Belly Essays - Hood Films, African-American Culture,

Belly Belly is one of the most controversial films in America. It is one of the most technically polished Hip-hop films to date. Does it have great acting? No, it does not, but DMX as ?Boz? has a solid performance while the other actors do a believable job considering they are by nature rappers and not actors. A good action movie? Yes, it builds refreshingly and unexpectedly to a spirit of redemption and responsibility while containing a variety of action sequences for your buck. A movie for the whole family? No, but is a hip-hop teenager's favorite but is too hard for the younger and older audiences limiting its success. Rap artists do three of the four main acting performances. DMX gives a solid performance as ?Boz? portraying young and ignorant kid on the loose killing and dealing what he can. As the movie moves on Boz is gradually transformed into a smart and reasonable young adult. Nas another rapper plays ?Sincere? and does a decent job of acting but is not as believable as DMX in portraying his character. Fellow rapper Method Man plays ?Ike Love,? and has a hard time acting the part but to his defense the character is a little crazy and unpredictable making the scene hard to act. The only main part not played by a rapper is by Regan Jackson who plays the Rastafarian drug lord ?Lenox?, is played especially good. Regan does exceptional job of looking like and sounding like a real life Rastafarian with the right ascents and terminology as used by a Rastafarian. Tara Hicks played ?Boz's? girlfriend ?Neisha? and did a good job considering the role she was put on wasn't directed very nicely. The over all acting of this film is not going to win any Oscar's but it is solid and gets the job done in a believable fashion. The motion picture Belly contains an enormous amount of exciting action scenes containing a lot of explicit content and violence. This is especially true when a rival Jamaican drug posse tries to shut down ?Lenox's? drug cartel and storms his compound. Lenox is all doped up on drugs when he notices about hundred men climbing over the walls and surrounding the compound on his security screen. He grabs his Ak-47 and commences to killing any by that walk in. He is walking through his bedroom through to the hallway, while the whole time shooting and killing while screaming all kinds of Rastafarian obscenities. Once he past downs the staircase into the main lobby he mows down intruders in a barge of gunfire. He is screaming, ? I m da the meanest yug-gutter da whol worlde ever seen; I da murdar bumboclots fa fun.? Just as you think he has killed them all, a lady catlike women jumps from the balcony and cuts Lennox's throat and leaves him to die in a pool of blood. This one and many other s cenes contain graphic content in violence and language. But on the other hand these scenes all look like they took place on the street as they really would, giving this movie a special feel. The director portrays the violence only as to how it really is in real life and is merely copying this. Much of the action is a portrayal of realistic drama and unlike the action depicts in movies such as Superman, Star Wars, etc. It is showing a bad side to the world. It builds from a movie of action packed violence and drugs to a movie of redemption and responsibility. This is when the main character ?Boz? played by DMX learns his mistakes in life and applies himself to God and becomes a spiritual leader. Is it a movie for the whole family? Well no, but is a good heart pumping realistic movie that a teenager or young adult would enjoy. It gives a solid glimpse into the hip-hop lifestyle of an urban rapper. But contains too much violence and explicit language for a younger audience and is to out of date for the older audiences. This has caused the movie to be limited to certain audiences, not making it a best seller on video or in the box office. But it

Review of The Treaty Of Versailles essays

Review of The Treaty Of Versailles essays Studying the Treaty of Versailles form the side of the winning group may seem quite easy. Can a benefactor of the allied efforts actually review the fairness of the treaty in just and unbiased way This is what I hope to accomplish with my paper reviewing the treaty, and reparations held within. To start, I would like to review the sources I am currently using and their general ideas: The Treaty of Versailles: A Reassessment After 75 Years New York University Press, New York USA Mr. Boerneke starts his book with a straight review of the articles in the treaty and explains what each one of them means in general terms. After this review he gives yet another overview of the historical events which would later be affected by these articles; such as the massive increase in German nationalism under the Nazi regime and the German peoples anger towards the loss of the corridor lands along the border with France. As well, Boerneke talks about the ill effects of the treaty on Italy, after they lost land along the north they were promised in 1915. Overall this is a great book, and will be the primary source for my paper. Mr. Blahuts review starts off with the general post-war standing of each nation , and the type of punishment they wish upon Germany. He talks more about Woodrow Wilson more than the rest of the allied leaders, discussing Wilsons poor efforts to find a point of compromise in the treaty, which in turn led to the massive emotional eruption in World War II. Most of his review covers the negativity which plagued Wilson throughout his journeys to and from Europe. His conclusion states that it was the American inability to find compromise in the treaty that eventually led to WWII through the increase of tension in Europe caused by the unfairness of Versailles. Frankfurt, Brest-Litovsk, Versailles: A Never Ending Story Mr. Broenings paper reviews and compares the three major...

Traveling Matte Techniques Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Traveling Matte Techniques - Essay Example Traveling mattes modify figure from frame to frame in order to correspond to the movement of the picture or a subject within the picture. Matte effects are typically designed digitally. For using special effects in filmmaking and photography, matters are applied to make an image by combining two and more images. In the film industry, matters are typically applied for mixing a foreground image. For example characters of the film on a set with a background image are seen as a single image. If an actor is seen jumping from a plane, matte is the background painting, showings clouds, mountains, etc. In filmmaking the use of SPFX or SFX is common. These techniques are used for giving special effects to images. The principle of a matte needs covering some areas of the film mixing to control by selection the areas which needed to be exposed. In the process, a lot of separate images are used to make a complex special-effect scene. (Benedetti 1-7) In a simple definition, traveling matte techniques refer to the mixing of moving images in filmmaking. The background pictures are characteristically hand-painted or digitally designed images characterizing make-believe sites. Different images are classically mixed based on a lot of traveling matte images. The traditional filmmaking procedures begin by filming an actor or a model as a foreground subject in front of a squarely lit pure blue or green screen, which will be removed afterward in post-production. Filmmakers use blue or green since they are slightest likely to be color components of the foreground subjects and consequently will not leave holes in them when that color is detached. (Harrison 3-5) Most popular traveling matte techniques comprise the use of blue screens or green screens. These techniques are used to describe and outline areas in matte images that define foreground or background images.

Comprehensive planning Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Comprehensive planning - Assignment Example These are some of the items that bring abut controversy in the agendas of local government. With their widespread significance and usage, it is surprising to see that plans are hardly evaluated against standards of best practice. Despite the centrality in plan making about land use, to the regional and city planning profession, there is a knowledge gap in relation to the quality of produced plans. This may be because of the complexity of the plan’s nature, as well as future orientation which bring together issues, factors, and aspirations from many sources to focus on long term outcomes. The gap is also as a result of unsystematic result integration and lack of evaluation because of the perception that they involve a lot of art, which defy rational analysis. Assessment of Plan Quality New York New York is a metropolitan city that consists of a society that is performance oriented. In such a city, people should be able to judge if their development plans achieve their goals, an d how well the planning process has been conducted. The plan by Robert Moses shaped New York City by providing freeways, parks and bridges systems (Ballon & Jackson, 2007; Caro, 1974). The aims of a profession like regional and city planning include enforcing high practice standards. Good practitioners reflect on their work’s quality and their experience so that they can learn (Meck, 2002). In New York, land use plans help the public to develop sustainable communities that value environmental, social, and economic values balance (Godschalk and Kaiser, 1995). These are the main subject matter elements of the plan, together with guiding land use in the future into configurations that are desirable. It also aims at assisting communities in addressing threats and opportunities, so as to make the best choice among policy alternatives. This planning presentation is clear in its organization. New York land use plan reaches the full planning power because stake holders are educated a bout options and issues, thus helping them to build consensus about visions of the community, thus mediating conflict between change and stability. The community’s participation in the process has helped its citizens in educating their future leaders and networks to resiliently respond to stresses like disasters. New York City Plan also gives the community periodic updates where the community gets an opportunity to assess the progress of their goals, and change in conditions that are important. According to Berke, Godschalk and Kaiser (2006), a good plan has a wide range of power to influence life quality, environmental justice, disaster resistance, economic opportunity, infrastructure costs, transportation efficiency and other aspects that affect community life. The New York plan is very comprehensive in taking into account all these issues. It is community oriented, besides allowing community participation. On the other hand, it fits well into Godschalk and Kaiser Developme nt plan. It was systematically evaluated, to specifically identify the strengths and weaknesses, thus determining its overall quality through democratic determination of instruments and visions. This provided a basis that ensured that it attained

Gender inequality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Gender inequality - Essay Example The cult of domesticity is a generic phrase for women to stay at home, clean the house, cook the food, and raise the children. In this model, the men are the bread winners. Since women rely on men for financial support, it is almost unorthodox for women to work outside the house. The idea of gender disparity in school, government and overall progression of women is clearly hindered in these cultures. These same issues have become the focal points that factored into gendered inequality for Malian Minianka women. These factors consisted of culture norms, sexuality, marriage and kinship. Without a doubt, one of the challenges for Malian Minianka women was to break the culture norms that dominated the perception of women. Culture in essence defines the dynamic components of family and social values. The idea of gender discourse was so prevalent throughout America that it sparked a cry for reformation. The ideology of the Republican Motherhood, was one of the original groups, that challenged the lack of development of female secular education because it dramatically sifts away from the traditional mindset (Week 6, Lecture 2). The second aspect that challenged women were child rearing and birth. Mothers, in their aspect of nurturing are responsible for showing the ropes of behavior to their children in this culture. Malian Minianka sheds some key highlights on how political domesticity has impacted the true notion of the evolving role of women (Week 7, Lecture 3). Although women were induced at home, they created a strong environment that harnessed and cultivated growth. I think one of the aspects that people fail to acknowledge is the fact that mothers have strong emotions. The mutual connection between mothers and children is awe-inspiring. One can only imagine the hardships that each mother undergoes during pregnancy and birth (Week 6, Lecture2). From this context, Spocks book represents an advance in salutary counsel for care of

Tartuffe Society Moliere

Tartuffe Society Moliere The Role of Reason in Tartuffe Molià ©res Tartuffe speaks volumes about reason by highlighting it in some of the main characters, while at the same time exaggerating the lack of it in others. The period known as the Enlightenment overemphasized the importance of the ability to reason, often leaving man feeling that he alone was in control of his destiny. The play is a clever satire, which attacks religious hypocrisy, gullibility, foolishness and social problems that were all present in society during the time period in which it was written. Molià ©re uses his pen as a teaching tool to point out the folly of relying only on one path to obtain knowledge, whether that path is religion, reason, or experience, and subsequently losing sight of the truth. The play begins with Madam Pernelle cutting everyone off mid-sentence and refusing to listen to anyone, while at the same time declaring that no one in the house will pay attention for a single minute. This scene sets the tone for the foolish premise of only trusting ones own ideas and perceptions. This closed mindset prevails throughout the play. The work presents the voice of reason in the lowly maid, Dorine, the less powerful brother-in-law, Clà ©ante, and the son, Damis. These three see Tartuffe for the hypocrite that he is and try in vain to convince the others of the mans clever deceptions. Dorine openly labels Tartuffe as a fraud and a bigot. She humorously describes the pious imposter as a â€Å"man of destiny† and then adds, â€Å"Hes made for horns.† This is amusing because it insinuates that he is the Devil and not a man of God. These are bold statements for a member of her class. She is much more insightful than most of the characters, but she is repeatedly told to be quiet and is referred to by Orgon as a dunce or a dunderhead. Unfortunately, the words of reason from Dorine, Clà ©ante, and Damis have no effect on Orgons or Madame Pernelles favorable impression of Tartuffe. However, these reasonable characters provide an interesting balance between themselves and the foolishness of the other charact ers. The readers introduction to the master of the household, Orgon, begins with a ridiculous conversation where Dorine reports that Elmire has been ill during his absence. Speaking almost as if he is deeply in love, Orgon is unable to even entertain thoughts of concern for anyone except Tartuffe. Orgon and Madame Pernelle are so convinced that they are endowed with the absolute truth that they are unwilling or unable to even consider the real truth. Their eyes are blind and their ears are deaf to anything that is in direct conflict with their preconceived ideas or beliefs concerning Tartuffe. Madam Pernelles obtuseness concerning Tartuffe is dwarfed by her sons complete and total devotion to the con man. They are both easily duped and vehemently refuse to allow their minds to be changed by others, which could possibility indicate an inherited naivety and hardheadedness. Mariane is more of a neutral character. She is not without the ability to reason, but feels powerless to go against her fathers wishes. In one of the early scenes, she tells her father that she will say whatever he tells her to say. This statement demonstrates the power of her fathers control. Mariane and Valà ©re both seem rather foolish when they are first discussing the possibility of her marriage to Tartuffe. Neither is voicing what they truly feel about the situation. Molià ©re uses Marianes character to point out conflicts between the parent and the child, one struggling to gain some small amount of control and the other struggling to maintain complete control of his family. The reader is made aware of other familial control issues between the in-laws, the husband and the wife, and the father and the son. For this reason, it is even more interesting that Orgon willingly turns almost all control of everything in his life over to Tartuffe. The relationship of the characters in the play mirrors some of the control struggles and problems in society at that time, only on a smaller scale. Many of these same struggles and problems still exist today in families and society. Tartuffe had been thoroughly discussed by the other characters long before he actually made his entrance. His words and actions immediately uphold the impression previously given by those who see him for what he is. As he tries to seduce Elmire, he speaks of religious matters and the secrets of science. He blatantly states that â€Å"Heaven is not averse to compromise.† When Damis tells his father of Tartuffes betrayal, oddly enough, Tartuffe does not deny it. He actually says that he is wicked and tells Orgon to charge him with any deed and adds that he will not defend himself. Orgons irrational response is to accuse Damis of being deceitful. This scene provides proof that Orgon is totally under Tartuffes spell. He refuses to believe the awful truth about Tartuffe even when it comes directly from the mans own lips. Even after Orgon is forced to see Tartuffes true character, he is unable to convince Madame Pernelle of the evil mans deceitfulness until she sees proof of his dec eption in the form of an eviction order. It is at this point that they are both chided for their stupidity by Dorine when she appears to defend Tartuffes benevolent act of liberating them from material things that might have endangered their salvation. Metaphors, allusion, and comic devices are all powerful tools used in Tartuffe to make a statement about the existence of hypocrisy and other social ills in society at that time. The play serves as a warning against the dangers of blindly accepting anything at face value. It was not meant as an insult to the religious community. This is evidenced by the fact that in the end Tartuffe is exposed as an imposter. Common sense and a willingness to consider the perceptions of others seem to be the missing components for those characters so completely duped by Tartuffe. It is important to note that social status does not dictate reason and in this play Molià ©re gives the voice of reason to the less important characters. Many people are capable of reasoning, but not all are capable of coming to the correct conclusion. The reasoning ability of the human mind is great, but reason alone is not enough to ascertain the truth in every situation.

Graduation Speech: I Am Stronger in the Lord :: Graduation Speech, Commencement Address

As I come to this place in my life I cannot help but think about Lincoln's Farewell Address at Springfield. In many ways it parallels my feelings in graduating from Gilmore Christian School. This is from President Lincoln's address written Feb. 11, 1861: "No one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feelings of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything. Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and have passed from young to an old man. Here my children have been born and one is buried. I now leave, not knowing when or whether ever I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of the Divine being whoever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance, I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will be bell. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell." Being the only senior at ACS this year has proved to be difficult. It's had ups and downs. But in the end it was all worth it. ACS has given me something no other school would offer: their love and interested in me and my well-being. I am convinced, if they had not had faith in me, I would not be standing here in this place of honor. This past year, more than any before, I have grown closer to and stronger in the Lord. I would like to take this time to thank my family, friends and teachers: Mom, thank you for everything. You have done so much for me in the past 18 years of my life, I don't know where to start. Thank you for loving me through the thick and thin of it all. Mrs. Graber, thank you for not losing hope in me when you probably should have, and most of all thank you for believing in me. It helped so incredibly much. Mrs. Schultz, thank you for your council. Without it I wouldn't have made it past 11th grade. It has been an honor to have you as a teacher for the past three years. Mr. Murray, first of all, thank you for coming to teach here at Gilmore Christian School.