Abstract This paper describes and analyzes anxieties about blood-born illnesses as they appear in horror films. It focuses on the shift between fears about AIDS in the 1980s, as portrayed in Katheryn Bigelow's 1984 film "Near Dark", to fears about global epidemics, as in Danny Boyle's 2002 film "28Days Later...". It looks at how while one film attempts builds on anxieties about a virus infecting the most sacred place and institution in American society, the country and the family and how the other builds upon the recent discovery of animal-related viruses crossing into humans, with particular reference to Mad Cow Disease. It shows how although using two different types of classic horror film "monsters" the vampire and the zombie, both films express fears about epidemics, though one is an isolated incident and is cured, the other is a globalized event and ends in an apocalyptic fashion.
From the Paper "Near Dark surfaced in a climate of AIDS paranoia, and this fear is reflected within the film's blood-born illness of vampirism (Nixon 119). In 1987, the year Near Dark was released, anxiety about HIV/AIDS was peaking; the novel And the Band Played On was already on the bestseller list, over 26,000 Americans had already died of AIDS, and in Arcadia, Florida, the Ray family, with three hemophiliac and HIV-positive sons, had their home burned down by their paranoid neighbours (Nixon 127-128). It is hardly surprising to find vampirism acting as a metaphor for the AIDS virus; traditionally, the vampire has been seen by anthropologists as a mythic transformation to explain death from misunderstood natural causes, and has been particularly linked to venereal disease (Silver 20; Nixon 118)."
This paper discusses director Danny Boyle's 2003 movie, ?28Days Later?, an insightful reflection of societal fears of bioterrorism, terrorism, and catastrophic warfare.
Abstract This paper explains that, through his effective use of story structure, characterization, cinematography, and theme, Boyle creates the fictional post-apocalyptic world of ?28Days Later?, which is characterized by brutality brought on by man's unthinking arrogance, playing out some of society's worst fears about warfare and terrorism. The author points out that the fear of "playing God" and the repercussions, which appear in the film, have been seen in literature and movies that trace back to Mary Shelly's "Frankenstein" and to similar movies, such as ?12 Monkeys?. The paper relates that the juxtaposition of the post-apocalyptic emptiness of London, with many viewer's recollections or projections of the familiarly busy bustle of London streets, provides one of the most shocking visual reminders of the impact of terrorism and catastrophic warfare.
From the Paper "In recent years, the world has been rocked by the growth of fears over a diverse set of growing threats to global political and economic stability and world health. The tragedy of September 11th brought the world into a new era of fear over terrorist acts. Since then, public uneasiness has only been heightened by the train bombings in Madrid, the Bali bombings, and continued governmental appeals for constant vigilance against terrorism. The fear of bioterrorism has also grown in recent years, with the release of sarin nerve gas on a Tokyo subway, and the presence of anthrax in the US mail. Adding to this climate of fear was President Bush's assertion that Iraq possessed of weapons of mass destruction (including biological weapons), an assertion that provided a justification for the Bush administration's entry into Iraq. Today, societal fears of catastrophic warfare that took root during the Cold War era continue to escalate, as tensions in the Middle East deepen."
Tags: plot, cinematography, characters, documentary, video
Abstract This paper is a critical review of Betty Thomas' movie "28Days", starring Sandra Bullock as the protagonist, Gwen. The movie tells the story of Gwen's struggle with accepting and overcoming an addiction. The paper comments that the movie seems to follow, in a relatively textbook manner, the road from living an addiction to establishing a new and strong, sober life. The paper maintains that the movie is successful in covering the process of coming to sobriety. Also, despite the textbook nature of the movie, the paper admits that the film provides interesting insight into the process of rehabilitation. The paper concludes by recommending that the reader see the movie.
From the Paper "Gwen's return to her old life in New York is a time of re-evaluation for her. She meets with her boyfriend and realizes that they are no longer working out together. He won't stop talking, and keeps trying to tell her good stories. Gwen says, "I'm tired of stories. I've got enough stories to tell." This is critical, for it shows that rather than continue to live the lifestyle that she has in the past, she is choosing to live a new one. This symbolically is reflected in her ability to get the horse to raise its foot. Before, while she was in rehab, she could not get it to happen, no matter how hard she tried. Now, after coming to a deeper place of peace, is able to do it. At last, after all the pain, her internal thoughts match her external actions. It is with this knowledge that she is able to tell her boyfriend goodbye, and walk away into a new life. She, in this action, does not secure her future, but rather makes one more step forward in the recovery process."
Abstract This paper discusses how "28Days Later" (Danny Boyle, 2003), is much more than a zombie or horror movie. It looks at how the film explores questions about the definition of human nature and what makes us civilized and not just instinctual creatures. It looks at how, through the use of the film's lighting, editing, soundtrack, and mise-en-scene, it shows that in reality human nature is not very different than that of the "infected," or other creatures ruled by carnal instinct, and that in life threatening situations humans are violent, merciless and instinctual beings.
From the Paper "The film opens in an animal testing laboratory, where several apes are locked in glass containers. Three animal activists (Alex Palmer, Bindu De Stoppani and Jukka Hiltunen) break in though, attempting to free the apes. Despite the warnings of a scientist (David Schneider) that the chimps have been infected with "rage," the activists open the cages and are attacked by the apes. The next shots are of Jim (Cillian Murphy), who awakens in a hospital bed only to find the hospital has been completely abandoned. He soon realizes that all of London is empty and has been evacuated. After meeting two survivors, Selena (Naomie Harris) and Mark (Noah Huntley), he learns that much of England has been destroyed by people infected by a virus that makes them incredibly aggressive and violent. "
Abstract This paper discusses the pros and cons of full-day kindergarten in California public schools. The author cites sources in favor of and against full-day kindergarten programs. The author says that these programs may hinder the development of children by not giving them enough time to run and play freely. On the other hand, the author contends, for lower-income families, a full-day program can be very beneficial. The author concludes that full-day kindergarten programs are more of an advantage than a disadvantage to today's children.
From the Paper "By definition, Full Day Kindergarten (FDK) is a class taught by a certified staff member that exceeds four hours in length, and although districts in California do not receive additional funds to lengthen the kindergarten day, there is growing interest in this subject. Previous to June of 2004, the law regarding kindergarten required that pupils must not be kept in school for more than four hours a day, excluding time for recess. After this date, Assembly Bill 2407 was passed which made FDK an option. In this bill, several requirements for districts that chose to provide FDK included 1) the hours of the extended-day program may not exceed the hours for which services are offered for pupils in other grades that receive instructional services at the school site; 2) the extended-day program shall offer opportunities for rest as well as active experiences; 3)
the extended-day program shall be based on curriculum developed to provide opportunities for social, physical, and intellectual growth and development, and 4) the extended-day program shall meet any other criteria developed by the State Board of Education."
Discusses the feelings of the people of Mexico regarding tourism during the holiday, Day of the Dead, based on Lucero Morales Cano and Avis Mysyk's article "Cultural tourism, the State, and the Day of the Dead".
Abstract The paper is a review of an article entitled "Cultural tourism, the State, and the Day of the Dead", which the writer find particularly relevant to him because of his plans to observe Day of the Dead celebrations during an upcoming visit to Mexico. The paper then relates the emotions of the writer prior to an intended visit to Mexico during the "Day of the Dead " celebrations, noting that there is a conflict between the authorities who welcome tourism on this holiday and the civilians who see tourism as intrusion into a sacred historical ritual and oppose it being promoted as a tourist attraction. The paper also explains that the community is divided on the subject, as many recognize the economic importance of tourism.
From the Paper "These dynamics are evident in Mexico, particularly concerning how to mediate the conflict between the state and local residents over the tourist attraction that Day of the Dead festivities have become because of globalization. Cano and Mysyk have studied the problems which have arisen in the village of Huaquechula since 1988, when the one road leading into the village was paved for the benefit of tourists and the village became a part of the tourism circuit. In the process of studying the impact of these developments, Mysyk surveyed the villagers regarding their appreciation of the presence of tourists, their behavior, their feelings about tourists photographing or videotaping altars, and related issues."
Abstract This paper discusses the Seventh Day Adventists Church, its history and its basic tenants. The paper compares the beliefs and practices of Seventh Day Adventists to members of other Christian denominations and particularly Protestant groups from which the Seventh Day Adventists originated. The author also points to similarities to other Christian sects that also believe in the literal interpretation of the bible.
From the Paper "Furthermore, Seventh-Day Adventists observe the Sabbath on Saturday and not Sunday with most other Protestants. Their ascription to the traditional Jewish Sabbath also stems from the Adventists' firm belief in a literal interpretation of the Old and New Testaments. A significant feature of the Seventh - day Adventist religion is the promotion of an almost ascetic lifestyle. Abstinence from alcohol and tobacco is a core tenet. Moreover, the Adventists promote Biblical dietary guidelines similar to kosher practices. Finally, Adventists uphold Ellen White as a prophet."
Tags: church protestants prophet religon christ, seventh day adventists, baptists presbyterians methodists god
Abstract This paper is an analysis of Kazuo Ishiguro's "The Remains of the Day". It summarizes the story and analyzes the behaviour of its two main characters: Stevens, the butler and Lord Darlington. It examines Lord Darlington's connections to the Germans and how he helped them throughout the story. It deals with Stevens' doubts about serving Lord Darlington.
From the Paper "When Stevens, a perfect English butler, decides to take a motoring trip away from the residence he has dearly served for decades, he embarks on a deep reflection of his past as well. Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day switches from pastoral settings in Britain to the butler's reminiscence of Lord Darlington and his "greatness" during the postwar years. Stevens? idea of a great butler is one who serves an employer who contributes to the progress of humanity. Throughout the journey, he ponders if he had served a "true gentleman" or not. Lord Darlington is an extremely unclear figure. He is of high social standing, but even hosts "off the record" conferences with the most notable figures in Europe such as German Ambassador Ribbentrop and Neville Chamberlain. Stevens remarks that Darlington held the secret post Versailles conferences in order to improve the inhumane conditions in defeated Germany. Stevens recalls that he "could not help but be moved afresh" by Darlington's expressing ?great suffering he had himself witnessed in Germany.? Stevens has no doubt that his Lordship was a benevolent man. However, as he drives farther and farther away from Darlington Hall, he begins to realize the reality and questions the lord's true intentions."
Tags: analysis, britain, chamberlain, day, england, fascism, fascist, halifax, historical, history, hitler, ii, ishiguro, kazuo, lord, postwar, remains, war, world
Abstract This essay discusses how Eugene O'Neil's "Long Day's Journey Into Night" uses the Freudian theory of the unconscious in the stream-of-consciousness dialogue. The play is about a dysfunctional family, whose summer on the shore is filled with abuse of alcohol and drug addiction. Yet the family is in severe denial about this abuse. In this context, we see Freud's theme of how the unconscious operates.
Abstract This paper discusses the psychological aspect of the book ""Every Day Use". The story revolves around two leading characters that belong to different generations and therefore view culture and heritage differently.
Tags: LITERATURE / AMERICAN LITERATURE, criticism day use
Abstract A critical and analytical essay on the play "Long Day's Journey Into Night", written by one of the most esteemed American playwrights, Eugene O'Neill.
Abstract This paper discusses the use of a strategic business plan. The author includes in the plan for a day care center: Executive Summary, Company Background, Vision Statement, Mission Statement, Values Statement,
Environmental Analysis, Internal Environment, External Environment, Long Term Objectives, Strategic Analysis and Choice, Plan Goals and Implementation, Financial Projections, Critical success Factors, Controls and Evaluation.
From the Paper "Strategic planning is a comprehensive process for determining what a business should become and how it can best achieve that goal. The planning appraises the full potential of a business and links the business' objectives to the actions and resources required to achieve them. Strategic planning involves a systematic process to address the critical issues confronting a company or organization. Strategic Planning processes are often implemented to change the direction and performance of a business, set a proper context for budget decisions and performance evaluations."
Tags: strategic plan, day care, child care, Executive Summary, Company Background, Vision Statement, Mission Statement, Values Statement.
Abstract This film study analyzes the issues of economic and social stratification in conflict theory in relation to the film "A Day Without a Mexican". Through an understanding of the characters and society presented in this fictional comedy, the paper shows how helpless white society becomes when the Mexicans have vanished. This creates an economic and social vacuum due to the wage slavery and racial conflicts that white Americans impose on legal or illegal Mexican immigrants.
From the Paper "This aim of this film study will be to examine the sociological basis of conflict theory in relation to the film: A Day Without a Mexican, directed by Sergio Arau. The basis of social conflict lies within the racial stereotypes that white hegemonic society imparts on the Mexican population in America. By this form of racial subjection, the Mexicans in this film must struggle through the conflict of subjugating the Mexican race through American social and economic stratification. The film A Day Without a Mexican (2004) reflects the story of whites that are left without their Mexican servants and illegal immigrant workers to do their manual labor. The story revolves round both political and social lines in relation to how these people 'survive' in this comedy on Mexican social and economic status."
Abstract This review of Ernest Hemingway's short story, "The Three Day Blow," highlights the friendship between the two main characters. The reviewer focuses on the limitations of the relationship between Nick and Bill. The reviewer considers the two men's conversations about baseball and books and their deliberate avoidance of meaningful discussions. In particular Nick avoids discussing his relationship with Marjorie, the girlfriend he had just broken up with. The author concludes this avoidance shows that Nick felt he had to hide his true feelings about Marjorie to maintain his relationship with Bill.
From the Paper "The setting of the short story signals to the reader that there is some kind of problem for the main character and his relationships. Since Hemingway never grants the reader a single, extra word over what is necessary, the reader is immediately led to believe that some kind of storm hangs around Nick (Johnston 22). He has been rapidly cast into some kind of disappointment as signaled by the rapid onslaught of "fall wind (that) blew through the bare trees" (Hemingway 45). To continue this idea, the cabin porch is bare and even "the big trees (are) swayed far over in the wind" (Hemingway 45). A sense of disenchantment and a sense that something has been influenced, even pushed around comes through in the opening paragraphs. Hemingway allows much of the story to pass before revealing the source of Nick's disappointment - his failed relationship with Marjorie. Before that can be discussed, Hemingway has to guide the reader into the recesses of Nick's mind and into the nuances of his relationship with Bill."
Abstract This paper discusses Matthew 20.20-28 on Christ's commentary on achieving greatness. The author refers to the parable that precedes Matthew 20.20-28.
From the Paper "This research provides an exegesis of Christ's commentary on achieving greatness as found in Matthew. The research will set forth the context in which this lesson appears and then critically discuss the significance and meanings of the events in the passage."
