Movie Piracy is Stealing Essay -- essays research papers

With the growing number of internet users participating in movie piracy, this creates a network of users who no longer need to go the movie theatre or video store to watch a movie. Movie piracy has grown enormously in the past few years making it easier than ever to find box office releases with the simple click of a button. This creates a world where it is okay to steal billions of dollars from movie producers, because most of those participating in piracy see nothing wrong with it. Although there are consequences for downloading copyrighted content, it is nearly impossible to prosecute each user who is downloading a particular movie. Instead of relying on punishing those who are downloading the content, it is most important to make this content unavailable getting rid of this problem altogether. In a recent survey conducted on 3600 internet users in nine countries, it was reported by the Motion Picture Association of America that twenty-four percent of internet users have downloaded a movie over the internet, and seventeen percent of those who hadn’t said they expect to start within the next year (Pruitt). Just about any internet user can easily find and download a movie within a few hours by typing its name into a search engine. With this method being more convenient and less costly than going to the movie theatre, it should not be a surprise that so many people are doing it. â€Å"Only two years ago, it took 72 days to get a highly watchable version of "Finding Nemo" online.† (Hernandez) Today, in the world of movie piracy this would rarely happen though. Most box office releases are available online within a few days or even hours of the box office release. â€Å"Last summer's blockbuster "Spider-Man 2," for example, was downloadable in first-rate form within seven hours of its premiere to the public†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Hernandez). This shows that movie piracy is becoming more important to internet users, and piracy will continue to grow unless something is done about the problem. With the availability of pirated movies being so great, you cannot place all the blame on those who are downloading the files, or buying the bootlegs. The problem is those who make these files available. The website vcdquality.com lists releases of pirated movies, and the source of the release. The most common source for movie releases is CAM or telesync (VCDQuality). This means th... ...g hands, making it almost impossible to determine the source of piracy. For this reason copy protection must be implemented into DVD screeners. With the growth of technology and the other forms of copy protection currently available it is a surprise to me that this has not already been implemented. Napster currently uses a form of copy protection on their music file that does not allow them to be copied or played without the license. If this was implemented into screeners and DVDs in general this would cut down on piracy drastically. With the problem being so widespread and the solution being so straight forward it is a surprise that barely anything has been done to prevent piracy. Security is used in just about every aspect of life, and the problem of piracy is just as extensive as that of shoplifting, Even to use the same security in a movie theatre as you would in a department store makes perfect sense. With security in movie theatres currently being next to nothing and copy protection on DVDs being unheard of, the amount of piracy that occurs should not surprise us. We are living in the digital age where we should expect these types of activities and take the proper action.

Essay --

Personal Learning Reflection Paper One of the main courses of this semester was to learn various organizational behaviors that are conducted in real business environment. By learning this course, we could understand our future colleagues and ourselves better. Throughout the semester, every week Ashley Hughes gave us an interesting lecture about different topics of oranisational behaviors. Along with the weekly lectures we also had a group presentation that gave us the opportunity to apply the lessons and techniques learnt in our professional and personal lives.During the course of this semester, Organizational Behavior has highlighted numerous topics, which concentrated on investigating the impact that individuals, groups and structures have on behavior within an organization and how their behaviour affect the performance of the organizations for the purpose of applying such technique towards improving an individual’s or an organization's working effectiveness (Jontymagicman, 2012). In this reflection paper, I will discuss the essential areas of organizational behavior: the influence of motivation, managing change and individual learning at an organization. Motivation Motivation, as defined in class, is the energy and commitment a person is prepared to dedicate to a task. In most of organisations, motivation is one of the most troublesome problems. Motivation is about the intensity, direction and persistence of reaching a goal. During the class, we have learned a substantial theories of motivation and many theories of motivations are used in real business. Each theory seems to have different basic values. But, they all have been analysed for one reason, recognising what motivates and increases the performance of employees. Ident... ...rganizational-behaviour-and-its-definition. [Accessed 29 November 13]. Stan Emelander. 2009. The Four Drive Theory in the Workplace. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.articlesbase.com/human-resources-articles/the-four-drive-theory-in-the-workplace-1650121.html. [Accessed 30 November 13]. MindTools. 2010. Cialdini's Six Principles of Influence. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/six-principles-influence.htm. [Accessed 02 December 13]. Zhang, X, & BARTOL, K., 2010. Linking empowering leadership and employee creativity-The influence of psychological empowerment, intrinsic motivation, and creative process engagement. Academy of Management Journal, 53, 107-128. Vogler, D., 2010. â€Å"Controlling† vs. â€Å"Empowering† leadership. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.revivallifestyle.com/controlling-vs-empowering-leadership-styles/. [Accessed 04 December 13].

China Men - The Brother in Vietnam Essay -- Maxine Hong Kingston China

China Men - The Brother in Vietnam In her tale, "The Brother in Vietnam," author Maxine Hong Kingston relates the drastic misinterpretation of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" on the part of the "brother's" students. It is clear to the reader that their disillusioned thoughts and ideas of the world were instilled in their vulnerable minds by their own parents at young ages, an occurrence that still takes place in our society today. In his account of the situation, the brother first clearly makes a note that these confused and suspicious students comprise not one of his elementary classes, but rather his only non-remedial class. From this he is evidently implying that one would expect a heightened ability to understand and more accurately analyze the power and beauty of great literature on the part of the students. Thus from the beginning, the reader is alerted to the fact that their confusion is not due to the difficulty of the material, but rather is the product of some underlying factor. In this way the students perceive this Shakespearean tragedy as a horror story, the mere thought of it shadowed in their minds by fear. They see the Montagues and Capulets as families driven mad; Verona as a plague-infested country where killing and marriage take place in dark regions alike. They infer from it that young love is dangerous, and by reading of a suicide made possible by a potion that was initially inten ded to preserve tender love instead of stealing it, their notions that there is evil in everything seem to be confirmed. The brother, frustrated and upset, is unable to "shift the emphasis" that the play has left on these youths, and he feels... ...protective shield around their children. Do they really believe this is to the benefit of our youth? It is understandable to want to protect children from unnecessary evils, but sometimes in constructing walls around their worldly vision they are in all actuality cutting their children off from reality. It is so much healthier and helpful to confront these issues head-on, rather than trying to skirt around them. In fact, in the long-run, as can be seen through the misinterpretation of "Romeo and Juliet" by the students, such avoidance of the matter at hand will often prove more harmful in the development of young minds. Through the various misconceptions of the children in her short story, "The Brother in Vietnam," Maxine Hong Kingston allows her reader to see just how necessary truth is to the vulnerable minds of our youth.

Factor That Affecting

Government Regulations – With the introduction of new workplace compliance standards your human resources department is constantly under pressure to stay within the law. These types of regulations influence every process of the HR department, including hiring, training, compensation, termination, and much more. Without adhering to such regulations a company can be fined extensively which if it was bad enough could cause the company to shut down. Economic Conditions – One of the biggest external influences is the shape of the current economy.Not only does it affect the talent pool, but it might affect your ability to hire anyone at all. One of the biggest ways to prepare against economic conditions is to not only know what's happening in the world around you, but also create a plan for when there is an economic downturn. All companies can make due in a bad economy if they have a rainy day fund or plan to combat the harsh environment. Technological Advancements – T his is considered an external influence because when new technologies are introduced the HR department can start looking at how to downsize and look for ways to save money.A Job that used to take 2-4 people could be cut to one done by a single person. Technology is revolutionizing the way we do business and not Just from a consumer standpoint, but from an internal cost-savings way. Workforce Demographics – As an older generation retires and a new generation enters the workforce the human resources department must look for ways to attract this new set of candidates. They must hire in a different way and offer different types of compensation packages that work for this younger generation. At the same time, they must offer a work environment contusive to how this generation works.

Ochres: Dance and Aboriginal Culture

Bangarra Dance Company Ochres: Red vs. Black Culture and its, at times, inconceivable differences is an expression of concern for our society today. Silencing and elapsing of cultures and traditions seems to have escalated immensely. However, for the sake of our future, there is strong importance in the need of these traditions endurance. Therefore, contemporary dance has the aptitude in defying these unjust cultural judgments. We see countless contemporary choreographers, today, merging momentous techniques of contemporary with traditional aspects of cultures; for unerringly that reason.Widely acclaimed within Australia and internationally, Bangarra Dance Theatre presents the spirit of true Australia. They make traditional culture accessible and enjoyable, providing an enriching experience for the audience. Their works are creative and thought-provoking, contributing to a greater understanding and acceptance of Aboriginal values. The work of Ochres (1995), a Bangarra Dance Theatre p roduction, embraces upon the cultural and spiritual significance of Aboriginal life.Through the four colours of Ochres, each representing an element of Aboriginal culture, Stephen Page integrated contemporary abstraction in exposing symbolic reasoning. A correlation of the inspired traditional forms is distinguishable in both sections ‘Red’ and ‘Black’ of the phenomenal production. Evidently, through the use of only four male dancers, ‘Black’ conveys the element of men’s business. The storyline perceives an ash storm that has blown over and that the call and pain of initiation can only be viewed from a distance.Traditionally, what’s more stereotypically, men were visualised as the control and workers in Aboriginal culture. As the support providers for their families, men would find themselves endlessly hunting and toiling. Stephen Page successfully fused these aspects of tradition within a contemporary piece; creating such meaning . Varying movements are performed with strong suspension and sustainability; denoting their power and boldness. This is further supported by, in sections of the dance, the strength held by the upper torso while utilizing various leg movements.Actions of kicks and leaps are performed at various levels assisting in the representation of the ups and downs they are faced with, and the fight from pain. The movement where dancers appear kneeling to the floor, pushing and pulling their arms repeatedly, appears as an abstraction of plowing; another element of men at work. Furthermore, movements intertwine with the use of props as they crawl behind and in front of them. It is this that appears as a sign of the men being out in the bush hunting.In order to define their connection with the land; tradition of aboriginal culture, low crawling and floor movements are seen throughout the sequence. In comparison, the development of ‘Red’ evokes the customs, laws and values placed on th e relationships between women and men who have been on a path of change since time began. In each of these relationships: the youth, the obsession, the poison, the pain, there is struggle. Unlike ‘Black’, ‘Red’ makes use of both male and female dancers to portray this message and embrace these relationships.Within the first sequence, youth is evidently conveyed through the use of childlike motifs; such as the women flashing her dress towards the man, running around, skipping, and torment of the male. It appears as the initiation of a relationship between a man and a woman; or as evident in youth, a girl and a boy. As the sequence progress, the young boy finds himself arising from the torment of these fellow ladies and perseveres his dominance. During torment the male is visualised sitting at a lower level, but once power is regained levels change dramatically where he is above the women.As the males in ‘black’, the male’s movements are p erformed with strong suspension and sustainability of his entire physique. Strong kicks, high leaps and barrel rolls, and lifting of the female dancers further enhance his dominance. Again, as ‘black’ embraces in a connection to the land through numerous floor movements so too does ‘red’. The following two segments, encompassing obsession and poison, are where a slight contrast of movements is evident. Suspended and sustained movements remain but less sharp and forceful; almost more drawn out and gradual.This emphasises the delicate love and care for each other. However, as the word obsession suggests, its segment consist of support where dancers are endlessly connected: either being hip to hip, head to hip or upper body to upper body. This idea establishes the need for one person within love, always relying on them and falling back to them. Furthermore, it encompasses numerous lifts throughout to convey their connection. Whereas, within poison slow suspend ed movements are performed in unison almost repelling each other. Dancers become within each other’s personal space, so close yet do not touch.This is the beginning of the struggle of relationships; where they find themselves repulsed by each other. Finally, the closing segment addresses pain; the dying of one’s love. This section is relatively shorter than the rest representing the short death and pain. The male appears as the focus, just like the males present in ‘black’, as he sits at a low level; close to the connection of his land for the last time. The female is present dancing around him as a spirit of hope. Evidently, she utilises various turns and jumps to achieve this meaning.Traditional aspect of the stolen generation can further be respected abstractedly within the work of ‘Red’; dwelling upon the historical background of Aboriginal’s. This is shown through the men representing the government and the women representing all o f the Aboriginal women. Movements have been utilised through forceful suspension and sustainability allowing the dancers to express their emotions towards this historical chapter. The fast movements and the use of space show the aboriginals trying to escape from the government in order to save their family.As Page endeavours to encompass Aboriginal culture within contemporary dance, he makes use of occasional Aboriginal dance techniques. In both ‘Red’ and ‘Black’ of Ochres it is blatant to see these techniques throughout. By altering movements, that would generally be seen on straight supporting legs; such as pirouettes, to bent from the knees is one approach of foreshadowing Aboriginal techniques. From the bending of knees, asymmetrical shapes can then be established; another aspect visualised within Aboriginal dances. Finally, music and aural elements of the entire piece encompass aboriginal chanting to maintain this culture.Stephen Page’s producti on of Ochres is one of the many illustrations to how contemporary choreographers of today revive those slowly diminishing traditions of our historical cultures. As distinguished within the works of ‘Black’ and ‘Red’ of this production, cultural understanding and justice can be achieved through incorporating its aspects into contemporary dance. His influence to our current and future society has been enormous, contributing to a much greater understanding and acceptance of cultural values. More particularly, our authentic Australian spirit of Aboriginal ancestors can be reunderstood and claimed as truly remarkable.

Ethics in the Workplace Essay

The case study provided in Craig E. Johnson’s book, Ethics in the Workplace , is a moral and valuable lesson regarding the blurred vision between a for profit and a nonprofit. This example, while it may be considered severe, is an excellent one that leads the reader to more important questions. The question of whether nonprofits should operate as businesses encourages the reader to think about the pros and cons of each. If a nonprofit were to operate as a business, it would basically eliminate the unending concern about funding. Nonprofits, operating as a business, would be able to reap the benefits of for profit companies making more money for the organization but not necessarily the mission. However, this would ultimately lead to more expenses as the budget would have to include higher amounts in staff pay, marketing, and benefits. Another con of operating as a business is taxes. Nonprofits would no longer be exempt from paying taxes and once again, the cost would greatly increase the budget. Probably the most dangerous aspect of a nonprofit run as a business is the loss of the mission and vision. One may be concerned that the need for money and greed will usurp the original mission of the nonprofit. Should businesses operate more like nonprofits? This question is a difficult one to answer. Nonprofits exist for social justice, in many cases nonprofits pick up where the government has left off. While our economy is based on supply and demand, there is societal pressure to be charitable and giving. If businesses were to be as charitable as a nonprofit, they would undoubtedly lose money and perhaps close due to lack of funding, yet, their sense of social justice would be fulfilled. Since there will always be consumers, thus a demand for goods and services, businesses should not operate as nonprofits. As cited in the case study in the introduction by Johnson (Johnson, Ethics in the Workplace, 2007), the Goodwill Branch in Portland, Oregon does compete on the same level as businesses in the area. The Branch pays their top staff over $100,000 with the CEO’s salary at a whopping half a million. Yet, because they are registered as a nonprofit, they are exempt from paying taxes on goods and services, people utilizing the nonprofit get services for free, and they are able to pay their staff lower than competitive wages. If, as cited in the case study, a nonprofit competes on all levels with a for profit business, then the competition must be fair. Either the nonprofit has to begin to pay taxes or taxes for the business should be eliminated. It is important to note, however, that the elimination of taxes would devastate the economy. When it comes to salaries, businesses definitely have the upper hand. Because businesses operate to make money, they can afford to hire only the best in the fields. Nonprofits, relying more on government funding, are unable to afford those astounding costs. Furthermore, nonprofits operate under the definition of social services. For a nonprofit to lose sight of that and pay top dollars for staff, is a vision they can not afford to lose. Thus, executives of nonprofits should in no way be compensated or expect to be compensated at the same rate as their business counterparts. The services offered are meant to be taken advantage of by disadvantaged citizens and pay rates should reflect that mission. In the case study previously mentioned, Michael Miller, the CEO of the Goodwill Branch in Portland Oregon, is receiving a salary of $500,000 not including benefits and expenses. Moreover, some of the workers at that same branch are making below minimum wage. It is immoral for Mr. Miller to receive such a high salary, not only because his staff is making considerably less but more importantly because the salary is not in line with the overall charitable mission of Goodwill. It is unreasonable to believe that staff pay will remain the same as a nonprofit expands. However, certain standards must be in place to substantiate higher salaries. Standards may include: overall budget of the nonprofit and allocation of funds, effective service of the nonprofit based on data taken from all available programs, how the nonprofit compares to others in its region or state, and how well they are fulfilling their mission. The question as to whether this writer would charitably donate to the sight mentioned in the study can best be answered by weighing morals against greed. This writer believes that they would not donate to the sight unless there was documented proof that at least 90% of the donation was going to the people it was intended to help. Since this branch is more likely to document exaggerated salaries such as the CEO’s, it is unlikely a donation would be made to that particular branch.

Criminalistics Essay

Jennifer Humphrey Criminalistics Individual Work Week 3 1. Name two synthetic opiates and describe the purpose for which each is typically used. * Methadone is perhaps the best known synthesized opiate. A person that receives periodic doses of methadone would not get high if he/she then took heroin or morphine. It’s purpose is to eliminate an addicts desire for heroin, with minimal side effects. Mainly, heroin addicts receive methadone to reduce or prevent future heroin use.Some physicians also prescribe methadone for pain relief. * Oxycontin’s active ingredient is oxycodone, which is a synthetic drug closely related to morphine and heroin in its chemical structure. Oxycontin is an analgesic that has affects similar to those of heroin. Used to treat chronic pain. 2. What is a hallucinogen? Name three commonly used hallucinogens. Hallucinogens are drugs that can cause marked alterations in normal thought processes, perceptions and moods.Three commonly used hallucinogens are LSD, PCP, and Marijuana. 3. What is stimulant? Name two widely used stimulants, A stimulant is a drug that is used to stimulate, or speed up the central nervous system. Cocaine and methamphetamines (ICE) 4. What is crack and how is it produced? A particularly potent form of cocaine produced by mixing cocaine and baking soda and then water, and then heated, resulting in a solution. The material us then broken into tiny chunks that dealers melt as crack rocks.Crack gives a greater euphoria. 5. What is the difference between a screening test and a confirmation test? A screening test is a preliminary test used to reduce the number of possibility identities of an unknown substance. A confirmation test is a single test that specifically identifies a substance. References Saferstein, 2009, pages 286-287 Saferstein, 2009, pages 287-290 Saferstein, 2009, page 293-295 Saferstein, 2009, page 295 Saferstein, 2009, page 303