Monday, September 30, 2019

Advertising Planning and Implementationn

Running Head: ADVERTISING PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION Advertising Planning and Implementation Melanie Boggs September 14, 2011 MKT/447 Jeffery Manning University of Phoenix Advertising Planning and Implementation This paper focuses on the key elements of Pepsi’s advertising plan and how putting that plan into action affects consumer behaviors. What the advertising message says to the consumers should match up with the reception the company expects to receive.Many aspects of the plan includes it target audience, consumer behavior, positioning, media outlets, and the creation of the advertisement. These elements create the layout for the plan to be put into place for actions to be taken by the consumers. The advertising message is the â€Å"strategies used to convey what a company wants to say and how it wants to say it† (Arens, Weigold, Arens, 2008). This message also is known as the message strategy. Achieving the goal is meeting the message objective. Ads must portray the image necessary to achieve the message strategy.The agencies creative team must come up with a plan that â€Å"agrees with the target, product, media, and message† of the ad (Arens, Weigold, & Arens, p 374, 2008). Pepsi’s advertising messages of its new ad campaigns tells consumers that the product is still alive and in competition with Coke-Cola. The creatives of the ad must understand the target audience for which the ads are fashioned. Advertisers and marketers target audiences through segmentation. Some of these types of segmentation are demographic, geographic, geodemographic, psychographic, behavioral, benefit, and volume.Many ads combine a mix of these to reach consumers through different levels of segmentation. Demographic segmentation targets consumers on the basis of â€Å"age, sex, ethnicity, education, occupation, income, and other quantifiable factors† (Arens, Weigold, Arens, p 174, 2008). Geodemographic segmentation is targeting on the basis of loyalty to a brand from the cause of a demographic influence, such as the Dancing Teddy commercial. Geographic segmentation targets a specific area, such as country, state, city, or providence, and its size (Dancing Santa).Psychographic segmentation is on the basis of â€Å"values, personalities, attitudes, and lifestyles,† such as the new Pepsi ads competitive nature (Arens, Weigold, & Arens, p 177, 2008). Behavioral segmentation is on the basis of purchase behavior. These include â€Å"user status, usage rate, purchase occasion, and benefit sought† (Arens, Weigold, & Arens, p 170, 2008). Benefit segmentation targets consumers through ads on the basis of â€Å"high quality, low cost, status, sex appeal, good taste, or health consciousness† (Arens, Weigold, & Arens, p 173, 2008).Volume segmentation is the basis on how often consumers use the product. However, Pepsi’s new commercials do fit a mix of these segmentations. Consumer behaviors are the â€Å"m ental and emotional processes and the physical activities of people who purchase and use goods and services to satisfy particular needs and wants† (Arens, Weigold, & Arens, p 145, 2008). â€Å"Advertising’s primary goal is to reach potential consumers, and influence their awareness, attitudes, and buying behaviors† (Arens, Weigold, & Arens, p 145, 2008).Understanding the buying behavior of the audience aids in understanding which segment to target. Just as, understanding the audience helps understand the buying behavior. Pepsi’s decision to stay out of commercials for the past three years has given the company plenty of ammunition against its largest competitor Coke-Cola. Positioning refers to the place a brand occupies competitively in the minds of the consumers. Positioning reflects the consumers perceptions about the product whether it is true or not.Through differentiation or market strategy a company may pick a position similar to a competitor and fig ht for its market. The seven approaches to positioning strategies are â€Å"product attribute, price or quality, use or application, product class, product user, product competitor, cultural symbol, and by category† (Arens, Weigold, & Arens, p 241, 2008). Pepsi’s past positions have played from one or more of these strategies. PepsiCo’s current positioning strategy depends on which current advertisement is seen by viewers.These commercials named â€Å"Summer Time is Pepsi Time† (product attribute), Dancing Santa (cultural symbol), Uncle Teddy (product competitor), and the â€Å"Refresh Project† (product user). Many types of advertising media exists, such as magazines, newspapers, e-zines, online newspapers, television, radio, Internet, cell phones, and others. PepsiCo uses every type of advertisement possible to reach its target audiences. PepsiCo also sponsors events, and has its name on Jeff Gordon’s car in NASCAR.At events PepsiCo allows vendors to promote their products through handing out free samples and memorabilia. Pepsi’s â€Å"Refresh Project† is only viewable from the Internet. This advertising campaign medium is thought to attract more serious consumers who may vote on a project or create one to obtain votes for PepsiCo to sponsor, to help build communities worldwide. PepsiCo is advertising Pepsi via newspapers, the Internet, television, and radio. PepsiCo also uses the cases these are in to advertise. For example, the new Pepsi 12 packs advertise for â€Å"The X Factor†, a new talent show.The changes one can make to the product positioning and the advertising message are to create messages that are as universal as the product. Pepsi products sell in more than 180 countries worldwide. The new â€Å"Summer Time is Pepsi Time† campaign ads are also very competitive with Coke-Cola commercials. The use of such ads is extremely dangerous to the company for consumers may begin to belie ve the company is desperate for consumers to purchase its products. Especially, because these commercials are the first for Pepsi in three years.Researching how these advertisements were created, one is led to believe that PepsiCo outsources its agencies. BBDO was the agency for PepsiCo since 1960. â€Å"The agency that has replaced BBDO is also owned by Omnicom. This is the office of TBWA/Chiat/Day, and is part of the TBWA Worldwide unit of Omnicom, Los Angeles† (Stuart, 2008). Creatives in charge of the â€Å"Summer Time is Pepsi Time† ads are Chief Creative Officer: Rob Schwartz, Group Creative Director: Brett Craig, Creative Director: Xanthe Hohalek, Art Director: Chris MacNeil, and Copywriter: Michelle Lewis, according to Emma Bazilian of Adweek.One may not believe that this would be an effective use of company resources because Pepsi has declared to refrain from advertising the product on television to avoid targeting a younger audience. For three years PepsiCo o pts for the Internet, events, sponsors, and in-store advertising as a means to promote its products instead and allow healthier choices to be advertised on television. Other than its competition, consumers are left to wonder what has made the product come back to television, and if there will be a Superbowl ad to look forward too.Consumers may agree after three years Pepsi should have come back to television using its greatest asset, its loyal consumers to promote the product. To make the campaign more effective the product could have entered back into the commercials using less competitive ads and focusing more on the consumers who already enjoy the product or through behavioral segmentation. The company should have declared to the press the reason for the sudden change of health consciousness with the decision to advertise on television, and its decision to use ads that will gain the attention of the younger generations that have been avoided in the past.This will also create a be tter understanding of consumer behaviors toward the product, without the influence of the suggestive ads, whether negative, or positive. Creating an advertisement that could be understood universally, without depicting the specific product would have been an excellent way for the product to enter back into commercials. Press releases, newspaper articles, e-articles and e-zines, and speeches are ways that PepsiCo could have announced its decision to begin making new commercials for the product. ConclusionUnderstanding the advertising message, target audience, consumer behavior, media sources, positioning, who creates the ad and why, are part of the advertising plan and lay out the actions necessary to carry out the ad successfully. Pepsi’s new† Summer Time is Pepsi Time† commercials are the first in three years to be advertised on television. The depiction of this can be relayed to the target audience’s without the use of its main competition. References Are ns, Weigold, & Arens (2008). Contemporary Advertising. McGraw-Hill. Retrieved August 23, 2011, from http://ecampus. phoenix. edu Bazilian, E. July 1, 2011) AdWeek. Ad of the Day: Pepsi â€Å"Coke lover Santa Claus goes rogue in the first new Pepsi spot in three years†. Retrieved August September 13, 2011, from http://www. adweek. com/news/advertising-branding/ad-day-pepsi-133128 Stuart, E. (Nov. , 18, 2008). NY Times. Pepsi Shifts to New Ad Agency. Retrieved September 12, 2011, from http://www. nytimes. com/2008/11/18/business/media/18adco. html Pepsi Commercials. Ads and More. Pepsi. com. Retrieved September 12, 2011, from, http://www. youtube. com/pepsi? utm_source=pepsi&utm_medium=banner&utm_content=panel&utm_campaign=refresh

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Media, Minorities, and Multiculturalism

The article Media, Minorities, and Multiculturalism attempts to explain how and why advances in media misrepresentation of minorities continues to be â€Å"couched in compromise†, and to distinguish between the concepts of media racism and racist media. This article also tries to draw attention to the complex factors involving media misrepresentation of minorities, and explores the developments in the creation of multicultural media by inclusion in mainstream media and institutional parallels that exist around alternative ethnic and aboriginal media.There are profound differences between racist media, and media racism. Racist media is media which openly discriminates against people of a certain race or ethnicity, thereby excluding them or denying them of certain privileges, while media racism is reflected in coverage that ignores minorities except in contexts of entertainment or crisis, and depicts minorities are problematic people, and also encoding words that constitute an e lite white discourse in perpetrating ideologies consistent with dominant sectors.The mediaThe mainstream media have been said to be particularly negligent in engaging with diversity in a constructive way, and failing to put the principles of inclusiveness into practice. Although the goal of the media might not necessarily be to diminish or demean minority men and women, the cumulative impact of miscasting has had the controlling effect of depicting minorities as remote or â€Å"removed† people.It has been noted that media that depend mostly on advertising for profit and revenue seem to be the least responsive in the area of change and improvement in minority misrepresentation, and news casting has remained a medium of the negative, even though there have been efforts to avert blatant racism. Men and women of the minority ethnicity are still constantly framed as troublesome people, whose demands and concerns are seen as unpatriotic, especially when they entail concessions or c osts.Over time, mainstream media has continued to misrepresent minority men and women at the news-casting level, advertising, TV programming and film making, even though there have been some changes and improvement in TV programming. For example, in countries like the United States and Canada, black and white viewers are having more and more favorite TV programs in common, which is probably because of the use of multi-ethnic casting in TV programs.Media miscasting tends to portray minorities as invisible, problematized, stereotyped, white washed and miniaturized people. Such an indictment is not entirely true presently, as there have been improvements in the quality of media and quantity of media minority representations.Also, advances in media representation of minorities are continuously â€Å"couched in compromise†, as systematic biases and institutional barriers still exist. In the developing world, media coverage of minorities is miscast because the media is preoccupied with style over substance and with adversity over cooperation. Developing world minorities are mostly ignored or made to seem irrelevant by racist mainstream media, and this has the effect of framing minority peoples as volatile and mindlessly violent, due to the absence of a balanced coverage.Ethnic and aboriginal mediaThere have been positive advances in ethnic and aboriginal media, due a popular and a booming ethnic market, which is reforming the ethnic media landscape. Ethnic media continues to flourish with as many as 50 radio stations airing non-English language and non-French language programs. Canada is a world leader in aboriginal media, and has many aboriginal radio and television networks, which the people look upon as an emancipatory tool for social, cultural and educational construction.Racist media in CanadaOn the basis that a racist media is one in which racism is institutionalized, it can be said that Canada does not have a racist media. Canada does have human rights laws, federal regulatory bodies, and also industry guidelines that are designed to reject deliberate racism. What Canada can be said to have instead, is media racism because the media is not deliberately racist in their coverage despite the racism existing in the mainstream media on personal and institutional levels.Discussion questionsIs racist media different from media racism?How can the concept of racist media be measured?What constitutes racist media?Does Canada have racist media?Reference listMedia in societyMedia, Minorities, and Multiculturalism

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Securitisation

Outline the advantages and disadvantages of the securitisation of bank loans 1. 1 Introduction â€Å"The recent turmoil in credit markets has highlighted how securitisation has changed in only a few years from being a relatively niche market in the euro area to being a major force behind capital market developments†. This growth in securitisation reflects the increased pace of financial innovation in the financial markets.It is rational to say that this global trend of the growth in securitisation is a result of the advantages that are derived by the different parties engaged in the transaction. Securitisation has become an important tool for many companies and a key part of the global capital markets. However, while securitisation has benefited the financial system as a whole through enhancing its ability in performing its various functions, it has concurrently changed the underlying economics of the banking system, which brought consequences as those experienced in the 2007 financial crisis.Whether the gains exceed the losses is a debatable issue in itself as some intellectuals believe that securitisation has â€Å"contributed to the development of a far more flexible, efficient, and resilient financial system than existed just a quarter-century ago†, while others believe the opposite. The significance of securitisation has led to there has been talks by influential bodies about how securitisation can be regulated or changed as to maximise the benefits and minimize the costs.In this essay, to answer the above question I will define securitisation, explain its mechanics and nature and lastly discuss its advantages and disadvantages for the different parties engaged in it and the financial system as a whole. The scope of this essay is secondary securitisation, so the above will be discussed specifically to this type and not primary and tertiary. 1. 2 Definition of key terms Securitisation in general is the â€Å"creation and issuance of debt secu rities, or bonds, whose payments of principal and interest derive from cash flows generated by separate pools of assets†.There 2 types of securities that can be issued. When the securitised assets are mortgages, the securities issued are known as Mortgage -Backed Securities (MBS) and where it is other assets which are non-mortgage loans then Asset-backed securities (ABS) are issued. In the latter type, assets included are such as consumer loans, credit card receivables and car loans. These securities are marketable financial instruments, and tradable. In every securitisation transaction the capital markets are displacing the banks regardless of its type, whether primary secondary or tertiary, i. . disintermediation. Secondary securitisation is Asset Backed. Bank of England defines this type as â€Å"a transaction or scheme whereby the credit risk of an asset or a pool of assets such is transferred to an external undertaking (the securitisation special purpose vehicle or struc ture), which then transfers this credit risk onwards to investors in fixed-income securities known as asset backed securities issued by that undertaking. The investors in the securities may be either external investors or the institution that originated the underlying assets†.Another way to look at this process is through Professor Llewellyn definition which explicitly high lightens the benefits. He defines secondary securitisation as ‘the conversion of cash flows from a portfolio of assets into negotiable instruments or assignable debts which are sold to investors, are secured on the underlying assets and carry a variety of credit enhancement†. To clearly outline the pros and cons of the participants in the process, one needs to understand their roles as shown below in figure 1. Figure 1 1. 3 How it worksWhen a bank transforms a portfolio of loans that it is currently holding on the balance sheet into tradable securities issued by a bankruptcy-remote special purpo se vehicle it follows a basic procedure as seen in the diagram. A number of customers borrow from the bank. They all have to payback regular interest and principal payments to the bank as agreed upon on the contract. Starting from the originator in this case the bank, it pools together a number of these loans (assets) and constructs a portfolio of which it sells to the special purpose vehicle SPV.The SPV usually acquires the underlying assets from the originator in what is known as a true sale. It is critical that the transfer of assets from the originator to the SPV is legally viewed as a â€Å"true sale†. This is because it gives the investors rights over the specific assets of the originator, such that the investors are not affected by the performance, or bankruptcy of the originator. This would obviously necessitate that the investors, or the SPV which is a conduit on behalf of the investors, has legally acquired the assets.If it is not a true sale the investor will be vu lnerable to claims against the asset originator in this case the bank. The SPV then issues asset – backed securities to investors which investors can them trade in the financial capital markets. Investors then buy these securities and the SPV receives the regular interest and principal payments from the borrowers through the originator or servicer (if the bank does not retain the servicing function) who charge a certain fee. The SPV pays the originator for the portfolio in a lump sum rather than a stream of payments spread over time.It is important to acknowledge that the bank continues to maintain the relationship with the customer and it does not have a duty to inform this about this process. The credit quality of the securities issued by the SPV is rated by a rating agency before being sold to investors. Also another important participant though missing in figure 1:1, is a credit enhancer. This is either internally or externally done and it might take the form of â€Å"ov er – securitisation (placing a higher value of loan in the portfolio than the value of the sale), a third party guarantee or a guarantee from the seller†.This has the effect of limiting the risk to investors. The underwriter is usually an investment bank that serves as an intermediary between the issuer (SPV or the trust) and investors. The swap counterparty as seen in the diagram is normally involved to hedge the interest rate and currency risks on the pool and the trustee ensures that the money is transferred from the servicer to the SPV and that investors are paid in accordance with the promised priority. A crucial aspect of securitisation is the isolation of assets. After a true sale, the assets (collateral) are held by the SPV or equivalent.This protects the seller (originator) from the risk of the assets and investor from the risks of the bank, because even if the bank goes bankrupt, the payments on the assets will continue to be made, so investors still receive t he interest and principal payments. An SPV might be a completely independent entity or a subsidiary of the bank itself. In the crisis it was more of the latter. However, for it to be a subsidiary it will only work if the SPV is bankruptcy remote, as explained earlier. This is where under company law the SPV is immune to the bankruptcy of the ank. This makes their risk entirely different and this is how credit risk isolation and shifting is possible. Also an SPV might become a Structured Investment Vehicle. Often the SPV has a higher credit rating (most secure a AAA rating) than the originator. The SPV performing the asset-backed securitization(s) also usually has a backup liquidity facility in place provided by a stand-by commitment from a syndicate (group) of banks. This facility protects the investors who purchase the commercial paper issued by the SPV as the assets are being purchased and pooled.If for some reason the SPV cannot attract the same or new investors to roll over the commercial paper or there is insufficient cash flow generated by the pool to pay off maturing commercial paper then the SPV draws on the backup liquidity facility to pay off the investors and the bank group then become the owners of the assets held by the SPV (to either wait for the cash flow to improve or to liquidate the portfolio). Credit enhancements are required in order to receive higher debt ratings and thus improve marketability and financing costs.The credit enhancement of a securitization can be achieved by dividing it into tranches and allowing some tranches be exposed first to any loss from defaulting / under-performing individual asset or group of assets first. In this manner, these front-line tranches almost function like an equity piece such that the investors in the other tranches (Mezzanine tranches) are satisfied first before the lower tranches. These lower-rated (first loss) tranches usually receive a higher yield (due to their higher risk position) when the secur ity is first structured in order to attract investors when first brought to market. . Advantages of secondary securitisation There are different aspects to the benefits of securitisation, the benefits derived by the issuer (bank) and those derived by the investor and the financial system as a whole. 2. 1 The issuer Secondary securitisation benefits the banks by helping them generate more funds but also by allowing them to manage their assets and liabilities, risk and also capital. * A source of funding Securitisation enables banks to change the illiquid portfolio of loans into liquid tradable securities. It makes loans marketable.So the banks get funds immediately from selling the portfolio to the SPV. Also there being a secondary market for these securities in itself increases the attractiveness of investors to buy the securities meaning more funds. The funding source is also widened because as the risk are specific, asset –backed securities often appeal to investors who wou ld not normally make funds available to banks by themselves. This source of funding may also be cheaper for the bank. This is because banks do not need to increase their interest rates to ‘attract marginal deposits to fund their loan book’.Also because the banks transfer the asset to the SPV they do not need to hold capital against the loans (assets) which is a cost, making this type of funding cheaper. Ultimately this means that it can offer lower interest rates to borrowers, which could have the effect of increasing the quantity of loans demanded. This cheapness is not always possible; it only depends on the nature of the risks of the portfolio after and before securitisation. * Asset and liability management The fact that securitisation allows banks to shift the assets from their balance sheet allows them to change their asset composition on the sheet within a given total.They can change the structure of their assets and ‘reduce exposure to a particular loan ca tegory’ by securitizing those loans which also helps in managing risks. It also provides the balance sheet with flexibility and facilitates diversification of the loan portfolio. * Risk management As the definition implies, securitisation allows banks to transfer and shift credit risk from their balance sheet to those who are willing and more able to absorb them. Hence this allows banks to manage their risk and limit their risks by selling those loans.The transfer of risk allows banks to not hold any capital against the risks, so as earlier said reduces the cost of banking. It also allows them to manage interest rate risk. * Capital Management Due to the increasing competitive pressures, they cannot earn a sufficient return on the assets to service their capital base well. Securitisation saves them capital as explained earlier. * Other Banks can earn additional income by charging fees on originating loans that it does not intend to keep on its balance sheet.Also banks still g et to maintain their relationship with their customers and reduce the overall cost of intermediation by concentrating on their comparative advantages (originating loans). 2. 2 The investor * It gives investors the opportunity to earn a higher rate of return (on a risk-adjusted basis). Also the high liquidity of securities means that investors can trade them for cash at their own convenience. * Asset backed securities allows the isolation of credit risk from the originator.This could benefit investors in that they are not exposed to the banks risks of which could increase the credit rating of the underlying assets themselves. * Investors also get the opportunity to invest in a specific pool of high quality assets: Due to the stringent requirements for corporations (for example) to attain high ratings, there is a dearth of highly rated entities that exist. Securitizations, however, allow for the creation of large quantities of AAA, AA or A rated bonds, and risk averse institutional in vestors, or investors that are required to invest in only highly rated assets, have access to a larger pool of investment options. Investors can gain portfolio diversification as they tend to invest in securities that may be uncorrelated  to their other bonds and securities. 2. 3 The Financial System In general securitisation, being part of innovation has benefits for the financial system and the economy as a whole by contribution to the basic functions of the financial system: risk-transference, pricing of risk, liquidity-enhancement, credit-generation and financial intermediation, insurance, asset and liability management, an efficient allocation of financial resources, and the funding of financial institutions.Securitisation as a technique means that loans are assed more frequently and hence to current terms as when they are just on a bank’s balance sheet. In a way this allows the risks prices to be adjusted accordingly. Also another important direct contribution is the ability that it offers banks to lend more to the economy by knowing that it can sell the loans. This has its drawbacks which will be discussed later, but while it is possible, it helps the real economy as governments encourage more lending for the betterment of the real economy.In addition, securitisation allows different parties to concentrate on their comparative advantages such as banks being originators. It is in this ways that securitisation increases the efficiency of the financial system which is a social benefit to its people. The Bank for international settlements summarises this in ‘â€Å"the development of credit risk transfer [CRT] has a potentially important impact on the functioning of the financial system. It provides opportunity for more effective risk management, promises the relaxation of some constraints on credit availability, and allows more efficient allocation of risk to a wider range of entities.The pricing information provided by new CRT markets is al so leading to enhanced transparency and liquidity in credit markets. † 3. Disadvantages of secondary securitisation 3. 1 The issuer * The first transaction has to be significant and it can be costly also. There are compliance costs and reduced control by the originator of the assets sold to the SPV. * Though it the securitisation structure looks fairly simple, just like other CRS (credit shifting instruments), they are very complex in nature, to the extent that banks and other institutions did not fully understand the risks which they were taking and exposing themselves to.As seen in the crisis, the risk were not always shifted, sometimes they were just transferred, from credit risk to a liquidity risk and finally to a funding risk , which was evident in the crisis when Interbank Market almost dried up and there was no securities trading. This is what contributed to the financial crisis as while every bank was diversifying into this business, they financial system became less diverse. * If banks do this in large amounts, they could become dependent on the securities market which proved to have it consequences, when trading ceased. As the wealthy reader summarised; â€Å"Without risks, bank went crazy. Credit scores didn't matter, â€Å"liar loans† were common†. This proved to back fire for the banks themselves because they were also investing in securities issued by other banks and it led to huge losses for the banks. 3. 2 The investors Securitisation exposes investors to a number of risks such as * Credit/default risk when maintenance obligations on the underlying collateral are not sufficiently met as detailed in its prospectus. A key indicator of a particular security’s default risk is its credit rating. Different tranches within the ABS are rated differently, with senior classes of most issues receiving the highest rating, and subordinated classes receiving correspondingly lower credit ratings’ . However, the crisis has ex posed a potential flaw in the securitisation process; ‘loan originators retain no residual risk for the loans they make, but collect substantial fees on loan issuance and securitization, which doesn't encourage improvement of underwriting standards’. Prepayment/reinvestment/early amortisation: The majority of revolving ABS is subject to some degree of early amortization risk. The risk stems from specific early amortization events or payout events that cause the security to be paid off prematurely. Typically, payout events include insufficient payments from the underlying borrowers, insufficient excess Fixed Income Sectors: Asset-Backed Securities spread, a rise in the default rate on the underlying loans above a specified level, a decrease in credit enhancements below a specific level, and bankruptcy on the part of the sponsor or servicer. Currency interest rate fluctuations: Like all fixed income securities, the prices of fixed rate ABS move in response to changes in i nterest rates but floating rate securities are affected more. * Moral hazard: Investors usually rely on the deal manager to price the securitizations’ underlying assets. If the manager earns fees based on performance, there may be a temptation to mark up the prices of the portfolio assets. ‘Conflicts of interest can also arise with senior note holders when the manager has a claim on the deal's excess spread’ * There is also a risk that the payments will be late from the servicer. . 3 The financial system The consequences of securitisation that were experienced in the crisis were expensive as Sir Howard Davies inferred â€Å"[CDOs] are the most toxic element of the financial markets today† . Securitisation and Collateralised Debt Obligations (CDOs) are described as two major instruments at the centre of the financial market turmoil. European banks also took on board significant securitisation programmes. . They contributed highly to the global financial cri sis which has had massive costs to the tax payers, governments and central banks.An important aspect of securitisation is that it has changed the traditional model of banking and hence underlying economics of banking. With securitization banks accept deposits, originate loans, utilizes it comparative advantages, as it did traditionally. However with securitisation is does not accept risk, does not hold it on its balance sheet and therefore needs no capital backing and insurance, things which it traditionally did. This change of model have had severe implication for the financial system as banks stopped acting like banks, and it was clear that they did not quite understand the implications.Another big effect is the effect that this had had on the financial system stability of which in itself is an ambiguous issue. 4. Conclusion There has been a division in the overall effects of securitisation to the global economy and financial system. While influential people like Warren Buffet reg ard it as a lethal weapon, others think the opposite. Regardless of the costs there are substantial benefits for the system. It is now evident that when a securitisation gets beyond the critical device of market participants, however, it is capable of destroying value.The potential harm is greater in globally interconnected markets. Hence it would be beneficial for the whole system if regulators, supervisors and all participants learn the flaws of securitisation from the crisis and improve the process to form one which ensures that the benefits are derived at the minimum costs, or no costs. As Professor David Llewellyn states; â€Å"the baby (of securitisation) should not be drowned in the bathwater (of regulation)†. Bibliography * Llyewellyn. , T, David. , 2000,. Securitisation a technique for asset and liability management * Casu, B. , Girardone. , Molyneux P. 2006. Introduction to banking. Essex: Pearson Education Limited. * ECB financial stability review. , 2008. , securi tisation in the Euro area. Available at http://www. afi. es/EO/securitisation%20in%20the%20euro%20area. pdf [ Accessed 5/4/11] * http://www. banque-credit. org/EN/banks/advantage-securitisation. html[Accessed on 19/04/11] * Lederman, J. , 1990. , The Handbook of Asset-Backed Securities * Tarun, S. , Securitisation: Understanding the Risks and Rewards . Available at http://www. qfinance. com/contentFiles/QF02/gjbkw9a0/17/0/securitisation-understanding-the-risks-and-rewards. df [Accessed :01/05/11] * Llewellyn, T, D. , 2009. , the global banking crisis and the post crisis banking and regulatory scenario . Price Waterhouse Coopers. , 2011. , using transparency to thaw the securitisation market. * Available at http://wealthyreader. com/articles/securitization-good-idea-gone-bad-or-what-just-happened/ * Llyewellyn, T, David. , 2008. , Financial innovation and a new economics for banking * Bank of England. , 2007. , general notes and definitions. Available at http://www. bankofengland. co . uk/statistics/reporters/defs/def_gene. pdf . [Accessed 01/05/11] * ttp://ftalphaville. ft. com/search? q=growth+in+securitisation. [Accessed 30/05/11] ——————————————– [ 1 ]. ECB financial stability review. , 2008. , securitisation in the Euro area. Available at http://www. afi. es/EO/securitisation%20in%20the%20euro%20area. pdf [ 2 ]. Llyewellyn, T, David. , 2008. , Financial innovation and a new economics for banking. [ 3 ]. Price Waterhouse Coopers. , 2011. , using transparency to thaw the securitisation market. [ 4 ]. Llyewellyn. , T, David. , 2000,. 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Available at http://www. afi. es/EO/securitisation%20in%20the%20euro%20area. pdf [ 12 ]. Casu, B. , Girardone. , Molyneux P. , 2006. Introduction to banking. Essex: Pearson Education Limited [ 13 ]. ECB financial stability review. , 2008. , securitisation in the Euro area.Available at http://www. afi. es/EO/securitisation%20in%2 0the%20euro%20area. pdf [ 14 ]. ECB financial stability review. , 2008. , securitisation in the Euro area. Available at http://www. afi. es/EO/securitisation%20in%20the%20euro%20area. pdf [ 15 ]. Llyewellyn. , T, David. , 2000,. Securitisation a technique for asset and liability management [ 16 ]. Llyewellyn. , T, David. , 2000,. Securitisation a technique for asset and liability management [ 17 ]. Llyewellyn. , T, David. , 2000,. Securitisation a technique for asset and liability management [ 18 ]. Casu, B. , Girardone. , Molyneux P. 2006. Introduction to banking. Essex: Pearson Education Limited [ 19 ]. Available at http://www. credfinrisk. com/assetsecure. html [ 20 ]. Llyewellyn, T, David. , 2008. , Financial innovation and a new economics for banking [ 21 ]. Bank of England. , 2007. , general notes and definition. Available at http://www. bankofengland. co. uk/statistics/reporters/defs/def_gene. pdf [ 22 ]. Llyewellyn, T, David. , 2008. , Financial innovation and a new economic s for banking [ 23 ]. Available at http://wealthyreader. com/articles/securitization-good-idea-gone-bad-or-what-just-happened/ [ 24 ].Available at http://securitization. co. tv/ [ 25 ]. Price Waterhouse Coopers. , 2011. , using transparency to thaw the securitisation market. [ 26 ]. Available at http://securitization. co. tv/ [ 27 ]. Casu, B. , Girardone. , Molyneux P. , 2006. Introduction to banking. Essex: Pearson Education Limited. [ 28 ]. Lederman, J. , 1990. , The Handbook of Asset-Backed Securities. [ 29 ]. Available at http://www. tavakolistructuredfinance. com/Reporting%20v%20PR_Meredith%20Whitney%20and%20AIG%20March%2023%202009. pdf [ 30 ]. Available at http://www. banque-credit. rg/EN/banks/advantage-securitisation. html. [ 31 ]. Llewellyn, T, D. , 2009. , The Northern Rock Crisis: A Multi-Dimensional problem waiting to happen [ 32 ]. Llyewellyn, T, David. , 2008. , Financial innovation and a new economics for banking [ 33 ]. Tarun, S. , Securitisation: Understanding the R isks and Rewards . Available at http://www. qfinance. com/contentFiles/QF02/gjbkw9a0/17/0/securitisation-understanding-the-risks-and-rewards. pdf [Accessed :17/04/11] [ 34 ]. Llewellyn, T, D. , 2009. , the global banking crisis and the post crisis banking and regulatory scenario .

Friday, September 27, 2019

Article review 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Article review 2 - Essay Example rules and concepts that govern the field of accounting as the basic accounting  principles and guidelines that form the basis for Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The article notes the requirement and importance of using the generally accepted accounting principles in the preparation of financial statements. The GAAP ensures professionalism, consistency,  and uniformity in accounting. However, the article notes that GAAP have become more complex over the years because financial transactions have become more complex. The article recognizes ten basic accounting principles and guidelines that form the basis of the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. They include the economic entity assumption, monetary unit assumption, time period assumption, cost principle, full disclosure principle, going concern principle, matching principle, revenue recognition principle, materiality, and conservatism principle (Accounting Coach 1). I agree with the article’s position and insight on the basic accounting principles and guidelines for various informed reasons. Indeed, all financial statements must comply with the set rules and standards to reflect professionalism, consistency, and uniformity in accounting. Public organizations must present financial statements to the shareholders and directors quoting the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles used to reach at such financial positions. The use of such principles is significant in accounting since the operations, shareholders, and directors of public companies emanate from all over the world hence the need for a standardized code of accounting to represent the diverse backgrounds of the concerned parties. This is also significant in comparing different public companies. The ten basic accounting principles and guidelines relevantly encompass all the financial aspects and needs of any business entity, big or small. The points discussed in the article,

Thursday, September 26, 2019

Eritrea President Isaias Afewerki Biography Essay

Eritrea President Isaias Afewerki Biography - Essay Example Eritrea’s history is related to its unique position on the Red Sea, with a coastline extending over one thousand kilometers. Its strategic importance is because of the mineral resources it has together with their history with Ethiopia. The nine ethnic groups recognized by the Eritrean government include the Cushitic Saho, Beja, Afar and Blin; the Semitic Tigre, Rashaida and Tigrigna; and the Nara and Kunama. The society in Eritrea is ethnically heterogeneous, with each ethnic group speaking a different native language. Having a little patience you are able to learn interesting facts about Eritrea, and why its history is unique and special. To begin with a visit to the capital Asmara reveals how the streets are clean, filled with friendly natives and there is not sign that there is homelessness as depicted by international medias. A tour of the city outskirts you see the reforestation and soil preservation efforts the government has embarked on, through the Eritrean student summer national service program. In Eritrea’s primary schools, children are taught in their mother tongue; bear in mind there are nine tribes, each ethnic group with a unique language how special and unique can that get, in one of the world’s poorest country. Eritrea is the only nation in the entire world to execute such a program. Again, Eritrea is a country where arranged marriages still exist in the villages. The entire tale of the Eritrean armed struggle is read about like it is an epic novel. Another special f act to recall is that Eritrea is a neocolonialist state in Africa, but has managed to achieve more in its twelve years of independence compared to nations like Sudan, Cote d’Ivoire, and Nigeria where Muslims and Christians slaughter each other. Bear in mind that Eritrea is constituted by half Muslims and half Christians, yet no such atrocity is experienced. The people of Eritrea might

Sony attacked by cyber criminals Research Paper

Sony attacked by cyber criminals - Research Paper Example Once such attack is the one that was experienced by Sony Corporation, a division of Sony that deals with electronics in the United States of America with headquarters in San Francisco. This paper will look into details that case of cyber attack into the company’s website, Sony corporation, the American division of the multinational Sony organization are one of the organizations that have been affected by the computer hackers into its system and compromising data that belong to its clients. The attack, which is credited to a hacking group called collective anonymous (Amoroso, 2007). It will also dwell on the process that the hackers used in order to gain access to the Sony website and how the attack was handled by Sony, in addition the various ways I which to avoid such incidents from happening again will be discussed. Threat actors Anonymous collective or ‘Anons’ as it is referred to which is the short form for its full name is a group that was formed in 2004 that is against any form of censorship of online interactions, any type of censorship by governments or organizations where they respond by hacking websites belonging to church organizations, government agencies or departments, or organizations. In the recent past attacks have been launched to websites that belong to US, Israel and Uganda governments and in organizations like MasterCard, Visa PayPal and Sony among others. Anonymous collective, which is the group, that is suspected to have been behind the hacking of the website of Sony, is a group that is largely decentralized in its command structure without any rules that govern it rather it is governed by ideas. What sort of people would go after this type of information and why? This group, was created for entertainment purposes and the information they get which is mainly user names and passwords of subscribers is used to threaten the company to stop the directives on tinkering of play station 3. The information that they stole woul d be important on online hackers since credit card information and passwords got from the website can be used to access bank accounts of the users, therefore, the likelihood of making money transfers to their accounts (Pankaj, 2005). Investigations into the attack by anonymous collective group on Sony are going on, and it is estimated to cost the firm a total of $170 million, in the investigation. The company discovered that the data of about 8500 users’ data had been accessed. The attack did not happen as a surprise to Sony as there were some warnings that had been sent to the company. The group, which was on a revenge mission, attacked MasterCard’s website in December and was after Sony corporation had arrested a young boy of 21 years for allegedly posting information on how to modify play station 3 gaming console on the internet. The group had also announced that it was on a revenge mission that it called ‘operation payback’ on its website anonnews.org, However, in May, the group, announced the group announced that it was not responsible for the attack, but its members, operating individually may have been behind the breach on the Sony site. How did they get it? The process, which the group may have used in the hacking of th

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Briefing Note Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Briefing Note - Essay Example The international legal tenets of self-determination loom large over the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. One of the questions that have long been without a clear answer is whether Palestine is entitled to independence and self determination in an area it deems to be its ancestral homeland. International law does not allow nations to disregard peremptory norms, which are the international embodiment of the principles of justice and fairness (Caplan 12). The democratic principle of self-determination is one of the peremptory norms guarded under international law. In 1918 the British occupied the Palestinian territory and the following year, Palestine came under Class A Mandate. Until that mandate was terminated, it was agreed that the country’s independence would be provisionally recognized. A White Paper was issued in 1939 which formally stated the British Government approval of the formation of an independent Palestinian State in which both Arabs and Jews would â€Å"share in g overnment in such a way as to ensure that the essential interests of each community were safeguarded† (Scobbie, Hibbin and Siegman 4). In 1948, Palestine’s population was made up of 74% Arabs and 26% Jews. It was therefore expected that Palestine would have become an independent state at the end of the Mandate, but this expectation did not materialize. Rather, the State of Israel was proclaimed in 1948. Arab states rejected the formation of Israel and the partition of Palestine, but the rest of the world welcomed the newest nation into the world (Tessler 33). The establishment of an independent Israel nation saw the beginning of an Israeli-Palestinian conflict that has never been resolved to this day. In 1993, the Oslo Peace Accord was signed between Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) (Antonius 10). The Peace Accord grated Palestinians an interim period of five years of self rule. The main issues covered in the signing of the accord included transfer of power to Palestinians. This transfer of power and responsibilities from Israel to Palestine included control over the West Bank and Gaza (Lubell 3). This was meant to enable Palestinians to control their own affairs. The Accord granted Israel full control of its borders and Jerusalem, which had been one of the areas under contention in the conflicts between the two countries. In the same accord, the PLO formally recognized the right of Israel as a state to exist in peace (Caplan 20). Both countries formally agreed to conduct peace talks so as to end many years of conflict between them. Since 2000, Israeli occupation of the west Bank and Gaza flamed several armed conflicts between the two countries (Antonius 17). In 2008, Israeli troops carried out an offensive against Hamas on the Gaza strip. The offensive finally came to an end after three weeks on January 17, 2009 after Israel and Hamas both announced a ceasefire. During the 3 week offensive 1,300 Palestinians, mostly civilian s lost their lives. 400 of these were children. Another 5000 received injuries. Of these 1800 were children and 800 were women. The Israelis lost 13 people, 3 of whom were civilians. Human lives were not the only ones destroyed in this offensive. Much of the Gaza strip was left in ruins. Thousands were left homeless and without food and water (Scobbie, Hibbin and Siegman 14). The west, and in particular were in full support of Israel’

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Change & Innovation in Car Manufacturing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Change & Innovation in Car Manufacturing - Essay Example also necessary materials and intangible assets) founded on specially developed original technology, which is able to make the product satisfying the needs. This research paper discusses the innovation in the car manufacturing industry. This phenomenon has been often studied from theoretical and practical perspective, but there is a need to study positive effects and the challenges of innovation. The approaches existing in literature represent the recommendations on the solution of certain sides of this problem, which need further development, deepening and systematization. Therefore, the issue under consideration is very relevant. The processes of updating are connected to the market relations. The main innovations are realized in the market economy by the enterprise structures as a mean of resolving commercial tasks and as the most important factor of ensuring stability of their functioning, economic growth and competitiveness. Innovations are therefore focused on the market, on the specific consumer or requirement. Innovations are very complex, many-sided problem which is connected with the production and sale. Management plays a very important role in increasing innovative policy efficiency. The general scientific concept "innovation" is defined as a target change in system functioning. In a broad sense it can be high-quality and (or) quantitative changes in various spheres and elements of the system. The general scientific concept "innovation" is defined as target change in functioning of the system, and in a broad sense it can be high-quality and (or) quantitative changes in various spheres and system elements. Innovative process represents the set of procedures and means, with the help of which a discovery, idea turn in social, educational innovation. Thus, the activity which provides transformation of ideas into innovation and also forms a control system of this process is an innovative activity. Here a novelty is understood as a result of an innovation,

Monday, September 23, 2019

Human resource management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 2

Human resource management - Essay Example a brief introduction provides an overall view on the business model that Banco has adopted. The discussion then goes on to focus on the Human Resource Management processes adopted and their relevance to the business context. The current role of a centralised HR operation is examined and suggestions are provided to alter it and increase its suitability to the need of the business. The major issues relate to the direct application of the HR organisation, policies and procedures as used in the banking sector without considering the distinct features of call centre management. In conclusion it is pointed out that the bank has used a ‘one size fits all’ approach when the need was to understand the very distinct demands of call centre operations. It is recommended that the bank review the organisation of HR services for the call centre to facilitate its value-addition to the business. Context and Problem Key characteristics The call centre sector has been growing at a fast rat e as an increasing number of companies seek to gain a competitive advantage of outsourcing task-based jobs. Call centres utilize sophisticated technology to provide better service to an increasingly demanding client base. The sector allows companies to provide 24-hour service to a global market. Call centre sector may be set up as a shared service to offer specialized routine services to a larger corporate or to the customer base. The sector is an outcome of organizations to provide superior service to compete effectively. Banco, a mid-sized retail bank has set up a call centre to counter competitive offerings by providing 24-hour service to and improve service levels at reduced cost. The bank has faced the challenge of coming up to speed on the technological demands of this business. Banco has chosen to manage the call centre centrally and opted to use resources that have no experience with that aspect of the business. Banco Call Centre is located in a high employment and economica lly developed area with a booming service economy. Strong HR practices are required to retain the employees because of presence of external job options. The call centre has employed 35% of its staff on a part-time basis. The focus on service is demonstrated in the structure and standards set by the call centre. The call centre has a local team to decide policy issues comprising section heads and a centre manager with no experience in call centre operations. HR policy and procedures are centrally determined by Banco and are considered inappropriate to call centre requirements. The environment in which Banco is competing involves the presence of an increasingly technology-savvy customer who is aware of the competitive offerings in the banking sector and will quickly switch to the offer of better quality, speed of service and accuracy. Service quality is the differentiator in the business and is determined by the availability of sophisticated technology and mature processes. Competitor banks have created a gap by

Sunday, September 22, 2019

The Speckled band Essay Example for Free

The Speckled band Essay Now, of course that suggests at once there must be a communication between the two rooms. It can only be a small one, or it would have been remarked upon at the coroners inquiry. I deduced a ventilator Holmes explained to Watson. In Dr Roylotts bedroom the position of the wooden chair showed it had been used to stand on to reach the ventilator, An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in the habit of standing on it, which, of course, would be necessary in order that he should reach the ventilator Holmes told Watson. The other clues found in the stepfathers room by Holmes were a metal safe with a saucer of milk on the top of it, on finding this Holmes asks there isnt a cat in it for example? at which Helen replies No what a strange idea! . In Dr Roylotts room there was also a small dog lash hung on one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon its self, and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. The red-herrings in the story relates to the speckled band which Julia had said before her death, O, my God! Helen! It was the band! The speckled band! . Helen had thought that her sister was referring to the gipsies spotted handkerchiefs Which so many of them wear over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which she used. The gipsies were camping on the ground of the Stoke Moran estate with Dr Roylotts permission. The estate also had a cheetah and a baboon roaming the estate grounds which had frightened Helens sister greatly prior to her death. Dr Roylott has a passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a correspondent and these animals wander freely over his grounds, and are feared by the villagers almost as much as their master Helen informed Holmes. Within both stories we see Holmes as a respected master of deduction in the Victorian period. The language is formal with Holmes using long sentences to explain the methods he has used to investigate and solve the crime and disappearance. This is shown when Holmes informs Watson in The Speckled band that he had come to an entirely erroneous conclusion , which shows , my dear Watson , how dangerous it always is to reason from insufficient data . In The Man with the twisted lip Holmes remarks to Watson There is plenty of thread , no doubt , but I cant get the end of it in my hand. This is the language used during the Victorian time. It is also apparent that both Helen Stoner and Mrs St Clair have sought help from Holmes as they have heard that he has a reputation for solving crimes. Sherlock Holmess character in The Man with the twisted lip is a well known and respected man by the police force this was seen when he entered the police station in Bow Street the two constables at door saluted him. The police are willing to work with him as seen by Inspector Bradstreet showing him into his office and asking him what can I do for you Mr Holmes? he then provides him with information about Hugh Boone and allowing him into to cell were he was imprisoned. His authority and the way he is able to reassure people is seen when he confronts Neville St Clair in the cell Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch, and patted him kindly on the shoulder. He uses his authority to persuade Neville to provide information to Inspector Bradstreet so that the case would never go into court at all this is to avoid the shame, the publicity of a court hearing which would bring to his family. The way that Holmes worked in solving the disappearance is by quietly sitting and thinking all through the night with an old brier pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, silent, motionless, with the light shinning upon his strong-set aquiline features this shows that Holmes is committed to his job. In The Speckled Band Holmes works quickly and methodically to solve the crime by inspecting the house where the death occurred, whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not come either from the window or the door this shows that he uses his detective skills to piece together the clues like a jigsaw. He also works in a calm and composed manner, this is shown in the way Holmes deals the Swamp adder the deadliest snake in India, Without hesitation he drew the dog whip swiftly from the dead mans lap, and throwing the noose round the reptiles neck, he drew from its horrid perch, and, carrying it at arms length, threw it into the iron safe, which he closed upon it, this is showing that he is brave and deals with danger without hesitating. As well as this Holmes shows his commitment to his profession, this is shown in the way he informs Helen Stoner As to reward, my profession is its reward this means that Holmes motivated by solving crimes and not by money. The endings of these two short stories are different in The Man with the twisted lip there is a happy ending were the main character is reunited with his wife and family having gone missing for several days. The Speckled Band ends with the death of Dr Roylott who is killed by the swamp adder. In The Man with the twisted Lip the ending concludes a successful piece of investigative work by Holmes and Watson as they restored the normal everyday life of Mr and Mrs Neville St Clair. Apart from Mr St Clair going missing for a few days there is no scandal, as the newspapers do not find out the facts behind his disappearance and is wife is not told the true story behind his disappearance. So satisfied in Holmes with the outcome of this investigation that he says to Watson If we drive to Baker Street we shall be in time for breakfast. The ending to The Speckled Band is not happy as it results in the death of Dr Roylott, this does not play on Holmess his conscience as Dr Roylott is described by Helen Stoner as a man of immense strength , and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. An example of this is given he hurled the local blacksmith over the parapet into a stream. The final sentence of this story ends with Holmes stating that I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr Grimesby Roylotts death ,and I cannot say that it is likely to weigh very heavily upon my conscience. To conclude from looking at detective fiction in the nineteenth century and comparing the two short stories above I have been able to examine the winning formula that detective fiction has been written to. This is the way these stories are written to involve the reader in the detectives role of gathering clues, to solve the crime and find the culprit. This method has stood the test of time; in fact detective fiction is probably stronger today than it was in the nineteenth century. This is due to having wider audience as it has been translated into television and its popularity is evident as it scores of highly in the ratings. Harry Johnson 1 Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Arthur Conan Doyle section.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

Synthesis Method of Napthoyl-thiourea Derivatives

Synthesis Method of Napthoyl-thiourea Derivatives CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY This chapter explains briefly on the synthesis method of napthoyl-thiourea derivatives, experimental characterization techniques (CHNS, FTIR, UV-Vis, UV-F, 1H and 13C NMR, Single Crystal X-Ray Crystallography Analysis, XRD, TGA, SEM, CV), electrodeposition of napthoyl-thiourea derivatives on ITO substrate, electrical conductivity measurement, IV curve characteristic, performance of organic diode and theoretical calculation via Gaussion 09 software package functions. 3.1  Reagents, Chemicals and Solvent All chemicals used in this study were commercially available and used as received without any purification step taken. Chemicals namely 1-napthanoyl chloride (C10H7COCl), ammonium thiocyanate (NH4SCN), 2-aminopyridine (C5H6N2), 2-amino-5-chloro-pyridine (C5H5N2Cl) and 3-amino-4-methylpyridine (C6H8N2) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich. In addition, 2-amino-5-picoline (C6H8N2) and 2-amino-3-picoline (C6H8N2) were supplied from Merck. Solvents such as methanol (CH3OH), dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) and dimethylsulphoxide were supplied by Merck. Other solvents used in this study namely chloroform (CHCl3), ethyl acetate (CH3COOCH2CH3) and hexane (C6H14) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich. Acetonitrile (C2H3N) and diethyl ether (C4H10O) were supplied by R M chemicals. Whilst, acetone (CH3COCH3) was obtained from Fisher scientific. 3.2  Instrumentation and Characterization Techniques The infrared (IR) spectra of the synthesized compounds were recorded on a Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectrophotometer, Perkin Elmer Spectrum 100 in the range of 4000-400 cm-1 using potassium bromide (KBr) pellets. Electronic absorption spectra of the samples were recorded in the range of 200-400 nm using Shimadzu UV-Visible Spectrophotometer 1601 series in 1cm3 cuvette while the electronic emission spectra were recorded in the same range by using Shimadzu UV-Fluorescence Spectrophotometer. For Single X-Ray Crystallography, the diffraction data were collected at 296.15K. The structure was solved and refined by using Olex2 solution program and refinement package using Gauss-Newton Minimization. The 1H (400.11 MHz) and 13C (100.61 MHz) NMR spectra were recorded using Bruker Avance III 400 Spectrometer in CDCl3 as solvent and internal standard at room temperature in the range between ÃŽ ´H 0–15ppm and ÃŽ ´C 0–200ppm, respectively. Besides, CHNS-O Analyzer Flashea 1112 series was used to determine the experimental percentage of C, H, N and S elements of the synthesized compounds. Thermogravimetric analysis was performed using Perkin–Elmer TGA Analyzer from 0oC to 700oC at a heating rate of 10oC/min under nitrogen atmosphere. Analytical thin-layer chromatography (TLC) was carried out on precoated plate of TLC Silica Gel 60 F254 (Merck) and spots were visualized with ultraviolet light. The X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis was performed using Rigaku MiniFlexll from 3à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ±-80à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ±. The technique cyclic voltammetry was performed using Electrochemical Impedence Spectroscopy (EIS) PGSTAT302 with three-electrode cell consisting of a polished Pt rod working electrode, Pt disc counter electrode and AgCl reference electrode. The solutions were ~10-3 M in electroactive material and 0.1 M supporting electrolyte, sulphuric acid. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) PGSTAT302 was used to coat the synthesized compounds on the ITO thin film by using electrochemistry method. EIS was used to study the oxidation and reduction state of the element of the synthesized compounds. The surface morphology of the final synthesised compounds in the form of powder and thin films were scanned by JSM 6360 Joel Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with accelerated voltage 20 kV and magnification from 2000Ãâ€" until 10000Ãâ€" The electrical conductivity of the thin film was measured in the dark conditions by using Four-Point Probe and LI-200 Pyranometer Sensor with LI-1400 Data Logg er while Keithley 4200 SCS Semiconductor Characterization System and Probe Station were used for efficiency determination and OLED parameters were evaluated from IV curve. The performance as Diode was performed by using D2 Power Supply GP-430D. Last but not least, the experimental result were proven by using ab initio quantum mechanical evaluation at the theoretical level of DFT B3LYP/6-31G (d,p). The physical parameters such as dipole moment, energy band gap (HOMO and LUMO) and Mulliken Charges Bond length were calculated using Natural Bond Orbital Theory at the same theoretical level. 3.3  General Research Design In this study, the methodology is divided into four parts. Firstly, this research started with the synthesis napthoyl substructure of thiourea derivative. Secondly, all the synthesized compounds were characterized by using elemental analysis, typical spectroscopic and analytical techniques and electrochemical analysis. Next, the synthesized compounds were deposited on the ITO substrate as a thin film by using electrochemical deposition method. The conductivity and performance of the synthesized compounds as OLED were evaluated. Lastly, the experimental data were compared with the theoretical calculation by using Gaussion 09 software package. Figure 3.1 shows the schematic diagram of the experimental flow chart. 3.4  Synthetic Approach The synthetic approach to obtain the compounds of interest is shown in Scheme 3.2. Thiourea derivatives (15) were prepared by using 1-naphthoyl chloride as starting material. The mixture of 1-napthhoyl chloride, an equimolar amount of ammonium thiocyanate and designated amines (3-methylpyridin-2-amine, 6-methylpyridin-3-amine, 5-methylpyridin-2-amine, pyridine-2-amine and 5-chloropyridin-2-amine) in acetone was put at reflux with constant stirring for around ca. 10 hours. After completion, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature before it was then filtered. The off-white precipitate was removed and the filtrate was added to some ice blocks. The precipitate was crystallised from hot acetone to afford crystals of the title compounds (15). Scheme 3.2The general overview of the synthetic pathway applied in this study 3.5  Experimental Section 3.5.1  Synthesis of N-((3-methylpyridin-2-yl)carbamothioyl)-1-naphthamide (1) A solution of 1-napthanoyl chloride (1.5ml, 1mol) with the equimolar amount of ammonium thiocyanate (0.76g, 1mol) in ca. 50ml acetone in 100ml two-necked round-bottom flask. The reaction mixture was put at reflux with continuous stirring for ca. 5 hours. Then, a solution of 6-methylpyridin-3-amine (1.07g, 1mol) in ca. 50ml acetone was added to the reaction mixture and was put at reflux with continuous stirring for ca. 7 hours. The progress of the reaction was monitored with TLC (Hexane: DCM; 3:2). Once the reaction completed the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and filtered into a beaker containing some ice cubes. The resulting light brown precipitate obtained, recrystallized from hot acetone to afford the title compound (1). 3.5.2  Synthesis of N-((5-metylpyridin-2-yl)carbamothioyl)-1-naphtamide (2) The title compound 2, (2.33g, 96%) obtained as light yellow crystalline solid was prepared from 1-napthanoyl chloride (1.5ml, 1mol), ammonium thiocyanate (0.76g, 1mol) and 3-methylpyridin-2-amine (1.07g, 1mol) in the manner as describe above. 3.5.3  Synthesis of N-((3-metylpyridin-2-yl)carbamothioyl)-1-naphtamide (3) The title compound 3, (2.66g, 98%) obtained as light yellow crystalline solid was prepared from 1-napthanoyl chloride (1.5ml, 1mol), ammonium thiocyanate (0.76g, 1mol) and 5-methylpyridin-2-amine (1.07, 1mol) in the manner as describe above. 3.5.4  Synthesis of N-(pyridin-2-ylcarbamothioyl)-1-naphthamide(4) In a manner similar to that described above 3, the title compound 4, (0.88g, 45%) obtained as light yellow crystalline solid was prepared from 1-napthanoyl chloride (1.5ml, 1mol), ammonium thiocyanate (0.76g, 1mol) and pyridin-2-amine (0.94g, 1mol). 3.5.5  Synthesis of N-((5-chloropyridin-2-yl)carbamothioyl)-1-naphthamide(5) The title compound 5, (1.97g, 87%) obtained as light yellow crystalline solid was prepared from 1-napthanoyl chloride (3ml, 1mol), ammonium thiocyanate (0.76g, 9.95mmol) and 5-chloropyridin-2-amine (1.28, 1mol) in the manner as describe above. 3.6Electrodeposition of Naptoyl-Thiourea Derivatives on ITO substrate The ITO substrates were used as working electrode was firstly cleaned with distilled water, detergent and acetone by using ultrasonic cleaner. All the synthesized compounds (15) were deposited on the ITO substrates by electrochemistry method by using Electrochemical Impendance Spectroscopy (EIS) PGSTAT302. By using the GPES method software, cyclic voltammetry (staircase) method was set to be in normal procedure. The depositions of the compounds were done in a mixture of compound dissolved in 45ml acetonitrile (10-3 M) and 5ml sulphuric acid (10-3 M) which act as supporting electrolyte .The cyclic of the process were set in Table 3.1 below. Figure 3.1 represent the arrangement layers of ITO/napthoyl-thiourea thin film. While, scheme 3.3 shows the overall methodology for organic light emitting diode (OLED) formation and characterization. Table 3.1 Procedure set for electrodeposition process No of scan 5 Start potential (V) 0 First Vertex Potential (V) 0 Second Vertex Potential (V) 3 Step Potential (V) 0.01 Scan Rate (Vs-1) 0.05 Figure 3.1The arrangement layers of ITO/napthoyl-thiourea thin film (1a5a) 3.7  Electrical Conductivity Measurement Four point probe was used to determine the conductivity of the thin film. The sheet resistivity of the films was measured with complete four probing system that consists of the Jandel Universal Probe combined with a Jandel RM3 Test Unit (Figure 3.2). In this study, the electrical conductivity of thin film was measured in dark condition to see its tendency to be applied as organic diode. Four probes were aligned and lowered onto the sample. The two outer probes supplied a voltage difference that drives a current through the film while the two inner probes pick up a voltage difference. Figure 3.2Jandel Universal Probe and RM3 Test Unit The sheet resistances (resistivity) for the thin films are shown in Equation 3.1 below. The unit of sheet resistance is ohms per square (à ¯Ã‚ -/sq): Rs = 4.532 x V / I (Equation3.1) Where: Rs = sheet resistance 4.532 = correction factor V = voltage measured I = current applied The electrical conductivity can be determined which it is the reciprocal (inverse) of the electrical resistivity, à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ³ as shown in Equation 3.2. The unit of electrical conductivity is ohm-1 m-1 (à ¯Ã‚ --1 m-1) = Siemens m-1 (Sm-1). à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ³ = 1 / Rs(Equation 3.2) Where, à ¯Ã‚ Ã‚ ³ = electrical conductivity Rs = sheet resistivity 3.8  IV Curve Characteristic The IV curves of the 1a5a were measured by using Keithley 4200 SCS Semiconductor Characterization System and Probe Station (Figure 3.3). In this study, ITO substrate act as hole collecting layer (anode) while napthoyl-thiourea derivatives act as hole and electron carriers. The coated ITO substrates were mask with low work function metal which is aluminuim which act as cathode. Figure 3.3Semiconductor Characterization System and Probe Station The I-V curve shows the relationship between the currents and voltages gradient associated with the different current terminal (anode and cathode) of the diode. The obtained curve displays the forward current, reverse current, knee voltage and breakdown voltage of the diode. 3.9  Performance as Diode The performances of 1a5a as organic diode were tested by using D2 Power Supply GP-430D (Figure 3.4) under dark condition with difference voltagesin the range 15V to 30V. Figure 3.4D2 Power Supply GP-430D

Friday, September 20, 2019

Pussy Riot Trials In Russia Cultural Studies Essay

Pussy Riot Trials In Russia Cultural Studies Essay Sources related closely to Pussy Riot will be taken online and from newspaper articles as information on the subject is still fresh in peoples minds and not yet in book form. Mankind has always been eager to be the strongest, largest, most powerful, fundamentally the finest in everything. This statement is clear for the Russia who is deemed the largest country in the world. Russia manages to cover one sixth of the whole globes land mass and has played a significant role in modern history. Although, in order to comprehend how a country has developed into what it is now, one must reflect at its society. A countrys society reflects not only its people but also its expectations of the future and history. Many things reflect Russias varied culture but two of the main factors are of art and the church.    Like numerous other countries, religion has definitely played an immense role in the structure of Russian society and its values towards success. Their main place of worship is known as the Russian Orthodox Church, this holy place being around one thousand years old and in the region of half of the countrys population belonging to it. This being said, the vast majority of Orthodox believers do not attend church on a regular basis. Russians have also turned to various new beliefs, parties, and religious denominations. However, the Russian Orthodox Church is very much valued amongst advocates and agnostics, who see it as an icon of Russian tradition, heritage and culture.   Ã‚   Since Pussy Riot formed they have made numerous headlines with a series of illicit guerilla performances that included performing a piece aptly named Revolt in Russia on the symbolic Red Square in January 2012. Eventually they were arrested under Russia stern illegal protest laws, but at the time all eight band mates were released to march another day. The recent Pussy Riot trials in Russia have highlighted the continuing need for women to challenge authority and assert their independence within Western Society. It may appear as if women have achieved much over the last fifty years, but recent statistics have shown that as a result of the economic recession it has been women who have taken the brunt of the cuts. With un-employment amongst women aged 50 to 64 has a rising of 39% in two years compared with 5% rise for all over-16s in the UK alone1 whether it is a student, breadwinner, daughter or carer, this is the glue that holds society together, if they write off this part of society then we as a whole are lost. Females who are at risk of the cuts are most definitely not an industry or interest group they are 50% of this nation. In Stalinist Eastern Europe, political parties were banned and criticism of the government was dangerous. Just as todays North Korea or Assads Syria, public spaces were forced, propaganda was across the board and fear was extensive. Yet even in a civilization engrossed by fear, young individuals created ways to communicate their discontent, as they have recently in the Arab world and North Africa. Much like the young women of Pussy Riot in Russia, they too have also learned how the use of pop culture and the ever growing power of social media sites can be used as a means of resistance against the communist regimes.   Modern Communism was thought up and developed by a man named Karl Marx who was the brains behind creating Marxism and this is what communism as we know it today was based upon. Karl Marx created this philosophy in the 1840s and the first communist party to come to authority was the Bolshevik Party which gained control of Russia and created the Soviet Union. This happened in the early 20th century and so from this we can establish that communism has been around from 1910s-20s through to present day. This was when the art movement Socialist Realism was created and then, in later years, used by the communist governments to create an alliance of the people within the country. This realistic art was also used to romanticize the truth and to glorify the roles that the working class societies were playing within the country; this was to make the people feel they were personally involved with the sustained existence of the country. At the beginning of the 20th  century in Russia, during the civil war, the innovative government largely used the arts as a means of advertising its ideas and aims. One of the most significant types of Russian propaganda art of that time was the influential political poster. It is through this form of medium and with the power of mass media in which the government called on the nation to learn to read and write, lend a hand those less fortunate or in need, and have a passionate love towards their country, making it a proud and immensely successful nation, fighting for freedom and justice. Soviet posters began to first appear in Russia during the Proletarian Revolution and so  bringing Communist Partys slogans to the masses. A number of posters would be hand drawn; producing the posters this way would give these artists independence from the press and thus making it possible to react straight away to the most current issues as rapidly as possible. This way of producing has become an important attribute of Russian propaganda art. The posters themselves had individual characteristics: bold shapes, vibrant colours, clear lines with lack of small details and additional strength. One unconventional example of Russian propaganda art had brought around a unique phenomenon in Russian art of the early 20th century; agitation porcelain which proclaimed the ideas and ideals of the revolution and was an important propaganda weapon for the new rulers. Agitation porcelain was produced by artists such as Kazimir Malevich and Nikolai Suetin in dreary conditions, from time to time in starvation, under the management of Sergey Chekhonin. In 1923-24, they designed their globally- famous Suprematist works, which included classics of design history; Malevichs white teapot and the half-cup. Agitation porcelain immediately became enthusiastically wanted and sought after by international art collectors. However it didnt become used by the masses or art for the people. Instead of ordinary floral and idyllic subjects these porcelain objects embellished with symbols of the Soviet Republic. With designs such as the hammer and sickle, and slogans like à Ã… ¡Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾ à Ã‚ ½Ãƒ Ã‚ µ Ñâ‚ ¬Ãƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒ Ã‚ ±Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒ Ã‚ µÃƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬Å¡, Ñ‚Ã Ã‚ ¾Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬Å¡ à Ã‚ ½Ãƒ Ã‚ µ à Ã‚ µÃƒâ€˜Ã‚ Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬Å¡-Those who dont work dont eat. Today Soviet agitation porcelain, representing Russian propaganda art; are now popular items in collections of museums in Russia and overseas as well as private collections. Communism has long been connected with Russia. Even as this country rose to a democracy, suggestion of Russias socialist past still linger over this supposed forward thinking country. Pussy Riot had made global headlines with their taped performances in controversial locations. Yekaterina  Samutsevich, 30, Maria Alyokhina, 24, and Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22, were found guilty of hooliganism motivated by religious hatred due to the staged performance in February 2012 rallying against president Putin ahead of the countrys elections in March. Pussy Riot are a feminist performance group formed of friends that embraced similar principles at anti-Putin rallies in Moscow, forming a revolution based around punk ethics and political activism. The identities of the collectives members are hidden from the public; wear eye catching bright, colourful attire and balaclavas to their protests and events, inviting other members of the public who share the same ideals to join, disguised as well. When asked about the chosen name of the group one member named Garadzha stated; A female sex organ, which is supposed to be receiving and shapeless, suddenly starts a radical rebellion against the cultural order, which tries to constantly define it and show its appropriate place. Sexists have certain ideas on how a woman should behave and Putin, by the way, also has got a couple thoughts on how Russians should live. Fighting against all that thats Pussy Riot. (Vice magazine 2012) On February 21st, the group crossed the threshold of the altar and began singing and dancing in front of tourists and clergy at Moscows Cathedral of Christ the Savior. They delivered approximately forty seconds of the Punk Prayer; Mother of God, put Putin away asking the Virgin Mary to drive out Russian president Vladimir Putin from the church, before being removed by security guards. Pussy Riot assured their performance in Moscows main cathedral was not to be an anti-church demonstration, and was entirely based on criticizing President Vladimir Putin.  Some see the song itself as Punk poetry whilst others describe it as blasphemous. But the fact of the matter is Pussy Riot live, vote, pay their taxes in a country in which the Russian Orthodox Church and its deep links in structures of power have had a colossal control over their lives, politically and culturally. During the 20th century, the bodies of artists, and the public alike, were beginning to be commonly used more and more as both the entity and the subject matter, the piece itself. Bound, beaten, unclothed or highlighted features etc: the body is presented in all possible guises, as the artist quite literally lives his or her art either publicly, in performances or privately, in video and photography. This long standing tradition of self portraiture had began to take a distinct left turn, and the influential performance artists were at the forefront of this defiant movement to take art outside of the galleries and into the unconventional media, and in some cases controversial spaces much like Pussy Riot today, its clear to see that performance art would have played a distinct role in their political piece. The ties between art and life itself would then be worn away, as were the ties between somewhat sensual and visual experiences amongst viewers. By establishing narratives of real life situations, their own experiences within the perspective of performance, the artists point out the extent in to which history, gender, and identity are all socially constructed performances and are the main focus to the manipulations of power. Before Pussy Riot, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova and Yekaterina  Samutsevich were members of a collective named Voina (meaning War).Voina is a made up of a controversial group of Russian actionist artists that engage in radical street protest actions; Political protest art. The collective have protested against the somewhat total elimination of freedom of speech, against the violation of human rights, and against the complete liquidation of democracy that has taken place in Russia in current years. The popularity of politically engaged art tends to surge and decline, depending, of course on the current socio-political and economic climates. Commodity artists and activist artists coexist. We had sex in public and this doesnt frighten us anymore, we invaded a police station and this doesnt frighten us anymore. What more is there that can scare us? We will deal with death in the future. Soon we will be completely fearless. (2012) To this day, over 200 activists have participated in Voinas artistic protest actions and at least 20 criminal investigations into the groups activities have been initiated (Free-voina.org). On Voina, curator Artur Ã…Â »mijewski had said (to gazeta.ru), The art group participates directly in politics, something no other group in Europe does. They are absolutely unique. Their actions test the durability of democracy. Their fame is linked to the fact that their actions reflect the Russian political process, the process itself is split in two: partly European yet wildly different. And has also written The Voina group are the last of the righteous, who speak to us of how things should be, so that they may once again come true. http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_mbh6yrMGFG1qgejhto1_500.jpg A VOINA activist in a police uniform covered by an Orthodox priests cassock with a massive cross performed robbery in a high-class supermarket in Moscow. Accompanied by the group, Mentopop carried outside, without paying, 5 large bags with delicatessen and elite alcohol. The crime was committed with the impunity enjoyed by priests and cops in todays Russia. Femen, a Ukrainian feminist group have gained much interest due to their scrupulous attitude of self-proclaimed sextremism which has turned into becoming infamous for organising naked protests. Some of the prominent examples of their work are the topless protests at the 2012 Olympics in London, in hostility towards  bloody Islamist regimes  or the  cutting down of a crucifix in Kiev, in support for fellow feminists, Pussy Riot   just as a Moscow court was due to deliver its verdict in the  case.   This goal of feminism expressed by Femen and their strategies are indicative of the idea that Western ways of thinking are in some way essentially legitimate and greater. Their feminism however, is not a cultural paradigm that can be applied to all. - Riot grrrl has always been a force to be reckoned with; it was an underground feminist movement that began early on in the nineties, which was very much united with punk music, feminism, radical politics, and a DIY aesthetic. Riot Grrrl activism concerned meetings, the creation of zines, artwork alike and a national network of support for females performance, whether it be musically, poetically or indeed artistically. Although many say the movement lasted until the mid nineties, others argue that it never ended. With the recognition of  Sara Marcuss book  Girls to the Front: The True Story of the Riot Grrrl Revolution, it appears that there may be various truths to that assertion. And there are many zines, which tell the tale of the origins of the movement (Jigsaw-1988, Girl Germs-1989, Bikini Kill-1990, SNARLA; to name a few). In 1993, according to a Canadian newspaper (as mentioned in  Girls to the Front), 40,000 zines were published in North America alone. (2010) But as the next quote states, the power of Riot Grrrl managed to travel its way overseas and influence a whole new group of European followers wanting to reach out, create and thus inspire women and know that they were not alone. Why is there something odd and unnatural about women who want to try to do something with their lives? Why are women such fucking appendages in everything? Feminism isnt over, it didnt fail, but something new must happen- Riot Grrrlà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ Next time a guy feels your ass, patronises you, slags off your body- generally treats you like shit- forget the moral highground, forget hes been instilled with patriarchy and is a victim too, forget rationale and debate. Just deck the bastard. 1993 issue of Leeds and Bradford Riot Grrrls zine. We live in a generation of apathy and ignorance. We live in towns that no-one has any respect for anymore. We live lives and abide by the rules set for us, day in and day out. Media subliminally feeds us ideas of how we should be, look like, what we should think and what our tastes should be; its bullshit and it needs to change. The Barbie dolls we see on the front of red-top newspapers and on TV are not our sisters. They arent our friends and they are not a force to change the sexism in this world. Male-domination has well and truly taken over the media/music/films etc. We are not second class citizens and we have as much right to be here as men do. This is not acceptable. But when does art become music? Pussy Riot have been described as a feminist punk rock group, a punk rock collective. Released member of the group. Since the jailing of Pussy Riot the Moscow City court has established for the second occasion its verdict banning all LGBT pride events in the Russian capital for the next century. In the nearest future we will contest the authorities actions over the 100-year ban on gay pride events in the European Court of Human Rights. Through this we will eventually achieve that the bans are recognized as unlawful, not only for the past, but for the future gay parades in the Russian capital, the Interfax news agency quoted Alekseyev as saying. Pussy Riots performance of the Punk Prayer included a reference to the countrys victimized LGBT community with the line Gay pride sent to Siberia in chains. A court in Moscow has chosen four videos made by the feminist punk protest group Pussy Riot as extremist. The Zamoskvorechye District Court in the Russian capital ruled that access to all websites hosting the videos must be limited. In relation to the courts decision, websites that do not remove the Pussy Riot videos will face administrative penalties, which include fines up to 100,000 Rubles (around  £2000). On June 8, 2012, Putin signed into law a measure imposing weighty fines on citizens who organize or take part in unauthorized demonstrations, giving the Russian authorities authoritative leverage to clamp down on the large antigovernment street protests ignited by his decision that he planned to return to the presidency and re-energized by his inauguration in May. Four days later, around 10,000 protesters gathered  in central Moscow in defiance of the Kremlin ban. Tracy + the Plastics is the name of the  electro pop  solo project of  Wynne Greenwood, a  lesbian  feminist  video artist based in  Olympia, Washington she started this project with, what she describes as myself and myself and myself. She played all the roles of the band Nikki (keyboards), Cola (drums) and Tracy (singer). Live, Nikki and Cola would be included as imagery in a projected landscape that backs her up and fills her in. Pre-recorded music would begin to play through speakers. She would then begin to sing live and talk to her band mates in between songs. Nikki asks Cola why she puts socks down her pants to look like a dick or a third dimension? Cola turns to Tracy and asks her for advice. I dont put socks down my pants she does it to look more real. Theres a history, a reality created by the interaction between the self and the image of the self. When an individual in a marginalized group talks to a recorded image of themselves it empowers the individual to open the door to the understanding and celebration that she/he/it can be deliberate. It is an interaction with a fragmented self. By fragmented, Greenwood means a consistent individuality thats constructed from different, often contradictory, elements of culture, society, and existence that we identify with because popular culture has no complete identity to offer its audience except one that resembles the ruling class. We can come out. And then come out again. We can rearrange our world how we want it. Wynne Greenwood (2001) Defining Miranda July is like trying to define a colour (Chang, 2000) when faced with the sheer range of her work single channel video, experimental audio, multimedia performance, fanzines, riot grrrl film and videotape distribution.   July is a Portland, Oregon-based artist spellbound by codes, systems, and the erroneous belief of the ordinary affected by things such as education and IQ tests, also a somewhat fascination with human interactions and relationships. Shes at her finest when she manages to show systems breaking down, altering, or cleared of the substance that gives them meaning. July began to catch local attention whilst still in high school in Berkeley, MI, when she created a play (The Lifers) derived from a pen pal relationship with a convict in the California prison who was jailed for murdering a man who had frequently stole from his petrol station. She found him through an advert for a prisoner pen-pal type program in the back of a magazine. July went on to move to Portland, OR, and became emerged into the Riot Grrrl scene since this appeared the place to be for DIY music and art specifically targeting women with a voice, who needed an outlet. In 1996, out of this eager hotbed of creative female community arose the  Big Miss Moviola  project (but legal threats from the owners of the word Movieola strained July to modify the name of her project to  Joanie4Jackie) a creative and incessant video chain letter. Female filmmakers and performance artists alike would produce a short film. The recorded piece would then be added to a compilation tape contai ning ten other female artists. The tape would then be sent back to the contributor. http://www.moma.org/explore/inside_out/inside_out/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/mj_amateurist_web.jpg You always suspected it and now you know its true: Girls and women are making movies everyday Joanie4Jackie All women were invited and encouraged to participate, despite technical skills, using any medium that was available to them, By August 2000 there were upwards of 100 films still in distribution. The initiative for Moviola  emerged from Julys observation that the earth is full of inspirational films and people that cannot be seen or heard. And she takes this farther by stating she is also stimulated by films that yet to be made. July claims all of her writing is taken from the subconscious.   The curators for this project included Miranda July, Rita Gonzalez, and Astria Suparak. The  Joanie4Jackie  series was also screened at film festivals and DIY movie events. So far, thirteen editions have been released, the latest in 2002. Prominent DIY filmmakers who have contributed to the project include  Mary Billyou,Tammy Rae Carland,  Lisa Hammer,  K8 Hardy,  Sarah Jacobson,  G.B. Jones,  Tara Mateik  and Miranda July herself. Nowadays, her films illuminate the ordinary, lampoons of relationships, the fundamental weirdness of sex, and remind us of what it feels to be human. July plays on the tension of relationships, the uncomfortable bits and the joys. She makes you snigger, and feel good without making you feel like a simpleton in the process. She allures you not with trickery, but with what is desired as truth, or at least something within reach. For the male spectator, her films also offer the unusual delight of inhabiting a characteristically woman sensibility.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

benefits of technology :: essays research papers

Ever since it developed, there has been controversy over whether or not mechanical inventions benefit our lives. Doug Rennie’s article, â€Å"Faxed to the Max†, says â€Å"the timesaving devices we created give us more freedom to do what we want have instead imprisoned us in our own technology.† Although this may be true to some people, everyone has the power to resist technological devices. People can chose to use these tools to enhance their lifestyles, like they can chose to use a hammer or a saw for a project; they don’t necessarily need it, but it would save time and energy. It is the ability to mistreat these inventions that makes some people uneasy towards about using technology in their daily lives. Although it can be abused in many ways, technology used properly is a tool that aids in education, health and communication.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Our physical health has benefited greatly from technology. Through inventions like the pacemaker and artificial limbs, a tremendous amount or people have had better physical conditions. This biological technology is not favorable to all. Some say that it is better for nature to do its work and people should not interfere. The spread of new inventions can soon get out of hand. For example, if we have the ability to clone humans, our lifestyles will change. People will abuse this power by being careless about their health. They believe people think technology can save them in the end, so they can exercise less and eat more unhealthy foods. On the other hand, curative inventions have saved lives and allowed people to lead healthier ones. There can be ways to make technology accessible to only certain people, but there is no reason to stop the usage of these medical products if they can help save lives. An example of one of these products is the pacemaker, invented by Canadian electrical engineer, John Hopps. Because the heart stops beating when it cools, he found that mechanical or electric stimulation could make the heart start up again. Since then, many were given healthier lives. Prosthetic limbs have also played a great role in helping the lives of amputees. Artificial limbs with sensors and microchips have recently been designed so that these people can maintain an active lifestyle rather than being confined to wheelchairs.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Technology plays a very important role in the communication of people today. With the touch of a button, the Internet and the cellular telephone can allow us to transmit our message to someone on the other side of the planet.