Friday, December 27, 2019

Childhood Obesity is a Complex Issue - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 6 Words: 1879 Downloads: 9 Date added: 2019/03/14 Category Health Essay Level High school Tags: Childhood Obesity Essay Obesity Essay Did you like this example? Abstract Childhood obesity is a complex issue within the United States which can lead to immediate health problems as well as future health complications. Childhood obesity is defined by the CDC as children having a BMI at or above the 95th percentile. The body mass index (BMI) is a measurement tool used to determine whether an individuals height and weight is within normal, overweight or obese and is calculated by dividing the individuals weight in kilograms by the square of height in meters. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Childhood Obesity is a Complex Issue" essay for you Create order Because boys and girls vary in their body composition as they age, BMI for age is a more appropriate measure. BMI for age uses an age and sex specific percentile for BMI to determine the childs weight status (CDC). The prevalence of childhood obesity is increasing in the United States. According to CDC, childhood obesity has tripled since 1970 with Hispanics and non-Hispanic blacks having a higher obesity prevalence than non-Hispanic whites and non-Hispanic Asians having the lowest obesity prevalence. The prevalence of obesity in low- and middle-income groups are also higher as compared with the high-income groups. In addition, the CDC has found that there is evidence to illustrate the relationship of increasing level of education of the household head and the decrease in the prevalence of obesity. Certain risk factors, behaviors as well as the environment contributes to childhood obesity. These include consumption of high calorie, low nutrient diets such as sodas, pizzas and fast foods, sedentary lifestyle, and food deserts. Childhood obesity is becoming an epidemic that requires immediate interventions. The increasing prevalence of childhood obesity has contributed to numerous health related complications. Childhood obesity is related to immediate and future poor health outcomes. Childhood obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases resulting from high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. According to the CDC, in addition to cardiovascular complications, children who are obese are also at increased risk of developing type II diabetes, asthma and sleep apnea, joint problems and musculoskeletal problems from the increased weight on the joints and bones as well as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem resulting from the stigma of being obese and the experience of bullying. Children who are obese may also develop obesity in adulthood which can increase the severity of risk factors and disease progression. Conducting this study allows for the examination of the impact of implementation of food programs on reducing childhood obesity. An intervention that is implemented by the government to help address this epidemic is the creation and implementation of the national school lunch program which provides students attending public schools access to free and reduced school meals. Because of the presence of food deserts in communities and the increasing cost of healthy food options in supermarkets, the implementation of free and reduced school meals hopes to provide free and reduced healthy meal options to children who do not have access to cheap, nutritious meals in their communities to help combat the increasing prevalence of obesity in childhood. According to Lill (2016), since the implementation of the school meal programs, more than 30 million students are now receiving free and reduced school meals. Additionally, students spend the majority of their time in school. Most of their diets are consumed in school therefore, school meals play a key role in influencing the students eating habits and food choices. According to research conducted by Haynes-Maslow et. al (2015), fifth graders who received free and reduced meals consumed fruits and vegetables three more times per week compared to fifth graders who do not participate in the free and reduced school meal program (p. 3). Utilizing the acronym PICO, this evidence-based practice project provides an educational intervention that will translate and apply to the science of nursing to the greater health care field to help reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity. The acronym stands for population (P), interventions (I), comparison of group or intervention (C) and outcomes (O). The population consists of school age children receiving free and reduced school meals. The intervention includes patient education about nutrition and resources such as free and reduced school meals. Comparing children receiving free and reduced meals to children not receiving free and reduced school meals allows for the evaluation of the effectiveness of the program in reducing childhood obesity which would be the expected outcome. Pico allows this project to address the question, does consuming free and reduced school meals decrease childhood obesity? The project provides an educational intervention for parents of school aged children to address healthy food resources for their children to help decrease their childrens BMI, lowering their health risks associated with obesity. Educating parents about the available healthy resources which includes free and reduced school meals brings the parents and their children a step closer towards fighting the epidemic of childhood obesity. Educating the parents and children helps mitigate negative long-term health outcomes. Through education, parents and their children can become aware of healthier food options and healthy food choices. The study will provide an evidence-based strategy to illustrate improved health outcomes from healthy food choices. A theoretical foundation that guides this study is the family-centered practice which proposes that the involvement of the family plays a vital role in the healthy development of the child. Parents want their child to grow and develop healthy. Because the healthy development of the child is one of the major focus of the parents, their involvement allows for the successful achievement of a healthy lifestyle and diet for the child thereby reducing their childs risks for obesity and its negative health outcomes. There are several concepts that surround the theory of family-centered practice. Transparency is important in developing and establishing a trusting relationship with the family which contributes to the success of the study. Clear and explicit information about methods and procedures used in the study for example, provides a sense of researcher accountability and openness assisting in the active participation of the family in the research study. Collaboration plays an important role in addressing childhood obesity because the parents, the children, school administration and staff and the health care professionals have to work together to implement these programs to ensure its success. On studying the impact of free and reduced meals on childhood obesity, Johnson et. al (2016), conducted a study to evaluate the nutritional quality of foods that are chosen by students as they participate in the study. In assessing the nutritional quality of the food the students chose, the researchers calculated the monthly mean adequacy ratio which included calcium, vitamins A and C, iron, fiber and proteins and the energy density of the selected food. After the program, the study found that there was a significant improvement in the nutritional quality of foods chosen by the students, as measured by increased mean adequacy ratio from a mean of 58.7 prior to policy implementation to 75.6 after policy implementation and decreased energy density from a mean of 1.65 to 1.44 (Johnson et. al, 2016). Taber et. al (2013) also conducted a study to determine the effect of the national school lunch program on the weight status of the students. The study compared students receiving different school lunches and outcomes were obtained from the students BMI index percentile and obesity status. They found that in states that exceeded USDA standards, the difference in obesity prevalence between students who obtained free/reduced-price lunches and students who did not obtain school lunches was 12.3 percentage points smaller compared with states that did not exceed USDA standards (Taber et. al, 2013). Free and reduced school meals positively impact the food choices chosen by the students which equally impacts their weight and their BMI. Participants will compose of a purposive sample of forty-five to fifty elementary and middle school students from Montebello Elementary/Middle School. The sample will include students between the ages of seven through thirteen with a BMI at or above the 95th percentile who are attending a public school. Most reduced and free school meal programs are implemented in public elementary and middle schools. Targeting students with BMI at or above the 95th percentile will compare their progress as they participate in the study. Exclusion criteria will include homeschooled children, students with religious diet restrictions, students attending private schools and students with food allergies. Following a longitudinal study design, the parents and children will be observed for a whole year to determine food choices in school and outside of the school. The study will illustrate whether healthy school meals reflect food choices after school and during the summer in the absence of free and reduced meals. The study will begin with describing and defining childhood obesity which will include information about its prevalence, risks factors, contributing behaviors and health complications. A seven-question survey will be given prior to the study to assess the family and childs understanding of healthy food choices and resources as well as methods of reducing childhood obesity. The questions will address whether the child is involved in a free and reduced school meal program, family and childs satisfaction of the food choices offered in the school, compliance with healthy eating guidelines such as MyPlate, importance of a healthy diet in the childs immediate and future health and assessing the family and the childs perception of obesity. Data will be collected through personal family recorded videos to observe their day to day encounters as they become educated in the management of obesity as well as written food journals to record daily food intake. Free classes will also be offered to further educate the family and the child about healthy food options, reading nutritional labels and several other methods of addressing obesity. A survey similar to the survey given in the beginning of the program will be given at the end of the study to assess the family and childs progress and renewed understanding in managing obesity. The participants will be provided complete explanation of the study prior to the beginning of the study. They will be asked to sign an informed consent form to acknowledge their understanding and voluntary participation in the study. Confidentiality of the participants will be maintained. Each study involves certain risks. Participants will be informed of the minimal risks associated with the study. Data will be collected through the surveys, family video recordings and written food journals and will be analyzed based on the overall effect of the program on the child and the families food choices. One important question that will be answered and analyzed is the overall effect of free and reduced school meals on food choices made by the family and the child. Conclusion Another question that will be addressed will be whether the family and the child has learned about healthy food choices including reading nutrition labels, watching caloric intake and preparing healthy meals. Another question is whether the participants will be able to adhere to healthy eating and choosing healthier food options outside of school especially in the summer. Analyzing these questions and the responses from the study will allow for the review of the study to determine its limitations and its possible application for nursing practice as well as possible revisions for conducting future study to obtain better data and address the limitations within this study. Limitations that may be addressed in future studies can address the small sample size, various methods of data collection and data analysis.

Thursday, December 19, 2019

The Categorization of Rape as a Hate Crime Essay examples

The Categorization of Rape as a Hate Crime As rape and hate crimes are separated into different categories, their definitions are almost exactly alike. Rape is the crime of having sexual intercourse with a person against their will usually influenced by violence and the will for domination. Hate crimes are physical crimes against a certain group; fortunately they also are usually influenced by violence and the will for domination. Rape and hate crimes are a huge part of today’s society however they are protected under and placed in different categories, where as they should both be in the same category. Rape should be categorized as a hate crime. Hate Crimes Hate crimes are committed by on offender because of a victim’s race,†¦show more content†¦Bringing into account the crimes against the black race. Another large, well-known hate group/clan were the Nazi’s. The Nazi’s were against the Jewish religion, the white race, and the homosexuals. Since the end of Adolph Hitler, Nazism has spread most rapidly since the 1980s because of the use and availability of the Internet (Green haven). Adolph Hitler, the founder of the Nazi’s, hated Jews, whites, and homosexuals. Hitler tried â€Å"killing-off† these races, the only group of people Hitler wanted was people with blue eyes and blonde hair. In addition, he tried to dominate the other groups, which he did well at, and he also fulfilled this sense of domination by extreme violence. Also this new Nazism originated in Europe. In April 1995, a bombing happened in Oklahoma City. Timothy McVeigh, the man who bombed Oklahoma City, killed at least 168 people (Green haven). Tom Metzger was the founder of the White Aryan Resistance (W.A.R). Tom Metzger, 1981, a large people involved in hate crimes wanted to bring ideology to the Ku Klux Klan. He also used technology to spread knowledge about what he wanted to do. As a result to this, his followers appeared on television shows. Unfortunately, their appearance on the Geraldo Rivera Show led to a violent brawl. Fortunately in 1990 the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) won a civil suit against Tom Metzger for an Ethiopian immigrant who had been murdered. This civil suit awarded the SPLC with $12.5 million.Show MoreRelatedThe Tri Part Theory Of Racism1024 Words   |  5 Pagesattitudes and beliefs; each of which are connected to on another (Maluso). This theory can be applied to transgender individuals, those who identify with a gender that is different from their biological sex. Categorization is common as a form of social acceptance, such as that of gender. The catego rization of gender dictates how individuals will treat one another as well as allows inferences to be made about the other person’s identity. These inferences come from attitudes, beliefs and stereotypes as explainedRead More American History X Essay examples1430 Words   |  6 Pagesis well spoken and bright. It is these qualities that allow him to recruit the youths of Venice Beach and form, with the help of his mentor Cameron Alexander, the entire white supremacist culture permeating the area. Instead of just telling them to hate black, Hispanic, and Asian people because they are of that race, he makes speeches, telling them charismatically and passionately how these people are stealing their jobs, causing Americans to suffer a poor standard of living. He tells them AmericaRead Moreweek 2 paper ENG2251304 Words   |  6 Pagesanticipation, ultra-heightened expectation, uncertainty, anxiety, and nerve-wracking tension. Thriller and suspense films are virtually synonymous and interchangeable categorizations, with similar characteristics and features. The movie starts out and it is just less than 2.5 hours before the Annual Purge begins where all crime will be legal for 12 hours. People are briefly discussing what they plan to do on the Purge. One of the waitresses goes home to her father Rico and teenage daughter CaliRead MoreThe Prestige1885 Words   |  8 Pagesand he assumes it belongs to a black man; the hate seed begins to grow. With no father he turns to a skinhead group and becomes the leader. Through the manipulations of an older more devious racist man Cameron, plays the behind the scenes culprit who promotes the skinhead group. He has other people acting out his orders, so he can keep his record clean. The skinheads grow in numbers in the Venice Beach area that has seen an increase in minorities and crime. The skinheads are upset because white businessesRead MoreHsm 542 Week 12 Discussion Essay45410 Words   |  182 PagesFalse imprisonment is defined in our textbook as the unlawful restraint of an individualâ⠂¬â„¢s personal liberty or the unlawful restraint or confinement of an individual.   We have all heard about many of the individuals who were given life sentences for crimes that they did not commit but were punished inhumanely which caused them to finally admit to something that they did not do.   Many individual records were expunged and they in turn were released under former Governor Ryan.   However, before someone

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Business Valuation and Analysis of Qantas Airline Limited - Sample

Question: Discuss about the Business Valuation and Analysis of Qantas Airline Limited. Answer: Introduction: The Qantas airline limited is a global company. The head office of the company is in the Australia. The mission statement of the Qantas airline expresses the motive of the company that it wants to become the best airline company worldwide. This company started functioning in 1920 at Queensland. And currently, this company is recognized as the largest Australian airline firm. The key services of the company are its safety services, engineering services, proper maintenance, customer services and operational reliability. Above services are helping the company to achieve its mission. The main business functioning of the company contains the airline services internationally to the international clients (CAPA, 2015). This company has launched two brands in the market to manage this process which are Qantas and Jetstar. Apart from it, Qantas also manages various subsidiary businesses in other industries such as catering business, Flyer Frequent Flyer, Qantas Freight Enterprise and Qantas. This company has enjoyed the market in international market, home market and the local market. The case study of Qantas and thee annual report and website of the company depict that the various business opportunities are there in front of the company which is helping the company to manage the competitive aspect in the market and industry. This company has enjoyed the market in international market, home market and the local market. Through, it has been found that various up and downs had faced by firm in last few years. Still, the company has managed the operations and currently the company is in the top in airline industry (Whitley, 2017). Though, it could be said that competitive advantage of the company assists the company to manage the performance of the business. In this paper, various techniques and evaluation methods have been analyzed to find the performance of the company. Qantas Porters Five Forces Michael porter has expressed that a companys competitive advantages could be evaluated by an analyst through the 5 forces model. This model has been invented by the Michael Porter which depict about the competition among the already existed players, bargaining powers of buyers, bargaining power of suppliers, threats from competitors and the substitutes availability. In this case study, these models would be applied over the Qantas Airline Group to examine the competitive advantage. Competition among the already existed players Every organization accesses the functions of the company in a competitive environment. Similarly, the company, Qantas Airline business is also performing its functions into the competitive market. The main competitor of the company is Virgin Blue Airways and Tiger. Globally, this firm has faced huge competition from many companies such as British Airways (Coughlin et. Al. 2002). The already existed players in the market has made it easy to analyze the competition through analyzing the profits, market growth and competition cost. Though, airline industry has huge market to cover and thus various opportunities are there for the Qantas to grab the market and interact with new market and the new customers to achieve the mission of the company. Bargaining Power of Buyers Bargaining power in an industry depends over the buyer of the industry. In aviation industry, the power of buyers is quite high as the aviation industry is competitive and thus various options are available in front of the buyers. Mainly, the barraging power of vacation industrys buyer has been enhanced due to the cost strategy adopted by the Qantas and other competitive companies. Competition companies of Qantas are using the lowest cost strategy to grab the market and thus the buyers have opted the flight which offers the lowest fare. Thus the Bargaining power of customers is high and company must make the changes into the cost strategy to manage the market share (Datamonitor, 2009). Bargaining Power of Suppliers Bargaining power in an industry depends over the supplier of the industry. In aviation industry, the power of suppliers is quite high as the part of airplanes and air busses are quite costly and there are few suppliers in the market who offers the raw product of the aviation products. And thus various options are available in front of the suppliers. Mainly, the barraging power of aviation industrys supplier has been enhanced due to the few suppliers and high firms (Elmuti and Kathawala, 2001). Competition companies of Qantas are also buying the products from the market for their product. Thus the Bargaining power of supplier is high and company must adopt new strategy and look over the supplier who could provide qualitative product in low price. Threat of the Substitutes The case study of Qantas airlines limited has been analyzed and it is obvious that Qantas has faced huge competition which has been imposed due to the other already exited player in the market. This depict that various options are available for the customers to travel. Substitute products offer a threat to the company as more chances are there to grab the market from them. Qantas is facing substitute threat in global and local level. In local area, the substitute products of the company are railway transport, road transport, sea transport etc. whereas in international area, the substitute products of the company are sea transport. The global area of the company is threatened by British Airways (Fu, Oum and Zhang, 2010). The inferior presentation product depicted by other competitors and companies in the industry which makes it complex for the clients to change from service of Qantas to other offered services by the players. Otherwise, other firms in this industry provide low-quality goods which make it tough for the customers to switch to other products from the Qantas' products. The acceptance of substantial goods separation has been best for the company. The firm has distinguished its services and products by conniving dissimilar services from the competitive companies in the market. Through a report it has been analyzed that if the products or services are distinguished from the rivals. It becomes complex for the clients to discover other substitute products that could gratify their demands. Lastly, there are few substitutes available in the airline industry. The accessibility of some substitutes had impacted positively for Qantas in this industry. Threat of New Entrants Entrants are the new players in the industry. An organization always finds threat from the new entries in the market as the new players could affect the market and customers of the existing company. If an industry is achieving the heights than the entrepreneurs get more attracted towards to that industry so that the profit maximization could be done and the opportunities could also be grabbed by the company. There are various factors which make an impact over the new entrant in the industry such as regulations, interest rate, profit rate, other companies and others. At present, it is quite tough for the new companies to enter into the airline industry as high cost would be required and the industry is not performing very well. This has been found that investments high cost makes it little difficult for new entrepreneurs to make an entry. For instance, high operational cost like catering, security and IT are there. And it also impacts the decision of new entrant that aircraft must be taking on lease or should purchase it (Qantas Airways Ltd, 2017). Various other factors are also there which impacts the new entrant into the industry. Through the above analysis it has been found that there are few threat from the new entrant to the Qantas as company is performing absolutely good and entry is not that much easy in this industry. Qantas SWOT Analysis Study of SWOT analysis has been done over the firm to analyze the market and internal factor of the firm. Which are as follows? Strengths: Strength of Qantas Airline is connected to its sturdy products and the brands which are known by people on international level. In addition, its services also offer the diversification to it that offers an opportunity to the firm to keep on dominating the large market share internationally, domestically and local market (Sandilands, 2012). Weaknesses: The main weakness of Qantas is its reliability over the first class and business class passengers. It doesnt look over the economical class which impacted the revenue of the company and it also affected the business in the time of crisis. Opportunities: Various opportunities are there for the Qantas limited to enhance its global market. The company could concur with extra countries in different markets to enhance its global travels. Consequently, Qantas could expand its services and products to objective and convene numerous needs of customers (Sumers, 2013). Threats: Lastly, it has been found that the business operates in a vibrant surroundings; Qantas Airline limited is probable to understanding from the global financial disaster. As well, the firm business functions could be pretentious by various threats that have been posed by global terrorists. Qantas Corporate Strategy From 1992, the corporate policy and strategy of Qantas has offered various transportation ways to passengers through it brand named by Australian flagship airliner. From that time, this policies and strategies of the company have not been changed particularly in home division of the company where it has sustained offer various transportation services to Australians customers in low cost throughout its brand Jetstar division. For meeting the increasing travelers internationally, low costs services have been offered by the company, Qantas have enhanced its division of Jetstar business. Many other changes have also been made by the company in its strategies to contain the program of Frequent Flyer Loyalty. So that more customers could be attracted and low staff cost strategy has also been adopted. Accounting Policies Plant, Property and Equipment Valuation (PPE) Valuation Majorly the assets of airline industry are aircraft. Aircrafts are required to depreciate and impairment is also required. Mainly, various times, the industry values the assets over. The PPE technique helps the company to overestimate the final financial position and performance of the company. Thus, it is significant for auditors to analyze carefully and scrutinize the impairment methods and depreciation methods which have been used to determine whether they FASB (Financial Accounting Standards Board) regulations have been followed (Qantas Airways Ltd, 2017). Leasing Accounting Policy As discussion in this report earlier, invest into the aviation industry is more costly as it requires to purchase aircraft which are more expensive. From time to time, the airline industrys firms may discover it significant to lease an airplane than buy it. Though, this might be used as a chance to fiddle the stakeholders capital. Consequently, it is imperative for auditors to scrutinize the present leasing strategy to decide whether it correctly carried out. Depreciation Policy The first accounting strategy depict that major assets of airline industry (PPE) are lying on the front to be depreciated. Thinking in the mind, several depreciation methods are there such as straight line method (SLM) and double depreciation technique. But all of them could not be applied in the airline industry. Thus, the external auditors must examine to set up that whether the firms in this industry are using the right methods. Qantas Financial Performance and Position (2013) Financial Performance (Income statement) In 2013, company has received a profit worth of $15.9 billion. This time, the total cost of the company was $13.83 billion. Other incomes and costs have been increased and reduced income and expenses before the net profit of the company respectively to $1 million. A significant improvement has been analyzed in the performance of the company from 2012 as at that time, the net loss of the company was $245 million. The fastest growth of the firm has been investigated in the position of the company in last eight years. The development in the financial position and the performance were reinforced by the activities which were accepted by the firm during the year (Craigie Bekiaris, 2010). It includes the careful theory of capital expenditure. More, the financial performances growth has also been enhanced due to the growth of home business operations (Qantas Airways Ltd, 2013). Financial Position (Assets, Liabilities and Owners Equity) In 2013, total assets in balance sheet of company have been noticed to $ 20,032 million. The growth of total assets has been analyzed at -5.41%. More, total liabilities in balance sheet of the company has been analyzed $ 14,192 million and at the same time, the owners equity has been evaluated $ 5,840 total to $ 20,032. Few changes have taken place into the financial position of the company in 2012 which were ranging at $ 21, 178. In the year 2013, the liabilities of the company outmoded the owners equity which depict that the firm trusted more on debts funds and loans to funding thefinance for its operations (Qantas Airways Ltd, 2013). Qantas Financial Performance and Position (2016) Financial Performance (income statement) In year 2016, company has realized a net profit worth of $1.03 billion. This was a wonderful enhancement in the companys financial performance from last 10 years. The total expense of the company was worth of $15.71 billion (Qantas Airways Ltd, 2016). Financial Position (balance sheet) In year 2016, the total assets of the company were $ 16,705 million whereas the total growth was of -4.71%, asset turnover ratio of the company was 0.95 and ROA (return on average) of assets was of 6.01%. The company has enjoyed a high growth according to the asset performance from last few years (Qantas Airways Ltd, 2017). Though, the liabilities of the company have been amounted to $ 13,445 million and at the same time, the owners equity was $3, 360. Similarities and Differences in 2013 and 2016 Similarities In both the years, firm has made a profit as well as little enhancement in terms of financial performance which has been compared to the past years. The financial position of the company has also been improved. Differences In both the years, the difference in the net profit of the company was high and the liability of the company has also been reduced in 2016 than 2013. The financial position of the company is enhancing continuously. Recommendation to Investor Thus according to this study, this paper suggests the investors of the company must look over the potential share and the value of the company before making investment into that company. According to this study, investment could be done in this company as high returns could be got due to tremendous increment in profits and the enhancement in the corporations operations. References: CAPA Centre for Aviation. 2015. Qantas Airline Group. Retrieved from CAPA Centre for Aviation: https://centreforaviation.com/data/profiles/airline-groups/qantas-group Coughlin, Cletus C. and et. Al. 2002. Review. Aviation Security and Terrorism: A Review of the Economic Issues, 845, 9-16.finance Craigie, J. Bekiaris, M. 2010. Money. Qantas gets cosy with AirAsia, 2120, 16-16. Dallas, H, 2011. Strategic Management; competitiveness and globalization. Strategic management, Asia-Pacific 4th ed, pp 434-440. Datamonitor. 2009. Airline Industry Profile: Asia-Pacific. Airline Industry Profile: Asia-Pacific, 1-32. Elmuti, D. and Kathawala, Y. 2001. An overview of strategic alliances. Management Decision, vol. 39, no. 3, pp. 205-217. Fu, X., Oum, T.H. and Zhang, A. 2010. Air Transport Liberalization and Its Impacts on Airline Competition and Air Passenger Traffic. Transportation Journal, vol. 49, no. 4, pp. 24-41. Qantas Airways Ltd. 2017. Annual Financials for Qantas Airways Ltd. Retrieved from Annual Financials for Qantas Airways Ltd.: Annual Financials for Qantas Airways Ltd. Qantas Airways Ltd. 2017. Financial Position Annual Reports. Retrieved from Qantas Airways Ltd.: https://quotes.wsj.com/AU/XASX/QAN/financials/annual/balance-sheet Qantas Group. 2013. QANTAS 2012/13 Full Year Financial Results. Retrieved from Qantas Group: https://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-201213-full-year-financial-results/ Qantas Group. 2016. Our Company. Retrieved from Qantas Group: https://www.qantas.com/travel/airlines/company/global/en Sandilands, B. 2012. Harder times ahead for major Qantas competitors. Retrieved from https://blogs.crikey.com.au/planetalking/2012/05/11/harder-times-ahead-for-major-qantas-competitors/ Sumers, B. 2013. Qantas has claimed to be unconcerned by Virgin Australias Proposed Acquisition of a 60% Stake in Tiger Australia, Insisting its Position is Strong Enough to withstand the Deal's Impact on the Domestic Market. Retrieved from https://www.travelweekly.com.au/article/Qantas-asserts-domestic-position-as-competition-mo/ Whitley, A. 2017. Qantas Profit Dips Amid Overseas Competition. Retrieved from https://skift.com/2017/02/23/qantas-profit-dips-7-5-percent-amid-overseas-competition/

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Taxi driver Essay Example For Students

Taxi driver Essay Yet, it does not come soon enough for Travis who cant take any more of this open sewer of a city. The sphere of Iris as the sought-for person is particularly interesting as it breaks many conventions. Turner notes that the object of rescue, Iris, does not wish to be rescued. In A Cinema Without Walls, Taxi Driver is described as a movie about a partially psychotic individuals self-characterization of himself as the savior of whom he seems to substitute for his displaced passion for the female handler of a political candidate . We will write a custom essay on Taxi driver specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now This raises an interesting point that it is Travis who has made Iris into an object to be rescued. This can effect the audience by leaving an impression that his motives for killing Sport are questionable and even futile. The fact that Corrigan writes about Traviss displaced passion for Betsy, who at the start of the film occupied the sought-for, princess sphere, brings to light Traviss struggle to understand perhaps what women want. This may distance the viewer, in particular female viewers, further from Travis. Levi-Strauss (1966), as documented in Film As Social Practice, suggests that a feature of mythologies is their dependence upon binary oppositions. By establishing a conflict between a pair of mutually exclusive opposing forces, this is one way of determining meaning. We define things not only in terms of what they are but in terms of what they are not. For example, Man means not woman and not boy. Turner concludes from this that by placing things in existing categories these oppositions can breed, producing further transformations of the same binary pattern. However, in Taxi Driver the pattern is harder to follow. The average example of male/female, strong/weak, rational/emotional falls apart when comparing Travis and Iris as a pair of opposing forces. Travis isnt rational, he is on the verge of psychopathy. Turner writes, normally in films a simple binary system is set up in which we measure good and bad through the determining category of the good hero. Travis is surely the hero, but is he a good hero? In fact it is hard to draw oppositions between Travis and the Villain, Sport, as both are strong males who use forceful methods and generally their actions are morally questionable. This can affect the audience by making them question their ideas about how a hero should act. More specifically, the viewer may notice that Scorcese, the director of Taxi Driver, is painting a picture which shows that there is no black and white. Sport is bad, Travis is bad and Iris doesnt wish to be rescued. This challenges viewers expectations about film narrative but also makes the film seem more realistic and confrontational. The binary oppositions are almost present in Travis himself, as Betsy puts it (quoting Kris Kristofferson) Hes a prophet and a pusher/ Partly truth, partly fiction/ A walking contradiction. Travis worries about a young girls future and innocence yet uses murder to reach his ends. Travis doesnt believe one should devote his life to morbid self-attention yet enters into a fanatical fitness regime and poses in front of the mirror. Travis claims not to be a pusher yet admits to repeatedly phoning Betsy until she agrees to go on a second date. This reveals to the audience Traviss self-destructive tendencies as he loathes his contradicting side. Paul Schrader, the writer of Taxi Driver, in an interview in Hollywood Cinema, comments that Traviss self-destructive impulse, instead of being inner-directed, has become outer-directed. At the end when Travis is shooting himself playfully, Paul explains, thats what he has been trying to do all along. Todorov (1977) sees narrative beginning in a stable point of equilibrium or, as Turner notes, what he calls a state of plenitude. .u3050bbdddb1dcfa7088e1d2ec1bf597f , .u3050bbdddb1dcfa7088e1d2ec1bf597f .postImageUrl , .u3050bbdddb1dcfa7088e1d2ec1bf597f .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u3050bbdddb1dcfa7088e1d2ec1bf597f , .u3050bbdddb1dcfa7088e1d2ec1bf597f:hover , .u3050bbdddb1dcfa7088e1d2ec1bf597f:visited , .u3050bbdddb1dcfa7088e1d2ec1bf597f:active { border:0!important; } .u3050bbdddb1dcfa7088e1d2ec1bf597f .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u3050bbdddb1dcfa7088e1d2ec1bf597f { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u3050bbdddb1dcfa7088e1d2ec1bf597f:active , .u3050bbdddb1dcfa7088e1d2ec1bf597f:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u3050bbdddb1dcfa7088e1d2ec1bf597f .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u3050bbdddb1dcfa7088e1d2ec1bf597f .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u3050bbdddb1dcfa7088e1d2ec1bf597f .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u3050bbdddb1dcfa7088e1d2ec1bf597f .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u3050bbdddb1dcfa7088e1d2ec1bf597f:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u3050bbdddb1dcfa7088e1d2ec1bf597f .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u3050bbdddb1dcfa7088e1d2ec1bf597f .u3050bbdddb1dcfa7088e1d2ec1bf597f-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u3050bbdddb1dcfa7088e1d2ec1bf597f:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Movie Analysis - Fury Essay This equilibrium is then disrupted by some power or force which results in a state of disequilibrium. Another force must act on this disrupting force to restore equilibrium. However to prove the process isnt entirely circular, this new plenitude is not entirely the same as the original equilibrium. In An Introduction to Film Studies, Rowe writes, Travis is not so much driven into disequilibrium by external events, his meetings with Betsy, the appearance of Iris and Sport in his cab, as by his determined drive to transform the world. The Media Students Book points out that another part of the construction of narratives involves the voice telling the story. This is very important to how the story will be interpreted by the audience and with which characters their affiliations will lie. A first person narrative will use I as the voice of the teller and should not give the reader access to events which that I could not have witnessed or known of (MSB). Taxi Driver seems very much like a first person narrative as we follow Travis everywhere and we hear his narration as he writes in his diary. Yet there are several scenes, involving Iris and Sport, and Betsy and Tom, without Travis which contradicts this idea. This leaves open to speculation whether this is what he thinks they are saying. This is possible as in these scenes, Travis is never far away, either loitering outside or about to enter the location. This can affect the audience by distancing them from Travis, even if temporarily, to see normal people interacting. As Travis says: Im Gods lonely man. Mise-en-scene can be an important part of a viewers sense of narrative. I shall look at the mise-en-scene of a short scene from Taxi Driver and the effects it has on the audience: The scene begins with music that is very fast and fluctuating and emphasizes that a change is in progress. Travis is cleaning his boots and sharpening a knife. The audience do not see much of Traviss face through out these shots as they are very tight close-ups which often crop out his head completely. We are left unsure of his emotions as we are denied his facial expressions, so we have to make assumptions based on his actions. Travis burns Betsys flowers which could be interpreted as a vengeful act. Travis also tapes a knife to his boot which, we are aware from earlier scenes, he is well practiced in removing quickly. This has an effect of building up to the final battle. The music suddenly becomes more upbeat as Travis puts money in a letter to Iris. The shot is closely framed and we can only see the back of his head, making his feelings unknown to us. Travis narrates as the music becomes more ominous and threatening. The scene cuts to the Palantine rally. Travis emerges from his taxi, his head is still cropped out of shot, but by now the audience has become accustomed to this style of shot. This adds extra emphasis and shock value when the camera abruptly pans up to Traviss Mohican hair. The extremity of the hair cut matches the extremity of his actions. Traviss costume, of Indian and Vietnam Vet, underlines how he doesnt wish to fit in with society, not wanting to participate in what he has witnessed in his cab. Corrigan suggests that this is a case of Generic Hysteria where one history and culture is madly trying not to fit into but hide behind the representations of another history and culture. The ending of the film fits in with audience expectations of a happy ending as the hero lives. Yet, as we hear that Iris is having trouble adjusting back at home and the fact that Travis is back to normal, we are left with an uneasy feeling that not all the loose ends have been tied up. Even Travis leaves the viewer with a final confused look in the rear view mirror which is startling and unnerving. In conclusion, I feel that there are many possible effects on the audience which might be argued to flow from the narrative construction of Taxi Driver. .u7e283af648d6af2b29837c94531cc59b , .u7e283af648d6af2b29837c94531cc59b .postImageUrl , .u7e283af648d6af2b29837c94531cc59b .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u7e283af648d6af2b29837c94531cc59b , .u7e283af648d6af2b29837c94531cc59b:hover , .u7e283af648d6af2b29837c94531cc59b:visited , .u7e283af648d6af2b29837c94531cc59b:active { border:0!important; } .u7e283af648d6af2b29837c94531cc59b .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u7e283af648d6af2b29837c94531cc59b { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u7e283af648d6af2b29837c94531cc59b:active , .u7e283af648d6af2b29837c94531cc59b:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u7e283af648d6af2b29837c94531cc59b .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u7e283af648d6af2b29837c94531cc59b .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u7e283af648d6af2b29837c94531cc59b .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u7e283af648d6af2b29837c94531cc59b .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u7e283af648d6af2b29837c94531cc59b:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u7e283af648d6af2b29837c94531cc59b .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u7e283af648d6af2b29837c94531cc59b .u7e283af648d6af2b29837c94531cc59b-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u7e283af648d6af2b29837c94531cc59b:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Understanding the Films of Andrzej Wajda EssayBibliography Bordwell, D and Thompson, Film Art An Introduction, McGraw-Hill (1993) Branston, G and Stafford, The Media Students Book, Rutledge (1996) Cook, The Cinema Book, B. F. I (1985) Corrigan, T. A Cinema Without Walls Movies and Culture after Vietnam Routledge Maltby, R and Craven, I Hollywood Cinema Blackwell (1995) Nelmes, J (ed) An Introduction to Film Studies (Ch 4: Film form and narrative by Allan Rowe) Routledge Turner, G Film as social practice (Ch 4) 2nd Edition, Routledge (1996).