DQ5 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

DQ5 - Essay Example If the data has some extreme values, then median becomes the most accurate measure of central tendency. However, one weakness of median is that it cannot be applied to raw-data and the data has to arranged in ascending or descending order. This indicates that this measure is time consuming and when data is very large it is very difficult to first arrange it in ascending order and then arrive at median. Mode is considered appropriate for nominal data and can be calculated very easily by observation. There are no calculations required when computing mode and hence it is very quick. The only disadvantage with mode is that it gives the least accurate answer and hence people do not use it despite it being the easiest measure of center or central tendency. Measures of dispersion describe the spread of data. Some of these measures include range, variance and standard deviation. It includes measures such as range, standard deviation and variance. The advantage of range is that it is very simple and tells you the spread of data. However, since it is dependent on just two values, the answer is not the fairest representation of the distribution. Another very important measure of dispersion is standard deviation. Since it includes all the values of the observation it is most likely to give a good and accurate answer. But, as the numbers are squared in computing standard deviation, the extreme values get more weightage and answer is distorted. Similarly, variance is another good measure as it includes all the values in a observation. The only weakness of variance is that it is very time consuming as each observation has to be squared. The number of observations that fall into a particular class is call the frequency or count of that class. Frequency distribution is a table that lists all class and their frequencies in a systemized manner. This table tells us at a glance that how many times a particular observation has been seen in our

Backbone network Essay Example for Free

Backbone network Essay The chapter starts out explaining how a BN (Backbone Network) works. Backbone Network: Connecting all of the LANs of an organization entails another type of network (BN). A properly designed backbone network provides a high-speed circuit that serves as the central conduit across which the LANs of an organization can communicate. They can also be used to connect LANs within a building, across a campus, and, increasingly, across much greater distances. A BN, as indicated by its name, is a network of its own. Besides connecting the various network segments, the backbone may have its own devices that can be accessed by other network segments Metropolitan area network (MAN): MAN spans a city and is often used to connect remote BNs. MAN in some cases can be considered a citywide BN and as the geographic distances they cover have increased, especially with the use of fiber-optics. BNs connect networks between floors of a building, across a city, or between states and countries. BN and MAN are sometimes used interchangeably, based on the scope of the BN. Network Segments: Each individual LAN owned by an organization is reffered to as a network segment. Horizontal Segment: A moderate- to large-scale organization might have a network segment on each floor of a multistory building. Because each network segment, or LAN, typically occupies its own floor, this type of network segment is often referred to as a horizontal network. For example, assume that a business occupies three floors of a building. On each floor is a separate LAN, or horizontal network segment. Vertical Network: LANs could, and probably would, be connected to each other by a BN. This type of multi-floor connection is an example of a vertical network. The BN in this instance is the central connecting cable running vertically from floor to floor that enables the horizontal networks to communicate with each other. Part of configuration analysis includes determining how each network segment connects to the BN. Generally, each network segment is connected to the BN using either a switch or a router. Deciding which Backbone Protocol to use? Questions to ask: 1) Traffic Demands 2) Constant Communication 3) Mostly Independent Gigabyte Ethernet: is a very popular choice for BNs. The IEEE’s initial standard for Gigabit Ethernet is the 802.3z standard. Gigabit Ethernet allows for a data rate of 1,000 Mbps, or 1 Gbps. A major advantage of all of the officially recognized forms of Gigabit Ethernet is that each form builds on the standards of the preexisting Ethernet protocol. This means that the MAC layer and access method for Gigabit Ethernet are the same as those for standard and Fast Ethernet. Additionally, Gigabit Ethernet supports both half- and full-duplex communications. Other protocols that might be used for a backbone include Frame Relay (FR) and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). Frame Relay and ATM are also frequently associated with WANs. As such, discussion of Frame Relay and ATM will be reserved for Chapter 7, which focuses on WANs. Backbone Architecture: two most common BN architectures are distributed and collapsed. Factors that influence a business’s decision as to which architecture to use include business needs, the condition of the physical facility (sometimes called the plant or campus), how users need to communicate, and the budget. The larger and more complex the organization, the more critical the decision becomes as to what type of backbone architecture to use. It can be very costly to change an existing backbone architecture once one has been put in place. Distributed Backbone: runs throughout the entire enterprise. This type of backbone uses a central cable to which the network segments are connected. The central cable, which is the backbone, requires its own protocol, such as Gigabit Ethernet; it is also its own network. The backbone is considered to be distributed because each network segment has its own cabled connection to the backbone. The backbone is distributed to the LANs by connecting the LANs to the backbone. They maybe connected with routers and switches. In some cases even servers. A distributed backbone typically has separate routers that connect each logical network to the backbone. Because separate routers are used, internetwork traffic may have to pass through several routers to reach its destination. One advantage of a distributed backbone is that it allows resources required by most, if not all, internetworking users to be placed directly on the BN. Collapsed Backbone: connects all of the network segments to a centra l, single router or switch. This central device is, in effect, the backbone. The network segments typically connect to the central backbone device by means of a hub, switch, or router. Because only a single,central backbone device is used, cabling is greatly reduced. Furthermore, additional connecting devices are not required. A collapsed backbone can result in significant cost savings. Backplane: is an internal, high-speed communications bus that is used in place of the connecting cables found in a distributed backbone. Because fiber-optic cabling is used to connect network segments to the collapsed backbone’s backplane, long distances are possible. With fiber-optic cabling, network segments may be widely scattered across a building or even a campus. Backbone Fault Tolerance: is the capability of a technology to recover in the event of error, failure, or some other unexpected event that disrupts organizational communications and functions. Should the backbone fail for some reason, internetworking may no longer be possible. In such an event, business could come to a standstill and, depending on the recovery time, irreparable damage may occur. However, if fault tolerance has been built into the backbone, internetworking will likely still be possible. Fault tolerance will determine its ability to survive an error, damage, or some other unforeseen circumstance. Redundant Backbone: Should one backbone become unavailable, the other can still be used for internetworking traffic. Furthermore, using a redundant backbone also allows for the load balancing of internetworking traffic. By placing half of the network segments on each backbone, internetworking traffic is shared, or balanced, across the backbones, resulting in improved communications performance. It is also VERY expensive. Wiring Closet: The patch panel is usually housed in the wiring closet. The wiring closet may also contain servers that provide resources across the enterprise. In a multifloor design, wiring closets are usually placed one above the other. Placing the wiring closets in vertical alignment greatly facilitates their connection. Data Center: usually moderately to largely spaced and house all of the necessary networking equipment for the entire enterprise in a central location. As with wiring closets, data centers should be tightly secured and environmentally appropriate for the equipment they house. The data center may contain routers, switches, servers, and even network segment hubs that connect individual devices to their network segment. Rack: Hubs, Servers, Switches, Routers are bolted to them. Packet Errors: Related to Early Collisions and Late Collisions Early Collisions: Collisions in an Ethernet network are to be expected, and the collisions themselves are not a problem. However, when too many collisions occur, say, 5 percent or more of the total packets, then corrective measures are needed. If this happens too often, the segment network may have to be split. Late Collisions: can be caused by excessive cable lengths. Another potential cause is the use of too many repeaters. Late collisions can result in lost packets that require retransmission by higher-level protocols. Runts: Too small of a packet, may result from a defective NIC. They are also caused when a transmitting device stops transmission in the middle of a packet due to the detection of a collision. Runts can never be entirely eliminated, because they result from normal collisions, but when the number of runts is greater than the monitored number of collisions, a problem is indicated, may be caused by a defective NIC. Giants: Too large of a packet, and usually caused by a jabbering NIC. Jabbering: NIC is one that is transmitting continuously and incorrectly. Unlike runts, giants are not the result of a normal Ethernet operation, and therefore indicate a definite problem. Whereas a bad NIC is the mostly likely cause of a giant, another hardware device may also be faulty or a cable segment may be defective. If a NIC or cable segment is found to be the cause of the problem, the best solution is to remove and discard the failing component and replace it with a new one. Broadcast Storm: When the total broadcast traffic reaches or exceeds a rate of 126 packets per second, a broadcast storm results. The major problem with such a storm is that it is self-sustaining, resulting in a flood of garbage packets that eventually consume all network bandwidth, preventing any other valid communications from occurring. SMDS (Switched Multimegabit Data Services): supports the exchange of data between LANs in different parts of a city or between network segments over a large campus. SMDS is a packet-switched datagram service for high-speed MAN traffic. SMDSIP (Switched Multimegabit Data Services Interface Protocol): provides for three layers of protocols that define user information frame structuring, addressing, error control, and overall transport. SMDSIP Level 1 defines the physical interfaces and the type of trans- mission medium and signaling system used. SMDSIP Level 2 provides an access method, defined in IEEE Project 802.6, that is referred to as a distributed queue dual bus (DQDB). (It is beyond the scope of this text to go into the details of DQDB; however, it is interesting to note that the access method used is not contention or token passing, but one called distributed queues.) SMDSIP Level 3 accepts user data and adds header and trailer information to it for processing by the SMDS network.

Analysis of the Movie Do the Right Thing by Spike Lee :: Do the Right Thing Spike Lee Racism Essays

Analysis of the Movie Do the Right Thing by Spike Lee The movie, Do the Right Thing, by Spike Lee is a hard hitting drama that deals with violence and racism in today's society. This film is set in a primarily black neighborhood in close to the present time. Right in the center of this neighborhood stands a pizza parlor that is owned and operated by one of the most important characters in the movie, Sal. In the beginning of the movie, Sal is shown arriving to work with his two sons Pino and Vito. This gives an appeal to Sal as a family man. Right from the start Sal is portrayed as a hard working, kind, and devoted individual. Just the fact that he owns his own business in these rough and tough times shows that he is a smart, efficient, and dedicated man. Later in the movie we learn that Sal did in fact build his pizzeria by himself from the ground up, brick by brick, board by board which was no little task indeed. The fact that Sal gets to share his creation and hard work with his sons makes it all the more special to him. After Sal has finished his pre-opening preparations Sal's Pizzeria is open for the day. Shortly after this, the main character of the movie, Mookie, comes strolling into the restaurant. Mookie works as the delivery man for Sal in this movie. Mookie literally delivers pizza, yes, but he also acts as a mediator between the two races. Sal relies on Mookie not only to get the pizzas delivered, but to also keep his fellow black folks happy with Sal so they will come and patronize his restaurant. I think that this shows a very interesting side of Sal. It for the most part pawns him off as a racist. On the one hand he can put on a happy face and greet all the black people as they shell their hard earned money out to him for his pizza, while on the other hand he turns into a bigot, hating most black people and talking behind their back while they are not around. Now I say most black people because Sal seems to have this father-son bond going on between him and Mookie where Sal is the white father and Mookie the black son who in the end finally rebels like all siblings do at some time in their life. Also Sal seems to have some kind of affection or love for Mookie's sister, Jade. When she enters the pizza parlor Sal insists, if not begs to

Digital Supply Chain Managment

| CLICK AND MORTAR TO PURE PLAY| HOW APPLE AND DISNEY ARE MAKING THE MOST OF THEIR DIGITAL SUPPLY CHAINS A Management Information Systems Project Assignment: Select two organizations in the same industry and study their SCM. Prepare a report on how the companies are managing their customers and suppliers. Make some recommendations as to how they can improve their efficiency. Submitted to: Sir Waqas Saeed Submitted by: Muhammad Babar Suleman Hassan Irshad Atif Murtaza Arslan Sadiq Arslan Zafar Ran Amjid Mehmood Ehtisham-ur-Rasool 01. INTRODUCTION 1. 1 AMR SUPPLY CHAIN TOP 25: STRONG SHOWINGS BY APPLE AND WALT DISNEY Apple stays on top with an unbeatable combination of killer financials and stellar opinion scores. AMR Research The AMR Research institute recently published its list of the companies boasting the best Supply Chain Management procedures (see Appendix 01). Two of the top 25 players represented a radical departure from the traditional Supply Chains. Apple tops the list with a supply chain which is as much a revolution for traditional supply chains as it is a negation of almost everything the supply chains have previously been characterized by. For one, Apple’s supply chain for its online store iTunes is completely digital in nature. It is the apex and materialization of what Management Information Systems and Information Technology Disney combines demand-driven advancements had hinted at. Another company in the top 25, the entertainment giant Walt Disney combines a digital supply chain with a streamlined traditional one with spectacular results. replenishment with new collaborative models for pure content distribution. AMR Research As lines between companies’ offers of physical and digital products become blurred, Apple and Disney are the forerunners of what will be the future of supply chains: The Digital Supply Chain. Additionally, both the companies’ supply chain models are based on the â€Å"demand driven excellence† model which is the modern solution to meeting the needs of the global market. 1. 2 GROWING IMPORTANCE OF CONTENT AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY The reason why the supply chains of Apple and Disney were able to rank so high is because both the companies were able to recognize the immense significance of digital content and Intellectual Property in the modern era. The music industry has by far experienced the most significant effects (positive AND negative) of digitization of music (in the form of mp3s and other digital formats). However where piracy quickly became the biggest challenge for the industry, sales of digital music have exploded over the past couple of years, thanks to Apple’s ubiquitous online store iTunes. iTunes started with 99 cents per song- now it’s a thriving market leader that encompasses music, movies, TV shows, apps, eBooks, podcasts and so much more. Disney benefits from â€Å"the best of both worlds† (as the title character of its popular Hannah Montana TV show would say) by combining a digital supply chain with its traditional practices such as that of supplying stores such as Blockbuster and Netflix with DVDs of its movies and TV shows. 2. THE DIGITAL SUPPLY CHAIN 2. 1 WHAT IS THE DIGITAL SUPPLY CHAIN? At the core of Apple and Disney’s fantastic success is the digital supply chain. The question arises as to what the digital supply chain is and how it differs from traditional supply chains. Before getting into the specifics, it is important to define the di gital supply chain. According to Wikipedia: â€Å"Digital supply chain is a new media term that encompasses the process of the delivery of digital media, be it music or video, by electronic means from the point of origin (content provider) to destination (consumer). Similar to how a physical medium must go through a supply chain process in order to mature into a consumable product, digital media must pass through various stages in processing to get to a point where the consumer can enjoy the music or video on a computer or television set. † All supply chains work within the same framework- the delivery of product from its origin to the hands of the end-user, while being worked on in every step on the way. Broadly, the digital supply chain involves the process of transferring digital content (music/video) from the content provider to the end consumer online and in a suitable format. The digital supply chain is different in four major ways: 1) 2) 3) 4) It exists solely online and for digital items. It is highly compressed and shorter. It has lower attached costs. It has an unbeatable inventory turnover rate. Recognizing the market forces and new technologies that are reshaping the industry, Capgemini has introduced its practice of digital supply chain, the content value chain: Capgemini is not the only company that has invested in digital supply chain solutions. HewlettPackard (HP) offers Digital Entertainment Services- solutions for digital supply chain needs of companies. The reason why the digital supply chain works is because of the immense increase that digital content has seen in its adoption. The results of a recent IBM digital consumer survey show a high trend towards digital content in every leading economy. Online access to digital content is most common in: Media and Entertainment (Music, Movies, Games, eBooks etc). E-learning Software Given the evolution in media, technology and the marketing scenario, the supply chain to manage this evolution requires a new set of complexities and metrics. Warehouses are being replaced with data centers, boxes replaced by bits, and trucks replaced by bandwidth. And it may very well be an easier supply chain to manage, with no inventory carrying costs, purchase orders, supplier scorecards, MRP, trucks, excess and obsolete, or quality issues, but it will take a new way of thinking. Long gone is the plan, buy, and make functions supply chains have been built on. Within the digital supply chain, you receive one item into inventory and sell it a million times over without restocking. Vendors can be paid for each digital asset sold, without having to stock inventory that may never move. Combine the enormous growth of the mobile market, a highly fragmented market expertise, and the asset costs to build and maintain a digital supply chain, and it’s clear the model is transforming traditional practices. So far, digital supply chains have been controlled by the innovators. But with the amount of digital content increasing dramatically and the Internet providing a point-to-point access for customers, the following will become increasingly important: Innovation—This goes for product and supply chain delivery methods. Time to market—Since digital products can be made once and sold many times, speed of collaboration between design and delivery will be a major measure of success Customer service—This includes quality of the transaction and product, speed of activations, and ease of refunds. 2. 2 THE DIGITAL SUPPLY CHAIN PROCESS The digital supply chain involves three players: Content Provider (Task: Encoding and Ingesting) Content Processor (Task: Vaulting and Processing and Transformation) Digital/Physical Retailer (Task: Packaging and Distribution) Intermediate components include processes like Quality Control, Digital Asset Management, Metadata entry, Digital Rights Management and the Content Delivery Network. †¢Media is converted from source to file. Vaulting †¢File based media mezzanines are stored and backed up. †¢Content is processed and transferred according to consumer needs. Packaging and Distribution †¢Media files are packaged and delivered to customers over the network. Encoding and Ingesting Processing and Transformation Apple and Disney both have a high degree of streamlining at every step of the process. The main functions of a digital supply chain are as follows: True on-demand product availability Ease of use and speed for content search and activation Pricing and subscriptions Quality management built on licensing and refunds One thing to remember is that there is no ONE digital supply chain. It’s as dynamic as it is flexible as you can see from the table below: Different media types Different business models Different technologies Different maturity of markets Different distribution models Audio / Video / Software / Games / Books Electronic sell through / subscriptions / free content Devices / offline vs. nline usage / formats / DRM Established structures vs. new models Direct-to-consumer / Aggregation 2. 3 COMPARISON WITH TRADITIONAL SUPPLY CHAINS The following table compares the digital supply chain with the traditional structure on the basis of some key processes associated with SCM. Value Addition Because of the inherent structure, each step of the digital supply chain has a higher percentage of contribution to the value delivered. As mentioned earlier, computer storages have taken the place of physical warehouses. The digital supply chain is at a high risk of security issues because of problems relating to piracy, hacking, viruses and data mishandling. Virtually, self-replenishing and never runs short! Because of superior communication, time costs are reduced. Disney is a good example of how on-demand product availability made possible by digital supply chains Increasing Download Speeds, Content Quality, Speed of Activation and Ease of Refunds are some of the benefits offered by the digital supply chain that give it an edge over the traditional supply chains when it comes to Customer Service. Physical Storage Security Stocking Time to Market On-demand product availability Customer Service 03. DEMAND DRIVEN EXCELLENCE The â€Å"Demand Driven Excellence† model has three overlapping areas of corporate responsibility: Supply Management (Manufacturing, logistics and sourcing) Demand Management (Marketing, sales and service) Product Management (R&D, engineering and product development) Basically, Apple and Disney’s strength is that they don’t treat their supply chain as an isolated business process. It is a crucial part of what makes the entire thing work and in order for its maximum efficiency, management of demand and products is essential simultaneously. Only thus, the supply chain is able to give such top-notch results. With visibility, communication and reliable processes all these three functional units can be made to work together for optimum performance. When these overlapping areas work together, thanks to compatible and efficient business processes, businesses are able to respond directly, quickly and efficiently to opportunities arising from demands from the market or the customers. Because all the three areas are able to rise up to any occasion of business opportunity and the tasks keep shifting back and forth among the units as required, in a hybrid, dynamic web of solution formation, Apple and Disney are Defining characteristics of supply chains built able to achieve superior results while each to this design [demand driven excellence] of their functional area benefits from include the ability to manage demand rather collaboration with the other two. AMR Research cites the demand driven exellence model as the reason why companies like Apple and Disney are able to perform so well. The new phrase that’s making the rounds in the corporate world is that â€Å"pull† is the new â€Å"push†. Creating solutions and coaxing customers to purchase them is fastly becoming a redundant technique. The modern business strategy is responding dynamically to consumer needs and making your solutions fit their demands than just respond to it, a networked rather than linear approach to global supply, and the ability to embed innovation in operations rather than keep it isolated in the laboratory. The demand-driven model is inherently circular and self-renewing, unlike the push supply chains of our factory-centric industrial past. AMR Research like a glove. The focus is to make them want what you are offering- and not wanting them to purchase what you’ve put out. Apple’s iTunes store is the perfect example. Previously, record labels put out albums out on the market and they were expected to sell based on the couple of singles released to the airwaves. The albums were â€Å"pushed† to the customers. These days, iTunes allows consumers to purchase individual tracks- and only the ones they want to- from any album. That way they are shifting control of the purchase entirely to the customer and it has only helped in mutual growth. The demand driven global supply chain is assessed by two key measures: Operational Excellence (Key Metrics: Perfect Order Rate, Total SCM costs) Innovation Excellence (Time to Value, Return on New Product Launch) The relationship of demand driven excellence and the key measures can be see in the following table which differentiates between market leaders and losers on the basis of their performance in the above mentioned areas. 4. APPLE AND DISNEY 4. 1. SPECIFICS Apple’s digital supply chain comprises procuring content from record labels and television networks (among others), processing the content to digital format and then making it available on its iTunes store. eBooks, Podcasts and Applications for its iPod and iPhone devices also form a big portion of the content that is distributed on its digital supply chain. The success of Apple’s digital supply chain is due to â€Å"an intoxicating mix of brilliant industrial design, transcendent software interfaces and consumable goods that are purely digital†, according to the authors of an AMR Research write-up. The authors also note that â€Å"the mechanical and financial benefits of this approach include extremely high inventory turns, minimal material or capacity limitations to growth, and excellent margins. † Following is an excellent article by a blogger on how iTunes manages suppliers and customers. ARTICLE 01: By Cara Smith As far as iTunes is concerned, both upstream and downstream supply chains apply. I feel iTunes use both strategies simply because in the case of upstream, iTunes acquire the vast majority of its digital content from well known music labels and film producers, who will trade with iTunes who will then use a downstream approach in order to sell their products and services onto their customers. Push vs pull supply models Nowadays with the digital music market at an all time high with sales hitting the roof, customers are experiencing a new way of purchasing. In terms of iTunes we can see that ‘pull’ is the new ‘push’ simply because customers are able to purchase individual tracks produced by an artist rather than having to purchase the entire album to only like one or two songs from the track listing. This then gives the customer the opportunity to customize their very own iTunes library or playlists with a range of songs made my various artists meaning that customers will want to hear what is in that playlist without having tracks or items pushed towards them. With the pull strategy concentrating solely on the customer the main importance of the company is to ensure they provide value and ensure the service will be one in order to ensure customer satisfaction as well as attracting new customer leading to a broadened customer base as well as increased sales rather than to deter customers from purchasing or visiting at all. Vertical integration vs disintegration vs virtual integration I would say that iTunes would most likely operate using ‘Virtual Integration’. I feel iTunes would operate using this strategy in its day to day running simply because they rely on management activities being undertaken and controlled by outside sources such as the record labels, film producers, application developers and many others, supplying them with all their up to date, high quality digital media and services of which their customers will purchase or subscribe to. Due to dealing with so many widely known record labels and film producers etc, iTunes always ensures to maintain a strong relationship in order to help secure any future deals these labels may offer as well as trying to broaden their supplier base at the same time. Evidence of value networks In terms of value networks I would say that by ensuring their customers are well looked after by providing them with everything they need and are satisfied with the products and services they are receiving, including the time in which it takes for a product to download or the quality of their purchase, iTunes will always maintain a good relationship with its customer and supplier base in terms of how they work in partnership with each other. By ensuring that their customers are always happy with what they are receiving it will be hard for iTunes to loose many of its customers at any one time unless some new top of the range platform was developed with extraordinary features of which iTunes has never thought of. Through continuously updating its platform and interface, whilst adding new and improved features and services iTunes always has something new for customers to explore giving them a sense of ease as they know customers will always be around to check out what new meaning that they are more likely to stay around and use its facilities. Evidence of efficiencies in supply chain As Apple iTunes continuously strive to provide the best quality service and produce top of the range goods they are always making changes to the way in which they deliver products and services to customers. With iTunes being considered the ‘Number 1’ music platform and online digital retail store, iTunes have proved they can be successful in every way possible by exceeding cashflow and turnaround targets through the huge demand for online digital content of which many of music record labels and film producers supply and give permission for iTunes to sell on to its customers at price. With this success iTunes will do anything and everything in order to keep its existing customer and attract new customers in, so with their ideas of continuous new and improved updates to the iTunes interface and by introducing better ways of syncing and managing your iPod or iPhone contents on the iTunes platform. In terms of ensuring customer have all the content they require iTunes it always up to date with the current charts and applications, however when a customer has made a purchase the item(s) will automatically start to download and will be accessible to listen to or view as soon as the download is complete. ttp://csmithcom425. wordpress. com/2009/10/30/week-6-supply-chain-management/ Apple’s revolutionary digital supply chain (nurtured by its demand driven excellence focus) is in addition to its distribution of its own physical products, the aforementioned iPod and iPhone as well as Macs and Macbooks. Whereas the line between the products that travel through Appleâ⠂¬â„¢s digital supply chain (music, movies, eBooks) and the ones that are distributed through its traditional supply chain (iPods, Macs) is quite distinct, Disney has a more blurred array of products offered on its digital and traditional supply chains. While it maintains its practice of maintaining top-notch physical distribution channels with its retailers (such as Blockbuster which carries Disney DVDs) the same content is also offered through its digital network (on-demand movies, online premieres, digital books), albeit not in the same format. The simultaneous existence of both the supply chains is necessary for Disney even though the content distributed differs only in format because the modern market demands ask for digital content whereas it has to fulfill the continued, if diminishing, demands of its physical etailers and varied businesses such as the supply chain needs of its theme parks. The Arvato Digital Services model can be used to understand how Disney manages the distribution of the same content across the two channels, digital and physical. Also, see the model on the next page for more detailed insight on how the Digital Supply Chain relates to Disney and other entertainment industry players. 4. RECOMMENDATIONS Our recommendation for both the companies would be to draft better licensing deals, capitalize on the immense potential of the digital supply chain, and use the internet to distribute digital content worldwide and not a select list of geographic locations. People in third world economies like Pakistan can make online purchases and download digital content as well. Without incurring significant additional costs, Apple and Disney can make their entire repository of digital content and access available without exceptions on the basis of location, and reap the financial benefits that will surely come. Apple has been doing a fantastic job of managing its supply chains but whereas its physical chain is finally sounder than it once was, the company needs to be careful not to underestimate the incredible popularity of its online content. Recently, during the rollout of a new iPhone, the physical supply chain was able to endure and accommodate the rush of early purchasers but the digital supply chain became overtaxed with demands of device activation and content synchronization which led to a slew of wait times, customer service issues and of course, unhappy customers. Disney should start preparing for a future where distribution of its content, that can be provided digitally, would be extinct. That would pose several new challenges for the company- Should it form lucrative liaisons with online retailers like Apple’s iTunes or sell its own content such as the TV Network NBC? An analysis of the pros and cons of both the alternatives could make better decisions possible in planning its supply chain strategies for the future. The biggest challenge we've been confronted with, preparing for, and have every expectation we'll be successful in is how technology will dramatically change the way consumers worldwide enjoy entertainment content,† DVD sales are already facing a slump (they slid by – Bill Patrizio, senior VP of 6. 9% last year). Studios are facing the dilemma of strategic sourcing and devising profitable solutions for the new age while procurement for Disney. trying to maintain profitability from the decreasing momentum of th e cash cow that was the DVD market. Our recommendation in this respect would be to brainstorm a fresh business model instead of trying to teach the old dog new tricks. A complete overhauling of the way the company thinks of content could be the solution for the problems that are sure to arise in the near future. The rumored â€Å"Keychest† could be a step in the right direction. Disney has always shown business savvy (as is obvious from the quote from 2005 display above) and we’re sure the company has some smart strategies thought out. REFERENCES Wikipedia Digital Supply Chain http://en. ikipedia. org/wiki/Digital_supply_chain AMR Research www. amrresearch. com PC World â€Å"How Apple’s Supply Chain fared during the 3G Rollout† http://www. pcworld. com/businesscenter/article/148429/how_apples_supply_chain_fared_during_t he_3g_rollout. html Cara’s Com425 Blog http://csmithcom425. wordpress. com/2009/10/30/week-6-supply-chain-management/ â€Å"Understanding the Digital Supply Chainâ⠂¬  Presented at Media-Tech Conference, 23rd April 2009 by Sven Deutschman, CEO, Arvato Digital Services EMEA http://www. media-tech. et/fileadmin/templates/europe09/pdf/presentations/MEDIATECH_2009_Sven_Deutschmann. pdf Business Week â€Å"Hollywood Is Worried as DVD Sales Slow† http://www. businessweek. com/magazine/content/09_09/b4121056770437. htm MESA Disney developing ‘Keychest’ for Digital Content Access http://mesalliance. org/blog/2009/10/21/disney-developing-‘keychest’-for-digital-content-access/ Information Week â€Å"Q&A with Disney's Patrizio: Digital Content Is the Future† http://www. informationweek. com/news/globalcio/interviews/showArticle. jhtml? articleID=160403913

How to predict the size of the medical school applicant pool for the future Essay

Many approaches can be used to predict the size of medical school applicant pool. To predict the size of the medical pool, several techniques can be used to address the problem. However, the results of the different techniques may vary from one to another. Thus, one should identify the proper technique to be used in the said scenario. Based on the problem background, the predicting technique the can be used to address predicting the size of medical school applicant pool is regression analysis. Regression analysis is statistical technique which has a goal of predicting, modeling and characterizing a problem. Regression analysis was chosen as a technique to predict the applicant pool because regression analysis rely on factors that can affect the result of the prediction model. Regression analysis can be used to identify factors that have great influence on the dependent variable being predicted. In this case, one can use regression analysis to predict applicant pool size depending on the factors that can influence the variable. Being able to determine factors that have great influence on the predicted variable means that the regression model created will give a better prediction of the variable being predicted (Cohen, Cohen, West, & Aiken, 2003). Several variables are considered to have an influence on the medical school applicant size. Some of the variables considered include seats given for incoming first year medical students and the quality of the applicants based on their GPA and MCAT results. Other factors can also be included in order to predict the applicant pool size such as the applicant-to-matriculant ratio. The ratio is an important factor identified as it is an indicator of whether medical schools are capable of filling their classes (Garrison, Matthew & Jones, 2007). With the use of regression analysis, one can identify factors given above that have great influence on the size of medical school applicant pool. Identifying such influential factors can create a better model that can predict medical school applicant pool. Thus, regression analysis can be used to address the problem of predicting size of medical school applicant pool.

The Treaty of Tordesillas

The Treaty of Tordesillas Just months after  Christopher Columbus  returned to Europe from his maiden voyage to the New World, the Spanish-born Pope Alexander VI gave Spain a head-start in the quest for domination over newly discovered regions of the world. The Lands of Spain The Pope decreed that all lands discovered west of a meridian 100 leagues (one league is 3 miles or 4.8 km) west of the Cape Verde Islands should belong to  Spain  while new lands discovered east of that line would belong to  Portugal. This papal bull also specified that all lands already under the control of a Christian prince would remain under that same control.​ Negotiating to Move the Line to the West This limiting line made Portugal angry. King John II (the nephew of  Prince Henry the Navigator) negotiated with King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain to move the line to the west. King Johns rationale to Ferdinand and Isabella was that the Popes line extends all around the globe, thus limiting Spanish influence in Asia. The New Line On June 7, 1494, Spain and Portugal met at Tordesillas, Spain and signed a treaty to move the line 270 leagues west, to 370 leagues west of  Cape Verde. This new line (located at approximately 46 ° 37) gave Portugal more claim to South America yet also provided Portugal with automatic control over most of the Indian Ocean. Treaty of Tordesillas Accurately Determined While it would be several hundred years before the line of the Treaty of Tordesillas could be accurately determined (due to problems determining longitude), Portugal and Spain kept to their sides of the line quite well. Portugal ended up colonizing places like Brazil in South America and India and  Macau  in Asia. Brazils Portuguese-speaking population is a result of the Treaty of Tordesillas. Portugal and Spain ignored an order from the Pope in enacting their treaty, but all was reconciled when Pope Julius II agreed to the change in 1506.

The Differences between Buddhist Music in Japan Essay Example

The Differences between Buddhist Music in Japan Essay Example The Differences between Buddhist Music in Japan Essay The Differences between Buddhist Music in Japan Essay Aragua The Differences between Buddhist Music in Japan, China and Tibet The Differences between Buddhist Music in Japan, China and Tibet The whole purpose of religion is to facilitate love and compassion, patience, tolerance, humility, forgiveness. -Dalai Lama Music plays an important role in religion, significantly influencing the worship practices of individuals who follow these faiths. As the music of a certain faith is influenced by the culture of a place, the music of certain peoples and places are influenced by the music of important religions that become deeply embedded in the culture. In this way, musical styles develop that are both religious and cultural, and are a reflection of both. This music is held in high regard by the people of these religions and cultures because it is the music that represents those aspects of life that are most precious. Culturally, music is a source of nationalist pride and unity for a group of people. Religiously, music reflects how followers worship their respective deities. In the Buddhist practice, music and chants are used for meditation across the global span of the religion. However, different forms of music and chants are used in a variety of ways throughout religious practices. The music and different forms of chants in the Buddhist religion affect Buddhist practices, and are also influenced by the religion and the different locations around the world in which Buddhism is practiced. Japan, China, and Tibet have the highest concentration of Buddhists and Buddhism is an integral part of the culture in these nations. In addition to Buddhism being reflected clearly in the cultures of Japan, China, and Tibet, each of these nations also has their own forms of prayer expressed through raying musical styles. In order to further investigate the styles and forms of Buddhist music, a short history of the religion will bring many of the elements of this cultural and religious music to light. Buddhism is based on a concurrent following of Four Noble Truths and an Eightfold Path. The Four Noble Truths are: 1) that life consists of suffering, 2) that the origin of suffering is attachment, 3) that suffering can only be ended through Miranda, and 4) that the path to the end of suffering is the Eightfold Path. This Development. The basis of the Buddhist faith is the belief in Karma (that the sections one makes in their current life will be returned to them in their future lives) and Rebirth (that one will be reincarnated in another life after death). There are a variety of different forms of prayer, worship, and meditation practices in the Buddhist religion, and each of these practices involve different forms of music and chanting. Every detail of faith, from the Four Noble Truths to the deep belief in Karma, is reflected in the sounds of Buddhism. These sounds have become a part of the Japanese, Chinese, and Tibetan cultures and are a constant reminder of the Buddhist tradition in these parts of the world. For example, In a Zen temple, the hours of the day may be marked by the deep somber tones of the big o-gang bell in the bell tower, evoking the idea of impermanence (Mall 1959). A bell tower can be heard for miles around and will create an environment of thoughtful contemplation for the surrounding area, further connecting the culture of a location with the precious music of a religion, and constantly reminding practicing Buddhists of their beliefs and education to follow the Eightfold Path. The effect of a Buddhist Temple bell tower may be felt in a number of religious raciest; the Muslim call to prayer is heard from a mosque across entire cities at midday, and the melodious clanging of Catholic and Christian cathedral bells may at times reach a volume that could only be described as a roar, but each of these sounds is a reflection of the religious practices these holy buildings house. Buddhism is set apart from other religions in the intricate and sacred ceremonies that revolve around the music of the religion. Wellness expresses his rapture at Buddhist music, There is scarcely any religious denomination on the face of this earth in whose cared ceremonies music holds a more prominent place than Buddhism (Wellness 1957) In oral traditions of Buddhism, the words of a sacred text are learned and recited from memory. Chant is a ritual used as a musical representation of this oral tradition. Not only are sacred texts memorized, but when these texts are recited, they are said with rhythm and pitches, which create a more spiritual and reverent atmosphere during the ritual of chant. The Buddhist monks who perform these chants therefore memorize the sacred texts as well as the specific choral or pitched movements or intervals that are carefully placed throughout the chants to emphasize certain parts of the texts and evoke certain emotions tied to the sacred traditions reflected in the texts as well as in the act of chanting. This ritual of chanting is a religious experience for the monk who is performing the chants as well as for the viewers of the bring awareness to the mentality of truth and living deeply connected with the present moment, an important aspect of faith for followers of Buddhism. Again, Just as different countries have different styles of music that reflect their ultras and people, the three countries in which Buddhism is most prominent, Japan, China, and Tibet, have different cultural forms of Buddhist music that represent their strong Buddhist faith as well as integrate the musical instruments and aspects of their culture. The music of these countries is similar in many ways, laced together by the common thread of Buddhism to guide the development of music for worship, but each nation still reflects the unique culture of the place in the Buddhist music of the people. SOMY is an improvised chant that has two styles: rooky and rooky. SOMY uses the You scale, a pentatonic scale with ascending intervals of two, three, two, two and three semitones. SOMY is a form of esoteric ritual chant that is used worldwide in the Buddhist tradition, though the use of this chant is also relevant to the place in which people worship. SOMY is a type of music that possesses mystical syllables inhabiting the recitation of certain mantras. When this form of music is performed, the assembled congregation attain a blessing from hearing these chants. Since SOMY is a type of chant and meditation that is used in the Buddhist religion and cultures, it is influenced by the Buddhist faith, but t is also influenced by the cultures around it. While most forms of Japanese Buddhism use music quite prevalently, true SOMY is a rare find in Japan, present only in a select few temples on specific ceremonial occasions. In the scope of Buddhism in Japan, the influence of Buddhism of other cultures and the influence of other languages are accepted as a part of the music, and part of the ceremony. Japanese Buddhist liturgical chants are divided into three different categories: Bonsai, hymns in which Chinese characters stand for Sanskrit sounds, Was, hymns with texts written in Japanese, and Kansas, hymns with purely Chinese texts. In the way Chinese text substituting Sanskrit, and Chinese text standing alone are clear examples of the blending of languages and culture throughout Japanese Buddhism, and the truly worldwide breadth of the Buddhist religion. Surprisingly, hymnal texts written in Japanese only occupy one of the categories of Japanese Buddhist texts. The most melodious of these chants is the Was. Was tends to be heavily syllabic in style, poetic in text, and with a clear line, creating a musical chant that is most like the more Western understanding of religious hymns and worship music. Compared to Was chants, SOMY is much more complex musically, and the rarity of this type of worship music makes it that much more intriguing for anyone who is privileged to hear it performed. There are two levels of SOMY that are observed, the first style lies exclusively in the domain of priesthood, which passes from master to pupil continuously, as reflection of the that is observed is for the public to observe, but is still only performed by Buddhist priests and monks. Yet many of these mantras, or Hookup, are reserved only for those in priesthood. Hookup literally meaner a mystery piece or secret composition. The secrecy of these mantras is due to the belief that they are a psychic and cosmic force. There is power to this chant because of the presence of the mystic syllable mm, which is sacred in the Buddhist religion. In this way, the importance of music to Buddhism is further solidified by the private performances of SOMY, proving that the music and chants of the Buddhist tradition are not only for the benefit of the congregation or as a type of worship, but also as a sacred way of passing on priesthood between holy leaders. In another form of these Japanese chants, Kansas, four ritual sections comprise and cake sense of the chants, each a different genre of chants, used for different occasions and to evoke a variety of different emotional responses. The first, Bombay, is a hymn of praise, used during ecstatic times of worship. Second is the Gangs, an elaborate chant performed by priests while they deliberately and ceremoniously scatter lotus flowers, a Buddhist symbol of enlightenment. The don-on is an offering of pure chant or mantra to the Buddhist deity, Buddha himself. Lastly, the Shake-Joy is a chant that occurs toward the end of any service as a closing, a contemplative farewell. These chants explore Japanese Buddhism in greater depth and allow one to understand the different ways that music and chants are used in the ceremonies and services of the religion. The music of Buddhism is central to the faith because without music many Buddhist ceremonies could not take place, which is a crucial difference between Buddhism and other faiths, many of which employ music to aid worship, but the central aspect of the religion would not be lost if the music were missing. The important role that music plays to the Buddhist faith is clearly represented by the complexity of the music and chants. Each song and chant has a pacific meaning, a particular time and place, and even is performed by certain Buddhist leaders. After the Eddo period, Western music and influences enter Japan during a time known as the Meijer Period (1868-1911); however, the new western influence did not completely replace the traditional music styles that were established during the Eddo period. The Meijer period introduced western concepts such as harmonistic and fixed meter and tempo, which was not common in music from the Eddo period. These western influences were combined with the traditional Japanese scale and were implemented into the newly developed public school systems. Many of the songs that were used were traditional Japanese folk songs or western songs that had been translated into Japanese text. One of the primarily Japanese instruments with a religious affiliation is the Chihuahuas. Most of the recent pieces played on this instrument are derived from spiritual or meditative songs. During the Eddo period, a group of priests called the Sumo used the instrument as a spiritual tool to help focus breathing for meditation. These priests were from a sect of Buddhism that saw the instrument as a way to achieve enlightenment by playing songs that inspired Winnie is a term used by the Chinese that refers to music. Fabian is a term to denote Buddhist monastic chants. It has been used by the Chinese since Buddhism was introduced. Fabian in translation meaner scripture recitation; it is emphasized that the chants be tranquil. Chant is the only body of liturgical action and an expression of the liturgy itself. It is used to channel liturgical participation amongst the people. Gate is a sacred verse. Buddhist music has made an influence on world music Just as it has been influenced. Buddhist famine, which is characterized by a relaxed and say pace with solemn, soft tones. Chinese music has been influenced by Famine when it was developed to popularize a new style of giving sermons and publicizing the Dharma sung to famine melodies. According to the Vienna in Ten Recitations, regularly listening to Buddhist famine can give the following five benefits: a reduction in bodily fatigue, less confusion and forgetfulness, a reduction in mental weariness, a more elegant voice and greater ease in both personal expression and communication. The style of chanting in Tibet is called choral singing, it allows the monks to sing solo chords. The monks of Tibet are able to produce deep, guttural monotones that disperse into polyphony. As a Western listener it is likely to assume that the monks are singing in parts, however each monk is displaying a full set of sounds and pitches of firsts, thirds, fifths and additional overtones as well. The ability to produce these overtones and multi-phonics with one voice has been researched and there is no reason or explanation why these monks are able to sing this way. There has been studies that think it is because of the location of Tibet because it is located at the highest elevation in the world. The monks begin training at the age of twelve, before their voices will be classified as bass, baritone or tenor voice. The average monk is able to produce a D two octaves below middle C; which is beneath the range of most male singers. The ability to produce these sounds comes with great focus which allows the singer to achieve the awareness that is stated in the Eightfold Path. Meditation Mindfulness is Buddha word for meditation. By mindfulness he meaner: you should always remain alert, watchful. You should always remain present. Not a single thing should be done in a sort of sleepy state of mind. You should not move like a somnambulist, you should move with a sharp consciousness. SOHO There is a sense in which the monk, in deep meditation, is thought to hear within himself spiritual sounds of specific types that only he can hear. The frame drum, cymbals, conch horn, double-reed oboe, long trumpet and thigh-bone trumpet are though to evoke the thudding, crashing, ringing and tapping within his body; which mirrors the spiritual forces of the universe. (Mbabane: 21) Upon hearing these sounds, the pe rson may naturally become mindful of the Buddha, mindful of the Dharma and tart, so music inspires or induce the spirit with sounds that they hear. Music plays an important role in religion, influencing the worship practices of each individual who follow these faiths. In the Buddhist practice, music and chants are used for meditation across the global span of the religion. However, different forms of music and chants are used in a variety of ways throughout religious practices. The music and different forms of chants in the Buddhist religion affect Buddhist practices, and are also influenced by the religion and the different locations around the world in which Buddhism is practiced. From SOMY chanting in Japan to choral, monophonic singing in Tibet, there are many differences and approaches in attaining mental wellness and achieving focal awareness in the Buddhist religion to spread the Dharma and become as Buddha-like in nature as the individual Buddhist follower can. Whether one believes in a religion or not, and whether one believes in rebirth or not, there isnt anyone who doesnt appreciate kindness and compassion. -Dalai Lama Bibliography Chin, Pi-yen. Buddhist Chant, Devotional Song, and Commercial Popular Music: From Ritual to Rock Mantra.

7 Steps to Getting Enough Sleep in College

7 Steps to Getting Enough Sleep in College Theres a reason most college students sleep in whenever they have the chance: theyre exhausted, sleep-deprived, and in desperate need of some sleep at any given time. And yet, finding time to sleep in college can be quite challenging. Sleep is often the first thing to get cut when stress levels and workloads pile up. So just how can you find time to sleep in college? 7 Steps to Getting Enough Sleep in College Step #1: Do your best to make sure you get a certain amount every night. This one is admittedly common sense, but theres a reason why its listed first. If you get 7 hours on Monday, 2 hours on Tuesday, etc., this pattern can wreak havoc on your bodys (and minds) ability to really rest and recover as you sleep. Getting a decent and consistent amount of sleep each night is your best bet for not feeling exhausted during your entire 4 (or 5 or 6) years of college. Try to set up a sleep pattern that works for your schedule and do your best to stick to it. Step #2:  Take naps. The reality of college life, of course, often gets in the way of the previous suggestion. So what can you do? Take naps, whether they be 20-minute power naps or a nice, 2-hour nap between classes in the afternoon. The sleep will let you rest and recover while still allowing you to take on the remainder of your day. Step #3:  Exercise. Besides keeping you healthy, exercise helps you sleep better. While your schedule may be packed, finding time to exercise is easier than you think and can definitely help increase your energy level and decrease your exhaustion. Step #4:  Eat well. Also in the I know I should do that, but ... category, eating well can help make your sleep more restful and productive. Think about how you feel if you eat a good breakfast, a healthy lunch, and a not-too-crazy dinner. Eating well makes during your waking hours, and the same applies to your sleeping hours. Healthier meals really do mean healthier sleep. Choose wisely! Step #5:  Dont pull all-nighters. Yes, the dreaded all-nighter is a rite of passage for many, if not most, college students. Yet they are positively dreadful on your body (and mind and spirit and everything else). Do your best to figure out how not to procrastinate in the first place so you dont have to pull all-nighters during your time in school. Step #6:  Make sure your sleep is restful. Falling asleep with the TV on, the lights on, your roommates music on, and tons of people popping in and out all night may look like a normal night for you but it is not a normal and healthy way to get restful sleep each night. Sleeping in a non-restful environment can sometimes leave you feeling more sleepy than refreshed in the morning, so do your best to make sure that when you go to sleep you can actually, you know, sleep. Step #7:  Watch your caffeine intake. College life requires a lot of energy which sometimes means that students walk around drinking coffee all day, every day. But that cup of coffee you drank after dinner may very well keep you up until breakfast tomorrow. Try to avoid having too much caffeine  during the later hours of the day so that you can actually rest (instead of fight the last of your caffeine buzz) when you finally go to sleep at night.

Swot Analysis of Elderly Phones Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Swot Analysis of Elderly Phones - Coursework Example The company will also have a wider market to sell these phones. Many companies in the modern world are keen in making products that satisfy the demand of the young generation. The company specializing with the manufacture of phones for elderly people will thus enjoy a large untapped market (Hm 2009, p.156). Though the company will have all the above mentioned competitive advantages, it will also face an enormous barrier in its attempt to advertise it new product. Most companies now days are using social media to advertise their product. It will be an ineffective channel to be used by a company dealing with products demanded by customers of +55 years and above. This is because the majority of curly users are youths (Lesley & Wing 2003, p. 189). It only a small proportion of the old generation that uses curly. In case the companies unknowingly select prices viewed as unfavorable by the customers, then their products will almost lose all its customers. Old people are price sensitive. In case they feel that the price set for a commodity is high, they will shift to other cheaper commodities (Lesley & Wing, 2003, p. 225).Elderly people are also too rigid. In case the company happens to make a mistake in its process of Being the first company to identify such a unique market gap, it will create a large market share. This is due to the fact that the company will gain customers trust before other companies’ entry. The trust created will give the company a cutting edge in the market (Lesley & Wing 2003, p. 421). This may scare away other companies willing to enter the market thus giving the initial company room to be the sole supplier of the brand to the market. The company also has a chance to expand its product to other technology. After capturing it initial target market, the company has a chance to develop other product line to serve

The enviorment now and then Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The enviorment now and then - Essay Example They argued that the people are ignorant about the slow killing process of industrialization. The article suggests that manipulation of strong law of nature is not possible for the human beings as nature would pay back to men in larger magnitude. The environment may well be the gut issue that can unify a polarized nation in the 1970s. It may also divide people who are appalled by the mess from those who have adapted to it. Here we can see that, it is in the 21st century that people realized the great aftermath of environmental pollution. In 20th century, only intellectuals, scientist and anthropologist predicted environmental disaster as they have the mental potentiality to vision the future. But the men of this age did not experience any threat from nature due to the industrial revolution .It is a fact that â€Å"nature don’t take leaps† but act on a slow basis. Gradually, as people entered the 21st century, the global environmental threat like global warming and risin g of sea level started to surface. This is exactly when the human population repented about the emergence of industrial revolution. Perception of environment pollution in past and present In the 20th century, the world was just witnessing the industrialization and people saw an immediate upsurge in transportation and emergence of factories. ... This shows the degree of ignorance among people regarding the nature and different aspects related to it. If we enquire about â€Å"ecosystem† to any educated person in 21st century he would definitely define it to us. The people of past, had little or no scientific facilities to unlock the effect of industrialization. Scientific world does mention about ecology and negative impact of industrialization on nature, but could not understand the practical impact of industrialization on nature. People in 20th century were appalled by the environmental mess but could not contain it any way. When we discuss of environmental pollution during 1970s, the effect of automobile pollution on nature was of less magnitude that that of 21st century. According to (Singh, 2009, pg.358) â€Å"Global affluence has vastly increased mobility. The number of motor vehicles in use worldwide has more than doubled since 1970, to the now imposing figure of about 600 million cars and trucks†. Here w e can assert that, the people of 1970s were appalled by environmental pollution and people of 21st century are adapting to the adverse natural phenomenon. Ecology – A Subversive Science Ecology in scientific terms relate to the relationship between man and living organisms in a natural environment. Ecology could also be considered as the study of natural web of life. However, ecology of man itself cannot be examined as there is no technique or body of thought related to it. It is easier to see ecology as a subversive science as the web of life in which the human exists is too simple or meager. This ecological natural relationship between man and living organism is elastic but has insufficient depth. Ecology itself cannot be studied but only

Elisabeth Louise Vige Le Brun Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Elisabeth Louise Vige Le Brun - Research Paper Example A wealthy heir Louise Marie Adelaide de Bourbon later patronized Elisabeth Louise Vigee Le Brun. During this period, she received advices from Joseph Verne, Jean-Baptist Greuze, Gabriel Francois, and other masters of time (May 3). She also taught herself to paint through copying established paintings of peter Paul Rubens. Elisabeth Louise Vigee Le Brun adopted a technique of painting layers of brilliant color on panels of wood to achieve polished, animated, and immensely attractive portraits of aristocracy and European royalty. She mastered a neo-classical art, an unemotional and severe and form of art harkening back to the grandeur of Rome and Ancient Greece. Its rigidity was a reaction to the emotional charged Baroque style and the over bred Rococo style. Her style is generally considered Rococo and shows interest in neoclassical painting subject. In her early, teenage Louise Elisabeth was painting professional portraits. She applied to the Academia de Saint Luc, after her studio w as seized for operating it without a license. The academie immensely exhibited her work in their salon. Elisabeth Louise Vigee Le Brun was made a member of the academie in 25 October 1783. She got married on 7 August 1775 to Jean-Baptist-Pierre who was an art dealer and a painter (Dunn 4). Elisabeth Louise Vigee Le Brun painted portraits of many of nobilities of the day as her career blossomed. She was invited to paint Marie Antoinette at the palace of Versailles. The queen was so much impressed that Elisabeth Louise Vigee Le Brun painted her portrait together with her family for more than thirty times within a period of six years. She was viewed as the official portraitist of Marie Antoinette hence immense friendship grew between them (Bietoletti 76). Louise Le Brun had an unerring instinct of costume, a flair for innovative poses, and the ability to capture a likeness with relative ease. Elisabeth Louise Vigee Le Brun gave birth to a doughter Jeanne Julie Louise on 12 February 178 0 whom she called â€Å"Julie†. In 1781, she toured Netherlands and Flanders together with her husband. The works of the Flemish masters inspired her to try new techniques of painting. With the new techniques, she painted portraits of the nobility including the one f the prince of Nassau (Fredrickson and Webb 51). Elisabeth Louise Vigee Le Brun was accepted in France’s Academie Royale de Peinture ET de Sculpture as a member on 31 May 1783. She painted numerous portraits with allegorical history painting that she considered her peace bringing back the prosperity. The academy refused to place her work in the academic category of a type -either history or portraiture. She was denied admission in to the academy because her husband was an art dealer. Eventually, she was admitted into the academy through Louis xvi order after a considerable pressure by his wife Marie Antoinette in favor of her portraitist (Bietoletti 77). Elisabeth Louise Vigee Le Brun caused a public minor scandal with her own portrait in which she was seen smiling open-mouthed in contravention of conventions going back to antiquity. In 1789, she was succedent to Marie Antoinette as a court painter by Alexander Kucharsky. During the French Revolution, the royal family was arrested. Elisabeth Louise Vigee Le Brun fled France with her daughter Julie. For some years, she lived and worked in Austria, Russia, and Italy where her experience of dealing an aristocratic clientele was

Quistclose trust and the requirements for its creation Essay

Quistclose trust and the requirements for its creation - Essay Example It is whether his conduct renders him liable for having assisted in a breach of trust.† Lord Millett in Twinsectra Ltd v Yardley and Others [2002] 2 AC 164 at paragraph 52. Definition of a Quistclose trust A Quistclose trust is created when a creditor extends a loan to a debtor with the condition that the money lent should be used for a particular purpose. In commercial parlance, a Quistclose trust is â€Å"a means by which a lender of money can retain a ‘security interest’ in loan moneys only for specified purposes†.1 If the money is used by the borrower for a purpose other than that specified in the loan agreement, a trust is then imposed on the money in favour of the lender. How this works in the lender’s favour is best appreciated at such instance that the borrower is rendered insolvent. During insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, the insolvent borrower’s estate is distributed according to the procedure specified by law. If a trust were no t created on the loan amount, then the creditor who extends such loan is an unsecured creditor, and his claim on the borrower’s assets will be included and classified among the other claims from other creditors. It shall therefore be settled pursuant to the hierarchy of claims, of which such unsecured loans have a low priority and may remain unsatisfied due to insufficiency of the estate.2 On the other hand, the Quistclose trust creates a security interest on the loan, meaning that such may not be distributed in the insolvency proceedings from the borrower’s remaining estate. Even if the borrower is not rendered insolvent after the loan is contracted, the lender retains the right to recover the loan amount, even to trace the loan money into the hands of third parties to whom it was given in breach of the loan contract.3 First Issue: Nature of the Quistclose trust and the requirements for its creation The Quistclose trust (from the judgement rendered in Barclays Bank Lt d v Quistclose Investments, Ltd. in 1970) gives rise to several legal requisites: (1) It is important to precisely identify the sort of â€Å"security interest† the lender acquires. (2) It is important to know whether the lender â€Å"retains† a right in the original loan moneys throughout the life of the loan contract, or whether the right is created for the first time only at such time the borrower disobeys the terms of the loan contract, or whether the right comes into existence in some other ways. (3) It is important to categorize which kind of trust the Quistclose trust is – whether it is an express trust, resulting trust, constructive trust, or another type of construct. (4) It is important to consider how the precise terms of any loan contract alter the appropriate analysis on the facts of any given case.4 The difficulty with defining Quistclose trusts in terms of the foregoing is that Quistclose trusts are created by operation of law, arising out of any situation involving a loan where the creditor insists that the borrower use the money only for a stated purposes, in a manner which seems to imply that the borrowed sum is not at the borrower’s free disposal. If this were the case, then the determination of the three certainties of express trust (intention, subject matter and objects) which would normally justify a finding that a trust existed, would have to be proved. As it is, in finding that a Quitclose trust existed from the mere intention

Individual, Community and Black Identity in 8 Mile Essay

Individual, Community and Black Identity in 8 Mile - Essay Example From this paper it is clear that  8 Mile portrays life of the black community placed in the harsh social and economic conditions in Detroit of the mid-1990s, and the white protagonist living inside and interacting with this community transforms understanding of being ‘black’. The entire plot of the movie revolves around racial issues in America, but the flavor of racism can be sense not only in the traditional ‘white-against-black’ way, but also in reverse; and this reverse rejection is expressed in disrespect of B-Rabbit as a hip hop musician by the black hip hop community: â€Å"B-Rabbit, is a white rapper who overcomes the odds against him which include poverty and lack of respect as a white rapper†.This essay stresses that  the character gets discriminated – surprisingly – based on his whiteness. However, the resolution of the conflict in the final battle in the Shelter gives the viewer a hint at the true understanding of blackne ss. At the same time, he admits his own challenged background, which probably makes him more authentically black in cultural meaning that Papa Doc. Thuswise, the movie’s representation challenges traditional ‘black’ identity depicted in media and emphasizes virtually the significant aspect of it: while whites were depicted in hip hop â€Å"as socially privileged and therefore not credible† in the genre â€Å"where credibility is often negotiated through an artist’s experiences of social struggle†.

Assisted Suicide and the Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Assisted Suicide and the Law - Essay Example ation of assisted suicide with the view that â€Å"people who wish to retain their dignity and choice at the end of their lives should have the option of a peaceful, gentle, certain, and swift death in the company of their loved ones† (Schmalleger, 2006, p. 1). The society’s objective advocates for legalization of assisted suicide with an informed patient’s decision and with the patient’s family being informed. I agree with the society’s opinion that the decision should be legally left to patients. This is because the current legal and ethical healthcare provisions do not address the issue, creating confusion among physicians. The Supreme Court has also, in the past, found no legal liability in assisted suicide and left the decision to physician and patient’s ethical consideration. Euthanasia would be the best option because it is painless (Westrick, Dempski and Katherine, 2008). I would add a provision that a mentally incapacitated person be entitled to a physician assisted suicide with the consent of an approved caretaker, preferably a close relative. This is because the category of persons may be in great need of the service but lacks the capacity to

Individual, Community and Black Identity in 8 Mile Essay

Individual, Community and Black Identity in 8 Mile - Essay Example From this paper it is clear that  8 Mile portrays life of the black community placed in the harsh social and economic conditions in Detroit of the mid-1990s, and the white protagonist living inside and interacting with this community transforms understanding of being ‘black’. The entire plot of the movie revolves around racial issues in America, but the flavor of racism can be sense not only in the traditional ‘white-against-black’ way, but also in reverse; and this reverse rejection is expressed in disrespect of B-Rabbit as a hip hop musician by the black hip hop community: â€Å"B-Rabbit, is a white rapper who overcomes the odds against him which include poverty and lack of respect as a white rapper†.This essay stresses that  the character gets discriminated – surprisingly – based on his whiteness. However, the resolution of the conflict in the final battle in the Shelter gives the viewer a hint at the true understanding of blackne ss. At the same time, he admits his own challenged background, which probably makes him more authentically black in cultural meaning that Papa Doc. Thuswise, the movie’s representation challenges traditional ‘black’ identity depicted in media and emphasizes virtually the significant aspect of it: while whites were depicted in hip hop â€Å"as socially privileged and therefore not credible† in the genre â€Å"where credibility is often negotiated through an artist’s experiences of social struggle†.

Embedded Formative Assessment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Embedded Formative Assessment - Essay Example In essence, there were certain types of instructions issued by the teacher that seemed especially effective. For instance, the teacher would take us out to the field to learn about various phenomena and concepts related to the subject he was teaching. I think this was especially helpful because we used to directly learn about the concepts in practical situations hence we did not only enjoy his teaching lessons but we used to perform well in his subjects. Another approach that the teacher used in class was the discussion sessions whereby every student participated hence improving the general grade of each one. I think that besides the effective instruction methods, the teacher also used various assessments including but not limited to continuous class tests, end of syllabus exams, and a number of research papers. It is worthy to note that the types of assessments used matched the instructions employed in various ways. In his instructions, the teacher always encouraged class participations in order to keep every student at par with the topic of discussion. Perhaps I have to reiterate that this was the most interesting teacher and class in my entire academic life at least up to this point and

Adaptation Evaluation Essay Example for Free

Adaptation Evaluation Essay Tom Bombadil: Add sense of mysteriousness. Boromirs confession: Proud, arrogant warrior The Spirit of LOTR: Was it kept? Improvements. A new power has arisen. All must unite or fall divided. This is the story of the Lord of the Rings. The ring of power, forged in secret by the dark Lord Sauron contained all of the might, malice and power of the Dark Lord. Its wearer would be invisible and almost invincible, but it would corrupt the heart of anyone who wore it. Lord of the Rings is a typical good vs. evil story. This time, however, good is losing badly. The Dark Lords forces will soon overcome all of Middle Earth, but there is one glint of hope for the forces of Good. Because the Dark Lord Sauron made the ring of power, his life is bound to it. If Good can prevent defeat for long enough so that the ring can be destroyed, Sauron shall be overcome. However, the ring of power can only be destroyed where it was made deep in Saurons realm. This means that hope is in speed and secrecy, not force. A fellowship of the ring is formed and the quest is begun. The Lord of The Rings: The Fellowship of the ring is the first part of the trilogy, which shows how the fellowship evades the servants of the Dark Lord and how the fellowship eventually breaks. A mighty warrior, Boromir is a member of the fellowship. He is lured by the temptation of power and tries to steal the ring. He does not fully understand that the ring corrupts any wearer. He is then asked by other members of the fellowship as to whether he has done anything, but he refuses doing anything wrong due to his arrogance. In the film, the plot is changed so that Boromir does try to take the ring, but he confesses everything. This was a major change as Boromir is meant to be a proud and arrogant human the author J. R. R. Tolkien always shows most humans as easily corrupted. A large omission was Tom Bombadil. He was a father of the forest type man who has powers of song and looks after the ring bearer. Tolkien added him to add a sense of mysteriousness to Lord of the Rings nobody knew who he was or where he came from. This was missed out in the film. Characters like him really did help the spirit of Lord of the Rings. Form one point of view; the film did not keep the spirit of Lord of the Rings at all. Parts were missed out and some of the film seemed like a traditional Good vs. Bad film the beauty of Tolkien was that he took well known types of book and added a slight change, but meant that the whole plot would be different. For example, in the Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins goes on a quest to retrieve dwarven treasure. However, he does not want to go and as a result ends up doing a better job of getting the treasure than if he had wanted the treasure. This is the reason why keeping the spirit of Lord of the Rings is so important, Lord of the Rings is unique. However, the film of Lord of the Rings has kept a large part of the spirit. It swings my emotions better than the book did and each character looked almost exactly as I imagined them to be. Because films need a great plot to be good, the director (Peter Jackson) has taken the good parts and made them great he has really concentrated on the right parts. The film however was a bit too different from the book at times and too close at others. For example, there is an Im dead, oh no Im not scene part which was fine in the book, but should have been changed in the film. Another change that should have taken place was the fact that elves are shown as a dying any fading race in the Lord of the Rings film. In the book, elves couldnt die and the elves simply were leaving the land, not dying out. This was probably shown to make humans seem better. In conclusion, the Lord of the Rings film made great use of an excellent plot and unusual story. I think that the film was very good, but there was a small amount of room for improvement.

How much is too much? :: Essays Papers

How much is too much? The founders of our country were all successful individuals who believed in the rights of an individual to succeed or fail on his own. Their experience with the British government convinced them that the less involvement by the government in economic affairs the better. These beliefs were central to the idea of liberal capitalism: that in a capitalist society, in order for everyone to enjoy economic opportunity, it was necessary for the government not to meddle in the nation's economy. As Americans we cling to a belief that if we just work a little harder, that if we sacrifice a little today, then tomorrow we will reap the benefits of our labors. Of course, history tells us that when big business and special interest groups dominate an economy by political influence, individual effort may not always equate to equal opportunity. There may be times when government intervention is necessary - but how much intervention by the government is necessary has always posed a problem. As American business became increasingly industrialized, living conditions for workers became worse and eventually a consensus developed under the "progressives," an umbrella term for different groups who saw the application of efficient business practices as a way to cure societal problems. Key to this belief was the idea that only government had the recourses to accomplish this. This steadily growing belief throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s would finally be put to the test 1929. After World War I, government non-intervention in the economy led to rampant speculation and borrowing. Many people borrowed money to invest in a stock market that only seemed to know how to go up. Unbeknownst to most Americans, bad economic decisions were being made by both businesses and the government's own economists. Decisions that would have terrible consequences on October 29, 1929, when the stock markets collapsed. President Herbert Hoover, a staunch believer in the Liberal conservative principle of non-government interference refused to intervene. Like most business-oriented people of the time, he believed that economies went through cycles of expansion and recession. He felt that this period of recession should be allowed to take its course Norton 473). As the economy continued to worsen, Americans elected into office a new President who offered to use the power of the government to do something about the economy. As the Progressives believed earlier, Franklin Roosevelt felt that only the federal government had the ability to marshal resources on a national level to stimulate the economy.

Web Radio :: essays research papers fc

Web Radio Instant global radio, or Web radio, is the latest manifestation of the Internet's multimedia successor, the World Wide Web. Improved technology and content are turning Web radio into a mass medium. (Hickman 30) The Web radio concept is mainly underlined by the concept of Webcasting, or broadcasting station content over the Internet. Online users who visit the Web pages of Webcasting stations can find archived and live audio covering news, business, sports, and many different types of music. (Thomas 38) Although the most prominent reason for the increase in Web radio activity is advancement in related technology, there are multiple other reasons. The key has been the development of software that allows a digital recording stored on a computer to be transmitted over the Internet and played instantly and continuously as it is received by the listener's computer. (Your Very Own 516) This technique is known as streaming, and was pioneered by RealNetworks. In the streaming process, the digitized clips are sent over the Internet as a stream of compressed data packets. (O'Malley 64) Free audio-player software that works with Web browsers then decompresses and assembles these packets at the user's computer and automatically plays them back as they are received. Streaming systems typically use a buffering system that stores an extra few seconds worth of data to prevent Internet "hiccups" from disrupting the steady flow of audio – not unlike the shock-protection systems on portable compact disc players. (O'Malley 64) As reported in 1995, listening to broadcasts on your computer is akin to dialing in a tinny transistor radio on the fringes of reception area – even with hotshot multimedia speakers. (Silverthorne A1) Advancements have made it so Web-based audio now offers near-CD quality, even over a modem of average speed. (Hickman 30) The broadcast quality depends largely on the amount of traffic on the Internet. (Your Very Own 516) Sites will have varying degrees of quality, and the only way to ensure pure transmission is a fast connection from a fast site. On September 5, 1995, the first broadcast of a Major League Baseball game was made over the Internet on ESPN's Web site. The next week, ABC Radio Net became the first organization to provide live Internet newscasts, with coverage of the O.J. Simpson trial. (Silverthorne A1) These early firsts by big-name network stations sparked the initial interest in Web radio, and the networks have been the biggest contributors towards the widening spectrum of quality content, as well as setting professional standards for content.

Saint George And The Dragon

This oil painting on canvass was created in 1470 by Paolo Uccello (whose real name is Paolo di Dono), an Italian artist. The subject of the painting is the story of Saint George as he overpowers and slays the dragon that has been a menace and a fright to the citizens of the city. As Saint George kills the dragon, the Libyan Princess was saved. The painting illustrated a space that is 3-dimensonal. Uccello effectively applies his skill in linear perspective. He has likewise decorated his pattern beautifully and colorfully. This can be clearly seen on the wings of the dragon. Using the canvas as a medium demonstrated the renaissance characteristic of the work of Uccello (which is the Italian word for â€Å"bird†), as he and his work belonged to that period of rebirth. Just like the way he has painted Saint George and the Dragon, the canvas vividly tells a story and thus a rational approach to the work. The characters painted in the story are presented to be elegant, beautiful and graceful. The lighting that is illustrated in the painting is not real but created for purposes of highlighting the story and not necessarily the reality of how and when the story happened. Saint George and the Dragon’s linear perspective is a semblance of old Gothic technique in painting. The skill was a challenge that renaissance artists like Uccello faced. He illustrated his paintings that convince â€Å"illusion of the way our world looks†. This then signified the temperament of artists in the Renaissance such as a sense of independence; the utilization of subjects of secular in nature as the object of the art; and the freedom of the individual style. Therefore, Paolo Uccello indeed illustrated in Saint George and the Dragon what is significant in the story as he emphasizes what is specific and at the same time, subtle ability of his imagination.

Indian Bpos Waking Up in the Philippines Opportunity Essay

1. How has the global economic downturn, discussed in the opening profile and throughout this chapter, impacted jobs outsourcing in the BPO industry? The global economic downturn has impacted jobs outsourcing in the BPO industry as it has helped to be one of the largest job creators in India. Due to this, many companies had to increase their operations output and therefore employ more and more people to keep up with the expanding trend. One of the major impacts, being growth and maturity, had an effect on the BPO industry and contributed to the outsourcing companies and continued growth of the industry. The IT and BPO outsourcing boom created a huge impact in the Indian economy and it increased the IT salary, cost of living, real-estate price and eventually it increased the outsource cost for many companies. Job outsourcing seemed to be the only viable option as global economic downturn had created many problems when it came to funding and financial institutions. There needed to be cut backs in order to keep things afloat and most companies would see that job outsourcing would solve at least one of the many problems involved in the economic downturn. Not only does it mean that it will save companies in the US and UK money, by offloading jobs abroad for cheap labor, it also means that it’s giving countries like India and Philippines the opportunity that is needed to secure a faster growing economy and generating much needed jobs. The global economic downturn provided merges and many acquisitions for the BPO industry and helped to create certain flexibilities for some companies which helped with resource management. The main reason why the economic downturn has impacted on job outsourcing in a major way is because it is cost effective and helps companies concentrate on core areas. It also contributes to improvement in productivity 2. referring to this chapter and this case, discuss the general trends in the globalization of human capital. 3. What are the effects of the Indian government policies on the Indian BPO industry and on MNC decisions regarding locations for outsourcing jobs  4. How does this case highlight the threats and opportunities facing global companies in developing their strategies?

Research review example Essay

Please note that ethical standards of peer reviewing constrain me [JP] to give you the original manuscript. I also had to anonymize identifying information in the review. This review is meant as an example of the style used in writing a review; you do not have to understand all the details. Please note that this review is longer than the one you are requested to write. This is a highly interesting study on a timely subject, the impact of pornography use in adolescence on relationship intimacy in early adulthood. Based on Zillman’s programmatic piece about the â€Å"influence of unrestrained pornography† on adolescents and more recent research on teenagers’ use of internet pornography, the study develops a model on how adolescent pornography use may affect relationship intimacy in young adulthood. The study concludes that there is, â€Å"at best, minimal support for Zillmann’s claim that prolonged exposure to pornography is associated with sexual callousness† (p. 13). The strengths of the study include, in my view, the focus on an under-researched dependent variable; its attempt to build and test a model; and the (attempted) investigation of gender differences. The weaknesses include, in my view, the theoretical underdevelopment of the model and several severe methodological problems. Theoretical development of the model By the standards of Journal [ANONYMIZED], the theory section (pp. 2-4) is very short. While in journals of other disciplines (e.g., Journal of Adolescent Health) such a short introduction is requested, pieces in [ANONYMIZED] are expected to be more specific about the theoretical underpinnings of the study. Although brevity is always preferable, a study that develops and tests a new model does require a somewhat more thorough conceptual definition of the various influences in the model and, most importantly, a rationale for these influences. Conceptual definitions and rationale for the components in the model: The model has four components, exposure to pornography, pornographic realism, acceptance of recreational sex, and relationship intimacy. However, on p. 2, many more concepts are outlined (based on Zillmann’s paper): habituation, cultivation effects in terms of perceived sexual behaviors, distrust in intimate partners, abandonment of exclusivity as a norm of romantic relationships, and greater endorsement of promiscuity. None of these concepts is tested. Moreover, on p. 3, several other concepts are mentioned, including cynical attitudes about love, sexual pleasure without affection, sexual callousness, and decreasing emotional attachment. While the latter concepts are related to what is tested, they are not the same. Scanning through the studies that Zillmann and Bryant published in the 1980s, it becomes clear that they have probably something else in mind when they talk about *sexual* callousness than â€Å"an impaired ability to form intimate relationships† (p. 4). Finally, it remains unclear why pornographic realism is an important addition to the model suggested by Zillmann. This is certainly not to say that the paper’s model is unrelated to Zillmann’s ideas, but the paper should aim for more conceptual clarity. Key concepts need to be defined. Moreover, it needs to be outlined how the key concepts of the model relate to Zillmann’s ideas as well as when and why they differ. Rationale for the influences hypothesized in the model: The model hypothesizes that recreational attitudes toward sex mediate the effect of pornography on intimacy. Pornographic realism is included as a covariate of pornography use (although it is claimed that it is investigated as a mediator, p. 4). However, the rationale for hypothesizing these processes remains vague. First, how precisely are recreational attitudes related to sexual socialization and the sexual script concept (p. 3)? How, and why, are these attitudes affected by pornography? These questions should not be answered on the basis of empirical regularities (as done on pp. 3-4), but on the basis of more elaborate theorizing. Second, why is pornographic realism a covariate (at least in the model tested)? From the quote on p. 4, it rather seems a mediator. This needs some clarification and elaboration, too. Gender differences The analysis of gender differences occupies considerable space in the analysis and discussion. However, a rationale is largely lacking why such differences need to be investigated. There is sufficient evidence that females use pornography less often than males do (i.e., gender as a direct predictor), but it is crucial to outline why the processes hypothesized may differ by gender (i.e., gender as a moderator). Methodological problems I would like to stress that any research on the issue of the study is admirable, given the enormous ethical, practical, methodological, statistical issues involved. In my evaluation, I take this into account. That said, I do have to raise some potentially unpleasant questions about the design of the study; operationalization of the key measure; procedure/ sample; and analysis. Design and operationalization of key measure The paper aims at testing a causal model, but relies on cross-sectional data. The paper outlines on p. 4 that the study includes a time component by asking respondents to indicate their pornography use at ages 14 and 17. Several problems arise. First, cross-sectional data do not permit causal conclusions related to media effects. At the very least, this needs to be acknowledged explicitly and prominently. Also, language suggesting causal relations should be avoided. Second, asking respondents retrospectively about their pornography use at the ages of 14 and 17 raises some questions. Why at ages 14 and 17? Adolescence usually spans the period between age 12 and 17. Why was exposure not measured, for instance, for age 12 (early adolescence), age 15 (middle), and age 17 (late)? Third, self-reported retrospective measures of sensitive behavior are prone to multiple biases, most notably memory bias and social desirability bias. These biases already plague measures that relate, for instance, to the â€Å"past week.† But how can such measures meaningfully be applied to behavior that happened, for the oldest respondents, 11 years ago? Fourth, what exactly were the response categories? â€Å"Never† suggests a vague-quantifier scale (e.g., never, rarely,  sometimes, often, very often), which carries a lot of problems, most notably the problem that vague quantifiers leave it up to the respondent to decide what the categories mean. However, the positive anchor of the scale is â€Å"every day.† Was the scale thus a scale asking about specific frequencies (e.g., once a week, less than once a week). Again, how can such frequencies be assessed validly after so much time? Any information on the validity and reliability of the measure along with a rationale for the operationalization is highly welcome. Fifth, how does this measurement strategy assess â€Å"prolonged† exposure, the key concept in Zillmann’s paper? Assessing retrospectively the use of pornography does not tell us much about the trajectory of porn use. Finally, a retrospective measure is not the same as a measure taken at a certain point in the past, in contrast to what is claimed on p. 4. I perfectly understand that longitudinal research is cumbersome, particularly in that area. That said, it seems difficult to see how the retrospective measurement of pornography use tackles the causal problems inherent in cross-sectional research. In sum, there are several serious issues with the operationalization of one of the key variables, which urgently need to be addressed. Procedure/ Sample The paper is unfortunately very brief about the procedure and sample of the survey. Given the self-selection problems in sex research, I was surprised to read that few precautions were taken to minimize this bias. Why was snowballing not avoided, but even encouraged (p. 5)? Why did the study not include some simple quotas, most notably for gender (see below)? Was there a control of whether a particular respondent filled in the survey multiple times? In addition, I assume that informed consent was explicitly asked for, but this should be mentioned briefly. Finally, is there an indication of how many respondents were contacted and what the response rate was? There are also several important questions about the sample. First, why was the study limited to sexually active students? Sexual experience may create a limiting boundary condition for what the paper is interested in. Second, why was the age frame limited to 18- to 25-year olds? Is this related to the theory of emerging adulthood? Third, why was the study limited to university students? We complain about such convenience samples in experimental research. There  may be even more concerns about such samples in survey research. While the concerns raised in the previous paragraphs address very severe shortcomings, they may even be multiplied by the fact that twice as many women as men filled in the questionnaire. This is a crucial problem because the basic conclusion of the paper is that the model only works for women, but not for men. To be sure, the paper mentions these shortcomings in the discussion section, but that does unfortunately not reduce its importance. Table 2 shows small to moderate zero-order correlations for men and women. However, with twice as many women as men in the sample, an r = -.11 is significant for women, while an r = .13 is not significant for men. Both for men and women, the correlations are in the same direction. I guess that, with an equal number of men and women (e.g., 350 each), the model would largely hold for both. This would also be a more reasonable sample size in terms of statistical power consideration. In conclusion, there is reason to believe that one of the main conclusions of the paper is a result of a severe shortcoming in the sample procedure of the study. Analysis The general problems with the gender analysis notwithstanding, I was wondering why the paper does not apply a multiple-group analysis. This is a more rigorous way of testing whether the various paths differ between women and men than the strategy currently employed. I was wondering whether the SEM analysis used item-parceling strategies. Otherwise, there need to be more manifest indicators in the models. Finally, the statistical testing of indirect effects (i.e., whether they differ significantly from zero) has become a standard procedure and should be included. Discussion In the light of the problems raised above, some of the conclusions raised in the discussion section may need some reconsideration. (This is my opinion, and the authors may or may not follow them). First, I am hesitant to agree with the paper that the findings have â€Å"little if any practical significance† (p. 10). The discussions about effect sizes in media effects research in particular and the social sciences in general have been outlined elsewhere and do not have to be repeated here. Against that backdrop, an explained variance of 8% (with two predictor variables related to pornography) in  recreational attitudes and of 16% in relationship intimacy does not seem trivial to me. It may indeed be that other variables (family, peers etc.) have a greater influence, but this needs some more backing in order to contextualize the effects found. I agree with the paper that the moral panic that surrounds pornography finds no support in any research published so far. However, this does not mean that the effects found in this paper and elsewhere are trivial, at least when considered in the context of media effects research and against the backdrop of the methodological and statistical problems that this kind of research faces. Second, it seems to me that the paper contradicts itself when, on the one hand, it rejects main effects as too simplistic (p. 3) and, on the other hand, describes the found indirect effects as practically insignificant. No serious media effects researcher would disagree that media effects are typically not direct and that a focus on the â€Å"how† and â€Å"why† of such effects is important. If we can explain how precisely media affect people, then this may have enormous practical significance, especially if we can outline which people may be affected and which may not (in line with Malamuth ’s ideas). Third, I agree that love maps and sexual scripts may explain sexual attitudes and behavior, probably even better than media use (p. 11). But it remains unclear to me where, precisely, this is tested in the model. Some clarification may be helpful. Fourth, it may also be helpful to specify how the distinction between imagined and real sex lives relates to the model tested, apart from outlining that perceptions of pornographic realism may never fully translate into people’s actual sex lives. In sum, this is important and interesting research. However, the theoretical, conceptual, and methodological weaknesses currently outweigh the strengths of the paper so that its contribution to our knowledge about how the use of pornography affects relationship intimacy in adulthood is limited.