Variety of orkids Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Variety of orkids - Essay Example The various varieties thrive best in different conditions in the world. There exist about 30,000 species of orchids from all over the world as they come from a wide range of habitats. The principal reason as to why the hobby of growing orchids has been addictive is because they are incredibly diverse and one can always find a suiting type of orchid to grow different from the past one. The comet orchid is from the genus monopodial orchids that are found in Africa. It has white flowers that are fragrant at night. There is the Tulip orchid has substantially shaped flowers that occur in shades of green, white, red, and yellow. They grow in areas where there is high humidity. The Bamboo orchid grows as a roadside weed in the Southeast Asia.it has very attractive pink flowers. The Dracula orchid tends to grow downwards and have a large lip that looks like a mushroom to attract flies. The tiger orchid has a large genus with over 500 species. They produce small and numerous flowers and are fragrant orchids.th Moth orchid is the most common of all.it has large flowers that are showier and come in variety of colors. There are as many species of orchids more than the one mentioned in this

Oedipus the King Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 2

Oedipus the King - Essay Example All this happened because he tried to escape the predictions that he will commit these mistakes. He ran away from his foster parents, thinking that they were his real parents and ran into the horror all by himself. Oedipus represents the basic predicament of human beings trapped in the unknown spheres of their own destiny. In the beginning, he laments the suffering of himself and everyone else in the inflicted city of Thebes, without realizing that the cause for it is his sinful actions: Oedipus can be seen as belonging to the Greek culture which operated on the pragmatic aspects of life which included action at the expense of introspection though the element of piety was a major element in their day-to-day existence. In a broad analysis, it is possible to analyze Oedipus as a Dionysian representation in Greek terms, exhibiting sudden action, excesses, violence, ruthlessness, and so on. The Apollonian representations, on the contrary would depict contemplative action with due emphasis on intelligence over impulse Terry Eagleton, in his Holy Terror (2005) observes how in Sophocles’s Oedipus at Colonus, Oedipus â€Å"is transformed into a tutelary deity, protecting the citizens of Athens from assault† (15) and states that the Dionysian impulse for violence is normally a reaction to â€Å"lack of piety† (16). In Oedipus the King, the question of morality is not strictly the concern of its protagonist, a man of action. He kills Laius where the three roads meet, because he was denied his freedom to proceed further. Even as he was troubled by the need to discover his identity, Oedipus does not try to find out the identity of the people whom he attacked and killed. He did not exhibit any sense of guilt even as he had to narrate this incident to Teiresias, after many years. Even though Oedipus has committed his sins unknowingly, the thoughtless actions from his side are not to be discounted, especially as he was

What changes in Americans values and lifestyles signaled the rise of Essay

What changes in Americans values and lifestyles signaled the rise of consumer culture - Essay Example In politics, consumerism has been applied to symbolize something quite diverse known as consumerist movement, consumer activism or consumer protection. This strives to inform and protect consumers by demanding practices like product guarantees, honest advertising and packaging, and better safety standards. Therefore, in politics consumerism is a set of rules that are aimed at regulating the methods, services, and products. In addition, they regulate the standards of advertisers, sellers, and manufacturers in the benefits of the buyer. In the economic domain, consumerism denotes to financial policies putting weight on consumption. In a theoretical sense, it is the deliberation that the free selection of consumers must strongly direct the selection by producers of what is manufactured, and thus direct the financial organization of a society. In this case, consumer culture articulates the idea not of one voice, one man, but of one voice, one dollar that might not reflect the contribution of an individual to society1. Since the completion of the twentieth century, the economics, politics, and culture of the American’s has been remodeled by the rapid increase of consumer culture. In what has been purported to be the progress of the vicarious leisure class, and its difference from the overall body of the employed class, orientation has been made to an additional division of labor between the dissimilar servant classes2. A single part of the servant class, mainly those individuals whose job is vicarious leisure, emanate to carry out a new, lesser range of responsibilities- the vicarious consumption of goods. The most common form where the consumption happens is viewed in the wearing of uniforms and the livelihood of capacious servant quarters3. A scarcer, less effective, less obstructive, and widely prevalent form of vicarious consumption is the clothing, food consumption, furniture and dwelling by the woman and the rest of the national establishment. Noticeable

Recruitment Case Study Essay Example for Free

Recruitment Case Study Essay Recruitment is when BHX looks for a new member of staff. BHX needs to recruit new staff for different reasons. It could be that they need staff for to fill in new posts or for an extra help for other staff. Sometimes BHX need new staff because they need to replace the old staff with new staff with more experience and qualifications. To recruit staff there is a process for it. There are seven steps in the process. To appoint the right person for the job they need to go through the seven steps for each of the applicants. For recruitment the manager and the human resources are responsible to recruit new staffs. As other organisaton BHX has a policy for recruiting staff. The employer at BHX has to obey the policy. The policy reduces the chance of a candidate being treated unfairly. The law and ethics at BHX are very strict. The law says that there must not be any discrimination against the employee and the employee should have the same opportunity regardless of race, gender, or disability. All disabled applicants who fully meet the Person Specification for the post for which they have applied for has to be guaranteed an interview at BHX. In BHX the recruitment is done by human resource department and the manager. Steps in the process There are seven stages in the recruitment process. 1. Identify the vacancy 2. Draw up a job description 3. Draw up a person specification 4. Advertise the vacancy 5. Shortlist applicants 6. Interview applicants 7. Select and appoint the most appropriate candidate (Carysforth C and Nield M (2002) GCSE applied business for edexcel hieneman) pg235 Agreeing the vacancy: Before recruiting new staff the manager has to think that in which area do BHX need more staff. And manager also has to ask permission of BHX that if they can recruit more staff. BHX will allow manager if they really need some new staff. Staff do cost lost of money and therefore BHX will need to think if they really need new staff. Each department in BHX has budgets and they are only allowed to recruit staff if they are able to pay for the recruitment process. This is what they need to think before advertising the vacancy. Here are some of the reasons why BHX might recruit people. * It could be that more airlines are landing at BHX and therefore they need more staff to service the planes. * More passengers are using BHX. * Someone has been promoted to the higher level or someone left the job. Drawing up job description: A job description tells the employee the key facts relating to the job. BHX needs to list the job title, all the responsibilities, main duties, salary of the employee. When someone applies for the job BHX has to give them the copy of job description so this tells them job covers everything they are expected to do. Here is an example of a job description at BHX. At the top of the job description there is information about the employees post title, the department the employee is going to work in, date etc. After that it says the purpose of the job. The main part of a job description is the employees main duties and responsibilities. At the end there is a box with a signature of the employees relation manager and the section he/ she is from. BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LIMITED JOB DESCRIPTION DIVISION: DEPARTMENT: Human Resources POST TITLE: Human Resources Administrator GRADE: C career grade DATE: January 2006 Job Purpose Complying with Birmingham International Airport Limited employment policies and procedures and recognised best human resources practice; to provide an efficient and effective human resources administration service, that that is customer driven, proactive, flexible, facilitates workable solutions and supports the Company in the achievement of its objectives. Main Duties and Responsibilities a. To ensure the planned human resources services for which this post is responsible for, are delivered according to Company policies and procedures and outlined departmental performance management standards. Undertaking the work of this post in line with the Company values, department objectives own personal responsibilities and professional standards. b. To be responsible for ensuring own administration is managed to expected business standards in a timely manner, without loss of quality standards. This includes responsibility for responding to telephone enquiries, drafting/word-processing routine and adhoc letters, minutes of meetings, reports and other documentation. c. To take a proactive role in the development of the human resources department administrative systems and processes; and communicate such developments, in a manner that supports the Company values and objectives of the department. d. To co-ordinate the recruitment cycle including but not limited to:- * preparation of advertisement, job descriptions, person specifications, * liaising with applicants, * equal opportunities monitoring, * attending candidate assessment. * progressing the employee reference checking process, * preparing accurate contract of employment, * coordinating, maintaining and progressing the Companys employee probationary assessment process. e. To maintain and update the Companys recording systems in respect of counter terrorism checks for relevant employees. For the purpose of employee counter terrorism check renewals to ensure relevant employees and the Department for Transport are notified in good time of the forthcoming expirery of their counter terrorism check clearance. f. To maintain effective housekeeping and ensure accurate updating of the computerised human resources information system (CHRIS) and manual recording systems as they relate to the work of the Human Resources Department. g. To produce human resource management information using the CHRIS, Company databases and spreadsheets for the production of statistical and other human resources related information for management reports. h. To carry out such other duties commensurate with the grading of the post,which will be determined from time to time, in line with the needs of the business. The airport company reserves the right to vary the duties and responsibilities of staff under Conditions prescribed in local agreements. Thus, it must be appreciated that the above duties may be altered as the future changing needs of the service may require. Employee Relations Manager Section Head (School resources) Drawing up person specification: BHX has to list all the appropriate skills and qualifications needed by the employee. They have to list this so only the person with an appropriate qualification can apply for the job. This also enables the employer to think about the best type of employer needed for the job. It also tells the employee what sort of training does the employee need Here is an example of a person specification at BHX. This helps the employer to recruit the best person in BHX. The person specification lists all the knowledge, skills, experience, qualifications etc the employee should have. BIRMINGHAM INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT LIMITED PERSON SPECIFICATION JOB TITLE: Security Guard (Part Time Terminals) GRADE RANGE: Security Guard DEPARTMENT: Aviation Security REPORTS TO: General Manager Aviation Security KNOWLEDGE 1 Emergency health and safety procedures including public safety issues HOW TO BE ASSESSED A/I SKILLS/ABILITIES 2 Physically able to carry out passenger and bag searches 3 Ability to remain calm and assertive in emergency situations 4 Basic computer awareness for the purpose of security ID pass checks and report writing 5 Good customer service practices to represent the company in a professional manner 6 Ability to remain alert and vigilant to undertake indoor and outdoor security patrol duties, boarding card and security ID pass checks 7 Well developed verbal and written communication skills 8 Ability to write short and accurate reports 9 Ability to work on own initiative and within a team 10 Ability to deal sensitively and tactfully with people on a one to one basis 11 To work a variety of shifts, inclusive of weekends and bank holidays I I I A/I I/TEST A/I/TEST I/TEST A/I I A/I EXPERIENCE 12 12 months experience in a customer facing role 13 Working to agreed standards and regulations and internal procedures in a consistent way A I EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS 14 Numerate and literate to perform the duties of the job TEST OTHER ATTRIBUTES 15 Willing to undertake mandatory training relevant to the job 16 Able to comply with the company dress code 17 Live within a 30 miles travelling distance of the airport to respond to call out/shift cover 18 Full previous 5 year checkable history (e.g work, study, unemployment, home worker) 19 Able to successfully pass a colour blindness test and medical examination A I A A OH How to be assessed Key: A Application form I Interview TEST Saville Holdsworth tests, and/or Managers designed test HR Certified by HR Department OH Certified by Occupational Health Department Birmingham International Airport Limited is working towards equal opportunities in employment and all employees are required to operate within the spirit of the Companys Equal Opportunities Policy. Employee Relations Manager Departmental Manager (http://www.bhx.com/personnel/jobs/52/Aviation%20Security%20Personnel%20person%20specification%2003.07.doc) Advertising the vacancy: BHX has to decide where to advertise the vacancy and to list al the skills, qualifications and all the attributes. The advertisement includes all the terms and conditions of the employment like salary, number of hours etc. There are different methods of advertising that BHX uses. They advertise low skilled jobs in the newspaper because it a very cheap way to advertise an vacancy. They advertise their vacancy in a newspaper which is delivered around Birmingham and neighboring towns and cities because it is more likely that a local person will apply for a job and its easier for the employee to get to the airport. They advertise some of their job on their website. They also advertise their job at job centers because lots of people who look for a job visit there to find jobs. Here is an example of the job vacancy of an aviation security guard at Bhx. This vacancy was advertised on the Bhx website. In this vacancy BHX cannot recruit a male security guard because at the top of the vacancy it says that they need a female aviation security guard. In the advertisement it lists all details about the job, the opportunities the employee will have and the salary. Female Aviation Security Guards Salary à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½11,187 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½13,295 per annum (pay award pending) Closing Date 21 Mar 2007 Details If you are female and looking for a rewarding part time career opportunity, we have a vacancy that may interest you: FEMALE AVIATION SECURITY GUARDS à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½11,187 à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½13,295 per annum (pay award pending) (8 hour shifts, including weekend working and Bank Holidays) The Business Birmingham International Airport aims to be the best regional airport in Europe and, as the second largest airport outside London, regularly handles in excess of 9 million passengers each year, making it one of the busiest UK airports. If you want to be part of a vibrant and supportive team that is helping to shape the future of the business, here is where you make the connection. The Opportunity The main responsibility of this role is to ensure the safety of passengers. To be successful as an aviation security guard, it is important that you have a polite and professional manner, as you will be responsible for checking passenger identities, boarding cards and be required to perform bag and physical body searches. You should be comfortable working on your own initiative and be able to stay calm in emergency situations, while ensuring all security and airport regulations are adhered to. This is a customer facing role so we would like our aviation security guards to have well developed verbal communication skills and as you may be called upon to report on security related incidents good written communication skills are equally important. Previous security experience is not necessary as full training will be given to the successful candidates and you will also receive support from other team members. The Person In return for your efforts in this role, you can look forward to a competitive salary, a generous annual leave entitlement, free on-site parking, stakeholder pension scheme and Company share scheme. We also offer discounts on a variety of retail and catering outlets within the airport and discounted travel/holiday offers. Sex Discrimination Act 1975 section 7(2)(a)(i)) applies and on this occasion male applicants will not be considered. To apply, further details and an application pack are available via our website www.bhx.co.uk or write to the Human Resources Department, Birmingham International Airport Limited, Birmingham B26 3QJ (http://www.bhx.com/page.aspx?type=jLNyxnRIZKE=id=2N3FyjXb9IM=job=XZn9xPVMN1E=) Shortlist the applicants: Shortlisting applicant can be very difficult for BHX. Sue Timothy who is a personnel manager at BHX has to make sure that she shortlists the applicants fairly. To do this fairly she has to look at candidates Curriculum vitae. She has to look at what sort of grades, qualification, work experience and good references from their teacher or their previous employer. If the persons C.V. matches the person specification then Sue timothy can consider the applicant for the next stage which is the interview. Applicants with better qualification will be considered first for the interview and applicants with very minimum qualification will be rejected. Interview the applicants: In Bhx there is a two stage interview. The first interview is done by the human resources and the second interview is done by the manager of the department. This two stage interview is only done if the employee has applied for the high skilled vacancy. For example if someone applies for a job like an aircraft dispatcher, there will be a two stage interview. This is because aircraft dispatcher is a highly skilled job. There is a one stage interview at BHX. For example if someone applies for a job as a cleaner, there will only be a one stage interview. This is because a cleaner is a low skilled worker. At BHX interviewers are trained so that they know hot ask questions and what types of questions to ask. Interviewers who have experience at Bhx will ask open ended question which means that the candidate cant just say yes or no to the question. Example of the ended question can be What made you apply for this job? For this the candidate will have to give reasons for the answers. These kinds of questions tells the interview that how well the appl icant communicate. To make the interview fair to everyone, the interviewer has to ask the same questions to all the candidates. Select the candidate: This is the final stage of the recruitment process. BHX will have to choose the best candidate. They choose the best candidate by looking at how well the candidate has done in their interview. Sometimes an applicant with a really high qualification does badly in the interview. These mistakes could be that the applicant was too nervous during the interview. It could also be that the applicant did not communicate very well with the interview. As BHX is a huge organisation several people are involved in recruiting people. In Bhx human resources and managers are involved in recruiting people. In the interview only one person interviews the people because this makes the interview fair to everyone and the interviewer will ask the same questions to everyone. While employing for the job at Bhx the employee has to apply with the curriculum vitae because in the C.V. its got all the information about the employee like all the qualification from GCSEs to a university degree and all the work experience the employee did. The employer needs to see the C.V to make sure the employee has the correct qualification in order to get the job at Bhx. Before applying for the job at Bhx the employee needs to have one or two references from the previous employer to see if the employee has a good behavior and a good record Overall I think that a recruitment process is very successful in Bhx. Everyone who applies for the job at Bhx has equal opportunities because in the interview the interviewer has to ask the same questions to everyone. With all these seven stages of recruitment Bhx recruits the best person for the job. Recruitment at Bhx can be done better if the interviewers are polite and they know what questions to ask. They can also advertise the job far away from Birmingham so there is more chance to get the best person who will meet all the person specification for the certain job. Staff Development and Training Training is related to job specific skills and abilities, learned at BHX. Development means to increase knowledge, skills or experience. A cleaner will need different training then an airport dispatcher. This is because they all have different job roles and different responsibility. The cost of the training depends on the type of training the person is doing and the level of the job they are at. For example the cost to train a manager is much higher then to train a cleaner. On-the job training is an important way in staff acquires relevant knowledge and skills at work. On the job training is when the staff trains in Bhx. The example of on the job training could be an induction. Induction means when the employee comes to the job for first time, the supervisor has to show the person around Bhx to get familliarise with the other staff and work place. Off the job training is when the staff trains within the Bhx but in different location. The example of off the job training could be someone learning how to use a computer in a training centre. In Bhx the employer needs to train and develop staff for different reasons. They need to develop staff because the job and technology changes. Lots of staff at BHX works on a computer. As times goes by new technology comes and they need to get a special training to use it. Promoted staff needs new skills. Also the new staff needs training. So Bhx has to organise some training events. Without the training the new staff wouldnt have a clue of what to do at BHX. With the training and development, staffs skills improve and when the staffs change their jobs then they would need less training. The staff might need training because during the performance review they might have done badly because they had a lack of skills. Bhx can improve its training system by allowing more budget in the training department. This will mean that staff can get trained more effectively and they will learn more skills during the training. Training can also be done better by recruiting more people who have more qualifications and employees who need less training. This saves money. At BHX there are different types of training. * Induction training is to familiarise the new employees with staff their work place and health and safety in Bhx. The cost for this type of training is very low. * On the job training is for the staff who needs to learn about Bhxs equipment and system. This type of training is cheaper because the staffs are trained in Bhx and Bhx dont have to pay for the accommodation and travel for the employees. * Off the job training is for people who need to learn about other aspects of the job. It can be really expensive to train staff away from Bhx because Bhx has to pay for the employees accommodation and the travel. * E learning (Electronic Learning) means an employee who learns and trains by a computer. This type of training can be really expensive because having an I.T system is expensive and they BHX have to buy different kind of software for different type of training. There is a future need for all these trainings. With the training, staff can do lots of other things which they couldnt do before the training. There are new business opportunities. There is a greater staff motivation. Bhx does work towards IIP (Investors In People). An IIP is a national standard that wants Bhx to train and develop all their employees to help achieve Bhxs objectives. National training awards started in 1987. The training awards are awarded to both employee and employers in Bhx. Every year a few staff gets this award. To get this award the learners have to prove that they have demonstrated excellence skills in their training. www.google.co.uk Application form at BHX When BHX recruits new staff the employee has to fill the application form very carefully. This is because the employer of BHX wants to know every single information about the employee. In the application form the employee has to fill all his/her personal information i.e. name, D.O.B., home address and many more. The employee also has to fill the health information all the secondary school information, the grades that employees has achieved, all the college and universities grades achieved and qualifications that the employee has. The employee also has to list all the skills, knowledge, abilities and experience they have. They also have to list whether they have worked for different company before.

How Genders Are Represented In Video Games Media Essay

How Genders Are Represented In Video Games Media Essay This paper will discuss how genders are represented as well as perceived in todays video games. With reforming feminist and equality groups attacking every outlet of mainstream news, video games have now become the new mass media that remains the only real form of entertainment that truly represents modern day views and beliefs. Recent games have shifted the trend from the macho stereotypic male hero protagonist to a more feminine female protagonist with great success, judging by recent Portal 2 sales in which the main protagonist was a female. This also remains true with antagonists as well. Gender can be used either in a subversive or sexist way. Females are often objectified predominantly by using powerful visual dynamics. This includes their mannerisms, roles in games but most often, the clothes they wear. Sexism has often been a talking point from as early as the 90s. In Ann Cudd and Leslie Jones paper Sexism,  sexism is define as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ a systematic, pervasive, but often subtle, force that maintains the oppression of women, and that this is at work through institutional structures in interpersonal interactions and the attitudes that are expressed in them, and in the cognitive, linguistic, and emotional processes of individual mindsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ our very experience of the world (105-6). Censorship also plays are significant role on how genders are represented in video games. This greatly relates to nudity and sexual references. This could be seen as a positive as this forces game developers/publishers to think harder on the necessity that sex plays in their games. Is it really necessary and/or practical to have females represented as whores? Why should they be represented like this? Why are males represented so differently to females? You dont see many games representing males as whores. This is a good way of nailing developers into thinking harder about the characters, plot and settings. In the end, it comes down to how profitable a game can be and games do have to be tailored in order to be released in certain countries. One could argue that this damages video games as they have to be watered down potentially harming the games story, but does it really? Considering that many games portray females as sex objects and have no place in todays society, I tend to agree. As adults, we do have the right to choose what we want to look at but we also have the moral responsibility to do what is right, and this should remain true in video games. The games that will be looked at in this paper are: The Witcher, Dragon Age 2, Portal 2, Bulletstorm; and Hydrophobia: Prophecy. This will compare and contrast two game titles of similar nature in which gender representation in both games will be thoroughly examined. Game 1: The Witcher The Witcher is a role playing game delevoped by CD Projeckt RED STUDIO and was released as a PC exclusive in 2007. The game is based on a series of books by the same name by Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski. The game is based on a mediaeval fantasy world of Temeria  and tells the story Geralt of Rivia, a Witcher who was at some point killed or at the very least, near death but was later revived by his fellow witchers at their stronghold Kaer Morhen. Unfortunately, he loses his memory in the process. The player gains control of Geralt and lead him through a non-linear story in which the player makes moral choices that affect the overall outcome of the game. The game was censored at release in North America, Australia and the United Kingdom. This was later resolved through a patch known as the Enhanced Edition that failed to determine the users location (source), as well as improving on gameplay, graphics, loading times among other things. The main reason that this game was censored was how the game depicted women as well as receiving sex as a reward. Players were also rewarded what became to be known as sex cards, which depicted the women that you as Geralt slept with. There were also some modifications to the dialogue for what was said to be distasteful, for example, a scene where Geralt barges into a ladies house, Where the hell do you think youre going with all the dung on your boots?! Out with you! This was cut into Who are you? Get out! in the censored versions. One of the games focal aspects, apart from the immersive atmospheric world, story and gameplay, was on Geralts relationship with women. Witchers are generally perceived to be great sex machines but without the fantastic stereotypical looks (source). A good way to sum Geralt up is that hes an outsider, often referred to as a mutant in the game world and has many similarities, in terms of looks, to an albino. Relationships/sex does play an integral part of the game. Geralts choices in who he has relationships with, greatly affects the outcome, not only at the end but throughout the entire game. Women do have a dominant role in this game and this is evident with characters such as Shani, Abigail and Triss Merigold. All three are strong women and although highly sexualised, they do play a significant role in the game. Geralts relationships with all three, one as friends and the other two sexually, determines on how the game progresses in terms with the story. Prostitutes also play a significant role as the player can gain valuable information by both helping them on side quests and/or sleeping with them. A good example of this is Carmen, the madame at one of the brothels. She asks for your help on helping find a cure for a werewolf she loves in which you could either kill or save. At the end, you learn of the story on why she became a prostitute. A lady shunned by her father because she was raped and impregnated by the city guards. The game also implies, through dialogue, that she may have also been sexually abused by her father. What this shows is that the team at CD Projeckt put a lot of thought and meaning into the roles that gender plays in this game. While other games such as Grand Theft Auto put very little thought and reason into its ok to over sexualise women with rape, bashing and murder, The Witcher is one those few games that stands out in terms of both character and story development. It shows that in comparison to other games, women are strong, fierce and independent, and are able to stand up for their beliefs, ideas and ideologies. Game 2: Dragon Age 2 Dragon Age 2 follows the adventure of Hawke, a refugee from the nation of Ferelden who has fled to Kirkwall. The game itself is a series of flashbacks from the captured dwarve Varric, an old companion of Hawkes. The game was released on PC and Xbox 360 in 2011 by EA but developed in-house by Bioware. As with all traditional Bioware games, it features rich dialog, expansive worlds, deep meaningful storyline as well as strong willed women. In fact, Bioware put a lot of thought and emphasis in the roles women play in this games (as well as their other games) universe. Five of your companions in Dragon Age 2 are female. Females are represented to be strong, decisive, intellectual, cunning and possibly evil, and do play a significant role in the outcome of the game. At the beginning Dragon Age 2, Varric exaggerates and describes Hawkes companions with overly large bosoms which raises the question, why did the game developers choose to do this? This could be seen as a way of enticing male players (as well as females) into the game by over sexualising women in this fashion. It is a good marketing ploy by Bioware as it engages players, particularly males, to progress through the game. The game also introduces many relationships that the player may choose to pursue. It does contribute to the story in some way but it fails to play a significant part. Rather, players can choose to remain friends with their female companions instead of actively sleeping with them; it does not affect the progress of the game. Compared to the original, sex scenes are dumbed down. This is due to several reasons, specifically censorship. Many would say, judging by the complaints on user review site Metacritic, that this potentially damaged the game by ruining parts of the story where sex does play a role. Taking out true romanticising made the game seem unrealistic and gave the appearance that adding female companions did seem as an afterthought by the game developers. Are we to believe that there were no sexual tensions between Hawke and his female companions? Compared to The Witcher, getting interment with your female companions was a simple task of building your friendship bar by agreeing with your companions rather than taking decisive decisions, handing over gifts and teasing/flirting with them. The Witcher made romance seem an integral part of the game whereas Dragon Age 2 fails on this, adding romance seem as an afterthought and having no real consequences. Yes, females did play an overly important ro le in Dragon Age 2 but the romancing seemed unnecessary and could have been left out as it plays very little, if any, part of the story. Game 3: Portal 2 Perhaps one of the better titles to be released by Valve, its a highly entertaining emotional rollercoaster ride, one that will give you high hopes and later crush them. Portal 2 features a fantastic, engaging, hilarious plot (and soundtrack) with many twists and turns. Ironically, this game forces you to think with portals as many levels will leave you shaking your head is disbelief when a puzzle that should theoretically only take 5 minutes takes you more than 15. It certainly leaves a satisfying feeling when completing a complex puzzle.  Released in 2011, this game stands out from the usual crowd. Featuring a female protagonist by the name of Chell and a few helpful (or not so helpful) robot companions, GLaDOS and Wheatley, you attempt to transverse yourself out of the Aperture Science lab testing facility. Chell is portrayed as a strong willed and intelligent woman. The game steers away from hypersexualising Chell by avoiding somewhat traditional Lara Croft style clothing i.e. skintight latex, overly short shorts and/or a tight hugging bikini. Instead, Chell is represented wearing a plain orange jump suit which is an unobtrusive representation of the female protagonist. Most players progress through the game unaware that they are assuming the role of a female. Players only catch a glimpse of Chell when looking through portals as well as other reflective materials such water and glass. Both GLaDOS and Wheatley are treated in a similar fashion where gender plays very little significance, mainly because they are bots although this does change in the latter part of the game. We can differentiate between the two by both voices and attitudes, but not by outside looks. The writers at Valve provide a very interesting balance of power between the three characters. Choosing to represent female conflict by using emotional forms of abuse whilst avoiding any form of physical contact remains true with the stereotypes about women; they are cunning creatures. While in the latter half of the game, Valve took a feministic approach totally changing the dynamics of the game in which both Chell and GLaDOS form a working relationship and team against the common enemy, Wheatley. Wheatley is the only male character in the game. He transforms GLaDOS into a potato and attempts to murder Chell. This portrays both control and dominance that can be seen as subjectify women, either in reality or in the virtual world. From a feminist point of view, this form of behaviour is exactly what makes women put aside their differences (something which males cant do) and team up against the common enemy, proving once and for all that women are the stronger of the two sexes. Chell and GLaDOS are the two perfect examples of the two sides of femininity; Chell the domestic icon whereas GLaDOs represents the progressive, intelligent working woman. By killing GLaDOS, Chell can be seen as the dutiful safe woman conquering the dangerous feminist (http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/218960/portal-s-glados-as-feminist-icon/) Game 4: Bulletstorm This is easily one of the most fun games Ive played in quite some time. The gameplay is just absolute effin amazing fun! Coupled with an engaging storyline and a hilarious script, this game is definitely a game that Ill be coming back to play just for pure entertainment. Although short, this game in no way becomes repetitive as your environment, enemies and weapons is ever changing. Get it for the singleplayer as multiplayer is completely consolised, meaning that, it uses a matchmaking system which takes forever to connect. The only positive I can take from it is that you can choose to play with friends. Its another game that Microsoft has again managed to ruin with their GFWL. Game 5: Hydrophobia: Prophecy Conclusion Sources http://arts.nationalpost.com/2011/04/19/qa-with-portal-2-writers-erik-wolpaw-and-jay-pinkerton/ http://www.popmatters.com/pm/post/140585-her-name-is-caroline-naming-the-misbehaving-woman-in-portal-2/ http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/218960/portal-s-glados-as-feminist-icon/

Hydro :: essays research papers

Many differing opinions exist on what needs to be done about our current status of conserving energy and conserving our environment. With increased gas prices and energy costs, consumers are more aware of what benefits are available and the methods of obtaining them. The introduction of hydropower has been a major step for some, while a stumbling back for others. Advocates for hydropower have provided much information about the many benefits that we reap from using hydroelectric dams. Environmental activists denounce the many negatives that are created by the numerous dams located throughout the United States as well as other countries. Both sides present valid arguments and need to be addressed in order to fully understand the complex social, biological, political, and economic pros and cons. Dams operate by using water as its main source of power. They produce power from fast volumes of moving water that turns a generator. This falling water at one gallon of water per second, can create one kilowatt of electrical power if it falls one hundred feed. When water behind a dam is released, it runs through a pipe called a penstock, which then delivers it to the turbine. Different shapes are used on these turbines, but are generally created to harness kinetic force of the moving water as well as the water pressure. Another use of hydropower is pumped storage. In pumped storage plants, water is pumped from low resevoirs to a higher reservoir during off peak times, using electricity from different types of generators. Operators release it back into the lower reservoir through turbines if power is needed. Some power is initially lost, but pumped storage systems can be about 80 percent efficient. Sometimes it's important to meet power demands where hydro plants have an advantage in their abilities when they also have reservoirs. Most plants may only produce hydro power all the time and can't be adjusted when it comes to wanting more power in times of need. Whereas hydro plants with dams save up the water and allow it to flow only during peak times. These peak times can be beneficial to whitewater enthusiasts, but can also inhibit fishing opportunities because of the increased water flow.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The United States is one of the largest producers of hydropower in the world, second only to China. Hydroelectric power is the largest source of renewable electricity in the world and in the United States. Hydro :: essays research papers Many differing opinions exist on what needs to be done about our current status of conserving energy and conserving our environment. With increased gas prices and energy costs, consumers are more aware of what benefits are available and the methods of obtaining them. The introduction of hydropower has been a major step for some, while a stumbling back for others. Advocates for hydropower have provided much information about the many benefits that we reap from using hydroelectric dams. Environmental activists denounce the many negatives that are created by the numerous dams located throughout the United States as well as other countries. Both sides present valid arguments and need to be addressed in order to fully understand the complex social, biological, political, and economic pros and cons. Dams operate by using water as its main source of power. They produce power from fast volumes of moving water that turns a generator. This falling water at one gallon of water per second, can create one kilowatt of electrical power if it falls one hundred feed. When water behind a dam is released, it runs through a pipe called a penstock, which then delivers it to the turbine. Different shapes are used on these turbines, but are generally created to harness kinetic force of the moving water as well as the water pressure. Another use of hydropower is pumped storage. In pumped storage plants, water is pumped from low resevoirs to a higher reservoir during off peak times, using electricity from different types of generators. Operators release it back into the lower reservoir through turbines if power is needed. Some power is initially lost, but pumped storage systems can be about 80 percent efficient. Sometimes it's important to meet power demands where hydro plants have an advantage in their abilities when they also have reservoirs. Most plants may only produce hydro power all the time and can't be adjusted when it comes to wanting more power in times of need. Whereas hydro plants with dams save up the water and allow it to flow only during peak times. These peak times can be beneficial to whitewater enthusiasts, but can also inhibit fishing opportunities because of the increased water flow.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The United States is one of the largest producers of hydropower in the world, second only to China. Hydroelectric power is the largest source of renewable electricity in the world and in the United States.

Life Is a Dream Essay

Historical background: Spain was united after the Moorish occupation (711-1400s). However, it also left Spain as a cultural powerhouse in Europe which was still largely medieval in 15th century. Spanish philosophers and scholars exerted strong influence and their craftsmen were well known across Europe. Ferdinand and Isabella united Spain and by 1492 expelled the Moors entirely form the country. They were determined to Christianize Spain and instituted the Inquisition to hunt down and punish heretics/in addition to the Moors tey expelled all the Jews from the country. Influences from both the Moors and Catholics are evident in the Spanish drama: Moorish heritage in the attitude towards women and honor; Catholic influence-religious faith and doctrine-God and church. Spain was the dominant world power for almost two centuries-1492 expansion and occupation of many lands in America, Africa parts of Europe-Portugal, Sicily, Netherlands. This gave the nation a sense of stability, confidence, energy-also evident in the theater. Religious drama-auto sacramentale- were extremely popular and performed regularly even after they had become obsolete in the rest of Europe. Professional troupes were organized for this purpose-best writers were hired to write them. They were produced on carts (carros) roughly 16 feet long and 36 feet tall-thus having two levels. Eventually they used 4 carros as a permanent stage-actors were reharsing for a long time and were presenting for the city council before the performance could get approved for the public. Autos were performed for 200 years until the decline in mid 1700s By the end of the 16th century-several dramatic geners appeared Comedia-3 act dramas or comedies. Cape and Sword-about lowly gentlemen and Cuerpo (Noise) about kings and mythological characters, saints-actions in remote places. Lope de Vega 1562-1635- One of the most famous and prolific playwrights-a nobleman, soldier, businessman, lover and finally a priest. He wrote over 1600 plays some-450 have survived. Often compared to Shakespeare, he did not have the depth and insight into human nature-he preferred to end plays with happy endings-looking at the positive side. Pedro Calderon de La Barca 1600-1681 Wrote about 200 plays of which a 100 survived. He wrote â€Å"Cape and Sword† comedies-love triangles that are happily resolved. He also wrote serious plays about jealousy and honor. Most famously he wrote a number of autos-his were the most popular and the form declined after his death. LIFE IS A DREAM 1636 A philosophical allegory about the human situation and the mystery of life. It is a tragi-comedy-has elements of both. All major characters suspended between different duties-promises and expectations of what is to be done. Clotaldo has a duty to kill anyone who sees Segismundo but also can not kill his own daughter—as his duty is to protect her. Sgismundo kills his helpers the rebels as he has a duty to the kingdom. As in a classical comedy everyone gets married at the end but the couples are strange or unexpected-Segismundo marries Estrella instead of Rosaura-she marries Astolfo as he has ruined her honor. Analogies Dreams to theater as theater to life Dreams to life as life to afterlife Basilio is rebuked in the play as he wants to find out his fate-only God knows your fate. Women were allowed on stage from the end of the 16th century. Cross-dressing was forbidden so Rosaura appears as a half-monster-half-male, half female clothing.