Overview Of Clintons Impeachment Proceedings Essay -- William Jeffers

An Overview of the Impeachment Proceedings of William J. Clinton The impeachment trial of President Clinton originated from a civil lawsuit filed in 1994 by Paula Jones. Jones alleged that in 1991 Governor Clinton asked a state trooper to bring her up to his room at Excelsior Hotel, where she alleged he dropped his trousers and asked her to "kiss it" (Chronology of the Paula Jones Case, BBC, January, 1998). The case made it to the Supreme Court because of the President's request to delay the trial until the end of his term. The Supreme Court ruled that the trial could proceed, and Jones' lawyers began their investigation. On December 5, 1997, "Jones' lawyers submitted a list of women that they would like to depose. Included on the list was the name Monica Lewinsky" (The Impeachment Trial of President William Clinton, UMKC online, Linder, 2005). In 1995, twenty-one year old Monica Lewinsky began an internship at the White House. Six months later, while assigned to the West Wing, Lewinsky began a sexual relationship with the President. This relationship involved several sexual encounters that spanned from the fall of 2005 to the beginning of 2007 (Starr Report, Sect. II, CNN online, 1998). Not long after, came the Supreme Court's decision to allow the Paula Jones case to continue. In January of 1998, Attorney General Janet Reno petitioned the three-judge panel in charge of Independent Counsel Kenneth Starr. The petition requested Starr's authorization to conduct an investigation on whether anyone had committed a federal crime regarding Paula Jones' sexual harassment lawsuit against President Clinton (Starr Speaks, Salon online, Starr, 1998, para.2). The Three Judge panel granted the petition filed by Attor... ... At the end of William J Clinton's presidency, although not impeached nor censured, he admitted to misleading testimony. Soon after this admission, in 2001, the Arkansas State Bar suspended his license to practice law for five years and fined him $25,000. A few months later, the Supreme Court also moved to suspend his license to practice law in front of the Supreme Court. Facing suspension, Former President Clinton resigned from the Supreme Court Bar. References: http://icreport.access.gpo.gov/hr611rh.txt http://www.lib.umich.edu/govdocs/impeach.html#hinquiry http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1998/11/03/election/house/roundup/ http://leahy.senate.gov/press/199902/990211ext.html#I http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/resources/1998/lewinsky/defense/ http://www.law.cornell.edu/background/impeach/censure.htm http://www.cnn.com/starr.report/

The Anniversary Party :: Personal Narrative Writing

The Anniversary Party By 1947, my grandfather had returned from World War II and married a French girl he had met while going to college at Emory University in Atlanta. This was my grandmother. He looks at her sometimes in their kitchen when we are down to visit and loudly claims to have known from the moment he saw her that she would be the woman he'd marry. My grandmother Geva, short for the lovely Genevieve, smiles and shakes her head and takes a coconut cake into the other room while she remembers the hot day in Georgia when she lost her French name - Bertat. Bertat, Bertat. That name - incredibly beautiful, with the little lilt at the end lifting it up. She remembers becoming "Mrs. Alexander" and then incorporating the name when they started the "ALEXANDER'S OFFICE SUPPLIES" stores in Milledgeville, Macon, and Dublin, Georgia, where they live. And she puts the coconut cake down where it goes, where it will sit to be nibbled at in times of boredom by the men she made it for, and she thinks on where she is now - fifty years she's been married to him. Their stores are all three going strong, and she is still working at the Dublin branch every day, including today, her 50th wedding anniversary. She is still as sharp as the ten thousand tacks she ordered for Macon this morning. We are down to visit and to celebrate this anniversary, this fairly amazing accomplishment of my grandparents. Their marriage has been full of love, and today their house is full of children and grandchildren. I am the oldest and long ago was dubbed "#1 Grandson" by my grandfather. My cousin Chris, a year younger than me, is "#2," my younger brother is "#3," and Chris's brother Scott is "#4." It's hardly a creative labeling system, but it works well when yelled from across the house if one of the dogs is bothering him or if anyone comes to the door. Chris has had a hard life and has made the lives of those around him hard as well. He is not in Dublin right now - he is in South Carolina at a military school, but he probably won't stay there long. He was kicked out of one school for breaking into their computer system and messing with their records. He is fairly a genius with anything mechanical or technological, the exact opposite of me and my brother, who throw up our hands like the prissy city-boys we are when Chris talks about taking apart hard drives or fixing cars.

Tax and Gearing

W22Extra: Tax and Gearing: More Questions Multiple Choice 1) Which of the following statements is false? A) In general, the gain to investors from the tax deductibility of interest payments is referred to as the interest tax shield. B) The interest tax shield is the additional amount that a firm would have paid in taxes if it did not have leverage. C) Because Corporations pay taxes on their profits after interest payments are deducted, interest expenses reduce the amount of corporate tax firms must pay. D) As Modigliani and Miller made clear in their original work, capital structure matters in perfect capital markets.Thus, if capital structure does not matter, then it must stem from a market imperfection. As Modigliani and Miller made clear in their original work, capital structure does not matter in perfect capital markets. Thus, if capital structure matters, then it must stem from a market imperfection. ————————— Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€ Rosewood Industries has EBIT of $450 million, interest expense of $175 million, and a corporate tax rate of 35%. 2) Rosewood's net income is closest to: A) $450 million B) $180 million C) $290 million D) $95 million Net income = (EBIT – Interest expense)(1 – ?C) = (450 – 175)(1 – . 35) = $178. 75 3) The total of Rosewood's net income and interest payments is closest to: A) $270 million B) $355 million C) $290 million D) $450 million Net income + Interest = (EBIT – Interest expense)(1 – ? C) = (450 – 175)(1 – . 35) = $178. 75 + $175 = $353. 73 4) If Rosewood had no interest expense, its net income would be closest to: A) $405 million B) $160 million C) $450 million D) $290 million Net income = (EBIT – Interest expense)(1 – ? C) = (450 – 0)(1 – . 35) = $292. 50 5) The amount of Rosewood's interest tax shield is closest to: A) $115 million B) $290 millionC) $175 million D) $60 million Interest tax shield = Interest expense(? C) = 175(. 35) = $61. 25 ——————————————————————————— Fly by Night Aviation (FBNA) expects to have net profit available for shareholders next year of ? 24 million and Free Cash Flow of ? 27 million. FBNA's marginal corporate tax rate is 40%. 6) Establish FBNA's EBIT A) ? 43 million B) ? 40 Million C) ? 45 million D) ? 60 million EBIT = NI + Taxes + Interest expense FCF = NI + Interest expense => 27 = 24 + interest expense = 3 (EBIT – Interest Expense)(1 – 0. ) = NI (EBIT – 3)(0. 6) = 24 (EBIT – 3) = 24/0. 6 = 40 EBIT = 40 + 3 = $43 7) IF FBNA increases leverage so that its interest expense rises by ? 1 million, then the amount its profit for shareholders will change is closest to: A) -? 400,000 B) -? 600,000 C) ? 400,000 D) ? 600,000 (EBIT – Interest Expense – chg IE)(1 – 0. 4) = NI + chg NI (- chg IE)(0. 6) = chg NI -1m (. 6) = -600,000 Or, -$1m (1 – . 4) = -$600,000 8) IF FBNA increases leverage so that its interest expense rises by ? 1 million, then the amount its Free Cash flow will change is closest to: A) -? 600,000 B) -? 400,000C) ? 600,000 D) ? 400,000 FCF = NI + Interest expense chg FCF = chg NI + chg Interest expense = – 600,000 + 1m = +400,000 Or, $1m (0. 4) = $400,000 ————————————————————————— LCMS Industries has ? 70 million in debt outstanding. The firm will pay only interest on this debt (the debt is perpetual). LCMS' marginal tax rate is 35% and the firm pays a rate of 8% inte rest on its debt. 9) LCMS' annual interest tax shield is closest to: A) ? 2. 8 million B) ? 2. 0 million C) ? 3. 6 million D) ? 5. 6 million Annual Tax shield= annual debt interest ? C = ? 70M ? 0. 08 ? .35 = 1. 96M 10) Assuming that the risk is the same as the loan, the present value of LCMS' interest tax shield is closest to: A) ? 45. 5 million B) ? 20. 0 million C) ? 24. 5 million D) ? 35. 0 million PV of Tax shield = debt ? ?C = ? 70M ? .35 = 24. 5M 11) Assuming that the risk of the tax shield is only 6% even though the loan pays 8%, then the present value of LCMS' interest tax shield is closest to: A) ? 24. 5 million B) ? 18 million C) ? 33. 0 million D) ? $20. 0 million PV of Tax shield = debt ? ?C ? rD / rD2 = $70M ? .35 ? .08/. 06 = 32. 67

The Role of Zoning in Urban Development

The Role of Zoning in Urban Development Introduction Zoning, as used in land utilization planning, involves designating permitted utilization of land depending on demarcated zones that distinguish one set of land utilization from another. The fundamental aim of zoning is to separate functions that cannot be harmonious and protect residential properties, as well as enterprises from developmental interference. It also protects the culture of a community.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Role of Zoning in Urban Development specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The institutions involved in the zoning process include the local authorities like municipal and county councils mostly though it varies with countries. For instance, in Australia, Commonwealth land is not under regulation by the state, in Germany and France; however, zoning is under the regulation of the national and federal government. In zoning, the ventures that the land can be put into are r egulated, and such ventures include residential uses, agricultural purposes, commercial and industrial ventures. The state authorities use zoning as a tool of regulating private property so as to enhance economic development and growth. The Zoning Process The first step in the zoning process is the application conference. This is a meeting called upon by the Department of Planning and Zoning staff, as well as other departments to determine their specific development requirements (Walters 45). The next step is where the proponent submits two filled application forms, availing all the supplemental information, a comprehensive site plan, and the necessary processing that is required. â€Å"Upon receipt of the application, the planning and zoning department notifies the applicant of discrepancies if any, within fifteen days: If there are no errors, and the threshold for submission requirements is met, the application goes to public hearing† (Burke 22). The public hearing takes pl ace before the Planning and Zoning Commission. During the public hearing, other interested parties present their views that may be in favor of the application or be against it. The Planning Commission then makes its decisions and recommendations which it forwards to the County Council. Appeals or protests may be submitted to the City Council regarding the decisions arrived at by the Planning Commission to be looked at.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The Planning Commission at this point is required to review the Site Development Plan jointly with the Department of Public Works, and Highways and Traffic Department as was submitted by the applicant. The plan is reviewed if it complies with the permit conditions. Bonds or escrows are established as a guarantee of improvements. Such improvements occur in the subdivision process and include water improvements, special landscaping and water detention improvements. After the initiation of the subdivision processing, the Zoning process is finalized. Importance of Zoning in Urban Development Zoning is a fundamental tool in any society that has its strategic plans to guide its growth and development. Zoning must be structured to adapt to the dynamic changes that occur in our lives and society at large. The various roles that zoning play in urban development include: Appropriate Designation of land Zoning regulations clearly define how land should be designated to various socio-economic activities of the region. This designation is aimed at avoiding conflicts between the various interested parties and the residents. Both land buyers and those who own land are able to know what to build and in which specific areas. For instance one is prohibited from building a factory within a residential area. The zoning laws give a clear definition of the residential zone, commercial zones, and the recreatio nal areas. Zoning is also important so as to avoid inconveniences and dangers posed to the residents occupying a certain area. For instance, a shopping mall inside a residential zone would result in traffic congestion; thus, posing danger to infants within such areas (Burke 36). As such, individuals must consider the regulations before erecting structures so as to avoid conflict with the law governing zoning. Ensure Easy Accessibility to Social Services Zoning sets aside specific areas to be utilized for road construction and other means of transport. The social services like sporting, drama services, public health services and security operations have their designated areas. The reservation of certain areas for social services enhances easy access to the services. The development of infrastructure also fastens transport and enhances mobility of people and services.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Role of Zoning in Urban Development specificall y for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Each of these facilities also has their preferred operating environments; for instance, schools must be located in a quiet surrounding to promote a learning atmosphere. On the other hand, recreational facilities are located in the city centre where most people can access them. Well maintained roads are very convenient to the passengers and the motorists because of efficiency (Walters 43). Regulating the Use of Real Estates Several municipal and county councils have established regulations to govern the development of Real Estates within their areas of jurisdiction. These councils are subdivided into zoning districts that allocate specific areas to specific socio-economic activities. According to relevant sources, the zoning regulations that regulate the utilization of real property control their use in relation to specific boundaries at the industrial, commercial, as well as residential levels. The local council evaluat es the character of the property and its suitability for the particular purpose. The laws must be applied universally across the local council and not be applied selectively. These regulations may also dictate the kind of buildings to be built, the recommended height of buildings, the kind of accessory utilities to be constructed, and the amount of light that each building obstructs. An Important Tool for Planners Zoning is an exercise that involves the demarcation of a region into well defined functional areas. In connection, planners use zoning to determine population density and redistribute it whenever necessary if they appear to apply much stress on the available resources. The relocation policy may also be applied so as to promote equitable development because when people resettle elsewhere, there are chances of town centers emerging; thus, attracting investors. Planners also use zoning as a method of enhancing the social and economic developments in society. It is used to dis tribute the various economic activities across the region. For instance, most industries are located close to the source of raw material with an aim of reducing transport costs. Similarly, the service industry is mainly situated in the Central Business District where their demand is high and the people there have remarkable disposable income.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Protects Natural Resources of Farmland The main farm-land protection policies applied by most governments include zoning, taxation, right-to-farm legislation and acquisition of development rights. The tax policies have proved fruitless, as they raise the area affected by impermanence syndrome. The right-to-farm legislation is enacted to protect farmers against unnecessary complaints from nearby residents. Agricultural zoning is an instrumental way of protecting farmland in many countries. Under this plan, farmers are allowed to sell their development rights to the public, which provide them with more capital for investment purposes. On the contrary, some pessimists argue that the zoning results in public pressure where population growth rate is on an increase. Zoning also recognizes the existence of natural resources like mines. Mineral mines always have their land reserved for them even if it means the locals must be displaced. This is to ensure the safety of the citizens should a calamity occur at the mining site. The forest reserves are always situated depending on the prevailing weather conditions that can sustain the forests naturally. These reserves must be situated in zones that receive plenty of rainfall. In its planning, the local government must set prohibit settlement along the riverbanks. As such, there must be a defined perimeter from the river that people are not allowed to put up structures. The local government in its beautification program should set aside land for the beautification of the environment to give it an aesthetic value. Future Growth and Development The future considerations must be made in the zoning process. For instance in a developing nation, the zoning must take into account the possibility of expansion of the infrastructure, the upgrading of various slums, the emergence of other urban centers and deforestation to increase land available for industrial development. Enforcing Building Codes Building codes regulate the structur al properties of a building and its safety. These codes are very essential in the most sensitive buildings that the host key economic activities and various dignitaries. These codes also ensure the stability and durability of a building. The codes are quite dynamic and change depending on the technological advancements. Minimum Design Standards The minimum designed standards as established by professional bodies are meant to ensure that buildings have the necessary aesthetic value as per international standards. These standards are also applied to ensure there is harmony in the architectural structures of a certain segment. Adherence to the set standards ensures a continuous development of safe and certified structures. Connectivity Zoning is a very crucial tool in connection of various zonal areas. The various zones as partitioned act as integration points for the various people in society as they go to look for the services offered by each division. The streets and highways constr ucted act as avenues for meeting new people and getting to know each other. The recreational facilities that are designated to certain parts serve as meeting points for a diverse group of people. The constructed highways also facilitate the connectivity from one zone to another. Zoning Ordinances The main aim of zoning ordinances is to establish the recommended uses for land under the ordinance. It divides a region into different functional zones. The ordinances established should ensure sufficient light and air. They must also ensure easy access and safety from raging fire. They must take into account policies that make the building free from flooding and enhance the flow of traffic in the highways. The ordinances also ensure that public health standards are observed. They must strive to provide comfort to the public and promote proper morals and general society welfare. Analysis of Density Zoning is used to analyze density of every aspect of life ranging from human beings, animals , vegetation, geographical features and housing. The density of the population is more in the most industrialized areas since these industries provide jobs and thus a source of livelihood (Gabroit 65). The density of residential houses in higher in the outskirts of the city where the environment is quiet. The density of motor vehicles is higher in the dual carriage highways than the single carriage highways. The density of livestock is higher in the arid and semi-arid lands due to the pastoral communities that live in those areas. T he density of industries is higher in the industrial areas due to the zoning done by the government that designated those areas for industrial development. Zoning as Used in Design The design of various structures is influenced by the zoning policies put in place by the local government. For instance, houses of a particular design will be concentrated only in one region. The sky scrapers are mainly located at the city centers while residential apartments are situated in the residential zones. The design of roads is also largely determined by the economic activities it supports. Superhighways that serve cross-border transit services are well maintained and designed as compared to feeder roads (Burke 29). Encourage construction of affordable housing units Once the zoning process has allocated a particular subdivision for a specific purpose, it is possible for investors in the construction industry to invest in the construction of affordable housing for the middle and low income groups. This leads to the emergence of affordable apartments for the residents. Challenges Facing Zoning as a Development Tool Zoning has led to the segregation of business areas and residential areas. It has also separated social housing from private housing. This has promoted the emergence of slums and shanties. The city centers have also witnessed the aging of their buildings due to the segregation because a reducing number of people travel to the city cent re. Insecurity also poses a challenge as people travel in masses mostly in the evenings and the buglers may take advantage of such situations. Another form of challenge comes in the form of discrimination racial, ethnic, economic or gender-based. Within the residential areas, some special interest groups may prefer to live as a community on their own (Gabriot 78). Legislation Setbacks One of the major setbacks in the zoning process is the fact that ordinances assume that division of land is usually a signal of an upcoming development (Burke 34). As a consequence, prospective buyers of such land will make more demands for the community public utilities. Another setback is the fact that property that was acquired before an ordinance came into force can only be given the nonconformities status. Nonconformities This is a term used to refer to a zoned piece of land whose utilization existed before the new zoning rules were enacted (Burke 37). These uses may not conform to the new rules. The nonconformity may be based on usage, structural design and other legal requirements. Conclusion Zoning is a tool that the local and central governments can use to spur economic growth and development. It is also used to enhance socio-economic integration among people. However, the allocation of land for specific purposes has led to scarcity of land and congestion of activities in the designated areas, leading to lack of competition among businesses and limitation on the available space for expansion. It has also led to urban sprawl and the development of slums and shanties. Burke, Barlow. Understanding the Law of Zoning and Land Use Controls. South Melbourne: LexisNexis Press, 2002. Print. Gabroit, Pascaline. European New Towns: Images, Identities, Future Perspectives. Brussels: Editions Scientific Internationales, 2010. Print. Walters, David. Designing Community, Charrettes, Masterplans and Form-based  Codes. London: Thomson Learning, 2007. Print.

Essay Sample on Claude-Oscar Monet and His Techniques

Essay Sample on Claude-Oscar Monet and His Techniques Monet impressionism genre and technique was based on the major themes of 18th century which were naturalism tendencies emphasized with empiricism and the unity of culture, the comprehension of nature. Impressionism era strengthened the morality of artist in conviction that objectivity to reality was extended by pervasive impact of social and personal circumstances on perception of this reality and precise text interpretation was grasped only in the end of 19th century. The verbal explanations of art tendencies started on from 18th century socio-emotional situation define the choice of genres and techniques boundaries. Nostalgia for Nature dictated the emotional influence on artists personality to look for outdoors beauty while tendency contradiction was settling indoors so as modern beauty was mainly found in the house. A further advantage of being a studio artist made Monet easier to meditate indoors than outdoors: so the studio atmosphere helped Monet to invent a progressive kind of landscape picture. For instance, the painting Bathers a la Grenouillere is a distinct Monet tendency on coloristics of the palette.   Claude often divided his canvases half by half so that two plans of reality were joined by supposed horizon line. Two reality plans of the whole landscape were often exposed  Ã‚   by placing poplars or other trees above water, with their reflections on the depicted water. This method of designing Nature perspective helped Monet to define social component on the canvas. This were humans depicted on the edge of two plans crossing, the line of horizon. This evidently explains academic and practical understanding of realistic perspective space rendered by the artist on the surface of length and width fusion. The technique offered innovation in picture perception. The visual basis was determined by individual artistic view. Panorama as object is realistic referring to realistic dimensions, proportions and space progression but as subject it is extremely renewed. Monet pro vides the format of technique with content of intensive colors playing with contrast of green and red, black and white, spots of illuminated portions and shady masses of panoramic view. The effect of collage intrudes with the variety of color mixing. Adding of black and white colors to basis gives the impression of sun rays distribution on object. The reflection of the light on uneven surface brings the intensity of contrast. The shivering of water and leaves hustling are two main plans of black and white contrast. Sun light penetration on this very landscape is likely designed by impression of artist finding himself through the summer holiday. The third play of black and white was when these two contrasts were mixed into grey and added to basis. This is the plan of distant trees masses along the river. The illuminated spots of close lime-colored trees plan and distant intensively whitened blue and yellow reflections on river surface gives an impression of hot summer day with high level of moisture in the air. The plan of river-boats painted with much of green, navy and brown specializes the close distance and cover from sun penetration. The horizon line introduced with human figures gives us a clear view of artist on social situation of his time. The 18th century style clothing of two ladies walking in direction of illuminated trees masses and the group of three dressed in 19th century fashion tendency hidden from sunlight by foliage. The three are likely watching the kids having fun on the surface of warm waters of river. The rare intrusions of orange and red systemizes the division of summer and coming autumn. The technique of rude chaotic smear layers of color is explained by open-air, spontaneous painting. The Thames below Westminster is one of the famous serial of misty London landscapes paintings. The observation of architecturally gothic London drowned in overgrowing mass of fog impressed the artistic nature of Claude so that he felt secure inside this way of reality. The technique is exclusively recognizable. Smear effect of brush touch is preserved though a feeling of milky haze over the Houses of Parliament is explained by less contrast of black and white. The palette of the painting resides on balance of two main colors. Beige and grey balance creates the smooth texture of mist perception. Melancholic impression is supported by grey color adding. Coloristically the space of landscape interpreted by Claude is divided into three distance plans.   The furthest plan is presented by the fusion of beige and grey as basis of coloring the buildings of Westminster Abbey. This plan of reality coincides with horizon line of the panorama. The effect of mirage and mystery is generated simply of unclear silhouette and slight contrast of castles and bridge on the background of beige foggy mass. The plan of two barges suspended on the milky surface of Thames gives the intermediary plan which gives an impression of distance and space. Monet invites his usual method of mirroring two realities. The reflection of fog mass on river surface creates the impression of perfecting the harmonized version of Nature (performed by River and Sky), Art (Architecture) and Human element (Figures on wooden pier). The third plan is wooden pier with figures of men who likely are some type of dealers which supports the version that Monet impressions often include social element. Claude successfully manages to render the texture of materials in wood and concrete through the mild smear of brush. The pier is clearly made of wood and sidewalk on right hand is logically made of concrete which also specifies the contemporary time of artist. Claude Monet is not accidentally chosen as one of the pioneers of Impressionism period. His paintings are reasonably evaluated as socially and historically appreciated. The emotive content of Monet paintings underplays in the limits of brush technique and choice on color palette, balance and contrast while the social context is viewed through the objects described on canvas. This is a sample Art essay written from scratch by one of our academic writers. If you want to order a custom essay, research paper, term paper, thesis/dissertation on any topic contact us now and we will provide you with professional academic writing help.

Shakespeare in love Analysis Essays

Shakespeare in love Analysis Essays Shakespeare in love Analysis Paper Shakespeare in love Analysis Paper Essay Topic: Film Twelfth Night In this media assignment, I will be looking at and interpreting the film Shakespeare in Love. Although at first the film looks to be fairly normal, there are subtle things, which generally make it more appealing to us. The director needed to add these subtle things to make the film look and feel realistic, so that the audience would think the film was believable. I am going to write about what these subtle things are, and what their impact is on the audience as well as giving my thoughts on each. With nearly every point I make, you have to consider the film is intending to take us back in time to the 1590s, the time Elizabeth I was the queen. A lot of my points will refer to the time period, because it will be very important to the director to make the film believable. Because Shakespeare is such a famous person, most people who see the film will know he died a long time ago (in 1616 to be precise), which would mean that the audience would expect the film to be set in a different time period to match the time he lived in (that is, unless it has been purposely modernised, which in this case it hasnt). Tied into this, I think the opening sequence was discreetly meant to look old. Something that I noticed was that the opening credits (telling us the cast names etc.) were in black and white. I would associate black and white with the past, because in the earlier years of the 20th century, films used to be in black and white, before colour was introduced later on. This was as well as the font of the writing being in the font that we would associate with old England. Because the director did this, we get the impression that the film is set in the 16th century even before the film has begun. Its important to set the mood for a film in its first scenes, because it would be harder to persuade an audience to enjoy a film if they werent immediately drawn into it. The phrase: you dont get a second first impression suits my point because as with just about anything, most people will presume that all the film will follow the patterns of what we see in its first few minutes. There was only one thing that I thought was wrong with the opening sequence. Nothing else was happening when the opening credits were on, never mind any decent on screen action! Anything that was happening would have given us a taste of what was to come later on. Because there wasnt any action, it felt as if the director didnt care about giving us a taster and therefore didnt care that the only thing we could do during the credits was to get bored. However, I dont think that a good first impression would be good enough for an audience. I think this was why music seemed to be extremely important to the director as well. Not only was it frequently played, the instruments played suited the period Shakespeare in Love was set in. I dont recall hearing anything but string instruments which are associated with classical music. Also, the tempo, pitch, and loudness of the music are all very important. Whenever an important part of the film is on screen, we hear completely different types of music, even though the same instruments are used. For example, when Thomas Kemp was auditioning for the part of Romeo, background music gradually got louder. This was building up to the end of his audition, when the music seemed to explode so that it dominated all the films sound. The pitch also seemed to get higher. These combined create music that feels victorious and happy probably how Shakespeare felt at the time it was happening. It is hard to describe why the music felt this way, but the music seems to uplift our feelings, just as the pitch and volume got higher. I think the on screen action also reflects how we feel, because we can usually see the emotion being portrayed as the music is being played. This was also done in many other places, such as the scene where Shakespeare was running down the street with the first scene in his hand, and also when Thomas Kemp listens to Shakespeare reads a sonnet on stage realising (I think) that she wanted to be the part of Romeo in his play. This type of music was almost certainly used intentionally because of the numerous places it turned up in. Not only was there happy music, but also dramatic music. The tempo increased dramatically, and the pitch of the music was dropped slightly to get this feeling. This wasnt played in as many areas as with the happy music, but was still used quite frequently. The best example of this music was when Shakespeare was chasing Thomas Kemp through the streets, after their audition. However important this is to the director, the camera angles need to be just as good. We saw that on several occasions the level of the camera reflected the class system old England had. We could see this clearly at the very end of the film, when Romeo and Juliet was being performed because the common audience were at the bottom of the stage, whereas the royal box was overlooking the stage and directly above the 3rd class people. This showed us that the higher-class people were in the position that resembled their status higher up. We also saw something similar at the beginning of the film, when Henslowe was being tortured. We saw that the camera was looking up to Fennyman (the torturer), and down at Henslowe. I think this was because Fennyman was the person in control of his peers. This meant that Henslowe was (metaphorically speaking) looking up to Fennyman to try to gain his forgiveness as did the camera whenever Fennyman spoke. The techniques used with the camera were also fairly basic which isnt typical of a film at all! No advanced techniques were used in the film (such as zoom or fading), which I think was a fairly discreet thing to do, yet very effective for the people who notice it. I think the lack of modern techniques used represented the lack of technology that the people had in the 16th century. I really liked the techniques used, because they show us that the director seems to have really tried to make the film believable yet used a variety of different ways. These techniques may appeal to a more observant audience because they will get that little extra for the money they pay, whereas people who are less observant will probably be happy with the on-screen scenery and props; which only make the film look (and not feel) old. However, making the films set look old is still fairly important. This ties in with a previous point I made at the bottom of page one, regarding getting a first impression. If the audience were expecting a realistic film (which in this case they would be), they would not be impressed by a modern looking set in the first few minutes, as they should know that Shakespeare lived hundreds of years ago. The audience would then probably notice more of the modern things put into the film, rather than any old things (visible or otherwise). This would therefore lower peoples opinions of the film, before the main plots have even begun to unfold. Such obvious background features included the use of lighted candles to light an area, instead of electric light bulbs, particularly in pubic buildings. Also, rats were occasionally seen on screen with the most memorable time for me being when the young boy speaking to Shakespeare picked one up by its tail. These are fairly obvious examples, but are only used in the background. One physical feature that stood out were the characters clothes because they were always on screen and also because they were often unusual, making them stand out a lot of the time. However, the clothes didnt vary enough for my liking. Although they suited the time, they seemed to lack originality. The clothes of commoners were often dirty and generally looked old and worn, whereas the higher-class people wore the most bizarre outfits Ive ever seen particularly queen Elizabeth 1st with her top, which seemed to have grown wings! This wasnt enough for me because any director could have made actors in the mise-en-scene wear these types of clothes for an effect, so therefore the directors intentions for clothing lacked originality. Perhaps the director could have advised the clothing department to rip parts of the commoners clothes, and then sew them back together with a different coloured thread, that had no contrast at all, to emphasise how poor these people were. Also, the director could have distinguished Shakespeare to be in a particular class. This is because Shakespeare tended to fall in between class structures as far as his clothing was concerned as his clothes were neither old or worn, denoting a poor person, nor bizarre and extravagant, denoting a rich person. The only thing that impressed me with the clothing was that they usually made the important characters stand out. This was because Shakespeares clothes (among others) were a different colour to most other people. This was particularly effective in scenes where the mise-en-scene was similar to the main action. For example, in scenes where the mise-en-scene involved dancing, the unimportant dancers tended to wear burgundy and brownish colours, which were similar colours to the background, whereas Shakespeare wore a vibrant green shirt and hat. Although there was barely any change in the style of clothes, Shakespeare always stood out of the crowd. This was an excellent idea. This follows my earlier point in saying that the same classes wore similar clothes, which would potentially have been a big problem. This is because if it wasnt for the colour schemes, then there would have been no way Shakespeare could have stood out by wearing almost identical clothes. We can now see that colours may have had more of an effect than some people may think. This is because not only were the colours important in making important characters stand out, but they also discreetly helped the director make the film a love story The colours in the background tended to be shades of red. The colour is associated with love and passion which is probably why it seemed to me as if there was more of the colour red in passionate scenes. For example, in the close up scene of Shakespeare and Lady Viola undressing each other on the bed, the only thing we saw in the background were the closed curtains which were red. The other obvious place to me was in the dancing scenes (as Ive mentioned before). Everyone else who was dancing were mainly wearing red and burgundy colours which may have reflected the passion the people in the background had for their partners, as well as with Shakespeare and Viola. I think the colour use is very ambiguous. On one hand, we have the colour representation (red meaning love and passion, for example), whereas the on the other hand we have the use with making the main characters unique. I personally think that this is a good quality of a film, because it kills two birds with one stone. Then again, I can see why the ambiguity could be a bad thing as people may think that truly great directors could make characters unique, without making them physically different. This would mean ambiguity with the colours wouldnt be needed. On the other hand, colour would be less important to the director, compared with him showing that he could make a realistic film because I people world prefer a film that was to their taste, rather than to the tastes of a 16th century audience (after all, fashions do change with time). Because people back then would expect different things from the entertainment industry, the director would have to modernise the film to an extent, to make it more appealing for our generations, but without ruining the historical background from which it came from, to make the film believable. I have already mentioned about how the director had kept an old theme (e.g. with candles and basic camera-angles); but he had to change some things, such as the language used, so that we could understand what was being said on-screen. This is because people who find it hard to decipher text would find it difficult to translate what was being said into everyday English, never mind do it so that they could keep up with the plot at the same time! This is probably why the only character in the first few scenes that spoke old English frequently, was Shakespeare, who in the film was called Will. This was another way in which the film was modernised by making the name, William, relate to its modern equivalent. Although I say this, the director needs to keep some older English in the film, not only to make the film believable, but to also make Shakespeares sonnets feel in place when recited. We frequently saw Shakespeare recite sonnets, particularly if he and Viola were together. For example, Shakespeare recited the world-famous Oh Romeo, Oh Romeo, where for art thou, Romeo? scene with Viola (NOT Juliet) during the film. This wouldnt have looked in place if the scene were acted out in modern English, because such sonnets are renowned for having old English dialogue in them. For example, we dont recite the Oh Romeo scene in modern English, by saying something upon the lines of: Oi, Romeo, where are you? I think the modernisation was needed to suit a general audience, but I would have welcomed more old spoken English. For viewers in countries outside the UK, the lack of old spoken English makes the film a bad example of how our country used to speak. Alternatively, small details were used to make the film look realistic. Sometimes they were barely noticeable, yet they made a difference. They gave us a little extra information, which allowed the actors and scenery to look realistic. Some of these details included: Lighted candles; the use of a quill and ink instead of a pen, with ink stains surrounding the pots and paper; and the use of swords to fight, instead of guns. However, I saw even smaller details that (if noticed by the audience) would give a decent impact as well. These included: People with dirty fingernails, which shows how dirty Elizabethan England affected the population; the words Bought in Stratford-upon-Avon on Shakespeares cup; and the cock-a-doodle-doo sounds made by chickens, which woke up the town (instead of alarm clocks). These small details were good to include, but I cant help feeling that some were too hard to notice, unless you were looking specifically for them (like I was). I think the director shouldnt have included as many small details, and concentrated more on noticeable areas of the film, such as making the film believable by improving props and scenery, so they look like they were from the Elizabethan times not that they didnt look good enough in the film as we saw it. So my point is, perhaps the director should have cut out these smaller details, and concentrate harder on making more noticeable features, which would probably have made for a better film. The details of the film were accurate despite the plot being fictional. The film is allowing us to watch a possible way in which Romeo and Juliet could have been written but not what actually happened. The plot was constructed to resemble the plot in Romeo and Juliet with their feuding families, two star-crossed lovers, and the struggle they had to keep their relationship going. The plots were so similar we even saw cut scenes between the play being acted out, and the real-life plot developing together; possibly the only advanced technique used in the film. This happened mainly when Viola and Shakespeare were together and were passionate, reciting sonnets from Romeo and Juliet. The other place this happened was at the very end of the film, when Shakespeare was still very upset about Viola leaving the country with her husband-to-be. So much so, he wrote his next play, Twelfth night straight after she went. He made Viola the main character in the play, who ironically dresses up as a man, although this time it was her brother, Sebastian. The idea of having a muse for Shakespeare was a good idea, because it shows that Shakespeare also needs inspiration to write his extraordinary plays which would be uplifting for all budding writers, who hope to be able to write as well as him in the future. The ending didnt only do this, but also resembled the beginning of the play. In both, Shakespeare began to write the plays in completely different ways. At the start, Shakespeare didnt have his muse, but at the end he did and the differences between how he wrote them were huge. I remember that at the start, he was practising writing his signature, and that he also pointed to his head a lot (usually saying that he knew what he was going to write). I think that this was because he didnt know exactly who he was, and what his purpose in life was. He is trying to figure out in his head who he was, yet he wasnt definite enough to write it down and know he was right. The signatures probably show this as well; because they all seemed to be different, possibly portraying all the different people he was; trying to choose which one he wanted to live as. When he had discovered who he was, he wrote Twelfth night straight away showing us that his muse (Viola) was essential to the film. To conclude, I will give my overall opinion of the film. I think the film wasnt impeccable, yet it had all the qualities of a good film. It showed us that we dont have to look at physical details to pick every detail up, yet also gives us a variety of ways we can praise the film for its physical appearance. However, I would like to have seen a better link between the Shakespeare/Viola love story, and the Fennyman/Henslowe money problems to create more conflict. I would also liked to have seen more advanced techniques used even if it resembled the period the film was set in, the camera angles seemed to get repetitive after a while. For example, fading could have been used when flicking from a scene in the acted play, and the real-life goings on away from the theatre. This would have made the links between them more obvious, and it would also have told us when these links were intended to stop happening.

Sustainable Housing in United Kingdom Dissertation

Sustainable Housing in United Kingdom - Dissertation Example The paper tells that due to the degradation of environment and depletion of resources the eco building concept has been developed. UK has been one of the major carbon dioxide emitters in Europe. Consequently the need for sustainable and low/zero carbon housing, has become the major concern of UK government. Government has started taking initiative accordingly and thus the concept of sustainable housing has been encouraged in UK. The people of United Kingdom have been getting lots of benefits from sustainable housing. United Kingdom has developed number of green and sustainable buildings. The aim behind sustainable housing is to protect the environment while achieving social and economic development of the country. The paper first elaborates the concept of Green Home or Sustainable housing. The need for switching to sustainable housing has also been discussed in the paper. The code of sustainable homes focuses on evaluating the homes on the benchmark of Building Research Establishment ’s Eco homes. Various types of sustainable constructions are mentioned in the research paper. Then the paper also discussed various energy resources as well as material useful for sustainable constructions. The discussion on the proper location for sustainable building, on the basis of different parameters, has also been included in our research paper. There are various types of sustainable housing which are mentioned in the paper. ... .........................................................................6 1.4. Definitions.............................................................................................6 1.5. Background of study.............................................................................7 1.6. Advantage of Study..............................................................................8 1.7. The need for the study of sustainable housing.....................................9 1.8. Objectives of the study........................................................................10 Chapter 2 2.1. Introduction.........................................................................................12 2.2. Sustainability in Constructing Houses................................................13 2.3. Principles of Sustainable Houses.......................................................15 2.4. Sustainability in current Constructing Houses....................................16 2.5. UK Best Pract ical Guideline...............................................................20 2.6. Legislation: Regulation Set by the Government.................................21 2.7. Code of Sustainable Homes (CSH)....................................................21 2.8. Carbon Reduction Commitment.........................................................25 2.9. Energy Performance Certificate.........................................................25 2.10. Types of Sustainable Constructions...................................................26 2.11. Renewable Energy Resources Suitable in the UK.............................27 2.12. Energy Efficient Material.....................................................................28 2.13. Choice of Location and