ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
The high concept cinema has its roots in the roadshow and epic movies that were popular during the 1960s-1970s: these were created to contrast the television. The scale was bigger, the events were epic, and the moviegoing concept was supposed to be transformed into a spectacular event (Wyatt 71). The roadshow movies eventually transformed into blockbusters and were used by companies and conglomerates as a specific type of film with fewer chances to fail because of its strong appeal to the audience (Wyatt 80). The movies that included an adventure story with the background of an enormously big disaster were especially successful in the market (Wyatt 80). Mad Max: Fury Road incorporates these parts of early high concept movies; it is an adventure filled with action, rapid races, and fights in a post-apocalyptic world where water is so scarce it becomes the primary source of power. It appears that this part of the plot was an allusion or a reflection of the current issues related to water scarcity. This way, the movie could picture a more or less believable disaster that viewers can relate to and discuss as generally possible. The next prominent feature of the high concept is its emphasis on the style that differentiates it from other movies. Indeed, Mad Max: Fury Road has a very particular style even compared to the previous version of Mad Max filmed in 1979. In Mad Max: Fury Road , the production’s high-tech look is evident with its deadly battles on gigantic machines that spill fire. The steam-punk-influenced costume designs are adjusted to the modern perception of steam-punk; therefore, the costumes used in 1979 Mad Max seem obsolete, which is the primary purpose of the high concept cinema – to make the existing designs look old and irrelevant (Wyatt 105). Such a shift’s main point is to avoid comparisons and have as few competitors as possible (Wyatt 105). The genre and narrative approach are also different in high concept cinema; high-concept movies highly rely on visuals and a narrative that will be appealing to the market. The visuals in Mad Max: Fury Road are more rapid and ragged compared to Mad Max filmed in 1979. Furthermore, the narrative is tied to visuals, and the plot is dependent on the rapidity of the shown pictures and fragments. Some plotlines remain unresolved, but the main plot is a “generically based story,” a post-apocalyptic action-adventure (Wyatt 106). High concept movies frequently target younger audiences, although they can include other markets as well. In the case of Mad Max: Fury Road , the emphasis was definitely on the younger generation. However, as the previous movies about Max Rockatansky are known (and sometimes loved) to the representatives of older generations, the film also could attract older viewers. Although not promoted as a family movie, parents took their children to see Mad Max: Fury Road , which implies that the film succeeded in targeting several markets at once. Another innovative step in merchandi
James Baldwin was an American writer and activist who is known for his opposition to racial injustice and oppression. While in his twenties, he left New York and went on to spend several years of his life in France, where he worked on his first novel. In his book No Name in the Street , he drew parallels between the experiences of Africans in the U.S. and Algerians in France. Baldwin came to Paris in an attempt to escape racism at home in the U.S., as well as homophobic views held by the general public. Essentially, the writer believed that in France, he would not be perceived and judged by his race and instead would find peace. He was well-received there, but soon he discovered the conflict between the French and the Algerians, which allowed him to determine certain similarities between the treatment of Arabs in France and that of Africans in America. He saw that the Parisians thought that Algerians were lazy because they sat in cafes all day and drank their tea. Yet, Baldwin saw the harsh reality of Arabs living in Paris and how they simply could not find any work. Moreover, they were put into prisons and murdered by the authorities because of their nationality (Baldwin, 2013). This enabled him to form an idea that Africans in the U.S. and Algerians in France were in a similar position as people who were historically oppressed by the Europeans, whom he called “victims of this history” (Baldwin, 2013, p. 41). On the other hand, he noted that while Algerians still retained their national allegiance and a place they called home, American blacks lost it and were alone. In his book, No Name in the Street, James Baldwin managed to indicate the similarities and differences between American blacks and Algerians. He went to Paris to seek refuge from the racial injustice and prejudice he faced in the U.S. Yet, there, he came to an understanding that Africans and Arabs shared the same experience of being oppressed by the Europeans. Reference Baldwin, J. (2013). No name in the street . Vintage.
Defining the issue In 1999, something peculiar happened in Europe under the auspices of European Union. Some countries in Europe came together to set up new economic policy arrangements that will govern them economically. This was one of the most momentous occasions happening in Europe since the adoption of the common market protocol way back in 1957. Chief among the economic policy arrangements was the adoption of a single currency – the euro. Most European countries believed that by adopting this single currency, there would be a positive impact to not only the operations of European banks, but also currency traders (money exchange bureaus). Additionally, the adoption of the euro as a single currency meant to ease trade between countries in the region. The biggest question however is how the euro will manage to break into currency hegemony. There is no doubt that for over five decades now, the dollar has been the most dominant currency in global trade and financial institutions. In fact, its performance in international markets has always influenced the prices of commodities such as oil. This scenario has attracted a series of criticism from financial institutions and international traders. On international trade platforms, the criticisms of the dollar hegemony are getting louder and louder by the day. China has indeed led other countries opposed to the dollar hegemony by practicing quantitative easing, which in turn keeps eroding the legitimacy of the dollar as number-one global reserve currency. T he euro, most probably the second global reserve currency, has tried to break the U.S. dollar hegemony, but with little success. This paper is a case study on whether the euro has succeeded in breaking the dominance of the dollar in global trade and financial institutions. The case study will discuss the impact of the euro as a single currency in Europe, and assess its influence in International Monetary System. The case study will also examine factors that led to the international acceptance of currency, vis-à-vis the Euro (Chinn & Jeffrey, 2005). Case study Before the introduction of the euro, the dollar accounted for 83% of world transactions. Following it closely was the Japanese Yen. Notably, this occurred even when statistics indicate that Europe control world trade at 17% compared to United States at 12%. Nonetheless, the fact that many European countries accepted the euro and opted to use it in trade is a boost of the euro. European countries
Abstract Leadership is an important skill and trait that allows individuals to guide others towards specific goals and aspirations in a given setting. For a long time, leadership has been viewed as a complex issue, which no one can easily claim absolute prowess. The ability of leadership to attain results is dependent on many factors such the followers, the environment, resources, and activities that go towards the achievement of the goals that the leadership is established to attain. Despite the uncertainties of leadership, an elaborate literature has been dedicated to the activities or qualities that make leadership successful and effective. For instance, Your Leadership Legacy by Galford and Maruca and Leadership by DuBrin are two important books that propose various approaches that are advanced towards guiding leadership roles towards better outcomes for the setting where it is applied. This paper discusses the concept of leadership by drawing a comparison from the above two books. The goal is to show how the topics in the book Leadership are reflected in Galford and Maruca’s work. Introduction Leadership is defined as the act or ability to lead others towards a specific goal. Leadership is practiced in many situations, both formal and informal. However, it is guided by the desire to achieve specific goals that have been agreed upon by the individuals, a group, or organizations. However, of the settings where leadership is practiced, organizational leadership has received more research and mentioning in the existing research. Organizations provide an important platform where leadership accountability can easily be measured against well-established goals and respective deliverables. However, one might want to know what makes leadership good or successful. While the ability to achieve the specific goals that have been set forth is a good way and a popular method of assessing the effectiveness of leadership, the effectiveness of leadership can only be measured in terms of whether one or more of the specific goals have been achieved or not. This pa
Introduction Upcoming elections in the United States of America will be conducted on November 6, 2012. The current posts set apart for the Republicans are 10 whereas Democrats have two independents and 21 positions. The expected presidential candidates are Baraka Obama, the current President of the United States of America representing Democrats and Mitt Romney, representing the Republicans. The Democratic Party was formed before the U.S. gained independence from the British by anti-federalist factions. James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, and other people who were opposed to federal system organized factions into Democrat-Republican Party in 1972. The Republican Party was formed by modernizers and anti-slavery activists in 1854. The party became famous after election of Abraham Lincoln, the first Republican President in the United States of America (Von Drehle, 2012). Republicans versus Democrats According to Von Drehle (2012), information gathered in the U.S. indicates that the Republicans stand a higher chance of benefiting from the upcoming elections than the Democrats. The majority of American citizens is not satisfied with the work of President Obama and wishes to have a change in the presidency. For instance, only 28% of the population says that they have realized positive changes within the last four years of Obama’s leadership. Moreover, most of the serving parties in Greece, Britain, Spain, France and Italy have been thrown out of power. John Fund, a conservative commentator, stated in the National Review that Democrats are worried about their fate in the forthcoming elections. Economy A major issue making American citizens lose faith in Obama’s leadership is the economy of the country. Studie
Introduction In this article, Wertsch seeks to give insight into the implications ofBahktin’sunique ideas on Vygotskian approach to mediated action. While Bahktin still recognizes and acknowledges the centrality of meaning to the socio-cultural approach to mediated action, unlike most semiotic analyses that have mainly focused on the nature of formal structure central in most contemporary linguistics, Bahktin and Vygotsky, in line with the Russian tradition of prioritizing semantics also focuses on “how language and other semiotic structures can be used to produce meaning and how that meaning shapeshuman response/ action”(Wertsch 222). Deviating from the two arguments that ‘individuals own meaning’ and that ‘nobody owns meaning’, Bakhtin seems to take the seemingly middle ground that individuals, in using language, only ‘rent’ meaning. That a speaker can only mean what he says indirectly by taking words and giving them back to the audience in accordance with the protocols of dialogue; meaning therefore belongs to a group of people and not to an individual (Wertsch 223). Discussion Wertsch then proceeds to present the implications of Bahktian theory in the ways that this theory differs from the rest in its approach to meaning. These he discusses under three key concepts: Rejecting the ‘disengaged self’ and the ‘atomism’ tied to it. Bahktin, like Charles Taylor, disputes the ‘atomism’ attached to claims of the ‘disengaged self’ which states that the individual is ‘metaphysically independent of society’ (Wertsch 225). He reflects this stand in his attempt to answer the question ‘Who is doing the talking?’ Bahktin rejects the idea that an isolated individual can create an utterance and meaning. A kind of interference or subordination, Bahktin argues, is inherent in any utterance and meaning, this is especially evident in ventriloquation; that never is the creation of an utterance and meaning attributable solely to a voice. The voice is precluded by the fact that the word half-belongs to someone else as claimed by Bahktin. The very process of speaking therefore precludes any claims of ‘atomism’ (Wertsch 224). Recognizing a ‘dialogic’ and a ‘univocal’ function of text. Here, Bahktin seems to argue against the mathematical information theory which views the transmission of information as unidirectional, i.e.directly from the speaker to the listener. Bahktin’s perspective does not agree with the perceived passiveness of the listener, this model downplays the need for the listener to voice his response as key to their understanding (Wertsch 226). Bahktin’s perspective also seems to dispute the perceived singularity of meaning in this model; that there is only one meaning that can be achieved as reflected in the unidirectional heading of the arrows in the diagrammatic illustration of this model (Wertsch 226). Recognizing the authority tied to text. Here, Wertsch discusses how Bahk
‘‘Treat Reporters as Gentlemen’’ is a critical complain from the members of press that scientists’ actions are appalling; therefore not fitting to be role models. Researchers tend to offer modest and abstract information. They are habitually reluctant to divulge more details prompting people to view them as ill mannered. Researchers hardly use public relations divisions to relay information about their work, but instead, arrogantly answer queries posed by reporters with no credible reputation. Some researchers have little experience with reporters treating them ruthlessly and mercilessly. They respond to queries concerning their work with dishonesty. Researchers are extremely selective over what they want printed for public and expert criticism, and are normally unwilling to share contacts. They usually address their displeasure especially when it is late. Some have inadequate knowledge of science and should upgrade their grasp in science issues so that scientists and editors may nurture the public understanding of science. The article asserts that scientist must learn to acknowledge the importance of information dissemination and disclosure. It is notable that the article only mentions the steps taken as an organization in conducting this research through sending letters to leading scientists and science writers indicating their egotistical nature. It indicates that the research was first published in the scholarly journal ‘‘Bulletin of the Atomic S. The authors wrote letters to leading scientists and science writers elucidating perceived scientists’ behaviors by reporters and editors. They argued that scientists were out of touch with reporters, unwillingness to cooperate, and ill mannered. The authors then received responses from the scientists who gave their experiences with the reporters. This research design is correlation since it tends to relate perceptions of the reporters on scientists and their actual behavior by provoking their personalities by sending them harsh judgments. The popular version of this article only dwelt on the research outcomes but not the procedures of attaining findings and conclusions. From the article, it is imperative to know how the original research was formulated, executed and the dissemination of findings. Another crucial aspect is the procedures involved in the development of research background, literature review, study methodology, data collection, analysis, together with interpretation and reporting the results. It is thus vital for the scientists to make a paradigm shift in their actions to erasure the negative perception the reporters and other citizens place on them.
Introduction The debate about gun control and limitation in America recently took a sharp turn when the U.S. president attempted to push for the legislation of a more restrictive firearm law without success. The failure to enact legislation for more restrictive gun laws present more challenges. It means that dangerous gun owners may still endanger the lives of Americans. The recent violence and unselective killing of American citizens may probably continue. Advocacy for or against gun control in the country has divided Americans in terms of thoughts. The supporters of gun limitation are concerned about escalating cases of violence associated with firearms. For example, the inhumane killing of “twenty children and seven staff members at the Sandy Hook Elementary School” by one America gun owner was a traumatizing experience (The White House). However, opponents of gun limitation and control appear untroubled by such occurrences. Instead, their concern normally relates to the notion that gun control can deny them their constitutional rights pertaining to self-defense. This paper presents the concerns of both proponents and opponents of gun control. Arguments against Gun Control and Limitation The opponents of gun control and limitation normally argue that the Second Amendment explicitly offer them an opportunity to own firearms. Particularly, they own firearms for self-protection against criminals and a tyrannical government (Gischler 7). The interpretation of Second Amendment is still work in progress towards attaining a consensus. However, there is no consensus about the interpretation of the clause. Opponents of gun control believe that the Second Amendment aimed at protecting Americans against a government that intends to take away their rights to own guns (Gischler 7). The opponents seek to continue enjoying their gun ownership rights because the constitution provides for the regulated militia. They argue that it was the intention of the Second Amendment to keep the firearms and contribute to the promotion of security (Gold18). Opponents of gun regulation have also suggested that controlling firearm ownership and use usurps the rights of law abiding Americans. They have presented strong cases regarding the notion that gun limitation present more challenges associated with unnecessary stringent laws (Gold19). In addition, the Americans observe that they do not need more regulations because they are already adhering to the minimum laws on gun ownership. The people who use guns for recreation and leisure activities also fear that gun control and limitation initiatives might take away their rights for such engagements (Crooker 45). Finally, the opponents reject gun control and limitation initiatives because they are
One of nature’s most captivating sights is the beach. A sandy landform lying along the shoreline of the ocean, the beach is filled with splendor and it inspires feelings of tranquility and bliss to the person who happens to be on it. The Miami Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and observing it can be a moving experience. Walking along the Miami Beach barefooted on an early morning is a memorable experience. The grainy sands feel soft and comforting and one cannot help but drag their feet to prolong the experience. One might chance to come across crabs lazily crawling along the beach as it seeks out their prey or a sea turtle munching on plant debris at the shorelines. Watching the sunrise over Miami Beach is one of the most delightful treats nature has to offer. The sun seems to emerge from the endless ocean and as it shows it appears from the horizon, it paints the ocean in bold bright colors. The clouds also begin to be filed with deep hues of crimson and rose as the sun rises behind them. As the sun slowly makes it way upwards, one cannot help but rest their gaze, if only for a moment, on the brilliant, silvery waters. For the moment, one can afford to ignore the huge multi-storied buildings that lie a few blocks behind and get lost in the intoxicating appeal of nature. The keen, fresh ocean-air gently caresses the visitors face. As the sun moves upwards, it heats the ocean air and its warmth can be felt in the gentle breeze that fans the person’s face. The morning air is lovely and one gets a giddy feeling from inhaling the salt filled air. The rhythmic rise and fall of the waves adds to the splendor which is only equaled by the comforting sound of the waves as they crash gently on the shore. Every now and then, the crushing waves bring with them a seashell or a piece of wood that might have travelled for hundreds of miles before landing on this beach. The Atlantic Ocean stretches out endlessly into the distance and one cannot help but feel awed by its vastness. In the distance, dolphins can be seen diving up gracefully for a moment, only to return to their watery world. In addition to the sea creatures, the ocean is punctuated by sailing boats which cut their way merrily towards the docks with the gently sea breeze nicely swelling their sails. A peaceful calm lies over the beach, and, with a contented, graceful motion, the sailing boats rise and fall on the gently lapping waves. The melodic chirping of the birds in the early morning provides the background music for the experience. Together with the rustling palm trees nearby, they form a natural symphony that makes it easy for one to lose track of time and reality. Eventually, one has to say goodbye to the beach and venture back into the city that has concrete streets and noisy traffic. For many people, this is the gloomy part of the beach experience and if they had their way, the