Enormous Changes at the Last Minute: Postmodern Humanism :: Grace Paley Enormous Last Minute Essays

"Enormous Changes at the Last Minute:" Postmodern Humanism in the Short Fiction of Grace Paley(1) On the jacket of her second book of short stories, Enormous Changes at the Last Minute, Grace Paley, a feminist, postmodernist, antiwar activist, and writer, identifies herself as a "somewhat combative pacifist and cooperative anarchist." In 1979, she was arrested on the White House lawn for demonstrating against nuclear weapons, and her rÃÆ'Â ©sumÃÆ'Â © is full of such protest-related arrests. Paley's statement in a 1998 interview with the online magazine Salon is typical: "Whatever your calling is, whether it's as a plumber or an artist, you have to make sure there's a little more justice in the world when you leave it than when you found it." Paley's fiction expresses similar sentiments but in rather subtle ways. Women in her short stories do not get arrested for protesting; instead, they visit their aging fathers in the hospital. (2) Paley's concern for justice appears in her short fiction as a postmodern humanism that works itself out in the establishment of storytelling, re ality-making communities. In "Toward a Concept of Postmodernism," Ihab Hassan schematizes postmodernism in opposition to modernism. This sampling of the catchwords he identifies gives us a window into the project of postmodern theorists: Antiform, Play, Anarchy, Decreation/Deconstruction, Antithesis, Absence, Dispersal, Anti-narrative/Petite Histoire, Indeterminacy (591-2). Postmodern writers, then, play with language, experiment with narrative fragmentation, introduce previously ignored voices, borrow heavily from both popular culture and "canonical" literature, and generally break boundaries. How can we classify Paley as a postmodern writer if an ethical framework underlies her writing? Shouldn't she be trying to deconstruct reality and expose the meaninglessness of the American experience? Of course, no work or writer fits perfectly into postmodernism's theoretical agenda. For that matter, the very establishment of an unyielding definition of postmodernism is antithetical to its self-proclaimed turn away from the rigidity of modernist thought. For students of postmodernism this can be a maddening maze of deconstruction that eventually leads to the extinction of the study of literature. If, as radical deconstructionists might argue, our language systems and understandings of reality prove to be valueless, the scholar of literature is left with little to do, as is the social critic. It is for this reason that Hassan writes Thus we can not simply rest-as I have sometimes done-on the assumption that postmodernism is antiformal, anarchic, or decreative; for though it is indeed all these, and despite its fanatic will to unmaking, it also contains the need to discover a "unitary sensibility" (Sontag), to "cross the border and close the gap" (Fiedler).

What Kind of a Learner I Am

Throughout life everyone learns. How we learn and whether we are able to retain and recall that information is the problematic part. The way we absorb, analyze, and retain information is what makes each individual unique. What is successful for one individual may not be the most optimal way of learning for someone else. Therefore, everybody has a preferred learning style. Knowing and understanding our learning style helps us to learn more effectively. Through identifying our learning style, we will be able to capitalize on our strengths and improve our self-advocacy skills. For example, I am visual type of a learner. For me it is better to read something to memorize it and then it is easier for me to recall that information. I think this method is helping me a lot through my life because such a way I can use my advantage everywhere where it is possible. As concerns studying, I can pertain myself to 3 types: instrumental, achievement-oriented, and intrinsic. I am studying because it is interesting, but at the same time I want that my efforts were appreciated with a help of good grades and by getting a good job. One of the basic skills for success in the knowledge society is the ability to learn. With increasingly rapid changes in the work place, people must learn to learn in order that they can maintain their full and continued participation in a society. In conclusion, I can say that we all have elements of each learning style. But the truth is that one or two types stand out in each of us. Having determined which style of learner you are, and figure out ways to incorporate that learning style into your studying process. I will continue to encourage myself to figure out alternative styles, and try to bring each type into my life.

Ethical Dillemma Worksheet

1. What is the ethical issue or problem? Identify the issue succinctly.The ethical issue develops when the truth is altered in the second or â€Å"signed off† report. The officer altered the report to state that they had actually witnessed the husband drive and park the car, although they had not.2. What are the most important facts? Which facts have the most bearing on the ethical decision presented? Include any important potential economic, social, or political pressures, and exclude inconsequential facts. The fact that the first report had said the officers only felt the vehicle with a warm hood, and only witnessed the husband walk up to the home. Is the first report really had not been signed off it may have been because they would not have a case given that the officers did not witness the husband actually driving the vehicle. Given that, the husband would have won the case and socially and politically it would show weakness within the department, because the officers mad e an arrest without meeting certain criteria for arrest. The second report had stated different, that the officers witnessed the husband driving and park as they pulled up.3. Identify each claimant (key actor) who has an interest in the outcome of this ethical issue. From the perspective of the moral agent—the individual contemplating an ethical course of action—what obligation is owed to the claimant? Why? Claimant(key actor) Obligation (owed to the claimant) Perspective (What does the claimant hope will happen?) The officers Fidelity, justice The officers hope they will win the case of DWI, although they did not witness the husband driving. The husband Fidelity, beneficence Hopes to stay out of jail and win the case against him since he was not witnessed driving while intoxicated. The wife Fidelity, beneficence Hopes to keep her husband out of jail. society justice Hopes that criminal justice personnel and system will be able to keep offenders off the streets as to n ot cause harm to innocent citizens. prosecutor Justice, non-injury Hopes to gain the truth of the matter as to not cause flaws in the justice system, and achieve absolute justice for all parties involved.Evaluating Alternatives4. What are two alternatives for the scenario? One alternative can be a wild card that you ordinarily may not consider an option because of potential implications. Both should be within free will and control of the same moral agent. Alternative AAlternative B Keep report number one and not file charges against the husband. Follow through with report number two, and file charges against the husband. 5. Respond to the following questions based on your developed alternatives.Alternative A Alternative BWhat are the best- and worst-case scenarios if you choose this alternative? Best-the husband will take this opportunity as a draw of luck and rehabilitate. The department and officers will not look bad for making an arrest without proper protocal. Worst- the husband continues to drive while intoxicated and harms another person, the first arrest may come to light and the prosecutor may be reprimanded for not perusing charges the first time Best-the husband will be taken off the streets and not allowed the opportunity to drive while intoxicated potentially causing harm to himself  and others. Worst- the truth will come to light and prosecutors and police officers are reprimanded for not telling the truth to begin with. Will anyone be harmed if this alternative is chosen? If so, how will they be harmed? Consider families and derivative effects.Yes, citizens can be harmed if accidents occur should the husband continue to drive while intoxicated. The wife may continue to be battered by the intoxicated husband. The family may be harmed if the husband is arrested and he is the only source of income. The department may be harmed should the truth be known. Would honor an idea or value— such as personal, professional, or religious—make t he alternative invalid? Professionally it may allow for an intoxicated driver to be on the streets, causing public harm.Professionally, religiously, and personally, it would be wrong to move forward with a falsified report.Applying Ethical Guidelines6. Consider each ethical guideline and explain whether it would support or reject your alternative. Guidelines based on the action itself Alternative A Alternative B Should this alternative become a rule or policy that everyone in this situation should follow in similar situations in the future? (Kant) Yes No Does this alternative result in using any person as a means to an end without consideration for his or her basic integrity? (Kant) Yes Yes Is the intent of this action free from vested interest or ulterior motive? (Kant’s good will) Yes No Does this alternative demonstrate a genuine concern for others affected by the decision, and is the moral agency responding to a perceived need? Yes No Guidelines based on consequences Alte rnative A Alternative B Is the good that results from this alternative outweighed by the potential harm that might be done to others? (Mill’s harm principle) No No Is any harm brought about by anyone other than the moral agent? (causal harm) YesYes Will anyone be harmed who can be said to be defenseless? (paternalism) Yes Yes To what degree is this alternative based on the moral agent’s own best interest? (ethical egoism)Which alternative will generate the greatest benefit—or the least amount of harm—for the greatest number of people? Select only one alternative. (utilitarianism) Alternative number one generates the greatest benefit or least harm.Ethical Decision Making7. Choose to proceed with either Alternative A or Alternative B and explain the reasons for your decision. Alternative A allows the husband to make better choices, as well as keeps the police officers and the prosecutor from lying. The truth will be known and it will not make the police dep artment look irresponsible for not taking proper steps to arrest with sufficient evidence.

What techniques are used in the Mission Impossible 2 trailer to make it appeal to the audience Essays

What techniques are used in the Mission Impossible 2 trailer to make it appeal to the audience Essays What techniques are used in the Mission Impossible 2 trailer to make it appeal to the audience Paper What techniques are used in the Mission Impossible 2 trailer to make it appeal to the audience Paper Essay Topic: Film A trailer is the joining of short sequences extracted from a movie to help to promote it and make it appeal to the target audience, according to the genre of the film and the sort of people that would be likely to watch it or buy it. The industry chosen to produce the trailer tries to take the best and most interesting sequences and information from the film, in order to get to the audiences attention and likes effectively. They will do that through selecting and including the best shots and main stars, depending on the narrative of the film. In order to do that, producers will use the kind of background music, soundtrack or voice-over that they consider more appropriate. In this essay I aim to try and explain the techniques used in the Mission Impossible II trailer to make it appeal to the audience, by means of analysing the employment of media terms. The star in Mission Impossible II is Tom Cruise and John Woo directs the film. U. S. P (Unique selling point) is something or someone that individually appears (usually the star in the film or a well-known person) to help sell by using its image. The Unique selling point does also depend on the target audience, for example Tom Cruise would not be very much attractive to kids, but Mickey Mouse (Disney animated cartoon) would. Advertising film companies always aim to focus and create big shots on the main selling points during the promoting trailer, according with the films narrative and the audience it is addressed to. If the actors fame is due mainly to a specific narrative genre, in which he/she is easily recognised, advertising companies would produce a trailer with shots and introductions of the movie, bearing in mind the popularity level of the starring actor between the selected audience, which will improve selling conditions in the films promotion campaign. It would also increase the publics assistance to the cinema, which was the whole initial objective. In the trailer I am examining we can clearly see that the trailer producing company portrayed Tom Cruise as the unique selling point. In order to do that they used a selected number of shots with different angles. At the start of the Mission Impossible 2 trailer, producers placed a long-angle shot, in which we could observe a big mountainous zone and a person exerting himself in climbing to the top of a summit. Then the camera moves nearer until get a big close up of the so well-recognised actor, which makes the public remember and link him with the very first movie of Mission Impossible, in which he also starred. As a whole thing, Tom Cruise occupies all of the trailer sequences, excepting for the explosions scenes and a few more. The genre could be seen as the U. S. P because of the appeal of action-science fiction films among the target audience, which should be between 14 to 50. The science fiction genre has a great influence on different target audiences. They would be very interested in the continuation (or second part) of the previous Mission Impossible movie (which had a smashing success), in which they could see once more the private agent, Mr Hunt, on new adventures and missions. Also the fact that this film is a sequel and a re-make of a 1970s TV programme might as well predominate on the eldest and middle-aged (50 to 60s approximately) audiences appeal according to the shows they had seen on their youth years, that would incite them to see or buy the film. In the trailer are about three different characters that we can barely see, without counting star actor, Tom Cruise. In one quick film sequence we can see a man with one eye in an iron plate, which we can deduce, for its presentation, that is the evil one in the story. In other brief sequence we can see a romance scene of Tom Cruise and a woman whom would have the role of being his lover. The remaining part of the trailer is headed by Tom Cruise shots and street fighting scenes as well as car and motorcycle racing. The Mr Hunt character (Tom Cruise) is constructed as brave good-looking man that is always calm and seems to have everything under control. We have evidence from the trailer to demonstrate this: You gotta be kidding, he says with a very unruffled expression on his face after he is introduced to his next mission. He is also portrayed as a current and normal person that under that calculated image is a strong (strong personality as well) high- skilled hero, we can see that in the climbing mountains scenes and in the street fighting. All that qualities make him perfectly fit the conventions of a secret service agent. Compared to British James Bond there are a big variety of similitudes as the popularity both have among women. However, there are also differences; British Bond is an aristocrat from upper class while in American characters as Mr Hunt the superior social position is not always necessary. The way in which Mr Hunt is determined to the publics eyes would successfully attract the different targets audience. His qualities and the style in which they are presented make him look attractive, probably because he has the requisites people are looking for in a science fiction character. We are given more information about Mr Hunt because he is the main character in the film and producers have concentrated on repeating his image throughout the trailer, creating a proper atmosphere around him and using its personality to perfectly match with the films narrative. As far as the trailer reveal us the films narrative is developed in a science fiction background with high technology effects and ultimate machines, such as the sunglasses with especial visual location that Mr Hunt wears. The story involves a secret mission addressed to Tom Cruise in order to protect something or somebody from a person that could use a certain information (possibly inserted in a diskette) for bad purposes. That sort of persecution action between the characters is very typical in the story constitution of this genre, which are also slightly fantastic if we refer at the high development of technology used, probably to make the audience get inside that fictitious world of constant action and suspense in which everything seems possible. The narrative structure in this trailer would undoubtedly appeal to those who have previous knowledge of the film by that peculiar music and the trailers introduction to the story, without forgetting the so recognised character that would bring back Mr Hunt into life, creating anxiety among the public to get to see him again in new adventures. As for those who dont have any previous knowledge, the film trailer would be likewise interesting and appealing, especially for science fiction lovers. That would be possibly due to the attracting the trailer emits towards the film, making it look a big temptation to the audience, mainly by the way the trailer is edited with the best images selection. This trailer is edited at a high speed and most of the images are juxtaposed (image against each other), an effect that gives out the impression of loads of things happening and continuos entertaining action. But not all the scenes in the trailer are like that. In the first part, the trailer starts off very calmly and slowly with a beautiful view of a mountainous countryside and a clear sky, of a perfect blue behind Mr Hunt while he exerts himself in climbing a mountain. This view and the use of bright colours as the free, plain and purely blue sky, give out connotations of stillness and peacefulness. But everything will soon change, as the actor slips, we can see a computer-localising camera that will turn and relate all the following scenes with high technology effects. As usual on the science fiction genre, there will be ultimate machines and an astonishing development technology taken to the highest levels. The remaining shots are coloured in metallic blue tones to give people the connotation of the high technology world in which the movie is developed. Another evidence from the trailer to demonstrate the importance of high-tech items are Mr Hunts glasses which have a message of identification, it says: Agent: Mr Hunt. The trailer also has mid-red scenes with explosions to give connotations of fire and danger, which link perfectly with the action required in these films, adding the car and motorcycle racing and the street fighting. To look at the trailer construction, we also need to refer to the background sounds. Probably the so famous and recognisable Mission Impossible soundtrack would positively make the audience pay attention to the trailer, as they are well familiarised with the films typical and peculiar music. In addition, the sound of the cars and motorbikes give the impression of continual action and danger, not counting the explosion noises and the drumbeats joined by computer sounds, created with a high technology work of vibrations. At the opening of the trailer we can appreciate the use of voice-over when a man (or computer) says to Mr Hunt after having localised him Good morning Mr Hunt, sorry to disturb you in your vacations. That happens soon after Tom Cruise puts his glasses on, which have the information necessary for his next mission. The trailer manufacturers also decide to include some lettering in this film advert in which they situate the directors name among the flames of a big explosion. The release date had been placed at the ending of the promotion trailer in smaller letters, as it is considered less important. As a final point I am going to conclude this trailer breakdown and examination. I would predict and assure the exit of this film preview among the audience. The media terminology used would certainly suit the publics requests, as they have been transmitted to the audience effectively throughout the inclusion and sponsorship from the main star, the director and the acknowledged science fiction genre. Summing up, the detail that the movie is a continuation of a triumphant previous film and episodes and the numerous connotations of action, danger and adventure make the film look altogether as an interesting choice on the big screen that the audience would delightfully enjoy.

Reading and Writing Newspaper Articles ESL Lesson Plan

Reading and Writing Newspaper Articles ESL Lesson Plan Students often read newspapers for a wide variety of reasons, not least of which is to keep informed in English. As you know, newspaper writing style tends to have three levels: Headlines, leading phrases, and article content. Each of these has its own style. This lesson focuses on calling students attention to this type of writing style on a deeper, grammatical level. It ends with students writing up their own short articles with a follow-up listening comprehension opportunity. The Lesson Aim: Improved writing skills and understanding newspaper writing style Activity: Writing short newspaper articles Level: Intermediate to upper intermediate Outline: Use the provided example newspaper article, or take a newspaper into the class.Ask students to read the newspaper article and summarize the contents.Have students analyze the difference between the headline, leading sentence and article content in terms of tense usage and vocabulary in small groups (3 to 4 students).As a class, check that the differences between headline, leading sentence and article content are clear. Here is a short guideline to the main differences:Headline: Simple tenses, idiomatic, flashy vocabulary, no use of function wordsLeading sentence: Present perfect tense often used to give general overview.Article content: Proper tense usage, including a change from present perfect to past tenses to give detailed, specific information about what, where and when something happened.Once the differences have been understood, have students split up into pairs or small groups (3 to 4 students)Using the worksheet, small groups should write their own newspaper articles using t he headlines provided or come up with their own stories. Have students read their newspaper articles aloud allowing you to incorporate some listening comprehension into the lesson. FAKE VAN GOGH SELLS FOR $35 MILLION A fake painting supposedly by Vincent Van Gogh has been sold for $35 million in Paris. Paris June 9, 2004 Imagine this: Its the chance of a lifetime. You have the necessary cash and you have the opportunity to buy a Van Gogh. After purchasing the painting and placing it on your living room wall to show to all your friends, you discover that the painting is a forgery! Thats what happened to an anonymous telephone bidder who purchased Sunflowers in the Wind at the Peinture Company in Paris, France. The first (supposed) Van Gogh painting to have been auctioned since last years record sale of $40 million, the forgery was sold for $35 million. The painting had also been reported to be the last ever offered for sale, Britains Daily Times reported Thursday. Unfortunately, shortly after the masterpiece had been transferred to the buyers home, the Academy of Fine Arts released a statement saying that Sunflowers in the Wind was a fake. Upon further investigation, the report proved to be true. The unlucky buyer was forced to recognize that he or she had indeed purchased a forgery. Choose a Headline and Write Your Own Newspaper Article Newspaper Article 1 TRUCK CRASHES INTO LIVING ROOM Leading sentence: Provide your leading sentence. Article content: ​Write at least three short paragraphs about the incident. Newspaper Article 2 LOCAL COUNCIL: ACTION NOT PROMISES Leading sentence: Provide your leading sentence. Article content: Write at least three short paragraphs about the incident. Newspaper Article 3 LOCAL FOOTBALL PLAYER WINS BIG Leading sentence: Provide your leading sentence. Article content: Write at least three short paragraphs about the incident.

Investment Analysis essay for the exam Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Investment Analysis for the exam - Essay Example In actively managed portfolios, fund managers do not believe that market is always efficient and they are always eager to make use of such mismatch in pricing that does not discount the information completely. If active fund manager remains successful in identifying such opportunities, it is possible to make above average returns without exposing to higher systematic risk and thus, it is possible to outperform the market through actively managed portfolios. Information always continues to flow in the market and prices keep on fluctuating. Sometimes the information is stock specific and sometimes, some macroeconomic factors may provide direction to the market. Disadvantage of actively managed fund is that these funds have higher expense ratios. They also pay higher taxes as they frequently enter and exit in the market. Due to their modus-operandi, these funds may give higher returns; however, they carry higher risks too. It is also true that prices fluctuate in response to available information widely as per the perceptions of the players involved and they are mostly unpredictable. Usually, it is not possible to use information to predict future price. Contrasting actively managed funds, passively managed funds take a long term view and do not frequently enter or exit the market. The advantage is that they are less risky and pay lesser taxes in comparison to active funds. Owing to limited number of transactions, passively managed funds spend less on transaction costs. They usually provide risk free average returns. Passively managed funds are highly diversified to minimize market risks. Another advantage is that they are not information dependent while reshuffling their portfolios, which usually happen at much lesser frequency. The only disadvantage that can be said against passively managed funds is that they do not provide fancy returns;

Management accounting Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Management accounting - Assignment Example The report elaborates the cash budget, budgeted income statement and budgeted statement of financial position based on the available data that is estimated by Edith. Thus, it helps her to recognize the benefits and deficiency of her financial plan to start the new business. The capital budgeting techniques are applied to evaluate the financial position of the business. The sensitivity analysis is also executed for examining the effect of change in cost of sales and price on cash flow. The calculations are depicted in the excel sheet however, the tables are provided in the report to discuss about the financial viability of the business. The table above highlights the fact that the business will encounter highly fluctuating ending cash balance during the period from January to June 2015. The fluctuation is shown in the figure provided below. From the above figure it can be concluded that the business will encounter fluctuations in ending cash balance due to the variations in sales and expenditure of the business. Hence, it can be stated that the estimated sales value are not appropriate for the business. Edith needs to revise it for increasing the ending cash balance during the referred time period. A  budgeted income statement  consist all the items that are present in the income statements of a particular company (Baker and English, 2011; Balakrishnan, Sivaramakrishnan and Sprinkle, 2009). The only difference is that the income statements are prepared after considering the actual value of the business whereas the budgeted income statements is a projection of the income statement during budgeting periods in the future. A budgeted income statement is prepared for Edith’s business to highlight its profit or loss at the end of 2015. The budgeted income statement is prepared for one year staring from January 2015 to December 2015 (including both months). The table provided above evaluates the profit of Edith’s