Legalization Of Prostitution The United States From The...

Prostitution has underlyingly lingered in the history of the United States from the beginning of English settlements. In the industrial times, five percent of the population of women working were prostitutes. During the migration to the West, prostitutes were the majority- if not the only women in boom towns. Not until 1875, were there any laws officially banning prostitution. The Page law was created when Chinese immigrant women become prostitutes or second wives to European men. The law banned immigrant women from immoral purposes. Moving further in time, in 1949, a United Nations convention met in the purpose for the decriminalization of prostitution. Forty-eight countries decided to endorse it, the United States voted against it. Sex workers are fighters. They aren t young girls begging in a freezing Dickensian fog; they aren t Pretty Women looking for Prince Charming; they aren t victimized teenage runaways exploited by savage pimps; they don t have golden hearts; and they aren t crack hos neglecting their babies to find a fix. They aren t American or Jamaican gigolos looking to fleece middle-aged women or gay hustlers cruising for sugar daddies. And some sex workers may look like these stereotypes, yet they are fighters too.† (Chateauvert 1). In our lifetime we have seen those fight for gay marriage and legalization of marijuana. Despite the controversy and personal moral issues, prostitution should also be legalized in the United States. Just as MarijuanaShow MoreRelatedGlobalization and Indigenous Peoples2929 Words   |  12 Pagesindigenous people, but generally indigenous people are those that have historically belonged to a particular region or country, before its colonization or transformation into a nation state. They often have distinct cultural, linguistic, traditional, and other characteristics to those of the dominant culture of that region or state. There are approximately 370 million indigenous people among 70 countries, worldwide. It is about 6% of the world population. These indigenous people are predominantly subsistence-basedRead MoreAmerican Civil Rights Movement Essay15820 Words   |  64 Pagesmelodramas, he shot comedies, historical films, thrillers, westerns, filmings of Bible and different works of literature. Before 1913 there existed an opinion, that the spectator can not watch the film longer than 15 minutes. He shot a film Yudif from Betulia in 4 parts. It lasted 42 minutes. There was a great scandal at the studio because of this film duration, after it Griffith left American Biography and began his work at full-length film Birth of Nation. It appeared on screens in 1915.

China s Third Biggest Exchange Accomplice Essay - 1273 Words

In 1979, the U.S. overwhelmed West Germany to turn into China s third biggest exchange accomplice. In 2004, the U.S. turned into China s biggest exchange accomplice inside and out, surpassing Japan. In 1980, China was the U.S s. 24th biggest exchange accomplice yet started to rapidly climb the positions. In 1985 China positioned sixteenth; in 1990 tenth and by 2006 was second just to Canada, which imparts a 9,000-kilometer outskirt with the U.S. This exchange relationship keeps on growing. Since the turn of the thousand years, China s quickly creating customer economy has implied U.S. fares have been in expanding request in the Middle Kingdom. As indicated by US-China Business Council s measurements, from 2000 to 2010 U.S. fares to China expanded by 465 percent. Amid the same period, US fares to different nations developed by a relatively small 56 percent. This development additionally denotes a decrease in U.S. fares to Japan, its fourth biggest exchange accomplice, of 7.4 percent. China-U.S. exchange has grown much quicker than even the most hopeful forecasts proffered by both Chinese and US financial arrangement specialists before the standardization of the two nations discretionary relations. (The authors, 2014) In any case westernization most likely started in late nineteenth century, when huge number of Chinese went to the west to study. They then brought back to China western thoughts, science, innovation and change. The huge change was done in the twentiethShow MoreRelatedA Study On Joint Venture1393 Words   |  6 PagesExtrusion technology incorporation and the CEO of this incorporation has visited China for the development of XTech. It is termed as the leading global manufacturer that is based on the wide range of mechanical solution that is usually used for the circuit boarding. After the numerous meetings in Xiamen Foreign investment board the top management has started making the things in order to make some setup of Xtech in China. In order to cultivate the new project the business is likely to project theRead MorePotentials Of Tpp And Its Impact On World Economy And Societies1824 Words   |  8 PagesTPP is a noteworthy try that typifies the Obama Administration s vision for the American economy, the conceivable fate of exchange, and the United States focal part in the Asia-Pacific. This understanding will open fundamental new chances to broaden trades that bolster higher-paying occupations here at home. The Asia-Pacific merges a piece of the world s most dynamic economies, tending to more than forty percent of general exchange. (Marantis, cited in Kerr 2013) (Journal of E-Governance 2012)Read MoreUnited States And Australia Trade And Defense1625 Words   |  7 Pagesa trade organization that incorporates 21 nations within the Asia Pacific region, and is used to discuss matters between these nations. Australia and the US are a considerably large distance away from each other, promoting communication through a third source; Guam. Finally, the US has a very detailed demographic statistic, much due to the nearly 319,000,000 people. Through these sub points, Australia’s trade agreement with the US is a very key relationship in bonding Australia, with the most powerfulRead MoreTrade Between The United States And Australia1610 Words   |  7 Pagesa trade organization that incorporates 21 nations within the Asia Pacific region, and is used to discuss matters between these nations. Australia and the US are a considerably large distance away from each other, promoting communication through a third source; Guam. Finally, the US has a very detailed demographic statistic, much due to the nearly 319,000,000 people. Through these sub points, Australia’s trade agreement with the US is a very key relationship in bonding Australia, with the most powerfulRead MoreRegional Economic Game Plans : The European Union ( Eu ) And Its Comparison With Asean2812 Words   |  12 PagesGroups According to Gwynne Cristobal (2014) a ‘Regional Trading Group is the procedure in which states go into a provincial assertion to upgrade local participation through local organisations and guidelines’. Scollay Gilbert, (2001) state, ‘An exchange trade is a sort of intergovernmental understanding, and is regularly piece of a local intergovernmental association for example the EU. Exchanging alliances can likewise be alluded to as particular exchanging game plans (PTAs)’. The EU is one theRead MoreChin The Biggest Auto Market On The Planet1851 Words   |  8 PagesChina is at present the biggest auto market on the planet. It is likewise one of the biggest car parts makers and exporters on the planet, with fares, essentially to the United States, constituting around 33% of its production. The Chinese government has given subsidies to automobile parts producing in China, and vital choices by Chinese policymakers and outside organizations have implications fo r the U.S. also, worldwide global economies. China has seen a general decrease in destitution and a dropRead MoreWorld s Largest Single National Economy Essay1585 Words   |  7 Pagesin two World Wars, the US has developed as the most effective nation on the planet, with a Gross domestic product of $15 trillion (the biggest on the planet) and a Gross domestic product for each capita of $48,147. The US is an agent vote based system (republic) and an assembling huge and a noteworthy merchant and exporter of products and an exchanging accomplice with each real nation. The US is a standout amongst the most ethnically assorted nations on the planet (the state I live in, CaliforniaRead MoreIntroduction Of Tip Top Ice Cream Company Essay1656 Words   |  7 Pagesbusiness relation altogether. Task 1 Economic background of India India is a moderately stable majority democracy. It is 80 percent Hindu yet is still home to many other religious communities. With 1.2 billion individuals and the world’s fourth-biggest economy, India late development and advancement have been a standout amongst huge accomplishments of the recent times. Over the six and half decades since freedom, the nation has established a point of interest in horticultural revolution which hasRead MoreThe Supply Of Transportation Gets Its Supply From Individual Firms2493 Words   |  10 Pagesstructure of a supply chain that is concerned with customer relationship management, manufacturing, or procurement. However, considerable differences exist in control that an individual firm can exercise based on the specific type of performance cycle. Third, regardless of how vast and complex the overall supply chain structure, essential interfaces and control processes must be identified and evaluated in terms of individual performance cycle arran gements and associated managerial accountability. TheRead MoreBenefits Of Ibm The World s Biggest It Benefits Supplier Essay1788 Words   |  8 Pagesfittings organization. Today IBM s centre competency is seemingly its capability to furnish clients with incorporated data results and the counselling administrations required to make them work. As a late magazine article noted, great IT staff members are elusive, however IBM Global Services alone has 150,000. That makes IBM the world s biggest IT benefits supplier. You can envision how hard it would be for different firms to attempt further bolstering copy IBM s good fortune. Now and again, the

Causes of the Revolutionary War from the British Viewpoint free essay sample

Encouraged by successful wars in the Americans, Africa, and India, English traders imagined a new sort of empire. Instead of the freely governed commercial organization Of the past, they promoted centralized supervision by Parliament. Responding to resulting American displeasure, Lord Halifax declared, the colonists feel entitled to a greater measure of Liberty than is enjoyed by the people of England. In Britain, the French and Indian War created a vast debt. This impelled King George Ill and his administrators to further the English fiscal and military state of the colonies.Parliament swiftly substituted salutary neglect that ad emphasized trade and local self-government with the imperial system that focused on taxation and regulation. English generals and colonial leaders differed on military policy. The existence of 10,000 English troops on American soil exposed strong cultural dissimilarities. The war also uncovered the ineptitude of the royal authority. Governors had broad political power, as well as control of the colonial militia; but they shared authority with the colonial assembles, which infuriated English representatives. We will write a custom essay sample on Causes of the Revolutionary War from the British Viewpoint or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page By positioning an army within the colonies, the English indicated its willingness to suppress Indians, as well as disobedient colonist. When George Greenville became prime minister in 1763, England was deep in debt and English citizens were providing more than four times as much in taxes as Americans. To augment revenue, Greenville introduced the Currency Act of 1 764, that forbid the Americans from using paper money as legal tender. In addition, he implemented the Sugar Act of 1 764, replacing the commonly disregarded Molasses Act of 1733.John Hancock and other colonists had made a fortune smuggling French molasses. Merchants indicted as a result of the act were to be tried by a vice-admiralty court, run by a English approved judge which enraged colonists. To be fair, merchants charged with infringements in the past were tried by local magistrates, where they were often released by neighborly juries. In addition, indicted smugglers in England were tried in vice-admiralty courts too; therefore there was no prejudice against colonist.In response to each colony assemblys assertion that there shouldnt be taxation without representation a policy that came as Patriots indignant surprise a British minister replied, The rule that a British subject shall not be bound by laws or liable for taxes, but when he has consented to by his preventatives must be confined to the inhabitants of Great Britain only. An additional tax, the Stamp Act of 1765, ignited a great imperial calamity.The tax was to be used as part of the cost of maintaining English troops in the colonies. Knowing that several colonist would resist the tax on a constitutional basis, Greenville first presented the subject openly in the House of Commons. When there were no objections, he administered the tax. At the same time, Parliament introduced the Quartering Act, that obligated American assembles to supply food and lodging f or British soldiers. At this mint, popular American opposition took a violent turn.Terrified collectors gave up their tax stamps, and livid Americans required English representatives to allow legal papers without the stamp. Complained a customs official, What can a Governor do without the assistance of the Governed In 1766, parliament compromised. Two parliamentary factions pushed for rescinding the Stamp Act. Newly appointed Prime Minister Lord Rocking felt that America was more essential for its flourishing and increasing trade than its tax revenues. Another group complained that colonial trade boycotts were effecting English exports.Rocking withdrew the Stamp Act and limited the duty on molasses forced by the Sugar Act but to placate Parliament he implemented the Declaratory Act of 1 766, which overtly ensured Parliaments authority and power to create colonial laws. After Lord Rockinesss ministry collapsed in 1 767 over domestic issues Charles Townsend became prime minister. Townsend pledged to find a new basis of income for the colonies. The results were the Townsend Act of 1767, which had financial and political objectives. The duties of the law were on colonial imports of tea, glass, paper and paint.By utilizing government taxes to fund the imperial system, Townsend deliberately planned to destabilize colonial political assemblies. Downtrends Restraining Act insulted Americans a great deal more, proclaiming that the survival of colonial representative governments was at the prerogative of the Parliament. American resistance only amplified British willpower. Thankfully, Charles Townsend did not last, and he was replaced, in 1770, by Lord North who developed another compromise. Stating that it was imprudent to tax English exports to the colonies thus increasing the price ND lowering usage he abolished most of the Townsend duties.This brought a temporary ease in tensions between the two countries. American Committees of Correspondents, however, rose up in the colonies as a result Of the Tea Act in May 1773. The act gave fiscal assistance to the East India Company. When the tea-loaded ship Dartmouth docked in Boston, citizens dressed as Indians threw the tea into the harbor; an act known as the Boston Tea Party. This destruction of Tea must have been so important Consequences, John Adams wrote in his diary, that cannot but consider it as an Epoch in History. King George Ill was outraged, Concessions have made matters worse! The time has come for compulsion As a result, in 1 774, Parliament passed four Coercive Acts. They closed Boston Harbor to shipping; forbade town meetings; mandated a new Quartering Act; and ensured high-crime trails were to be transported to Britain. Lord North forced a marine barricade on colonial trade with overseas countries and prepared the military to restrain colonial dissent. Now the case seems desperate, said the prime minister, Parliament would not could not concede. For aught he could see it must come to violence. On the night of April 19, 1 775, six hundred British troops were sent off to detain American militiamen and provisions in Boston. American militiamen meet the British head-on. These initial conflicts took the lives of several men, but as the English withdraw the American militia continually ambushed them. In the end, 74 Englishman died, 173 were wounded, and 27 could not be accounted for. The English killed 49 minutemen and injured 39. The Revolutionary War had begun. The causes for the American Revolution began with Britains efforts to reform their imperial system, which was in contrast with Britains previous logic of salutary neglect.They transformed from a laissez fairer approach to governing, to a strict fiscal and administrative set of policies. This resulted in ever increasing conflict. But the British were at times conciliatory, as when the Sugar and Stamp Acts were repealed. They also repealed the Townsend Act. It was when the Patriots dumped the tea in the Boston Harbor that England responded with the very harsh terms of the Coercive Acts. At this point there was no turning back. These actions from both the colonies and the British brought on the Revolutionary War. America had legitimate concerns for agreeing with British policies.

The Economic Success of Morocco an Example of the Topic Economics Essays by

The Economic Success of Morocco Morocco; a country that is Arab, yet so different from the rest of its neighbors. The recent stride it has made regarding its economy has valuable lessons for the Arab world. They should learn from Moroccos example which is a state that is breaking away from tradition and into modernity. Need essay sample on "The Economic Success of Morocco" topic? We will write a custom essay sample specifically for you Proceed The nation of Morocco has been in existence since a long time even before it was colonized. Even while it was a colony, it was never stripped away from its state status by the French powers. At that time this made governing morocco a bit difficult but this same notion of statehood during colonial times turned out to be a blessing in disguise during the current times. Since the state is an old one, its people have begun to recognize it as its own. This is very unlike other Arab states such as Libya or Saudi Arabia where the people simply think their government is one that is acting as a puppet for others. College Students Very Often Tell Us:Who wants to write paper for me?Professional writers recommend: Ask Us To Write My Paper And Get Professional HelpProfessional Academic Writing Services Essay Review Service Best Essay Writing Service Reviews Write My Essay For Me Cheap A hundred years from now, the people of these countries may recognize their states as really their own but there is still time for that to occur. Thus Morocco being an old state has an advantage over its Arab neighbors. The people may not like the government appointed by King Muhammad but whatever it is, it is a legitimate government and not just any other puppet regime. The people of Morocco liking its government have strong implications for the economy. People normally acquiesce to the policies of the state and thus the country is easier to run. Whether it is taxes or educational reforms, these policies are followed vehemently. Another point worth pondering is that Morocco is not rich in oil resources like much of its Arab neighbors. They are hardly any resources and even those barely satisfy the countrys needs. Thus the government needs taxes and those taxes go well with political representation. Also we find that the Moroccan government is very committed to sectors like education and healthcare. Maybe something it wants to do to keep the unemployment at low levels. Also there is less gender discrimination. Taking about discrimination, Morocco has established new laws that say that both the genders are equal. Something hardly anyone would expect for its Arab neighbors. The current growth in the Morocco is being fueled by foreign investments which are not surprising due to the political and social stability offered by the country, Furthermore; its cheap labor also plays its part in attracting the investment. Both these aspects are missing or incompletely present in the other states. Thus we find that Morocco has mainly benefited from its liberal and modern policies something missing in the other Arab states. However the challenges affecting stronger economic growth and development in Morocco include low agriculture and agribusiness productivity; poor development of non-agriculture business opportunities; and slow adaptation of the business environment to the needs of an open, competitive economy. It should thus modify its current policies to address these issues. For example it can promote research in agriculture and further open up the economy and modernize further. Source: http://www.american.edu/ted/ice/morspain.htm "Morocco and Fishing", Inventory of Conflict and Environment Cases, published by American University, Washington (DC), USA

Egg Drop Essay Essays

Egg Drop Essay Essays Egg Drop Essay Paper Egg Drop Essay Paper In our physic class we did an egg drop experiment. We used some vocabulary words to answer the question also did formulas to solve some problems. The question that we are referring to is will an egg break or be secured. Our idea was to secure the egg from breaking and we wanted to design something that would provide a lot of cushioning directly on the egg. So we came up with many different ideas until we chose the one that would fit right in with our ideas. The way we used our ideas to come up with his amazing egg drop project was first we found a capsule that would absorb energy rather then bell it with more force. We got a soft NEAR football, cut it into half. Then we cut out some space to fit the egg and tired back together with lawn string, but before putting it back together we covered the egg with one piece of paper towel sot that It will be a little secured. After finishing up the project we did a test run to see if it works without the egg breaking and it worked out perfectly the way we wanted it to be. When we finished testing our hypothesis came out to be that the football absorbs the shock and doesnt let the egg feel the shock of it dropping. Last step to our experiment was the calculations and the formulas. For this project we used about three formulas and they were the gravitational potential energy, kinetic energy also the force = mass* accelerations. Before we start explain I will let you know that the height where the egg is been dropping is 1 1. 5 meters. Therefore the reason why we used the gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy was because when the egg is dropped from some height the gravitational potential energy of the egg is conserved. After calculating the formula for kinetic energy we found out hat the velocity or how the speed is increasing as it drops is 15. 1 m/s. Then we used the f=ma and in that formula we already knew what are acceleration was and it was 9. 8 m/s and the mass after weighting the football it was .

7 Strategies for Women Who Want to be the Boss at Work

7 Strategies for Women Who Want to be the Boss at Work Even today, there are some unspoken double standards for women and men in the workplace. Sure, we’ve (hopefully) moved on from the worst of the Mad Men style of blatant sexism in the office, and these days you can find women working alongside men at all levels of an industry. Still, stereotypes and differences linger in every field, every industry, every job. So what can you do, as a professional woman, to help get through this minefield of professional issues and excel at work? 1. Dress the part.This is definitely one of those double standard gray areas. Do you let yourself dress casually (or even on the slouchy side) like some of your male colleagues might do, to show that you’re their equal? Or do you lean into the idea that women should be dressing more nicely at work? It’s a valid debate, but whenever a work dress code is up for discussion, always err on the side of dressing up a notch or two. But unfairly or not, women are often held to a higher standard- a nd the more professionally you dress, the more professional you seem.If you work in an office where jeans and sneakers are the unofficial uniform, you don’t need to bust out your fanciest pantsuit. A jacket or blazer over your jeans can bump up the professional factor in a super-cazh office, or that same blazer over crisp, tailored pants in a business-casual environment works as well. Always on the â€Å"don’t even think about it† list: low-cut anything, tops that show more skin than they cover, short skirts, and flamboyant jewelry or accessories. Wearing these things can distract attention from how well you’re doing your job, and give people a reason to take you less-than-seriously.2. Don’t let others undercut your authority.If you have direct reports or are in a position of authority, make sure people treat you accordingly. I’ve been in situations where clients would automatically start talking past me to my boss or to male colleagues in t he room, when I was actually the one responsible for making day-to-day decisions and getting things done on the client’s behalf. If you can feel someone eroding your authority (and they may not even realize they’re doing it), firmly remind them of your role. Make sure that people understand what you’re bringing to the table: â€Å"As Chip’s supervisor, I’ll be the one making sure our team reports the sales.† â€Å"In my experience as a ________, I can see what the challenges will be here.†You’ve worked hard to get to your role, and you deserve to be acknowledged for it.3. Be assertive (but not overly aggressive).In a perfect world, my advice would be â€Å"go for it, lady! Show them what’s what, in no uncertain terms!† In this imperfect world, however, women perceived as aggressive bosses or colleagues can quickly find themselves tagged as â€Å"witches† (or the similar word we all know), â€Å"ballbusters ,† and the like. This can be just as damaging to workplace respect and progress than being a pushover. It’s totally unfair, because everyone has their own personal style, and some people are just aggressive- but these perceptions are a fact of professional life, at least for now. So how does one find that place where one is upfront about what one wants but isn’t perceived as some kind of monster? Where is that sweet spot of straightforward respect and authority?Essentially, the best way to get there is saying what you want, but being careful about how it’s phrased. Making blunt demands, or giving feedback like â€Å"that’s wrong† is likely to turn off your audience, male or female. This is where stellar communication skills come in handy. Use a tone that’s non-confrontational, so that the other person isn’t automatically feeling defensive and ready to mutiny. And even when you disagree, try to find some common element that you c an use as an olive branch before explaining what you want to do differently: â€Å"I see what you’re saying, and although I do agree that we need to raise revenue, I see it a little differently.†One strategy is to ask questions instead of diving in with statements. That way, you can be part of starting a dialogue instead of something that can be perceived as an â€Å"attack.† Asking clarification questions like â€Å"where do you see this going?† or â€Å"how does this impact our goals?† opens up a communication line with the other speaker, and will give you an opportunity to say what you want to express as part of the back-and-forth.4. Don’t be afraid to speak up.When I was younger, I was told things like â€Å"never disagree with your boss in public.† And now that I’ve been around longer, I think that’s true- to an extent. I’d modify it to, â€Å"if you disagree, do it respectfully- and pick your moments.† One of the biggest challenges facing many professional women (especially younger ones) is the idea that they should hang back and let more senior people hash things out. And while I don’t recommend inserting yourself into every single debate in every single meeting just for the sake of being heard, remember that you’re in the room for a reason. If you disagree with something being discussed, don’t be afraid to say so- but again, always phrase it as respectfully and diplomatically as possible.And again, pick your moment. If your boss is giving a presentation in front of bigwigs, and you see that she’s wrong about something, don’t throw her under the bus in front of everyone, or give a loud and long dissent in the meeting. If you’re directly asked about your opinion, give it carefully. Or talk about it offline with your boss later. Your opinion is valuable, and your insights can earn you respect and acknowledgment if they’re expressed well.5. Don’t let people talk over you.We’ve all been there: you’re talking about something work-related, and a colleague (often older and male) breaks in and, in a dismissive tone, gives an opinion about why you’re wrong, without letting you finish the thought. Unless you’ve been filibustering the floor with a long monologue, this is poor form on the interruptor’s part. And no one likes this kind of bullying tactic. So how do you handle in the moment? Politely interrupt them back, and ask to finish your point, or try to turn it into a dialogue instead of a lecture.6. Advocate for yourself.This is, hands-down, one of the best things you can do to get respect at work. Knowing what you want, and how to ask for it, is a skill that will serve every professional (male or female) well throughout a career. Being able to negotiate is a key leadership skill, and one every woman should have at the ready as a professional. Asking for what you want is a great first step, but you also need to know how to navigate what comes next: an offer, a counteroffer, and when to agree or walk away.7. Know when to fold ‘em.If you’re in a work situation where you try all these strategies and you’re still not getting the level of professional respect you deserve, then it could very well be time to walk away. You’re not obligated to stay in a role where you are defined and treated according to stale old perceptions about what women are and should be, so if you find that you’re spending more time counteracting stereotypes than actually doing your job, it could be time to get out. There’s no shame in wanting to find a better environment for your skills and personality. And with your brushed-up negotiation skills, your next opportunity could be right around the corner.Every professional deserves respect: male, female, young, old, green, experienced. Stepping up to request and take that respect, however, can b e a big challenge. We still have a long way to go before everyone in the workplace is completely equal (even in the most gender-balanced fields and the most supportive companies, decades-old perceptions tend to die hard), but in the meantime, we hope you never stop striving to get everything you can out of your career.

The Mt Piper Power Station Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Mt Piper Power Station - Essay Example The power station operates in a scenic mountain area. Wool, forestry and coal mining are the other major local industries. Coal is the principal source of Mt. Piper Power Station. Mt. Piper derives its coal supplies from mines located in relatively close proximity to its Central Coast and Western power stations. On the other hand, a small percentage has been sourced from other areas via the rail receival facility on the Central Coast. The single largest supplier of coal is privately owned with Centennial Coal which delivers all of the mines to Delta, specifically to Mt. Piper Power Station. Either longwall or continuous miner technology is used in producing coal from underground mines; approximately 95% of the coal delivered to the station is produced using this process. Mt Piper also used wood residues and is purchased for co-firing. Wood residues include chipper residues, residues after plantation logging and some construction and demolition material. All of these materials are accredited as materials suitable for the production of renewable energy. Coal is an abundant source of energy in Australia. Mt Piper Power Station converts coal into electricity in a very efficient way. The sophisticated power station is designed to achieve a thermal efficiency rate of 36%, depending on the weather conditions. Coal is cruCoal is crushed in large coal mills, grinding the 25mm pieces of coal down to powder roughly the same as talc, using 80 tonnes of steel balls in a large rotating steel cylinder. In this state, the coal dust (called pulverised fuel, or PF) burns like a gas, and gives off large amounts of heat in a very short time. When both generating units are operating at full load, approximately 14,000 tonnes of coal are consumed daily, leaving some 3,500 tonnes of ash to be disposed of each day. The ash is collected in large fabric filters which ensure that airborne emissions are cut to no more than 0.08 grams per cubic metre. Ash from the bottom of the boilers and dust trapped by the filters are transported by conveyor to a nearby disused open-cut mine for dry disposal. This is environmentally preferable to using ash dams as it lessens the chance of water seeping into the local ground water. The infilled mounds will be covered with earth and gradually revegetated as part of Mt Piper's extensive landscaping program (Delta Electricity 2006). The Resource Utilisation Flow Diagram represents the processes involved in converting energy in coal to electricity. ECONOMIC / SOCIAL BENEFITS Knowing that Mt. Piper Power Station uses state-of-the-art machineries and technology, we may expect better supply of energy that will generate every facility on household, office and big establishments. The electricity industry is a significant contributor to Australia's GDP with an collective annual income of more than $20 billion. Delta's direct employment totals more than 30,000 people with significant flow-on benefits. Reliable, cost-effective energy is also essential to the continued development of the overall economy. In its regions, and within the state of NSW, Delta plays an important

Persistent Online Games Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Persistent Online Games - Essay Example Online gaming can involve both technological and social risks, which may cause harm to the subscribers by expending cost as well as time. Various online gaming hazards are related to the computer users, but the users are not aware about the harms caused to the computer. Online gaming raises technological risks such as ‘malicious software’, ‘viruses and worms’, ‘insecure game coding’ and ‘insecure games servers’ among others. In addition, online gaming raises social issues that include ‘identity theft’, ‘virtual mugging’ ‘cyber prostitution’, ‘social engineering’ and ‘virtual sweatshop’ among others (Hayes, 2008). The designers should give some support to the people by the help of general security practices and by gaming specific security practices. The moral responsibility of designers is to ensure the security in terms of privacy and traffic safety. Additionally, the designers are required to ascertain that online gaming violence is not involved in the games. However, the social risks as witnessed by users depend on individual grounds, as playing online games is based on their perceptions and actions (Hayes, 2008; Sicart, 2005). From the above discussion, it can be comprehended that online gaming is popular amid youths. Online gaming is also identified to cause certain harm to the subscribers in relation to technological and social risks. It has been recognized that subscribers have certain moral responsibilities in terms of maintaining privacy and minimizing violence. On social grounds, the users are accountable for their individual responsibility considering health and social

Global Warming Essay Example for Free

Global Warming Essay Global warming is a pressing problem that is faced not only by a number of communities and a few countries. It is a major problem that is faced by the whole of mankind such that its impacts and effects have tremendous implications that endanger the existence of mankind and even the primary dwelling of the living, the Earth. United States Vice President Albert Gore himself said that global warming will be the greatest environmental challenge in the 21st century. As such, this issue is one that calls for attention, concern and solution. What is Global Warming? Global warming is an increase in global average surface temperature resulting from an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide, methane, and certain other trace gases in the atmosphere (Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica, 2006). Natural occurring phenomena such as volcanic eruptions are said to contribute to the release of gases that results to global warming. However, human activities and innovations are said to have contributed greatly to the increase of the concentration of the greenhouse gases, mainly carbon dioxide and methane in the Earths atmosphere. These activities include the operation of coal-burning power plants and use of automobiles which become sources of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and ozone; the use of air-conditioning units and refrigerators that utilize chlorofluorocarbons; deforestation that creates more heat and increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere as trees play a significant role in removing carbon dioxide from the air; increased cattle production such that methane gas is released from animal waste; and the use of fossil fuels as the burning of fossil fuels is considered the largest source of emissions of carbon dioxide, one of the greenhouse gases that allows radiative forcing and contributes to global warming. Why is Global Warming a Problem? Global warming is a problem because the direct and indirect effects and consequences of the increasing heat in the earth’s atmosphere have diverse and oftentimes dangerous effects that can affect man. Global warming affects the environment, economies, health and well being of man. Its impact is also significantly destructive that it threatens the very existence of mankind and that of the unborn and coming generations.   Global warming has been linked with intensifying hurricanes. A Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) research suggests that hurricanes will only get more powerful and last longer as global warming increases ocean temperatures (Warren, 2006). The increasing global temperature also effects change in the ecosystem such that some species especially those that cannot survive on warm regions may be forced out of their habitats which may possibly lead to their extinction.   Economically, global warming also has its implications such that changes in temperature can lead to several effects on agriculture and hence, affect the livelihood of farmers. These changes include new variations in pest and disease problems; damaged crops at extreme temperatures; and an increased need for ventilation in animal accommodation. As such, more than a third (36%) of around 100 National Farmers Union members in the United Kingdom saw climate change as a threat to livelihoods (Global Warming Fears for, 2005, p. 43). Too much rise in sea level will also affect the densely populated coastal plains by making the areas uninhabitable, creating refugee problems and hampering economic activities. The occurrence of these situations among coastal cities in the world will create potential impacts on world wide trade and economy Global warming also has its health implications. Expanded tropical weather is likely to increase tropical diseases. As such, global warming will accelerate the spread of many diseases and increase instances of mosquito-borne diseases that include malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, and viral encephalitis (Johansen, 2002, p. 210). The warming of air temperature also increases the concentration of ozone at ground level. In lower atmosphere, ozone is a harmful pollutant that can damage lung tissue, and can bring about serious problems for those with asthma and other lung diseases. Other effects of global warming are the melting of glaciers which can cause water shortages, loss of habitat, flooding of rivers and the rise of sea level; water scarcity as rise in sea level can contaminate groundwater affecting drinking water and agriculture in coastal zones; Drought and wildfire as warmer temperatures can increase the probability of drought. Greater evaporation, particularly during summer and fall, can worsen drought conditions and increase the risk of wildfires. Who is Responsible in Solving this Problem? It has been earlier mentioned that man’s activities and innovations have primarily increased and worsened global warming. As such, man should also be responsible in mitigating this problem. Moreover man has no option such that when he fails to do something to mitigate the situation, the effects of global warming will endanger his very existence. It is therefore best for everyone to act and cooperate in doing something for this global problem. What can be Done? Everyone has his own share that he can contribute to help alleviate the worsening situation. There are numerous ways that can be done to help mitigate global warming. World leaders should acknowledge their crucial responsibilities to the issue of global warming. This is for reason that they can effect great change in the international community. World leaders can strengthen international responses to the risks of global warming. They can cooperate and enter into international treaties and agreements that can help reduce the dangers of the substances that contribute to global warming by banning the production, trade and use of these particular substances. When trading of these substances between countries becomes illegal, their production will eventually decline, bringing to an end their production and thereby prevent further release of substances that contribute to global warming. World leaders can also sanction the countries that fail to meet clean air standards by refusing to engage in international trade with them. With countries cooperating to achieve a common goal in combating global warming, the ill effects of global warming may be alleviated. Politicians among national governments on the other hand, can implement policies that can help reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases. They can also support technological alternatives to air- polluting technologies like coal power plants and impose upon power utilities policies and regulations to improve the energy efficiency of power plants and increase the use of renewable energy sources. They can also impose upon their citizens measures such as proper segregation of wastes so as to prevent the burning of materials that contribute to global warming. They can also reward citizens who are innovative enough in coming up with new ways of helping to curb global warming. Policy makers can also promote and support bills that pertain to regulating activities that contribute to global warming. These bills for example may include those that will protect rainforests and more severe punishments for illegal loggers. They can also consider passing legislations such as those that encourage the development of new and alternative technologies that will replace technologies that worsen global warming. Electricity consumers should opt to buying electricity that is generated from renewable sources. They can also help in reducing the amount of greenhouse gases that accumulate in the atmosphere by utilizing lesser energies. They can do this by investing in highly efficient, energy- saving appliances.   Educators can instill in their students the value of protecting the environment, giving their students the necessary knowledge why global warming is a problem and provide them with the necessary skills to help mitigate the situation such as giving them the basic knowledge on the proper waste segregation and waste disposal. Even ordinary citizens can help by engaging in activities that help curb the situation. These activities may include proper disposal of wastes. Planting trees in the backyard can help such that trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas from the air. People can reduce energy utilization by using public transport and car pooling; switching off appliances instead of leaving them on stand by; and patronizing recycled products or doing the practice of reducing, reusing and recycling of waste and other unnecessary materials. More importantly, they can encourage others to have the same conviction in helping to mitigate global warming. Conclusion Global warming is a pressing problem faced not only by a number of communities and a few countries but faced by the whole of mankind. It is a global problem such that its impacts can negatively affect the environment, economy and even the wellbeing and safety of mankind. As such, it is best that man himself should do something to help mitigate the situation. References Global warming. (2006). In Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica. Retrieved August 12, 2006, from Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica Online: http://www.search.eb.com/eb/article-9037044 Global Warming Fears for Crops. (2005, November 30). The Journal (Newcastle, England), p. 43. Retrieved August 12, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=5011583331 Johansen, B. E. (2002). The Global Warming Desk Reference. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press. Retrieved August 12, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=od=101544284 Warren, Luke. (2005, December/2006, January). Global Warming and Hurricanes. Mother Earth News. Retrieved August 12, 2006, from http://www.search.eb.com/magazine/article?query=global%20warmingid=3minGrade=maxGrade=

The Evolution of Whales Essay -- Exploratory Essays Research Papers

The Evolution of Whales Image sitting on the beach one July morning. The sun is beaming down and decide to go for a swim. As you approach the water, you see a whale unusually close. You begin to get nervous as it continues to approach the shore. However, you aren’t worried because you know that they are confined to the sea. As the whale comes near you can see it clearly. Just as you think that it will turn around, the whale walks out of the ocean! If you were to live during the tertiary period, this would be one of the things you would often see. All of the mammals that existed during that time period were terrestrial. They all were land dwelling mammals. Before J. G. M. Thewissen and colleagues’ discovery in Pakistan, many scientists believed, since the constant new discoveries twenty years ago, in what the numerous fossils from North America, Pakistan, and Egypt have revealed, â€Å"†¦these early cetaceans had mobile elbows and external hind limbs with articulated knees. However, they were fully aquatic, except for Ambulocetus, which was amphibious-much like sea lions† (Walking with Whales). Scientists had some idea to the evolutionary process of whales. â€Å"It has always been clear that aquatic cetaceans must have evolved from terrestrial mammals and returned to the water, and the forelimbs of recent cetaceans still have the same general pattern as that of land mammals.† (Walking with Whales) It was known fact that land mammals and whales were related. However, the change from ancient whales to modern whales is drastic. Today, we see much less of an obvious relationship of the cetaceans to the terrestrial mammals. â€Å"†¦Modern cetaceans are highly specialized, with numerous adaptations that allow them t... ...ls. J. G. M. Thewissen and his colleagues changed the way in which scientists thought about the early lifestyles of whales. The evolution of the ancient artiodactyls was discovered to be joined with the well-known group of cetaceans. The tertiary period was a time of terrestrial life forms. Every mammal walked the earth. It wasn’t uncommon to see a whale running through the grasslands or shark sleeping on the coast of a land mass. It was a time when mammals roamed freely and unconfined by the limits of the ocean. Now that scientists have this newly found knowledge, it is time the scientists further investigate â€Å"why?† Works Cited Muizon, Christian De. Walking With Whales. Nature 413, 259-260. September 2001. www.nature.com/nature/journal/v413/n6853 Thewessen, J. G. M., Williams, E. M., Roe, L. J. & Hussain, S. T. Nature 413, 277-281. 2001.

History of science, technology, society, and nature/environment Essay

Thomas Hughes is a symbol of technological advancement in relation to evolving scientific facts, environment and social order. He was initially trained as an Engineer and showed that technology consists of systems and not merely artefacts. This systems embodies social aspects as well as technological aspects. This led to the social construction of the technological system. He offers a means to look at the relations that exists between the society, technological advancements and the environment. Hughes looks at technology as a means by which changes in the society may be effected in relation to science, he also give room to the idea that the distribution of technology may not bring about a revolution in the social and science systems. A number of scholars have various expressed ideas towards the aspect of technological determinism in relation to technological system; Marx in 1994 supported the idea that technological determinism is the force that tends to drives history. The French scholar Jacques Ellul alludes that technology is the most powerful force in modern science and is beyond the control of humans. Other scholars reject this fact and claim that the distribution of technology is determined by the social changes that are present in the society and not the vice versa. Hughes adapts a middle ground by looking at the technological systems in the society which may include complex networks of artifacts, organizations and the people rather than the science that brought about the technologies. (Marx, Smith, 1994). The modern world is as a result of technologies evolving over a period of time and in the process they grow more complex achieving a certain kind of interconnection. This makes technology to be more difficult to control. (Cassidy, 1962). Hundreds and perhaps thousands of people are required to maintain the systems this brings out the aspect of society in technological distribution. Thomas Hughes therefore connects technology advancement to the presence of existing scientific knowledge and the presence of societal values that will maintain and advance the system. Ford claims that technology cannot be separated from the aspects of the environment; in this case he refers to the environment in terms of social, economic, political and cultural. The existing systems will determine kind of policies that will be put in place in order to direct the pace of technology. The other side of the idea also relates to the advancement of the various aspects of life due to the pace of technological improvement. There is need to relate the various aspects of the human life with technology, It is as important as nation building and constitution making. These are important societal values that have a significant effect on advancing the human life. Technological affairs are a mixture of several aspects of life, which also includes social concerns. The introduction of the e mail, facebook, twitter and other social sites is a technological advancement that has changed the way people relate with each other, it has brought people from across the world much closer and therefore a social concern whether it leans to a positive or a negative manner. The political concerns that have arisen due to technology cannot be ignored, In the United States, likely presidential candidates have used various advancements in technology to campaign, President Obama was able to appeal to a majority of the young voters as he was able to reach them on social sites through emails and short messages. This brings out Taylor ideas on how technology is connected to societal values and political factors. The interaction of technology and other subjects does not stop there it affects economic policies and scientific laws. Insull states that the policies relating to economy have changed throughout the world as a result of Advancement of technology. Apple Inc Company is a perfect example of this, its products such as the iphone has been well received in the market therefore building confidence in the trading of shares of Technological firms due to the interaction nature, the government therefore reduced tariff’s on technological firms due to the resources they were pumping into the economy and jobs they were creating (Cassidy, 1962). Hughes tends to bring out the relationship between technology, environment and the society through his advancement of the systems approach theory. Hughes tends to argue that the production, transmission and distribution of electricity occur in a technological environment. This environment does not only relate to the technology but economic, educational, administrative and legal factors also contribute to the process. Hughes therefore advocates for unity among these factors as much as they may be diverse, he also calls for coherence from the chaos that may result from the interaction of this factors. The technological system may only survive if it can withstand influence from the external environment, the only way it can do this is through incorporating this influences into their system. The systems theory advanced by Hughes above employs the notion of momentum which he defines as a combination of technological, organizational and attitudinal components this tends to maintain growth of the organizational system. Hughes also explains that the tendency to ensure that a technological system proceeds well when the actions of the numerous stakeholders such as educational, regulatory opportunities correspond with the work and culture of a particular technological system. This is an important, aspect in ensuring that technology relates well with the environment and society to achieve maximum results (Hughes, 1989) The idea of systems theory can be summarized by Hughes’s approach which indicates that human managers control a variety of elements which should be geared towards exploitation of the existing social environment, the technological system should resist alteration once it has incorporated all aspects of the environment, society and environment. The systems theory therefore shows that no technology should be treated in isolation as it is part of a bigger system. The relationship between technology and the environment can be understood by the changes that have occurred in the development of the bicycle, this was a technological milestone in the transport industry, however there was need to ensure that the bicycle created was safe for all individuals, this called for the collection and incorporation of the various views from the different social groups in order to come up with the required item. In the 18th Century when the ox plough was being developed a number of social interests’s needed to be addressed in order for it to be socially acceptable. This shows the relationship that Hughes shows in the relationship between technology and social life (McDermott, 1991). Technological momentum is a key aspect that Hughes advocates for as opposed to determinism and social constructionism. This will tend to merge the two and therefore creates a process that recognizes the different aspects of the environment that will have an effect on it. This involves giving due credit to socially shaped technologies as instruments of social change to achieve this historians are advised to go beyond determination of social roots of technologies to discussing the social effects of the technologies advocated for (Hughes, 1989). Oppenheimer has achieved a status whereby he highlights the need to consider the innovativeness that is associated with technology, as it creates a sustainable society. People would not be more stable if they do things efficiently but a lot easier, this can only be achieved in the case of innovation. A number of historical occurrences prove the relationship between technology environment, social order and government. This tends to place things in the perspectives of Hughes, in agriculture the planning, construction and control of even the least of the technology controlled methods of irrigation would have involved some group effort and support from the government forces. The draining of swamps especially in the early man’s time using technologies that are now considered outdated required social and political control to divert the water from the swamps (Misa, 1988). Thomas Hughes makes us think about technology and culture; he addresses the idea of technology as expressed through the history of the word. There is a tendency of too many people understanding the concept too reductively thus masking the real concept that is hidden there under. Technology consists of acts rather than artifacts as expressed by the reductively thinking individuals; it’s constituted through the creative and critical thinking of people who want to make their life better through creation of new models. This is through technology and creation whereby America was transformed from the natural built environment to a human built environment. (Hughes, 1987). He attributes this to the long standing of Christian culture that gave meaning to the technology. This shows the value that has been attached to the relationship between culture, environment and technology. Technology as a machine has been a major factor in the address of the relationship it assumes with other influences. There is need to chart a new line in the development of attitudes that relate to the advancement of technologies. The type of technologies recognized are systems of electricity, communication and mass production, the kind of enthusiasm that is associated with this technology has been great and need societal guidance in order to control. The dangers to the environment that have arisen due to technology have also been examined this especially relates to the environment and limitation of its degradation. Stem cell research and cloning is an idea that best illustrates the need to ensure that relationships between science, technology and societal values are upheld. The technology behind cloning would have not been well received in the world if the aspect of ethics and societal values would not have been incorporated. The technology involves altering the genetic make up of an organism in order to improve its qualities, this goes against the beliefs in a number of societies. Racheal expounds on the need to ensure that the aspects of technology fits into the existing structures of the society and not the other way round, this will create a harmonious co-existence between technology and society. Technology as systems, controls, and information is a theme has also been addressed in the process of achieving the relationship between technology, environment and the society. This addresses the complexity that defined the engineering in America. Hughes tends to focus less on what the outsiders of the technological arena think about and concentrates more on the introduction of systems that will be more comprehensive. (Hughes, 1987). This is in the view of the emergence of counter cultural mechanisms that tends to control and regulate technological advancement. There is need for the development of ecotechnological environment that appreciates the different aspects of life in the world. Hughes in his books has called for the redesign of system in order to protect the environment and return them to their original form (Hughes, 1989) . This shows the kind of appreciation he attaches to the environment in relation to technology. An example is the call to U. S Army Corps Engineers to reengineer the region back to its original state in order to increase the condition of the water. Hughes also recognizes Companies that are socially and environmentally responsible even in their pursuit for higher technological pursuits. Engineering relates to a larger cultural sphere.

Criminalistics Week 11 Ind Homework Essay

This method is helpful because the searcher is moving from an area light with evidence to an area where more evidence is most likely to be found. Because the searcher may not be able to complete a perfect spiral evidence could be missed. Wheel/ray search-employs several people moving from the boundary straight toward the center of the scene or from the center straight to the boundary. This is not preferred because areas between the rays are not searched. Quadrant/zone search-involves dividing the scene into zones or quadrants and team members are assigned to each section. This method is best suited for scenes that cover a large area. 2. What is the difference between a primary and a secondary scene? A primary scene is one at which the original incident occurred. The secondary scene is a location that became part of the crime scene by activities after the initial incident, such as using a car to transport a body. 3. List three methods for crime scene recording. Notes, photography, and sketches. Notes-the notes should start by identifying the person who contacted the investigator, the time of the contact, and all preliminary information enclosed, including the case number. Photography-crime scene photographs can show the layout of the scene, the position of evidence to be collected, and the relation of objects at the scene to one another. Photography is also important for documenting biological evidence in its original condition because this kind of evidence is altered during testing. Sketching-a sketch shows the layout of an indoor or outdoor crime scene and the relationship in space of all the items and features significant to the investigation. It is important to illustrate the location of collected evidence. Sketching clarifies objects and features already described in notes or shown in photographs. 4. What are aperture and f-number? How does the aperture relate to the f-number and how does this affect the amount of light to which the film exposed? The aperture is the size of the diaphragm opening through which light enters the camera. The f-number is the diameter of the lens opening for light to pass through the camera. One adjusts the aperture by setting the f-number, which is equal to the focal length divided by the aperture. Thus, the aperture and the f-number are inversely related. The lower the f-number setting, the wider the aperture and the more light it allows in. 5. What is the depth of field? How does a camera’s the f-number relate to a depth of field of the photographs it produces? The depth of field is the range of in the foreground and background of a photographic subject that are also relatively in focus. Landscape mode on a digital camera automatically selects higher f-stops to improve the depth of field when the background and foreground are important. The portrait mode selects lower f-stops to decrease the depth of field and make the subject stand out clearly against a blurred background. 6. What should medium-range photographs taken at the crime scene show? What should appear in every medium-range photographs and why? Medium-range photographs should show the layout of smaller significant areas of the crime scene. The items that should appear in every medium-range photograph are evidence markers and they are to show the spatial relationship between and among pieces of evidence in greater detail than the overview photographs.

Deterrence of Death Penalty essays

Deterrence of Death Penalty essays The death penalty has been used for centuries as a form of retributive justice for felonies committed by criminals. The code of Hammurabi, written approximately 3,700 years ago, stated that if a man destroys another mans eye, the offenders eye should be taken out; if a son strikes his father, the son shall have his hand cut off.(246) Early legal codes tried to provide justice by matching the punishment with the offense. This approach was also evident in numerous places within the Old Testament. For example, in the Book of Deuteronomy we read, Life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.(8:12) However, even with these early philosophies of justice, punishment was not merely meant to serve as revenge for the victims and their relatives. Instead, punishment was intended to make life and property more secure by reducing the likelihood of a person committing a crime or a second offence. This aspect of social control is called deterrence: the use of punishment to deter people from deviance. As Plato expounded 2,300 years ago, Punishment brings wisdom; it is the healing act of wickedness.(199) This occurs, Plato explained, because the point of punishment is not to retaliate for a past wrong but rather to make sure that the man who is punished, and he who sees him punished, may be deterred from doing wrong again. (199) As human societies evolved into complex states, governments increasingly sought to deter crime; hence punishments became increasingly severe as crimes continued to occur. Capital punishment became common during the eighteenth century in England where more then two hundred different crimes carried the death penalty. In addition, executions were typically conducted in public places in an effort to deter those who witnessed the punishment from committing similar acts. Soon after the implementation of the death penalty into Eng...

I Have This Story to Tell . . .

I Have This Story to Tell . . . Wherever I appear, invariably someone comes up to me and asks how they can get published. I open the dialogue with questions such as: 1) Have you finished writing the story? 2) Have you edited the story with a vengeance a zillion times? 3) Have you gotten feedback from non-friends and non-family who understand the genre? 4) Have you studied indie versus traditional and understand the details of both? Maybe I ask a few more questions depending upon the nature and interests of the person. We might delve into platform and online presence. But the eyes of half those writers interrupt or divert back into a long explanation about the story; why they are writing it; what its about; why it needs to be told. I gently pull them back to the original question about publishing, and learning the craft well enough to be worthy of publishing. Some come back with me. Then there are those who, like a rubber band, launch back into a dissertation about the story. Inevitably we part, with nothing accomplished other than the writer is happy they were able to talk about their story. We didnt really discuss much about writing well or publishing smart. While the person said they wanted to know those answers, they were too wrapped up in the story. They didnt want to hear the hard part of the journey. Theyre too busy enjoying the dream. I understand that to a point. They are living the story in their head. Its a great one to know, to tell. But all they want to know about the business after the writing is PUBLISH. They want a short cut from GOOD STORY IDEA to PUBLISH, without the details. The vast chasm that is writing, editing, developing a voice, and learning the business is considered a minor obstacle in the quest to get from point A to point B, not understanding theres a long journey of canyons, mountains, and hell/fire/brimstone in between. Keep in mind that writing is more about the craft than about the subject matter. A beautiful writer can write about anything. A mediocre writer with a good idea rarely makes it off the ground. The best advice I can give you is to learn how to write (take classes, join writers groups, hire an editor) then publish. Everyone has a journey, but not everyone takes the time to learn how to write it well. Fewer still learn how to put it into print so that the GOOD STORY IDEA can reach readers. Fall in love with your story, but fall in love with the other parts, too.

Supply chain management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Supply chain management - Essay Example Transformation. Another key strategy is that Zara keeps tight control and flexibility over every link in its supply chain, keeping the bulk of manufacturing in-house rather than outsourcing them. While other companies begin with the designers who plan a year in advance, Zara store managers monitor what is selling daily and track current sales trends. They feed information on what customers need but can’t find to designers who create the designs and have them manufactured instantly. Throughout its process, the ‘fast fashion’ concept enables designs to reach production in two weeks, and has been imitated by Forever 21, Mango, and Topshop (Hansen, 2012). Output. As for distribution, Zara does this exclusively through their own stores because they desire to control the customer’s entire experience. Its Just-in-time system was developed in collaboration with Toyota Motor thus enhancing its control. Smaller batches of clothing are delivered to stores, to project an image of exclusivity to attract customers, and precluding the need to conduct bargain sales to move mass quantities of out-of-season merchandise (Capell, 2008). Part B: Analyse the competitive priorities of the three apparel operations and the approaches taken to managing their supply chain Design Zara’s design phase ‘breaks all the rules’ in retail fashion by drawing ideas from the market and passing these on to its designers to create. Unlike conventional garment retailers, ideas for designs do not originate from the designers in Zara, but from the customers. Customers come into the Zara store, and if they could not find the design they wanted the store management feeds this back to headquarters for designers to work on. This system is what enables the company to realize its competitive advantages, that is, its fast development lead time to market of only two weeks, compared to six months for other companies. While the method assures Zara of a ready market f or its designs, the designers however, could only experiment within a strict and narrow margin. Hennes & Mauritz (H&M) plans and designs centrally in Sweden, based on customer demands while achieving a balance among fashion, quality and price. The designers came up with their ideas by observing fashion trends, getting inputs from employees and feedback from customers; in this last aspect, they are similar to Zara. Unlike Zara which releases its designs within two weeks after order, H&M released its designs by seasons, in two main collections and several subcollections. Designing begins by brainstorming which involves all designers, buyers and pattern designers, a process not undertaken in Zara. Styles and designs previously successful and unsuccessful are deliberated on and a look of the year is decided upon. The result is that many designs brainstormed do not reach production. The design method of H&M is organized and shows planning, deliberation, and joint collaboration between bu yers and designers, but it is time consuming and inefficient compared to Zara’s two week development to market system. Benetton’s designs depend to a large degree on their designers’ diverse backgrounds and cultures. Designing is organized

Dyslexia In Early Years Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Dyslexia In Early Years - Essay Example This is a problem that is identifiable through observing some characteristics, such as inability to distinguish right from left. According to Robb & Piazza (2004) some simple but critical knowledge such as understanding right and left, bottom and up, high and low as well as maintaining a particular position assigned to the child in a game need to be clearly understood by the age of five years. When such problems are observed beyond this age, it is likely that the child is dyslexic. The problem is also evident among children who are unable to spell words correctly by interchanging letters, such as ‘f’ and ‘v’, ‘p’ and ‘b’, ‘b’ and ‘v’, ‘c’ and ‘s’, ‘a’ and ‘u’ among other letters that have some likeness.  This is a problem that is identifiable through observing some characteristics, such as inability to distinguish right from left. According to Robb & Pia zza (2004) some simple but critical knowledge such as understanding right and left, bottom and up, high and low as well as maintaining a particular position assigned to the child in a game need to be clearly understood by the age of five years. When such problems are observed beyond this age, it is likely that the child is dyslexic. The problem is also evident among children who are unable to spell words correctly by interchanging letters, such as ‘f’ and ‘v’, ‘p’ and ‘b’, ‘b’ and ‘v’, ‘c’ and ‘s’, ‘a’ and ‘u’ among other letters that have some likeness.   Dyslexic children usually have problems recognizing the sequence of activities, numbers and series. For example, it may be difficult to follow A-Z or 1-100. Even the sequence of letters in words may be a problem to such children, which is presents a major learning difficulty especially due to failure in spelling words correctly. For example, they may make mistakes while spelling words such as ‘lead’ for ‘deal’, and ‘name’ for ‘mane’, ‘left’ for ‘felt’, ‘except’ for ‘expect’ among other words with the same sound. Another problem may be misplacement of syllables. ‘Animal’ may be spelt as ‘aminal’, and ‘activity’ as ‘actitivy’. It is also difficult for such children to recognize the backward sequence such as Y, X, W, V, U e. t. c in the alphabetical order. The child unwillingly fails to pay attention to instructions.

The Implications of the Use of the Triple Bottom Line Approach Essay - 1

The Implications of the Use of the Triple Bottom Line Approach - Essay Example However, these events reflect the cultural and social values of the country. Therefore, it is the moral responsibility of the business to participate in the upliftment of the society as well as the environment. In the given project, the concept of Triple Bottom Line approach will be discussed mainly in the respect of event industry. Later on, the case of Edinburgh will be discussed to explain how the application of Triple Bottom Line approach can improve the performance of festival and event industry; that is how the event industry can gain sustainable growth in long-term perspective. With growing concern on sustainability, the concept of Triple Bottom Line (TBL) approach is gaining popularity among companies throughout the world. As coined by Elkington (1997), a financial performance that is â€Å"the bottom line† is insufficient to indicate the long-term corporate success of an organisation. Therefore, it is quite essential to pay equal importance towards ecological and social â€Å"bottom lines† (Ehnert, 2009, p.37). The key concept of Triple Bottom Line can be summarised as- wealth generation, social benefit and environment protection. This concept is commonly popular as â€Å"People, Profit & Planet† (Cayreyre, et al., 2009, p.46). The main motto (goal) of a company is to increase the wealth of its shareholders. Thus, it is quite essential for a company to generate profit for its investors (shareholders). Therefore, to attain long-term growth in the industry, a company should improve its profitability. Profit-generating capability can be measured with help of certain financial indicators, such as gross as well as net profit margin, return on investment, return on capital employed and so on. The company is a part of the society. It acquires all the resources (land, labour, capital and material) from the society. Therefore, it is the moral responsibility of a company to participate in the upliftment of the society where it operates. Similar to the social aspect, a business should also consider environmental factor while making essential decisions.  

Causes of Film Cult Status: Donnie Darko

Causes of Film Cult Status: Donnie Darko Film Donnie Darko Abstract The following dissertation developed out of an enthusiastic interest in â€Å"Cult† film fandom and, in particular, Donnie Darko (Kelly: 2001). The desire to study the film in depth through a case study into its fandom came from my own curiosity and ambition to decipher and understand the level of fandom that surrounds the film, and how that formulated. Through reviewing and studying other academics work in the field and their own theories on cult films it acknowledged the diverse work when trying to find a solid definition and the complexities that follow the term â€Å"cult†. The research was used as the core of my study whilst examining Donnie Darko throughout the dissertation, using the work as not only a definition for cult but also theories on reception and fandom. .. By looking at the pre release of the film itself and the critical reception that followed an interesting debate is revealed: Was Donnie Darko created to become a â€Å"Cult† film? By conducting a study into the critical and fan reception of Donnie Darko it became apparent of the impact this had on the film’s cult status and also of how the cult fandom communities communicate and operate with each other in the form of dedicated fan web sites and fan message boards. By taking into consideration the various components of Donnie Darko, pre release, distribution, fan and critical reception, the conclusion of how much Donnie Darko can be represented as a Cult film can be found. It is plain to see what impact the internet had on the success of its reception with fans and revivals for re-releases, all of which point to the film being deliberately manufactured to adhere to cult sensibilities. Introduction In contemporary film and media there has always been an interest in fan studies and audience reception but there has been limited work on the specific genre of cult fandom and cult films. The research that is already available on the subject of cult films is inconclusive and does not share a common definition of what cult film is. I believe that it is possible to make a structured framework of what makes a film cult from existing research but there is insufficient study in respect of how cult films can be seen to be deliberately made. It is my hypothesis that film makers now have the knowledge to be able to construct and manipulate their films into gaining a cult audience, and that by researching this it will inform future academic discourse in the area of cult film. This piece of work will endeavour to map out the techniques used to create a cult film and thereby gain a cult audience and from this it will be possible to determine whether or not cult films are a carefully constructed and marketed text. In this dissertation, which takes the form of a case study, the 2001 Richard Kelly film Donnie Darko will be analysed in terms of how it has achieved the perceived status of being branded a cult film. The aim of this will be to define what a cult film is, and what attributes constitute a cult film, whilst looking at levels of fandom and considering whether or not cult is more ordinary than first perceived. The first section of this paper will discuss existing definitions of what cult films are, and also the problems faced when defining them. Having arrived at a solid definition of what a cult film is it will be used as the reference point when considering cult film in terms with Donnie Darko for the rest of the paper. A film’s cult status is not dependant on textual aspects alone and, in the final section of the paper, I will take a look at the reception of Donnie Darko amongst critics and general fans; this is, arguably, the most essential element to consider in terms of understanding how the status of cult film was conferred upon Donnie Darko. By referring to academic journals and contemporary reviews of the film in commercial film magazines and on websites it will be possible to arrive at an idea of how the critics formed the cult idea. Lacking a formal outlet, fan reception is harder to analyse, but by surveying fan communities online in the form of a dedicated fansite and one specifically created forum for Donnie Darko fans, it will be possible to analyse the fandom surrounding the film. Also, through analysis of focus groups of self proclaimed Donnie Darko fans, it will, through their discourse and opinions, be possible to map how cult fans react and use the text, in order to find out whether the film was constructed for this purpose. Literature Review – What Is Cult? When studying Cult Film it is first important to arrive at a robust definition of the term in order to provide clarity throughout this study. â€Å"Cult Film† is a phrase that is often used, in the context of certain films, by film reviewers, critics and the film fans alike, but arriving at an academic definition of what the terms exactly means, and the attributes a film must be seen to have to conform to a notion of a cult framework, is a difficult task. Many theorists have proposed their own notions and definitions of what makes a film cult, each formulating a different variation of what they see as essential to the make-up of a cult film. Some suggest that a â€Å"cult film† is created through its overall consumption, whilst others attribute prominence to other elements that feature within the text themselves. In their work in the area of cult film Jancovich, Stringer, Willis and Reboll also recognise that the term cult has many different meanings and connotations, asserting that â€Å"(Cult) would include entries from such seemingly disparate subgenres as â€Å"bad film†, splatterpunk, â€Å"mondo† films, and sword and sandal epics, Elvis flicks† (Sconce 1995 cited in Jancovich et al 2003:1) the list goes on but the point they are trying to make is that an overwhelmingly large group of films could potentially be considered as cult. In their work they do not set out to completely define the exact characteristics of any specific movies, describing cult films as an â€Å"essentially eclectic category† (Jancovich et al 2003:1) the work also goes on to propose that there is no one single signifier or characteristic that is occupied by every cult film but that they are formed by the viewers and critics via a â€Å"subcultural ideology† (Jancovich:2003:1), and that, in terms of film, this ideology is formed when the audience or even the film maker choose to view the films in opposition to what is thought to be mainstream cinema. An example of this would be Hollywood cinema stories that have a beginning, middle and an end whilst following a set path which leads to a resolved and happy ending in most cases. Jancovich goes on to also describe how film fans claim the title of being a cult fan by suggesting that there are two separate groups. The first set of fans that are ones that can be seen to â€Å"revere specific films as works of true artistic and political independence† (Jancovich et al: 2003:2). Examples of such works would include Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange (1971) and more recently Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction (1994), these films although having gained much popularity can be perceived as being quite obscure and different. These differences are aesthetically pleasing for certain viewers that consider it cult. The other group of fans he describes are fans that watch films that can be viewed and celebrated for the simple fact that they have not adhered to mainstream cinema, these films, in a lot of cases, do not even have recognisable quality in terms of story or acting but are again enjoyed due to the over-the-top and often clichà ©d acting and effects. An example of this would be Sam Raimi’s Evil Dead Trilogy in the 1980’s, which included over the top gory scenes and also clichà ©d catchphrases such as when the main character Ash (Bruce Campbell) is confronted by a demon who tells him that he will â€Å"swallow his soul† before Ash replies â€Å"Swallow this† kills the demon with a shotgun blast. Such celebration and viewings of these films, known as cult fandom, came from a direct opposition to main box office Hollywood hits and certain areas of movie fans seemed to crave these over-the-top and unusual films more than the epic blockbuster. This market for alternative films was not left unnoticed by film exhibitors and the emergence of art screenings began to emerge or, as Jancovich put it, they â€Å"turned to wealthy specialist audiences through the creation of art cinemas† (Jancovich et al 2003:3). The creation of such picture houses channeled the fans of these alternative films together and became their first forum to engage with each other. This can be considered a critical step in cult fandom emerging and is pertinent in terms of this study as it can be seen to correspond with the online forums that are now widely available for fans to discuss their passions. A phenomenon which is discussed in detail below. Jancovich et al goes on to touch on the spate of technological advances that have recently begun to have a bearing on whether films gain the status of cult. For example new media outlets such as digital television, art cinemas, VHS, DVDs and most recently the internet that allow higher distribution of films, regardless of the film’s success in the mainstream cinemas. This technological revolution of distribution is described by Jancovich as â€Å"a powerful market force† (Jancovich et al 2003:4). Such a market force means that films that completely failed at the box office and have been written off by critics can nevertheless go on to gain a loyal fan base simply through buzz generated by fans telling each other about the films. A phenomenon which has become increasingly prevalent with the rise of the internet fan bases. Jancovich et al acknowledge a number of problems with the new rise in technology, the first of which being that the wide array of possible ways for the films to be seen now â€Å"threatens distinction and exclusivity†(Jancovich et al 2003) something which cult movies and their fans depend on. This is a particularly interesting notion, as it suggests that although the available media outlets allow fans a base on which to share their film interests on, it can also mean that film makers can market carefully constructed films, which adhere to all the attributes that have made many other cult films successful, directly in order to tap into a specific, pre-identified cult audience. There are examples of films being made for the specific purpose of gaining a cult status or a highly niche audience to form a cult, this warps the notion of what cult film is due to the deliberate attempt to create a fan base rather than one being spontaneously generated. This can lead to films appearing to have the textual elements of a cult film but not have the same following of that of a cult film but, rather, that of a failed mainstream film. A fan base which is essential to the idea of cult. An example of a failed cult film would be I Heart Huckabees (Russel:2004) its confusing, multi level narrative and overall unusualness, whilst seeking a cult market, has not generated any significant fan support, so cannot be considered cult as loyal fan base is a reoccurring element in any cult definition. One film that might been seen to be a successful manufacturing of a cult was The Blair Witch Project, using alternative technology, with the use of the handheld cameras, not seen before in modern Hollywood. This film can be also said to be the first film to properly use the internet as a tool for advertising their film, through a cult medium. h Be that as it may, it is not to say that any film with a fan base will be considered cult. Films such as Star Wars (Lucas) which has perhaps the biggest, obsessive fan base of any film could be perceived as being far too popular in the mainstream to be even considered as cult. This is one of the many difficulties in investigating what a cult film is but despite of this it is still essential to investigate films on many levels to identify and confirm a films cult status.The reception of a film after its release represents perhaps the biggest part in the creation of a cult film and this happens through two groups – The Fans and The Critics. First of all the viewing public play a major part in the cult success of a film and only through fandom can a film achieve a true cult status. Cult films could be labeled through critics calling it so in a review, this can cause a domino effect and influence fans to begin acknowledging the film as having cult status, due to the academic labeling of cult. Critical approval though is not as concrete evidence of a films status, as the slating of a film by a critic could in turn create a higher cult following for that film.Harper and Mendik in their work have put forward a number of characteristics of films that are considered cult after analyzing a number of cult films. They point towards futuristic ideas, the paranormal, scattered and complex narratives, gory violence and events that cannot be explained, this are seen to be essential to being able to put films into a cult category (Harper Mendik 2000:8 to10). This work along with Jancovich et al’s approaches cult film as a type of counter culture. An alternative culture to Hollywood and its principles and practices in terms of film and also counter to the norms of the rest of western society. Although there are many differing views on what a cult film is, this is the definition that will be used and acknowledged throughout the rest of the study and is the template for what will be considered â€Å"Cult†. The definition above is not complete however as , although it does describe what elements the film has to have for the reader of the text to describe it as cult, it does not entirely show what cult fandom is, and as a result it is essential to read the text as what Barry Grant describes as the â€Å"supertext†. What is meant by the â€Å"supertext† is that more than just the text is studied and in relation to cult film its distribution, consumption and reception all play a pivotal role in its cult definition or as Grant himself describes â€Å"Because cult films, by common definition involve some intense devotion on the part of their audience† (Grant 2000:14) It is Grant’s view that the supertext, in the form of a cult film can transport the viewer away from their own reality by using a certain text to escape from their norms as Grant states in his work on The Rocky Horror Picture Show in which he contends that â€Å"it is a fundamentally ambiguous text that can comfortably accommodate opposed readings. Because of its well-known phenomenon of audience participation, the move also is perhaps the clearest demonstration of the cult films supertextual significance† (Grant 2000:19). This view ties in with audience reception theory and the Uses and Gratifications model to be exact. Throughout this study fans’ behavior will be looked at in relation to the Uses and Gratifications (UG) which is a body of approaches underpinned by the basic idea that people use texts and the media to gain specific gratifications out of them or as Blumler and Katz state It presents the use of media in terms of the gratification of social or psychological needs of the individual (Blumler Katz 1974). In their work on UG Jay G Blumler and Elihu Katz put forward four sub-sections when considering in what areas the audience were gaining gratification from media texts; these include surveillance, personal relationships, personal identity and diversion. The element that relates closest to the work on cult film and in particular Grant’s work is the Diversion section, which is described as a media text which allows the user an escape from reality. Also the section on personal identity is relevant to this study as it is described as a person creating their own identity from things they find attractive in the media. These two sub-sections will be considered when studying fans that use Donnie Darko as it demonstrates the cult fan’s relationship to the text as being active and is the closest media theory to the work already studied on cult film. Finally, in considering the phenomenon of online fandom, it is worth noting Matt Hills work on newsgroups which describes online fandom as something separate and new from offline fandom, or as Matt Hills states â€Å"The mediation of ‘new media’ must be addressed rather than treated as an invisible term within the romanticised ‘new’. (Hills 2002:172). This particular study was useful to me in that it was the first to open my eyes into the usefulness of the data online when studying fans. Here Henry Jenkins explains the wealth of data that can be accessed â€Å"the computer net groups allow us to observe self-defined and ongoing interpretive community.. {Whose} discussions occur without direct control or intervention by the researcher, yet in a form that is legitimately open to public scrutiny and analysis† (Jenkins 1995 cited in Hills 2002: 174). I found this quote particularly useful when deciding on methodology and despite having already decided on focus group research to research fans face–to-face it became apparent that the internet also would have a wealth of data to be analysed without any interference from academics, making the data more valid.Overall what I can take from the literature review is the following definition of cult that will be used as a template for the study of Donnie Darko. Having studied many different theories, it is the following template that will be used when considering fans in relation to the film â€Å"A cult film is characterised by its active and lively communal following. Highly committed and rebellious in their appreciation, cult audiences are frequently at odds with cultural conventions.Cult films transgress common notions of good and bad taste, and they challenge genre conventions and coherent storytelling. Among the techniques cult films us are intertextual references, gore, loose ends in storylines, or the creation of a sense of nostalgia† (Cultographies: Cult Definition: Web: Accessed 10/03/08) As it is this definition, combined with the Jancovich’s theory that cult films can be deliberately made in a marketing attempt to gain a cult following, that will be used in relation to fans using Donnie Darko as a supertext to see how film makers can now manipulate a fan base, using new media technology as a base. Project Aims The aim of this study will be to follow the case study of Donnie Darko, it being a contemporary example of a cult film, and map out its reception as a cult film from its early cinema release to the reception of both fans and critics alike of subsequent releases of further editions of the film. By mapping out the film in this way it will become clearer not only how it adheres to the cult formula but also how cult is established or even in some cases manipulated. By studying fans of the film in relation to Grant’s work on the supertext it becomes clear how the film makers have influenced the level of fandom involved and also perhaps most importantly the fans’ contribution. Methodology To maximise the potential for results that hold quality and validity throughout my case study of Donnie Darko a number of different methods are used to gain the evidence I need to conclude this study. The purpose of focus groups in this study is to question fans of Donnie Darko on their level of fanaticism and also to find out how they were influenced by the film to become such a fan. The constitution of the focus groups is derived from personal networks, family and other university goers. My target population has no class, race or gender requirements, targeting the fanatical fans of Donnie Darko and as the film itself when it was released was targeted at teens and tweens the source group is taken from university students and their peer group. Focus groups were determined to be the optimum methodology, representing a practical and relatively inexpensive way to do research due to lack of a budget; the participants can be sought out and assembled quickly. The insights that are needed to make are immediately available, the insights in this case is what makes the film so important to their lives and the reasons behind them buying into the Donnie Darko cult.The benefits of using a focus group rather than just a survey revolve around the degree of interviewing flexibility as; during the focus groups it is possible to play clips from different films and to be able to study body language and interactions between the fans in relation to the enjoyment of different elements of cult films. Arthur Asa Berger describes the usefulness of this particular technique â€Å"The aim of the discussion is not to build a consensus, but just the opposite- to find out what each member of the focus group thinks about the topic under discussion, to elicit from each person in the group his or her descriptions of behavior of interest.†(Berger 1991:91)The contents of the transcripts obtained from these focus groups are then read through and analysed using content analysis trying to draw distinction between a cult films being deliberately manufactured The attendees of the focus groups included five fans of the film that I had considered to be deeply involved with their fandom in regards to Donnie Darko. They were obtained by the sending of emails, Attached at Appendix B, to all students of Bath Spa University, asking them if they consider themselves fans of Donnie Darko and if they did if they would like to take part in a research project that would not take up much of their time. Their anonymity was also assured, as their gender was neither at issue nor who they were. Many replies were received,32 in all, and a response was sent back outlining the intentions of the study, how the findings would be used and what would be required of those willing to participate Potential participants were also sent a set of questions designed to test their level of fandom. These questions were derived from the largest Donnie Darko fan list (website) on the internet and required the respondent to possess a degree of knowledge necessary to being considered a â€Å"true† fan of Donnie Darko. The replies that were considered to most correspond with a high degree of fandom were subsequently selected to take part in the study. During the focus group session a number of set questions, Attached at Appendix A, were asked that were considered essential to my study. These questions were used as they facilitate an analysis of how the film makers attracted this cult market and what elements inspired the fans. The reasoning behind using the interview technique mixed with the focus group rather than questionnaire is that the interviews enabled participants to answer in their own words and language structure in favour of a mark out of 10 on a questionnaire sheet. This affords the findings a richer meaning as well as allowing for the clarification of certain meanings or, as Berger puts it, â€Å"The depth interview, on the other hand, is highly focused. It is conducted to get at matters such as hidden feelings or attitudes and beliefs that respondents may not be aware of or that are only dimly in their consciousness† (Berger 1991:57) The responses that are sought in order to prove the hypothesis that cult films are manufactured to directly gain a cult fan base are ones that relate to the film in terms of the definition of cult previously stated for example enjoyment of the loose plot or the sense of nostalgia that film brings to the viewer. Critical Reception Donnie Darko is firm cult fan favorite and has been named in numerous cult film list including coming 9th in Film Four’s 50 films to see before you die (channel 4: web). The film, set in 1988, takes place in a small town in the USA which is about to witness the end of the world. Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a troubled youth who is plagued by visions of a giant rabbit named Frank who warns him of the worlds impending doom. Along with his girlfriend Gretchen (Jena Malone), and other people that help him along the way, he must try to understand the strange happenings at home, at school and his life. It is a struggle against time and life as he gets led closer to the end of the world. Donnie Darko was the debut film of director and writer Richard Kelly. It premiered at 2001 film festivals, generating a high level of â€Å"buzz† and picking up a number of awards; most notably the grand jury prize at the renowned Sundance Film Festival. The film generated a lot of hype arising from this festival buzz, and this hype in turn damaged the commercial success of the film. Film distributors were put off by the film’s multi-genre format and, arriving around the time of the terrorist acts of 9/11, the scenes of plane crashes at the start and end of the film, as one commentator states â€Å"Donnie Darko, a story of death and crashing jets, flopped in the US, not least because it came out just after 9/11† (Danny Leigh: 2004: Web). Because of this the film was considered a box office flop, only being able to amass $110,494(source IMDB) in its first weekend as it was only shown on 58 screens in the whole of the United States and, subsequently, only given a f ew weeks run, it was in danger of slipping off the radar. Under these situations, the press and critics may not have given Donnie Darko the attention and acclaim that is arguably deserved. At the time of release Richard Kelly had not explained that the film was open to interpretation and reviewers seemed at odds with the film, especially with what the film was trying to say or if indeed that the audience was required to create their own meaning. Searching for reviews of Donnie Darko it becomes apparent that few critics were agreed on the films agenda. The British Film Institute’s magazine Sight and Sound wrote that â€Å"(Donnie Darko is) about seemingly inconsequential but secretly connected details, and divine forces that compel characters to actions they dont understand† (Felperin 2002 web) Others do not share this view, with one reviewer deciding that Donnie Darko is merely a general teen movie and that â€Å"Donnie Darko may be the Everest of adolescent angst movies. A smart, emotionally troubled suburban teen wrestles with the usual stuff identity issues, bullies, well-meaning but clueless parents and various school absurdities† (W. Addiego, San Francisco Chronicle 2001) and some clearly articulating their confusion, asking â€Å"Is it a horror film? A black comic parable of Generation X angst? A teen drama with a psycho edge? If not, what the hell is it? Looking in my notebook, I see I have scribbled: David Lynch, The X Files, Prozac Nation, My So-Called Life, Ghost World†¦.none of these quite nails the genre, and perhaps more importantly the tone of this very strange movie.† (Bradshaw: 2002 Guardian: Web) The confusion that was exhibited by the film critics can be attributed to the multifaceted and multi genre format that can be seen in most cult films. Donnie Darko’s mix of sci-fi, horror and comedy is reminiscent of other recent cult films such as Starship Troopers and Critters and apparent in reviews of an older cult favourite The Evil Dead which state that â€Å"The influence of The Three Stooges on its comical creative trio of director Raimi, producer Robert Tapert, and lead actor Bruce Campbell gives the film a playful but unsettling feeling† (Glanville 2001: BBC: Web). It is this unusual mix that gives cult films an ingredient that mainstream Hollywood lacks, cult films can be seen to go against these ideologies and critics did not miss this within Donnie Darko from the outset, claiming that â€Å"The product of first-time writer-director Richard Kellys fertile imagination, Donnie Darko is one part 1980s Hollywood teen movie, one part sci-fi flick, with a dollop of David Lynch and a twist of Catcher in the Rye. If you were cynical you might call that cocktail the instant cult classic† (Slater 2002: BBC Web). With reviews such as this the Donnie Darko cult begins to take shape in the public consciousness whilst the fact that the film seems to have been designed as a cult is also recognised by the reviewers. After the critics have their say it is down to the fans to make what they want of the film and whether or not the reviewers have a direct influence on the fans when calling films cult is another issue, but they can be seen reacting to Donnie Darko as they had with numerous cult films to go before it. By looking at Donnie Darko, we are looking at the most contemporary film to become such a cult success and much of the onus has been pointed towards the increase in new media technology and in particular the internet. The internet has enabled large groups of fans in fan communities that can easily support, critique and help each other to come to understand films, especially Donnie Darko. Not only can fans talk to each other about the film, the interest in film can be seen world wide and the buzz created helps spread the word and in turn influencing many sales on DVD â€Å"Following the success at the Pioneer, midnight screenings popped up across the country, fueling domestic DVD sales to more than $10 million† (Burnett: 2004 indiewire Web) these sales have since gradually increased in America and gaining a huge following in the U.K. In much the same way as the critics were split and at odds with each other, the audience also lacked consensus, with some arguing that the plot holes and the general mystery around the film should be celebrated for making the film special and those who did not subscribe to this concept and expected the film to be resolved for them. Such oppositions in taste between fans and critics alike creates the perfect grounds for a cult to form and to be celebrated, this becomes clearer when studying the fan communities themselves. Study Phase 2 Returning to the internet, as represent the primary vehicle and forum for fans to communicate with each other, often in the form of dedicated fan sites. Such sites are created by individual wishing to share their fandom of the film with others and seeking to explain Donnie Darko in their own way. Perhaps the main source of discourse between fans takes place on interactive message boards, an online version of the ‘book club’ model for example. By analysing and describing the audience reception to Donnie Darko, it gives us additional insight into the level and type of fandom that is associated with cult films. More now than ever before, due to technological advances, fans are able to discuss and interpret their views on the film, and even doubters of the film can read the views of fans and be drawn into the mystery of the film. Such debates not only invoke discussion but allow the fans to obtain pleasure from the text and becoming more literate in it. The internet discussion rooms help breed the cult in more ways than the discussion itself. The debates between fans lead on to other events such as the viewing of the film again, evaluating and developing new ideas obtained from reading other fan theories. Subsequent development of their own new ideas to share with other fans is encouraged, not only adding value to their own reading of the text but also boosting the pleasure of the community as a whole. It can be argued that such close inspection and dismantling of the text, leads to the film being used in a way that was not the intention of its author, Richard Kelly, but it is this hardcore following of fans online that have created the success for Donnie Darko and without their keen following and debates the film would not be ascribed cult status. Here it may be pertinent to refer back to the idea of the supertext as we can identify the fans’ reception as showing the commitment and passion required to form the cult of Donnie Darko using the internet as the foundation for the fans personal but maybe imagined affiliation with the film. When searching the internet, on a search engine, typing in â€Å"Donnie Darko Fansite† brings up thousands and thousands of pages and, after reading through many of them, it seeme