Friday, October 18, 2019

Macroeconomics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 11

Macroeconomics - Essay Example In 2012, the performance for 2nd quarter was almost 50% lower than that of the first quarter. It appears that the most significant growth takes place in the 4th quarter. That happened in 2009 and 2011, but certainly not in 2012. In 2010, the growth rates were somewhat evenly distributed in each of the four quarters. Because of the recent thrust of the Federal Reserve to provide stimulus funds for the attainment of the ideal of full employment, 2013 should have a much higher growth rate and lower unemployment rate. On a per quarter basis, there is a 50% probability that the growth rate in the 2nd quarter will be higher than the first quarter. Since the 2nd quarter was lowest in 2009 and 2010, lower than the first quarter in 2012, but higher in 2011 than the first quarter, the probability of having a lower GDP growth rate is 75%. The 3rd quarter will be higher than the 2nd quarter and most probably higher than the 1st quarter since this is what happened in the past four years. By the 4th quarter, assuming no major calamities will disturb business operations, USA real GDP should experience the highest growth rate so far since the time of the recession. First, it is because the Fed has been supportive of the need for more money supply. There is a determination to bring down the unemployment rate in the USA. The People have been complaining about the high unemployment rates and performance of the Monetary Board in easing the financial difficulties of the country for several years now. Secondly, the government is more prepared to adjust to unfavorable climate changes. And thirdly, there has been news about improvements in the way the economic problems in Europe are being handled, e.g. the way Greece economic crisis is being resolved. Europe is a major trading partner of the

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Marketing Plan For An Art Gallery National Gallery of Art Term Paper

Marketing Plan For An Art Gallery National Gallery of Art - Term Paper Example The National Gallery of Art has come up with a new marketing strategy in order to cope with the rising completion and to retain the existing customers. The new marketing strategy involves market expansion and penetration strategies. It is planning to expand its product line and also to offer a new product by opening up a art school for students who are interested in learning about the American and European art. The main objective of the National Gallery of Art is to preserve the best art pieces from all around the world and pass them on to the future generations in the best condition. In the next three, consecutive years, the organization has planned to implement its new marketing strategy by using a step-by-step procedure. In the first year it will expand its collection base, in the second year it will expand its building and in the third year it will open up its art school. Company description The National Gallery of Art is based in Washington, DC. It was created in 1937 by the people of United States. It was formed as a result of collaboration between the congress and the Andrew. W. Mellon who was both the financier and art collector for the National Gallery of Art. Before his death Andrew W Mellon promised all his collection of sculpture and art to the United States and it was preserved in the National Gallery of Art. Since then the gallery has been like an art museum. It holds many precious paintings belonging to various artists. The collection at The National Art gallery consists of precious art pieces from United States and Europe

Curriculum Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Curriculum - Essay Example He described curriculum in a range of approaches. One of them is linked to syllabus or a body of knowledge to be transmitted to the students. Smith also stressed that curriculum is a set of objectives, where there is a drawn-up plan to apply intended objectives with a measurable outcome. Another alternative definition is that curriculum is a student’s total experience. It comprises teachers’ and students’ communication and relationships between them. Smith also recommends that curriculum is one’s ability to apply theory to practice. Language Arts is one essential subject area that hones communication skills of students. Being knowledgeable in literature, grammar and writing is one important goal for them that will greatly benefit them in their growth and development. This paper will compare 7th Grade Language Arts curriculum guides of three schools in New Jersey, namely the Hillside, Union and Orange Public Schools. The comparison will only be based on the guides acquired from these schools and not from how their curriculums are implemented. Of the three schools, Hillside Public School provided the most comprehensive curriculum guide. Next was the Orange School which also provided a clear outline indicating the goals of the Language Arts program and how its assessment strategies. Union School provided the least comprehensive guide, with just the use of cue words in enumerating its curriculum content and suggested activities. One of the widely adopted curriculum design is the ‘Understanding by Design’ Planning Framework (UbD) by Wiggins, Grant and McTighe (1998). This is also known as the Backward Design Model wherein the teacher starts with the end, the desired results, and then derives the curriculum from the evidence of learning called for by the expectations and the teaching needed to equip students to perform. The UbD involves the following processes: The Hillside School obviously adopted the Understanding by Design

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Marketing Plan For An Art Gallery National Gallery of Art Term Paper

Marketing Plan For An Art Gallery National Gallery of Art - Term Paper Example The National Gallery of Art has come up with a new marketing strategy in order to cope with the rising completion and to retain the existing customers. The new marketing strategy involves market expansion and penetration strategies. It is planning to expand its product line and also to offer a new product by opening up a art school for students who are interested in learning about the American and European art. The main objective of the National Gallery of Art is to preserve the best art pieces from all around the world and pass them on to the future generations in the best condition. In the next three, consecutive years, the organization has planned to implement its new marketing strategy by using a step-by-step procedure. In the first year it will expand its collection base, in the second year it will expand its building and in the third year it will open up its art school. Company description The National Gallery of Art is based in Washington, DC. It was created in 1937 by the people of United States. It was formed as a result of collaboration between the congress and the Andrew. W. Mellon who was both the financier and art collector for the National Gallery of Art. Before his death Andrew W Mellon promised all his collection of sculpture and art to the United States and it was preserved in the National Gallery of Art. Since then the gallery has been like an art museum. It holds many precious paintings belonging to various artists. The collection at The National Art gallery consists of precious art pieces from United States and Europe

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

What do you expect will be the character of the 21st century Peaceful Essay

What do you expect will be the character of the 21st century Peaceful War-prone Chaotic - Essay Example In any case, several challenges continue to face humanity in the aspect of human relations and this creates the need for measures to address the fundamental concerns affecting humanity. In any case, the century is still young and anything is certainly possible. In the face of the growing challenges facing the world in terms of unpredictable future relations between certain countries in the world, several realities emerge. In a way, the character of the 21st century is very much unpredictable and it basically calls for a keen analysis of the whole situation in order to make sound and valid predictions in relation to the issue. In the context of peace and war, it is safer to confirm that the 21st century seems to promise much hope for the future. In a way, it certainly appears that humanity has understood the extent to which a modern war can have devastating effects on the lives of humanity. As such, most countries across the world are pushing for measures that can enhance peaceful coe xistence across the world. Peace, in the context of international relations is the catalyst that can steer the course of life and drive the true sense of civilization. The experience of the two World Wars confirmed to the world that peace is the only option in a world were technology and civilization has advanced to the levels it is currently realized. The 21st century presents humanity with myriad challenges that seem to shift the priorities of humanity from the issues of war to the more fundamental concerns of this age. Such issues as climate change, poverty and other aspects continue to confront humanity day by day. In any case, the challenges that would otherwise be addressed through wars in the past are no longer addressed the same way. The United States is very careful in its operations across the world and the search for peace seems to be the most pressing preoccupation. In a way, challenges seem to emerge in this regard. The growth of the Chinese economy seems to present muc h headache to the Americans and it appears that the political world order might soon shift positions (Walt 45). There is a sense of growing awareness on the devastating effects of the wars that have always affected humanity. Through media and other avenues, people across the world are able to evidence the effects of the chaos that seem to be realized in certain parts of the world (Steele 25). More importantly, one of the most critical issues in the present world order has become the economic preoccupation of countries across the world. Unfortunately, economic realizations will never go in tandem with a turbulent political environment (Falk 6). It therefore goes without doubt that the 21st century promises much of peaceful coexistence in the world more than it promises a sense of chaos. However, amid the sense of peace that can be envisioned deep into the century, several challenges seem to emerge. In any case, it appears that in certain respects, war become the only option. The 21st century is inundated with a lot of challenges that seem to present a dim future for the future. The problem of terrorism is a real fact that cannot be overlooked (Scholte 250). The United States is basically at the forefront in dealing with the challenge of terrorism in the world (Jackson 15). Well, this is certainly a very delicate process where war can always be an option. In fighting terrorism across the world, it does appear that the 21st century is much gloomy in terms of dealing with the aspects of human security in relation to the challenges posed by terror (Mearsheimer 14). The notion that certain miscreants are out to terrorize the world and make life seem like mere luck is certainly not the best situation to be. In this context, to address the critical aspects of safety of its citizens, the United States has to brace up for any eventuality and this translates

Monday, October 14, 2019

John Rawls Ethical Theory Essay Example for Free

John Rawls Ethical Theory Essay On February 21 on the year 1921 a man who’s in the future will be regarded as a prominent philosopher John Rawls in Baltimore Maryland was born. He graduated in Kent School in 1939; Rawls completed BA at Princeton University and received in here his Ph. D. in 1950. Great American Political Philosopher John Rawls was highly considered as an important person at the time, as the most prominent liberalisms’ advocate. He was also working as a Professor at Harvard University in his field of expertise, in the field of Political Philosophy. Rawls’ theory that often calls â€Å"justice as fairness† and its concepts presented in 1971 Theory of Justice, his primary published book. He is also the creator of 1993 Political Liberalism that means distinctive things into different people and The Law of Peoples in 1999. It presents a non-historical or hypothetical variation on the social contract theory. In the said theory, it declares that agents are making a balanced and rational social decision following a certain rule at the rear of â€Å"veil of ignorance†. The said theory makes them able to prevent from knowing in progress what condition and category they will hold. Rawls proclaimed that this method will be beneficial for all the citizens for it will surely produced a society in which the freedom of everyone embrace and their independence will be practiced. His proclamation also emphasized that this will maximize for the entire nation and social disparity will only happen when the circumstances prove that it will benefit a least favored constituents. In brief, what he has done is to combine the very strong principle of social and economic equality. In the issue entitled â€Å"When is creating a turnover situation the right thing to do†, the author, â€Å"MEK†, tells the story an employee who is really doing quite well in the job. However, it is also said that the employer of the said employee although willing to keep him for the job, is not willing and interested in making such investment for the development of the employee’s career. â€Å"MEK† also tells his story in regarding his past employer. In order to understand the situation let me first give a summary of the story. MEK once work as a shift supervisor in a certain company. By that time, the operations manager is really skilled not only in the job but as a leader too. After some time, the shift manager was promoted leaving MEK in charge of the vacant position. MEK works as acting operations manager for about 4 months and it can be said that he is doing a great job with increase in the sales and low turnovers during his time as the operations manager. Suddenly, after more than 160 days of working in the said position, it is said that he is to be replace by fresh graduate of BA degree. The said replacement had absolutely no experience in running a business. MEK is even asked to train the person who is to replace him. Thus, MEK was in actuality upset and decided not to work in the company to any further extent. The presence of ethical issue can be seen in this story. And this presence of issue can be resolved and accomplished using a concept formulated by John Rawls in what appear to us and popularly known as the â€Å"justice of fairness†. According to Rawls, two conditions must be satisfied for social and economic inequalities. First, fair equality of opportunity must be given when it comes to positions and as well as offices that are often to all who can be considered under condition. Second, it has to benefit those that are considered least advantage member of the society. Applying Rawls’s concept in the case of MEK, it can be said that MEK has the right remain as the operation manager of the said company. It can be said that MEK was not given equal opportunity because the company based their decision on the educational attainment of the individual (which is the main basis for most companies), something that MEK lacks. However, MEK had proven that although he does not have a BA degree, he is still able to do the job. Thus, applying Rawls concept in the situation, it would had been in goodwill and favor of MEK. Aside from what had been mentioned earlier, there had also been several concepts of Rawls that are considered of great value and importance in political philosophy. It is believed that John Rawls made an important contribution in the said field. Rawlss work not only attracted the attention of those who are interested and are in the field of philosophy but many other fields as well such as political scientist, economist and even legal scholars and theologians. This only proves that his ideology is well known and regarded as one of the best if not the best. Among all of the works of Rawls, his books of Justice as fairness, his original position, the reflective equilibrium, Rawls’ overlapping consensus, and public relations are the ones that had been given and receive extensive attentions. Rawls is regarded as unique among political philosophers in the contemporary time. Ethics involves the study of norms and values in particular action knowing what is right or wrong and the consequences of it weather bad or good and character virtue and this practices are importance in the fields of governance as well as in business world. Ethics aim was to provide a systematic explanatory account and inquiry that the people may actually have. The use of ethics in business and government world also imply public policy as a way of balancing or weighing relevant considerations usually identified by principles of common use. In my personal opinion, I also believe that in today’s business and government world study of ethics is of great value. In business, ethics examined moral and ethical problems that can arise and take it’s place in a business environment. Through this study, they will able to trace how the corporations conduct business, hold both within and outside workers of the company. Through this company can strengthens its relationship with the employees how they can manage and treat every member the right and most effective way, or workplace ethics, they can also formulate a proper governance, and make policies, decision making, appropriate techniques and understanding individual behavior. In the case of governance, it creates a leadership process and social responsibility to be able to administer and process the system. And so the governance for the organization, like a government would include such common feature such as a clear mission, a good responsibility, accountability, transparency, stewardship, flexibility, representation and most of all they may acquire success. The fulfillment of the organizations mission is a paramount concern be it to make profits do good works or act as a government.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Comparison of Film Remakes: Poltergeist

Comparison of Film Remakes: Poltergeist INTRODUCTION In this essay Im going to compare two movies; original and its remake and focus on how visual effects were made for each movie. Firstly Im going to write about the original movie and then about its remake and how it has developed opposite the original. Im going to introduce the movie Poltergeist, its story and using my resources write about some of the most significant visual effects for the movie and how filmmakers achieved specific effects in that time using different techniques. Poltergeist is telling us a classic story about a family who came to a new house haunted by evil forces. Everything starts with the youngest daughter who senses ghosts calling her to help them. When she is taken by them to the other side, the family must come together to rescue her before she disappears forever. Poltergeist would prove to be one of the best horror movies of the 80s, thanks to its terrifying effects and creative storyline. The original moviewas awarded the BAFTA Award for Best Special Visual Effects and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. Poltergeist (1982) / The Original Director: Tobe Hooper Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) VFX Supervisor: Richard Edlund Visual effects, if they are done well, are not obvious. The older effects may look lame and unsophisticated for first time viewers by todays standards. However, Poltergeist shows us that even using almost only practical effects created by hand can be very effective and breathtaking. The original Poltergeist scared a generation with its practical horror effects designed to disturb. These effects became legendary and inspired many filmmakers. It all began with a description in the script for Steven Spielbergs film Poltergeist: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦and the house implodes. It is referring to a one of the most significant scene in the movie in which the house of the Freeling family becomes so possessed by spirits of the dead that it is destroyed by implosion it collapses upon itself and disappears. ILM was asked by Spielberg to create this effect and VFX supervisor Richard Edlund accepted this challenge. While the actors shot their parts on a blue screen set, ILM went through months of testing and development to achieve Spielbergs effect. They crafted a detailed model of the house out of balsa wood and corn flakes by a hand. The house had to break up into pieces and shrink into its center. It had to actually implode. Using vacuum system they finally achieved desired effect by threading thick steel cables through the model and funnel attached to a high powered vacuum. Whole scene was shot with a high-speed camera and done in one take. One of the most memorable set pieces involved Robbie (Oliver Robins) being pulled from his bed by an evil tree through his window. The tree they used was an entire mechanical tree that actually grab the kid. However, the scene was shot in reverse and despite of this the footage looked better this way. It gives the tree personality. Another significant and interesting shot was paranormal investigator Marty ripping his own melting face off. The VFX crew built a bust of the actor so there was no need to put special makeup on him. Spielberg was asked to rip the face flesh to bits because the production had only one bust to rip apart so the hands belong to Spielberg. Some of the scenes were huge to create. Building up set on a huge revolving gimbal is one of them. Scene where Carol Anne (Heather ORourke) is being dragged into closet is actually whole set turned 360 degrees so all the stuff just fell into closet. The key was attaching a static camera onto a rotating set. The same technique was used when esophagus is trying to devour the family. For this scene Spielberg wanted a full size enormous esophagus to engulf a bedroom. However, it was a model created by a hand, then filmed separately and then combined to the set. The scene is a masterpiece of optical compositing, as the miniature looks as it is actually part of the live-action set. One of the biggest parts of the movie was lightening. In Poltergeist lightening was the key to create a mysterious atmosphere. We can see a lot of special lightening effects such as blasting light. Very useful effect was achieved using tanks of water with fishes where they put a big reflector behind the tank so they could achieve the effect of optical flares coming out of the closet. Poltergeist (2015) / The Remake Director: Gil Kenan Shade VFX Supervisor: Bryan Godwin Soho VFX Supervisor: Keith Sellers In the early 1980s, there were no major computer generated visual effects but thats probably to this films advantage. Early CGI often looks dated. Having said that, the practical effects crafted by hand and shot with camera tricks in the original Poltergeist really do hold up for the most part. The remake has almost only CG effects. It also introduces a couple of innovative concepts like sending a drone with a camera into the other side. There was just too great of an opportunity to put a camera through to the other side and see what it looks like over there, Kenan said. I just couldnt resist. Most of the story remains the original but some of Kenans effects are not based on the original. For instance, the most significant effect the house implosion from the original Poltergeist doesnt take the place in the remake. They probably wanted to keep it more realistic so it ends only with the house falling apart without implosion. It is obvious that Kenan was trying to follow the melting face scene from the original regarding to a shot where we can see Erik (Sam Rockwell) in the kitchen seeing his face flowing black fluid. However, there is no melting face effect at all. I think he was only trying to keep the concept of someones face changing. On the other hand he created something that we couldnt see in the original movie Kenan decided to include the other side where Madison (Kennedi Clements) was being kept by ghosts. There we can see ghosts in another way than in the original. Using todays technique they decided to create more deadly-looking creatures than ordinary transparent ghosts. The movie takes us deep into the other side. The scene where Madison and her brother Griffin (Kyle Catlett) are talking inside the other side is visually very dramatic and dark. VFX artists created 3D models of ghosts as well as the environment of the other side so it was all CGI. For the dramatic closing sequence of the gate of the other side artists form Milk studio created four shots of the evil spirit creatures working with Framestore. Conclusion I admire the work on the house implosion effect. The technique used to create this kind of effect is creative and also very impressive. I admire the work of modelers who created the model to the detail so it looks exactly like the house in the movie and it is hardly noticeable. Another very impressive creation is perfectly done glass matte painting of graveyard in the original Poltergeist where Steve (Craig T. Nelson) and Teague (James Karen) are standing next to while talking at the hill. I would use very precise digital painting technique combined with 3D models to achieve this effect. Of course, using todays advanced equipment it could be also done as a whole 3D environment combined with a real footage. My personal favorite is the melting face scene in the original movie. However, actors face suddenly changes into a bust and we can see it is not his face anymore. I would use different materials such as latex or silicone and make up technique on the actors face to make it more natural and avoid unwanted effect. The scene from the other side from the remade Poltergeist is very well done in my opinion. I like that the whole scene is based on the slow motion with lightening effect creating very mysterious feeling while camera is going through. In my opinion the original Poltergeist keeps its originality and horror feeling. Poltergeist has become one of the movies we will never forget. It take us to the world of classical effects and keeps us thinking how they achieved that. However, CGI opens the door to many opportunities today. The remake on the other hand is showing us how world of visual effects has developed. Some of the CGI effects in the remake are easily noticeable yet it still keeps its mysterious atmosphere during whole movie. Nowadays, filmmakers dont have to use almost any practical effect but sometimes the result may not be as desired. Bibliography FilmArchivesNYC. (2013). Poltergeist Behind the Scenes Footage (stock footage / archival footage). [image] youtube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wzQuTcvYqCw/ [Accessed 1 Jan. 2017]. fxguide. (2011). the vfx show #132: Poltergeist. [online] fxguide. Available at: https://www.fxguide.com/thevfxshow/the-vfx-show-132-poltergeist/ [Accessed 1 Jan. 2017]. Woerner, M. (2013). 13 things you didnt know about Poltergeist. [online] io9. Available at: http://io9.gizmodo.com/13-things-you-didnt-know-about-poltergeist-1454934341/ [Accessed 1 Jan. 2017]. Brown, C. (2006). Poltergeist (1982 film) [online] wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poltergeist_(1982_film)/   [Accessed 4 Jan. 2017]. ILM studio. Poltergeist. [online] ilm. Available at: http://www.ilm.com/vfx/poltergeist-2/ [Accessed 4 Jan. 2017]. BUF. (2016). POLTERGEIST | Visual Effects Making Of [image] vimeo. Available at:   https://vimeo.com/181774567/   [Accessed 4 Jan. 2017]. Milk. (2015). Poltergeist Feature Film, 2015 [online] milk-vfx. Available at: http://www.milk-vfx.com/project/poltergeist/ [Accessed 4 Jan. 2017]. Porter, S. (2015). Look Away! Practical Horror Effects in Classic Films. [online] premiumbeat. Available at: https://www.premiumbeat.com/blog/look-away-practical-horror-effects-in-classic-films/   [Accessed 4 Jan. 2017]. Polowy, K. (2015). Poltergeist Director Gil Kenan Couldnt Resist Showing Us The Other Side This Time. [online] yahoo. Available at:   https://www.yahoo.com/movies/poltergeist-remake-behind-tv-screen-director-119617731497.html/ [Accessed 10 Jan. 2017]. Lowe, J. (2015). Poltergeist Film Review: A Solid Remake. [online] yahoo. Available at:   https://www.yahoo.com/movies/poltergeist-film-review-a-solid-remake-119372053762.html/   [Accessed 12 Jan. 2017].