Accounting project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Accounting project - Essay Example The strategy shifted sales from the future periods to the current quarter. In addition, the approach assumed a gross profit on the future sales, which resulted in the inflation of the earnings in 1997. Therefore based on the company-adopted strategy, Dunlap accelerated the company’s revenues by 18 percent. The management had adopted this plan to improve the stock prices, which would have resulted from good earnings reports presented by the company (Sondhi, & Taub, 2008). The increase in stock prices would assist in the acquisition of debt financing for the merging process. The bill and hold strategy adopted by the company provided incentives to the customers to make purchases whose delivery and billing was to happen in the future. The customers were not expected to pay for the goods until when the goods were delivered. Actual payments of the current period sales occurred in the preceding quarters. Therefore, the sales were recorded in the books of accounts as accounts receivables resulting in the increase of the accounts receivables expected by the company. The company avoided a significant shortfall in revenues, therefore, the continued using the bill and hold strategy in the preceding quarters. In this case income was not recognised at the point of sale rather it was recognised immediately the customer accepted the bill and hold conditions. Revenue may be earned during a period, but it is usually recognised at a point to fulfil the revenue recognition criteria, which is satisfied at the point of product delivery. Based on this revenue is recorded when there is certainty of the cash being received. Based on sunbeam’s case record of 1998 quarter first revenues were recorded in 1997 due to the fraudulent bill and hold strategy that they had adopted (Sondhi, & Taub, 2008). The sales revenue acquired in the first quarter of 1998 was used to offset futures that the company had borrowed to satisfy the bill and hold

The Effects and Causes of Fetal Alcohols Spectrum Disorders Essay Example for Free

The Effects and Causes of Fetal Alcohols Spectrum Disorders Essay Drinking while pregnant is a bad decision. Sometimes the child will result in certain health problems, and at times they will be perfectly healthy. The effects are referred to as FASD (Fetal Alcohols Spectrum Disorders). FASD can take form as many various effects. Many people are aware of these effects but they do not realize that moderate alcohol exposure to the fetus can be just as harmful to the baby as frequent exposure. Though this might leave some people thinking that some pregnant women do not realize their pregnancy for many weeks after conception, and how might they know when no to drink. Well, the women who are trying to become pregnant or women who think they may be pregnant should not drink at all. This is due to the possibilities of pregnancy. (March) When women first get pregnant only about 40 percent of the women notice the pregnancy right away (CDC). Studies by the CDC have published that with each live birth in the United States 0.2 – 1.5 out of 1,000 of those births are babies with FASD effects. In a period of 15 years it has been noted that 1 out of 8 women have admitted to drinking during their pregnancy (CDC). This just shows how unaware mothers are of their drinking’s lasting effects on their children and the strain these effects will bring to their families and friends. There are various symptoms, referring to health, of FASD some of the more major according to the Mayo Clinic are heart defects, slow growth before and after birth, problems with sight and hearing, learning deficiency, small brain size, joint and bone deformities, balance and coordination errors, sleep problems, mental retardation, short attention span, and issues controlling anxiety and impulsive behaviors. Some of the visible effects of FASD are a small head size and facial flattening (MC). The causes are simply stated, easily understood, but yet people do not always agree with them. To make the situation more easily understood, we can say that when you drink the alcohol goes into your bloodstream as a form of energy; the blood is shared amongst you and your unborn child. Therefore the baby gets alcohol into its blood and its slow metabolism cannot handle the amounts of alcohol that an adult woman can. This process also causes the oxygen to moves very slowly into the fetus and therefore the organs cannot get enough oxygen to grow properly (MC). It is known when the baby is most likely to be harmed and where development is risked during the stages of pregnancy. In the first three months of the pregnancy the baby is most likely to have facial deformation, and in the remainder of the pregnancy, the baby is at risk of growth of the central nervous system. When pregnant it is unknown how much alcohol consumed that it takes to cause risks to your baby. It could range differently with the woman’s metabolism, health, and age. Seeing that it is unknown of the amount for risks, it would just be safer to not drink at all while pregnant or if you might be pregnant (MC). If your baby has FASD it will not be evident until the birth, unless you tell your doctor that you have drank and he can check for signs and symptoms in the fetus. The signs that can be noticed while the baby is in the womb are small changes in growth, strange facial features, heart deformities, and all around behavior. This is to say that your FASD baby will be unplanned for and that you are always at risk if you have drank. There has been no cure found for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and most of its effects do not ware off with time. A cure for one of the more major signs, heart disorders, can be surgery. And if you have a learning disability that does not leave you mentally impaired, a special learning course in school will usually be very helpful. And with all the stress of the effects the parents may need counseling to cope with their mistakes and child’s behavior (MC). If FASD is evident before the age of six, medication can usually be provided to help with mental and social abilities (CDC). If you’re a parent with a child who suffers from FASD it is good to treat them as any parent would treat their child. Some of the things you can do to help them cope are giving them chores, teach them skills for daily living, teach them to hold their ground and stand tall, reward their good behavior, and teach the child daily routine (MC). If a child is not diagnosed with FASD they might still have fetal alcohol effects (FAE). FAEs consist of two types the first being Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopment Disorder (ARND). ARND is the collection of metal problems a child can have without collectively having FASD, a child with ARND is bound to struggle in school, be impulsive, low memory mass, short attention spam, and bad deciphering skills. The other FAE are Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD). These are the deformities in the skeletal system due to drinking while pregnant. The deformities may be include in these areas of the body heart, kidneys, bones, and the whole auditory system (FAE). On of the more heard of FASDs is FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome). FAS can lead to Fetal Death which is the most severe result in drinking while pregnant. But usually these people just experience face abnormality and growth problems. Some of the distinctive face abnormalities are a thin vermillion border, smooth philtrum, and small palpebral fissures. A child with FAS has a very hard time getting along with others and making friends (CDC). Children with FASDs often need extra help with simple tasks like walking, talking, and associating with others. These skills can be improved with special counselors at a young age, from birth to three years of age. This counseling is extremely important, so if it is noticed that the child has effects of FASD talk to your doctor immediately. The doctor might also recommend that the parents go through daily speech routines with their child. These routines will help the child reach their full potential and help them more as they reach high school age. As the child ages it is most often necessary for them to be in a special education class. A stable home life is a necessity for FASD cases. Children with FASD have a higher emotion to their surroundings, so moving frequently can cause mental breakdowns and tantrums. Therefore it is important to have a loving household and to care for you child with a great deal of attention. Help can also come from the community and friends to keep the child’s self esteem high and gleaming. And a high self esteem will help the child grow and keep them from criminal activity, dropping out, and unemployment (CDC.)Â  When your child has FASD they still need the same medical attention as a child without the sideffectts.

A Space Odyssey Film Analysis English Language Essay

A Space Odyssey Film Analysis English Language Essay A Space Odyssey revolves around the theme of evolution. This is a story about how man is overwhelmed by technology. The story follows the evolution of man from man ape. The film also takes into account humans evolution in to the future which involves humans creating Artificial intelligence. This idea develops out of humans use of the tool and eventually evolving beyond their biological needs. HAL represents this evolution but also warns of the problems that can arise when man creates artificial life. HALs malfunction is one such problem that warns of the advancement of technology where humans do not have full control. HAL begins to think on its own and digress from its original programming. HAL also shows signs of evolution as he begins to show emotion that he was not programmed to have. HAL becomes aware of himself and acts to make choices. This can be seen as HAL acts to defend himself for his continued existence. Stanley Kubrick is able to address the idea of evolution through spe cial effects . This can be seen as the effects for the time of the film were realistic with the representation of outer space. This was one of the first films to depict no sound in space. This film raised questions about the relationship between humans and artificial life. Kubrick is also able to accomplish a way of getting the relationship between human and technology across with little to no dialogue in the film. He attempts to portray events visually or with sounds that would have usually been used through dialogue. The basis of 2001: A Space Odyssey is that man has reached a point technologically with their tools that the next evolution step would be consciousness of artificial life. This can be seen through the HAL 900 computer. HAL is an artificial intelligence and an onboard computer of the spaceship Discovery. HAL is capable of speech and emotion. HAL 9000s voice is soft but is able to mimic human emotions which is very eerie . HAL maintains the ships functionality while the crew act as mechanics make the crew seem almost obsolete as Kubrick hints at the end of human evolution through technology. The films effects add to the theme of human evolution. The images of people walking upside down inside the windows of the flying spaceship gave great use of the camera angles. This image was a favorite of mine that added to the theme of human evolution. The film also used the effects of the monolith as a turning point in the history of man . The realization of this monolith gives way to the making of weapons eventually leading humans into space. As nature is replaced with technology a sense of individuality is lost and humans have no emotion. This film demonstrates a world that has sacrificed wisdom for knowledge. The monolith shot gives the viewer an example of using lines to direct the eye to a specific point. This is a good special effect that stood out. The music adds to the imagery that emphasizes how big the universe really is. The first scenes of space are enhanced by a classical soundtrack. When inside, the soundtrack is lively. However, outside things are silent .Kubricks ch oice of music ranged from conventional to odd. As a result, the music fit the storyline. The character performances in the show are robotic. The astronauts seem to just be janitors and seem unnecessary to the overall mission. This does add to the effect in the movie. The first characters are of prehistoric Earth and are apelike. An alien monolith appears to them and they quickly evolve to use tools and weapons. The film pioneered front projection in mainstream movie production. This can be seen with the weightless scene disconnecting HAL. The disconnection of HAL was one of the key shots in the movie. The film was a pioneer in front projection in mainstream movie production. This can be seen with the weightless scene disconnecting HAL. The disconnection of HAL was a memorable screen shot worth noting. All in all, the many effects in 2001: A Space Odyssey add to the theme of evolution .

Different Types of Digital Libraries Essay example -- Computer Technol

Digital libraries are libraries in which collections are stored in a digital format. A digital library has also been known as a virtual or electronic library. In this essay, different types of digital libraries will be compared. This essay will provide an in depth look at the many different digital library programs that have had a profound impact on the field of digital libraries. Archival formats will be explored. Techniques for the conversion of textbased formats into digital formats will be analyzed and compared. This essay will also uncover the pros and cons of a digital library compared to a traditional library. Suggestions for the future of digital libraries will also be considered. In 1945, Vannevar Bush had a vision. In his article, "As We May Think," he describes a technical fix for the information explosion that begun after World War II. Vannevar named this technical fix the Memex. The Memex was descibed as "a device in which an individual stores all his books, records and communications which is mechanized so that it may be consulted with exceeding speed and flexibility" (Bush, 1945). Vannevar was most certainly a visionary. His ideas were well before his time. His idea of the Memex can be considered the basis for digital libraries and maybe even the world wide web. In the 1980s, libraries card catalogs were being replaced by Online Public Access Catalogs (OPACs). These were usually closed systems that could contain little more than bibliographic data. Most OPACs were are done in Machine Readable Cataloging (MARC) format. It generally represents an individually published item or "information product," and describes the physical characteristics of the item itself (Brenner et al, 20... ... Materials. A Case for Full Information Capture. Digital Library Magazine. Digital Library Foundation (1995). America's Heritage: Mission and Goals for a Digital Library Federation. Retrieved April 25, 2007, from http://www.diglib.org/about/dlfcharter.htm American Memory, The Library of Congress. Mission and History. Retrieved April 24, 2007, from http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/about/index.html Morgan, E (2007). Alex Catalogue of Electronic Texts. Retrieved April 26, 2007, from http://www.infomotions.com/alex/ Alexandria Digital Library Project (2007). About ADL. Retrieved April 26, 2007, from http://www.alexandria.ucsb.edu/research/about/history.htm CSDL (2007). The Center for the Study of Digital Libraries. Texas A&M. Retrieved April 25, 2007, from http://www.csdl.tamu.edu/csdl/center/center.html

Trend in Heritage Tourism

Are the trends in Heritage tourism having an effect on world Heritage sites? | | Abstract Using in depth secondary research this paper aims to examine the impacts of heritage tourism to various heritage sites in terms of potential threats and opportunities associated with tourism development and growth. In addition there will be an analysing of the research methodologies used in order to identify theoretical framework surrounding area of study to clarify the outcomes of results.With effective management and planning heritage tourism can contribute to the local economy as well as the preservation and restoration of the historical monuments at the same time connecting the local culture, which represents a significant period of human history, with global cultures. Although benefits of this type of tourism do exist there are various issues apparent at numerous historical sites. This study focuses on the concept of sustainability in terms of understanding the implications of tourism to bu ilt heritage and its surroundings. nd the local culture, as well as to the development of the communities if planning and management is that dwell therein in terms of planning and management in order to restore, preserve historical monuments at the same time understand Abstract Using in depth secondary research this paper aims to examine the impacts of heritage tourism to various heritage sites in terms of potential threats and opportunities associated with tourism development and growth. In addition there will be an analysing of the research methodologies used in order to identify theoretical framework surrounding area of study to clarify the outcomes of results.With effective management and planning heritage tourism can contribute to the local economy as well as the preservation and restoration of the historical monuments at the same time connecting the local culture, which represents a significant period of human history, with global cultures. Although benefits of this type of to urism do exist there are various issues apparent at numerous historical sites. This study focuses on the concept of sustainability in terms of understanding the implications of tourism to built heritage and its surroundings. nd the local culture, as well as to the development of the communities if planning and management is that dwell therein in terms of planning and management in order to restore, preserve historical monuments at the same time understand | | | Introduction A catalyst for poverty alleviation, tourism is considered to be one of the world’s largest industries, as it acts as a key driver for development through foreign exchange earnings and the formation of direct and indirect employment WTO (2012, a).Tourism contributes 5% of the world’s GDP and accounts for 6% of the world’s exports in services, making it the fourth largest export sector after fuels, chemicals and automotive products. Tourism is accountable for 235 million jobs or one in every 12 jobs globally (WTO 2012, a). With a record of 705 million tourists up to August 2012, global tourism is to rise to 1billion by the end of 2012(WTO, 2012, b). In 2007, cultural tourism accounted for 40% of all international tourism (Mintel, 2010).These results produced are highly adequate as they directly came from WTO whom monitors the trends of tourism and provide an up to date statistic analysis in a timely mode in order understand the affects and impacts of tourism on a global level. The results from Mintel can be considered reliable as information was influenced by organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) tourism committee whom activity aims at promoting the culture of evaluation in tourism.As the growth in tourism can help sustain cultural heritage sites, but has severe consequences, since immense growth can affect the configuration of cultural sites and monuments as they are becoming heavily congested by tourist. Discussions and analysis of key theories a nd interpretation of research methods Heritage mainly represents the past and the future, its meaning is associated with the word in heritance which basically explains when something is passed from one generation to the next generation. Heritage acts as a carrier of historical values from the past, which can be viewed as part of the cultural tradition.Therefore the linkage between heritage and tourism exist by reconstructing the past in the present through interpretation i. e. cultural brokers (Nuryanti,1996). Heritage tourism is a form of special interest tourism (Nuryanti,1996). Heritage can be a form of living or built elements of culture which has intangible or tangible features such as buildings, locations, cuisines and arts and crafts (Timothy and Nyaupane, 2009). The academic adapted these view by exploring various tourism related journals. This may be reliable as they are peer viewed by other academics and experts round the area of study.This type of research method can help when trying to understand a specific study area before it can progress to any other research methods. However journals may not be able to answer a specific question that needs to be investigated as it has been created around the academics particular area of study, answering questions that the academics are particularly researching or investigating around. According to Zepal and Hall (1991) heritage tourism motivations are based on ‘’nostalgia for the past and the desire to experience diverse cultural landscapes and forms†.This quote may not be factual but rather the author’s perspectives as the postmodern tourist may have influence by other motives. The motives to visit cultural historical sites were influenced by having a curiosity in history, visiting cultural attractions/events and visiting a historical attractions/events (Kolar and zabkar,2010 cited in Swarbrooke,1999). Cultural motivations can give an idea of what precedes authentic experiences (Kolar and zabkar,2010). This information was obtained by the means of conducting a survey on 25 Romanesque heritage sites in four European countries.The results identified that cultural motivation is significant subsequent of both object-based and existential authenticity, which in turn influences tourist perceptions. Although surveys can be gathered quickly and administered easily, response rates can be bias as the results of a survey are randomly sampled, normally used to target a selective of participants. Furthermore the results were only generalizing on specific heritage settings. This makes it difficult to identify if tourists have similar experiences and perceptions in other heritage settings.An idea of the motivations and behaviours of heritage tourists are, essential if the impacts on heritage sites are to be managed sustainably (Kolar and zabkar, 2010). Heritage tourism can create employment, alleviate poverty, curb rural flight migration, and increase community empowerment. Th e dynamic characteristics of tourism can contribute to preserving and enhancing intangible and tangible cultural heritage. However Intangible and tangible cultural assets whether it is built or a living must be analyzed and managed well in order to flourish in an increasingly globalized world.However this relies on stake holder’s involvement such as the partnerships between communities and the tourism and heritage industries. This is because the genuine appreciation for the aspirations and values of all parties can influence the survival of heritage tourism (UNWTO, 2012). This information can be considered as accurate as UNWTO monitor cultural tourism activities and are able to understand the implications of tourism through observations of tourist flows and tourism developments in various heritage sites, in addition working with various stake holders and tourism departments.UNESCO adopted the convention concerning the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage site s in 1972(Garrod and Fyall, 2009). Since then there has been 936 designated world heritage sites located in 159 states party. The aim of the convention is to â€Å"ensure the identification, protection, conservation, presentation and transmission to future generations of cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal value† (Garrod and Fyall, 2009 cited in UNESCO, 2008:2).The information produce can be considered accurate as it was obtained from UNESCO published documents which is based on factual information rather than ones opinion. However it has been debated that the world Heritage listings has had an influenced in the increase in visitor numbers to world heritage sites. Considerable growth in tourist interest has been distinguished as a driving aspect in latest world heritage selections (Landorf 2009 cited in Jones & Munday, 2001). This information was conducted by observations of tourist movements to six heritage sites in the UK.However as this type of research gathered is a form of observation it may be considered as a genuine approach as visitors do not notice that they are being watch so they would act to their normal nature. This approach allows you to understanding certain tourist’s behaviour patterns which can be based on Mathieson and Wall (1982) consumer buying behaviour model. The research associated with the Mathieson and Wall (1982) consumer buying behaviour model can be considered out dated as it does not look into the current perspectives of geographical approaches to understanding consumer behaviour.A more current consumer behaviour model will need to be adapted in order to understand today’s tourists as they may differ from the past tourists. Tourism might place stress on world heritage sites which growth, is intensified by which contradicts the standards at the core of the World Heritage Convention, which emphasis that world heritage sites should maintain a function in current community life at the same time b eing preserved for transmission to future generations (UNESCO, 1972, b).In this case it is a vital issue that tourism activities should be sustainable in order to allow sites that gain world heritage status to maintain their status (Garrod & Fyall, 2000). The information was conducted using desk top research. This information may be bias as it is based on expert’s personal opinions. Tourism may not be the best solution for the development of heritage sites unless planning is involved. Heritage tourism can influence community developments. For example Wadi Al-Hitan in Egypt, witnessed small scale developments by local communities supplying most of the services available to the visitor’s experiences.Management of the heritage site worked closely with locals of the site to develop their capacity in regards to the site but also with regards to developing their skills for providing these services to the tourists i. e. tour guides. A positive outcome has been associated with this is economic development of local communities due to well-planned tourism at Wadi Al Hitan. The Canaima National Park in Venezuela and Shiretoko in Japan are other examples of sites that also demonstrate good methods for community involvement and collaboration and hence development of heritage sites (Borges et al, 2011).This information was collected by taking notes from the interviews from experts in this area of study. Interviews are very effective if conducted using appropriate questions in order to get an instant answer to your questions raised. This method of research is beneficial as it can validate information that already exists. The results for this interview did indicate that there are some positive outcomes for heritage tourism if managed well, however stakeholders will have to involve to community for it to be successful.Although tourism is normally honoured for being able to reconcile conservation and development goals in or near protected areas, there are existing negative impacts that are affecting world heritage sites status. For example Machu Picchu in Peru faces pressure from 900,000 annual tourists who visit the ancient Inca city. The tourists place a threat on the ecological integrity, physical body and cultural authenticity of the world heritage site and surrounding areas, including the Inca Trail (Larson and Poudyal, 2012).Information was influenced by Andean tour operators. As they are recognised tour operator this type of research approach is good, as they will have connections with other tourism related institutions in order to understand what is going on in particular countries in terms of tourist flows and impacts to particular destinations which they may be operating in. UNESCO has previously warned about uncontrolled access at Machu Picchu in Peru and advised the authorities to make conservation a priority (BBC news, 2012).This information was gather from the BBC news is reliable as news is a source which is most current and u p to date with worldwide issues. Due to immense tourism developments at heritage sites planning strategies are essential in order to control tourism (Hall, 2008). For a plan to be successful it needs to implement an effective planning approach which is vision and goal oriented, integrative, market driven, resource driven, consultative and systematic (Hall,2008). However Simpson (2001) identified that specific examples of community involvement in the planning process hardly exist.Environmental and economic objectives are more notional than social objectives, creating problematic process as the three dimensions as they are not being equally treated (Agyeman & Evans, 2003). Figure one illustrates the process in which sustainable tourism should be managed at heritage sites. Through sustainability soft and hard visitor management techniques have been implemented at various heritage sites in order to control and monitor visitor flows cooper et al, 2005. This information was obtained by ob serving the visitor management techniques implemented at the Great Wall of China.In this case this is a good method as the results give an understanding of what management techniques effective for heritage sites. Source: (Larson and Poudyal, 2012) Source: (Larson and Poudyal, 2012) Conclusion It is evident that academics in this area of study heavily rely on qualitative research in order to discover their answer. This may be that due to the nature of heritage tourism, the best way to understand the area is by identifying what motivates tourist to this type of tourism and what are the implications, opportunities and solutions in order to sustain heritage tourism.These types of questions may need to be answered by tourists that participate in this type of tourism and stake holders involved. In this way it can be said that the reason why surveys, interviews and observation methods might be used is to investigate specifically in detail answers that may not be found conducting desk top r esearch, due to the limitations of areas that are specifically studied around a particular academics research. However institutions such as the WTO, OECD use quantitative and qualitative, methods in order measure and monitor progress and direct actions related to tourism related impacts, threats and opportunities.It can be recommended that academics use both qualitative and quantitative research in order to develop well detailed and effective results around the area of study. Overall it is clear from the study that in order for heritage tourism to be preserved sustainability is the key concept surrounding the phenomenon. Tourists, Stake holders, communities and tourism institutions are equally involve in achieving sustainability in world heritage sites as they each have an effect on the outcomes of its survival in terms of future developments. References Agyeman, J. & Evans, T. (2003). Toward sustainability in urban communities: Building equal rights with sustainable solutions. Anna ls of the American Academy of Political and Social Sciences. 590. pp 35–53. BBC news, (2012) Machu Picchu: Peru unveils plans for new airport. Available at: http://www. bbc. co. uk/news/world-latin-america-19353660 [Accessed: 2nd December, 2012] Borges,A. M. ,Carbone,G. ,Bushell,R. and Jaeger,T. (2011) Sustainable tourism and natural World Heritage. Switzerland: IUCN Gland, Switzerland Cooper,C. ,Fletcher,J. ,Fyal,A. , Gilbert,D. & Wanhill,S. 2005)Tourism principles and practice. Essex: Pearson education limited Garrod, B. , & Fyall, A. (2000). Managing heritage tourism. Annals of Tourism Research. 27(3). pp 682–708. Garrod,B. and Fyall,A. Contemporary cases in Tourism. Volume 1. Oxford: Goodfellow Publishers Limited. In UNESCO (2008) World Heritage. Availble at:http://whc. unesco. org/en/list/514 Garrod, B. , & Fyall, A. (2000). Managing heritage tourism. Annals of Tourism Research. 27(3). pp 682–708. *Hall, C. M. (2008). Tourism planning. Policies, processes a nd relationships, Harlow, Pearson Education LimitedKolar,T. and zabkar,V. (2010) A consumer-based model of authenticity: An oxymoron or the foundation of cultural heritage marketing. 31 (5) October. pp. 652–66. In Swarbrooke, J. (1999) The development and management of visitor attractions. Oxford Butterworth-Heinemann, Kolar,T. and zabkar,V. (2010) A consumer-based model of authenticity: An oxymoron or the foundation of cultural heritage marketing. 31 (5). October. pp 652–664 Larson,R. L. and Poudyal,C. N. (2012) Developing sustainable tourism through adaptive resource management: a case study of Machu Picchu, Peru. 0(7). pp 917-938 Landorf ,C. ( 2009) Managing for sustainable tourism: a review of six cultural World Heritage Sites. 17(1). pp53-70. In Jones, C. , & Munday, M. (2001). Blaenavon and United Nations World Heritage Site status: Is conservation of industrial heritage a road to local economic development? Regional Studies. 35(6). pp 585–590. Mathieson, A. and Wall, G. (1982) Tourism: Economic, Physical and Social Impacts. Harlow: Longman. Mintel (2010) Cultural and Heritage Tourism – International. Available at:http://academic. mintel. om/display/482710/? highlight=true[Accessed:2nd December, 2012] Nuryanti,W. (1996) HERITAGE AND POSTMODERN TOURISM. Annalr of Tourirm Research. 23 (2) pp. 249-260, Simpson, K. (2001). Strategic planning and community involvement as contributors to sustainable tourism development. Current Issues in Tourism, 4(1). pp 3–41. Timothy, J. D. and Nyaupane, P. G. 2009 Cultural Heritage and Tourism in the Developing World: A Regional Perspective. Oxon: Routledge UNWTO (2012) Tourism and Intangible Cultural Heritage. Available at: http://ethics. unwto. rg/en/content/tourism-and-intangible-cultural-heritage[Accessed: 3rd December,2012] UNESCO. (1972). Convention concerning the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage. Paris: UNESCO. WTO (2012 a) Tourism and Poverty Alleviation. Avail able at: http://step. unwto. org/en/content/tourism-and-poverty-alleviation-1[Accessed: 2nd December, 2012] WTO (2012 b) International tourism strong despite uncertain economy. Available at. http://www2. unwto. org/en/press-release/2012-11-05/international-tourism-strong-despite-uncertain-economy[Accessed: 2nd December, 2012] Zeppal, H. and

I, Robot Film Essay

â€Å"I, Robot†, being the film released in 2004, has gained the huge popularity of the audience and the approval of many critics. In fact, the opening weekend proved to be very successful for the film that indicates to the huge interest of the public. In this respect, it is worth mentioning the fact that â€Å"I, Robot† has a budget $120,000,000 and the opening weekend in the US only has brought over $52 mln. (I, Robot, 2008). In such a way, it is possible to estimate that the film was basically very successful since it still remains quite popular, especially among connoisseurs of science-fiction. Obviously, the popularity of the film and the interest of the pubic is not only the result of a successful promotional campaign and celebrities starring in the film, but it is mainly due to the quality of the film that made â€Å"I, Robot† so popular and successful. In this respect, it should be said that â€Å"I, Robot† is a film focused on the problem of techn ologies of control. Speaking about the plot of the film, it should be said that the action takes place in 2035 when robots are widely used as assistance of human beings. In such a situation the main character, Chicago Police Detective Del Spooner (Will Smith) seems to be a bit paranoid because he is a kind of robotophobic. Strangely enough but it is him who is appointed to investigate the murder of Dr. Alfred Lanning (James Cromwell) who works at US Robotics. The number one suspect is a Nestor Class 5 robot who calls himself Sonny. This is where the paradox and the main dilemma appears: if Sonny really has killed a human, than he possesses consciousness and he can think and act independently from a human. Consequently if all this is true than robots can easily raise against their human masters and establish total control over the world. custom essays In such a way, the main theme of the film is revealed through the opposition of robots that gained consciousness and human beings who turned from masters that controlled not only robots but everything in the world and in their life into beings who have grown to become completely dependent upon their robo ts† (Wilson 2002:388). In fact this lead to the logical question the audience has to answer: â€Å"at what point does artificial intelligence cease to be artificial and true consciousness arise?† (Wilson 2002:389). Moreover, it is not less important to realize the consequences of such a shift in the machines created due to the most sophisticated technologies mankind possesses. The director of the film successfully used the scenes where the large masses of robots are shown resembling a kind of army which is able to destroy the mankind as soon as it goes out of human’s control. At this point the scenes in which robots attack humans are particularly noteworthy. Even though the director of the film probably pays too much attention of action scenes and violence, but still this violence does not seem to be excessive. Instead, it is intentionally used to demonstrate the power of the machines created by humans and which rebelled against humans’ domination. In such a situation, the first robot that actually started to act differently, i.e. the robot, who has gone out of control of humans, resembles a kind of Frankenstein, a creature that rebels against its creator. On the other hand, the robot does not produce an absolutely negative impression. In fact, the robot provokes rather controversial feelings since the only problem of the robot is its actions which are wrong and which are not conditioned by humans, but which, on the other hand, are too human. In such a way, the rebellion of robots may be viewed in the context of comparison of humans with robots. The latter rebel against humans but they behave in a similar way as humans do, the only thing they want to change is to accomplish humans efforts to create perfect creatures and create the perfect world. However, the film reveals the fact that in such an idealized world there is no room for humans that are too imperfect and their strife for perfection is just their vanity and an attempt to play God. In this respect, the main character is quite symbolic since he comprises vices which cannot be attributed to a real hero that is supposed to save the world from robots. In actuality, Del Spooner is a bit paranoid person who has some inexplicable phobia of robots and machines, a person who lives practically in the permanent state of fear. On the other hand, he is ready to face all the challenges in his life and he is ready to struggle. The main problem is whether humans can control their technologies and what are the consequences of the unplanned technological progress. Probably, the question is even more general: what human beings are and whether they can create working machines with high intelligence and remain safe. The director poses an eternal question what human beings are and willingly or not a viewer may have got an impression that humans are also someone’s creatures, as robots in â€Å"I, Robot†. I Robot I robot is a movie based on the works of an atheistic man, in which there are many theological themes present, which play toward the same questions we ask about our faith each and every day. I Robot is a movie based on the works of Victor Asimnov, a man who wrote several short stories about robots and human kinds interaction. The movie takes place in futuristic Chicago in the year 2035, at a time there are so many robots, that there will soon be one of them in each home. The story revolves around detective Del Spooner (Will Smith), a homicide detective who hates robots. The reason being that he had a bad experience with them, ever since a robot saved his life in a car accident when it could have saved a young girl instead. The movie starts off when the scientist who repaired Will Smith after the accident, named Alfred Lanning, is found dead in the lobby of the U.S. Robotics office tower. Del Spooner (Will Smith) assumes that the scientist’s death was not a suicide attempt, but a murder committed by a robot named Sonny. Everyone tells Spooner that he’s crazy, because robots cannot go against the three laws by which they are to abide by at any cost. THE THREE LAWS OF ROBOTICS: A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. A robot must obey orders given it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the first and second rule. Every robot is programmed to protect humans at all costs, and to obey them unless such obedience would harm a human life. Spooner very much doubts this because various robots keep trying to kill him, from a home-demolition robot, to a whole truckload of metal men that ambush him while he drives through a highway tunnel. The story continues, and the new robots go on a rampage, even†¦