Thursday, November 28, 2019

The Future of Music Production

From the early 20th century, people have listened to music using a record player device, i.e. the music is recorded first. Improvements in technology led to the design of the cassette tape, followed by vinyl discs and finally Compact Disc (CD). Modern technology has made it possible to store music in flash memory devices.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Future of Music Production specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Advancements in technology in the music industry have led to a corresponding improvement in technology used for producing music. The switch from traditional to modern technology has led to a debate on whether the quality of music that record players had has been lost. Pundits argue that the music, like all other aspects of our daily life, must keep pace with technology while others argue that this has led to loss of quality that used to be available in analogue music systems. This debate is not likely to be resolved in the near future. It is more important for a producer today to know technology than music Advancements in technology have led man to invent music production techniques that require technical knowhow, a producer must first learn about these techniques in order to be successful. Success here means selling millions of copies of music and coping with cutthroat competition that has characterized today’s music industry. However, in order to determine whether quality in music is lost in using modern technology, we need to compare analogue and digital music production systems that many claim to be the cause of the deterioration in music quality over the years. Analogue vs. Digital Production Tools In analogue systems, the sound waves are cut out into a vinyl surface, to retrieve audio from the record player, a needle off the player vibrates, and the sound enlarged by the speakers. Therefore, the sound produces is associated with the original sound recorded and every sound is generated wholly. In digital systems, the sound is translated into a series of numbers. The lens on a disc player reads the numbers and converts then into sound. The sound produced is not the actual representation of the music (Hatschek, para. 3).Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Technology vs. Quality As we have seen, modern technology has led to the distortion of music, unfortunately, markets are in demand of music produced using modern technology. In the earlier days, we used to listen to music using record players, but we swapped better sound for expediency for both recording and listening. Technology in music production definitely has its merits. For example, it is possible to rectify any minor error by selecting the bad portion and correcting it. However, if the mistake came from the artist, the producer would not have to repeat the whole record, he could just reco rd over the audio. However, Robert DiFazio, a music producer, explains that this procedure lowers the artists’ capabilities (DiFazio, para. 3). A good producer will want to go over the whole recording process, similar to the analogue era, while a producer who banks on technology will only repair the sections with mistakes. Trends in listening to music have changed over time. In the earlier days, people used to listen not only to music, but also to the percussions and any other accompaniments. It was easy to distinguish the different sounds coming out of a music record, such as the bass guitar or a piano (Ward, para. 4). Today’s generation does not take care of any of these; rather, we dwell so much on technologies such as the vocoder and synthesized sounds at the expense of quality. Therefore, music producers are only responding to the market demands, i.e. market needs dictate how producers make their music, failure of which they will lack a competitive advantage and c ould cease operations. In short, the music market no longer takes into consideration matters of quality in music, and with albums being released every day, nobody really stops to consider other elements of music other than the most audible components. As we have seen, technology is more important than music in today’s music production industry. In fact, producers use technology to make corrections on pieces of music that do not come out as required rather than look at the origin of the fault. DiFazio concludes by saying, â€Å"people don’t care what it sounds like, the average audience doesn’t care what it sounds like. It’s been proved†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (DiFazio, para. 7)Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Future of Music Production specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Effects on music now and in the Future One of the negative sides of technology in music production is the loss of quality. besides, there is the aspect of loss of live music. Knowledge of music demands that a producer be conversant with most musical instruments in use, however, technology has made it possible to produce synthetic beats from computer programs and this has reduced our interaction with live music. Just recently, we made our own music, whether in the church, cultural functions, or in social events, this has disappeared with the rise of the digital technology. I can boldly add, merely 50 years ago, a far superior fraction of the populace played a musical instrument unlike in our day. Works Cited DiFazio, Robert. How Analog and Digital Recording Techniques Influence the Recording Process. 2007. Web. Hatschek, Keith. Are Dynamics dead in popular music? 2009. Web. Ward, Dick. As Technology Advances, Demand for Quality Sound Decreases. 2010. Web. This essay on The Future of Music Production was written and submitted by user Cassidy Z. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Monday, November 25, 2019

The road to war essays

The road to war essays On March 19, 2003, United States and British forces began military operations in Iraq. While addressing the nation about the purpose of the war on the day the bombing began, President George W. Bush said, The people of the United States and our friends and allies will not live at the mercy of an outlaw regime that threatens the peace with weapons of mass murder. In order to grasp a better perception of the situation in Iraq, it is necessary to understand and examine some of the key figures and events leading to our current occupation of Iraq. Saddam Hussein, former President of Iraq, had the notorious distinction of being the worlds best known and most hated Arab leader, who was willing to sacrifice his own country rather than relinquish power in Baghdad. His invasion of Kuwait triggered a United States response resulting in Operation Desert Storm in the early 1990s. The September 11th attacks on US soil led the United States into the war on terrorism, which later brought attent ion to the violation of UN regulation in Iraq. Through out this paper I hope to reflect how Saddam Hussein, Desert Storm, and the terrorist attacks on 9-11 all led us to our current conflict with Iraq. Saddam Hussein, the man who became known as the enemy of the Western world, was born on April 28, 1937, in a village just outside Tikrit, Iraq. Although his parents were poor farmers, Hussein was inspired by his uncle Khayrallah Tuffah, an Iraqi army officer, to pursue a career in politics. In 1956, at the age of 19, he joined the Arab Baath Socialist Party (A.B.S.P.) and attempted to assassinate Iraqi Prime Minister Abudul Karim Qassim three years later in 1959. During this failed attempt, Hussein was shot in the leg and was forced to flee the country for several years in order to avoid a death sentence. Hussein first escaped to Syria then to Egypt, where he completed his secondary schooling in 1962. He was admitted into the...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Deaf History and Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Deaf History and Culture - Essay Example At the age of nineteen months, Helen Keller was diagnosed as a case of â€Å"acute congestion of the stomach and the brain†. This short term attack of illness left her deaf and blind. Helen proved to be a quite an intelligent child. By the age of seven, she had invented sixty different signs to communicate with her family. Helen’s education career began when her mother took her to a specialist doctor for advice. Actually she was inspired by hearing about another child who was deaf but completed her education successfully. The doctor referred her to the local expert, Alexander Graham Bell. Bell was working for the deaf children at that time. Alexander Graham Bell told Helen’s parents about the institute where that child had got education. It was called the Perkins Institute for the Blind, located in South Boston. Helen was brought there. One of the former students of the school, named Anne Sullivan was designated as Helen’s teacher. She was blind herself an d had got education from the same institute. Anne proved to be a very hard working teacher. After a good effort of about three years, Helen learnt the names of many familiar things. The next step was to speak. Anne taught her to speak using the Tadoma method (touching the lips and throat of others as they speak). Helen continued her education starting from Perkins Institute, then Wright-Humason School for the Deaf, Horace Mann School for the Deaf, The Cambridge School for Young Ladies and finally, the Rad Cliffe College in 1900 becoming the first deaf and blind person to graduate from the college.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Types of TeamsTheory Application Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Types of TeamsTheory Application - Essay Example Rigid procedures may not work well with all clients and hence the need for self-managing teams in the restaurant. On the other hand, such teams improve efficiency, value, savings and employee satisfaction as well as minimal absence and worker turnover (Tjosvold & Smith, 2003). A grocery store requires a manager-led team whereby the owner of the store acts as the leader of the team and assumes responsibility for identifying the goals, activities as well as operation of the team. The leader needs to assign tasks to the team, for example depending on the number of products being dealt with. They should report to the leader matters concerning shortage of supply, customer preferences, and the movement of products to help the manager to make decisions regarding the next course of action, which may include additional stock or changing the product to suit the consumers. This kind of team provides substantial control of the leader over the team members as well as their activities. He/she controls the guiding principles as well as the outcome of the team’s tasks. This is important in a grocery store because any mistake translates in to losses for the business and the owner can not allow the recurrence of one mistake time and again, especially due to the fact that a grocery business may not have significant start-up capital (Baumeister & Vohs, 2004). A school may accomplish its organizational goals through establishing self-directing or self-governing teams. Teams are allowed to establish their own objectives as well as the strategies for accomplishing these objectives. The school’s management is left with the responsibility of enhancing the organizational environment of the team. Education requires creativity and commitment, which are accomplished through self-directing teams. Such teams also enhance motivation and offer openings for organizational learning and change especially when dealing with

Monday, November 18, 2019

Public Law (Human Rights) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Public Law (Human Rights) - Essay Example They are appointed is for six term of office of six years through the term is renewable. The power of the ECJ defined in Article 243. The Member States mainly, but not exclusively, in exercising its jurisdiction under Articles 173, 177 and 228(6).2 The sovereignty of Parliament is the dominant characteristic of our political institutions. Sir. A. V. Dicey expressed it as cornerstone of the constitution and he has introduced of this doctrine of PS. These are: This rule means that the Parliament can make or unmake any law. Parliament may grant independence to dependent states whether dominions or colonies. For example: The Nigeria Independence Act 1960 and The Zimbabwe Independence Act 1979. 2. No Parliament may be bound by its predecessor or bind by its successor: The doctrine of repeal is the idea that supports this theory. Now any Act of Parliament can expressly or impliedly repeal any law. So, this power of Parliament support Dicey's this theory as Parliament is not being bound any Parliament before it. However, by Acts of Union, the law making power of UK and Scotland was merged that was maintained for more than 300 years. Acts of Union and the Grand of independence oppose this theory. This doctrine states that an Act will be accepted by Courts provided it was made by proper procedure. So, no one can question about its validity. But it is seen that citizens' i.e. ... electorates and neighbouring countries can question it. Before 1688 settlement judges proclaim an Act invalid because of its conflicts with a law of higher statues. In Pickin v British Railway Board, Lord Read said that although, previous laws contrary to the law of God or the nature or natural justice can be said to be invalid, The comments of Lord Denning in McCarthy's v Smith, and Lord Diplock in Garland v British Rail Engineering Ltd provides an analogy for arguing that the HRA could be repealed if Parliament wished. It cannot be an entrenched bill of Rights, but where a Sex Discrimination Act 1975 appeared inconsistent with Article 141(then Article119) EC (equal pay). However, HL was able to construe the provision in a manner consistent with Article.3 The influence between of the European court in the development of Community law, and the influence of domestic courts in the development of English law, on the other hand. Lord Diplock's dictum in the GCHQ is testament to the influence of the courts in the development of administrative law. His Lordship stated "English law relating to judicial control of administrative action has been developed upon a case-to-case basis which has virtually transformed it over the last three decades." In Les Verts the Court referred to the Treaty as the ""basic constitutional charter" of the Community and came to the conclusion that, although the Parliament was not mentioned as a possible defendant in Article 173, binding measures adopted by it were subject to judicial review. The Court stated that by Articles 173, 184 and 177 the Treaty intended to establish a complete system of legal remedies. Les Verts is a prime example of dynamic interpretation, an approach typical of the interpretation. The current British position is

Friday, November 15, 2019

Monkeywrenching Or Ecological Sabotage Philosophy Essay

Monkeywrenching Or Ecological Sabotage Philosophy Essay Ethics is a set of moral principles which concern the right and wrong doings in which those values. There are two approaches in ethics: Descriptive and Normative approaches. Descriptive approach is the process of identifying and analysing existing values or norms. It aims to describe and explain what attitudes people have, to create a normal and acceptable behaviour. The other approach (normative) are derived from sets of prescriptions and the process. It setting standard of rules to produce standard behaviour. there are three theories in normative approach: Consequantialism, Deontology, and Virtue (Jamieson 2008). Consequentialism is the view that an agent is morally required to perform the act with the best consequences. Most consequentialists are utilitarians. They focus on welfare and insist that the best consequences are those containing maximum welfare. Deontology is the view that certain types of act are morally forbidden even when the performance of those acts would bring about the best consequences. In principle, deontologists can disagree over whether the deontic rules function as absolute prohibitions or are somewhat weaker and can be broken if enough is at stake. They can argue the kinds of action that are morally forbidden. A biocentric deontologist might claim that we are morally forbidden from killing living organisms intentionally (Jamieson 2008). Virtue theory the focus is not so much on what kinds of act are right, but what a virtuous person would do. Virtue ethicist might claim that the moral evaluation of something like deforestation cannot be based exclusively on consideration of what consequences that would have, or on the question whether there is a constraint on acts which lead to deforestation. Instead we must look at the character of the person who performs the act (Jamieson 2008). Environment ethics Environmental ethics is a new sub-discipline of philosophy that deals with the ethical problems surrounding environmental protection. It aims to provide ethical justification and moral motivation for the cause of global environmental protection. It is also known as the study of ethics in the context of the natural world, on both individual and societal levels; the part of ethics which deals with human choices about the environment. It does not concerns only cutting back on pollution, reduce waste, and saving endangered species, it goes beyond that (Alder Wilkinson 1999). Environment ethics begins where the ethics of concern for animals becomes an issue. It concerned with the rights and wrong of how human treat the nonhuman and a quality environment. Thus it considered not only natural but also urban environment: how human are being affected physically, mentally and spiritually by the design and materials of the building in which they live and work, the layout of cities, provision of public services and so on (Alder Wilkinson 1999). Varieties of Environment Ethics Environment ethics was basically divided into two main school of thoughts: anthropocentric perspective and non-anthropocentric perspective. Anthropocentric theorists rely on traditional values based on human well being or human rights while non-anthropocentric theorists claim that natural objects have value irrespective of human concerns (intrinsic value). It also can be distinguish between approaches: individual and collective approach. Individual approach (biocentric) believe that all species have inherent value, and that humans are not superior in a moral or ethical  sense while collective approach (ecocentric) values groups such as species or ecosystems and treats the individual as morally considerable only in relation to the group (Alder Wilkinson 1999). There are different perspectives of anthropocentrism. There are traditional, enlightened and extended anthropocentrism. Traditional anthropocentrism during 1800s abranch of consequentialist (Gilbert Pinchot and James Watt) theory, human centeredness. This perspective focus on environmental consumption. For example, Aristotles saying: Everything in nature fulfils a purpose and that ultimate purpose of nature is the satisfaction of human needs. (Benson 2000) Enlightened anthropocentrism perspective took place later in 1950s to 1960s. It taught the people to be careful on using the resources (conservation steps). It was a branch of deontology and virtue ethics. They believe that we are part of the nature and that in our own interests we should respect nature for its existence and a resource.The third perspective, extended anthropocentrism surfaced in late 1970s. This concerns more about future generations where people have started to plan on sustainable development. It is a branch of deontology and virtue theory (VanDerVeer Pierce 2004). Non-anthropocentric argues that natural objects have value irrespective of human concerns (intrinsic value). Subject matters include animal welfare, biocentric ethics (respect for nature/reverence for life) and aesthetic approach (nature as art). Ecocentric perspective value the systems as a whole (for example, species that form a biological life line or ecosystems or the whole biotic community). It looks at all living things as part of systems. Land ethics: changes the role of Homo Sapiens from conqueror of the land-community to plain member and citizen of it. It implies respect for his fellow-members, and also respect for the [land-] community as such. It was founded by Aldo Leopold to put forward the basis of environmental preservation. Te overall well being of the ecosystem is the measure of what is right or wrong. Deep ecologist, Arne Naess, has tried to synthesize the anthropocentric and ecocentric and re-orientate how we perceive nature and to cultivate a mental state of being in harmony with nature (live an environmentally friendly lifestyle). Naess believed that we should cultivate direct, hands-on sensuous, experiences of natural objects (Benson 2000). Monkeywrenching Monkeywrenching, eco-sabotage (ecotage), ecodefense, eco-terrorism carry the same meaning: they are illegal acts of sabotage associated with environmentalism. It is said to be focusing on creating serious economic damage that will cause temporary or permanent stop to activities that are considered unwanted. Even though the activists might believe in different ethical codes, the activity is directly related with the environmental movement. The term monkeywrenching comes from Edward Abbeys novel, The Monkey Wrench Gang that was published in 1975. The novel tells a story of people doing campaign of eco-sabotage in the south-western United States. They set fire to billboards, disable construction equipment, and pull up survey stakes (VanDerVeer Pierce 2004). Monkeywrenching occurs long back in time. From a novel to manual, monkeywrenching act has managed to make its way to recent world. The novel (The Monkey Wrench Gang) was published in 1975 written by Edward Abbey (writer and essayist) and manual (Ecodefense: A Field Guide to Monkeywrenching) published by Dave Foreman (US environmentalist and co-founder of the radical environmental movement, Earth First!) were and still being used at some point as references to monkey wrench. The act might occurs gently or very dangerous. The group might try to either permanently or temporarily damage the machineries and equipments. Thus monkeywrenching can either cause the development to stop or buy time to negotiate and discuss about the issue. Authorities refer this group of people as eco-terrorism (to purposely relate their doing with terrorists) and as expected many environmentalists, strongly disagree with this usage. They prefer to distinguish between eco-sabotage (an assault on inanimate objects) and terrorism (an assault on people or living things). The environmentalist David Brower, for instance, has argued that the real terrorists are those who pollute and despoil the earth, not those who seek to protect it. Monkeywrenching with regard to Environment Ethics Many consequentialists are utilitarians. They believe that an ethical act is one which increases utility or pleasure, happiness or absence of pain. Despite being violent or out of control for example, that monkeywrenching is acceptable as long as it give desired outcomes and loss nothing in the end. For example, a consequentialist could claim that his/her action of starting a fire in the forest (which is very dangerous) is right since he/she managed to keep the logger from coming into the forest. Deontology, on the other hand, is the view that certain types of act (for example threatening to harm the innocents) are morally forbidden even when the performance of those acts would bring about the best consequences. Deontologists define morality in terms of rights and duties. Monkeywrenching might be accepted depending on the leader or the leading principle. For example, the Earth First!ers strongly believe that monkeywrenching will help them keep the environment save and have a leader with high knowledge of it. Virtue theory focus on the act of a virtuous person and not what kinds of act are right. A virtuous person might think that monkeywrenching is ethical without looking at its consequences whether its positive or negative. But once the outcome become the main concern, that person would not get involve it. Ecofeminism is one example of virtue ethics. Ecofeminism exists as its practitioners pointed out that the domination of male character in protecting the environment causing the aesthetic value of the nature becoming less appreciated. Anthropocentrism concerned the human interests above everything else. The act of monkeywrenching (or the act of sabotage of protecting the environment) most probably being viewed as a waste of time and resources since it does not give any direct benefit to human. Holistic approach believes that something is greater (and more valuable) as the whole than the individual parts. Biocentrism (life-centred ethics), ecocentrism (ecosystem-centred ethics) and deep ecology (identificationà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢ and kinship ethics) are included in this approach. According to biocentrism, living things have their own desire making them having the intrinsic value. This group of people believe that monkeywrenching can be useful as a mean to protect the environment as they feel morally responsible to protect the nature. Same thing goes with ecocentrism. Ecocentrism looks at living things as parts of system hence making human having responsibility for being a part of nature. Deep ecologists believe that all life systems are sacred and valuable despite being unuseful to human beings. All living things evolved and bound to responsibility. Being a part of radical environmentalists, deep ecologists approved of monkeywrenching as a medium to protect the nature. Conclusion Environmental activists are divided into two when discussing monkeywrenching. Some approved of monkeywrenching as a way to prevent environment while others disagree of the methods and prefer softer way (such as letters to authorities and public converence). Supporters also divided into two: some accepted the act as they thought it will bring safety to natures living things while others think of negative impacts (cause injury or death, or it might turn public opinion against wilderness preservation) when it come to monkeywrenching. Thus, it is encourage to make sure all participants know about the risks they are going to face by joining the act. Monkeywrenching is considered ethical as long as it does not involves violence and being conducted with care. The practitioners are encourage to follow the guidelines provided by non-government organization when conducting it to avoid any defect. However, authorities do not approved monkeywrenhing as it can cause million and billion of loss for the country and encourage public to be disobedient. Personally, I prefer a gentler way of preventing environmental damage, instead of monkeywrenching the whole development operation. Plus, judging by the way monkeywrenchers function (under cover not and anonymously to avoid being capture by the authorities) itself, shows that monkeywrenching is not an ethical way to do things. I think it is not overrated to say that monkeywrenching is simply an act of a coward.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Analysis of Various International Environmental Conflicts Essay

Throughout the world, conflicts over environmental issues abound. As technology progresses and our world continues to become more interconnected, an understanding of the worldà ¢s environmental crises is important and necessary for the well-being of both humankind and the environment. This paper addresses and comments on the issues presented in the following books: Ecology of an African Rain Forest by Thomas T. Struhsaker, Green Guerillas edited by Helen Collinson, NIMBY Politics in Japan by S.Hayden Lesbirel, Where Environmental Concerns and Security Strategies Meet by James A. Winnefeld and Mary E. Morris, and Innovations in International Environmental Negotiation edited by Lawrence E. Susskind, William Moomaw and Teresa L. Hill. Innovations in International Environmental Negotiation has not been given a specific section for discussion, but is referenced in the section covering Where Environmental Concerns and Security Strategies Meet. Where Environmental Concerns and Security Strategies Meet This book is interesting in the way that it draws a particularly strong link between political (domestic and international) conflict and environmental crises. The authors chose to focus on environmental crises and conflicts in the Middle East and in East Asia, but the concepts discussed could easily be applied to political conflicts with underlying environmental crises worldwide. In traditional methods of security strategy policymaking, environmental issues are often given little thought and are directed to separate governmental departments. However, the authors propose that not only do environmental crises often increase the risk of political conflicts, but they can also worsen the conflict itself as well as the outcomes and damage incur... ...dressed not only from an environmental perspective, but also from both a global and a socioeconomic perspective. References Collinson, Helen ed. Green Guerillas: Environmental Conflicts and Initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Reader. (1996) London: Russell Press. Lesbirel, S.Hayden. NIMBY Politics in Japan: Energy Siting and the Management of Environmental Conflict. (1998) Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press. Struhsaker, Thomas T. Ecology of an African Rainforest. (1997) Gainesville, FL: University Press of Florida. Susskind, Lawrence E., William Moomaw and Teresa L. Hill ed. Innovations in International Environmental Negotiation. (1997) Cambridge, MA: PON Books. Winnefeld, James A. and Mary E. Morris. Where Environmental Concerns and Security Strategies Meet: Green Conflict in Asia and the Middle East. (1994) Santa Monica, CA: RAND.