David Fincher's film analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

David Fincher's film analysis - Essay Example He has many successful filmmaking ventures under his name, but the substance of this prose will analyze the intricate aspects of his blockbuster film â€Å"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button†. The main premise of â€Å"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button† revolves around a boy who was born with the appearance of a geriatric and then ages backwards until his death as an infant. Fincher’s writing team has used the short story written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, but on a thematic level it does not have the element of humor as the short story, but is more dramatic in nature. The writers have incorporated several motifs in the film to highlight the philosophical depth of the story. The film starts off with the train station clock tower that runs backwards, which signified Benjamin’s life that had taken a reverse course. Initially, the clock maker had made it to commemorate his son’s death in the war. It emboldens the importance of going through all the stages that finally defines one’s journey. However the closing shot of the movie shows the clock tower being flooded by hurricane Katrina, which symbolizes that whether one goes forward or back in time, death is an absolute factor. The entire scene is a heartbreaking reminder of the mortality of human life that was captured in the backward ticking and the flooding of the train station clock. Similarly, the man who gets repeatedly hit by lightning is yet another motif in the movie. The recounts to Benjamin how he was struck by lightning almost seven times in his life and even though, it was a painful process but he still came to see it as a positive occurrence in his life. Not only the event is significant but the number of times the man claims to have been hit by lightning can be equated as a vague allusion to the Shakespearean ideology describing the course of human life – The seven stages of man. The lightning in this regard signifies an irrevocable change and aging is indeed an irreversible process of

Application of auction theory in the context of the Indian Premier Essay

Application of auction theory in the context of the Indian Premier League - Essay Example This theory is highly essential from a theoretical, empirical and economic perspective. This paper aims to discuss the main principles of the auction theory along with the considerable issues and their solutions associated to the phenomenon of auction market. For this paper, we shall consider an example of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to relate it with the relevant theoretical principles of the auction theory. Auction Theory: Auction theory is a branch of economics which takes a number of concepts into analysis that includes the risks, behaviors, challenges and activities of bidders within the auction processes. The process of auction has been used from earliest traces of economic activities. Economists have contributed in the auction theory including Vickrey (1961), Griesmer, Levitan and Shubik (1967) etc. Extension of Auction theory is referred to as theorem of revenue equivalence (see appendix 1.1). As per the contributions of different economists, there are four standard types of auctions. These bids are commonly known as the English Bid, the descending bid which also known as the Dutch bid, first sealed bid and a second seal bid. Each one is unique and possesses interesting factors, which grasp attention of the interested buyers (Besanko and Braeutigam 2000). Now we shall analyze each type of bid separately supported with relevant examples. English Bid: According to Gul and Stacchetti (1999), English bid is a type of bid that slowly goes higher. Sometimes this type of bidding appears as most simplistic, however at the same time it can create complexities for both buyers and sellers. English auction begins with a bid which is placed by an auctioneer who places the starting bid which is a given price of the product being sold. The bids are then placed one by one in an increasing order. English bid is different from other bids such as sealed bids because it is open to all bidders with no policy of hiding (Gul and Stacchetti 1999). The one who makes the highest bit wins the product. In this type of bid prices increase comparatively with small margins and the buyers intend to win the item at low price than its original value at which the product bidding started i.e. starting bid. For example, there is a likelihood of quick sale of a car during an auction as the standing bid will be lowest, which will be affordable for a sing le buyer, who will finally take the commodity home (Auctus Development, Inc, 2004). It should also be noted that the English auction can be win by the standing bidder which can only be displaced by a competitively higher bid than the standing bid (Jaiswal 2010). Furthermore, Klemperer (1997) noted that English bids or ascending bids are usually used for selling household items such as cars, appliances, furnisher and sometimes properties as well. This type of bid facilitates sellers to make great sum of money and an amazing opportunity for the buyers to win the bid (Klemperer 1997). A reserve or minimum price is charged for house hold commodities in English auction (Auctus Development, Inc 2004). Dutch Bid: According to Besanko and Braeutigam (2000), the Dutch system is entirely

Data base analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Data base analysis - Essay Example However, enabling the ordering of the netmask provides the most efficient results for client’s orders but this does not enhance the internal clients in resolving the external addresses. Using the NS1 as a forwarder severs enhances successful name resolution for the internal clients. In round robin disabling, this will prohibit any further load balancing and hence will not enable the internal clients in resolving the external host names. In this scenario the user are likely to suffer from many problems which may prevent them from obtaining IP addresses, these may include the expiry of the users IP address, the incorrect DHCP configuration, duplicate IP address on the same network and lack of DHCP server authorization. As a result of the introduction of the active directory in the network, this authorizes the DHCP server and the expiry of the users IP address stimulates the generation of a new IP address (Shapiro, 2008). This also prevents a computer from acquiring a new IP addr ess by itself and thus prevents the DHCP missing which prevents users on network subnets to acquire new IP addresses. However, duplicate IP address prevents the user from communicating in the network but does not prevent the generation of a new IP address from the server. ... es which are connected to the main network through a virtual private network which uses registered authentication information from the active directory in the network this prevent unauthorized entry in to the network and as well as providing cheap access in the main network. Employees of a company can enter into the network through the authorization given by the network administrators. This is through the registration of usernames and the generation of passwords by the active directory which gives each employee rights and limits to access the network resources. This can be used to control the access of network resources by different employees. The use of centralized backups in WAN makes the sharing of network resources easier and cheap, a more improved backup includes all the possible inclusion of all subnet LANs joined together to a central database for easier access of resources, this can be done through network sub netting. References Carvalho, L. (2012). Windows server 2012 Hyper -V cookbook. Birmingham: Packt Pub.. Shapiro, J. R. (2008). Windows server 2008 bible. Indianapolis, IN: Wiley ;. Tomsho, G. (2010). MCTS guide to Microsoft Windows Server 2008 Active Directory configuration: exam 70-640. Boston, MA: Course Technology/Cengage

Research Design DB Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Research Design DB - Essay Example The said actions resulted to a vicious cycle of manipulating records to be able to present a continuous growth of the company (Fusaro, Miller, & James, 2002). Basically, the misrepresentation of the company records can be considered as an escalating problem that is a continuous threat to the company’s survival. The fraud has been kept for long due to the fact there is an existence of accounts in other countries that were able to hide the real losses of the company. In the absence of such accounts, the manipulation of the records cannot be possible. On the other hand though, although the said actions are carefully undertaken, the unconventional presentation of records continuously raised suspicion until the said company finally collapsed due to the lack of supporting assets (Fusaro, Miller, & James, 2002). The misuse of the data by Enron can be considered to benefit the reputation and the price of the stocks during the particular time. The company had been able to continuously lead the market although loses can be considered substantial. The said loses which are well hidden during that time had been the cause of the fall of the company. Every data that are related to finding out the crimes committed limits the operation of the company (Bazerman, 2006; Fusaro, Miller, & James, 2002). In relation the ethical implications of the Enron case, the fraud and deceit of the different parties that are involved can be considered as the main issue. Basically, any misrepresentation of data specifically in business organizations can be ethically questioned. The fact that the company lacks the real assets that amounts to the values represented in the records can be considered as the main basis of the bound failure of Enron. In addition, the ethical implications of such actions of the financial personnel can be considered of detrimental effects in any business

Formations And Techniques In Soccer Physical Education Essay

Formations And Techniques In Soccer Physical Education Essay Different type of formations may be used depending on the skill of the opposite team but also whether the team is playing more attacking or defending. A 4-2-4-1 formation is a soccer formation with only one striker upfront. The striker is the player located highest up the field, his main task is to score goals for the team. Before we could analysis the 2 players in the case, we would like to look at some of the tips to be a good striker. A good striker must be able: Kick the ball in the goal (good at striking). A striker who can score goals on a regular basis will become important to his team. As a striker, he needs to learn to score with all different parts of the body. Shot on Site (aiming). In today game, scoring opportunities are so rare as compared to last time, so when the striker has the chances to shot, dont wait. In addition, good strikers must constantly running (good agility and speed), trying to create spaces and taking risks. It only takes one. Many strikers will beat players and create space for themselves, but yet hesitate to shoot in front of goal. Figure 1 below shows the no of times both the player score a goal, saved with 2 hands and blocked. Preliminary analyses from Figure 1, revealed that player B tends to score more goals (13) than player A (8), since the coach are looking for a striker, the ability to saved with 2 hands and blocked are not so important as compared to the ability to score. Figure 2 shows the no of chances both player A and B missed by shooting the ball wide away from the goal post, shooting the ball too high in front of goal post and missed a goal even in front of the goal post. As observed, player A tends to have higher misses (12) than player B (2), in terms of shooting the ball wide. The different of shooting the ball too high is not too great among the 2 players. In summary, as compared to player A, player B is a key returning scorer, who averaged a healthy 13 goals in the last season. His expertises on attack puts extreme stress on opposing defenses. He is sharp on the goal, seldom placed the ball wide. However, he tends to have some misses when he is near the goal post. The final choice: Player B to be selected. Figure 1 Players able to score Figure 2 Players not able to score Part B What is periodization? Periodization is defined as a process to structure the training program into phases, where athletes will train progressively and with variety. In general, a standard periodization plan consists of macro cycle (2-4 months), meso cycle (2-6 weeks) and micro cycle (5-7 days) which last for at least 12 months. Tudo Bompa is the man who improved the training system invented by the USSR, the improved periodization system stressed the importance of having different training stress throughout the year rather than to maintain a constant training plan. Using this method, Tudo Bopma has produced 11 medalists in various Olympics including 2 gold medals and 2 World championships for: track and field and rowing (Wikipedia, 2010). The importance and relevance of periodization in sports Many times, athletes are no longer motivated to train because they realized that their sport performance have not improved, no matter how hard they train hard. Having periodization is the way to change the athletes training program at regular intervals so that the athletes can work harder. Periodization can be applied to many various sport ranging from cycling, marathon, rowing and it can be used it on both male and female. Periodization training, in particular includes 7 different major components, they are technical, strength, power, speed, anaerobic, aerobic and mental. A study conducted for 34 women at the Human Performance Laboratory at Ball State University has proved that a periodized strength-training program can give better results than a non-periodized program The women in the periodized group have gained more in lean muscle, greater reductions in body fat and more strength gains than the non-periodized group after 12 weeks (Marx, J.O, 2001). Factors that affect periodization Periodization plan can be affected by several factors, these includes training stress and non training stress. Athletes undergo training or competition too intensively will usually become fatigue after sometimes. Fatigue is one of the factors that affect the athletics sport performance; hence coaches developing the periodization plan must includes management of fatigue also. Athletes are human after all, they will get sick and injured sometimes, when athletes are sick they are no longer able to continue and follow the periodization plan. Other non training stresses are: Lack of financial support from family or association, Lack of motivation from the athletes themselves, Social environment like countries at war, unrest, Too much travelling that causes sickness among some athletes. Description of the success of the periodization plan The success of the periodization plan is when all the athletes are able to complete all the competition that the coaches have planned, with no injuries and sickness, they are able to achieve their peak sport performance and win medals for the countries, clubs etc. Training plan for Mark Figure 1 Macro Cycle for 12 months for Mark in 2010 2011 Observations in relation to the skills, motor abilities and types of training in a training plan for Mark. According to Dr Ivan Astori (Dr Ivan Astori, 2010), a full knee reconstruction surgery is a major operation. Patients like Mark will experience high degree of pain after the operation and pain medication will be needed for the first 1 to 3 days. He will be able to sit in a chair and walk with crutches within 1 to 5 days. Mark will then undergo rehabilitation and physiotherapy till he is able to straighten out, flex and bend his knee. Next, he will be able to swim after 2 weeks of the surgery. After 2 to 3 months, the patient will be walking, biking and golfing, although running and jumping are discouraged. A full recovery to full strength is expected to take up 6 months. A successful soccer player like Mark, he needs to rely on the precise coordination of stability, agility and power production, hence during the periodization cycle, needs such as proprioceptive and kinesthetic awareness components must be heavily trained so to put him back into competitive level. In addition, footwork drills are also important for him because of the numerous quick and rapid changes in direction and speed that occur during the match. With all these in mind, a periodization plan that includes different frequency, different intensity, time of training and type of training like aerobic, anaerobic, speed, power, strength, technique, tactics, will need to plan for him. Specific objectives on the various phases of training/cycles in his training plan. A typical English Premier League season will start in Aug and ends in May next year, hence the periodization plan has to start in Sep and end til Jul when the new season starts in Aug. The periodization plan for Mark were broken into different meso level like General Preparation, Specific Preparation, Pre Competition, Competition, Recovery cycles as shown in figure 1 and also the different volume and intensity level. First, in the general preparation cycle which last for 5 months, since Mark is still recovering from his knee surgery, all the training will be concentrating on building his overall strength, improve his mental skill and aerobic level, but the level of intensity and volume must be maintained at low level (e.g. range 1 to 2, as shown in figure 2). The types of training could include swimming, cycling, weight training and slow jogging. All the training will be increased progressively from 1st to the 5th month without the comprised of the players injury. Second, in the specific preparation cycle which last for the next 5 months, Marks training will be concentrating on Speed, Power and Mental skill, however as compared to the previous 5 months, the intensity and volume will have to slightly increase by 1 tick. The job of training speed in soccer can be very complex and it must be planned properly. Here are some of the attributes that will make a better player: Speeding quickly off the mark Accelerating quickly over 10-15 yards Good speed endurance Fast possession of the ball Fastness of feet or agility Able to change direction quickly The ability to execute skills quickly Fast in thinking (Sporting Excellence Ltd, 2010) The types of training are as follow: At the start of a training session, speed training like speed drills that completed over short distances with rests can be conducted, e.g. 6 X 25 meters each (500 meters total) with 2.5 minutes rest between each rep. Soccer players must have the ability to maintain high levels of speed, even when tired, speed endurance e.g. run a long distance 150 yards at full intensity (90% 100%) with full recovery 15 minutes between each repetition. The types of Power training for Mark are weight training that includes high intensity, high weights and fast moving reps. The weight training will accomplish two of the main goals for the players; they are injury prevention and improved performance. Third, in the pre-competition and competition cycle which last for 1 month and 8 months respectively, emphasis should be given to technique, tactical, mental skill and anaerobic training. Technical training should include improving the skill of kicking, dribbling, passing, shooting, throw in and heading. The 2 major components of soccer tactics are how to attack and defend. Tactical drills are executed in training sessions to develop an understanding of the tactics to be used in the next games against the weaknesses of the opposition team. The most popular type of anaerobic training for soccer players is interval training. This helps the soccer players to develop strength through short bursts of speed in a variety of actions such as stopping, turning, and directional changes. Lastly, in the recovery cycle which last for at least 1 month, there are several methods can be apply to the players such as complete rest, like taking a 1 week break without any soccer training, go for massage, there are some positive effects of massage, these include relief of muscle fatigue and reduction of excessive swelling. Relaxation techniques can also improve the players ability to focus. Also, go to see a doctor for any physical damages to the players body. Figure 2 Volume Vs Intensity for the Macro Cycle Tapering Tapering is defined as the practice of reducing exercise in the days just before an important competition, tapering is used in many endurance sports, such as the marathon, athletics and swimming. A significant period of tapering like a week or more is essential for optimal performance. During tapering, volume, intensity, load of the training should be reduce so that the players can achieve peak performance during the game. Specific intervention strategies to improve Marks movement skills and fitness. The following are some of the strategies help to improve Marks movement skill and fitness: To build up the strength and endurance of his leg muscles, in particular doing weight training for quadriceps and hamstrings. The type of weight training for quadriceps are squats (3 sets of 15 reps), lunges (3 sets of 15 reps), leg extension, leg lifts , leg press and for hamstrings are leg curls, leg dead lift, lunges. To improve his cardiovascular conditioning, Marks need to move his body with his large muscle groups over a sustained period of time. these exercise can be cycling, swimming, jogging, circuit weight training.

Personal Response to Robinson Crusoe, by Daniel Defoe Essay -- Robinso

Defoe's novel, Robinson Crusoe relates one man's spiritual journey in search of self and his goal of setting things right and making amends. Finding the self may take a lifetime. It took twenty-eight years on the island for Robinson Crusoe to discover more about himself, and, of course, he had to wait that number of years before he could make up for past mistakes. However, we do not have an ocean preventing us from making amends, and if only readers were to open themselves to this book, for all its clumsiness, flat style and Eurocentricity, it can, by illustrating one man's life, illuminate ours. To begin opening ourselves we must begin to identify with Crusoe. This is not as easy as it might seem. For one thing, in my case, he is a man, and I am a woman. He lived two hundred years ago so had very different values. He was white. I am not. It is, however, necessary to push these things aside and go to the text. Look especially at instances when Crusoe is not the most politically correct of heros- -when he seems most at odds with our thinking. Consider Crusoe's treatment of Friday. Friday has no name of his own, and he, the "savage," automatically becomes a servant. Here, Crusoe is condescending and racist. Yet, when I look at my own actions towards others, I have to admit that many times they fall short of being good or just. Let us be honest, don't we all shun or dislike those not like ourselves in color, age, social standing, or religion, at some time or other? One other important flaw--some might not call it a flaw at all--is Crusoe's bond of utility rather than bond of mutual respect that forms the basis of his friendships. Crusoe is a man that, early in the novel, is a friend when the other person c... ...eight years on a desert island. We learn that what really keeps us down is our human self absorption and that we have to rise above this terrible selfishness. We learn that finding the self is acknowledging our frailty and working, in spite of it, towards making our spiritual side strong. If I realize what is important in life, I know I have learnt from Crusoe's experiences and will never have to cry "Oh had there been but one .... "The one book that teaches all that books can teach" Rousseau "I shall pass through this world but once; any good thing therefore I can do, or any kindness I can show to any human being let me do it now, let me not defer it or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." Stephen Grellet Works Cited Defoe, Daniel. Robinson Crusoe. Ed. Thomas Keymer. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2008. Print. Oxford World's Classics.

Aggression and violent behaviour Essay

The media of video and computer games is a phenomenon, which has developed rapidly since its first incarnations of simple graphical games, to today’s 3D rendered worlds which players are able to inhabit and explore as they wish. The gaming culture which has followed plays an integral part in contemporary society not just for the youth market but also for many adults, as a gateway to escape their everyday lives and express themselves within a gaming environment. This is the new media format much like television and radio with their introduction into the mainstream, the need to study and explore the implications has attracted scholars, and business’s to explore this new media, attempting to understand its effects on contemporary society. The amount of money and time spent by consumers on these game platforms and software has pushed them to the front of the entertainment market place, with several multinational companies vying for market dominance within this expanding industry (Calvert 2002). The research into violent video games and post play aggression is one of the key study points for this media source. The idea of played aggression transferring into real world situations generates a moral panic within society, and so researches are keen to discover any links with play and real life aggression or to dispel the fears of the public which have been scare mongered by the mass media. Moral panics such as video nasties are similar to the notion of game panics, both are especially aimed at young children for whom society deems to be susceptible and vulnerable to impressions from the mass media, and in this essay’s case their exposure to violent video games. The key to the difference with the notion of game panics is the interactivity between the player and the game mechanics, the player is able to decide what happens within the game as long as its within the game boundaries, for violent games this includes the abundance of killing computer generated characters, and this is the concern of the parents and oppositions to the graphic games available. Recent events such as the school shootings in Columbine, America have led to increased magnification on the topic and therefore more studies are being conducted trying to theorise a link between play and post play. The main research within the gaming context on violence and aggression is aimed towards the effects playing these games has on children. Jeanne B Funk’s writing on children and violent video games highlights these concerns. She explores the notion that children are ‘high risk’ players, and after playing the video games they become desensitised to violence, and deviant behaviour within the society that they belong. Funk doesn’t place a total blame on the games however as she draws on research into pre existing problems within the Childs personality developed within the environment and social surrounding which the child has grown up in, stating that playing these games could lead to the increased development of these problems. Dave Grossman, a US military trainer on the realities of war has a much different perspective to the debate on video games and aggression. He states that the continued playing of the game conditions and trains the youthful player into a killing machine, perfectly honed to kill on sight without a thought for the consequences. He develops the argument of Acquired Violence Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AVIDS), liking the disorder to the virus Aids. ‘The disease doesn’t kill you but simple destroys your immune system’ (Grossman). Arguing that the use of violent video games simple desensitises players, trains them to kill (stimulus response) with no thought for the repercussions of their actions. These two studies outline two different ideas on the argument of video games and aggression, but neither conducted first hand testing of the hypothesis of post play aggression. A frequently cited paper that presents evidence supporting the claim that violence in video games leads to violence in real life is: Video Games and Aggressive Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviour in the Laboratory and in Life by Craig A. Anderson, Karen E. Dill. The research draws up the hypothesis of General Affective Aggression Model (GAAM). The model included both existing research on human learning and expression and research into media violence effects. The study consisted of two separate tests, a real life test and a laboratory-based test on game players to analyse a link between game play and post play behaviour. Goldstein disputes the merits of laboratory tests on the basis that they are floored due to the subject not playing the game but merely doing as they are told, so the same feelings, and experiences are different to those when the subject is truly playing the game in the comfort of their own home, with individual aims to achieve. The findings of the Anderson and Dill study supported the GAAM model in that post play aggression was evident. This is one of the few studies which have been conducted with any credibility on the topic of game panics, yet the topic is still wide open due to the lack of empirical research for which solid conclusions on the links between play and post play can be drawn. Freedman states that the lack of experimental research is fundamental in not being able to draw a clear link. He states that the demand factor, where the subject believes he has to react in a certain way and the ability to measure post play aggression are two factors which have thus far underlined the research in to video games and violent behaviour. These problems could be rectified by the increased proportion of studies, of by the drawing up of a new study method designed specifically for the examination of video games and not one which has been used to monitor other forms of media and post exposure behaviour. The existing research available on the topic of post play aggression is extremely limited with few pieces able to be seen as complete and giving a total answer to the questions answered. The idea that competitiveness within a game is equally to blame, as violent content needs to be explored as the arousal experienced from winning or losing a competition such as a sports simulation can increase the adrenaline within the body causing an outburst of violence (Fienberg 2002). Similarly the link needs to be addressed that not everyone who plays violent games will go out and kill people and so the link between characteristics innate to the individual are to blame for more severe violent acts and the video games at the moment are being lined up as scapegoats for individuals actions and more research needs to be conducted on the subject. Bibliography 1. Anderson, D.A. & Dill, K . E. (2000) Video games and aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviour in the laboratory and in life [online]. Washington: APA Journals. Available from http://www. apa. org/journals/psp/psp784772. html [Accessed 20/10/03]. 2. Funk, J. B. (2001) Children and violent video games: Are there high-risk players? [Online]. Chicago: Playing by the rules conference. Available from  http://culturalpolicy.uchicago.edu/