many confuse the notion of Design to Art. Design can well be seen in art, but as an independent subject it must be considered as entirely different. One of the first to distinguish this difference, were several British design historians, dating from 1977. Design can be seen and experienced everywhere. Design can be a development progress or an object. Definition for the word design given by designer Richard Seymour is making things better for people. ¹ Design expands so vastly, It can be seen in furniture, advertising, machinery, books, media, fashion, computers, food and in many other fields. Design nowadays is a subject of university study, such as graphic design and industrial design etc. It has always been accepted that anyone who created something, or made something look good, aesthetic or beautiful could be considered a designer. Even though most people believe that a good design is one that looks beautiful, this is not always the case. A good design is one which focuses mainly upon its intended function. A successful design is one that completely fulfils the needs of its intended purpose, Form Follows Function. A designer must be able to meet several points: aesthetical, artistic, theoretical, mechanical, organizational and functional. The word design holds much meaning and design paradoxes are endless, it would therefore be impossible to analyse them all. The focus of this review essay is the architectural area of design. In early 1937, Czech philosopher, Jan Mukarovsky developed a model of five functions for architecture: the immediate, the historical, the personal, the social and the aesthetic. In the arena of Art and Architecture, Design is a basic principle that must be carried out through every piece of work. In this respect, design is an idea, a concept, which is transferred from the individuals mind on to canvas, paper, blue print etc. In England (16th century) the term design was used under the sense of plan from which something is to be madea drawn sketch for an artwork, but also s Bernhard Burdek said: an object of applied arts; Design can be anything that stings ones imagination. Italian designer Giorgio Giugiano says: there is nothing without design. As the 20th century approached new attitudes in Art made their appearance. New styles were discovered by different artistic experiments such as Art Nouveau, Arts and Crafts Art Deco. These artistic trends and movements would encompass the styles referred to as the isms of the period, for example; Expressionism, Cubism, Surrealism and others. Some of these aforementioned areas had an impact in Architecture, but it must be noted that the Architectural field consisted of its own movements which rose within these decades. Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Renaissance architects and artists would combine their knowledge in order to produce a building design which combined and encompassed both the beauty of Art, but also the power and discipline of Architecture. The roots of Modern Art dates back to the 19th century. Artists were experimenting with their paintings and sculptures in order to find something different, something that could express better what the painter, sculptor saw or felt, but at the same time enabling the observer to experience the artwork himself through his personal emotions. Areas of the Modern Art movement will be further analysed in the forthcoming paragraphs and their connection with the architectural styles which were popular at that time. Even though the modern era in architecture consists of several other movements (Usonianism, Constructivism, Purism etc), the purpose of this review is to analyze the influences that Art had on Architecture during the 20th century. Within the first decade of the 20th century, the first movement in Modern Art, to make its appearance was Expressionism. Painters such as Vincent van Gogh would flatten their paintings using lines, exaggerating certain fragments of the painting, either by using bright colours or by just the simple and minimal black and white. This simplified way of painting would usually portray sceneries focusing not on the beauty as the public was use to, but the suffering, poverty and violence were the notions presented. Parallel to Expressionism in Art, Expressionist Architecture started to develop. Most examples Can be found in Germany and a few other European countries. Similarly to artists trying to picture the cold truth of a humans life without any essence of beauty, leading architects such as Mies van der Rohe, Walter Gropins and Hans Poelzig developed poetical and dramatic designs influenced by natural forms which consisted of unusual shapes and massing. Manmade materials, such as, brick, steel, concrete and most importantly glass were key characteristics to this architectural style. In the lithograph on the left, Scream, also known as Shouting, the notion of sadness , fear or even death have been pictured; the print consists only of lines, which all lead to the centre of the picture, to the most important part, the screaming figure. The facial characteristics of the human head are very minimal, and may remind one of a caricature or a cartoon; even though the face is some what destroyed the person shouting, holding his head, with wide open eyes and mouth, gives one the impression of fear; as if he was facing something that scared him. The figure itself is very thin , the minimal appearance of clothing and the skinny face, may be thought to be either an old woman or man, facing the time of death. One of the buildings which has been placed under the title of Expressionist Architecture, is Hans Poelzigs exhibition space and water tower building. This extraordinary design of its time, is located in the city of Poznan, in Poland and was completed in 1991. Throughout the building it is difficult to find any straight lines; curves and flowing shapes are what make up the Einstein Tower. It looks more like a poetic and romantic sculpture than a building for such a specific use. The steps leading up to the entrance, through the body of the building with its dome like roof, reminds one of a naturally occurring organism such as a plant or an undersea creature. In France, during the period 1907 to 1914, the leaders Picasso and Braque developed the movement of Cubism, which largely differs from Expressionism. Analytical Cubism, focused on two-dimensional, flat paintings which would picture an object by breaking it down into shapes. Lines, geometric forms and bright colours were a necessary characteristic. Synthetic Cubism derived from the method of Collage, synthesising, combining painting, incorporating pictures from magazine advertisements, cuttings and clippings of different materials to generate a complete piece of artwork. As previously mentioned, Cubism was strongly associated with two-dimensional portraying. This motif in art also had an influence on architecture. Well analysed and synthesized architectural spaces, would remain in the usual two dimensions; architectural representations were based on the artistic era of the time. Closely related to Cubism is Abstract Art. Artwork now is not a matter of copying what appeared in front of ones eyes, but something that one may call a piece of decoration. What the artist feels becomes art. During the First World War, a group of young artists, named Dada, made their presence. They found a way to express their protest to the war, through their abstract painting. Picassos Violin, appears to be very confusing. By its title, one becomes familiar with what is portrayed. The painting illustrates a destroyed musical instrument, broken/cut into pieces. With its curved shapes and brown colours it is easily understood. But what is fascinating about this piece of artwork is the way the artist has shaded each part of the violin, giving it a special significance. Even though the painting is portrayed on a canvas (two dimensional), the hole picture seems to escape those boundaries, each part appears to stand out from the canvas. Dada for me was a new beginning and a closure. In free Zurich where the newspapers can say what they want, where magazines were founded and poems against the war read out, here where there were no ration-cards and no ersatz, here we had the possibility of shouting out everything that was filling us fit to burst. Richard Huelsenbeck. During 1922 to 1924, when Dada began to lose their influence, Surrealism was introduced. Painters were creating dream like pictures. Within these paintings one fragment would blend and merge into another and depending on the angle in which one viewed the drawing, the picture on the canvas would change. The same object could have two or more uses within the painting. Architecture has embraced most art movements and Surrealism was not be left out. As was analyzed in the previous paragraph, painting fragments, which had multiple uses, were one of the principles undertaken in this art style. Architects were incorporating two or more in some cases uses to a building, multiple approaches and embeddings. Within this surrealist painting of Dali, different elements accommodated a different story; and in some cases may have more than one role. In the centre of the painting , a female face appears, her eyes are also seashells on the beach, her forehead and nose form a fruit bowl full of pears; on her left hand side there is a dark tunnel with a river, whereas on the left side of the painting, there is mountain with sea waves running down towards the females face. The mountain to the right acts as a dogs head and what seems to be its collar is a bridge; many other such elements are hidden within this painting. These two multi-storey buildings, appear to be dancing. The male (cylindrically shaped building on the right), Fred, is standing next to Ginger (female). Fred seems to be reaching out his right arm to his dancing partner. This concrete structure, relates to the strong nature of a male. On the other hand, Ginger, as a woman, constructed from glass, appears more fragile, just as a woman can be elegant and delicate. Advertisements, comic books, magazines, posters, movies and everything else which portrayed some sort of a commercial image came in fashion; art was now called Pop Art. Although many believe that Pop Art was discovered in America, continuing from the movement of Abstract Expressionism in the 1930s, Pop Art was actually first seen in London. Leader and inventor of this movement was English painter and Collage artist Richard Hamilton. Often called the intellectual father of Pop Art. The Abstract era continues to grow in the United States and in Europe. Op Art, also known as Optical Art is appearing. In the period of the 60s and the 70s, vibration and optical illusions created either by monochrome, images or outstandingly bright coloured pictures consisting of basic geometric shapes were this movements principles. Similarly to optical illusions in Op Art, illusions of such type can be found within the world of architecture; maybe this is not an era called Op Architecture but defiantly architects have been inspired from this particular artistic style; Soon after came minimalism, with Kenneth Noland, Larry Poons and others. Minimalism consisted of simple colours and solid shapes based on geometric forms. Artists would reduce as much of the elements as possible within their work in order for it to appear simple but yet again well worked. Such fragments would be colours, textures and volumes. Architect Mies van der Rohe, adopted the so well know phrase les is more, by developing building designs which consisted of open plan layouts, minimal exteriors etc. Minimalism and Architecture is still a movement that continues to grow. Minimalist architecture comprising of simple volumes and clear lines, which sometimes look very similar to solid geometric shapes, is a style of architecture found all around us. Oil, water colour, charcoal, pen and ink, sculptures and photography are some of the art forms that can be found within the Fine Art department. There are different techniques in which an artist can experiment and develop in order to produce what might be a masterpiece. The French word coller meaning glue is the term used do describes one of those methods. The assembly of different materials, which create a new image, is else known as Collage. One of the first examples that can be related to this motif was found in China and dates from 200 BC, during the invention of paper. It was not until many decades later, in the era of Modern Art and during the Analytical Cubism phase, when Collage was formally introduced. Pablo Picasso and George Braque were the first to bring out the glamour of this technique in the year 1906-07. George Braque was the inventor of collage in Modern Art. He mostly applied this technique on his charcoal drawings. One of the earliest most famous collages was Picas sos Guitar, Sheet Music and Glass. By autumn 1912 it was apparent that Picasso was very interested in the three-dimensional construction of a collage. As in Picassos Violin (pg.4) for one to understand what is portrayed, one should be familiar with the object in question; in this case Guitar, Music sheet and Glass constructed in September 1912, follows the same principle. The rear surface of the collage appears to be a section of flowery wall paper; the shapes in which the other fragments of the collage are cut are very simple and one could say effortless; but the way in which they are arranged together gives the observer a clear impression of the subject. On the left hand side of the collage the body of the guitar is formed from a wood-like cut-out. The blue rectangle next to it reminds us or the neck of the guitar, and below this the white circle resembles the sound hole. A black cut out of a semicircle forms the base. To the right are strips of sheet music and below a newspaper cutting and one of Picassos sketches picturing an abstract view of a wine glass, are the fragments which are used in order to compete the Guitar, Music s heet and Glass collage. Tatlins assembly on the left is a three-dimensional abstract construction. This creates the feeling of anger or fear and is due largely to the materials chosen. Canvas or board paper are replaced by an old wooden board. Industrial materials replace paper cut-outs which are secured by screws instead of glue. The artist, in this case, is not interested in a clean finish, but creating a rougher and more textured result which all add to its beauty. The discovery that the very distinction between flat and volumetric was no longer absolute, that through a process of unprecedented spatial semantic complexity, something deeply unsettling was happening to art.? Picasso started to experiment with his papier collers adding other materials which had a special significance. Cardboard, wood, metal and other textiles were incorporated within his Cubist artworks which were soon characterized as surrealist; In the years to come, several more artists, such as, Vladimir Tatlin, Varvara Stepanova and Alexandr Rodchenko, were producing collages. Newspapers, advertisement strips, magazine parts, photographs were some of the materials used. During the First World War, a young group of artists known as Dada were introduced, and soon became very popular. Dada attempted, in their own artistic way, to protest against what was happening to the world around them. The Dada movement was controversial at the time. They introduced a new art form, the art of expressing, in a more literal way, their thoughts about the disaster of the Great War. Dada meaning Hobby Horse in French, consisted of six members. Hugo Ball, his lover Emmy Hennings, Tristan Tzara, Hans Richter, Marcel Janco and Hans Arp. The group were based in Switzerland and the Dada era was born in 1916 in the city of Zurich. Dadaism did not only produce drawings or paintings; it was an era where all visual and intellectual arts were combined together. They used drawings, paintings, sculptures and poetry. It combined artistic, philosophical, music and political aspects. Hugo Ball would take poems apart and place the words in a random sequence. This recycling words technique and later on the photomontages and collages produced by the Dada group, would make one think that they were not so much inventors but recyclers; On the other hand another member of the group, Hans Arp was concentrating on the visual representation of their protest. Through collages and reliefs he was expressing the need of change. Within those collages, elements of wood, screws and paper can be found. The construction of those art works, were based on the law of change as Arp would say. Coming back to the motif of three-dimensional collages reliefs (page 8, Picasso), the Dada reliefs made this motif obvious. The shape in which the elements of the reliefs were cut was well thought, planned and processed. Sketched beforehand and placed exactly in order to complete the artwork. Usually curved and orientated in a natural like way would be remeniscent of organic cultures and the era of Impressionism. We do not wish to imitate nature; we do not wish t reproduce. We want to produce. We want to produce the way a plant produces its fruit, not depict. We want to produce directly, not indirectly. Since there is not a trace of abstraction in this art we call it concrete art. First collages created by Hans Arp were very minimal and simple. One could say that little effort had gone into creating them. Dadas reliefs are some what different to what one has seen through the history of collage. Shapes cut out from wood in natural forms are stuck one on top of the other. This technique could remind one of the three-dimensional construction of collages during the period of 1912-14 (pg.8). But in the reliefs on the left, an abstract assembly consisting of organic shaped, wooden fragments , painted in pastel colours, give the impression of a playful scene. Maybe one from the deep oceans or a field covered with flowers; Moving away form the notion of three-dimensional construction, Dadas work also consists of papier colles; Rectangles arranged according to the Laws of Change, is one of dadas paper collages; squares and rectangles in two shades of blue are cut and randomly placed on the rear (blue) surface of the collage. No right angles appear anywhere in this piece of artwork, nor in the position in which the paper fragments are placed on the board, nor in the way the elements are cut. Arp was always pleased to work and create art with other artists. In 1916 Arp invented the Fatagaga pictures. Fatagaga was a word which derived from the first syllables of the sentence: Fabrication de Tableaux garantis gazometriques, meaning: production of guaranteed gasometric pictures. Based on this new term, Arp and other artists created the i-drawings. The group continued to express their compassion to the sufferings of the public, but this time their collages, or as they called them, photomontages, were not so simple looking. Dada brought photographs in the papier colles, which pictured human bodies with different heads or objects placed on their forehead in combination with written illustrations, suggesting in their way the political and social exasperation towards the world. With Analytical Cubism, art opened its doors to papier colle, the construction and design of collages. Dada introduced that a collage did not only have to consist of paper and glue, but it could incorporate other materials as well, (wood, photographs, paint etc). Max Ernst said: I had to admit that in most of my collages there was no use for glue; that I am not responsible for the term collage; As the 1920s entered Dada collages formed a big change; collages where now consisting if geometric shapes, well processed and cut. The i-picture on the left, is one of Arps i-drawings. Rectangles and squares with sharp lines and right angles are places adjacent one to the other; in contrary to the Rectangles arranged according to the Laws of Change (pg.11), this collage looks more like a collage an architect would create; well planned and placed fragments in basic colours. Its one of the first times where one sees the illustrations of text within Dada pa co. The letter i is placed in the centre of the collage catching ones attention, from the first glance. The Art Critic (image on the left), moves away from the graphic collages that Dada were concentrating on until the 1920s. The illustrated bright orange rear surface of the collage, gives a new feeling to the whole picture; human forms are introduced with satiric elements. The man body is a different collage fragment to the out of scale head; facial characteristics are exaggerated by the added sketches/doodles representing eyes, lips teeth etc. Part of a shoe on the forehead of the Frankensteins man and a large pen in his right hand, weapon like, add to the style of the collage. On the right a male figure appears through the newspaper cutting on a black and white photograph. A woman looks stunned by the large figure in the centre of the collage. Additional fragments taken from magazines are added to the whole creating a troublesome image. Even though collages and photomontages started to disappear during the surrealist era in Art, there are a few examples for such stylistic papier colles. Max Ernst was one of the most popular surrealist painters in the 1920s. Within his works, numerous collages can be found. By cutting and reorganising sentimental illustrations, surreal collages would make their appearance. Other artists, such as Dali were strongly connected with surrealist collages Dali would play with the observer. He did this in the way in which the fragment of his collages where placed together, he would confuse the observer about what was being viewed, where as what was actually being portrayed was different to what the eye would see. Dalis playful scene of brightly coloured elements consists of both painting and collage; this technique has been seen before with Picassos Guitar, Music Sheet and Glass collage (pg. ). The rear surface of the Accommodations of Desire collage, is painted; this would be separate to the lion heads which are glued on. The collage consists of nine incomplete lions heads and is violent in its suggestions. In the top centre of the collage a sexual scene is suggested, with a naked women and a man standing close to her. Photomontage did not make its official appearance till the First World War and the Dada movement, but there are many examples in the past, dating back as far as the Victorian era to prove that this technique was seen before. German word Montage means fitting, and explains exactly what a photomontage is, the fitting of multiple pictures/photographs together and creating a new image. Million Fox Talbot was one of the people associated with the invention of photography. He would experimented with his photographs, as any individual would when trying to invite something now, such as photography; by placing tree leafs of the photographic plates, it would remind of some sort of photomontage; In those days, without the invention of photographic paper, the photographic plates were reused and must have be well cleaned in order for the next photograph to be taken. By not cleaning the plates whilst taking a new photo, the result would look as if one image had been placed on the other. In this wa y, photomontage was beginning to appear. In this way they would experiment with multiple plates and effects. During the Victorian period, several examples of such experiments can be found. One of the most striking of its time, were the postcards portraying a human body with a different head. With the revival of Pop Art collages and photomontages were brought back to file. Pop Art Daddy, Richard Hamilton was strongly associated with those art motifs. A collage made from photographs or photograph parts is called a photomontage. At the time, for many people Pop Art was difficult era to be understood. The images portrayed in the Pop Art movement were generally seen in other context and individuals had problems embracing the new art form. In 1957 Hamilton defined Pop art as: Popular (designed for a mass audience), Transient (short-term solution), Expendable (easily forgotten), Low cost, Mass production, Young (aimed at youth), Witty, Sexy, Gimmicky, Glamorous and Big business. But Richard Hamilton found different ways in which he engaged the public with his art. His influence of Abstract Art was obvious in his works, which mostly consisted of collages and photomontages. The images used in order for him to produce a collage would have often been seen in other artistic works in the past; but Hamilton would manipulate them and make look unique. One of the first examples in Pop Art and Hamiltons most famous collage / photomontage is Just what makes Todays Homes so Different, so Appealing. In August 1956, an art exhibition opened its doors to the public. The exhibition hearing after the name This is tomorrow, took place in the Whitechapel Art Gallery, in London. The aim of this exhibit was o present new ideas to the public rather to a certain group of people. These new ideas exhibited would accommodate new, exiting and futuristic aspects which were introduced in the everyday life of an individual. For example aspects of Cinema, Comic books, Pop music, Science fiction and even the unforgettable, sexy Merlin Monroe were present; The exhibition was a space surrounded with playful imagery, music and even some shocking aspects which would make the public wonder about what Tomorrow would bring to their lifes; Richard Hamiltons collage Just what makes Todays Homes so Different, so Appealing, was created for the purposes of advertising posters and catalogue for the exhibition. Even though the artwork, consisting if collage and photomontage was only creating for commercial use, it was one of which made the British Artist famous; As mentioned in the side text, Richard Hamilton would recycle work of others, or imagery seen elsewhere; this is quite predictable, as collage can be alternatively described as a way of recycling imagery, text and photographs from other sources; but in this particular example of the collage pictured above [Just what makes Todays Homes so Different, so Appealing ], the title itself is reused; the original quat derives from an advert starting: just what is it that makes todays homes so different, so appealing? Open planning of course and a bold use of colour. all components of the collage are taken from popular 1960s adverts; The rear surface of the collage had been originally seen in the advert for Armstrong floors company floor surface types; the particular image was found in the Ladies Home Journal. Secondly, the young semi naked male, pictured holding a tennis racket, is the famous Irwin Zabo Koszewski, body builder. [photograph taken from Tomorrows Man magazine]. The woman sitting on the sofa at the rear right side of the artwork is believed to be artist Jo Bear. Opposite, on the left side, the element of the staircase accommodating a young female cleaner, was taken from the advertisement of the new, at the time, Constellation model of a hover. The painting / picture, which is hanging on the rear wall if the interior pictured in the collage, Young Romance, is part of an advert in Young Love. Below there is a television; produced be the Stromberg Carson company (1955). But not all the element accommodated within this collage are exactly cut and pasted in order to create this Pop image; Richard Hamilt on has modified certain parts, which without any hesitation contain a secrete meaning within them; in order to make this more clear, the rug, behind the young bodybuilder is actually a blown up image of the Whitley Bay Beach crowed; lastly on the ceiling of the interior, the image of the earth emerges; most probably this photograph is taken from the Life Magazine [September 1955 edition]. There may be different meanings hiding in this collage. But my personal view ion this artwork, is based on the promotion of the perfect home and family. During the period of the 1960s all was based on the visual aspects of life, new elements in the entertainment field of the public culture were been modified and everything was surrounding the new popular and exiting; cinema, magazines with shocking playful and colourful imagery were incorporated in peoples daily routines; Based on the collage Just what makes Todays Homes so Different, so Appealing , I believe that the artist is trying to portray the Perfect couple. A young , hansom, muscular male, with a sexy, beautiful woman by his side; elements of taking care if the physical body condition of both parties are suggested through the element of the tennis racket; Now there is the opportunity for the female to be the lady of the house; economical changes are suggested; now cleaners can be hired to keep the house in its perfect / clean condition and women can start taking care of themselves. Photographs were a major inspiration for Hamilton works; elements of advertising, film, photography, fashion, music, style, mass media, TV etc were always precent in his work. During the 60s R.Hamiltons works took on a more domestic feel. He was portraying interior spaces which were very similar to the scene of a film set. Some would characterise his work ironic, but for Hamilton that was not the case. By applying in his work imagery seen in the wider public and mass media environment, he addressed a problem which the outside world was facing and at the same time he would picture its possible solution. Hamilton explained in 1968: One wasnt just concerned with a car and the idea of speed but [with] the way it was presented o us in the mass media presenting a glamorous object by all the devices that glamorous advertising can add. The Pop paintings are anthologies of the mechanics of visualisation. Maybe it is not only about the entrainment and the economical but also about the political changes taking place at the time; women are becoming more important and have a say in different important matters; every home should accommodate the newest designs of furniture and electrical facilities; (TV, Hoover, Tape recorder) The perfect home sheltering the perfect couple The images of the earth on the ceiling of the interior may suggest that even in such a house, with all its fashionable and great conditions, it is actually what everyone feels within it; our house is our world; American, visual artist, Christian Marclay, concentrates on exploring the connections that may exist between music, sound and photography. He transforms sound into visual and physical form; this is represented by video, photography, sculpture etc. One of Christian Marclays projects was the Body Mix Series (1991). The project consisted of several album covers, which were collaged in such a way, in which a whole new image immerged through the stitched together pictures. One of those Frankenstein images, named Doorsiana, consisted of six different covers, one of which was the face of Jim Morrison and Diana Rosss left arm, in connection with several other albums. Seliger: It seems that from the start your work has always had a lot to do with collage, both in performance and with the objects. Marclay: Yes. Ive always used found objects, images and sounds, and collaged them together, and tried to create something new and different with what was available. To be

Personnel Evaluation Essay -- Human Resource Management

Personnel Evaluation Personnel evaluation systems can vary from state to state or even between state agencies in the same state. The state of North Carolina has one personnel evaluation policy with some listed exceptions in the North Carolina General Statutes. The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast the personnel evaluation systems for three state agencies, describe four challenges public managers face in the implementation of personnel evaluation systems, analyze, and summarize four factors for executing public personnel evaluation systems. Compare and Contrast Three State Agencies While the North Carolina State Board of Education, UNC Board of Governors, and the North Carolina Department of Administration must comply with North Carolina General Statutes 115 and 126, the statutes allow them discretionary rights as administrators of education, healthcare, and public safety personnel with varying needs, such as certifications and professional development. Additionally, all three agencies have a requirement for supervisors and employees to establish an initial work or action plan with the first month of employment. Additionally, all three agencies require employee notification of appeal rights. Furthermore, each agency requires an initial meeting, a mid-year review, and an annual appraisal. However, for all their similarities they vary in performance assessment components. For example, the North Carolina Department of Administration has a behavioral trait component, require coaching and reinforcement, and handwritten narrative summary. While the North Carolina State Board of Education requires a professional development evaluation, teacher work condition survey, artifact submission, individual growth pl... ... 28(3), 205-221. doi:10.1177/0734371X08319286 Haga, B. I., Richman, R., & Leavitt, W. (2010). System failure: Implementing pay for performance in the department of defense's national security personnel system. Public Personnel Management, 39(3), 211-230. London, M., Mone, E. M., & Scott, J. C. (2004). Performance management and assessment: Methods for improved rater accuracy and employee goal setting. Human Resource Management, 43(4), 319-336. doi:10.1002/hrm.20027 Mothersell, W. M., Moore, M. L., Ford, J. K., & Farrell, J. (2008). Revitalizing human resources management in state government: Moving from transactional to transformational hr professionals in the state of michigan. Public Personnel Management, 37(1), 77-97. Pynes, J. E. (2004). The implementation of workforce and succession planning in the public sector. Public Personnel Management, 33(4), 389-404.

Pretty Babies, Child Beauty Pageants Essay

Many of us first learned about the world of child beauty pageants when a 5  ½ year old beauty queen named JonBenet Ramsey was found murdered the day after Christmas in 1996. The child was murdered in her Boulder Colorado home and found in the basement with her hands tied, her mouth duct taped, and her throat garroted. Her death was ruled strangulation but there was also blunt force trauma to her head as well as vaginal injury (Auge, Karen, par. 13-15). Her death brought these pageants into our minds, conversations and living rooms and many people were shocked to see a child of that age made up like an adult woman, some even said like a prostitute and accused the pageants of sexualizing her and the other children. Images and videos of JonBenet with her hair curled, teased, and sprayed, wearing heavy make-up and glamorous outfits were splattered across the newsstands and she pranced across our televisions winking, flirting and dancing. Any link of her death to the pageants is speculative since the murder remains unsolved, but many people could not help but wonder how safe it was for a child to be made a spectacle of in such a fashion. This past Monday would have been JonBenets 22nd birthday. Perhaps it is time that we as a society take a good look at child beauty pageants and decide what place if any they have in the future for our daughters. JonBenet was the daughter of a wealthy businessman named John Ramsey and his wife, a former Miss West Virginia 1977, Patsy. Patsy has since passed away but John Ramsey has written a book titled â€Å"The Other Side of Suffering† and in an interview with Nightline, John has expressed his regret that JonBenet participated in the pageants. He states in the interview â€Å"Only because- that possibly (the pageants) might have drawn attention to us. † â€Å"I don’t know. But- I think for- for advice to parents is just recognize that- regardless of where you live, there could be evil around you. And don’t be naive about it. And keep your kids protected† (Chang, par. 0). He wonders now about some of the public appearances JonBenet made and if the murderer was maybe in the audience. He says â€Å"Patsy had her sitting atop a friend’s convertible in the Christmas parade waving at people lining the streets. † â€Å"Patsy’s mother later told me that a strange man approached the car during the parade and it made her uncomfortable. I think about these things now and it makes me cringe. We were so naive. I now believe with all my heart that it is not a good idea to put your child on public display. (Chang, par. 7). His words give weight to the issue at hand and initially, it seems, many people felt the same way as child pageants took a financial hit as less people wanted to be associated with the â€Å"publicly tainted industry† (Friedman, par. 5). Fifteen years after the tragic death of JonBenet the pageants have enjoyed a resurgence in popularity (Friedman, par. 6) thanks in large part to the hit show on The Learning Channel, Toddlers & Tiaras. The show is immensely popular and is now in its fourth season (IMDB, 2012). Understanding, of course that this is a television show and not a documentary, that it has been edited for drama and to create what is commonly called â€Å"good television†, the show nonetheless gives a viewer a look inside this somewhat alien world. In his interview John Ramsey stated that he had never watched the show but had caught snippets that he finds disturbing. â€Å"It is very bizarre† he states â€Å"And, it certainly- Patsy and JonBenet didn’t approach it that way. We-they just did it for fun. †(Chang, par. 5). Will the parents or the pageant officials take heed? Or will the allure of glamour and profit make them justify their actions? Watching the television show you are immediately struck by one fact; this is a southern thing. To the people who do this, none of it is strange. In fact many of the parents were overjoyed to learn they were pregnant with girls and began to buy gowns before their babies were even born. One mother who has a boy and a girl stated that she had been very upset when she found out that she was pregnant with the boy until she found out that boys could participate in pageants as well. She even stated, on television, that she had only had children so she could put them in pageants. This would seem very strange to many people, but if you watch the show you will hear statements like this over and over, often in front of the children and always on camera (Toddlers & Tiaras, 2009-2012). What is apparent is that this is truly a culture. They call themselves â€Å"Pageant People† (Toddlers & Tiaras, 2009-2012) and this encompasses not only the contestants and their families but also the judges, pageant directors and announcers and the many, many service people used by the contestants from dress designers to make-up artists and hairstylists to spray tanners and waxers and many of the girls even get facials before a pageants even though their skin cannot possibly look much younger. The popularity of this television show is evident, anyone using a search engine that types in the name of the show will be directed to literally thousands of articles, opinion pieces and fan based websites as well as many spoofs of the show starring big names like Ashley Tisdale and Tom Hanks and has enjoyed the pinnacle of success in the eyes of many, satire on Saturday Night Live. But what about the tiny stars of the show? How safe are they? Is all of this good for them? Watching the show you will see a few kids and moms that seem almost normal, of course these people never get to be the stars. The stars are the children who are bratty, who throw temper tantrums, hit their parents, try to bite other kids and just generally misbehave. The mothers who get the most airtime are of course the ones who say the meanest and most bizarre things. Who treat their children like performing monkeys and seemingly will do anything to get their small progeny to perform on stage. It is remarkable to watch a child transform in just moments from a sparkling banshee into a sweetly smiling and composed young lady, or gentleman on stage. The majority of the children featured on Toddlers & Tiaras are little girls but there are a few boys featured as well. It seems unfortunate that the more poorly behaved the people on the show are the more they are rewarded with fame. One strange family has even got their own spin-off show called, Here Comes Honey Boo-Boo (IMDB, 2012). The children often throw fits because they are being forced to do something they do not want to do. Over and over, in almost every episode the children state that they hate doing the beauty portion of the competition. For those unfamiliar with how things work it important to know that the beauty portion is the most important piece of the pageant where girls are judged on their poise, their attire, hair and make-up, and most of all their facial beauty. They are not really expected to perform at this stage of the pageant but only to walk slowly from mark to mark on the stage stopping briefly at each mark to spin and smile sweetly at the judges and the audience and slowly turn from side to side so that all spectators can take in their appearance. One little girl who was seven was criticized by a female judge for â€Å"having too much personality for beauty† although of the same girl a male judge stated that he â€Å"could not take my eyes off her†( Toddlers & Tiaras, season 4, 2012). The girl went on to win the biggest crown in the pageant and a contract with an agent. The judges of the pageants can often seem harsh and mark the children down for seemingly acceptable things for the contestants to do, given that most of the girls featured on the show are only between the ages of four and nine. A six year old was marked down because her ankle rolled. She was wearing high heels. A four year old was marked down because her fake teeth or â€Å"flipper† fell out during the beauty portion. Another girl was marked down for being too â€Å"fake†(?! ). And in one episode the little girls were competing for ten thousand dollars and some former contestants came out of retirement to compete. They were as old as twenty-one and some were doing very sexy dances; the male judge was obviously captivated and would not stop talking about the older contestants. A 20 year old won. Against little girls. (Toddlers & Tiaras, 2009-2012) You will see some moments on the show where the parents are caring and the children seem to be keeping the whole thing in perspective. One of the fathers, who has 3 children in the pageants does not allow his kids to be tanned or wear fake teeth and lashes and says some of it is â€Å"too far†. He also keeps the bills for the pageants a little lower by renting the dresses and says he preferred the natural pageants. Another one of the parents, this one a mother, laughed when her nine year old daughter’s hair fell down during the pageant, she told her she did â€Å"so good† and reassured her when she began to cry that it was okay. Then said she was just glad she got a crown (in many of the pageants every contestant gets some type of crown) and that she did not need to win the ultimate title and the little girl stated after she calmed down â€Å"win graciously, lose humbly†. Another little girl who won a high title stated that the title she had gotten was really good because â€Å"There’s a lot of girls here†¦ and they tried hard too†. One mother who had seemed very extreme during the beginning of the pageant seemed to have an epiphany at some point during the pageant and said that this would be her seven year old daughter’s last pageant and that her daughter was â€Å"beautiful on her own†. (Toddlers & Tiaras, 2009-2012). In one touching episode, a mother had only boys and it seemed that her six year old son and her had a very special relationship based on the pageants. The father, in spite of being supportive, was done with his son being in the pageants and wanted this to be his last one. The boy seemed happy to do the pageants and seemed to have a very special relationship with his mother. At the end of the show they were crying and hugging each other and it was actually hard not to be sad for them (Toddlers & Tiaras, 2009-2012) Most of the other parents are not like those ones and the majority of the scenes shown depict these women as bitter and jealous. The way they speak of the other children is disgraceful. They say mean things in front of their own kids about the other children, especially if the other children win and their daughter did not, like that the girl who won did not deserve it and often say that the pageant was unfair or rigged. One mom on the sidelines said about a girl on the stage â€Å"If she wins, she better go get some cellulite treatment done†(Toddlers & Tiaras, 2009-2012). The little girls definitely pick up this cattiness from their mothers. Many times over these children say that they are better or prettier than the other girls. One six year old girl knew from her mother that one of the other girls was her biggest competition at the pageant. The other girl was well known for her continuing pacifier dependency and first girl said that she had a secret weapon for her opponent so she could beat her and held up a gag pacifier that had funny looking teeth on the front of it and then snickered. In one sad scene there were sister aged ten and eight who were competing in the same pageant, the eight year old stated that she was going to beat her sister and if her sister started crying she would â€Å"beat her to he ground†. When the older sister started to cry and said that it was because she was being mean the younger one told her to â€Å"Stop crying, you’re embarrassing me! † (Toddlers & Tiaras, 2009-2012). If you think the â€Å"tiger moms† would be less cruel to their own offspring you would learn that often that is not the case. Over and over when the children cry because they are hungry, tired, something being done to them hurts or they lost they are told not to cry because they are on camera or that the pageant is not over and their make-up will be ruined. One mom talking about her daughter said that she, the mom, had been better at cheerleading and that her daughter just can’t â€Å"get it† like her. Her daughter was nine. One child was forced to stop doing gymnastics because it was making her muscles too big for her costumes and her mother told her â€Å"that was sucky† when she came off stage. Over and over the children are cruelly disregarded or ignored when they state that they are in pain, feeling sick, hungry or tired. In a heart stopping scene a nine year old girl went missing in full hair and make-up and was no longer in the hotel. In every scene shown by the television show the mom was worried about her being late for her age line up and not concerned for her safety. Luckily, she was found in time, and her standing in the pageant was unaffected. That the girls often cry when they lose is no surprise when you take in that the mothers often cry or state they are going to throw up and berate their daughters for blowing on stage by forgetting to smile at the judges or forgetting part of their routine. The moms let their daughters know that they lost too if their crown is not big enough and does not come with a high title attached to it. The moms will tell their daughters who are smiling and holding a crown that they lost and the crown they have is for losers. One mom while sitting in the audience was â€Å"pissed† and going to cry and listed what the other little girls got and that her daughter didn’t get anything. No wonder the little girl had a tantrum and screamed that she wanted a crown (Toddlers & Tiaras, 2009-2012) Many of these mothers are, like Patsy Ramsey, former beauty queens themselves and will stop and nothing to ensure their daughters success in the pageant world. Sometimes it becomes so extreme that it makes the news. In 2011 ABC News did a story on a mom who gave her 8 year old daughter Botox injections because she had wrinkles (Hagan, Kunin and Ghebremedhin, par. 5). The mother was not a doctor but an esthetician, which is basically a beautician for the skin. She claims her daughter wanted to try it herself because her wrinkles bothered her. This is hopefully a rare case but more commonly these young children have their eyebrows waxed, they receive spray tans, even if they are African American or bi-racial. They have acrylic nails put on, they are fitted for fake teeth to go over their own teeth called flippers, they have hair extensions put in because often their baby fine hair either is not thick enough for the large hair-dos or not strong enough to take the heat and styling. Some of the girls have their hair bleached before a pageant. Sometimes these things hurt or are uncomfortable and the children complain. There seems to be a particular hatred amongst the little girls for the false eyelashes. Many of the girls scream and cry and beg to not have to wear them to no avail. These are typically services reserved for very high maintenance women and many adult women would not have the patience for them. The FDA has not done studies on the safety of these chemicals for use on children either. How does it feel to sit in make-up and hair for two hours for a child of say four? On pageant day the real magic begins. The girls are up early in the morning in their hotel rooms. They are fed breakfast and then the beauty regime begins. The pageants last all day and usually include several outfit changes and the performance of practiced routines. The girls, some very young, are not allowed to eat or nap so their hair and make-up do not become ruined. To make up for this, the moms have found some magic. On pageant day the girls have sugar cubes and Pixie Stix poured into their mouths all day long and are fed through a straw high caffeine and sugar drinks like Mountain Dew and some†¦ Red Bull energy drinks. There is some serious concern over the safety of these drinks (Ostrow, 2011). One mother asked her daughter before the pageant if she wanted to quit doing them. The girl nodded yes and the mom said â€Å" Let’s look at your crowns! Doesn’t that make you feel better? † (Toddlers & Tiaras, 2009-2012). One of the reasons many of the parents say they do it is often for the prizes, money, bonds and scholarships. Indeed, some of the pageants featured on the television show do boast some large prizes. But most of the parents admit that they have spent many times over what their child has received. Several of the moms admit to lying to their husbands about how much they spend and one single mom has moved in with her parents so they could continue to pay for pageants and it is common for the mothers to take a â€Å"pageant job† (Toddlers & Tiaras, 2009-2012) to cover some of the expenses. Some of the parents spend lavishly on the pageants. Many of the pageants have a top prize of only several hundred dollars yet the girls will show up in 2500$ dresses. In one episode two sisters have their very own trailer for pageant accessories that have their pictures emblazoned on the sides. One very enterprising mother has published a pageant book about her daughter, recorded a song and had a doll made in her daughters image. In an episode where they went to the Tonight Show she was saying how she was planning to get her daughter and agent and a two million dollar contract so she could quit her job and move to Hollywood. It seems as if the parents either have delusions about some pay off that will eventually come if they keep plugging away or they really have just found a very expensive habit that they justify for other reasons.

Personality Analysis Instrument

Personality Analysis Instrument Myers-Briggs Type Indicator The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a personality assessment instrument that is used to measure the decisions that affect their day to day activities that they are engaged in their lives (UMI, 2001). It is a questionnaire that detects the psychological preference on how people behave and make key decisions.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Personality Analysis Instrument specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More These preferences were borrowed from the theories formulated by Carl Gustav Jung in his book, Psychological Types, published in the year 1921 (Derreck, 2011). Using these theories, the personality inventory was developed by Myers Briggs and her mother, Cook Briggs after the Second World War. They developed this personality assessment tool as an aid to help women find war-jobs which they were comfortable with during and after the Second World War. In 1962, the original questionnaire was made and mainly focused on normal populations and the differences that naturally occur within this group. There has been a lot of debate on the validity of MBTI as a psychometric tool. This is due to the fact that the available statistics do not support the method as one of the most effective personality assessment tools in the world. More than one third of the studies which have been conducted concerning MBTI have either been presented in psychological conferences or published in peer reviewed journals and magazines of psychology. In most cases, the results do not have a practical application in the society. This is because limited number of studies has been conducted to show its applicability to the public. As a result, many scholars have stated that the method should undergo a lot of scrutiny for it to be valid. The method has failed to come up with the expected outcomes which researchers hoped for. For example, the results of most studies have bimodal distribution with peaks be ing displayed at the sides of the graph; contrary to what scientists were expecting. For the study to be reliable, it should have a central peak with both sides being even. This therefore classifies one side of the peak as one type and the other side of the peak another type.Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Another factor that affects the validity of MBTI is the level of honesty received from the respondents. This method mainly relies on self reporting honesty from respondents. Although the questions are designed to minimize the chances of dishonesty from the respondents, the measures which have been put in place are not reliable. As a result, respondents may find it easy to give out false information which affects the outcome of the study and its validity and effectiveness in overall. Other personality measurement methods have a validity scale that detects exaggerated or f alse information from respondents. Others like the Personality Assessment Inventory has incorporated the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire lie scale that can detect the presence and level of lies from respondents (UMI, 2011). Despite the criticisms that this method is facing, other scientists have find it to be quite reliable and applicable in several situations. A study that was conducted about MBTI revealed that the methods dichotomies show a good split-half validity and reliability (UMI, 2011). The level of correlation between studies that are conducted over a given period of time is also high. This therefore proves that the study can be relied on in a number of situations. In terms of cultural utility, Myers found that the proportion of people with different personalities varied depending on the professional courses which the tool or the careers which they are pursuing. However, examining each type of MBTI in varying professions, scientists have discovered that the proportion of each type in every population is relatively similar, thus showing some level of similarity among the different professions. Some researchers attribute this relatedness to the level of job satisfaction that is enjoyed by individuals of different professions.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Personality Analysis Instrument specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Rorschach Test This is a psychological test in where the subjects perceptions are recorded using inkblot (Brittany, 2011). The interpretations and analysis of these results are done using psychological methods that are derived from complex scientific algorithms. This method is mainly used by scientist to determine the characteristics, emotions and behavior of individuals. The test is designed to detect underlying thought disorder. This therefore ensures that it can detect lies and formulate theories that ensure that the information which the subject is giving is true . As a result, this method of personal assessment is more reliable than MBTI. The test was named after the person who found it; Herman Rorschach, a Swiss psychologist. It finds a lot of application in projective tests especially during the 1960s. During that time, it was ranked 8th among all the personal assessment tests that were being administered to mental patients in U.S. mental hospitals. Consequently, it is the second widely used tests by the Society of personality Assessment and is always prescribed in over 25% of forensic cases in the U.S that mainly involve forensic battery (Brittany, 2011). A survey that was conducted in the United States revealed that the test is used from as low as 20% by correctional psychologists to a high of 80% by clinical psychologists and psychologist graduates t assess the personality of individuals (Brittany, 2011). However, when the results of the tests are ranked as a projective test, their verifiability is very poor. To address this, the Exner System of Scoring was developed in the 1960s and has been in operation since then. Pyscholgosts claimed that the this system of scoring has undergone a lot of scrutiny and research to ensure that scores results that arise from the study are reliable and verifiable. It makes use of every factor, whether it is a color, shape or outline that is produce by the inkblot with regards to the subjects comments that have been put to the test. Despite all this, some scientists still refute the outcome of this test system. The Exner system uses a rigorous scoring system to give out its results which is disagreed most of the time by scientists as being ineffective.Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More They still view the latitude scoring system as the best method to interpret the results from. Also, the clinical write up of the results varies a lot as it depends on the individuality of the psychologists who makes it. It is therefore subjected to a lot of individuality and biasness. However, there is some element of reliability of the results that have been collected from several studies. These results show a lot of generalizations, reliability and similarity when their scores are considered. The R scale is a good example that shows the total number of responses intelligent people tend to have the same results on pathology scales. This is due to the fact that many scales do not correct for a high R. thus, if a subject gives double responses in total, there is a high chance that these results will seem to be somewhat pathological. Other scales that are correlated with intelligence include: organization activity, quality of forms, human figure responses and organizational activities (Squidoo, 2010). The reliability of these scales have made this method to be used to detect conditions like schizophrenia, thought disorders and other disorders that affect the personality of individuals. Due to its success, Rorschach test has been very reliable and widely applicable in psychology. The reliability of the tests also depends on the testing procedure that has been established between the tester and the subject. During the session, the tester ensures that the subject is comfortable. He makes sure that the sitting arrangement, the manner in which he introduces the session, verbal and nonverbal responses of the subject and how his/her responses are recorded are in the most convenient way to ensure that the subject is at ease and develops trust for the tester. This increases the chances of the subject giving out relevant and true information for the study, making the results to be very reliable. With these results, it is easier for the tester to determine the personality of the subject without a lot of difficulties. Self-Help Books This is a complex development that aims at improving a number of factors that affect and determine the status and personality of an individual (UMI, 2011). These factors include: talents and potentials of an individual, awareness and identity and enhancement of quality of life and the development and realization of dreams and aspirations. They act as motivators that make life to be worth living. Without them, an individual may develop an attitude which might kill his desire to live. It is therefore important for individuals to have these factors so that they can achieve the goals and objectives which they desire in life. This concept therefore includes formal and informal methods and procedures which aim at developing an individual. Self-help books involve practice and research. In practice, they incorporate methods that assist in personal developments, systems for assessment, and learning programmes tools and techniques. In research, they utilize the topics and issues that are found on peer reviewed psychological and other scientific journals, higher education reviews, business publications and so on. In any form of development, there has to be indicator that shows whether change has taken place or not. Unlike other personal assessment instruments, the subject of the study is the one who assesses himself in the course of the programme. However, there is a standard criterion that has to be followed so that the results that are obtained become more reliable and free from bias. The personal development frameworks should include goals and objectives that have been set by the subject, the strategies which the subject will use to achieve them and means of measuring progress, levels that define the stages of development along the path of achieving goals or objectives and finally a means through which one can report the changes that have occurred in the course of development and assessment. Like other asse ssment instruments that have been discussed, the validity of self-help books has a lot of criticisms. The fact that an individual is the one who assesses his/her development has raised a lot of questions on the reliability of the results. Scientist and other academicians view this to be a weak point to the instrument because it is difficult for someone to monitor his/her development especially in subjective studies like personal assessment. Most people lack the discipline and character to adhere to the rules and regulations that should be followed. Lack of supervision and guidance thus makes the situation to become even worse. The method has been applicable in several studies that have been conducted by psychologist, scientists and even individuals. Due to its simplicity, the method has found a lot of application by individual of all ages from all around the world. However, the instrument has mainly been used in America and Asia. This instrument originated from ancient religions in the Middle East and Asia such as Hinduism and Abrahamic religions and includes practices such as prayer, fasting, meditation, dancing, singing and sports and so on (UMI, 2011). Due to its openness, it has found a lot of applicability in many cultures all around the world. People have adapted this instrument to develop and improve their personalities so that they can stand a better chance of achieving their desires in life. This method has been used to develop personalities of individuals in different places and situations. It has been used to improve the personality of individuals at work places so that the employees can work together as a team and achieve the goals and objectives of the organization. It has also been used to develop the personality of an individual according to religion or spirituality. Individuals who utilize this method want to achieve desirable characters, behaviors and emotions which will make them to be more successful in life. References Brittany, M. (2011). Demystifying the Rorschach Inkblot Test. Helping Psychology. Web. Derreck, M. (2011). Personality Theories, Types and Tests. Businessballs.com. Web. Squidoo. (2010). Rorschach Inkblots. Squidoo.com. Web. UMI. (2001). Dissertation abstracts international: The humanities and social sciences.  London: University Microfilms International.

Main Themes Of The Four Gospels Religion Essay Example

Main Themes Of The Four Gospels Religion Essay Example Main Themes Of The Four Gospels Religion Essay Main Themes Of The Four Gospels Religion Essay The writers of the four Gospels in the Bible had a specific group of people they wrote to and in this assignment I am traveling to look at those specific people and what the writers said about the life and work of Jesus. I am traveling to besides traveling to look at the chief subjects of these four Gospels, get downing from Matthew to John. The writer of the book of Matthew is the Apostle Matthew who was one of Jesus` adherents. The Gospel of Matthew was written in Greek. The writer wrote to a peculiar group of people chiefly Grecian talking Jews, even though the writer wrote to certain group of people the authorship does hold a world-wide mentality. Matthew concentrated more on the fulfillment of the Old Testament than the authors of the other Gospels. In Matthew Jesus learning pointed to the approvals of the land being extended to heathens. MATTHEW` MAIN THEMES The chief intent of Matthew is to turn out that Jesus Christ is the Messiah which means the anointed 1. The nazarene can besides be interpreted as Joshua in Greek which means the Lord saves. Matthews s end was to convert his readers that the King of male monarchs has come, with this in head he uses words and names that the Jews are familiar with. Besides alone to Matthew is the look, that it might be fulfilled which is spoken by assorted Prophetss.[ 1 ] THE MAIN PURPOSE AND FOCUS OF MARK The Gospel of Mark was written by John Mark. Mark was a close associate of Peter, it was from Peter that he received the tradition of things done and said by the Lord Jesus Christ. Mark has more of the sermon of Peter, put together by John Mark. Harmonizing to early church tradition Mark was written in the part of Italy more specifically in Rome. In book of Mark John Mark explains Judaic imposts and interprets Aramaic words John Mark seemed to hold an involvement in persecution and martyrdom. John Mark wrote that the agony Jesus was besides the Son of God, the Son of Man, the Christ and the Lord. MARK`MAIN THEMES Mark s Gospel is simple and holds an of import history of the ministry of Jesus Christ, with an accent on more of what Jesus did than what he said. Mark moves rapidly from one scene in Jesus` ministry to another. Even though Mark bases his accent on the humanity he does non pretermit the divinity of Christ. Mark wrote to beef up and steer the Roman trusters who were being persecuted by Nero. After the decease of Peter and eyewitnesses to Jesus` life, this gospel message needed to be written down.[ 2 ] THE MAIN PURPOSE AND FOCUS IN LUKE The authors name is non mentioned but grounds points to Luke. The Gospel of Luke was written to Theophilus and the message in this Gospel was meant for his ain direction and besides for those among whom the book would be distributed. Luke was likely written around A.D. 59-63. The book of Luke would hold probably been written in Rome. Luke had an outstanding bid of the Grecian linguistic communication. Luke s words in general seem to uncover geographical and cultural sensitiveness. Luke s Gospel centres on God s program to supply redemption to the universe. LUKE`MAIN THEMES Luke was written to beef up the religion of all trusters and to give an reply to the disbelievers. It was written to displace and unveil the false studies about Jesus. This 3rd Gospel presents the plants and instructions of Jesus that are particularly critical for understanding the manner of redemption. The first two chapters of Luke emphasize the Old Testament and its promises of a Messiah while the 3rd and portion of the 4th chapters show clearly that Jesus is the Messiah, who can contend against the evil one, Luke continues in the remainder of the chapters to compose about the life and plants of Jesus and everything that had been revealed by the jurisprudence, the Prophetss and the Psalms about Jesus had been fulfilled.[ 3 ] Luke frequently stressed the humanity and compassion of Jesus. Luke s favorite look is the Son of Man. The adherents were informants of to this fact and their mission was to portion this Good News with all states. THE MAIN PURPOSE AND FOCUS IN JOHN Some transcribers have felt that John s purpose was to show a Forth from a different position point the Christian message that would appeal to Grecian minds. John would hold been believing of the Greek readers some of whom were being influenced by unorthodoxy. John` chief intent was evangelistic, to construct up trusters every bit good as to win new converts. John besides focuses on Jesus` claim that He was God by including Christ s seven I am statements. John records certain occasions when Jesus equals Himself with the Old Testament I AM. John 8:58 Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM. JOHN` MAIN THEMES The author of John besides said that These are written that you may believe that Jesus Christ the Son of God and that believing you may hold life in His name John 20:31. John besides speaks of Jesus as the preexistent Godhead Word who became a human being so as to talk the words of God, uncover the glorification of God s grace and truth, to set a span between the kids of visible radiation and the kids of darkness, to convey judgement on the atheistic universe and to give ageless life through the gift of the Holy Spirit to all believe and abide in Jesus. John wrote that Jesus was and is the Jesus of the universe.[ 4 ] John reveals the Bible s most of import message, believe and follow Jesus, because He is the manner to ageless life. John speaks of Jesus as the visible radiation of the universe and the staff of life of life, the manner, the life and the good shepherd. Decision The four canonical Gospels are really elaborate and factual about the life and work of Christ. Matthew composing to turn out to the Jews that Jesus is their Messiah, while Mark stressed the humanity of Jesus but he does non pretermit His divinity. Luke wanted to demo that the topographic point of the heathen Christian in God s land is based on the instructions of Jesus. Luke` chief subject is the nature of Jesus Christ` messiah ship and mission. The Gospel of Luke nowadayss Jesus in ways that would appeal to an audience of high minded heathens. The Gospel of John is presented foremost with a prologue or debut. John speaks of Jesus as one sent from God to uncover His love and grace to adult male. All the four Gospels have alone narrative on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and they all speak of one individual merely Jesus who is the Jesus of the Jews and the Jesus of the universe. All the resources I used are really helpful for making a research like this one and I would urge any theological pupil to utilize these books when making their essays or research work.[ 5 ]

International Financial Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

International Financial Management - Assignment Example Fluctuation of the exchange rates between the different currencies the firm transacts through has the potential of exposing the firm to financial losses. The major exposure risk the firm is likely to experience is the transaction risk that distorts the cash flows realized. This is due to the recent behavior of the US dollar against major international currencies. The US dollar has of recent been depreciating against Euro and pound currency. Thus, the cost of the purchases the firm makes using dollar has the potential of increasing when it is converted to Euros or pounds in determining the profit earned. Consequently, it is critical for the firm to undertake measures to manage the exchange rate risks to mitigate probable financial losses in future. Managing the exchange risk facing a firm engaged in cross-border trade requires the management to determine the exposure risks been faced, hedging strategies capable of mitigating the risk and the existing instruments that can be used to cushion the exchange risks. This is done by adopting hedging strategies that help in reducing or eliminating currency risks. A number of hedging options are available in managing the exposure risks the firm faces under it cross-border trade. One of the hedging methods that can be used in managing the exchange risk facing the firm is forward contract. Forward contract allows a firm to exchange foreign currencies at an agreed exchange rate in future (Levi, 2009). Consequently, SN can undertake a forward contract that will guarantee the exchange rate that will be used in exchanging the foreign currencies in future date. The pre-fixed exchange rate that will be used in converting the foreign or domestic currency will counter the exchange rate fluctuation since the firm will be shielded by the agreement from such exposure. This arrangement will allow the firm to convert the Euros or Pounds it is possessing to dollar

Movie Wo Ai Ni Mommy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Movie Wo Ai Ni Mommy - Essay Example (Soe, 1997, p.3) They derive many cinematic elements from early Asian American films, but also include â€Å"souped-up mise-en-scenes, techno soundtracks and ultra-hip young characters...the stories are ultimately about identity, cultural confusion and finding one's own voice and desires, all of which have been recurrent themes in Asian American films past and present.† (Soe, 1997, p.3) Thesis: In the case of Wo Ai Ni Mommy, we witness some of these cinematic elements, along with unique filmmaking style of the director Stephanie Wang-Breal. Complex issues of loss, memory, family anomie and alienation are all integral parts of the Asian American film genre. In recent years though, Asian American filmmakers have produced an interesting body of work which are largely documentaries or experimental work. The new tribe of young directors, â€Å"linked by youth and their impressive technical skills, explores themes and issues common to Asian American films and videos from years past .† (Soe, 1997, p.3) And the movie titled Wo Ai Ni Mommy by Stephanie Wang-Breal should be studied in this backdrop. ... or example, Wang-Breal also doubles up as a translator between Faith and her new parents, as the former struggles to get acclimatized with new socio-cultural norms. Usually documentary filmmakers take a passive role in the process of film-making, in that they do not affect the audio/visual information being captured. But in the case of Wang-Breal, by virtue of being the only remaining link to Faith’s Chinese heritage, also assumes the role of the young ward’s confidante and interlocutor. It should also be noted that Asian American filmmaking is not one homogenous concept, but rather consists of vastly diverse constituencies in which â€Å"recent immigrants, native-born citizens, community activists, documentarians, avant-garde artists, film students, Asiaphiles and cineastes all claim valid rights. The complexity of the Asian American community has always influenced and affected the work of its filmmakers. As this community becomes more diverse, it will require even gr eater skill and acuity to accurately reflect the ever-evolving state of Asian American media arts.† (Soe, 1997, p.3) It has been an endeavor of early Asian American filmmakers to present their authentic ‘voice’ in their works. This is certainly evident in Wo Ai Ni Mommy too, where director Stephanie Wang-Breal’s original voice comes across to the audience. Within the limitations of a documentary project, the director manages to raise important issues facing adopted Chinese kids such as Faith. While Faith is obviously the protagonist of the film, her new parents Donna and Jeff are also given key coverage. Indeed Donna’s early experiences with Faith were very challenging. But the later transformation of Faith into an English-speaking American kid is in large part due to the efforts of Donna. A