Abstract This paper first illustrates the argument that cultures of achievement are essential to democratic society. Then, methodologies for introducing such cultures to a community are proposed and examples of a plausible organization that seeks to achieve this goal in the form of an intra-mural squash club are given.
From the Paper "In a book called Geography of Nowhere - The Rise and Decline of America's Man-Made Landscape, James Howard Kunstler makes a dismal observation about the landscape of America. Whereas America was once a land of Our-Town-esque Main Streets and cogent communities, it has fallen into an amorphous array of highways, fast food restaurants, parking lots and sprawling pre-fab housing developments. He makes the claim that Eighty percent of everything ever built in America has been built in the last fifty years, and most of it is depressing, brutal, ugly, unhealthy, and spiritually degrading. The diffusion of American society to the corners of the carbon-copy suburbs and exurbs is lamentable, however, one is forced to ask why people fled the urban neighborhoods that had formed the nuclei of social interaction.
Robert Putnam, Dean of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, blames the alienation of the individual from society on the decline of group-oriented social activities. Not only does he see these as key to building better communities, he claims that they are essential to the American Republic. His book, Bowling Alone, has been considered the most important work on society in America in the 1990?s. In an interview about his book, Putnam described why he considered a competitive sport such as bowling to be such a crucial element in society. Writing in 1994, Putnam notes that although bowling alone, which is non-competitive, is up by 10% since 1980, the existence of competitive bowling leagues was down by 40%."
Abstract This paper describes the film "Rudy", the story of a small, working class boy who overcame his primary (father) and secondary (teacher) socialization factors to fulfill his dream of becoming a Notre Dame football player. The paper discusses that upon making this decision, Rudy surrounded himself with individuals who helped him attain his goals. The author believes that "Rudy" is a testament to the power of individual will over the powerful and myriad forces of socialization.
From the Paper "Unremarkably, Rudy decided to take a job in the local steel mill after college. At the mill, his close friend died from a horrible accident, and Rudy was reminded of the frailty of human life. He reexamined his life, and somehow, managed to set aside the limits that others had place on him. He tried to become a football player for the famous Notre Dame, his childhood idol."
Abstract The paper begins with some introductory remarks about the science of physics and by attempting to clear up some misconceptions regarding the way that pitchers throw balls. It then turns to discuss the storage of baseballs in a giant humidor and the effect of humidity on the motion of baseballs. It explores the materials used to make baseball bats and looks at their velocity. The paper concludes with an explanation of the new computer system introduced for the 2002 baseball season and a look at the involvement of physicists and engineers in evaluating this system.
From the Paper "According to some scientists, pitchers would defy the law of physics if the balls were actually thrown the way they were described. These scientist say a curve ball doesn?t actually curve, just appears to do so. They also say a rising fast ball is mislabeled "since a ball thrown overhand can"t rise (NPR, 1993).? They say players and announcers are incorrect when they say a ball hops, slides or hisses, since it is scientifically impossible, though they will admit a ball can sink a little. Scientists are quick to point out that a waist-high fast ball doesn"t actually rise when it hits your chin, but the hit occurs because the ball doesn"t fall as much as you predict it will. Announcers and players will disagree with these physicists, however, because they accept these concepts on faith and not science (NPR, 1993)."
Abstract This paper explains in detail the events surrounding the accusations of bribery, game fixing and scandal in the 1919 World Series Championships. It discuss event by event, examining the main players and the people involved. It explains how this was to be excecuted, the hordes of money people received, how they were found out and how this scandal broke. The paper also looks at how this scandal effected sports fans in America - how they felt that their heros had abandoned them and their dreams were shattered.
From the Paper "Naturally, the highlight of the baseball season in 1919 was the seventeenth annual World Series championships, this season bringing the Cincinnati Reds of the National League together with the Chicago White Sox of the American League. The early betting favorites were the White Sox, and for good reasons: their final regular season record of 88-52 was formidable, the team batting average for the year was a substantial .287, and they boasted two pitchers, Eddie Cicotte and Claude Williams, who had combined to win 52 games in 1919, fully fifty-nine per cent of their victories (THE PEOPLE?S ALMANAC #2, edited by David Wallechinsky and Irving Wallace, pages 91-91, Bantam Books, New York, 1978). In present times, a season of fifteen wins is sure to lead to contract renegotiation for a pitcher. The Sox were installed as solid 5-1 favorites to bring the title home to Chicago."
Abstract The body of the paper revolves around the following thesis which stresses the importance of exercise for children: In regard to and in support of the topic of exercise and children, recent studies suggest that when children integrate physical activity into their lives they sow a seed of unlimited potential that will enable them to reap the following fruitful benefits: a higher intelligence, an increase in self-esteem, provision for proper physical development, and a remedy for physical maladies and mental disabilities. The paper uses several studies on the subject to support its argument.
From the Paper "Children are known for their endless supply of energy. This infinite tank of energy often perplexes adults because they simply do not know how to direct it positively. However, the best explanation for this innate condition is that children are given a vast amount of energy for a specific biological purpose. When properly directed and harnessed, this abundance of energy allows children to develop both physically and mentally. Thus, parents should encourage their children to be involved in some form of physical activity. Physical activity does not refer strictly to structured sports, but suggest an open arena of play that will serve as a healthy outlet for the child's supply of energy. In regard to and in support of the topic of exercise and children, recent studies suggest that when children integrate physical activity into their lives they sow a seed of unlimited potential that will enable them to reap the following fruitful benefits: a higher intelligence, an increase in self-esteem, provision for proper physical development, and a remedy for physical maladies and mental disabilities."
Abstract Summary & analysis of historical development of martial arts in China. Religious & philosophical influences. Use by military for combat training. Classical theories of the importance of moral factors, solidarity & discipline. Moder pragmatic outlook. Daoist thought & exercises. Buddhism's emphasis on self-defense. Consolidation of basic theories. Development of shadow boxing.
From the Paper "Historical Development of Chinese Martial Arts
This research paper summarizes and analyzes the historical development of martial arts in China. The form and content of martial arts in China has been the product of the confluence and interaction of many religious, philosophical and practical influences dating back to ancient times. The most important influences have been the Chinese classical approach to warfare and military tactics, Daoist thought, Buddhism and various more modern syntheses of martial arts theories, including the teachings of the monks of the Shaolin Monastery during and after the Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618-907) and the Taijiquan classics during the time of the Qing or Manchu Dynasty (1644-1911).
Chinese Military Realities and Classical Theories
The martial arts in practical terms formed the basis for the..."
Abstract Discusses pros and cons of holding the Summer Olympics in the state in 2012. Major issue of security. Threat of terrorism. Tourism decrease in Florida after 9/11. Pros and cons of Central Florida as a site, and elements involved. The timeline. Facilities for Olympic events. Travel considerations. Housing of competitors and fans.
From the Paper "Pros and Cons of Florida 2012
Introduction
The issue that is at the basis of this paper is "Florida 2012", the name given to the organization spearheading a move to have the Tampa/Clearwater/Orlando region declared the site of the Summer Olympics in 2012. Several million dollars has been raised by the steering committee, and the citizens of the state are divided as to whether or not hosting the Olympics is the most feasible past time that the State should be pursuing at the moment.
This is based on the fact that Florida is being mentioned daily (and sometimes hourly) by news media around the world, usually in connection with the handful of young Muslims who felt compelled to take advantage of Florida's mythic hospitality and use the state, and ..."
Abstract Examines perceptions of coaches. How these perceptions are influenced by winning and losing, and coaches' feedback patterns. Discusses the CBAS (Coaching Behavior Assessment System); how it is used to measure and understand social reinforcements given to athletes by coaches. Research findings. Motivation theory. Associatioin between outcomes and coaching behaviors. CBAS Chart.
From the Paper "Introduction
This literature review will examine athletes' perceptions of coaches and how those perceptions are influenced by winning and losing and coaches' feedback patterns. The organization of the literature review focuses on the following topical areas: (1) athletes' perceptions of coaches; (2) coaches' feedback patterns; and (3) the effects of winning and losing on athletes' perceptions of coaches.
Athletes' Perceptions of Coaches
Smith, Smoll, and Hunt (1977) developed the Coaching Behavior Assessment System (CBAS) to measure and understand the social reinforcements provided by coaches to athletes and the effects of these reinforcements on the athletes and their performance. The general findings of research examining coaching behavior within ..."
Abstract Case summary of the U.S. bicycle company. How and where products are sold. Sales growth. Bicycle industry. Growth potential. Competition for market share. Cannondale's intention to enter the motocross market .Need to develop an exit strategy for the motocross product. Analysis of the Company's strategic management process. Financial performance. Recommendations.
From the Paper "Case Summary
Cannondale is a highly successful bicycle company based in the United States. It sells its products through independent retailers rather than through discount or department stores, and the company specializes in high-end bicycles that appeal to serious riders. The company is an international marketer with sales throughout the world, and it has moved from traditional manufacturing techniques to a highly sophisticated system combining CAD/CAM technology with Cannondale.specific and unique components. The company's products have an excellent reputation both for style and quality, and the company has enjoyed sales growth for each of the past ten years, although growth has slowed in recent years.
The bicycle industry itself is highly competitive with a number of manufacturers ..."
Abstract The paper looks at how polyethylene, polypropylene and other plastics have revolutionised the sporting equipment industry. It discusses several sports where plastics and composites have contributed to more light-weight, durable equipment, citing examples such as golf balls, boats and skis.
From the Paper "The advance of technology led to the creation of ultra-lightweight tennis rackets in 1999 (Dusek, 1999). Tennis rackets now weigh less than a can of tennis balls. Exceptionally stiff, high-modulus graphites, innovative designs, and titanium, are allowing racket makers to create ever-lighter frames. Titanium has also been used in strings and in tennis balls. Twenty years ago, a racket weighed about 13 ounces. In 1999 it was 10.2 ounces. One titanium racket weighs only 7.6 ounces. Design changes such as wide bodies and long bodies, shifting the weight from the handle to the head to move the sweet spot towards the top of the head of the racket have all changed the way the game is played. Space-age materials are being used in different areas of the head to reduce torque and shock for advanced players."
Abstract Interval training is a concept wherein a person works out at a medium to high intensity for a specified period of time or distance and then reduces the exercise intensity for an equal period of time or distance. A 1997 study found that splitting training tasks into intervals or repetitions will increase the amount of oxygen consumed and needed to be repaid after each unit when compared to performing the same distance at the same workload in a continuous or steady exercise regimen. The paper explains that intermittent, or interval, training tasks were found to place a greater load on the oxygen transport system than do continuous tasks This study investigates the effects of interval versus steady (continuous) training on endurance performance. The paper includes detailed tables.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Operational Definitions
Delimitations
Limitations
Hypotheses
Significance of the Study
Review of the Literature
Introduction
Theoretical Framework
The Muscle System
Muscle As Motors and Regulators
Classification of Muscles by Location, Function, and Structure
Gross Structure and Functioning
Structure of Myofilaments
Internal Membranes of Muscle Fiber
Skeletal Muscle Contraction and Muscle Power
Energy Pathways Involved in Exercise
Interval Training Versus Continuous Training
Short-Term Maximal Performance
Methods
Subjects
Instrumentation
Experimental Protocol
Design and Statistics
Bibliography
From the Paper "The creatine phosphate pool provides a buffer for the rapid supply of ATP for the work of contraction, as well as a link to the cellular sources of ATP. Depending on the type of muscle fiber, this cellular ATP is produced by one or both of two common biochemical pathways?glycolysis (anaerobic) and the citric acid cycle (aerobic). The aerobic pathway is the most efficient off the two; however, when muscle activity level reaches approximately 70 percent of the maximum possible level, aerobic metabolism no longer is able to supply the muscle with a sufficient supply of ATP. At this point, the anaerobic metabolism pathway begins to function. The anaerobic pathway works more quickly, although less efficiently, than the aerobic pathway, and thus can supply large amounts of ATP that are stored in the muscle itself (24)."
Abstract This paper examines the book "Clay v. United States: Muhammad Ali Objects to War", written by Suzanne Freedman. It outlines reasons Ali refused to be drafted, the actual court process and the impact the courts decision had on the nation.
From the Paper "The problem with the United States is that it always seems to become involved in events in which it has no place to be in. The Government seems to stick their nose where it doesn?t belong all too often. For many Americans one of these cases happened when the U.S. became involved in the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War was the first war that the U.S. was involved in that the general public did not agree to support or condemn it. The book Clay v. United States: Muhammad Ali Objects to War, written by Suzanne Freedman, describes one of the problems created by this "split" in the American public, the draft. For the entirety of the war there was always skeptics about what the U.S. was actually doing there. The Selective Service Act outraged many of Americans because of the opinion of the war. To show their disapproval of the war many refused to be drafted. Cassius Clay, a.k.a. Muhammad Ali, was one of these people but for different reasons."
Abstract This research paper summarizes and analyzes the historical development of martial arts in China. The paper explores the history of the artform as a product of the confluence and interaction of many religious, philosophical and practical influences dating back to ancient times. Included in the topics are the Chinese classical approach to warfare and military tactics, Daoist thought, Buddhism and various more modern syntheses of martial arts theories, including the teachings of the monks.
Contents:
Chinese Military Realities and Classical Theories
Daoist Thought
Buddhism
Consolidation of Martial Arts Theory
Conclusion
From the Paper "The martial arts in practical terms formed the basis for the training of Chinese for combat which in turn was influenced strongly by the nature and realities of warfare as it was practiced in ancient times and recounted by Chinese historians. Most of those histories related to civil wars between contending power factions, later to the wars which established China's first longlasting unified dynasty, the Han (B.C. 202-A.D. 221), and the wars fought by the Han against barbarians from Central Asia."
Tags: chinese, buddhism, buddha, dao, dynasty, tao, asian, form
Abstract This paper discusses that martial arts not only is the art of warfare but also has a philosophy based in an elaborate blend of ancient codes of conduct, ethics and a spirituality that appears to be a fusion of Daoism, Zen Buddhism, and Confucianism. This paper states that, making the leap from East to West, this merger of physical and spiritual mastery has become a booming industry in the U.S. resulting in action films and T.V. shows that, besides being a series of highly choreographed fight scenes, also conveys ethical messages, codes of conduct and spiritual direction. The author is concerned that many people are being exposed to the martial arts without any ethical grounding at all; thus a generation is learning the physical aspects of the martial arts without the ethical or spiritual code that has historically been taught alongside it and has no concept of how to take the right action in the face of a dilemma, of delayed gratification or of respect to others.
Table of Contents
Introduction
History of the Kung Fu Film
Bruce Lee and His Successors
Martial Arts in Film and on Television Today
Conclusion
From the Paper "Bruce Lee has been credited as the one who officially brought martial arts to the film industry in the United States. Although born in San Francisco, Lee spent most of his childhood making films in Hong Kong and did not return to the U.S. until he was 18 years old. Thus, he began to develop and teach Jeet Kune Do ("way of the intercepting fist") and to infuse his philosophy into the films he was in, "which was his ultimate goal in movie-making". Unable to break through the racial barrier in Hollywood, Lee went back to Hong Kong to become a superstar there. Only after achieving success did Hollywood notice him, resulting in "Enter The Dragon" (1973), the only Hollywood-backed film he would star in."
Abstract This paper presents a brief history of the game known as hockey. The paper begins with a background of the game and the word hockey itself despite very few documented facts or recordings of the actual origins. The paper includes a description of the transformation of the original game to the well known sport of today. The writer acknowledges the various versions of grass and ice, popular in both the U.S. and Canada. The paper concludes with up to date information on the game today.
From the Paper "Hockey got international exposure in the late 1800s. In 1895, college students from the U.S. and Canada played first ever series of four international matches ? Canadians were victorious in all. Canada made its mark in the world ranking of hockey when it won the first world and Olympic championships in 1920. Early 1900s saw some innovations in the game. Goal net was introduced in 1900. Blue lines to divide zones were added in 1911 and three 20 minute periods were introduced in the 60 minute game."
