Scepticism Inc :: essays research papers

Edgar Malroy would be considered a hero to readers of Scepticism Inc. Edgar literally took money from the rich churches and gave to the poor. This Robin Hood image brings Edgar to the spotlight as a champion of sorts and the reader ends up rooting for him throughout the story. The means by which Edgar took the money was, on the surface, legitimate. However, the bet could never be won and the emotions of the betters influenced their decision-making abilities. Can a person taking a wager, in good conscience, accept this bet when no definitive outcome can be reached? Is it allowable for Edgar to take this money, knowing that it could never be won back, and then use it for good purposes? The churches that are placing the bets appear to be the foolish victims. The reader does not necessarily feel sorry for them though. Through our own experiences, the churches take tithing from its congregation supposedly to support the routine maintenance of the building, pay the salaries of the office staff, and support the meager lifestyle of the priest, reverend, father or head-guy-in-charge. Most Congregationalist do not ask where the excess goes, they do not have to ask, announcements are made weekly about the church’s good deeds and how they were able to feed and clothe the needy. Yet, these religious bodies are some of the wealthiest institutions in the world. Third world countries are thought to have the highest percentages of believers, and in the story they are. These people are also among the world’s poorest and uneducated. These masses of struggling people weekly buy the lotto ticket that the church is selling. This lotto, salvation and heaven, can not ever be won, nor can the jackpot be proven to exist. Nor can the church prove that they are authorized lotto ticket distributors. They rely on the emotions and acceptance of their followers, and routinely ask them to give money to support their cause. They are taxing the poor and becoming more wealthy and powerful because of it. They even ask their Congregationalists to give them more money in order to place higher bets. Both Edgar and the religions of the world would fall under the same criticism from Clifford. Although the churches are giving their money to Edgar in proof of their unverifiable beliefs, and the churches sell redemption to their parishioners by convincing them that it is advantageous to give their money to the church.

Compare the representations of Frankenstein Essay

Compare the representations of Frankenstein in Branagh’s Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and the 1931 film Frankenstein directed by James Whale Language- 1931: Camera –   Close ups are not used on Frankenstein as Branagh wants people to wonder what he looks like. There are lots of pans to show the set and the people there.   There is a close up on the monsters hand when it is twitching. There aren’t many edits which makes it boring and not very interesting. Sound –   Diegetic sound is the machines, Frankenstein shouting, noise of the monster being taken up. Non-diegetic sound is the thunder; there is no music at all in the extract. Mise-en-scene –   Henry Frankenstein is wearing a lab coat/straight jacket, which gives the impression that he is crazy.   He has slicked back hair using hair oil.   The acting style is very over the top, like theatrical acting. Frankenstein is side lit, to make him look scared and horrified.   Overall the lighting is mostly by top lights and sometimes the lightening. 1994: Camera –   There are lots of frantic zooms, pans and also up and down shots, which makes the audience intimidated. The camera follows Frankenstein and shows his emotions/feelings.   The edits are very fast and unnoticeable, using cuts and jump cuts.   By making the editing quicker, this builds up the tension. Sound –   Diegetic sound are the chains, machines moving, bangs, slots into the body, the electricity sparks and also Frankenstein’s voice and movements.   Non – diegetic sound is the dramatic theme music, building up to create much more tension. Mise-en-scene –   Victor Frankenstein is dressed in trousers but with no top. However the monster is naked. Frankenstein’s hair is shoulder length, which is very messy and sweaty. The acting style is exciting and energetic but not mad.   Frankenstein is mainly lit on his upper body.   There are lots of side lights and candle light, however the room looks dark. Institutions – 1931:   In black and white.   Universal studios made the film, as they knew horror would be a big money spinner.   It was voted one of the best films of the year by New York Times. 1994:   It wasn’t as brand new as it was in 1931, as in 1994 many horror films had been out. The technology was much more advanced and a lot had changed from 1931, new ideas and there was a new effect on people. Audience – 1931: The big actor, Boris Karloff was used to attract the audiences.   People in 1931 were different to 1994, as it was all fresh and new to them.   Cinema was a get away for people.   Frankenstein was a big horror, and scared the audiences of its day.   The monster, which was thought as Frankenstein became a big horror icon, with a built up brow and a bolt through his neck. 1994: Kenneth Branagh and Robert de Niro were used to attract audiences. Horror films were the norm to people in 1994. They were a lot more sophisticated.   Money was much more wide-spread in 1994 but wasn’t as much in 1931. Representation – 1931: Frankenstein was dressed very much like a man in 1931.   His movements, delivery of the lines and his acting style is all over the top, like in the way of a theatre play. The light is normally based on the monster and when it’s on Frankenstein, the light would be on his upper body. The 1931 film changes Frankenstein’s name to Henry, rather than Victor The audience are supposed to react to Frankenstein in a scary way and that he comes across very mad. 1994:   Frankenstein dresses and looks very much like a man of the time that the novel was written.   His movements and acting style is energetic and exciting however doesn’t come across at all mad. The light is mainly based on Frankenstein’s upper body; the rest of the room is very dark.   The music interprets Frankenstein very well, as he is running around being busy. The music is a fast, dramatic orchestra. Frankenstein’s name stays the same as the novel, which is Victor.   The audience are supposed to think that Frankenstein is very involved with his work and wants to get it done to see the result.

Workplace Diversity An Organization Wide Effort

Corporate America is seeing a shift in workforce demographics, with the terms â€Å"workplace diversity’ being thrown around in meetings across many large organizations. There are many definitions and interpretations of workplace diversity, but the this paper will define workplace diversity as â€Å"an environment that maximizes the potential of all employees by not discriminating against age, ethnicity, gender, physical abilities/qualities, race, sexual orientation, educational background, geographic location, income, marital or partner status, military experience, parental status, religious beliefs, work experience or job classification (Futon). Managers of this era have to work alongside individuals who not only come from different ages and educational backgrounds, but also individuals who are of different origins and have roots in many parts of the world. Organizational leaders are convinced that diversity efforts need to be an organization-wide effort in order for it to succeed (Roosevelt 23). The reality is that the American workforce is changing very rapidly and steps have to be taken to adapt to this new environment. This paper will focus on (1) the growing importance of workplace diversity, (2) the benefits associated with having a diversified work environment, (3) methods of increasing workplace diversity and (4) effective strategies for managing a diverse workforce. (1) The Increasing Importance of Workplace Diversity The importance of workplace diversity has increasedShow MoreRelatedThe Attribution Theory And Development Of Competence And Realization Of Potential Essay1517 Words   |  7 Pagesothers), and at the top of the hierarchy is growth needs (development of competence and realization of potential). The overall idea of this theory is very similar to Maslow’s but in a more rational sense. 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