Competency Statement Essay Example for Free

Competency Statement Essay There are many significant attributes of children’s lives including, physical and intellectual competence. Although children learn at a different pace than one another, once they start to age their physical and intellectual skills increase. No child is considered â€Å"smarter† because he or she might be more advance in one area than another child. Every learning skill that children are grasping on a daily basis has room for improvement. IIaI chose ice skating as creativity for one of the nine learning experiences. Not only is ice skating a fun activity but it also helps with physical development of the child. Ice skating increases lower body strength by working the muscles in the legs. When learning how to ice skate you are actually teaching how to balance yourself. In this day age, children aren’t as physically active as before in previous generations and by doing an ice skating activity it could lead a child to a lifelong sport. IIbAnother one of my nine learning experiences I chose for my resource collection is language and literacy. The goal is to pronounce 3 letter â€Å"at† words such as cat, bat, hat using flash cards, letter pronunciation CD Rom, and bingo board and chips. This activity helps with cognitive development by knowing the sound awareness of the letters and reasoning on what letter you would pronounce first, second, and third. IIcMaking beaded bracelets with colored beads and string is a fine motor skill which teaches hand and eye coordination. I decided to make colorful bracelets with elbow macaroni noodles because not only is it a fine motor skill but it is creative as well. Using noodles instead of beads teaches my students that there are alternatives when you don’t have the original material. My students get creative by painting the noodles different colors and decorating them with glitter and rhinestones. You could also use other noodles to give your bracelets a different shape or size. Ziti, penne, rotelle, and rigatoni are other styles of noodles that could be used to make your own personal pasta jewelry. I give my children options because it helps to express their creative side and how they view their imagination. IIdProper communication is important when it comes to language development. You have to use more than one communication strategy to promote language development. Some of the ways I teach to help language development children from baby to adolescent can learn from. I always talk clearly and not too fast, I think that is the one thing you should always do when trying to develop better language skills. If you talk to your students with scrambled words then they won’t be able to comprehend on what’s being said. I also read books and point to the pictures with my children asking â€Å"what do they see† or â€Å"what is happening† in the book so I can not only see if their paying attention, but to see if how they are pronouncing pictures shown on the page. Music CD’s also helps with language development. I sing songs with my students, getting them to use as many words as possible mastering one word at a time. There is one bilingual child in my classroom and English is his second language. Since English is his second language make sure that I talk to him clearly and use flash cards with pictures. I also spark up conversations with him about his interests and home life so there is a sufficient amount of the English language being used to help the growth of his language development.

Psoas Major Muscle Anatomy Health And Social Care Essay

Psoas Major Muscle Anatomy Health And Social Care Essay Psoas major muscle had been known for a long time as a hip flexor. The name Ilipsoas used in many literatures to express that both Iliacus and Psoas major have same action as a primary hip flexors. However, development in the knowledge of psoas major morphology and geometry changes this belief. Although the detailed spinal attachment of Psoas major is relatively complex; there is a common belief that psoas major essentially arises from transverse processes, body and intervertebral discs of all lumbar spines and body of 12th thoracic vertebrae (Standring 2004). McGill et al. (1988) considered Psoas major the largest muscle in Cross Sectional Area (CSA) at the level of lower vertebral spines. Anatomical and biomechanical studies in the 1980s and 1990s showed a lot of controversy about action of Psoas major. Moore (1983) reported that Psoas major is the dominant hip flexor, whereas (Woodburne and Burkel, 1988) concluded that Psoas major flexes lumbar spines and laterally rotates lumbar spines during pelvic fixation. Bogduck and Twomey (1987) indicated that Psoas major controls lumbar lordosis to support changes in lumbar load. Unfortunately, many of these studies were either built on incomplete understanding of fascicular anatomy of psoas major or used less accurate old imaging techniques in case of radiology in-vivo studies. For example, old MRI scanners emphasized cadaver overestimation in anterior/posterior shearing forces when compared with data gathered from dissection procedures. The huge technical development in the last two decades such as using more accurate new Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI) machines, pilot dissection techniques, new biomechanical devices and modeling techniques enhanced by computers hardware and software helped the researchers to gain better knowledge about psoas major morphology, geometry and functional anatomy. An example of studies used different models is (Sanlaguda and McGill 1995) which used MRI, modeling techniques in addition to pilot dissection procedures to develop knowledge about psoas major geometry. Development of psoas major anatomical knowledge including bilateral variation and racial variations of psoas major are important to many health care professionals. Ramesh et al. (2008) reported the importance of discovering variations in geometry of psoas major for radiologists during interpretation of radiology images and for surgeons during surgical interventions. Psoas major plays role in function of both trunk and lower extremities (Hanson et al 1999). In addition, Knowledge of psoas major anatomy is essential to anaesthetist who works on a regional anaesthesia technique, the location of lumbar plexus within the psoas major gives importance of psoas major anatomy in anaesthiology science (Farny et al. 1994). Further more, Psoas major anatomy is important in physiotherapy practice, Barker et al. (2004) reported changes in CSA of psoas major in people who suffer from Unilateral Low Back Pain (LBP). Therefore, it is important for musculoskeletal rehabilitation practitioners to under stand both anatomy of Psoas major during assessment and rehabilitation programmes of back and hip disorders. The aim of this essay was to address and critique the accumulated anatomical knowledge of Psoas major in the available anatomical literatures. Various dissection procedures of psoas major either as a single muscle, in combination with other trunk muscles were discussed. Describing gross anatomy and fascicular anatomy of psoas major reviewed with an attempt to analyse study results as possible in this essay. Radiology imaging scaqnners such as Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) used in Psoas major anatomical literatures discussed as essay space allowed. Attempts were exerted to find psoas major studies used ultrasound or x-ray machines without success. Discussing action of psoas major involved using biomechanical studies. Although this essay focused on discussing anatomical not biomechanical literatures of psoas major, discussing action of psoas major involved using few biomechanical literatures. Dissection studies of psoas major 1.1 Fascicular anatomy Bogduk et al. (1992) studied fascicular anatomy of the psoas major by dissecting three old males (above 60 years).Bogduk defined fascicle as Psoas major portion shared a common discrete area of attachment in vertebral column and independent of each other in areas of attachment . Bogduck exploratory cadaveric study presented valuable morphological and biomechanical data about both structure and action of Psoas major. For example, study showed that origin of psoas major fascicles arose from intervertebral disc and transverse process from level of T12-L1 to level of L4-L5, study has also the first which reported that each fascicle has its own tendon and that L4-L5 tendon forms central part of common psoas major tendon. Unlike many previous authors, Bogduk experiment found that equal length of Psoas major Fascicles not designed to flex or extend the lumbar spine but stabilize the lumbar spine during movement by exerting compression and shear forces on lumbar joints. Although this finding reported earlier by Crisco and Panjabi (1990), Bogduk study could explain the stabilization role of psoas major practically from anatomical (not biomechanical) view depending on detail description of independent action of psoas major fascicles. Bogduk study produced important data about Physiological Cross Sectional Area (PCSA) for each psoas major fascicle. These PCSA data in addition to line of action for each fascicle helped significantly to clarify that psoas major have multiple actions (fascicles attached to upper lumbar levels with the vertical line of action have mobilizing role and fascicles attached with lower lumbar levels with the horizontal line of action havestabilizing role). However, methodological procedures described shortly in bogduk study, which was expected from an exploratory study. Bogduk Study used only three old male cadavers, which restricted its morphological and geometrical data (such as PCSA) to be old in active males only. It is not unusual to collect different morphological data from different age group or different gender in Psoas major, for example,Santaguida and McGill (1995) used different age groups to collect geometrical data of psoas major. In addition, cadaver status (whether fresh or preserved) and storage process not reported at all in the study. 1.2 Geometry of psoas major Santaguida and McGill (1995) studied three dimensional geometric data of psoas major, Seven young male cadavers (five of them only used in measurement and two used to develop pilot dissection technique) used to collect morphological data, Unlike (Bogduk et al. 1992), Santaguida and McGill (1995) focused on measuring morphological features such as superficial muscle length, internal and external tendons length and angle of pinnation (i.e. angle betwen psoas major fibers and lumbar spines) rather than studying fascicular anatomy of psoas major. The important findings in Santaguida and McGill (1995) were that muscle fibers originating from higher lumbar levels displayed fewer steep angles (i.e. more vertically oriented than fibers originating at lower two lumbar levels) which confirms findings of Bogduk et al. (1992), Santaguida study found also that measurement of pinnation angel cannot be measured from a single plane. Measurement of pinnation angle is important to calculate PCSA. As s ame as Bogduk (1992), detailed methodological procedures not well reported in Santaguida and McGill (1995). Although the number of dissected cadavers bigger (five compared with only three in Bugduk study) and age of cadavers was younger but cadavers again were from same gender (male). Racial differences in geometry of Psoas major discussed by Hansen et al. (1999). A large Number of male cadavers (fourty four) used to measure Psoas major length, width, anatomical CSA (ACSA) and circumference by using a measurement tool (digital caliper). Study introduced first (racial) data, Psoas major size was significantly larger in the black group than in the white group but no difference was noted related to muscle length and width between blacks and whites. Although dissection procedures described with more details when compared with procedures described in both Bogduk et al. (1992) and Santaguida and McGill (1995), dissection procedures in Hansen et al. (1999) still carried many (non well-explained) procedures. Certainly, study has not reported medical history of cadavers and activity level which well-known to affect CSA size. Furthermore, Authors have not explained why medical examiners were interested to exclude muscle bulk differences or anatomical variations in routine a utopsies (specially if known that medical examiners not awarded about the study) . Sample selection bears a question too, cadavers age ranged from 14-25 years, which mean that some of the cadavers were still in development stage, which may be different according to the ethnic group. In addition, researchers tried to avoid bias by using medical examiner decision about race of cadavers. However, study has not clarified reliability of both measurement tools and testers (inter-tester and intra-tester reliability) of Psoas major geometry. Study also held in different centers without clarifying whether same dissection procedures followed exactly in all centres or not. Study also not clarified whether CSA measurement excluded tendinous fibers or not. All these notes indicated that results of psoas major CSA in the white group which is much lower than many other dissection studies such as Bogduk et al. (1992) and Santaguida and McGill (1995). Ilayperuma and Nanayakkara (2008) studied gross anatomical characterization of the psoas major muscle by dissecting thirty four old Sri Lankan males and females. Study showed significant gender differences in ACSA at L4-L5 level, mean width and thickness (males got higher results). In addition, study showed that mean of psoas major ACSA (L4-L5 level) in Sri Lankan males was larger than the white group in Hansen et al (1999) but less than the black group in same study in L4-L5 level. However, study used same measurement tool in Hansen et al. (1999) and same comments on Hansen et al (1999) can be applied here too. Where the study held in a medical school it is necessary to clarify whether cadavers were fresh or preserved with any chemical embalming materials such as formaldehyde. Chemical embalming well-known to cause shrinking or distortion of cadavers, which alter muscle size, width, length and ACSA. Bilateral variation of psoas major is rarely reported. Jelev et al. (2005) was the last available scientific report. Routine anatomical dissection of the retroperitoneal space of sixty seven old female cadaver showed that Femoral nerve was embedded between two bellies medial and lateral. The medial belly was the usual left psoas major but with wider origin wider ( transverse process and intervertebral discs of L1-L5 vertebrae and from the anterior (pelvic) surfaces of S1-S3 vertebrae).The lateral belly was unusual muscle situated behind and oblique (from dorso-medially to ventro-laterally) to the left psoas major found. This abnormal muscle originated from the left transverse process of L3 vertebra and from the intertransverse ligament between L3 and L4 vertebrae. Geometry inserted with a short tendon (1.8 cm) to the common tendon between the left psoas major and Iliacus. The right psoas major in same old female cadaver showed widened origin similar to the left psoas major. This stud y showed clearly chance to find variations (in this case bigger size of psoas major muscle), this variation is important to surgeons, anaesthiologists, radiologist and physiotherapists where the pattern of practice should be changed according to anomaly found within subjects. In physiotherapy practice, variation of psoas major muscle anatomy should change rehabilitation program duration and intensity. Using MRI in Psoas Major Studies MRI used extensively to measure geometry of psoas major in-vivo (Tracy et al. 1989, Parkkola et al. 1992, Tsuang et al. 1993, McGill et al. 1988, Santaguida at al. 1995, Wood et al. 1996, Baker et al. 2004). Table 2 shows Psoas major CSA data from MRI, CT and Dissection studies. However, different MRI data-acquisition techniques and data analysis process software were used, the difference between the measured spinal levels (where psoas major attached with) and difference between subjects used made a difference in the gathered data. Copied from Gatton et al. (1999). Copied from Gatton et al. (1999). 2.1 psoas major CSA in old and new MRI machines . The MRI machines in the old studies (early 1990s and before) used outdated data acquisitions and software, which had large estimation errors (Mitsiopoulos et al. 1998). Accurate estimation of skeletal muscle mass (include psoas major) is important to make a correct comparison with data gathered from cadavers because MRI has a wide application and is a good way to gather in-vivo data from young people. The use of MRI as a reference standard is based on the assumption that measured CSA is equivalent to actual skeletal muscle CSA. Two types of muscle parameters can be considered during anatomical MRI scan of skeletal muscles, the first related to muscle tissue that includes interstitial adipose tissue (IAT) and the second, specifically related to adipose tissue-free skeletal muscle (ATFSM). In healthy young adults anatomical skeletal muscle is only slightly larger than ATFSM. However, IAT increases with increasing obesity and age. Some disease states, such as muscular dystrophy, are also accompanied by a relatively large mass of IAT. Recent MRI machines which use ATFSM measurement reference with more efficient hardware and upgraded software permit rapid whole body measurement in less than 30 minutes (Ross et al. 1996). Therefore, it is important to take notes about features of MRI machines used to collect data about various skeletal muscles (include psoas major) to get better idea about chance of estimation error. Almost all MRI studies of psoas major anatomy prior to 1995 used MRI machines follow IAT rather t han ATFSM Scanning technique. Therefore, estimation errors are more plausible in studies prior done in the last century such as (Tracy et al. 1989, Parkkola et al. 1992, Tsuang et al. 1993) specially for old age people because the level of IAT higher in skeletal muscle than young people and technical capabilities of old MRI scanners. New MRI scanners with more powerful hardware and software introduced new technology called Total Imaging Matrix (TIM). This technology allows patients to be scanned in most cases without their head passing into the magnet of the machine reducing the claustrophobic element of the exam. The system is also much quieter than old MRI machines. In addition, TIM technology helped radiologists diagnose patients better as well. TIM images the body faster and can provide a clearer picture of what is being examined. Baker et al. (2004) used MRI scanner with TIM technology and scanning ATFSM (Magnetom Symphony, Siemens AG, Erlangen, Germany), CSA of Psoas major was significantly lower than 1990s studies (the lowest mean of CSA in Santaguida et al. (1995) was 421 mm in L1-L2 level, whereas in Baker et al. (2004) the biggest CSA reading was 197.7 in the right side symptomatic un-certianed level in the unilateral back pain patients. This huge difference in estimation of CSA between different MRI s canners with different technologies bears different hypothesis reasons. The first reason indicates that CSA of psoas major decreases significantly in Unilateral Back patients. The second reason indicates that new technologies of MRI imaging showed that in-vivo CSA of psoas major is much less than old CSA of psoas major gather by old MRI technologies. The third reason indicates that old studies (in table1) might measure other structures closely related to psoas major muscle such as iliacus, psoas minor or central tendon of psoas major specially in lower spinal levels rather than measuring psoas major only. Both the first and third reasons explain in the last sentence looks plausible, Dangaria and Naesh (1998) used MRI to compare CSA of Psoas major for both healthy volunteers and patients with Back patients with herniated discs and found that CSA decreased significantly in Back patients with herniated discs, although old MRI machines were used. Inaccurate description of the anatomical information found in (Parkkola et al. 1992, Tsuang et al. 1993, McGill et al., Wood et al. 1996, Baker et al. 2004), tested muscle was either described as iliacus (which may indicate measurement of both muscles CSA) or psoas (which may indicate combining psoas minor with psoas major). All studies addressed in the last paragraph agreed in issuing two common trends related to subject characteristics. The first common character is that psoas major CSA is smaller in females, this decrease in female,s CSA explains why CSA in Parkkola et al. and Chaffin et al(table 2) are smaller than other studies where subjects of both studies were exclusively females. Lower than average CSA found also in Baker et al. (2004) and might derived from using female subjects in the patient or volunteer group. The second common character is the pattern of change in the psoas major CSA across spinal levels (increasing gradually from L2/L3 to L4/L5 and decrease at L5/S1). 2.2 Effect of MRI procedures on calculating Psoas major CSA Effect of trunk position on ACSA of back muscles (include psoas major) in MRI studied by Jorgenson et al. (2003). Briefly, results showed that neutral trunk position during MRI imaging showed maximal ACSA and that ACSA at levels L4-L5 and L5-S1 intervertebral discs decreased by different percentage as the trunk moved from neutral about 45 flexions in the sagittal plane. Outcome of Jorgenson et al. (2003) study showed the importance of describing scan angle and trunk position during MRI scan to ensure getting the maximum CSA and minimize confusion during analysis of gathered psoas major CSA data. Reviewing table two studies showed that two studies only (Dangaria et al. 1997, Santaguida at al. 1995) taken care to describe the trunk and pelvic position during MRI imaging. Santaguida at al. (1995) reported that scan angle was cosine of 20 between the scan slice and line of action of psoas major muscle fibers at L4/L5 and L5/S1 levels, which reduced CSA at both levels, Dangaria et al. (19 97) reported that all patients received special care to correct pelvic tilt before MRI imaging. However, the previous studies showed human position inside MRI scanner is vital in Estimating Psoas major CSA. Therefore, results of studies failed to introduce accurate description of subject position inside MRI scanners might was inaccurate. Biomechanical models This assignment aim is not to discuss biomechanical aspects of Psoas major muscle composition or action. However, using cadavers to calculate biomechanical forces helps to better understanding of muscle action. Yoshio et al. (2002) studied 25 osteoligamentous specimens with psoas major tendon to measure the flexion angle of the hip joint where psoas major tendon loses contact with the femoral head and pelvic surface. Further Ten osteoligamentous specimens used to measure tensile force and pressure exerted on the psoas major and/or bone tendon interface during contraction of psoas major. Tension force of psoas major tendon measured in different angles of hip flexion. Results suggested that psoas major muscle works as (i) erector of lumbar vertebral column and stabilizer of the femoral head in the acetabulum at 0Â ° 15Â ° of hip flexion (ii)in 15Â °-45Â ° of hip flexion, psoas major maint spine erection role and partially loses femoral head stabilization role (iii) 45Â °-60Â ° o f hip flexion psoas major works as flexor of lower extremity. Cadaver used in the study was old (above 70 years) from both genders, which restricted study sinding on the old age group. In addition, cadaver preparation procedures not described well in Yoshio et al. (2002). Study Procedures involved screwing lumbar spine and pelvis . First section of this essay showed that psoas major has stabilizing role in lumbar spine and fixation of the lumbar spine in Yoshio et al. (2002) lost one of the important roles of psoas major, which may have affected on calculation of psoas major action on the hip joint. Conclusion Knowledge about psoas major gained mainly by dissection and radiological images and specially MRI. Dissection helped to give knowledge about features and action of fascicles of psoas major,differences in geometry of psoas major (such as size, length and width) in different ethnic groups and genders. Bilateral variations and anomally of psoas major knowledge gained also from dissection although it was rare. ACSA and PCSA differences between different levels of lumbar spines were gained from cadaver dissection. MRI was powerful in measuring geometry of psoas major in-vivo, studying psoas major geometry data for patients with specific disorders such as back pain perfomed mainly by MRI. Newer models of MRI offered quick and accurate imaging of human body. Biomechanical models offered valueable information about action for clarifying multiple actions of psoas major. Further histological studies is important to introduce new data about muscle fibers types of psoas major.

Surrealism in Art and Photography

Surrealism in Art and Photography A fundamental problem for fine art photographers is to distinguish themselves from this morras of photographic folklore, somehow to separate themselves from all these common men who know how to make pictures with cameras, and to convince us all that what they do is special. (Christopherson, 1974) The aim of this rationale is to situate my professional practice within the historical and theoretical contexts explored during my university studies. This essay will deal with establishing the fact that fashion photography does not have to be just about fashion by emphasizing the art in my pieces and consequently creating fine art photography. The first part of this analysis will examine the nature of photography which has become the medium of my practice. Second part consists of consequent research on fashion photography and sequent analysis and discussion. In order to link it with art, the background of Surrealism will be briefly outlined. The final analysis will consider key features of my practice. Can be a  fashion photography considered as a  true art form? What theories, quotations or articles are in agreement with this subject matter? What are characteristics of art photography? Research has shown that photography was born in eighteen thirty nine and is regarded as everyday medium that communicates concept visually. Roland Barthes (1980) defined photograph as aid which help us to be informed about the world. Furthermore, one should not forget the Susan Sontags theory take pictures as you travel what suggests that collecting the photographs means collecting the world. (Susan Sonntag, 1977) Charles Baudelaire (1859) suggests that photography depict the stupidity of masses, whereas P.H. Emerson claimed that photography was an independent and potentially great art from capable of expressing thoughts and emotions beyond the scope of the other and older art forms. (P.H. Emerson, 1975) In agreement with Emerson, this contemporary medium embodies the way of expressing ideas, expressing myself within my practice. Photography is more than a medium for factual communication of ideas. It is a creative art . (Ansell Adams, 1952) The question whether photography can be considered as an art has been discussed especially in sixties and seventies. It has been found out that in nineteen sixty eight was born the relationship between photography and art. In a Grundergs opinion, it has all started when photographers regarded photography as an art form and simultaneously artists have accepted camera in their practice. (Grundberg, 1987) On the one hand, there were artists who thought that camera is repressing imagination. On the other hand, some of them believe photograph is purely metaphoric. In agreement with the second statement, it has been found out that photographs symbolize the metaphor for artists experience. In other words, it serves the purpose of visualizing artists ideas. In a view of these facts, it is quite likely that if the art is about self-expression than the photograph which is used for expressing emotions, ideas or attitudes, must be regarded as an art form. The first person in history who wrote about photography as art was P.H. Emerson , British photographer and writer. He preferred aesthetic and emotional side of the image rather than the subject. Perhaps we should point out the fact that between nineteen seventy and nineteen ninety photographs has been equipollent with other contemporary arts. Which art movement has affected the development of a photograph and is also significant within my practice? It has been Surrealism, art movement that came into being in nineteen twenty four in Paris with leader Andre Breton. It may be true that surrealist group was the most controversial but on the other hand their expressions were positive and optimistic. To explore the voice of their inner selves, they focus on imagination, mysticism, dreams and mediation. This unreal art movement and photograph as a medium of realism seem to be totally different. Man Ray, American artist who has been considered as representative surrealist photographer had been interested in photography because of personal development. His theory which suggests that photography emphasizes visual sphere between forms is could be in agreement with considering photography as art form. He has also contributed by invention of photographic technique of solarisation. Although it may be true that Surrealism has had impact on a photograph, the most crucial point made so far is that it has significantly inspirited the development and nature of fashion photography. It would be unfair not to mention the fact that Man Rays surreal photographs breathed new life into fashion photography. What is the nature of fashion photography and what is its connection with art? History of fash ion is connected with photos by Baron Adolph de Meyer who published them in nineteen nine for magazine Vogue; however the relationship between art and fashion is recognized from renaissance. Anne Hollander (1994) claimed that fashion is art because it is capable of creating complete figural images psychologically real and modern. She also states that as artists turn to fashion, cloth designer turn to the fine art in order to explore the connection between fine and applied art, a sense of pure form and a sense of design to use. In a book entitled  ´Fashion Theory ´, Rosetta Brookes makes the point that You could say a painting is designed to go on the wall, but if it was made as fresco, where it was part of the wall, would you say it was not art because it was practical? (Rosetta Brookes, 1992) The question whether fashion can be consider as art is questionable and criticised, however these arguments seem to confirm that idea. Fashion does not have to be something people wear, fa shion is also an image. (Viktor and Rolf, 1999) Some critics suggest that fashion photography is just about depicting garments or models without any context behind it. It is questionable whether all kinds of fashion photographs are the same, or if there are artists whose images are portraying art with strong artistic context behind it. In this case it is important to highlight and analyse work of surrealist fashion photographers and related theories of critics. Rosetta Brookes (1992) has stated that fashion photographers have to capture the moment where the real world reproduced itself. She wrote on fashion photographer Helmut Newton that his fashion images are embodied in the dualism o the world itself. Judith Clarke (1998) discussed work of surrealist fashion photographer Erwin Blumenfeld who obviously removed fashion photograph from commercial form to its origins art. To support mentioned arguments it is worth stating that Metaphor and meaning of fashion were at the heart of surrealist visual language. (Richard Martin, 1987) It has also been found out that fashion represents for surrealist escape from ordinary to extraordinary. The radical change within fashion photography happened when Adolf de Meyer add shimmer into his images which embodied artistic photographs. This approach has removed the presentation of garment. Consequently it has evoked expressing of emotions. Martin Mukacsi (1933), Hungarian photographer who has transformed the course of fashion photograph when he blurred his photograph. The aim of photograph was to influence woman and let her apply it on her life. According to Roland Barthes (1983), three fashion styles exist. While the first one is objective, second one is more romantic with dream-like elements. The last one is represented as caricature. In agreement with Barthes, all of these specific fashion styles signified unreal. On reflection, it seems more accurate to say that there are lots of facts and theories underpinning the subject matter. The fact, that photograph is medium appro priate for expressing ideas and that for artists influenced by surrealism it embodies the escape from reality, is important statement not only for the subject matter but also for my professional practice. What are the features of Surrealism and other key aspects which are essential within the context of my work? The first thing that needs to be said is work of surrealists consist of dream-like elements. Additionally, the lecture on psychoanalysis let me to research Sigmund Freud and subsequently his book Interpretation of Dreams. In this book he suggests that all dreams derive from our experience and that is the reason why they are reproduced in our dreams. He is also describing the connection between content of dreams and waking life where he suggests that waking thoughts appear in dreams only when they are pushed to one side by thinking activity of the day. (Sigmund Freud, 1913) It is important to add that elements of dream-like representations are abounding in paintings of David Schell. Within my practice, there has been noticeable interest in interpretation of dreams in general. To illustrate this point, here are some examples of dream quotations that have inspirited my creating. There is nothing like a dream to create the future. (Victor Hugo, 1802-1885) To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream: not only plan, but also believe. (Anatole France, 1884-1924) You may say Im a dreamer, but Im not the only one, I hope someday you will join us, and the world will live as one. (John Lennon, 1940-1980) Another characteristic feature of surrealistic movement is unreal fantasy world. At this point is necessary to emphasize the influence of theorist Jean Baudrillard and his book called Simulacra and Simulations. Basically, he negates the reality as we usually understand it and suggest that world we live in have been replaced by simulations of the real-a copy world. According to Baudrillard, the false reality of Disneyland is presented as imaginary to make people believe all surroundings are real. The best example to understand the theory is watching the news on television of two people having an accident. He states that experience of the man and woman who were directly involved with the affair are the only ones to experience the reality and to anyone else it is just simulation. (Jean Baudrillard, 1981) Inspirited by his theory, the subject of my work is to create the hyper real world for viewers while acting in my photograph experiencing the real world. In other words, the subject of my work which may not be noticeable is to take the viewer beyond reality. The argument being put forward here is similar to quote of Bert P. Krages (2005) Knowing abut your subject is useful even if that knowledge does not seem to relate directly to the visual aspects of what you are trying to photograph. It worth stating at this point that there is another aspect of my work emerging. It is a well-known fact that the woman as an object has been representing by many artists, especially surrealist s and fashion photographers. Women embodied muse for artists as Man Ray or Edgar Degas. Research has shown that Edgar Degas was French impressionist who is celebrated as the master of drawing the human figure in motion. His favourite theme was women who were captured in their activities. Man Ray also found his motivation in women and is best-known for his avant-garde photography. His images provide the viewer far more differences than similarities of original model. Besides these artists it is essential to mention the influence of lecture called Human Body in Painting and Photograph where this subject has been discussed and analysed. After two years of creating, this subject matter within my practice has been transformed into performance. Performance art came into being in nineteen sixty in United States and has been representing visual artists. By nineteen seventy it was already acknowledged as global term and regarded as art. There is plenty of performance artists therefore it is compulsory to focus on artist with the greatest impact. It has been Marina Abramovic who is regarded as grandmother of performance and also Jemima Stehli who creates self-portraits by using a mirror. However, the most influential artist in addition to this topic is Cindy Sherman. Her personality has had important impact on photography as well as on my own self-directed practice. Her personality is celebrated as one of the most influential and respected American photographers in the twentieth century. Using designer cloths she was trying to point out contemporary problems of modern age and investigate ideas and images of female in media, society and nature of the conception of art. Andrew Sargus Klein (2006) claimed that Sherman endeavour to erase the notion of the voyeuristic photographer- instead, the observer is the viewer. Although some critics believe that her images are just self-portraits, however her quotation is in disagreement with this statement I am trying to make other people recognize something of themselves rather than me. (Cindy Sherman, 1982) Patty Chang (2000) states that performance art and photography are opposites, but both define a non-ordinary space by establishing parameters on it- a space that depends on the observer to make it come alive. To conclude this part, it is myself performing in my photographs. The aim is not to present myself, but to present my ideas through photographic medium. The performance feature provides me the sense of freedom in what I do and what I want to depict. It symbolizes the pure pleasure of playing, acting by using my body as non-commercial silhouette. The purpose of the performance element is to express myself, my ideas and be the one who is manipulating the viewer and who is trying to communicate with audience. However, influenced by Cindy Shermans thinking, the endeavour of my work is not to recognize something about myself, but to let people discover something about them. Not only has performance art originated in nineteen sixty, but also Psychedelic art. It is undeniable that hallucinations, illusions and imagination illustrate key features of surrealists. Edmund Critchley (1987) suggests that hallucinations are obvious in psychical illnesses but can also be experienced by normal people and became source of inspiration for art. It is generally known that Salvador Dali, the most surrealist from other surrealists, has applied in his art making hallucinatory features what caused the fact that his art was difficult to understand. Not only hallucinatory features are important for my practice, but also illusions and imagination. According to Edmund Critchely (1987) illusions, the conscious and unconscious of the form of stimuli provide much of unexpected in art. An alternative approach might be quotation of Sigmund Freud (1927) Illusions commented themselves to us because they save us pain and allow us enjoy pleasure instead. We must therefore accept it without complaint when they sometimes collide with a bit of reality against which they are dashed to pieces. Apart from hallucinations and illusions, imagination is also important within the subject matter and my practice. It is a well-known fact that surrealists style uses visual imagery from subconscious mind to create art without the intention of logical compre hensibility. An alternative explanation might be that they have rather used their imagination. We would even go so far as to say that Albert Einsteins (1879-1955) quotation Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere- in other words, imagination is more important than knowledge- is in agreement with this argument. To sum up information stated above, the purpose of using hallucinatory feature and illusions is simple- the aim is to offer a pleasure to viewer and experience something scrupulously honest. As mentioned above, psychedelic art came into being in nineteen sixty and represents attitudes of underground sub-culture. Steven Heller (2010) claimed that psychedelic art â‚ ¬Ã‚ ¦was language used as a code for a revolutionary generation. The features of this art are mainly bright vivid colours and surreal sense which have been manifested within art, fashion and music. The most essential fact contextualizing my practice is using contrasting beautiful colou rs for purpose of transporting the viewer into fantasy world. In addition to colours, colour theory and specific psychological meaning of single colour. It has been found out that colour is sensed by eye, however the perception of it takes place in mind and it serves sense of illusion and distance. By using different shades and tones at different images, the purpose of the colour is to evoke emotion while looking at piece of work. Therefore I agree with quotation of Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) Colours, like features, follow the changes of the emotions. Which other features are significant for surrealistic creating? In addition to illusion, it has been found out that many surrealist but also fashion photographers have used mirrors or mirror effects in order to mystify the viewer. My early influence originated from pieces of Gilbert and George, contemporary controversial artists. The effect of mirroring is result of digital manipulation of the image. Works of the most contemporary fashi on photographer, David LaChapelle has astonished me because of undetectable manipulation. He is also applying surreal feature and narrative within his creating. However, the digital manipulation is not the only aspect within existing process of my works. Firstly, there is a need of finding a place which seems appropriate and first of all, interesting. Most of the time, damaged and messy localities are investigating in order to use their complex composition when creating unreal world and transforming them into fantasy landscape. Important fact to highlight is that the place is never staged; however it is always in its natural-found condition. Secondly, the appropriate dress, accessories, entire appearance, pose and mood have to be chosen. Finally, there is another aspect of composing the eventual shoot and also managing the right angels and camera settings. With the help of tripod or an assistant is the picture taken and consequently edited. Although the picture is taken, it is not t he end of a process at all. Certainly, it can be said that my work is process based. The other side of the coin is, however, that it can also be argued that it is based on digital manipulation of an image. Nevertheless, the manipulation consists of changing colours slightly and sometimes it consists of the use of mirror effect. These arguments suggest that the work is processed based where the digital manipulation of image is becoming a part of the process.

Internet :: essays research papers

This isn’t perfect but it is a good start Who is supposed to be the watchdog on the net? This question will raise the temperature in almost any room. The government already has to many regulations on lots of things, who wants Uncle Sam’s hand in the web. Some of the regulations that are applied are there for specific reasons. Those protect the people before the damage to say a young child posing for porn can be done. Those people that would be trying to regulate the Internet could be going after those sick, pathetic petafiles that float around in the child chat rooms.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In my opinion, the parents should be the ones that are responsible for what their children view on the Internet. The net itself can be very valuable if used as a tool for learning. In the group Families Against Internet Censorship, they understand the concept of parental filtering (Censorship 2000). One of the families uses primarily the Internet to home-school their children. When a child signs on to the web, he or she has almost infinite resources right at the ends of their fingertips. Where else can you maximize the worlds resources from inside the comforts of home. I know that a young teenager can productively use this information. I have been using the net for about eight years for my reports and personal knowledge quests. My father would check on me every now and again to make sure I was on task. Not only was he keeping what I viewed pg13, he was helping me use different search engines and being my troubleshooter until I could surf the web by myself. Lots of the children now days are just tuned loose with a computer and not checked on until suppertime or bedtime. With that much freedom come temptation, this leads to the children looking up porn, explosives, or something else that their parents would not want them to look at.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In my opinion, pornography should be allowed on the Internet as long as it is within legal bounds that are already established. I personally do not sit up all night trying to see some naked body in a freaky position. Nevertheless, I do not have a problem if my neighbor looks at pornographic material all day long as long as he does not pressure me with it. You never know where an online neighbor is from.

Comparing Millers Enemy of the People, Becketts Waiting for Godot and Vonneguts Slaughterhouse-F :: comparison compare contrast essays

Human Values and Technology in Miller's Enemy of the People, Beckett's Waiting for Godot and Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five Human values can't be replaced by technology. Human values can just hope to evolve as quickly as technology is expanding. If one lags behind the other, it's human values. Technology can exist and function without human values. There is a rush for Isaac Newton but that doesn't negate the need for a good philosopher. Though both technology and human values can be used hand in hand and that is the ideal situation. Too much of anything is a bad thing. It's all about finding a balance. Enemy of the People is the perfect example of how human values sometimes don't evolve as quickly as technology. The town had the technology available to make sure the hot springs were up to par but not only did they not put that technology to use but they challenged the findings with no proof of their own. The town as a whole had no experience with this type of science before. Thus, they were instantly skeptical (they also benefited financially by not believing it). But what the town should have done was step back and look at all the facts (sick visitors (Miller 35) and the low intake (Miller 36)) and made an informed decision instead of just running from the unknown. "They happen to have ability and knowledge," (Miller 45) is what Dr. Stockman told Hovstad. He assumed that these people had the same trust and knowledge in technology that he had but he was wrong. People need a way to deal with the ever-growing new technology. It was scary for the town to believe that there wer e things happening on the bacterial level (one that they couldn't see). Did the town choose not to believe the blatant truth because it would hurt them, the skewed facts or out of fear of the unknown and the consequences. Ignorance is bliss, but civilization needs to be informed of what's going on and how it affects their lives. A person can't just take things "on faith" when dealing with science, they need proof and an explanation. It's easy to follow the mass in anything (especially public opinion) but one needs to ask themselves how informed is the general public?

Women at Work

Assignment: Article summary The article â€Å"Family Coping Strategies: Balancing Paid Employment and Domestic Labour† by Meg Luxton sheds a different view on the responsibilities laid out in family life. In today's society it's almost a necessity to have both parents working, to support a family. This fact, along with the improvement of females having independence, is the cause of the ever growing number of working women. These, along with many other statistics are showing the rapid improvement and change that woman and families are showing. Year after year we can see the dynamics of the family shifting.It is not the same anymore, that women are the housewives doing all the housework and childcare. However women still have to work to get the equality, and not have to face â€Å"The second shift† once they get home. Husbands need to start stepping up and help out. Workplaces too need to step up, in the sense that they need to try and create better working environments f or women. Unions have been formed to try to perfect benefits, and to shed light on the negative aspects they may have. This whole article shows an interesting view on family coping strategies, and gives lots for people to think about.Society's gender roles are changing significantly with the rise in the amount of women who are contributing to the yearly income of their household's. It has been proven that because women are starting to contribute to household incomes it has resulted in increased satisfaction between husbands and wives and excuses from males such as â€Å"I'm the one bringing home the money, I deserve to rest when I get home† are becoming less valid. A statistics Canada survey in 1995 stated that 64% of women who worked said it was essential for their happiness and 55% agreed that it was the best way to be independent.Females at work who are married no longer have to depend on their husbands for their needs because they are able to provide them on their own. Un like the many women who stay with their spouse in an unhappy or abusive relationship due to the resource theory which is a theory that explains how women will not leave in fear that if they do they will not be able to support themselves, most working women with a stable job will easily find the strength to leave because they are more independent.Having a job gives women a sense of control of their lives and an overall high self-esteem because they are recognized by their husbands as well as children for their work. Not only does it give women something to do, it also ensures stability in one's family income. Here are a few statistics that demonstrate the challenge of balancing paid employment and domestic labor within the family setting in Canada. This challenge arises because of the inequalities between what men and women earn in the work force and also because of the uneven distribution of chores in unpaid domestic labor.If we compare salaries in 1997, men had the higher income of the couple in 77% of Canadian families. (Globe and Mail 21 Feb. 2000). This situation has however improved since the early 60's when 70% of women in male-female couples were dependent on their spouse as the sole income provider. (Oderkirk, Silver and Prud'homme 1994. ) Also when couples divorced men's incomes raised on average 10% whereas women's income usually decreased by 23% in 1997(Toronto Star 10 April 1997).Women feel pressured to work from home or part-time because they are often expected to do most of the domestic labour and this is their way to balance the two. In 1993 they represented nearly 70% of Canadian part-time workers (Ghalam 1993). On sharing of domestic labour front, are still generally the ones to do the bulk of it although men have been more active in this part of family life since the 70's. Women are involved the most in childcare. In 1998, 80 percent of women spent more than 15 hours on childcare compared to only 49% of men (Statistics Canada 1998a).These sta tistics show some improvement in the overall equality between the work load divided between men and women in families. However women are still usually found in a position of disadvantage compared to men. The fact that women have joined the work force doesn’t seem to have impacted the way man act at home. Even though there have been many chances throughout the years on how women are seen in society and there role it, there hasn’t been much change when it comes to domestic labour. It is still very sex segregated.In the past adult man were those had the primary responsibility of earning the income for the family while the role for an adult woman was to act as the housewives whose primary responsibility was running the family home, having children and caring for its members. Yet now that women share the responsibility of bringing in the income, the logic would that man also help around the house but instead what is now happening is that women find themselves carrying out t he â€Å"double shift†, where they go to work in the morning and then they go home to cook, lean, get the kids to bed and have their things prepared for next day. Due to this inequality of household work between men and women, women find themselves at a disadvantage because they have to learn to balance both domestic labour and paid work, which results in them not putting as much effort in their job as they could, therefore they do not reach their best potential which results in lack of opportunities for them. Some workplace calls their work â€Å"family friendly†.What this means for them is: women can come at work a bit earlier and leave earlier. A few women have struggled to make workplaces more cooperative for their person lives. They have fought for maternity, parental, etc. in order to take care of their love ones. â€Å"Family friendly† workplace as well includes women taking their specific amount of â€Å"sickness days† (allowed days off) to go tak e care of their family and once those days ended, therefore will unpaid for additional days taken.Some will have three weeks off to taking care of their hospitalized husband but will be paid only one week. They are basically losing 66. 7% of their paycheck due that. Those women will have to leave their husband at home to take care of themselves and will have to go back to work due to the time allowed was only three weeks. What the employers do not know is the fact they become anxious therefore difficult to focus at work. Most workplace relies on women workers who are experienced or more skilled because it is hard to replace them.Therefore, those women are more advantaged to have more privilege than others. The time you have off at work it is very limited that women will have to sacrifice in order to balance family and paid work. Employers do not understand or ignores the fact that those women have family and the time (days off allowed) given is insufficient for them. In conclusion n owadays it’s harder to survive with only one income so both men and women have to bring an income to be able to accommodate to today’s needs.A job for women brings a sense of control to their life and independence. Although employers have given benefits to women such as maternity leave which is great because women don’t have to worry about since they will have an income coming while caring for their newborn , yet these benefits that employers give them can sometimes be seen as superficial because they know that women tend to need to leave work more often than men ( because they take care of the family) employers are most likely going to ive promotion to men or hiring men for the more important position witch leaves women in what is known as the glass ceiling where their chances of going up in their career is reduced . Women don’t only face inequality at work but they also face it at home where domestic labour is still sex segregation and women come home t o the second shift where they are expected to take care of household work. We all need to realize that women are both important in the workforce and for the childrearing therefore we should encourage them to keep doing both by giving them the proper support that they deserve.

Pericles and Martin Luther Essay

Pericles and Martin Luther were both very influential people of their time. Even today their legacy’s live on and many times are still referred to. Without their effort in perusing with what they believed was right and keeping the motivation to change it, the world wouldn’t be where we are today. Pericles brought idea of democracy to Athens. He believed that the true value of Athens was found in the common good of the people. He worked to ensure that every Athenian had land and some link to their government. People should represent equality and it was at the will of the people that Athens existed and flourished or failed. He came to this idea of establishing a democracy because of the past the not only Athens had, but Greece had also. In the beginning of the 5th century B.C, the Persian Wars had started (499-480 B.C.). Athens had agreed to aid cities that bordered the Persian Empire. Darius the Great, the ruler or Persia, turned his attention to the Greek cities. Athens then defeated the Persian Army. Xerxes took control of Persia and burned Athens to the ground. Greece then rebelled and took another victory against Persia. At this time, Greece had an opportunity to blossom but it was not one unified country. Pericles rose to power to strengthen Greece. In 461 marked the start of The Age of Pericles. This continued until 429 B.C. Pericles brought great changes to the government of Greece and also great changes to the nature of art and progress of his time. The New Temple of Athens and The Parthenon were built along with many others. He had used building projects in a political way. His actions set the standard for not only Athens but Greece also. He believed that they should follow the path of no one but instead they should be a model to others. He also thought that they should be a guiding force to others and to follow through on their actions, deeds and excellence. People looked at Pericles as the guardian of his city and fought for the excellen ce of Athens in the future. He legacy still remains today for his democracy and his image of art, culture, politics and potential of Greece to succeed. Pericles had held true to the values of democracy and the belief that all people had a place and purpose within the start. That still holds true to the world today. Martin Luther had the idea to stop corruption in the Catholic Church and expose them. Society was dominated by the Catholic Church, which means the church had excessive control over everything and everyone. The Renaissance was also taking place. The Renaissance was a time of a rebirth of culture. It had begun in northern Italy and spread throughout Europe. The Protestant Reformation had developed also. In the early 16th century, Martin Luther had discovered the churches selling of indulgences along with other things. In 1510, Luther traveled to Rome where he got a degree in theology and became a professor. In 1513 he began lecturing. At this time, this is where he found many things that would change his life and also the course of the church. He often found himself in conflict with the church doctrines. In 1517, Luther posted the Ninety-Five Theses. He had exposed the church for the sale of indulgences. Many people only knew and believed what the church told them. After refusing to r ecant, he set himself in great motion for ultimate excommunication. 1520 the Pope had sent a letter to Luther with a threat of excommunication and he then, publically burned the letter. A year later in 1521 Luther was excommunicated. He hid at the Warthburg Castle until 1522 then returned to Wittenberg and continued to teach till his death. Luther’s reform had spread into Switzerland and Holland. His teachings had opened the door to religious and civil freedom. After the widespread of his teachings to other countries, it led us to the more open society and more religious freedom that we have today. Both Martin Luther and Pericles had a great impact on the world in their time and in the society we have today. Without their determination to continue on a fight for what was not only what they believed in but what was right, the world might not have been as different today as it was.