BOOK REVIEW Essays (191 words) - Jay Leno, The Tonight Show

BOOK REVIEW The book I read was Leading With My Chin. The author is Bill Zehme. I enjoyed reading this book because of its excellent detail. I would definitely recommend this book to someone that is a Jay Leno fan or like to laugh a lot. This book talked about Jays past and all of the things he has accomplished in his long and fun filled life. It explained all the things that he did right and all the things that he did wrong. It talked about things that he would never say on television like his real name. I learned some things about him that I never knew. It also talked about his family and how he met his wife Mavi. He also talked about kids. And he said that he doesn't have any because he can't give them any attention. My cousin also has read half of the book and thoroughly enjoyed what he has read so far, and he is very anxious to finish the book. If I had to rate this book out of ten I would give it a nine because of its excellent details and humor.

Why Evolution is True Book Review Sample

Why Evolution is True Book Review Sample Why Evolution is True Book Review Example Why Evolution is True Book Review Example Throughout the history, scientists and thinkers made numerous attempts to resolve the mystery of the origin of life. Evidently, evolution has become a point of concern for many scientific and academic disciplines. At the same time, evolution can be viewed as a matter of ethics and philosophy. The following research is a critical reflection on a book by Jerry A. Coyne’s titled Why Evolution Is True. The Book Why Evolution Is True by Jerry A. Coyne In the introduction to his book, Coyne (2009) admits that no other scientific problem â€Å"has caused more fascination and fury† than evolution (p. 14). On the one hand, uniqueness of the changes that occur to the species and distinctness of features peculiar to each single organism dwelling on Earth can be regarded as the main reasons of ambiguities and discrepancies the issue of evolution can cause (Coyne, 2009, p. 14). On the other hand, the issue of evolution is fundamental in itself in a sense that hypothetically, it can give us an answer to eternal questions, such who we are, where we come from, and where we are going. In this regard, Jerry A. Coyne (2009) claims the following: â€Å"Evolution gives us the true account of our origins, replacing the myths that satisfied us for thousands of years. Some find this deeply frightening, others ineffably thrilling† (p. 14). The research by Jerry A. Coyne gives a detailed insight to different approaches towards understanding the evolutionary processes. Therefore, critical consideration of the points made by the author of the research and rationalizing from the main ideas of the research can be viewed as a means of better understanding the process of evolution as such. Speaking of evolution, the issue of how it is being treated by the communities across the world is important. Thus, the concept of evolutionism has evolved to denote a scientific tendency of being committed to the theory of evolution. Charles Darwin is referred to as the author of the theory of evolution. Darwin’s evolution theory views natural selection as one of the driving forces of evolution. The theory of evolution is opposed to the creationist theory. Creationism, in its turn, admits the fact that the origin of life and the diversity of species are merely the outcomes of some divine intervention. Coyne (2009) admits that evolution â€Å"is far more than a â€Å"theory†, let alone a theory in crisis† (p. 13). Developing this statement further, the researcher claims that â€Å"evolution is a fact† (p. 13). Considering the idea of evolution as it is understood in the modern society, Coyne (2009) admits the subjectivity of human perception of the evoluti onary processes in a sense that typically people tend to perceive the events, entities, and phenomena through the lens of their own vision, and evolution makes no exception in this particular case (p. 17). As far as the correlation between religion as such and creationism is concerned, the researcher asserts that creationism is only possible and makes sense merely within the framework of religion (Coyne, 2009, p.17). In this regard, Jerry A. Coyne (2009) claims that â€Å"enlightened religion has always found a way to accommodate the advances of science† (p. 19). At the same time, understanding the essence of the evolutionary processes may presumably broaden our recognition of the living world and the place human species takes in it (p. 20). Thus, the conflict between the creationist theory and the theory of evolution is, in its turn, described as follows: â€Å"the battle is a part of wider war, a war between rationality and superstition† (p. 13). It is possible to as sume that the author’s main idea is that reconsidering and exploring the key aspects of the theory of evolution, on the one hand, and creationism on the other, is one of the primary tasks of modern science, ethics, and philosophy. In the first chapter of his book Why Evolution Is True, titled â€Å"What Is Evolution† Jerry A. Coyne (2009) is reflecting upon evolution as a scientific notion (p. 3). It is worth noting that the author admits both simplicity of the term ‘evolution’, and scientific sophistication that characterizes it. Specifically, Coyne (2009) gives the following explanation of the theory of evolution: Life on earth evolved gradually beginning with one primitive species - perhaps a self-replicating molecule - that lived more than 3.5 billion years ago; it then branched out over tie, throwing off many new and diverse species; and the mechanism for most (but not all) of evolutionary change is natural selection (p. 3). To put it simpler, the theory of evolution is based upon six key principles, namely, evolution as such (as the gradual and constant evolvement of biological species, including all the possible consequences of the process), â€Å"gradualism, speciation, common ancestry, natural selection, and nonselective mechanisms of evolutionary change† (Coyne, 2009, p. 3). By evolution, in this case, a genetic change is also implied (Coyne, 2009, p. 3). The idea of gradualism illustrates that evolutionary processes are long-running (Coyne, 2009, p. 4). Diversity of species, including their distinctive features acquired in the course of evolution, and improbability of cross-species mutations have to do with the tenet of speciation (Coyne, 2009, pp. 4-6). The concept of common ancestry has to do merely with the idea of genetic reconstruction of the species already extinct for the purposes of disambiguating the diachronic interspecies relationships (Coyne, 2009, p. 8). Natural selection, while being a purely materialistic process, is addressed as one of the driving forces of the evolutionary process. At the same time, natural selection is counted among Darwin’s greatest â€Å"intellectual achievements† within the framework of the theory of evolution, being acknowledged also as the process that â€Å"doesn’t require creation or guidance by supernatural forces† (Coyne, 2009, pp. 10-11). Contemplating the essence of theory as such, Coyne (2009) arrives at the following conclusion: â€Å"For a theory to be considered scientific, it must be testable and make verifiable predictions† (p. 16). Testifying the truthfulness of the theory of evolution, Jerry A. Coyne provides the following evidences. First of all, the presence of fossil remains of ancient life; the researcher asserts the need of speciation in the fossil record, as well as the exploration of link between the species that are likely to have common ancestry; studying the genetic variations of traits of biological species; account of imperfection as an attribute of evolutionary change; watching the ways processes of natural selection manifest themselves in the wild (Coyne, 2009, pp. 18-19). Taking each of these aspects into consideration, the author of the research notes that the theory of evolution is by all means truthful. In the second chapter of the book Why Evolution Is True, titled â€Å"Written in the Rocks†, Jerry A. Coyne (2009) explores the role of the fossil record in the genetic reconstruction of species for the purposes of studying the diachronic interspecies relationships. It is worthy of note that the role of fossil record within the framework of genetic reconstruction of species for the purposes of studying the diachronic interspecies relationships is of great importance. However, the author of the research admits the incompleteness of fossil record (Coyne, 2009, p. 23). In this regard, Coyne (2009) admits: â€Å"†¦the fossil record gives no evidence for the creationist prediction that all species appear suddenly and then remain unchanged. Instead, forms of life appear in the record in evolutionary sequence, and then evolve and split† (p. 34). On the other hand, Jerry A. Coyne (2009) stresses upon the importance of studying the fossil record of the so-called transitional species, claiming that transitional species have spanned the gap between the organisms in the course of the evolutionary process (p. 36). Developing this statement further, the researcher states that the discovery of transitional forms between fish and amphibians in 2004 became a landmark within the framework of the evolutionary biology (Coyne, 2009, p. 38). The link between birds and reptiles, as explored and asserted by Charles Darwin, has been underestimated for a long time. On the contrary, nowadays it is viewed as one of the key arguments in favor of the theory of evolution (Coyne, 2009, p. 43). In the end of the chapter, Jerry A. Coyne (2009) resumes: â€Å"Darwinism predicts †¦ that new species will be modified versions of older ones. The fossil record amply confirms this prediction† (p. 57). In chapter 3, â€Å"Remnants: Vestiges, Embryos, and Bad Design†, the author of the research explores the various anatomic manifestations of the evolutionary processes in the living organisms. The chapter opens with a beautiful metaphor, explaining the nature of evolution. A metaphor is a reference to palimpsests, recycled manuscripts written on parchment and vellum: an initial text was scraped off the page, and a new one was written (Coyne, 2009, p 59). In such a way, according to Coyne (2009), the basic principles of evolution are working. Specifically, organisms are compared to the ancient texts and addressed in the research by Coyne as ‘the palimpsests of the evolutionary history’ (Coyne, 2009, p. 60). In this particular case, the term ‘the palimpsest of the evolutionary history’ is synonymous to anatomic manifestations of the evolutionary processes in the living organisms. According to Stephen Jay Gould, â€Å"these biological palimpsests are th e â€Å"senseless signs of history† (as cited in Coyne, 2009, p. 60). Vestiges, atavisms, dead genes, and so-called ‘bad designs’ are the main types of mutations, specifically, some specific changes that manifest themselves anatomically and/or physiologically in a living organism. Vestigial trait is commonly referred to as a specific feature that can be viewed as an adaptation that either has â€Å"lost its usefulness completely† or â€Å"has been co-opted for new uses† (Coyne, 2009, p. 61). Wings of an ostrich can be viewed as an example of a vestige (Coyne, 2009, p. 61). Atavism is closely connected with the concept of anomaly. The term vas derived from the Latin word ‘atavus’, meaning ‘an ancestor’ (Coyne, 2009, p. 68). Unlike a vestige, an atavism occurs as in an organism individually. A fifth toe in a horse and â€Å"coccygeal projection† in humans can be viewed as the example of atavisms (Coyne, 2009, pp. 69-70). Dead genes are typically termed as the â€Å"genes that once were useful b ut are no longer intact or expressed† (Coyne, 2009, p. 71). The concept of dead genes is closely related to the so-called â€Å"biogentic law†, formulated by Ernst Haeckel; â€Å"biogentic law† goes as follows: â€Å"Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny† (as cited in Coyne, 2009, p. 83). Bad design proves that certain imperfection in a living organism are attributed to the evolutionary process. Laryngeal nerve of mammals, in this case, can be viewed as an example of â€Å"nature’s worst designs† (as cited in Coyne, 2009, p. 87). In chapter 4, â€Å"The Geography of Life†, Coyne (2009, p. 93) touches upon many aspects related to natural species. The author poses a question that makes everyone think of evolution from a different perspective: why some types of endemic species can be found over a certain territory, whereas others are not represented there at all. The distribution of species across the globe is for sure the matter of evolution. However, it cannot be always explained. It is a strange fact, but somehow similar climate and terrain cannot be appropriate for plants or animals that have much in common, but, none the less, are rather different. Darwin claimed that the distribution of species was caused not by the creation, but the evolution (as cited in Coyne, 2009, p. 96). Presumably, Darwin’s assumption is the most logical of all existing explanations, and, therefore, it is right. However, the theory does not provide the explanation for many questions such as a large distribution of some species and a very limited one of othera. The scientific achievements of the last century answer these questions. From a genetic and biological perspective no distribution could have been if there was no evolution (Coyne, 2009, p. 98). The author of the book provides numerous examples that refute all theories made regarding the geographic distribution except evolution. Although life of one person is not enough to see the substantial changes, one can notice that almost every living organism tries to adjust to new conditions, and the strongest of them becomes prosperous. Adaptation should be regarded as an aspect of evolution. Therefore, evolving different species that came from the same ancestor managed to occupy diverse territories, adapting to new conditions and, consequently, becoming different from what they initially were. If to consider this approach as correct, the diversity of speeches can also be explained by evolution. In chapter 5, â€Å"The Engine of Evolution†, Jerry A. Coyne addresses the concept of selection. In this regard, the author of the research admits: â€Å"Selection is not a mechanism imposed on a population from outside. Rather, it is a process, a description of how genes that produce better adaptations become more frequent over time† (Coyne, 2009, p. 127). Variability, the presence of some genetic basis for change, and affecting the probability of living offspring are the three main aspects of natural selection (Coyne, 2009, pp. 128-129). Animal and plant breeding, exploration of evolution at the molecular level in a laboratory setting, as well as observation of micro- and macroevolutionary changes in the wild, are the essential attributes of current studies. Evidently, the meaning of natural selection is exceptional within the framework of evolutionary process. The purpose of evolution, according to Coyne (2009) is â€Å"to explain how every adaptation evolved, step by step, from traits that preceded it† (p. 130). Taking all aforementioned facts into consideration, the author of the research draws the following conclusion: natural selection results in the adaptive evolution (Coyne, 2009, p. 155). At the same time, minor changes can potentially cause significant changes (Coyne, 2009, p. 155). In chapter 6, â€Å"How Sex Drives Evolution†, the author wants to imply that evolution is not just about adaptation (Coyne, 2009, p. 157). Analyzing the condition of a peacock, Coyne states that the animal manages to live and survive despite all claims of Darwinism. Therefore, Darwin made some oversight in his theory. There is no doubt that evolution makes nature and every living organism change. However, evolution is related not only to bearing the features of the ancestors and developing characteristics that would help to survive. Sexual dimorphism (Coyne, 2009, p. 159) proves to matter as well. The ‘peacock enigma’ is solved now. Although the long tail and bright colors at first sight seem to contradict the essence of evolution since these features involve wasting the energy and time and, therefore, reduce survival as make the males more noticeable for predators, the reality is different. These features brightly denote the essence of evolution as they are the way males adjusted to be differentiated from females so that those could pay attention to them. It makes one assume that sex and continuation of the family are needed for existence, and dimorphism became the evolution technique – two genders adapted to the fact that they need to be easily distinguished and deter the predators from the female and descendants. Evaluating the topic of sex, Coyne (2009, p. 169) concludes that pathogenesis on its own would not have been that evolutionary. When species reproduce sexually, the genes of both male and female are intertwined in the offspring. The absolutely unique genes appear, making their possessor somehow different from the rest of representatives. It is a pure aspect of evolution. All organisms are different in some way, especially those that reproduce sexually. They are not clones, but a result of evolution. In chapter 7, titled â€Å"The Origin of Species†, the author of the research emphasizes the importance of exploring the mechanism of both evolutionary changes and evolvement of new species (Coyne, 2009, p. 185). In this regard, the issue of understanding the nature of species as scientific notion is claimed to assert itself. Commenting on that particular matter Jerry A Coyne claims that evolution itself and speciation (as the process of disambiguating discrete groups of organisms/species) are of primary importance (Coyne, 2009, p. 185). Species, according Mayr, â€Å"a group of interbreeding natural populations that are reproductively isolated from other such groups† can be termed as species (as cited in Coyne, 2009, p. 187). At the same time, species is an autonomous, envolutionary, and reproductive community (Coyne, 2009, p. 189). Classifying the extinct species, in this case, constitutes one of the most challenging issues of modern naturalism and genetics (Coyne, 20 09, p. 190). All in all, Jerry A. Coyne resumes that there is a great deal of resemblance between the biological speciation itself and ‘speciation’ of languages in a sense that â€Å"Like species, languages can diverge in isolated populations that once shared an ancestral tongue† (Coyne, 2009, p. 192). In chapter 8, titled â€Å"What About Us?†, Jerry A. Coyne gives an insight into the origin of human species. To put it simpler, the author describes briefly, but thoroughly, each of the species from which that human species could possibly evolve. Roughly speaking, Jerry A. Coyne outlines the history of our kin. The author of the research admits that human evolution provokes a heated discussion between the proponents of both the theory of evolution and creationism (Coyne, 2009, p. 209). Specifically, Coyne (2009) asserts that the vast majority of people are hardly exposed to accept the fact that our species descended from the apes (p. 192). In chapter 9, titled â€Å"Evolution Redux†, Jerry A. Coyne is contemplating the purposes of both evolutionary biology and theory of evolution (pp. 241-242). Thus, few statements of paramount importance are made. By asserting that evolution is true, one means that the main aspects, conceptions, and principles of Darwin’s theory of evolution are verified (Coyne, 2009, p. 243). Discrepancies and controversies of the theory of evolution are regarded as the weak points and are criticized by the proponents of creationism. Coyne’s response on that matter is as follows: â€Å"A science without controversy is a science without progress† (Coyne, 2009, p. 244). In my opinion, that is a rather fair observation. Finally, the author of the research admits that there is always a very huge possibility of gene instability (Coyne, 2009, p. 251). Taking all the aforementioned facts into consideration, it is possible to make the following conclusions. First of all, Jerry A. Coyne, in his book Why Evolution Matters, positions himself as a strong proponent of the theory of evolution. Throughout the history of evolutionary biology, discoveries of the links between fish and amphibians, birds and reptiles have become truly pivotal. The criticism of the theory of evolution on part of those, who adhere to creationist theory, consists merely in the fact that people tend to believe more in the origin of life as a Divine Providence, rather than a complicated and sustained biological process. Moreover, people tend to reject the idea of their biological ancestry as it is. Making attempts to justify the discrepancies and controversies of the theory of evolution, Coyne proves that controversies contribute to the development of science. Contemplating the purpose of scientific research on the whole, Jerry A. Coyen proves that evolution is by all means a matter of science (naturalism and genetics in particular). However, by doing so the author does not diminish the ethical, philosophical, and religious aspects of the theory of evolution. All things considered, the book can be classified as an important and credible source while studying different elements of the theory of evolution.

Point-of-Purchase Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Point-of-Purchase - Essay Example Products and services must be developed that appeal to a mass of individuals. Common wants and needs that pertain to the social, regional, educational, economic, psycho- logical, national, or other group interest of a market segment must be recognized and translated into profitable opportunity. I am satisfied with this new product and I am going to buy it again and recommend to my friends. In general, point-of-purchase (POP) decisions are influenced by spontaneous desire to try a new product. POP is most effective where products can be differentiated, where demand is expanding, where hidden product qualities cannot be identified at the time of purchase, and where favorable company images or strong emotional buying motives exist. The purchasing process and the related acts of accumulation and consumption are means of achieving goals both of the purchaser and those he represents. The acts of accumulation and consumption indicate the differences between consumers and purchasers, and bet ween consumption and buying. Both industrial purchasing agents and "consumer purchasing agents" are essentially engaged in solving problems (Boone and Kurtz 2002). Another product selected for analysis is a new anti-aging crme by Clinique. Product is advertised by many local specialty shops and cosmetic departments through in-store ads and personal selling. This POP campaign annoys me because I do not use this brand and do not need this product. I suppose that this example shows that considerable confusion exists over the meaning of consumer wants and needs. In a most restricted sense, needs refer to things we cannot do without, items that are indispensable to life. Food, shelter, air, and water are needs in this absolute sense. For marketing purposes, however, this definition is much too narrow. Buyers are not totally inept or irrational in making purchases, particularly household purchases. Actually, consumers have become quite professional in some areas of consumption. Veritable purchasing agents, they often plan their purchases, especially of high-priced durable goods such as automobiles and washers and dryers. Information is important to them about the advantages and limitations of various types of items. I did not buy this product and will not recommend it to other people. This example shows that buyer behavior is also concerned with ways of reducing perceived risk. Two types of uncertainty inhere in product decisions. First, products may not be as functional or durable, or perform as well, as anticipated. Second, there is the risk of unfavorable product reflection on one's self image. Product risk is a function of the degree of product knowledge, the price of the product, product visibility, and the social significance of products and their newness (Crawford 2003). In many cases, POP campaign is ineffective and does not meet the needs and wants o manufacturers. However, for many products such as television, stereophonic components, and air conditioners, it should be noted that even given the technical information, consumers do not have the background necessary to interpret the data and make the wisest purchasing decisions. Purchase responses are shaped by communications which, in part, are controlled by the seller in the form of advertising and selling. But seller-dominated market communications do not furnish all the information necessary to satisfy the curiosity and needs of buyers.

Anishinnabe study Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Anishinnabe study - Assignment Example One of the steps of colonization was identified as being denial and withdrawal. The colonizers deny the availability of cultural and social beliefs for the indigenous people. The second step was denial or eradication. The colonizers destroy any representation of the local people. The third step is denigration of the existing cultural practices by establishing their structures and social systems in the colony. The fourth step is tokenism of the colonial remnants who survive the onslaught of the colonizers. Finally, there is transformation and exploitation. The traditional culture that refuses to die is transformed into the dominating culture of the colonial society The Indian act emerged from the consolidation of the Gradual Enfranchisement Act of 1869 and the Gradual Civilization Act 1857 in 1876. One of the changes in the Indian Act is the ban of Potlatch that was a ceremony of the coastal first Nations in the west. Another change is the 1951 amendments which enacted after the Second World War. The atrocities of the war were most effective on the aboriginal people in Canada. Another change on the Act was Bill C-31 and gender discrimination which aimed to minimize gender bias. According to Johnson, treaties were the instruments that gave Europeans the rights to share resources, build relationships and settle among the natives. He discussed issues of justice system, political divisions, reconciliation law and reconciliation among

Invasive Species Position Paper Grading Rubric Essay

Invasive Species Position Paper Grading Rubric - Essay Example Later these AHBs were found in Arizona, California and Southern parts of United States. AHBs are more adaptable to tropical regions where the abundance of flora is dependent on unpredictable rainfall. As an adaptability to this factor AHBs they frequently swarm to new habitats, reproduce rapidly with shorter developmental life cycles and survive even on sparse supplies of pollen and nectar. Economic threat: Essential need for honey bees to pollinate crops as well as honey production is the matter of great economic concern. Americans are known to consume about 275 million pounds of honey every year. In this context AHBs produce less honey and wax when compared to EHBs. They also produce less wax affecting the manufacture of candles, polish and floor wax. Due to frequent swarming and extensive hive abandoning nature they are less preferred in managed beekeeping industry. Ecological threat: i) They compete and displace local EHBs and other pollinators for nectar and pollen. ii) AHBs invade EHB hive and are capable of upsurging the hive and replacing the EHB queen. In a single generation the EHB matriline is eliminated and the entire EHB hive being Africanized (DeGrandi-Hoffman 2006). iii) Studies of DeGrandi-Hoffman (USDA 2004) have shown that when EHB queens were inseminated with equal proportions of African and European drone sperms, the EHB queen preferred African sperms, producing on an average of about 70% AHB offspring. These factors may eventually decrease the abundance of other bee species which affects pollen harvest and reduce EHB progeny. Social threat: AHBs are more aggressive and sting in greater number on less provocation and respond to any disturbances such as loud noises, strong odors around the hive. They are able to sense threat within 100ft and track upto 1/4th a mile. A sting of a single bee releases a pheromone which stimulates other bees to agitate and attack. The sting of AHBs is know to cause anaphylactic shock. The venom of the bee triggers the release of histamine which can lead to vasodilation and loss of blood pressure. If the condition is not reversed within short time it may lead to death of the person due to shock. Methods of control AHBs are better pollinators when compared to EHBs as they emphasize on brood rearing and growth of the colony rather than honey production. Hence their complete elimination is not a wise option. Agricultural Research Service scientists along with groups like the American Beekeeping Federation, the American Honey Producers Association and the Apiary Inspectors of America have been entrusted with the job of finding the solution to the problem of AHBs in US. Two popular basic methods of control are i) Drone flooding: By limiting the possibility of Africanized drones mating with Europeans queens where commercial reared queen bee has a chance to mate with common honey bees. ii) Requeening: replacing queen of

The Style Of Quentin Tarantino Film Studies Essay

The Style Of Quentin Tarantino Film Studies Essay   Quentin Tarantino has his own distinctive style that mirrors his quirky vision of the universe. From the early Reservoir Dogs   to the stylish Pulp Fiction, Tarantino has challenged both viewers and the movie industry to look at the medium in a new way. His 2009 effort, the ultra-violent war film Inglorious Basterds, is a solid hit and every bit a Tarantino film. This paper discusses the film in general as well as its cinematography and editing. Discussion            Tarantino is a   director known for his love of film in general. He is knowledgeable about the medium and enjoys paying homage to it by sometimes filming scenes in a way that resembles works by other directors; or by putting a great many pop references in his film. This makes his films very hip, but it can also date them. However, because this film is set in a specific time and place-occupied France in 1944-these are quibbles.            Tarantino is also known for telling several stories simultaneously and bringing the threads together at the last moment to make a coherent whole. This is the structure of Pulp Fiction, in which three separate stories are told out of order: characters that are killed in one story show up later in the film, because that part of their story hasnt been told yet. At times its best to just sit back and let Tarantino do his thing and sort it out later.            Inglourious Basterds is just such a film: there are possibly three stories running simultaneously: the story of the Nazi Colonel Hans Landa and his hunt for Jews (Christoph Waltz); the Basterds themselves, led by Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt); and the Jewish girl Shoshanna Dreyfuss (Mà ©lanie Laurent), who works in the cinema that will be the setting for the films explosive (literally) climax. Critics are singling out Waltzs diabolical, cruel, witty, charming and perverse Colonel Landa as the best thing in the film; he won the Oscar as Best Supporting Actor for his work, along with almost every other award its possible for an actor to receive. That raises some unpleasant questions: Waltzs character is the representative of possibly the most despicable regime ever to disgrace humanity, so what does that say about audiences who find him attractive and funny? Landa becomes a sort of guilty pleasure, as well as an object lesson in the fact that evil can sometimes wear a very attractive face: There is nothing more disturbing than finding something commendable in a character you want so badly to condemn (Meadows).            The film is simple: Raines group of commandos has been dropped into occupied France with only one object: to kill Nazis. They do so, often with a baseball bat or other suitably unpleasant means, and scalp them (Tarantino). They also have a penchant for carving swastikas into their victims foreheads and their gruesome tactics have unsettled Nazi officers all the way up to Hitler.            The film has surprised   some audiences by its length and others because for a war film, it is surprisingly non-violent; the violence is extreme and gruesome but sparse and contained within a few set pieces. The rest of the film contains a lot of dialogue, which is a hallmark of Tarantinos work. He is in love with dialogue; he likes to explore human relationships and does so by letting his character literally speaks for themselves. People who complain that theres no enough action in the film seem to be missing the point. Berardinelli notes that the long dialogue scenes are merely priming the pump for the action that follows: With every sentence, the tension mounts. Tarantino uses these sequences to prime the audience, teasing them until the suspense is nearly unbearable, then releasing it in one explosive burst. The films editing includes title cards that identify each scene, an old fashioned technique that some critics like while others denigrate. Its the same technique that silent films pioneered, and it has the effect of making the film feel very literary, almost as if the audience has to read it like a book rather than watching it.            The cinematographer on the film is Robert Richardson, who was director of photography for Tarantino on both Kill Bill films; he has also worked on films like The Aviator and A Few Good Men as well as The Horse Whisperer, Casino and Snow Falling on Cedars   (MacGregor). If these films have anything in common, its that they have nothing in common, but in each case Richardson has brought to life their [the directors] most grandiose aspirations in a way that is unrivaled and incomparable (Ebenezer).            In this film, numerous critics have pointed to the scene which introduces Colonel Landa as a perfect example of Richardsons gifted cinematography; he works magic with the lighting and framing here as he does throughout the film (MacGregor). In this scene, Landa is questioning dairy farmer Perrier LaPadite, who is suspected of harboring Jews; as he continues to question the farmer, the camera circles the table moving closer and closer, as if it is tying up the farmer in invisible cords (MacGregor). When Landa orders his men to shoot through the floor, killing the Jews he knows are hidden there, its almost a relief because the tension is so high its unbearable. This is Richardsons skill; and it is on display throughout the film. The structure of the scene of course is Tarantinos; it is his direction. But Richardson has the skill to shoot it the way Tarantino wants it shot, so that it brings his vision to life. Richardsons use of color is extraordinary; for instance, in the scene where Landa comes to the farmhouse, the day is beautiful, clear and sunny; the sky is blue and birds are singing. And into the midst of this idyllic scene comes a monster. The juxtaposition of Landa with the beauty of his surroundings, especially as he then orders the murder of the hidden Jews, is brilliant. It reminds viewers that things are not what they seem, and that the potential for violence is ever-present. It can be argued that the United States today is one of the most violent societies on earth, but the threat of drive-bys, gang wars and shootings cannot compare to the terror of living under the Nazi occupation, where punishment for the slightest infraction was swift and brutal. When Landa pops up in the middle of the idyll ic scene, the day is ruined. Much of the rest of the cinematography is muted, sometimes suggesting old newsreels with washed out colors. This could indicate the age of Europe, or the draining effect of war; it makes Europe, which is beautiful, cold and harsh, in keeping with the mission the Basterds have undertaken. The New York Times also mentions the cinematography, though it is less complimentary than most to the movie overall. Dargis writes that whether or not a viewer likes the film has a lot to do with whether he or she can just groove on Tarantinos cinematic style, which includes his exuberant framing  and staging, his swooping crane shots, postmodern flourishes (Samuel L. Jackson in voice-over explaining the combustibility of nitrate prints) and gorgeously saturated colors, one velvety red in particular (Dargis). With regard to the films much-discussed opening scene in the farmhouse, Dargis calls it a marvel of choreographed camera movement and tightly coordinated performances. When the scene moves ins ide the building, Tarantino provides another homage: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the German soldiers outside are positioned within one of the windows, a shot that recalls the framing of an image in Monte Hellmans 1971 cult classic, Two-Lane Blacktop' (Dargis). Tarantino also gives a nod to a great Hollywood character actor of the 1950s, Aldo Ray, by naming his main character Also Raine; Also Rays widow served as a casting director on this film (Dargis). (For a delightful look at Aldo Ray, look at Were No Angels the original starring Ray, Humphrey Bogart and Peter Ustinov as three Devils Island escapees who are neither as tough nor as evil as they pretend to be.) As for the rest of the film, however, Dargis is less enthusiastic. She notes that the film is actually five set pieces, each organized around specific bits of business and conversations that increasingly converge (Dargis). The first chapter introduced Colonel Landa; the second brings in the Basterds while the third brings Shoshanna together with Joseph Gobbels (Dargis). The fourth chapter deals with the plot to kill Hitler and the final chapter is the destruction of the fire and the death of many of the characters (Dargis). While all this works, Dargis has trouble with Tarantinos use of slow dialogue scenes and she is particularly disquieted by Colonel Landa, whom she describes as charming and seductive (Dargis). A man who is the tool of a regime as repellant as National Socialism should have none of these qualities. And yet Landa has no equal in the film; he owns it, and that makes for some uneasy viewing (Dargis). Conclusion            Inglourious Basterds would be uncharacteristic for any other director but for Tarantino its merely the latest in a string of films that glorify brutality and make heroes out of the most unlikely people: hit men and Nazi colonels. Its also full of Tarantino trademarks: long dialogue scenes that lead up to shot, explosive action sequences; homage to other films; and a never-ending river of blood. He has also, as usual, played with film itself, using title cards that hark back to the days of silent films, and (mercifully!) having his German characters speak German, his Italians speak Italian, his Frenchmen speak French and so on. This means he has also subtitled some of the scenes, but again, this is a director who truly seems to love playing with the medium and all its capabilities. Whether a viewer will enjoy the film or not particular when it contains scenes of soldiers being beaten to death with a baseball bat and other horrific violence probably depends on whet her or not he or she is a Tarantino fan. If so, theyll know what to expect; if not, it can be a bit much. But all in all, the film has proven to be a solid success and another hit for a quirky filmmaker who breaks all the rules.

The History of Alcatraz Island Essay -- Alcatraz Federal Prison Jail E

The History of Alcatraz Island Alcatraz Island has quite a distinct history. Many people know that Alcatraz served as a federal prison, but most are reluctant to know that this island served as fort. Built before the Civil War, it served two main purposes. First, that it was to guard the San Francisco bay area from enemy ships against a foreign invasion, and second, to hold hostage prisoners of war or POW's as they were called. In this report, I'll show you how this fortress came to be a federal prison, why it is no longer in operation today, and most importantly, to show why it was built in the first place. When the great "Gold Rush" of 1849 first started, California grew from what would be considered a small, unpopulated state, into what it is now. California is now one of the most populated states and it was mostly the gold rush that brought attention to California. As the government saw all of this happening, they realized that California was much more important than they ever realized. In their realization, t hey decided that California must be protected. San Francisco has one of the largest bays in all of California, and so this was where enemy countries would most likely to try to invade the country. So this is where Alcatraz was to lie, to serve as a military fort. It was supposed to serve as a secondary base in companionship to another base located on the other side of Golden Gate Bridge. But with severe problems trying to build this other base, Alcatraz was to remain alone. "Out in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, the island of Alcatraz is definitely a world unto itself. Isolation is just one of the many constants of island life for any inhabitant on Alcatraz Island. It is the most reoccurring theme in the unfolding history of Alcatraz Island. Alcatraz Island is one of Golden Gate National Recreation Area's most popular destinations, offering a close-up look at a historic and infamous federal prison long off-limits to the public. Visitors to the island can not only explore the r emnants of the prison, but learn of the American occupation of 1969 - 1971, early military fortifications and the West Coast's first and oldest operating lighthouse. These structures stand among the island's many natural features - gardens, tidepools, bird nests, and bay views beyond compare." (1) Fortress Alcatraz ran in operation from 1850 - 1933. It served as San Fr... ...worth THIS?" We can either learn from what valuable lessons that were taught at alcatraz, or we can be ignorant and let it happen again. Alcatraz was considered hostile, cruel, and unjust, and it was. But there was a lesson to be taught, now if we don't learn that human life is the most precious gift that we take for granted, then Alcatraz was a good idea and it needs to be reinstated. But when you allow a man to lose his freedoms that our forefather fought for, with impunity, it is simply the worst thing to happen. Alcatraz was built for a good reason, it served for a good reason. Then it was transformed into "The Rock." Al! l the good that went into was lost. We as a country lost sight of what was important to us, and now if we don't learn from it, we are only asking ourselves for it again. Bibliography 1. The Alcatraz WWW Homepage, Yahoo Search Engine, 1996 2. Professor Clyde W. Richins, University of Michigan, 1990, Vol. 1 of "In the life of Alcatraz" pages 1944- 46 3. Doctor William M. Hellem, Medical Physician on Alcataz Island, 1983, Vol. 1 of "In the life of Alcatraz" pages 132-134 4.Lutenient George R. Hendershaw, Guard that seved on Alcatraz Island,