Hard work vs Easy money Essay Example for Free

Hard work vs Easy money Essay The film industry is a very influential force in our society today because through it our choices, likes, beliefs, values and ideas are somehow affected and changed. It is so strong that sometimes it already affects our decisions and way of life. According to Supreme Court officials, the motion picture is a significant medium to convey ideas and beliefs so that in order for people who adheres democracy to make informed judgments on debatable issues or questions, they must be appropriately exposed to a fair and just representation of the ideas on all sides of said issues or questions. Americans value their freedom to express their thoughts and ideas, their freedom of speech that’s why the only reason why the constitutional rights to free speech is applied to film is because the movies or motion pictures are important medium for communication, for conveying information. Through this industry, a lot of people are educated, informed, and even transformed to better and useful individuals of the country because whether we like it or not, movies really inspire and motivate people. It touches their lives. However, movies are not created for mere entertainment only. Good or bad, they are still considered as important sociological and cultural documents of our times because they do not only record and reflect our values and ideas at the time the movie was created, they also shape them. For years, movies or films helped structure the American culture, the values, beliefs and traditions of the American people. Hollywood during the 1930s up the late of 1960s for example, helped in shaping up a shared concept of the American history and its role to other countries. Hollywood kept the American’s values and traditions alive during the Great Depression. Unfortunately though, after 1960, it produced films that targeted a smaller segment of the American population. Instead of producing and creating films that depicts the American’s common set of values, it began to venture and produce films with more conventional values. Movies do not only reflect social values of one’s country, it also shapes them. It reflects views about gender such as masculinity and femininity, about manners and/or ethics, language and some other characteristics that make up the society. Movies appeal to all classes and all levels in the economic ladder of one’s country. This is so because movies represent the values, aspirations, frustrations, and fantasies of these people. Movies definitely show the good and bad sides about life and about the world we live in. American History through Film During the Great Depression, between 1930s up to 1939, the American people were so devastated with the economic condition of the country. Money was scarce and life became difficult. To be able to cope with the new economic changes of their lives, the Americans began to patronize fictional movies to make their selves happy and alive. Movies, big bands, and all sorts of parlor and board games became a popular means of entertainment. Film production was accordingly organized on an industrial model and manufactured a mass-produced output aimed at capturing a secure audience share and thus realizing a substantial profit. As a commercial enterprise, American film developed as an entertainment industry, rather than as an educational instrument or art form (Horkheimer and Adorno 1972). Consequently, American dreams were turned into nightmares and bad dreams. What was once considered as the land of promise and of opportunity, of hope and of optimism, became the land of great desperation and depression. People began to question their leaders, their system of government and democracy. Some people moved to agricultural places to find a living. It was during this time that the people’s goal was that of survival instead of advancement. Other countries were also undergoing the same difficulties but the Americans were able to cope such that democracy prevailed in the country. To be able to help the people cope with their present situation, Hollywood created fictional films that entertained them. Popular movie stars played an important role in Hollywood cinema and became fantasy figures for idealized romance and desire (Dyer, 1979). Matinee idols such as Clark Gable, Bette Davis, Greta Garbo, Errol Flynn and Shirley Temple became popular. One of the top grossers during this time was Gone with the Wind (1939) and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937). Consequently, Hollywood films were divided into the most popular types of genres like the western, melodrama, crime drama, costume film, horror film, and, with the coming of sound, the musical (Schatz, 1981). Film soon became the most popular and influential form of media culture in the United States (Sklar, 1975; Jowett, 1976). It became a source of leisure and socialization providing trends in fashion and designs, guides to love and relationships, marriage and professions. Some Americans thought that early films were produced largely for working class, immigrant and urban audiences, and some critics of the movies thought that they had negative or subversive effects (Jowett, 1976). Some others believed that these films help Americanize immigrants, to teach their audiences how to be good Americans, and to provide escape from the cares of everyday life (Ewen and Ewen, 1982). More theoretical approaches to Hollywood began emerging in the 1960s, including the ideological analyses of Cahiers du cinema and the extremely influential work associated with Screen that translated many key Cahiers and other works of French film theory, including Roland Barthes, Christian Metz, and others which generated much more sophisticated formal approaches to film (see Metz, 1974 and Heath, 1981). Some researchers believe that during this time feminism was considered to be important among the gender and that the construction of dominant ideologies of masculinity and femininity were a central aspect of Hollywood film (Kuhn, 1982; Kaplan, 1983). Studies also began appearing in the 1970s of the business of film, dissecting the political economy of the Hollywood studio system (see Balio, 1976 and 1985; Gomery, 1986; and Wasko 1994). Then the succeeding years became a turning point for Hollywood Films. Movie making became more of a business venture rather than an aid to promote entertainment and relaxation to people. During the past years globalization has made Hollywood film a popular business icon throughout the world. If Hollywood films became the most popular and well respected film company in the early years, dominating the world market, it became more so today with American global corporations promoting and distributing its products throughout the world. Hollywood films are the most capital and profit intensive and thus have the most advanced technological effects for every product released; they are marketed worldwide and patronized by all races around the globe. To this day, Hollywood movies are created not only to gain money but to also influence or change the beliefs and ideas of its audience. Some are produced with the purpose of arguing for the acceptance of some behaviors and lifestyles so that these become parts of the film maker’s concept of cultural morality. As concluded by the Barna Research Group, the single most influential profession in society today is the film business. Unfortunately, some producers, investors and film makers neglected or seem to forget their roles and responsibilities to the viewing public. Some create projects without understanding the basic principles on how this industry works and how it affects the lives, behaviors and values of its audience. Hard work vs. Easy money in Film making industry Film makers have an important role and a great responsibility when creating or producing films. They should be very careful especially when making stories that deals with history and with people’s lives. Although the film industry is not in business just to lose money, it should not be that its goal is to only gain money. There has to be some kind of balance between responsible film making, one that entertains and educates people and that which enables the business to keep going. According to some experts, this could be attained without losing either way. But how are they going to do this? Do they have to exert more efforts to be able to attain both objectives? Or they just have to forget that ‘role- and- responsibility thing’ and focus instead to earning more money? Film making is actually lots of hard work and more had works. Lack of talent according to recent research findings, is irrelevant to success in the film making world. According to Geoffrey Colvin, senior editor-at-large of the Fortune Magazine, â€Å"Talent doesn’t mean intelligence, motivation or personality traits. It’s an innate ability to do some specific activity especially well’. British-based researchers Michael J. Howe, Jane W. Davidson and John A. Sluboda concluded in an extensive study, â€Å"The evidence we have surveyed does not support the notion that excelling is a consequence of innate gifts. † Hard work and practice combined actually makes an individual a master of his craft. No one made it to the top without putting so much work on it. There’s no such thing as ‘born champion’ without going through a lot of work or effort. Greatness can never be achieved without hard work, hard labor. Hard work combined with practice equals work of high level performance and quality. Consistency too is important. Make quality movies all the time, hard yet worth the efforts. People patronize movies created by makers who adhere to the policy of producing high quality films. Filmmaking is making money consciously. Money is a resource material important to everybody, to businesses most especially. Businesses operate with the aim of gaining profits. Film making industry is not an exception. However, it should not be the main reason why the business exists. The role of movies Films have an important role in the lives of its viewers. It connects one generation to the other. It provides an image, concepts, and ideas of how people coped and dealt with their lives in the past; how families are formed or transformed and how it fell apart. It informs us past events, good or bad. It helps us realize that all human beings undergo turmoil and calamities throughout life. It helps us understand why we are here, why we are created, and why we exist. Films are stories about people, their experiences and how they go through life. Films are reflections of our past, present and future lives. Films do not only mirror the social and cultural backgrounds and attitudes of people in the past. It also provides evidences and records them for the future generation to see. Films are good sources of history, of culture and of people. Conclusion: Our world is very much structured by differing thoughts of both politicians and film makers in our society today. These thoughts and ideas are easily and quickly passed through the media that sometimes are readily accepted without thorough investigation for truth. Modern media are so powerful that they are able to deceive people. They can influence your thoughts and views about life. Film making is more than just a business or a calling; it is about influencing and transforming to be able to change the world. It is more than the value of money. Money is just an end. It won’t compensate to the changes that good films bring to its viewers. The visions created by prominent people in the industry has a profound or tremendous impact in our society, inspiring, motivating, and transforming people’s lives for the better. This is one of the few industries that are gifted with the opportunity and responsibility to change our society and our world. Therefore, film makers should be responsible enough to create films or movies that inspire people to do well and to make a difference in their lives. This is possible if they thought of film making as more than just an arena to make profits, to become rich and famous. We, as responsible citizens on the other hand, should be vigilant and exert influence over the cultural impact of the media. We should not patronize films that portray or show violence, subversive activities, and morally degrading stories to its viewers most especially the younger ones. We have a responsibility to protect our society too, that, we should not forget. Institutions, schools and other agencies need to exercise their cultural and social influence on these types of films too. They should condemn companies and personalities that market violence and immorality to viewers, young and old. This is the only way that we can declare war to irresponsible investors and artists. When we are vigilant to these types of propaganda and activities, we can’t certainly be affected or influenced by the film maker’s thoughts, values, ideas and beliefs and our traditional culture will not be in any way, structured by their concepts of the Modern American Culture.

The Figures Displayed in Sylvia Plaths Mirror Essay -- Poetry Poem Sy

The Figures Displayed in Sylvia Plath's Mirror The speaker in Sylvia Plath's poem "Mirror" is the actual mirror itself, which has been owned by a now "old woman" (16) for quite some time. This woman has looked into her mirror every day for many years now. The mirror is very aware of her presence and its environment when she is not present. The author provides many details in order for the reader to grasp the mirror's view on its ever-day sights, but this would be an impossible task without the major use of figures of speech. Plath uses many figures of speech for the benefit of the reader to completely grasp the tone and theme of the poem. Once analyzed, we see that all of these figures of speech come together to achieve one overall effect - expressing the ultimate idea of the poem. The first image and descriptions of the mirror immediately suggest the author's use of personification that brings life to the mirror. From the very beginning it seems as if a person is describing himself: "I am silver and exact. I have no preconceptions" (1). We soon realize this is not the case, but that the mirror has taken on a personality and role in the poem. The mirror puts into words what the reader may already know, but just would never think about: if a mirror really could talk this is what it would say. A mirror holds no judgment of what it sees, but only reflects the truth: "I am not cruel, only truthful" (4). This particular mirror has been owned by only one - a now elderly woman who has looked into it for many years now. The author consistently maintains the personification of the mirror throughout the poem to let the mirror speak what it has seen of this woman and its environment over the past years. The next noticeable use by ... ...s a person would see its reflection in this as well, Plath ends with a simile regarding this reflection. The woman's reflection rises to her from this lake "like a terrible fish" (18). What she has seen is herself grow into an old woman, which although is the truth of the mirror, is a sad actuality to the woman. Without any of these images, this poem would be lacking to achieve the entire intention of a mirror describing in words what is only seen and not spoken. Plath has done a wonderful job at putting on paper an entire two stanzas of only scenes and not conversation. All of the figures of speech have come together to express one final idea: a mirror does not lie, but only reflects the truth (which can only be described by perfect imagery). Works Cited: Plath, Sylvia. The Collected Poems. Ed. Ted Hughes. New York: Perennial ? Harper and Row, 1981.

Inventory Management Systems Essay

In today’s business environment, even many smaller businesses have come to rely on computerized inventory management systems. Automated systems can replace the cost and time consuming processes that were once completed by hand while providing companies with more accurate data. Inventory control is important to ensure control in businesses that handle transactions revolving around consumer goods. Without proper inventory control, a store may run out of stock on an important item. A good inventory control system will alert the retailer when it is time to reorder (www.barcodesinc.com). It will also aid in the prevention of theft and product loss. Overall, a good inventory system will increase the value of your business, satisfy your customers and create more freedom in your life. In this paper, I will describe all the necessary equipment for a low-cost automated inventory system for a small clothing store. I will also explain the costs involved in the creation of the system, describe the ongoing maintenance that will be required and provide a workflow diagram to illustrate how the system will work. An inventory control system that I feel best provides the need of a small clothing store consists of a PC (laptop), backup/recovery and archive device, wireless router, inventory control software, mobile scanning device, and barcode printer. The system shall provide versatility and reliable performance application demands. This system will make tracking inventory simple and intuitive. This system will allow for flexibility to scan and track inventory away from the PC, enabling inventory records to be updated and perform transactions on-the-go. Updates and changes made are instantly shown in the main database, providing real-time visibility of inventory levels. The necessary equipment needed is a PC (laptop), system requirements, (32-bit or 64-bit Windows 7 Professional, Windows Visa Premium, Windows XP (SP3) Professional, 4 GB RAM, 320 GB disk, DVD), backup/recovery and archive device, wireless router for mobile device use, inventory control software for tracking point-of-sale purchase, a mobile scanning device that allows for wireless integration of data, and barcode printer for labeling and tracking inventory. The initial cost of the system, includes the purchase of the hardware and software needed to effectively label and track inventory. Required hardware: †¢PC (laptop) (Dell Latitude E6420 (32-bit – 4 GB RAM – Windows 7 – 320 GB disk – Intel CPU – 2.66 GHz CPU – NVIDIA GPU – With DVD Drive – 1280 x 800 – Touchpad) purchased from www.dell.com for $669.00 †¢Backup/recovery and archive device (Dell PowerVault RD1000 – Removable Disk Storage) purchased from www.dell.com for $409.00 †¢Wireless router (Linksys E3200 High Performance Dual Band Router) purchased from www.tigerdirect.com for $149.00 †¢Mobile scanning device (Metrologic ScanPal 2) purchased from www.barcodediscount.com for $503.90 †¢Barcode printer (Zebra LP 2824 Plus) purchased from www.barcodediscount.com for $223.10 Required Software: †¢Inventory software, Microsoft Business Solutions Point of Sale Software (single user license), purchased from www.barcodediscount.com for $12.20 The total cost of the inventory system is $1966.20. This is an extremely affordable solution for a small business. Computer preventive maintenance means the operating system is more likely to be cleaned, fine-tuned and better prepared for the unexpected. If routinely scheduled maintenance tasks are not implemented, computers/servers become infected, tweaked and not ready for whatever happens. While every mishap cannot be avoided, even small efforts made in this area increase a computer operating system’s performance. This is what makes preventative maintenance important (www.ehow.com). Ongoing maintenance of the inventory system includes preventative maintenance as well as vendor supplied updates and patches. Vendor supplied patches are updates from the provider to effectively repair a bug in the system. Vendor supplied updates provide the latest software updates provided by the vendor. Both patches and updates must be applied to the system to function properly. Routine maintenance will be performed every 90 days. Routine maintenance includes: †¢Keeping devices properly patched and configured to reduce risk †¢Device health checks to keep systems up and running †¢Minor configuration changes †¢Running scheduled tasks such as defragmentation and disk cleanup on devices †¢Driver updates †¢Increase computer/server memory as needed †¢Patch, monitor and manage security devices It is extremely important that all hardware and software stay up-to-date and completely integrated. Failing to do so, can give you false data which can result in an overstock or under-stock of supplies and cause the business a loss. Below is a flow chart diagram of each piece of equipment used, along with how to the inventory control system integrates with one another. Companies can build their own custom retail inventory systems based upon their needs. In today’s business environment, it is almost vital that businesses switch to an automated system for inventory management because manual inventory can lead to a number of errors, which will hurt the company in the future. An automated inventory system increase companies’ productivity and sales and gives them a competitive edge against their competition.

Egypt And Mesopotamia - 917 Words

Architecture in Egypt and Mesopotamia When you think about ancient architecture, what questions arise? Do you ask yourself about its history, durability, and structure? For example, Egypt is known for its pyramids, while Mesopotamia is known for its temple. Both are influential and recognizable after so many years and will continue to be for years to come, those questions come without a doubt to mind. In the following paragraphs, these questions will be answered and explained in depth regarding these two civilizations, Egypt and Mesopotamia. In Egypt, architecture started in what was considered to be the Early Dynamic period and construction lasted about 20 to 40 years to complete. The Pyramids were built to honor†¦show more content†¦Egyptians used sand and stones, whereas Mesopotamians used clay and mud. Egypt structures are visited by tourists year around. However, the Meidum Pyramid did cease to last and collapsed because it was resting on sand versus rocks. In which, the Mesopotamians mud brick technique was later adapted by the Egyptians. Unfortunately, for Mesopotamia there is only one structure that still remains, a few were reconstructed and others were just gathered from archeological evidence. Historical evidence collected indicate climate change, affected the soil caused by mineral salt leading to broken bricks. Another reason for the reconstruction was power domination by the Elamites, they destroyed and rebuilt on the same location either being the same structure or ones similar to the previous wit h modifications. These two civilizations have brought the most memorable structures, considering the techniques used and unique designs. Egypt will always be admired for the Great Pyramid of Giza, known as one of the last original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World ( Mark, 2016 ). The great pyramid of Giza was constructed as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu, including three chambers with two mortuary temples and three known as satellite pyramids dedicated to Khufus wives. Architectures also known to be constructed by the Egyptians are Zoser’s Necropolis built as a mortuary tomb for Pharaoh Djoser, it was surrounded by decorations and ceremonial structures. The Great Sphinx of Giza is knownShow MoreRelatedMesopotamia Vs. Egypt Mesopotamia1020 Words   |  5 PagesBuckley C Block History Mr. Kelly 10/2/15 Mesopotamia vs. Egypt Mesopotamia and Egypt were very different because of their geography and world view. Mesopotamia was often flooded because of their bad geography, but the land around the Nile river was built well so the Egyptians didn t have to worry about the river flooding as often. The land in Mesopotamia was often attacked and invaded. Ultimately the geography of Egypt was significantly better than Mesopotamia because of the benefits of the nile riverRead MoreAncient Egypt, Mesopotamia, And Mesopotamia1337 Words   |  6 PagesIn ancient Egypt, Rome and Mesopotamia the connections that the people had with their rulers stemmed from their belief that their ruler had a close connection with their God’s. Because of the vast role that religion played in their lives it was important to show their admiration and appreciation for these royal beings. From a psychological standpoint, through their style, significance, and idealization, Mesopotamia, Egypt and Rome’s depictions of royalty wit hin their artworks functioned as the bestRead MoreMesopotamia and Egypt Essay1125 Words   |  5 Pagesof Mesopotamia and Egypt. Both have many significant similarities and differences. I would like to compare some important points in four common categories. 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