African americans in sports Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

African americans in sports - Research Paper Example 42-43). Too often, however, sport does not provide social mobility and lucrative careers for African American. Background Debate involving whether or not the sport domain in the United States is benefiting or exploiting its African American participants continues to be an issue of critical concern. Specifically, as the discussion relates to the impact of the athletic experience upon the progress of young, African American student- athletes. Embedded within this discussion exist two opposing perspectives which view sport as either "the embodiment of the American dream of meritocracy and success" (Sammons, 1994, p. 215) or as an institution designed to operate as a form of social control. According to sport sociologist George H. Sage (2000) the fundamental difference regarding these arguments and in how sport has historically been understood lies in whether one considers sport a cultural practice or not. Sage (2000) offers a logical and rational argument for considering larger socio-hi storical context when examining sport issues. He maintains that sport is a cultural practice that cannot be fully understood "as a practice isolated from the social, economic, political, and cultural context in which it is situated" (In Brooks & Althouse, p. 2). The divergence in opinion regarding the utility of sport, as expressed by the African American community, has dated as far back as slavery (Wiggins & Miller 433). The sentiments of ex- slave and abolitionist Frederick Douglass on this subject have been noted by historian Jeffrey Sammons: From his retrospective position as ex-slave, Douglass considered sport and oppressive instrument and divisionary device to occupy the minds and energies of slaves, thus preventing them from pursuing more useful activities and fully appreciating their horrible plight (p. 216). Cautiousness about the current role of sport in the lives of the African American community continues to be voiced mainly through the limited amount of sport sociologic al literature addressing the subject of the African American athletic experience. As indicated by Gates (p. 78) much of the current focus involving African American athletes has been generated in response to the channeling and overrepresentation of young black youth into collegiate revenue producing sports, unrealistic dreams of playing at an elite level, and the alarmingly poor academic performance and graduation rates of high profile Division IA collegiate athletics [i.e. basketball and football]. Historically, higher education institutions have tended to view low achieving minority students as "problems" citing the student's inability to "acculturate" to the college environment as a significant factor. Tierney (p. 603-618) suggests that institutions reconsider this position and to consider their own inability to operate in a multicultural world. Explanations for poor academic performance [as compared to whites] in African American student-athletes have generally been consistent w ith the "problem" perspective, implying that these student-athletes and their significant others overemphasize sport at the cost of academic development. According to Powell (p. 73) African-American males â€Å"don’t treat academics with the same intensity as they do basketball or football.† According to Harris (In Brooks & Althouse, 47) the National Collegiate Athletic

Salvador's Dali Influence on Fashion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Salvador's Dali Influence on Fashion - Essay Example The essay "Surrealism Movement Influence on Fashion" investigates how surrealism influence on fashion. Salvador Dali reflected a prominent designer and art creator of surreal. Objects of fashion could be an increasingly extensive force in the instantaneous figure beautification and commemoration of its existence that exceptionally lives in clothes. Just as melody could be projected as an abstract form and real existence, similarly the biomorphic concepts that mark various art of Surreal navigated their path into free dress forms and humankind definition as a conceptual flow between body units. The invention of imaginations offers to clothing adequate indications of narrative and secrecy to happen as a dress function. Fashion industry images including sewing machines, forms of dressmakers, iron boxes as well as mannequins, performed a crucial function in the surrealism theatre. For instance, in the1930s, Surrealism assisted to transform fashion from an increasingly making of dress act ivity to achieve the marvelous vision. According to American fashion historians, Surrealism remains the most crucial and favorite fashion art. However, the profound surreal fashion motivation emanates from influential pieces by superstars like Salvador Dali and his colleague Breton. The work of the two icons influenced editors and stylists to integrate a component of unpredicted collaboration and creative motifs in new contemporary methods. The beauty continues to emerge and maintains an enduring appeal.... Even though, initially Dali was received into Surreal, the Surrealist later rejected a number of Salvador’s work. These contributions were scandalized when Salvador painted â€Å"the game of lugubrious,† which involved a man with soiled picture, and were furious when Dali painted photographs for trade rather than expanding his artist vision. This last straw was Salvador’s agreement to make advertisements for a firm designing tights and by the start of 1940s, Dali’s relationship with surrealists was ruined. Salvador Dali is a prominent surrealist movement artist and an influential art master in the early and later 20th century. Literature reveals that, during Salvador’s lifetime, the world received eccentric paranoid pictures and Dali’s personality triggered various heated controversy. However, Salvador perceived himself as typical surrealist. He argued that the primary distinction amid him and surreal group was that he was a true surrealist. Salvador perceived his fashion to be significant surrealists, and argued that the group of surrealist, by embracing a selected style and some set regulations had ruined its own survival. The group of surrealist, as a result, believed that Dali’s fashion had turned out to be a mystery whereby people looked for the double portraits instead of searching for the paintings, (Baudot, 2001, p.48). Breton, a prominent surrealist leader nicknamed Salvador as Avida Dollar, a Salvador Dali’s anagram and an implication of the prosperity they observed in Dali. Advertisement and fashionable clothes designing (for Salvador indicated a connection between fashion and art) were not appropriate professions for surrealists, and Dali was giving surrealist a negative name and the negative

WA 7 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

WA 7 - Essay Example The J- curve increases exponentially, reaches a maximum and then suddenly crashes to zero. J- curves are commonly seen in organisms that have very short life spans, and after laying eggs they die. The next generation of organisms that hatch from these eggs again follow a J- curve trend. Flies, mosquitoes are examples that exhibit this behavior. S- curves are seen in bigger animals such as mammals. The population grows steadily until it reaches stability. At this point the ecosystem is said to be in its carrying capacity. The environmental resistance hinders uncontrolled growth in these animals. A. Competitive exclusion principle states that two species cannot exist together when they compete for the same resource. When this happens, either the more dominating species pushes out the other species, or the docile species undergoes a shift and moves onto some other resource. A. Owls are predators on the top of the food chain in the ecosystems where they thrive. Hence any distress in the bottom of the food chain is reflected in the owl’s population. The majority of ecosystem which includes grasses, rodents and other small animals on which owls depend upon can be effectively studied by monitoring owls. A. Mutualism and commensalism are forms of symbiosis, where two organisms live in association with each other. In mutualism both the organisms are benefitted by associating, whereas in commensalism, one organism is benefited while the other is nether neither harmed nor benefitted A. Zero population growth rate is virtually impossible because, to achieve it the birth and death rates have to be exactly the same. However the growth rate can be close to zero over a long period of time. A. The age structure diagram is affected by the birth and death rates of a population. Also the relative proportion of males and females in the population shapes it. The mortality rates at different cohorts affect the abundance of population in that cohort. 11. Is the clapper

Solid Waste and Recycling Essay Example for Free

Solid Waste and Recycling Essay Over the years, the demand for effective solid waste management and recycling has drastically risen. This has mainly been due to the fast changing methods of consumerism and drastically increasing populations of towns with time. Lack of long term focus has greatly contributed to the menace as the urban systems are highly dynamic and require visionary establishment that project into the future. The problem has also been exacerbated by poor technology adoption that is necessary for ensuring solid waste is effectively treated. Besides, modern planning systems require greater attention for recycling necessary for ensuring least pollution of environment while maximizing the utility of available materials. Failing to plan has been considered as major step in planning to fail in offering the necessary management of wastes in the major cities (Wilson et al, 2004). Most often, the term solid waste is used to denote municipal solid wastes which include all the wastes that are in non-liquid form generated within an urban setting. They mostly include domestic wastes from the residential areas, business and commercial centers, industrial centers and construction regions within the town jurisdictions. Recycling on the other hand involves focus on the already produced wastes to increase their utility (Eugenie, 2008). It is aimed at bringing different materials back in a useful format though mostly different from the previous one. Urban planning and management interlinks the two concepts as they are directly dependent on each other for effective treatment and management. This paper evaluates solid wastes and recycling as major considerations in urban planning. As a result, it extrapolates solid wastes management aspects necessary for consideration during urban planning. Acting as a structural system, the paper examines the waste stream from production up to disposal with appropriate planning aspects at each stage. Using examples of major cities and towns, effectiveness of solid waste planning and management systems are compared for efficiency. Besides, the paper also explores the possible planning and recycling techniques for solid wastes in the urban areas. In the conclusion, the paper gives recommendations that can be assumed by various urban planners and managers to effectively manage and recycle their wastes. Overview and statistics In US, over 500, 000, 000 tons of solid wastes are generated annually by urban centers. However, only 35% of this waste is recycled while the rest is disposed off. These indicate a strong increase in the recycling capacity of 8% since the year 1990. However, the quantity indicated is much lower as Environmental Protection Agency does not take into consideration of the incinerated solid wastes and that in the illegal landfills. Besides, this waste usually excludes health wastes which are categorized as hazardous wastes. Waste production has been increasing steadily since the onset of industrial revolution. About 0. 979 tons of wastes are disposed annually per person by the US population (Eugenie, 2008). However, the mode of handling the wastes differs greatly as states and towns have varying leadership and management as well as budgetary allocations. To add to that, the attitudes of the people in the major towns determine the suitability of the recycling processes thereby effectively contributing to the sorting out of the solid wastes for recycling process. Majority of the US cities and states have been exporting their wastes to other regions for treatment and disposal. On average, Pennsylvania exports 9,764,000 tons, Virginia 3, 891, 000 tons, Illinois 1, 548, 000, and New York 5, 600, 000 tons. Though this trend has been greatly criticized, it is considered as a better option since majority of the states and towns lack the correct facilities to treat and dispose off their wastes safely (Eugenie, 2008). Solid waste collection and transportation Arguably, town planning has diversified from the previous architectural focus to include new aspects of waste management that have become part of the same entity. Production capacity of an urban center is highly dependent on different factors that must be considered when drawing the management plan. Cognizant of the expansion capacity, the town must be fully equipped to collect various wastes produced in its jurisdictions. As the first step ample means of classifying the production regions and categorization of the same waste must be set in place. This role is usually taken by the Solid waste management departments of the urban managements. Collection of solid wastes acts as one of the most important initial stages as it prevents spread of the same wastes in the areas of production. To effectively manage collection of wastes, Loss Angeles, San Francisco and London have established cooperative mechanisms where they link with the private sector for the collection purposes. However, the private sector operates in a business model that may at times harm the residents of the different cities through increased taxes. Of greater importance, is the transport system for the collected wastes in different regions which has been accused of spreading the wastes collected along the transportation routes. Urban planning for solid wastes should always apply the principle of proximity choice which requires that wastes are treated and/ or disposed at the nearest possible point to reduce transferring related problems to other regions. Transportation for solid wastes should always be carried out in fully enclosed systems as different materials are light and can easily be dispersed away. Since this forms a major point of interaction between the residents and the waste collecting institutions, it is of great importance to ensure that inclusive coordination and cooperation is enhanced for effectiveness. Major towns fail due to lack of effective collection and transportation mechanisms. Of greater concerns have been the plastic bags which have turned the whole solid waste management into a riddle for many towns. Their collection and transportation should therefore be immediate and highly effective. Solid waste treatment

Dis/located Identities: Swinging and Contemporary Sexual Space :: Free Essays Online

Dis/located Identities: Swinging and Contemporary Sexual Space A committed relationship without monogamy sounds like a contradiction in terms to those raised in America, or most any country at this point in history. The nature of commitment suggests that it requires a single partner and the promise to remain faithful to that person. Swingers choose a slightly different route and yet it is one that can involve more trust and openness than monogamous relationships offer. Swingers [1] are couples who choose to have not only a committed relationship but to also explore, as couple, recreational sex with other individuals and couples. At the heart of a strong swinging relationship is not sex at all; rather, there is the openness, trust, and communication necessary to both talk openly about desires and fantasies and to act on them within the bounds of commitment. â€Å"To swingers, physical acts of sexual pleasure with someone you respect, just for pleasure, and making love to one’s lifetime partner are two distinctly different things† (Thomas 20). This form of sexuality is clearly outside the norm of heterosexual behavior, especially that of married or committed adults. But is it a legitimate sexual identity? Does the swinging community deserve recognition in the same terms as other minority sexual identities? Like any other form of sexual expression, swinging takes on a handful of common variants. Soft swinging is a newer form and refers â€Å"a desire for sexual activities such as watching, being watched, mutual masturbation, and possibly oral sex but without changing partners for full sexual intercourse† (Thomas 20). Closed swinging is a more commonly recognized form of swinging where couples swing in different rooms – this is where the slightly derogatory term ‘wife swapping’ probably originated. Open swinging is where two couples will swing in the same room. Couples who prefer open swinging tend to enjoy watching their partner with another person, participating somehow while their partner is having sex with another person, or the women are bisexual and wish to enjoy each other while the men watch. Group swinging is basically equivalent to an orgy, although group swinging as a term is preferred. â€Å"A lot of swingers who enjoy this type of swinging f ind that it satisfies their tastes for exhibitionism and voyeurism at the same time. Some people have fantasies of finding out how many lovers they can satisfy in one evening†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Thomas 20).

Dc Comics (2012-2013)

Report on DC COMICS for Business Studies Introduction DC comics incorporated is a leading pioneer and one of the most successful enterprise in the American comic books and many related media industries (comic books, movies, games and etcetera) . Founded by Malcolm Wheeler Nicholson in 1934, it was originally known as ‘National Allied Publication' the initials ‘DC' was taken from the popular series ‘Detective Comics' which subsequently became part of the company's name.DC comics is the publishing unit for DC Entertainment a Warner Bros company which itself is owned by Time Warner, producing materials incorporating renown DC characters such as Superman an alien who was sent from the lost planet Krypton, raised on Earth and instilled with a sense of justice from the Superman franchise (Action comics) and Batman a rogue Vigilante by night and by day millionaire, playboy, philanthropist Bruce Wayne from the Dark Knight franchise (debuting in Detective comics). DC comics mission and visionDC's mission is to intergrades its comic business, brand and characters into Warner Bros Entertainment and all its content and distribution business. DC comic envisions to expand and develop the DC brand to every type of media. DC comics annual reports (2009-2012) DC comics future plans DC plans to launch a wave of new DC movies in response to Marvels shared movie gamble (Avengers). Starting with the reboot of Superman (Man of Steel 2013), along with other upcoming silver screen movies featuring other DC uperheroes like Wonder woman, the Flash and others (DC haven yet to decide whether it will reboot the batman franchise or continue Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight and to bring back Ryan Reynold's role as Green Lantern (2011). Although DC hasn't revealed how the movies will be incorporated, whether it be following in the Dark Knight's lead (a single franchise) or become a shared movie plan is still yet unknown.

Hammer Wines Business Report Essay

Introduction Colin Hammer, after arranging an independent review, has found that many of his employees have been avoiding work and other responsibilities by searching the Internet for non-work related amusements. This act is known as cyber slacking and it is said to cost companies billions of dollars each year and often results in managers blocking or limiting access to certain websites. Concerned for productivity, this report will outline the current usage and array of sites potentially being used by the Hammer Wines employees. The sites include those for entertainment or work purposes, and restrictions based on these findings should be implemented. These restrictions must be forever changing and expanding, as each website has a different effect on the varying departments its respective employees. These modifications will also affect the productivity of Hammer Wines and will be discussed in the report by making an â€Å"internet use† policy. Findings Department Spending Most Time on the Internet Cyberslacking is a prominent occurrence amongst the Hammer Wines employees. However, of all employees, the Receptionists spent the longest time on the Internet throughout the one-week trial (see figure 1.0 below). This may or may not be detrimental to Hammer Wines. Often, receptionists complete their work before their set time, meaning that if they’re browsing the Internet, still answering their phone and have completed required work, productivity will remain normal. Studies also show productivity can increase when employees are less restricted with the Internet. This productivity can swing both ways. Negative productivity will be detrimental to Hammer Wines if the receptionist fails to multitask and therefore ineffectively completes required jobs. Internet Productivity and Cyberslacking From the array of websites (see figure 1.1 below) it is difficult to tell if Cyberslacking is present at Hammer Wines. This is because many websites, such as facebook.com and twitter.com, are huge social marketing websites, but can also used as a cost effective methods for company awareness and advertising. These sites, however, can also be misused for personal use. Unless the employee is caught directly misusing these sites, it is hard to tell weather they are cyberslacking or not. Facebook.com is one example of Cyberslacking. It is Hammer Wines’ second most visited Internet site, being used by Sales and Marketing, Reception, Manufacturing and Distribution, Human Resources @ Training and IT Services. Sales and Marketing are the only employees likely to need the site for work purposes. For all other departments, employees must use Facebook.com for personal interests. Websites, including deals.com are often used for both work and leisure. Reception, Human Resources @ Training, Manufacturing and Distribution, Sales and Marketing are all using this site. Assumptions cannot be made in relation to website use. Human Resources @ Training, Manufacturing and Distributing, and Sales and Marketing departments all have valid work-related grounds to use Deals.com, as it is great for promotional and comparative purposes. IT Services were found to be using Games.com. A total of 120 minutes was recorded throughout the week. This is a website purely dedicated to fun and games. This is the seventh most used website recorded. Although it is only a small fraction of the Internet usage, it is clear that productivity has decreased in the IT department, and through the given statistics, Cyberslacking is present. Similarly, Tatts.com was used by the Sales and Marketing department, for up to 80 minutes throughout the recorded week. Tatts.com is a betting website and has nothing to do with the Sales and Marketing of Hammer Wines. However, productivity can be increased in the workplace, with employees having some freedom on the Internet. The use of social media and other personal websites can release stress and tension, thus not wholly being to the determent of Hammer Wines. Conclusion Hammer Wines has a vast array of websites being used by employees for both personal and work use. Cyberslacking is present amongst all employees, with websites aimed at socialization and productivity which both highly used. This, however, is hard to monitor as some sites – such as Facebook.com or Deals.com – are used in the companies Sales and Marketing department, but also used in recreational down time by most, if not all, other departments. It is important for Hammer Wines to implement a strategy to monitor all Internet usage. Receptionist work productivity remained high in correlation to time spent on internet, however, it was obvious the Cyberslacking was overruling the IT department, as they spent 120 hours over the duration of the week on a games and entertainment website. Solution Internet Use Policy Hammer Wines should enforce an â€Å"Internet User Policy† in the employees contract, defining the terms of use for recreational Internet. Any employee found misusing the Internet for purposes strictly other than work, may lead to disciplinary action, and their position at the company may be compromised. Blocking Sites Permanently blocking all Internet sites at Hammer Wines could result in a drop in productivity. Alternatively, a system that allows employees to have an allocated time throughout the day, to specifically visit sites such as Facebook.com and Twitter.com will allow staff members to have high productivity through compromise and strategy. One example of strategic blocking is unblocking all websites for 15 minutes every 3 hours, enabling employees to use restricted sites that coincide with structured break times (lunch, snack and end-of-day). A second option for Hammer Wines is to block all websites, only allowing those who hold a position of authority (manager) or employee that has spoken to someone in a position of authority, to get a specific code to access a blocked website. This code then unblocks all sites and remains unblocked until the page is exited. This could be implemented when departments wish to use sites such as Facebook.com for marketing or promotional purposes.