Insider Essays - Brown Williamson, Films, The Insider,

Insider A dramatization of 1995 events in which the tobacco industry allegedly covered up proof that nicotine is addictive and harmful. When Brown and Williamson executive Jeffrey Wigand (Crowe) tries to expose the industry's cover-up, he is threatened into silence. He eventually gets his story to 60 Minutes producer Lowell Bergman (AL Pacino), but CBS decides against airing it due to political and economic pressures, and the threat of lawsuit from Brown and Williamson. Before we start, I think it's important that you know a little thing about me, and where I'm coming from. I do smoke. But I believe that most of the lawsuits filed against the tobacco industry are unfounded, desperate attempts for people to put the blame on anyone but themselves. I think social security is a safety net for the financially irresponsible. I thought The Insider was a great movie from a strictly entertainment perspective (don't get ahead of me on this one!), and I enjoyed it very much. Russell Crowe is Jeffrey Wigand, a Brown and Williamson VP of Research and Development whose conscience compels him to blow the whistle on the industry. He claims that Big Tobacco has been covering up scientific research that proves nicotine is addictive and harmful. The writing puts a lot of energy into making sure that Wigand is a sufficiently complicated character, and one that we sympathize with. To be sure, he's not entirely one-dimensional. Initially, he does what most of us would do in his position: he takes the money and benefits that the company offers him in return for silence. After all, the guy has a family to look out for. But then Wigand is tortured over his passiveness, wondering if he should take a more aggressive stance with his potentially damaging knowledge. 60 Minutes producer Lowell Bergman, sensing a big story in the works, tries to coax Wigand into talking. An energetic Al Pacino, who fights to get the story on the air, only to have it snuffed by CBS, plays Bergman here. Allegedly, the television network was possibly up for sale around the time of this story, and airing it might have damaged their image with controversy, making it less appealing to potential suitors. This, coupled with the threat of lawsuit from Brown and Williamson, made CBS refuse to air the story. The Insider portrays these events as a crusade on the part of Bergman and Wigand to get the truth out there, against the will of Big Business and Bigger Tobacco. And while Bergman is never portrayed as much more than a journalist with an uncharacteristic amount of integrity, Wigand is a great character to follow as he tries to balance out everything around him. Tortured and sleepless, his reactions are what you would expect from someone forced to choose between the safety of his family with the gravity of what he knows. Most of it makes for edge of your suit viewing. Suspense abounds, and AL Pacino's confrontations with the "evil" corporate executives, censors, and whatnot are the centerpiece of the movie. He gets to climb up on the soapbox and belt out a few speeches about truth and justice and freedom and right and wrong and all that other fun stuff. It's tense, and it's really quite fascinating, actually. From a dramatic standpoint, this movie couldn't have asked for better performances. Gina Gershon makes an appearance in the movie as a tough, icy corporate attorney for CBS. As a standard caricature of faceless law more interested in money than people, she's fabulous. The Insider runs at over two and half hours, but always remains interesting and never drags. The biggest issue I have with this movie is how it so comfortably passes itself off as an unbiased, historical representation of what happened between real life executive Jeffrey Wigand, real life producer Lowell Bergman, and real life corporation Brown and Williamson. The problem is that the movie is so well crafted and so interesting that it's very easy to accept it as 100% Grade A Truth. However, this is clearly Wigand's story, and closer inspection would reveal that the main characters here are just a little too perfect to be real. Did Bergman really storm into the offices of CBS and rant and rave the way AL Pacino does in this movie? Some words might have been exchanged, but it's hard to believe anything as dramatic as what's depicted in The Insider could have happened for real. They would have likely said, "Okay, calm down, have a cup of coffee, have

Course Evaluation Essay Sample

Course Evaluation Essay SampleIf you are having a hard time with your final paper, try writing a course evaluation essay sample to help you out. These essays are generally used in both the undergraduate and graduate level.You want to write an essay that uses recent data to support your arguments. In the graduate level, most programs don't give you the chance to create your own argument. They will let you choose a specific topic from a short list. This list can range from a significant event in history, the first half of a conversation between two people or a series of events from one or more years in college.Firstly, make sure that you understand how the essay will be graded. What are the criteria? Generally speaking, every essay must include at least three major points, if not four. The most important point is the conclusion, which usually begins with a question mark and answers the questions that the reader may have.Some colleges give no direction when it comes to the main point of the essay. They just ask for a specific topic or even an alternative topic. So for example, if you ask your reader 'what was the most significant event in their life' they could also ask you to provide information about a student who died recently. However, this doesn't mean that you can't come up with some other alternatives.A student's major or area of concentration is often used as the basis for an argument. So if you are writing about the events surrounding an election you might mention that politics is a field with many fields to fill, thus showing that students always need new ideas. It would be good to also discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the candidates, but only briefly because the purpose of the essay is to support your argument. For instance, if you were to start the argument by saying that an extra candidate could not have won the election, you would probably fail your course evaluation essay, but if you later mentioned that the second candidate had certain quali ties that could not be found in the first candidate, you could very well get an A.Instead of using analysis sections, you could also use a 'last paragraph' or conclusion to help get the point across. Since the essay should answer the reader's questions, you should have a conclusion that builds the argument and directly addresses the reader's main questions.The conclusion section should not end the evaluation essay. If you really want to make a persuasive argument, the conclusion should say something like 'The problem with the argument is that it requires a change in thinking.' It should also point out the faults in the argument and what needs to be done in order to fix them. While this will do nothing to change the score, it could help to make it more persuasive and likely to receive an A.Your grade will depend on whether you use your analysis section effectively or not. On a specific topic, if you use the analysis sections, you may earn a D or an B, depending on how well you do in the argument. On a general topic, you may still get and if you use the analysis well, but a C if you are not so well spoken.

Art History Chapter 4 Essays

Art History Chapter 4 Essays Art History Chapter 4 Paper Art History Chapter 4 Paper Essay Topic: Literature What is considered the first great work of Greek literature the finest epic poem? Iilad The cities Troy, Mycenae, Tiryns were uncovered by ___ ___. Heinrich Schliemann Scholars believe the city of Troy had been destroyed by fire in ___. 13th Century BC Schliemann based his archaeological excavations on a careful reading of ancient ___. Literature The heyday of the ancient Aegean civilization occurred in the ___ ___ ___. 2nd Millennium BC ___ was the abundantly available on Naxos Paros. Marble The New Palace (Late Minoan) period began the ___ ___ of Crete. Golden Age The ___ ___ is a recurring motif in the Minoan Palace. Double Ax The new palace at Knossos was carefully planned w/ the ___ as a major organizing element. Court Minoan columns are characterized by their ___ ___ capitals. Cushion Like ___ adorn the walls of the palace at Knossos depicting many aspects on Minoan life. Frescoes The Minoans used the ___ ___ ___ fresco technique on their walls. True or Wet In the late cycladic period Thera was artistically w/in the ___ orbit. Minoan Cretian potters introduced the ___ ___. Potters Wheel ___ ___ ceramists placed dark silhouettes on a light ground. Late Minoan By 1500BC a distinctive ___ culture was flourishing on the Greek mainland. Mycenaean Mycenae was a large ___. Citadel The best preserved most impressive Mycenaean remains are the fortified palaces at ___. Tiryns The most important element in the Mycenaean Palace plan was the ___ or reception hall of the king. Megarom

Major General Sir Isaac Brock in the War of 1812

Major General Sir Isaac Brock in the War of 1812 The eighth son of a middle class family, Isaac Brock was born in St. Peter Port, Guernsey on October 6, 1769 to John Brock, formerly of the Royal Navy, and Elizabeth de Lisle. Though a strong student, his formal education was brief and included schooling in Southampton and Rotterdam. Appreciative of education and learning, he spent much of his later life working to improve his knowledge. During his early years, Brock also became known as a strong athlete who was particularly gifted at boxer and swimming. Early Service At the age of fifteen, Brock decided to pursue a military career and on March 8, 1785 purchased a commission as an ensign in the 8th Regiment of Foot. Joining his brother in the regiment, he proved a capable soldier and in 1790 was able to purchase a promotion to lieutenant. In this role he worked hard to raise his own company of soldiers and was finally successful a year later. Promoted to captain on January 27, 1791, he received command of the independent company that he had created. Shortly thereafter, Brock and his men were transferred to the 49th Regiment of Foot. In his early days with the regiment, he earned the respect of his fellow officers when he stood up to another officer who was a bully and prone to challenging others to duels. After a sojourn with the regiment to the Caribbean during which he fell critically ill, Brock returned to Britain in 1793 and was assigned to recruiting duty. Two years later he purchased a commission as a major before rejoining the 49th in 1796. In October 1797, Brock benefited when his superior was compelled to leave the service or face a court-martial. As a result, Brock was able to purchase the lieutenant colonelcy of the regiment at a reduced price. Fighting in Europe In 1798, Brock became the effective commander of the regiment with the retirement of Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Keppel. The following year, Brocks command received orders to join Lieutenant General Sir Ralph Abercrombys expedition against the Batavian Republic. Brock first saw combat at the Battle of Krabbendam on September 10, 1799, though the regiment was not heavily engaged in the fighting. A month later, he distinguished himself at the Battle of Egmont-op-Zee while fighting under Major General Sir John Moore.   Advancing over difficult terrain outside of the town, the 49th and British forces were under constant fire from French sharpshooters. In the course of the engagement, Brock was struck in the throat by a spent musket ball but quickly recovered to continue leading his men. Writing of the incident, commented, I got knocked down shortly after the enemy began to retreat, but never quitted the field, and returned to my duty in less than half an hour. Two years later, Brock and his men embarked aboard Captain Thomas Fremantles HMS Ganges (74 guns) for operations against the Danes and were present at the Battle of Copenhagen. Originally brought on board for use in assaulting the Danish forts around the city, Brocks men were not needed in the wake of Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelsons victory. Assignment to Canada With fighting quieting in Europe, the 49th was transferred to Canada in 1802. Arriving, he was initially assigned to Montreal where he was forced to deal with problems of desertion. On one occasion, he violated the American border to recover a group of deserters. Brocks early days in Canada also saw him prevent a mutiny at Fort George. Having received word that members of the garrison intended to imprison their officers before fleeing to the United States, he made an immediate visit to the post and had the ringleaders arrested. Promoted to colonel in October 1805, he took a brief leave to Britain that winter. Preparing for War With tensions between the United States and Britain rising, Brock began efforts to improve Canadas defenses. To this end he oversaw improvements to the fortifications at Quebec and improved the Provincial Marine which was responsible for transporting troops and supplies on the Great Lakes. Though appointed brigadier general in 1807 by Governor General Sir James Henry Craig, Brock was frustrated by a lack of supplies and support. This feeling was compounded by a general unhappiness with being posted to Canada when his comrades in Europe were gaining glory by fighting Napoleon. Wishing to return to Europe, he sent several requests for reassignment. In 1810, Brock was given command of all British force in Upper Canada. The following June saw him promoted to major general and with the departure of Lieutenant Governor Francis Gore that October, he was made the administrator for Upper Canada giving him civil as well as military powers. In this role he worked to alter the militia act to expand his forces and began building relationships with Native American leaders such as the Shawnee chief Tecumseh. Finally granted permission to return to Europe in 1812, he declined as war was looming. The War of 1812 Begins With the outbreak of the War of 1812 that June, Brock felt that British military fortunes were bleak. In Upper Canada, he possessed only 1,200 regulars which were supported by around 11,000 militia. As he doubted the loyalty of many Canadians, he believed only around 4,000 of the latter group would be willing to fight. Despite this outlook, Brock quickly sent word to Captain Charles Roberts at St. John Island in Lake Huron to move against nearby Fort Mackinac at his discretion. Roberts succeeded in capturing the American fort which aided in gaining support from the Native Americans. Triumph at Detroit Wishing to build on this success, Brock was thwarted by Governor General George Prevost who desired a purely defensive approach. On July 12, an American force led by Major General William Hull moved from Detroit into Canada. Though the Americans quickly withdrew to Detroit, the incursion provided Brock with justification for going on the offensive. Moving with around 300 regulars and 400 militia, Brock reached Amherstburg on August 13 where he was joined by Tecumseh and approximately 600-800 Native Americans. As British forces had succeeded in capturing Hulls correspondence, Brock was aware that the Americans were short on supplies and scared of attacks by the Native Americans. Despite being badly outnumbered, Brock emplaced artillery on the Canadian side of the Detroit River and began bombarding Fort Detroit. He also employed a variety of tricks to convince Hull that his force was larger than it was, while also parading his Native American allies to induce terror. On August 15, Brock demanded that Hull surrender. This was initially refused and Brock prepared to lay siege to the fort. Continuing his various ruses, he was surprised the next day when the elderly Hull agreed to turn over the garrison. A stunning victory, the fall of Detroit secured that area of the frontier and saw the British capture a large supply of weapons which were needed for arming the Canadian militia. Death at Queenston Heights That fall Brock was forced to race east as an American army under Major General Stephen van Rensselaer threatened to invade across the Niagara River. On October 13, the Americans opened the Battle of Queenston Heights when they began shifting troops across the river. Fighting their way ashore they moved against a British artillery position on the heights. Arriving on the scene, Brock was forced to flee when American troops overran the position. Sending a message to Major General Roger Hale Sheaffe at Fort George to bring reinforcements, Brock began rallying British troops in the area to retake the heights. Leading forward two companies of the 49th and two companies of York militia, Brock charged up the heights assisted by aide-de-camp Lieutenant Colonel John Macdonell. In the attack, Brock was struck in the chest and killed. Sheaffe later arrived and fought the battle to a victorious conclusion. In the wake of his death, over 5,000 attended his funeral and his body was buried at Fort George. His remains were later moved in 1824 to a monument in his honor that was constructed on Queenston Heights. Following damage to the monument in 1840, they were shifted to a larger monument on the same site in the 1850s.

Basing Nursing Practice on Evidence Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Basing Nursing Practice on Evidence - Article Example As a result, the patient presents his or her individual encounters, preferences, and special concerns, is the role of the clinician to cater to the patient’s anticipations and values. Evidence alone does not settle on the caregiving decisions yet it supports the overall caregiving process. Difference between EBP and research is their differing purposes. EBP assesses proof alongside a range to pinpoint the strongest and paramount proof to guide caregiving practices within an organizational environment and with a particular patient demographic (Agency for Healthcare and Research Quality, 2013). On the other hand, research produces new knowledge inside the wider scientific world to generate information that is simplified past the research sample. Research largely has strict controls over extraneous variables to offer confidence that its findings came about because of clear interventions and not coincidence. EBP interventions have less tight controls and more flexible procedures than research. As a result, information gathered through EBP interventions might not be fast cycle and entail differing resources. Lastly, research employs a methodology, either quantitative or qualitative, to generate new knowledge. In contrast, EBP such as for and applies the finest medical proo f frequently acquired from research and dedicated to creating sound caregiving decisions (Kernan et al., 2014). Nurses do not use evidence-based findings because of their lack of knowledge, low access to data, and insufficient organizational support among their priorities. Recent findings show that nurses that are more knowledgeable are inclined to be bolder in using evidence-based findings in their practices (Fitzsimons & Cooper, 2012). At the same time, the same findings showed that nurses employed in caregiving organizations for longer periods were less

Quantitative Methods for Finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Quantitative Methods for Finance - Essay Example So, when we express financial data as real or as current price variables, it is essentially a distinction between whether we are providing the ‘real’ or the ‘nominal’ value of the variable. The fundamental difference is that while ‘nominal’ values are not adjusted for inflation and therefore may reflect changes in values just because of fluctuations in the price level, the ‘real’ values will only change if there are changes that cause the underlying variable to change. Price level changes do not affect ‘real’ financial data. (b) The CPI Vs the RPI in the UK as alternative measures of inflation The Consumer Price Index (CPI) or Harmonised Indices of Consumer prices (HICP) as they were previously known until 2003 in the UK are computed for EU member state to facilitate international comparability of inflation. The statistical wing of the European Commission known as Eurostat has been publishing monthly HICP values for all member states since the 1st quarter of 1997. Inter-economy inflation comparisons are provided in these reports. Prior to the development of the HICP comparing rates of inflation across members of the European Union was not feasible due to differences in the mechanisms of each members in their computations of CPIs. Apart from differences in methodology, the included basket of goods was also disparate across the countries. So, for the UK, the CPI measures changes in the general price level reflected in the changing costs to purchase the same basket of goods and services typically consumed by UK households. In the UK, the RPI (retail price index) is also computed and it is also a measure of changes in the price level. The CPI and the RPI cover a similar basket of goods although there are important differences. A number of commodities included in the RPI goods are excluded from the CPI. For instance the CPI does not include council tax, fees of estate agents, repayments on mortgages, e ducation and healthcare related expenses and building insurance. Certain other aspects which are rather technically difficult to integrate into an international index due to international differences are also excluded from the CPI but included in the RPI. For instance, in aspects of the economy such as education and health, a number of commodities are substantially subsidised and the extent of subsidization is different considerably for the different members of the EU. Consequentially, including these in an internationally comparable CPI is not possible. The RPI however includes these under its wing. There are certain expenditures on the other hand that are included in the CPI but not accounted for in the RPI. For instance, air fares or personal computer expenses are accounted for in the CPI but not in the RPI. Specifically, the eurostat sets one part of the total expenses of thousand consumers as the threshold for inclusion in the CPI. Any commodity that accounts for higher expense s compared to the threshold is included in the CPI. All private households are included in the CPI but the RPI excludes the top 4 percent of the income distribution. Additionally, households that derive equal to or more than 75 percent from state benefits are also excluded from the RPI. Typically, since the CPI does not include majority of the housing related expenses included in the RPI, the RPI tends to typically have a higher value than the CPI. However, both measures

One to One Communication :: Communication Body Language Health Care Essays

One to One Communication To practice one to one communication I spoke to someone who regularly attends the ‘Princess of Wales’ Hospital, Bridgend for physiotherapy on his knee after an operation 6 months ago. From this interaction I found that the service from the NHS was satisfactory and adequate, but could use some improvements. I spoke to the patient mainly about waiting times for appointments and operations, as that appeared to be the main cause for concern. I conducted the one to one interaction in the patient’s living room, so that the surroundings were familiar to him and he would feel more at ease. As the room was decorated in warm colours it created a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, which contributed to making it easier to open up and talk freely. Skill Used ========== Comment ======= Body language I used open and friendly body language towards the client and didn’t cross my arms or anything so that I didn’t come across as intimidating. This is because body language makes a great impact on interaction. Gestures I regularly used hand gestures to put emphasis on what I was saying as gestures are a strong part of effective communication. Eye contact I regularly maintained eye contact with the client during my interaction. This helped to show that I was interested in what he had to say and also so that he knew when it was his turn to speak. Facial expressions I used appropriate facial expressions to match my topic of conversation so not to confuse the client, and to show interest in what he had to say. Open questions Open questions require extended answers and make the client feel that their opinions are valued. I tried to use mostly open questions to facilitate the conversation and so that the conversation flowed and did not feel like an interrogation. Closed questions I tried not to ask many closed questions, unless I needed more specific information, as they can make people feel uncomfortable and inhibit conversation. Probes and prompts I used probes and prompts to make the client give more in depth information and to help him to think more about the subject that I was questioning them on. I used prompts to help the client understand what I was asking by suggesting a possible answer. Paraphrasing To check that I had heard and understood the client properly I used paraphrasing as a way of reflecting back to him. Paraphrasing also helped him to clarify exactly what it is they were saying, because he had to listen to the paraphrase and work out whether that is what he meant to say. The particular individuals involved, the relationship between the individuals, the subject of the communication and the physical