Abstract This paper analyses the editing and suspense of the final sequence of the film "The Usual Suspects". It looks at Bryan Singer's use of editing in order to create suspense by examing the scene, shot by shot. It also assesses each of the methods used such as cross-cutting, with a detailed look at desired effects and actual effects.
From the Paper "The cross-cutting of perspectives continues, Verbal limps and drags himself down the street; while the car driving slowly behind; and Kujan has reached the steps outside the police station. It is at this point when an attack from the trailing car is anticipated. Singer then stops the chase in its tracks to give his final, blatant clues to the audience. We cut between two perspectives. An objective view of Verbal's posture changing to prove he is not a cripple, the final part of his act; and a subjective POV shot in the police station viewing the fax containing a sketch of his face. The car then stops, verbal gets in, and they drive off. This is where our link with Kujan ends. He is given neither of these last two clues/facts within the film. His case is catch Keyser, and ours just figure out who Keyser is, to which Singer given us all the clues."
Abstract This paper analyzes a 2003 article regarding the Bush tax cuts and argues that the cuts are in accordance with the principles of John Maynard Keynes. The paper discusses the theory that tax cuts can result in federal deficits that can lead to increased interest rates.
From the Paper "Monetary and fiscal policy are the two primary mechanisms used to stimulate and slow the economy. Monetary policy uses the availability of money-interest rates for example-to control how much money is available for investment and spending in the market. Fiscal policy on the other hand uses taxation and government spending to accelerate or decelerate the economy. While there can be many different goals for controlling capitalist economies, the overriding goal is to keep a balance between inflation-rising prices-and deflation. Inflation is sometimes described ..."
Abstract The paper maintains that Stott's book, "The Cross of Christ," is an important book. For those Christians who want to further explore the meaning behind the Cross and behind Christ's death, it is a thought-provoking resource. The paper explains how Stott makes a very good case for the Cross being more than simply important, but rather that it is a vital part of Christianity. Without the Cross, Stott argues that Christianity as we know it would not exist. The paper is of the opinion that after reading this book, it is difficult to argue with this perspective.
From the Paper "John R. W. Stott takes the position that the Cross is essential to Christianity. He makes his convincing argument by dividing the discussion into four parts, discussing the Cross as a symbol, the need for forgiveness, the spiritual benefits that the Cross has provided to believers and finally, on the practical and earthly teachings that the Cross can offer. Stott does not have all the answers on the subject of Christ's Cross. However, the book is a thoughtful and complex study offering suggestions on the subject of the Cross upon which Christ died. The Cross is important, Stott states, because it performs more than the single function of being the method of execution favored by the Romans."
Abstract This paper explains Wal-Mart's proprietary cross-docking system as part of a global supply chain management system. The paper describes advantages of the technique of cross-docking, how this innovation supports the replenishment of Wal-Mart stores.
From the Paper "Cross-docking is a relatively new and extremely effective technique used in global supply chain management. This technique can rapidly consolidate shipments from different sources and reduce the cost of outbound transportation by eliminating the inventory-holding function of a warehouse without hampering its consolidation and shipping functions. An important adjunct to the warehouse management systems now in use in many industries, Hill Fig cross-docking eliminates several intermediate steps in the warehousing process."
Tags:cross-docking, Wal-Mart, warehouse management system, global supply chain management
Abstract This paper discusses the relaxation by the Australian authorities of cross-media and foreign ownership laws. The debate seems to balance out as to the number of the pros and cons and the weight of the arguments of each side. However, sifting through the arguments the paper shows that they meet halfway on the need to protect media against excess concentration of power and foreign influence. On these concerns, the Australian government seems to draw lessons from the media liberalization programs of other developed countries, which are allowing cross-media ownership and foreign participation up to more manageable limits and only in specific media areas where activities are calculated to pose lesser risks. The paper concludes that the problem is that, despite these safeguards, people will always look at media deregulation with suspicion and misgiving because of the sensitive nature of this industry.
From the Paper "After Lord Morley left journalism to join government service in the early stages of the development of media in UK, there is an oft-quoted remark made to him by Kennedy Jones, co-founder of the venerable Daily Mail. "You left journalism a profession. We made it a branch of commerce," Jones told Morley. The equally famous rejoinder was: "The more, the pity." One view in effect exults that media has evolved into a business proposition, where profit takes precedence over its traditionally loftier priorities. The other opinion looks with sadness at such commercialization of journalism, implying that this is inimical to public interest.
That pithy exchange from the past captures the essence of the present-day debate in Australia triggered by the government announcement of plans to deregulate media after 20 years of controls on foreign ownership and cross-media transactions. The Morley-Jones clash of views between the public service and business orientation of media deferred to old UK conditions, but the same hairsplitting still rings true today and continues to reverberate throughout the world as economic opportunities diminish and competition for scarce resources tighten up. Since almost all sectors of national economies have been served up for foreign interests in the universal drive to generate much-needed foreign investment, governments in many parts of the world, both developed and underdeveloped, are fixing their attention on the media industry as the last remaining enticement for foreign investors. As Australian Sen. Ron Walker puts it: "Media has become the last major industry begging for reform to bring it to the 21st century." By inference, the senator is batting for a new scheme that would keep Australian media in step with the times by allowing foreign investment into the arena."
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the topic of non-profit disaster mitigation organization. Specifically, the paper analyzes the American Red Cross including the mission of the organization, its involvement in recent disasters, and funding issues. The paper also examines the Red Cross's relief and disaster efforts.
From the Paper "The American Red Cross has been in existence since the nineteenth century. Organized by nurse Clara Barton, it has grown to be one of the premier disaster mitigation organizations in the country and the world. It is a non-partisan, humanitarian organization responds to all types of local and national emergencies, from families displaced by home fires to war and terrorism victims. Its mission is to step in during any time of disaster and provide food, clothing, shelter, and assistance to any victims of that disaster."
Abstract This paper reviews Richard Fletcher's book, "The Cross and the Crescent," which presents a history of the relations between Muslims and Christians. The reviewer sees Fletcher's work as coming at an opportune times, since today the West often feels a sense of hysteria regarding anything related to Islam. The reviewer sees the "The Cross and the Crescent" as providing important information about Islamic civilization and culture, presenting the Arab world in a more comprehensive way. The reviewer also describes the Muslim view of the Christian world, and concludes by citing Fletcher's opinion that both cultures influenced each other.
From the Paper "Fletcher's book focuses on the attitude that the Muslims had regarding to the Christians and vice-versa more than to purely historical aspects. For example, he pays not so much attention to the historical events of the crusades, but to the effect they had on the Muslim population. The book provides a valuable insight to Islam and to the relations between Islam and Christianity."
Tags:Cross, and, the, Crescent, Richard, Fletcher, Christianity, Islam, West
Abstract This paper is a critical analysis of cross-cultural politeness using the Brown and Levinson's model as a basis for defining and understanding politeness and applying it to three Asian languages: Chinese; Cantonese and Japanese.
From the Paper "What is politeness? If I propose that 'politeness' be used as pragmatically terminology, the preferable definition is to be found in appropriateness. It can be also said to be universal only in the sense that every society has some sort of norms for the appropriate behavior, although these norms are vary. The primary purpose of this paper is to provide a cross-cultural context by applying a well-known Brown and Levinson's model (1978 and revised in 1987), which has been applied in various settings, from casual services, encounters to EFL classrooms. However, Brown and Levinson's model (1978) has been criticized for being too geared to Western (especially American) notions of "independence" and, hence, for its limited applicability in Asian contexts. I have attempted in the following by first giving a general and brief account for Brown and Levinson's model (1978), and then try to apply and analyze the Brown and Levinson's model (1978) in three Asian languages: Chinese; Cantonese and Japanese. "
Abstract If the purpose of social science, at large, involves the testing of possible theories and models for social improvement, it will have to contend with what at first appear to be complicating factors in increased numbers of places and situations in which cross or inter-cultural dynamics are at work.
Abstract This paper analyzes Emanuel Leutze's 1851 painting "Washington Crossing the Delaware". The artwork is examined in terms of the subject chosen and how the artist used light, color, form, mood and symbolism to recreate the historic event on canvas.
Abstract This paper discusses the effects of the personnel cost-cutting measures employed by major airlines in the United States and their relationship to aircraft safety. The research focuses on four factors - employee layoffs, increase on employee workload, cutting employee benefits and cutting employee training. The paper presents a survey on aviation pilots at American Airlines (AA).
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Background of the Problem
Statement of the Problem
Limitations
Delimitations
Definition of Terms
Acronyms
II Review of Related Literature Hypothesis
Introduction
Employee Benefits Cost Reduction and Wages Cutback
Employee Lay Offs
Increase in Employee Workload
Employee Training
Commercial Aircraft Safety
III Research Methodology
Introduction
Research Design
Research Model
Survey Population
Sources of Data
The Data Gathering Instrument
Pilot Study
Instrument Pretest
Distribution Method
Instrument Reliability
Instrument Validity
IV Results
Introduction
Demographics
Pilot's Awareness of Company Decision and Policies
Pilot's Awareness about AA's Cost Cutting Measures
Pilot's Perspective on the Effects of Cost Cutting Measures of AA to Commercial Aircraft Safety
V Discussion
Introduction
Pilot's Awareness of company Decision and Policies
Pilot's Awareness about AA's Cost Cutting Measures
Pilot's Perspective on the Effects of Cost Cutting Measures of AA to Commercial Aircraft Safety
Summary
VI Conclusion
VII Recommendations
Appendices
From the Paper "Since, 1998 the Government Accountability Office (2004) (GAO) of the United States had reported that majority of the leading airline industries have a difficulty of acquiring revenue and profit increase because of the growth of Low Cost Airlines (LCA) The proliferation of Low Cost Airlines has caused a strict competition in terms of domestic market share due to the relatively low prices that were offered and the relatively low cost cutting measures of LCA. Hence, it is reported by GAO (2004) that the operation costs of LCA have even increased to $1 Billion or 10% of its total operation costs. In effect of this, the research inferred that such an effect had a significant impact in terms of how passengers in general compare and view LCA to Big Airlines."
Abstract The paper analyzes Chris Murphy's article "What's Next" that focuses on current IT outsourcing practice and Lee and Margaret Covell's article "A Strategic Approach to Overhead Management" that discusses operations cost-cutting. The paper then looks at Joseph Bozada's article "Generating Shareholder Value: Much More Than Cost Cutting" that suggests that worker layoffs might be counter-productive and finally, the paper examines the editorial in the Measuring Business Excellence magazine that explains how improved cost-efficiency can also be achieved through an innovative use of accounting and financial processes. The paper notes that all four authors agree that companies need to look beyond such traditional cost-cutting methods as layoffs, outsourcing and downsizing.
Outline:
Introduction
Analysis: New Perspectives on Outsourcing and Operations Cost Cutting Analysis: Novel Approaches to Cost Cutting Conclusion
From the Paper "In today's challenging business environment, companies are considering cost-cutting strategies more often than just a couple of years ago. There are three well-established methods of cost cutting: downsizing, outsourcing and cutting the costs of operations (Crampton & Hodge, 2007, p.341). Managers usually turn to one or a combination of these strategies during difficult economic times and/or situations of company underperformance. However, according to many analysts, such behavior might be counterproductive and even dangerous (Bozada, 2004, p.17). While hasty layoffs and downsized operations might improve the immediate financial situation, in the longer term they might create a strategic disadvantage and even cut into future revenue gains. According to Bozada, this happens because "This approach primarily focuses on cost cutting and will, by definition, only produce limited results" (p.17). What is needed therefore is a strategic and innovative approach to the concept of cost cutting."
Abstract The paper presents the thesis that Tim O'Brien's "The Things They Carried" depicts Jimmy Cross' journey from boyhood to manhood and reveals a character marked by youth's naivete, unshared love, war, death and the feeling of guilt. The paper discusses the common features he shares with other soldiers regarding his young age, his lack of experience and his misinterpretation of the war. The paper also considers the differences between Jimmy Cross and the other soldiers, Martha's mark on Lieutenant Jimmy Cross and how Lieutenant Cross copes with the death of Ted Lavender.
Outline:
Abstract
Similarity to other soldiers
Differences between Jimmy Cross and the other soldiers
Martha's mark on Lieutenant Jimmy Cross Lieutenant Cross' coping with the death of Ted Lavender
From the Paper "The Things They Carried is the first of a series of short stories that depict soldiers' lives during war times. The stories are based on author Tim O'Brien's own experience with war and his own charter is sometimes included in part of the writings. The short story revolves around a platoon of soldiers fighting in Vietnam and the things they carry with them (not only the actual things but also what they carry in their mind)."
Abstract A discussion of the human sexuality of cross-dressing as it relates to psychology. The paper investigates the findings published in several books and journals concerning cross-dressing. The research also focuses on the treatments that are available for individuals that cross-dress and their families. The paper begins by defining cross-dressing and the psychological factors that can lead to the behavior.
From the Paper "Defining Cross Dressing can be a rather arduous task because it is a complex subject. One of the main topics that come to mind when addressing the subject is gender identity. (Bullough) A book entitled, Cross Dressing, Sex and Gender, explains that gender identity ?is the total perception of the individual about his or her own gender. It includes a basic personal identity as a boy or girl, man or woman, as well as personal judgments about the individual's level of conformity to the societal norms of masculinity and femininity.? (Bullough). The author goes on to explain that gender roles or the way that men and women are seen in society, can also contribute to cross dressing behavior."
Abstract This paper introduces and analyzes the topic of the Bush tax cuts. Specifically, it examines the potential effect of the Bush tax cuts on the economy over the next three years. It looks at how the cuts are a controversial measure to boost the nation's economy during a time of economic stagnation and crisis and how, although they began in 2001 and have continued with revisions through 2003, much of their economic effect on the nation's monetary situation will continue for the next three years and beyond.
From the Paper "While not all of the state and local governments' woes can be blamed on the Bush Tax Cuts, the tax cuts did add to the financial difficulties of the states. They have affected state and local taxpayers with higher taxes on a variety of services, from education to health care and corrections. These higher taxes are often move than any tax cuts received from the Federal Government, and so, the Federal Tax Cuts are negated by the higher state and local taxes. In addition, most states will not see light at the end of the tunnel anytime soon. In fact, states are grappling with many issues in the tax cuts, including the loss of estate tax revenues that will affect states for the next three years, and far beyond."
