As I walked through the ghostly streets of my pind (village), I felt as if someone was following my every footstep Essays

As I walked through the ghostly streets of my pind (village), I felt as if someone was following my every footstep Essays As I walked through the ghostly streets of my pind (village), I felt as if someone was following my every footstep Essay As I walked through the ghostly streets of my pind (village), I felt as if someone was following my every footstep Essay As I walked through the ghostly streets of my pind (village), I felt as if someone was following my every footstep. With each of my trembling paces the terrifying sounds behind me intensified rapidly, increasing my tension to the limit. By now my heart was beating faster than a train at full speed, which forced me to run as fast as possible and turn into the next alley way. Frightened as the raged man stopped about a metre away and looked around, terrified that he would find me I held my breath and closed my eyes. As I gradually opened my eyes I watched the person sprint off into the mist. After being sure I was safe, I let out a sigh of relief and started to walk out of the alley but before I could take one step out, a shadowy figure grabbed me from behind, with one of his hands covering my mouth, and his wild hair over my face, he dived his other hand into each of my pockets and stole all of my belongings, after which he through me into the wall whilst ripping my chain from my neck , after he ran off I became unconscious because of hitting my head on the wall. Once I regained consciousness I slowly got together the courage to rise to my feet thinking of what to do next and where to go after a while I realised that I could go home and crush my hopes or I could follow my dreams where ever they lead me. Subsequent to that incident all my confidence of continuing had been demolished so I decided to return home, while I was walking home I could not stop wishing that Babuji had not found out yet. With the feeling that Sharan-jeet would tell Babuji any minute now about all my previous plans and that I had run away, I ran as fast as I could not worrying about anything else but as I reached home I realised that Babuji had already found out as I saw him throwing all my belongings, clothes and pictures out of the house, while swearing at me uncontrollably with mother trying her best to stop him. Once I saw and heard how much Babuji hated me, I hastily became enraged whilst being emotionally fragile. I ran off towards the bus stop increasing my confidence all the way while being haunted by the images of Babuji throwing my belongings away, enforcing tears to flow down my face. While still being upset, I reached the bus stop and got on the bus to Mumbai while wiping the tears off my face. As usual the bus became packed at the next stop, hardly having any space to breathe I tried to keep my mind away from what Babuji did, even though being squashed at the back of the bus I still could not stop thinking about it. Soon a conductor arrived and got on at the front of the bus. He stated asking for tickets, very slowly pushing his way through the crowd, making me panic as I had no money. Unfortunately after many stops, he reached me and asked for my ticket, I looked around pretending I did not hear, but from that he knew I had no ticket. Like a strike of lightning he clutched my colla r, lifted me up and pushed through the crowd and took me to the door, whilst blowing a ferocious whistle to stop the bus. Just as the bus stopped he threw me out of the bus with all his strength. I was in extreme pain, I still had my courage and I decided to continue towards Mumbai by foot. After many gruelling hours I reached Mumbai, each day I went to different movie studios asking for a role in a movie but many times I was thrown out by security or told to get lost, youre too young and there are no roles for you. Due to this I never earned any money and I starved each and every day in the unforgiving heat, feeling death coming closer each day, while sitting in the same spot all day losing energy and seeing the amount of garbage and dirt mounting. Each night became hell when each Bollywood movie came to life as I watched people getting their brains shot out and the numerous gang wars, barely surviving each one. Virtually dead I was found by probably the last surviving kind-hearted person, who helped me return from the clutches death by caring for me like a son. As soon as I recovered I started to work with him as a chai-wala (someone that gives tea) for local movie studios. Months passed by doing the same things each day again and again, but fortunately one day on my way to a studio, lonely and depressed, slowly walking remembering mother, and being worried by her whilst being disturbed by the terrifying memories of Babuji, when a Natak (theatre) audition poster caught my eye, remembering my past dreams and hoping for the best I entered. As I stood waiting in the stretched queue waiting my turn, I developed new dreams of becoming the SRK (Shahrukh Khan) of theatre. Next as I was called in I started to become nervous but I still entered and performed. Although I gave a magnificent performance I still only got the role of an extra, even though I was happy to be selected the role was a bit too small. Years passed and I slowly made my way up the ladder from an extra to the lead role. After 2 years of hard work and dedication I finally became what I wanted the SRK of theatre. After many shows we decided to do a Mumbai tour of 8 shows. While on the Mumbai tour I was approached by the god of movie makers Yash Raj Chopra and offered a role in his latest movie, obviously I said yes while thinking of my family and how I was mocked when I said I wanted to be a movie star. Once I got signed for the movie and fulfilled my dreams, I decided to return home. Again I walked through the ghostly streets of my pind on my way home, whilst being followed by those disturbing memories, and being held back so I did not retuning, but this could not stop me as I am not that foolish anymore. As I continued childhood memories came back, with the rocky sand seeping into my shoes and the mist collecting with the laughter of children in the distance as I entered my house. The whole house looked exactly the same as when I left. Not even one thing had changed, while remembering all the good times I searched the whole house for mother, Sharan-jeet and Babuji, as I could not find then so asked around and found out that Sharan-jeet had got married 6 months ago, which broke my heart because I was not their for her special day and she would never forgive me for that, but tears started to flow when I found out that Babuji had passed away 3 months ago and mother 2 weeks later due to shock. After the bad news I was shattered and emotionally unstable, but I made t he decision to continue my life as before because I would be hurting their souls if I stayed like this, so I continued with my movie career with them always in my heart.

Euthyphro by Socrates Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Euthyphro by Socrates - Assignment Example According to â€Å"Eutyphro By Plato† (2011), Plato and Euthyphro start talking about piety when Euthyphro brings up the fact that he is prosecuting his father for the murder of a domestic servant who had, in a state of drunkenness, murdered a field worker (par. 33). Plato was mainly concerned about this because he was about to be indicted with impiety. According to â€Å"Eutyphro By Plato† (2011), Plato contended that he was being prosecuted by the state for having corrupted the youth (par. 10). The concept of holiness takes such precedence in this conversation because, at length, Socrates is trying to understand why Euthyphro is bringing a charge of murder against his own father—especially when nowadays, probably what Euthyphro’s father did would be considered manslaughter, but that’s beside the point. The real point is that Socrates draws out this singular question into a lengthy argument about the many and diverse opinions of the Gods—and how they would agree or disagree about certain matters depending upon their respective viewpoints. Why this is important is because we see that Socrates starts the conversation by trying to imply that it was wrong for Euthyphro to bring a charge against his father—when really he was trying to demonstrate an entirely different point to Euthyphro, which was that his logic was based more in opinion that in objectively made arguments and rational, logically-explained truths. III. Euthyphro’s Three Definitions and Socrates’s Three Refutations Euthyphro, at one point, says piety is doing what is right by prosecuting he who commits a wrong, whatever wrong it may be. Socrates then talks about levels of crime in terms of seriousness. One of the first times Socrates asks Euthyphro about what piety actually is, again, Euthyphro has a ready answer. According to â€Å"Euthyphro By Plato† (2011), â€Å"Piety†¦is that which is dear to the gods, and impiety is tha t which is not dear to them† (par. 57). Then they get into a whole discussion about whether the inverse arguments are true. By the third time Socrates asks Euthyphro’s definition about piety, Euthyphro basically gives up, to be brief. He states that he doesn’t really know how to describe what he means and that whatever understanding he had has left him. Mainly, it seems that what has happened here is that Socrates has ultimately stumped Euthyphro. Socrates’s logic was just too much for him to handle. That is why we see Euthyphro saying â€Å"Yes,† and â€Å"Certainly† so many times in the text. It’s almost certain that he is just agreeing so that Socrates will move on with his argument, almost childlike in the way that he tries to bait Euthyphro into trying to even dispute him. However, Socrates’s logic is unmatched, and these three times that Socrates refutes him just prove even moreso his brilliance and unabated sparkling wit. IV. Socrates’s Goal: How One Knows It, and The Way One Can Tell Socrates asks whether â€Å"the holy is beloved by the Gods because it is holy, or holy because it is the beloved of the Gods† (par. 110). When the question is put in reverse, Socrates basically argues both sides, that

Development and creation of effective advertising Essay

Development and creation of effective advertising - Essay Example Different writes argue about the effect of sex and gender in the development and creation of effective advertising. However, this paper provides an argumentative approach that contrast sex and gender perception in developing and creating an effective advertising. Body In developing and creation of effective advertising the company focuses grabbing the audience almost immediately. Effective advertising offers the audience the chance to view the products displayed. Effective advertising focuses directly to the people regardless of sex or gender and offer them the first glance of the advertisement. This kind of approach is beyond the gender codes since it focuses on the audience using an effective means. Most of the adverts come through the televisions, prints and other advertising mediums. The best kind of advert is that grabs the customer or the prospective audience in a second. This means that the advertisement should be attractive and designed with effective fonts that attract many people. The creative concepts are the advertisement’s central idea that grabs your attention and sticks the audience memory. Creativity embraces on a vital feature of advertising that dictates the entire advertising field (Petley, 2003:30). In order to affect the advert, advertises usually take a general overview of the purpose of the advertisement as well as the people intended to be conveyed the message. The approach in which the advert will make the audience to give a second glance depends on the content and its effectiveness. Advertisers should pay different attributes in convening their messages through exploring different kinds of cultures of different societies in order to incorporate their say in the advert (Berman, 2010:107). This can be writing in a print or billboard that has impact to the psychology and perception. Goff man argues on the withdrawal of attention from social circumstances and the setting at the hand that features on emotions and tension that appears unresolved. He shows the contrast on men looking straight down the camera without blinking, challenging, and potentially aggressive. This attributes on control and consolidation as a mode of gender division in the view of events. The current advertisement focuses on all the audience regardless of gender or sex with attractive message conveyed to meet them in a collective manner. Another way of developing and creating an effective advertisement is by being clever and creative. Most of the companies depending on advertisement to reach their customers embrace on improved art in designing the advert to represent the message the company wants to convey to the people. The companies take a lot of time and even employee additional activities from external sources in order attain the best advert that outdoes the competitor. The companies even employ some respondents to report on the steps made by their competitors in order to take counter measures in response to the competitor’s plan s. Here, critical skills become essential in order to link people with the message the company wish to portray a seductive package. This means that these means that effective advertisements remains well executed. As such, the details, the image representation, the writing, the acting, the setting, and the way the product remain represented should mirror the highest production standards. Advertising often sets the customary or establishes the cutting edge for the printing, propagation, and internet design because clients demand the best production their plans can allow (Kapferer, 2008:496). Goff man

Touch Interfaces Essay Example for Free

Touch Interfaces Essay Introduction Pointing at an object is the most basic human interaction, which is very important in human-machine interfaces. Similarly, creating gestures such as using ones hand and arm can provide information. For instance, pointing to a chair indicates asking for permission to sit down or pointing to indicate directions. The main goal of all the research done on touch interface and gesture recognition is to develop a system that can identify specific human gestures using human touch and use them to interact with Software application. Humans habitually use gesture to interact with other humans. Gestures can be used for everything such as pointing at an object for attention to conveying information about space and temporal characteristics [1]. Biologists define gesture, as the notion of gesture is to embrace all kinds of instances where an individual engages in movements whose communicative intent is paramount, manifest, and openly acknowledged [2]. Gestures that are related with speech are called gesticulation and gestures that are independent from speech are called autonomous gesture. Autonomous gestures have its own communicative language such as American Sign Language (ASL) as well as motion commands. There are many other types of gestures such as Semiotic – communicating meaning, Ergotic – manipulating objects and Epistemic – groping. There are six types of semiotic gestures and they are Symbolic (arbitrary), Deictic (pointing), Iconic (descriptive), Pantomimic (use of invisible objects), Beat (indicating flow of speech) and Cohesive (marker indicating related topics) [3]. Symbolic or Arbitrary gestures are gestures that can be learned but are not common in a culture setting and can be very useful because they can be specifically created for use of device control. An example is the set of gestures used for airport plane control. Deictic gestures are used to point at important objects and these gestures can be specific that refers to one object, in general that refers to class of object, or functions that symbolize intentions. An example is a simple hand gestures such as pointing to ones mouth when he or she is hungry. Related Technologies Today, there exist many image-based or device-based hardware techniques, which can be used as touch interface. For example, an image-based technique can detect gesture by capturing pictures of users hand motions gesture via camera. The captured image is then sent to Computer-vision software, which tracks the image and identifies the gesture. For instance, television sets that can be controlled by hand gesture instead of a remote control have been developed [4] [5] [6]. Basically, to turn the TV on, the user raises his open hand and the computer recognizes the gesture, which in return turns the TV on. Device-based techniques such as instrumented gloves, stylus and other position trackers have been developed, which recognize the movements and send the signals so that the system can understand the gesture. For example, Dexterous Handmaster [7] developed in 1987, initially used to control robot hand, which was very accurate but was not suitable for rapid movement. Power Glove [7] developed in 1989 by Mattel, which was resistive ink sensors for finger position, plus ultrasonic tracking and the Space Glove [7] developed in 1991, which was a plastic rings around fingers. Other gloves such as 5DT Data GloveTM [7], SuperGlove [7], Pinch Gloves [7] and CyberGlove [7]. However, the latest in computer technology is the G-Speak Gestural Technology System [8], a glove which is faster and easier to use compared to mouse and keyboard and using it one can move anything anywhere on the screen. At present, there exist many products, which are closely related with the hypothesis of this thesis. For example, the GyroPoint is a product of Gyration, Inc. in Saratoga, CA [9] [10]. The device can operate in two different modes. First, it can operate as a regular mouse and second, it can operate in the air (3D). Another example, the Bluewand, [11] which is a small pen-like device used to control Bluetooth enabled devices by hand-movements. Basically, a 6-axis accelerometer and gyroscope system detects devices full direction and movement in space. Bluewand can be used with verity of applications such as remote control for TV-set, cell-phone, MP3-player, etc. Overview of the Technology (Touch Interfaces) The ability to touch a computer screen and manipulate objects or control is a advance way of communication between human and computers and due to this advancement many types of touch system is developed such as point-of-sale systems, to information kiosks, to electronic whiteboards, iPod, iPhone etc. However, these systems have different ways of implementation in different applications. For example, using a desktop display for touch input as well as pen input, recognizing finger for touch on the screen. Other ways of implementation are such as Gesture recognition is a process through which a computer can recognize human gesture. Such interaction can make interface with computer more accessible and expressive for both the physically impaired and for young children who might find this type of interaction more natural. Gestures can be used in applications such as word processing, hand sign language, games, entertainment and educational approaches. There are other forms of gesture recognition than hand gestures. For example, finger pointing a way to select or move objects around, face tracking, eye motion and lip reading, etc. Technology that implements gestures has the ability to change the way humans interact with computers by eliminating input devices such as joysticks, mice and keyboards. Lots of conventional whole-hand input devices creates interface using non-contact methods or through some physical medium and such interfaces often needs contact of the hands and fingers with a hard, firm surface. As displays get larger, multi-user interaction is important as well as the ability to recognize two or more simultaneous inputs. As a result, wall-size touch displays became important for users as it enables to work with computer application and in the future human-body sized interfaces will become a natural way of interaction with the multiple users. Other related system is â€Å"A Camera-Based Touch Interface for Pervasive Displays† [13] developed by Gerald D. Morrison. Basically, the system contains smart camera in the corners of a 17-foot-wide wall display to determine the location of an object in front of, or in contact with, the display. The main object the user’s finger and the collected image are processed in such a way that it can recognize various attributes of the object’s, such as location relative to the display in three dimensional space. The information sent back to computer which generates the display, enabling touch control. Advantages of such system Many companies have established research centers all over the world to conduct research in developing new technologies. They emphasizes on managing its process in order to deliver product that are cheap and fast maintaining a good Information Management strategy. Manipulation of information using different applications and technologies became a potential information overload for many similar companies. Hence taking advantage of the new advance technologies to manage and maintain the information overload. Other advantages are such as having to interact with software application more closely compared t traditional ways of interactions. The term software was used in the early days of the software engineering field. It was used to describe how the rapid increase in computational power and the complexity of problems which now could be tackled. It refers to the difficulty of writing correct, understandable and variable computer programs. Having touch interface will help developer to interact with developing tools to developed advance software application. Today in the 21st century software is every where imaginable, when you check out at the grocery store, using a credit card, driving your car or listening to music in your new MP3 player just to name a few. Software development has undergone a change from its early days, the awareness of the software crisis has forced engineers to address the problems by various processes and methodologies and the industry are realizing that changing to more efficient ways of communicate with computers lead to better products with higher quality and reduced costs. However, there is always a problem that the tools and techniques invented today will need time to mature, to be introduced into industry.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The security implications of the system will be strong in order to assure safety for both the user and the system using finer print recognition. The main security issue such as data access must be implemented in such a way that the privilege given to the user is controlled and manipulated. Controlling the web-browsing habit such as browsing illegal or unwanted web sites need also to be controlled, hence providing user access to email, web sites using password and encryptions is essential. Keeping off the malicious users from accessing valuable company information and other external information that can be used against the company stuff and the company authorities needs to be taken under consideration. Sending emails and other attachments must be allowed according to hierarchy of access permissions. Other issues that need to be taken under consideration are such as the network password and security tokens needs to be changed constantly and most off all securing the connection to local devices that are connected to the network such as print servers and touch screen connected printers. Routers and switches should be organize and installed as securely as possible and web based configuration should be disabled as well as network access to the devices should be limited to the Grenada networks. To have a perfectly feasible operation and conduct the most proper ethical business functions is the first priority for most companies and businesses. The most critical issue related with IT is IT security where the objective is to take effective measures to decrease the threats exist today in IT related business such as e-commerce. Today, most companies prefer electronic information over traditional ways of storing and manipulation of information. Data are stored in huge database and process using different front-end software’s form anywhere in the world. IT security is made up of three main categories and they are Confidentiality, Integrity and Availability. Confidentiality is when company or an organization has sensitive information and does not want to disclose such information to anyone outside the company. Integrity is when companies want to update the system to adapt to future needs. As for availability, it is when a business implements a system it needs to make sure the system is up and running when needed. Threats such as customer’s information can be disclosed which can affect the credibility of any company; company’s information can be hacked by illegally, etc. There are many ways to improve the correct securities such as protecting data and information using different sophisticated firewall software, understanding threats and its impact in order to be protected forms it, calculating risk and deciding how to eradicate such risk. There are two basic ways to improve security and they are Bottom Up and Top Down. Bottom Up approach is not that precise but in order to implement such approach it is advisable to properly understand company policies, network topology and companies operating procedure. Top Down approach is methodical and more precise compared to Bottom Up approach but is slow and expensive. The main advantages of the touch interface are that it is centralized where it can access its information from using human touch. Therefore, if there are any security issues it can be dealt with using by tracking the finger-print. It is also flexible and scalable enough for new technologies to integrate with the system. Many flexible system and architecture can be designed so that it can be interoperable making all components work together in a synchronized fashion. This system can be used to backup critical information which is vital for both the system and the end-user. Conclusion As the information age advanced the need for computers became a daily part of human life. Computers have emerged from early abacus, papyrus and ENIAC to today’s main frame computer and super computers that can manipulate huge amount of information across the globe. The use of Touch screen was discovered by military in order to share information and after the first dial up connection; the use of touch screen became popular amongst local public. Today, computers are the most essential part of human life starting from basic calculators to storing and manipulating of terabits of information. Use of Touch screen is mostly possible if one uses computers or other devices such as mobiles. Need for speedy information has become an important issue in today’s business. Using such devices Touch screen caused a revolution in our society. Peoples shopping style is also changing because of Touch screen. Selling products over the touch screen is cheap, fast and easy for both the company and the customer. Hence issues such as privacy and ethics are most important and needs to be concentrated on by the governments and education institute. Many of the ethical issues involve privacy. For example, privacy concerning e-mail uses by the employees, head office of a company and individuals. System such as malleable surface interface [12] can be used in applications that require physically touching the screen and its objects performed by the human hands or finger, such as sculpting and massage. Even though, many touch technology systems are suitable for small displays such as iPod, iPhone, the system can be also used in big screen such TV, or directly interacting with the pc monitor. This way of communication is very attractive because they are more versatile than other input devices as well as can be made inexpensively. While touch sensing is very common but having multi user interaction has become more essential. Having to interact with a system with more than one finger at a time useful for larger interaction scenarios such as interactive walls and tabletops. Many researchers experimenting with a wide variety of application scenarios and communication modalities that utilize multi-touch input. It is a rich area for research, and has potential for advances in efficiency, usability, and intuitiveness of the future UI designed. Today there exist mobiles with touch screen and stroke interfaces as compared to those with button, thumbwheel, trackballs, and stylus etc interfaces. The traditional ways of interaction for example using buttons, and cognitively arbitrated by the need to roll a wheel to scroll the cursor focus kept us distance with the technology invented. Hence, to touch something would be to minimize the distance between human and the computer. Using gesture similar to Nintendo Wii, is a breakthrough in advancement of GUI. Other devices such as LG Prada, HTC phone and Apple iPhone help us to use our fingers to feel the system rather just using the system. The touch system is already been used in wireless devices successfully. Wireless communications offer organizations and users many benefits such as portability, flexibility and lower installation costs. Wireless technologies cover a broad range of capabilities toward different uses and needs. Wireless local area network (WLAN) devices, for instance, allow users to move their laptops from place to place within their offices and homes without the need for wires and without losing network connectivity. However, risks are natural in any wireless technology. The most significant source of risks in wireless networks is that the technology’s underlying communications medium such as the airwave, is open to intruders. Having touch screen developers and interact and develop application using advance GUI’s. Today, touch screen technology is used everywhere to cut down cost as well as speed up the development process by keeping the quality of the application insured. Touch screen based development helps to build software applications by connecting multiple components together which are produced independently. In order for this communication to take place we must have an interface between the components in such a way that is helps to develop the overall application as well as implementing it in the future applications. However, it is the compatibility between connected component interfaces that determines the success of the implementation of the components. To be precise, an interface is made of number of operations which can be manipulated by the user. The operations play a vast role in implementing the interface and use of the interface by the client or the user. Today, Internet is a good way of doing business and use of internet is constantly increasing. Improving the GUI and converting to touch screen will become very important in the future for the use of World Wide Web because it helps to communicate globally and deliver products to customers who can not purchase the products. It also helps to increases advertising and by providing one to one marketing. E-commerce is a very easy way of gathering information form its customers or potential customers. One of the biggest advantages of using the internet is its efficient ways of reducing warehousing and inventory. A Company needs a network that provides fast and efficient way to manipulate its information. Compared to its traditional manual filing system accessing, touch screen will provide information with speed, accuracy, and accessibility. A sophisticated design of the system will allow access from anywhere in the world which helps to manipulate and send information through the world. Hence, the touch screen is reliable in assuring speed, data reliability, cheap and strong security. However, it is extremely reliable and main important thing is that no extra input device is needed. Touch screen gives fast and superior performance which is sufficient for file sharing, gaming, and high-speed access. As for security, touch screen will have software application that recognizes finger print. Traditional GUI and access can be three or four times expensive compared to touch screen. A both traditional ways and touch screen can be a good option for any company depending on the difficulty of accessing the information the company. However, touch screen is easier to install, more reliable and mobility is excellent where as traditional is more difficult to install with limited mobility. Reference [1].  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A Brief Overview of Gesture Recognition by Charles Cohen. http://homepages.inf.ed.ac.uk/rbf/CVonline/LOCAL_COPIES/COHEN/gesture_overview.html ; Accessed 7th, Nov, 2007 [2]   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Jean-Luc Nespoulous, Paul Perron, and Andre Roch Lecours. The Biological Foundations of Gestures: Motor and Semiotic Aspects. Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Hillsdale, MJ, 1986. http://homepages.inf.ed.ac.uk/rbf/CVonline/LOCAL_COPIES/COHEN/gesture_overview.html; Accessed 7th, Nov, 2007 [3].   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   GESTURE BASED INTERACTION; Steven Damer; http://www-users.itlabs.umn.edu/classes/Fall-2004/csci8980-1/slides/gesture.pdf; Accessed 7th, Nov, 2007 [4]   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Computer Vision for Computer Interaction SIGGRAPH Computer Graphics magazine, November 1999 W. T. Freeman, P. A. Beardsley, H. Kage, K. Tanaka, K. Kyuma, C. D. Weissman. Also available as MERL-TR99-36. [5]  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Computer Vision for Interactive Computer Graphics; IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications, Vol. 18, No. 3, May-June 1998; W. T. Freeman, D. B. Anderson, P. A. Beardsley, C. N. Dodge, M. Roth, C. D. Weissman, W. S. Yerazunis, H. Kage, K. Kyuma, Y. Miyake, and K. Tanaka. Also available as MERL-TR99-02. [6]  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Computer Vision for Computer Games In 2nd International Conference on Automatic Face and Gesture Recognition, Killington, VT, USA. IEEE. W. T. Freeman, K. Tanaka, J. Ohta, K. Kyuma . Also available as MERL-TR96-35. [7]  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Gesture Based Interaction; Steven Damer; http://www-users.itlabs.umn.edu/classes/Fall-2004/csci8980-1/slides/gesture.pdf; Accessed 7th, Nov, 2007 [8]  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Gesture Glove Not Science Fiction;   LOS ANGLEES, Aug. 23, 2005; http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/08/23/eveningnews/main792311.shtml; Accessed 7th, Nov, 2007 [9]  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   An Evaluation of Two Input Devices for Remote Pointing; Scott MacKenzie and Shaidah Jusoh; http://www.yorku.ca/mack/ehci2001.pdf ; Accessed 7th, Nov, 2007 [10]  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Gyration, Inc., Saratoga, California. http://www.gyration.com/ ; Accessed 7th, Nov, 2007 [11]  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Bluewand. A versatile remote control and pointing device; Thomas Fuhrmann , Markus Klein, and Manuel Odendahl; http://i30www.ira.uka.de/research/documents/p2p/2003/fuhrmann03bluewand-KiVS.pdf ; Accessed 7th, Nov, 2007 [12]  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Florian Vogt, Timothy Chen, Reynald Hoskinson, Sidney Fels; A Malleable Surface Touch Interface; Human Communication Technologies Laboratory; The University of British Columbia; http://hct.ece.ubc.ca/publications/pdf/vogt-chen-hoskinsin-fels-SIGGRAPH2004.pdf; Accessed 7th, Nov, 2007 [13]  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Gerald D. Morrison; A Camera-Based Touch Interface for Pervasive Displays; SMART Technologies Inc., 1207 – 11 Ave. SW, Suite 300, Calgary, AB, Canada T3C 0M5; http://ubicomp.algoritmi.uminho.pt/perdisplay/docs/Morrison-Camera%20Touch_SV_Rev1.pdf; Accessed 7th, Nov, 2007;

The Rooms From Life to Death :: essays research papers

In Edgar Allan Poe's short story, "The Masque of the Red Death", Poe use many symbols to interpret the many different theme's. One of the themes is that you cannot escape death which Poe proves in this story to be true. Each of the rooms that Poe uses in the story represents a certain kind of mood, emotion or coincidences in life. Poe's story takes place in seven connected but carefully separated rooms. This reminds the reader of the past significance of the number seven. The history of the world was thought to consist of seven ages, just as an individual's life had seven stages. The ancient world had seven wonders; universities divided learning into seven subjects; there were seven deadly sins with seven corresponding cardinal virtues. Therefore, an allegorical reading of this story suggests that the seven rooms represent the seven stages of one's life, from birth to death, through which the prince pursues a figure masked as a victim of the Red Death, only to die himself in the final chamber of eternal night. The easternmost room is decorated in blue, with blue stained-glass windows. The next room is purple with the same stained-glass window pattern. The rooms continue westward, according to this design, in the following color arrangement: green, orange, white, and violet. The seventh room is black, with red windows. The rooms of the palace, lined up in a series that represents the stages of life. Poe makes it a point to arrange the rooms running from east to west. This progression is symbolically significant because it represents the life cycle of a day. The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, with night symbolizing death. What transforms this set of symbols into an allegory, is the further symbolic treatment of the twenty-four hour life cycle. This translates to the realm of human beings. This progression from east to west, performed by both Prospero and the mysterious guest, symbolizes the human journey from birth to death. Poe crafts the last ,black room as the ominous endpoint, the room the guests fear just as they fear death.

George Orwell’s vision Essay

George Orwell’s books are not conventional. They use extremely vivid and alarming descriptions to support thought-provoking subjects, and their endings are far from happy. I felt a strong sense of despair at the end of both 1984 and Animal Farm, even though I found them gripping and fascinating. George Orwell, being a socialist, was strongly opposed to totalitarian rule, and his books are clearly a warning as to how political movements can backfire. The books are influenced by events of his time, the most obvious being the Russian Revolution symbolised by Animal Farm. There are hardly any lasting aspects in either 1984 or Animal Farm that are pleasant; the themes of both books are worrying. I think that one of the worst aspects of George Orwell’s vision is the systematic perversion of our feelings, emotions and instincts. In my opinion, the worst action of ‘The Party,’ the ruling political power in 1984 is the way it frowns upon love, a natural human instinct, and tries to completely suppress it. This is a cold, tyrannical act that destroys such a pure, selfless instinct. Love brings joy that – as Winston Smith, the main character in 1984, experiences – makes life worth living. Without love, Oceania’s inhabitants are reduced to a pointless, miserable, isolated existence. I think the most depressing event in the story of Winston Smith is how the Party crushed his love for Julia so completely, accentuated by the powerful unconditional nature of their love for each other before. Consequently, the Party, and its figurehead, ‘Big Brother,’ condemn sexual intercourse with fierce and active distaste, evident in the formation of ‘The Junior Anti-Sex League. ‘ Sex, the most intimate, loving act two people can share is seen as a threat to the Party’s power, and is only acceptable in absolutely necessary circumstances – to create a child – and is devoid of all sentiment. Because it is detested by the Party, making love becomes an act of political rebellion, which destroys the fact that it should be an expression of love. One of the nastiest yet most haunting descriptions in 1984 is Winston’s recollection of his visit to a prostitute in an attempt to satisfy his sexual instinct. His visit is ‘brief’ and ‘coarse’ and he admits that ‘it was really the paint that appealed to me,’ not any real desire to be intimate with the woman. In 1984, love within families is corrupted, as children spy against their parents and report them for the slightest incident. Family values – essential to nurturing a child with care – are destroyed; even when Winston’s acquaintance, Parsons, is betrayed by his own daughter, he ‘doesn’t bear her any grudge. ‘ In Orwell’s dystopia, love plays no part, except in utter submission to Big Brother, and it is the concept of existing in a life so absent of love and affection that disturbs me. If I had to exist without love, I believe I would lose my will to live. Another instinct, essential to harmonious, happy human life is that of trust. Again, the Party endeavour to totally control and pervert this instinct. Trust is the exact opposite to fear so cannot be practised when fear presides. Fear seeps into every aspect of life in 1984: fear of betrayal to the thought police; fear of what could happen to you if you committed a ‘crime’ and were caught; fear of your own thoughts wandering. Living in such a fragile community, where everyone is scared into solitude, and having children spy on people, corrupts the general principles of loyalty and human decency to such a level at which I would no longer want to associate with such people. Children, the embodiment of innocence and dependence, being routinely perverted, taken advantage of and coaxed into turning against their own providers, their parents, is a concept I find abhorrent. The manipulation of innocent and defenceless children is immoral, disgusting and disturbing. In 1984, the only trust allowed to exist between two parties is that of the individual for Big Brother. With a horrific act of total submission and resignation, people blindly accept all Big Brother tells them, completely disregarding information from their own senses, whilst subconsciously being aware that what Big Brother tells them is untrue. If I had to exist in Oceania, I would find that aspect the hardest to accept, as I feel a reassurance in knowing I can believe and trust whatever my senses tell me. With that knowledge removed, I’d be lost, confused and scared, as I would have lost my grip on reality – which keeps humans sane. As Winston thinks, ‘if the Party could thrust its hand into the past and say of this or that event that it never happened- that, surely, was more terrifying than mere torture or death’. In Animal Farm, another frighteningly harsh story by George Orwell, perversion of trust is also a prominent theme. Just like the citizens of 1984’s Oceania, the farm animals are too trusting for their own good. I grew sadder and more anxious each time the animals ‘believed every word’ of what their selfish leaders – the pigs – told them. To me, it is very poignant the way the animals are so unsuspicious and grateful towards the pigs, who repeatedly use them. The most trusting and devoted animal on the farm was the old carthorse, Boxer. Boxer trusted the pig leader – Napoleon – to such an extent he created the slogan ‘Napoleon is always right! ‘ In total disregard of this trust bestowed upon him, Napoleon sent the horse to the slaughterhouse. I was shocked when, at the end, the animals simply accepted the pigs’ superiority and power. What distresses me most is the despicable way in which the pigs take advantage of the innocent animals, who have blind faith in them. I am even more upset knowing Animal Farm is based on genuine events: the sheer trust the proletariat had in Stalin, after the Russian Revolution, which Stalin twisted to benefit himself. The civilization of 1984 is ‘founded upon hatred,’ an unnatural human emotion. O’Brien tells us Oceania is progressing towards a state where ‘there will be no emotions except fear, rage, triumph and self-abasement. ‘ I find this devastatingly selfish and cruel, as it terminally oppresses the sole desire of mankind: to be happy and enjoy the process of life. The most dehumanising and evil event in the lives of the citizens of Oceania is ‘Hate Week,’ It is not only the atmosphere of contagious compulsive contempt which enables ‘Hate Week’ that disturbs me; it is the way in which hate, the most hostile and dangerous feeling, can be generated on such a large scale with absolutely no reason. In the middle of ‘Hate Week,’ the enemy changes, but the proceedings continue without the blink of an eye. It scares and disgusts me that Orwell can see such a strong emotion directed at a target, regardless of why the target is hated. Winston realises that ‘the fear, the hatred and the lunatic credulity which the Party needs in its members can only be kept at the right pitch by bottling down some powerful instinct and using it as a driving force. ‘ The Party has twisted and corrupted natural instincts to benefit themselves. In my opinion, the manipulation of human emotions, instincts and feelings is the most dishonest, corrupt way of gaining power. It is chilling to imagine the uncompromising, omnipresent, omnipotent power that would be required to enable such an atrocity. I would find it so hard never to be able to feel and love, and I would see no point in existing if I could not. Without our feelings we are no more than machines. The mere contemplation of having to exist without joyful emotions fills me with despair. I would truly prefer to die than to live intoxicated with misery and depression, without hope for a better life. I share Winston’s sense of helplessness and injustice when O’Brien tells him ‘If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face – forever. ‘

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