The racing game Midnight Club LA was released by Rockstar games on October 21st 2008, the fourth game in the series. The latest extension to the game was the adding of “South Central,” a whole knew part of the city, nearly the size of one third of the cities size when the game was released. Midnight Club LA surpasses all previous games in the series in three main aspects, specifically, customization, single player campaign, and online gameplay. These three aspects were developed to a completely new level in the latest game of the Midnight club series.
The first area in which Midnight Club LA is superior to its predecessors is the customization factor that is new to the series with the release of LA. Players can unlock parts for their cars by competing with that class of car. After players have unlocked parts for one of the five classes of cars, they can buy and install them for whatever value they hold. Available body parts range from custom exhaust pipes to steering wheels to spoilers. Aside from body parts, players can also change their cars’ paint and add vinals. Gamers can chose from a cast array of paints, or even create their own color. Additionally, players can also change paint designs, such as two tone or certain fades, not to mention the option to manipulate the thickness or gloss of the paint. Furthermore, the vinal options are even more exuberant. Players can chose from vinal packages, or pick from hundreds of vinals to personalize their ride.
Moreover, the second main aspect of why the latest Midnight club game surpasses the others is the single player campaign. Instead of roaming from city to city, with all the needed garages already on the minimap, you must explore the whole city from top to bottom to find new races, new racers, and new garages. The single player story follows a racer who’s well known on the east coast, but travels west after some jail time to build back up his reputation there. Players must control him in order to climb the social ladder of LA racers and reach the highest rank of reputation. Along the way, players unlock different tiers of cars and performance parts for each tier of cars, therefore allowing players to set and reach goals along their climb to the top of LA’s streets.
The final aspect as to how Midnight Club LA is more improved than the previous games in the series is the online gameplay. This is mainly because of the addition of several new modes of play. Instead of just racing online, players can enter a quick cruise, and surf the city with other players at top speeds. While in a quick cruise, any player can propose a challenge, whether it be any of the races from the single player, a custom made race, or a special game such as capture the flag. Additionally, to quick cruise, Rockstar added a new feature called “rate my ride” to build upon the customization aspect of this game. In this game mode, players can put their customized car up for other players to see and rate on a scale of one to ten. After uploading your personal ride, and rating other gamers’ rides, you can check the high scores to see who’s on top at the moment.
On October 21st of 2008, Rockstar released its fourth game in the Midnight Club series, Midnight Club LA. This game exceeds the previous hit in the series, Midnight Club III, and rivals any new Need for Speed game. This game is more improved than the other games in the series for three main reasons, those points being the customization aspect, the single player campaign, and the online gameplay. Furthermore, the addition of South Central also adds a lot to the game, including new areas to explore and new jumps to attempt. In conclusion, the game Midnight Club LA is unsurpassed by any of its predicators in the three main aspects that really count when comparing any games of this genre.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
My experience at Spring State
Spring State is the last of all three state conventions every school year, the others being Fall State and Winter Congress. Just as Fall State and Winter Congress have their own special focus, so does Spring State. Spring state’s main focus is on the elections of officials for next year. Every year there is an election, with terms taking effect and ending on June 1st, the last day of school.
Arrival and Debate Block One:
Mrs. Boyajian and Mrs. Ryder convened at Charlie Browns and drove up Jessi Young, Nathan Taylor, Peter Boyajian, Naomi Ryder, Daniel Margulis and I to Parsippany where the convention was being held. We arrived at the hotel at approximately 10:00, just in time to attend the opening session without missing anything. During the opening session, each member of cabinet spoke and shared their progress and plans for the convention. After each member spoke, as well as a message from our Lieutenant Governor, the candidates were brought up to stage for each position respectively, followed by open nominations for each position.
After each position was reviewed, and open nominations were held, the Governor dismissed everyone to attend debate block one. Most of our chapter attended the debate in which I spoke, however Peter and Nathan had to attend a Presidents meeting. The rest of the chapter in attendance proceeded to the Madison room, where my debate was being held. The debate was: resolved, that religious institutions that refuse to recognize homosexual marriages be stripped of tax-exempt status. I argued con. My main con argument went well, although I didn’t deliver it as well as I did the last meeting, but still, it was very good. After the pro and con subsequent speakers and closings, we voted on the resolution. The final outcome was 21 for, 24 against, and 3 abstentions, therefore failing. After the debate was finished we met up with Peter and Nathan and decided what we were doing for lunch.
Lunch and Debate Block two:
For lunch we decided on Fuddruckers, which was sponsoring JSA for 50% of the profit made on each meal ordered from a JSA member would go to the micro financing organization KIVA. After enjoying an amazing meal, we returned to the hotel in time for debate block two. Instead of watching a debate, we went to the KIVA simulation. According to JSA, 99.9% of all loans dealt by KIVA return to the organization, so JSA did a simulation to see how much money would come back to them after several rolls of a die (which is the closest approximation they could get to 99.9%). One of the candidates for Vice Mayor, Parth Parikh, was helping run the simulation and decided to make two teams, with each member buying in at two dollars, and all proceeds going to KIVA. The teams were, the bunny crusaders, consisting of Nate, Peter and I, along with four other kids from anther chapter, against team batman, which consisted of Mrs. Boyajian, Mrs. Ryder, Naomi, Daniel, Jessi, Chelsea Frankel, and Parth. For the first couple rounds of rolling, we were ahead by a couple dollars, however after a bad round, the bunny crusaders fell behind by about six dollars. It was at this point that one of the kids from the other chapter pulled out a twenty dollar bill and put it in our pile of money, therefore putting us ahead by about fifteen dollars. As we continued, the risk became bigger, and then finally, we came to the last two rounds, both wager rounds. After one round, the minimum wager doubled, and the bunny crusaders eventually won by almost twenty dollars. Instead of the promised all you can eat ice cream, whipped cream was handed out as a prize.
Debate Block Three:
After the simulation ended, we convened in the hallway and decided to attend a debate regarding car company bail outs. The specific resolution was, resolved, that the federal government allow American auto-manufacturers to go bankrupt. Unfortunately, the main con speaker wasn’t present, so a student from the audience volunteered. The pro argued that the government was wasting money by bailing these car companies out, because, if they were to become bankrupt, they could “start over” with some new amount of money that was not specified where it came from. The con argued that the car companies should not be allowed to become bankrupt because their remnants would be auctioned off to other car companies. Because there are no major American car companies with the money to buy the remnants of any large car company such as GM, the con argued that American car companies would be completely bought out by foreign car companies. After one round of subsequent speakers, then closings, a vote was taken on the resolution and it failed with the final tally being, 18 against, 9 for, and 2 abstentions.
Entertainment and Nightlife Block:
After the last debate, we all went to the main ballroom with all the other chapters to hear from our Governor and Lt. Governor for some announcements. After a few announcements, the room keys were distributed, and, after changing, most everyone else at the convention went to the mall for dinner. Our chapter, being one of the few that went to Fuddruckers for lunch decided not to eat so soon as we were all still full from lunch there. We all decided to change and enjoy a walk around the hotel and some fresh air. Upon coming back to the hotel, we decided to go to the pool for a little bit while the majority of other JSA members were still at the mall eating. Peter, Nathan and I all went to the pool, while others watch, walked around the hotel, or talked about the day.
After going back to our rooms and ordering Chinese food, Peter, Nathan, Daniel and I all attended the Master Debator activity, while Naomi and Jessi attended the Candidates Idol in the main ballroom, where each candidate sings a song of his/her choice, or can also sing with his other candidates running for that position. Master debator is a fun JSA pastime where the moderator/s decides on a ridiculous and/or comic resolution, and the debaters have to argue their assigned side. After going through some offending resolutions at first, the moderator decided on some more suitable resolutions, and all of us got a chance to debate once. After eating dinner, we all decided to change and attend the dance. The dance was enjoyable to everyone until the affects of the music began to sink in... Daniel Margulis and I decided to head back to the room and find something else to do. After about an hour of surfing the internet, Nate, Peter, Jessi and Naomi all returned from the dance. Everyone was fairly tired out, and curfew had just been taken into affect, so we each went to our own rooms to spend the night.
Elections and Debate Block Four:
After waking up and eating a pre-packed breakfast, all JSA members attended the first election session, regional elections. Each chapter was assigned in alphabetical order, and was handed index cards to place individual ballots, then after all the ballots have been counted, the chapter president would announce the tally of votes for his/her chapter. This process was repeated for each new position, and finally we were dismissed after the Mayoral and Vice-Mayoral positions were filled.
Both Peter and Daniel were both speaking in the fourth debate block, so we decided to split up and meet back at the ballroom for state elections. Jessi, Mrs. Ryder, and I all went to Daniel’s debate, while Naomi, Mrs. Boyajian, and Nathan attended Peter’s debate. Daniel’s debate was, resolved that the United States establish normal diplomatic relations with Iran. The pro argued that we should establish the relations with Iran because of the economic benefits that would result from it; however he did not touch on the point of whether it was safe or possible. Daniel argued that the Iranians are harboring terrorists; therefore it is not safe to establish diplomatic relations with them. He also outlined some of Iran’s previous encounters with Israel’s ceasefire and other instances in which similar cases happened. Because they were pressed for time, they could not do any subsequent speakers, and a vote was taken. The resolution passed by a large amount of votes, due to the large amount of people from the pro speaker’s school.
After the debate ended, we all convened at the ballroom for the last set of elections and closing session. We followed the same procedure as before while voting for the positions of Lieutenant Governor and Governor. After each candidate was elected for the two positions, the closing session began. During closing session the best speaker gavels were handed out to the winners, and winner for chapter challenge was announced. After reminiscence from each of the seniors, Spring State was officially adjourned by the Governor.
Arrival and Debate Block One:
Mrs. Boyajian and Mrs. Ryder convened at Charlie Browns and drove up Jessi Young, Nathan Taylor, Peter Boyajian, Naomi Ryder, Daniel Margulis and I to Parsippany where the convention was being held. We arrived at the hotel at approximately 10:00, just in time to attend the opening session without missing anything. During the opening session, each member of cabinet spoke and shared their progress and plans for the convention. After each member spoke, as well as a message from our Lieutenant Governor, the candidates were brought up to stage for each position respectively, followed by open nominations for each position.
After each position was reviewed, and open nominations were held, the Governor dismissed everyone to attend debate block one. Most of our chapter attended the debate in which I spoke, however Peter and Nathan had to attend a Presidents meeting. The rest of the chapter in attendance proceeded to the Madison room, where my debate was being held. The debate was: resolved, that religious institutions that refuse to recognize homosexual marriages be stripped of tax-exempt status. I argued con. My main con argument went well, although I didn’t deliver it as well as I did the last meeting, but still, it was very good. After the pro and con subsequent speakers and closings, we voted on the resolution. The final outcome was 21 for, 24 against, and 3 abstentions, therefore failing. After the debate was finished we met up with Peter and Nathan and decided what we were doing for lunch.
Lunch and Debate Block two:
For lunch we decided on Fuddruckers, which was sponsoring JSA for 50% of the profit made on each meal ordered from a JSA member would go to the micro financing organization KIVA. After enjoying an amazing meal, we returned to the hotel in time for debate block two. Instead of watching a debate, we went to the KIVA simulation. According to JSA, 99.9% of all loans dealt by KIVA return to the organization, so JSA did a simulation to see how much money would come back to them after several rolls of a die (which is the closest approximation they could get to 99.9%). One of the candidates for Vice Mayor, Parth Parikh, was helping run the simulation and decided to make two teams, with each member buying in at two dollars, and all proceeds going to KIVA. The teams were, the bunny crusaders, consisting of Nate, Peter and I, along with four other kids from anther chapter, against team batman, which consisted of Mrs. Boyajian, Mrs. Ryder, Naomi, Daniel, Jessi, Chelsea Frankel, and Parth. For the first couple rounds of rolling, we were ahead by a couple dollars, however after a bad round, the bunny crusaders fell behind by about six dollars. It was at this point that one of the kids from the other chapter pulled out a twenty dollar bill and put it in our pile of money, therefore putting us ahead by about fifteen dollars. As we continued, the risk became bigger, and then finally, we came to the last two rounds, both wager rounds. After one round, the minimum wager doubled, and the bunny crusaders eventually won by almost twenty dollars. Instead of the promised all you can eat ice cream, whipped cream was handed out as a prize.
Debate Block Three:
After the simulation ended, we convened in the hallway and decided to attend a debate regarding car company bail outs. The specific resolution was, resolved, that the federal government allow American auto-manufacturers to go bankrupt. Unfortunately, the main con speaker wasn’t present, so a student from the audience volunteered. The pro argued that the government was wasting money by bailing these car companies out, because, if they were to become bankrupt, they could “start over” with some new amount of money that was not specified where it came from. The con argued that the car companies should not be allowed to become bankrupt because their remnants would be auctioned off to other car companies. Because there are no major American car companies with the money to buy the remnants of any large car company such as GM, the con argued that American car companies would be completely bought out by foreign car companies. After one round of subsequent speakers, then closings, a vote was taken on the resolution and it failed with the final tally being, 18 against, 9 for, and 2 abstentions.
Entertainment and Nightlife Block:
After the last debate, we all went to the main ballroom with all the other chapters to hear from our Governor and Lt. Governor for some announcements. After a few announcements, the room keys were distributed, and, after changing, most everyone else at the convention went to the mall for dinner. Our chapter, being one of the few that went to Fuddruckers for lunch decided not to eat so soon as we were all still full from lunch there. We all decided to change and enjoy a walk around the hotel and some fresh air. Upon coming back to the hotel, we decided to go to the pool for a little bit while the majority of other JSA members were still at the mall eating. Peter, Nathan and I all went to the pool, while others watch, walked around the hotel, or talked about the day.
After going back to our rooms and ordering Chinese food, Peter, Nathan, Daniel and I all attended the Master Debator activity, while Naomi and Jessi attended the Candidates Idol in the main ballroom, where each candidate sings a song of his/her choice, or can also sing with his other candidates running for that position. Master debator is a fun JSA pastime where the moderator/s decides on a ridiculous and/or comic resolution, and the debaters have to argue their assigned side. After going through some offending resolutions at first, the moderator decided on some more suitable resolutions, and all of us got a chance to debate once. After eating dinner, we all decided to change and attend the dance. The dance was enjoyable to everyone until the affects of the music began to sink in... Daniel Margulis and I decided to head back to the room and find something else to do. After about an hour of surfing the internet, Nate, Peter, Jessi and Naomi all returned from the dance. Everyone was fairly tired out, and curfew had just been taken into affect, so we each went to our own rooms to spend the night.
Elections and Debate Block Four:
After waking up and eating a pre-packed breakfast, all JSA members attended the first election session, regional elections. Each chapter was assigned in alphabetical order, and was handed index cards to place individual ballots, then after all the ballots have been counted, the chapter president would announce the tally of votes for his/her chapter. This process was repeated for each new position, and finally we were dismissed after the Mayoral and Vice-Mayoral positions were filled.
Both Peter and Daniel were both speaking in the fourth debate block, so we decided to split up and meet back at the ballroom for state elections. Jessi, Mrs. Ryder, and I all went to Daniel’s debate, while Naomi, Mrs. Boyajian, and Nathan attended Peter’s debate. Daniel’s debate was, resolved that the United States establish normal diplomatic relations with Iran. The pro argued that we should establish the relations with Iran because of the economic benefits that would result from it; however he did not touch on the point of whether it was safe or possible. Daniel argued that the Iranians are harboring terrorists; therefore it is not safe to establish diplomatic relations with them. He also outlined some of Iran’s previous encounters with Israel’s ceasefire and other instances in which similar cases happened. Because they were pressed for time, they could not do any subsequent speakers, and a vote was taken. The resolution passed by a large amount of votes, due to the large amount of people from the pro speaker’s school.
After the debate ended, we all convened at the ballroom for the last set of elections and closing session. We followed the same procedure as before while voting for the positions of Lieutenant Governor and Governor. After each candidate was elected for the two positions, the closing session began. During closing session the best speaker gavels were handed out to the winners, and winner for chapter challenge was announced. After reminiscence from each of the seniors, Spring State was officially adjourned by the Governor.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
World Trade Center reveiw
“We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail.” President George W. Bush said those memorable words after the devastating event that took place on September 11th, 2001. The movie, World Trade Center, depicts the tragedy that occurred on that day from a different viewpoint, that of Port Authority officers John McLoughlin and Will Jimeno. Director Oliver Stone develops the enormous emotional component while maintaining the gravity and devastation of the events pictured. He does this through three main aspects, specifically the film’s reflective nature on the attacks, the depiction of teamwork and brotherhood among those serving that day, and the movie’s alternative focus on the family members of McLoughlin and Jimeno.
The first point of how Stone combines the gravity of the attacks along with the emotional interpretation is the added reflective nature of the movie. For example, there were multiple scenes depicting the devastation that was created that day. Additionally, there was also a section at the end before the credits to commemorate and thank all the Port Authority officers who served that day. This characteristic demonstrates the commemorative aspect that Stone combines with the drama of McLoughlin and Jimeno’s struggles.
Moreover, the second point as to how the seriousness and emotional aspects are combined is the depiction of teamwork among all the Port Authority officers, especially between Jimeno and McLoughlin. In the beginning of the movie, as the Port Authority officers are getting ready to go up in Tower One, there is a strong aspect of cooperation and joint operation. For example, when asking for volunteers to go into Tower One, there was no hesitation before enough men volunteered. The aspect of teamwork is even more so exemplified through Jimeno and McLoughlin while they’re trapped in the rubble. Through motivation and inspiration, they keep each other alive.
The final aspect as to how Stone combines the devastation and emotional aspects is the movie’s alternative focus on other family members of Jimeno and McLoughlin. Practically half the movie focuses on each of their wives and other family members as they become restless with worries about what could have happened to their loved ones. This aspect gives an idea as to what it would be like to lose someone that you loved, to an act of sheer hate and terrorism. For example, Jimeno’s wife becomes sick from pressure and nervousness, and eventually is unable to eat or drink, while still anticipating a phone call from the Port Authority office.
During the World Trade Center attacks in 2001, two Port Authority Police officers were trapped in rubble for a day before being rescued. These men are John McLoughlin and Will Jimeno. Their story is depicted in the movie, World Trade Center. In this movie, director Oliver Stone combines the emotional and tragic aspects of the events that occurred on that fateful day through three main methods: these being, the reflective nature of the film itself on the attacks, the depiction of teamwork among those serving that day, and the movie’s alternate focus on family members of McLoughlin and Jimeno. In conclusion, Stone does an excellent job of showing the devastation of the events, while at the same time displaying the dramatic and emotional story of Jimeno and McLoughlin.
The first point of how Stone combines the gravity of the attacks along with the emotional interpretation is the added reflective nature of the movie. For example, there were multiple scenes depicting the devastation that was created that day. Additionally, there was also a section at the end before the credits to commemorate and thank all the Port Authority officers who served that day. This characteristic demonstrates the commemorative aspect that Stone combines with the drama of McLoughlin and Jimeno’s struggles.
Moreover, the second point as to how the seriousness and emotional aspects are combined is the depiction of teamwork among all the Port Authority officers, especially between Jimeno and McLoughlin. In the beginning of the movie, as the Port Authority officers are getting ready to go up in Tower One, there is a strong aspect of cooperation and joint operation. For example, when asking for volunteers to go into Tower One, there was no hesitation before enough men volunteered. The aspect of teamwork is even more so exemplified through Jimeno and McLoughlin while they’re trapped in the rubble. Through motivation and inspiration, they keep each other alive.
The final aspect as to how Stone combines the devastation and emotional aspects is the movie’s alternative focus on other family members of Jimeno and McLoughlin. Practically half the movie focuses on each of their wives and other family members as they become restless with worries about what could have happened to their loved ones. This aspect gives an idea as to what it would be like to lose someone that you loved, to an act of sheer hate and terrorism. For example, Jimeno’s wife becomes sick from pressure and nervousness, and eventually is unable to eat or drink, while still anticipating a phone call from the Port Authority office.
During the World Trade Center attacks in 2001, two Port Authority Police officers were trapped in rubble for a day before being rescued. These men are John McLoughlin and Will Jimeno. Their story is depicted in the movie, World Trade Center. In this movie, director Oliver Stone combines the emotional and tragic aspects of the events that occurred on that fateful day through three main methods: these being, the reflective nature of the film itself on the attacks, the depiction of teamwork among those serving that day, and the movie’s alternate focus on family members of McLoughlin and Jimeno. In conclusion, Stone does an excellent job of showing the devastation of the events, while at the same time displaying the dramatic and emotional story of Jimeno and McLoughlin.
LOTR Soundtrack Critique
In some action movies, the appreciation of a good soundtrack is lost to the action. However, in the last movie of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Return of the King, the soundtrack defies this somewhat common pattern. With the accompaniment of several worthy noted artists and orchestras, such as Annie Lennox and the London Oratory School, composer Howard Shore is able to successfully combine and contrast three major styles of music. These styles being a “battle” style to match the intense fighting scenes, a “journey” style to match the travels of all the characters, and a “peaceful” style to match the passive sections in the movie.
The first style of music that is used to match the diversity of The Return of the King is the “battle” style. This style is normally displayed by loud and dramatic instruments, such as the French horn and lower stringed instruments like the cello and lower registers of the viola. These instruments are used to reflect evil and drama. On the other hand, the forces of good are generally depicted with higher toned stringed instruments, particularly the violin and viola. This contrast between good and evil is worked so intricately into the music such that even a camera angle will merit a sudden change in music. For example, at the battle of Pelenor Fields, before the actual fighting begins, the music changes from “good” to “evil” with the change of a camera angle respectively to each side.
Furthermore, the second style of music used in Return of the King is the “journey” style. This style is normally played whenever Sam and Frodo are pictured, on their quest to Mount Doom. This style is mostly depicted by stringed instruments such as the violin and viola. The “journey” style is the most common, because it is also used in many scenes that do not fit into any given category. For example, in scenes in which there is no obvious battle threat, yet a dramatic or important event occurring, a combination between the “journey” and “battle” styles resulting in a more dramatic form of the “journey” style.
Finally, the last style of music utilized in Return of the King is the “peaceful” style. This style is mainly used when The Grey Havens are referred to. The instruments used to exemplify this beautiful style are usually voice and wind instruments, specifically the flute. This is also somewhat common to the music played when Elves are pictured. As mentioned before, Annie Lennox is featured in a song from the soundtrack of The Return of the King. Her voice is applied to the final song of the movie, which refers to The Grey Havens. Her incredible voice not only brings an amazing climax to the entire trilogy, but also remains true to the careful and precise musical selection.
With movies like the Lord of the Rings trilogy, it would seem hard to create music to match that of the sudden changing and intricate scenes. However, Howard Shore delivers in not only the first two movies, but even more so in the last movie, The Return of the King. His composition combines the diversity of the movie, through three main styles of music, a “battle” style, and “journey” style, and a “peaceful” style. Shore mainly stays true to these three base styles, but sometimes mixes to create an even more particular style of music to specifically fit the scene perfectly. In conclusion, Howard Shore has proved himself as an accomplished composer by creating an outstanding soundtrack for all three movies to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, but particularly The Return of the King.
The first style of music that is used to match the diversity of The Return of the King is the “battle” style. This style is normally displayed by loud and dramatic instruments, such as the French horn and lower stringed instruments like the cello and lower registers of the viola. These instruments are used to reflect evil and drama. On the other hand, the forces of good are generally depicted with higher toned stringed instruments, particularly the violin and viola. This contrast between good and evil is worked so intricately into the music such that even a camera angle will merit a sudden change in music. For example, at the battle of Pelenor Fields, before the actual fighting begins, the music changes from “good” to “evil” with the change of a camera angle respectively to each side.
Furthermore, the second style of music used in Return of the King is the “journey” style. This style is normally played whenever Sam and Frodo are pictured, on their quest to Mount Doom. This style is mostly depicted by stringed instruments such as the violin and viola. The “journey” style is the most common, because it is also used in many scenes that do not fit into any given category. For example, in scenes in which there is no obvious battle threat, yet a dramatic or important event occurring, a combination between the “journey” and “battle” styles resulting in a more dramatic form of the “journey” style.
Finally, the last style of music utilized in Return of the King is the “peaceful” style. This style is mainly used when The Grey Havens are referred to. The instruments used to exemplify this beautiful style are usually voice and wind instruments, specifically the flute. This is also somewhat common to the music played when Elves are pictured. As mentioned before, Annie Lennox is featured in a song from the soundtrack of The Return of the King. Her voice is applied to the final song of the movie, which refers to The Grey Havens. Her incredible voice not only brings an amazing climax to the entire trilogy, but also remains true to the careful and precise musical selection.
With movies like the Lord of the Rings trilogy, it would seem hard to create music to match that of the sudden changing and intricate scenes. However, Howard Shore delivers in not only the first two movies, but even more so in the last movie, The Return of the King. His composition combines the diversity of the movie, through three main styles of music, a “battle” style, and “journey” style, and a “peaceful” style. Shore mainly stays true to these three base styles, but sometimes mixes to create an even more particular style of music to specifically fit the scene perfectly. In conclusion, Howard Shore has proved himself as an accomplished composer by creating an outstanding soundtrack for all three movies to The Lord of the Rings trilogy, but particularly The Return of the King.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
The Benefits of Mock Trial
Before my older brother participated in it, I had no idea what mock trial was. After watching a few of his trials, I became extremely interested in the activity. Before starting my first year, I was unaware of the academic benefits that also are included in mock trial. There are three main elements of academic advantage that mock trial offers, thinking quickly and on your feet, analyzing situations from different perspective, and a large benefit in public speaking. These three elements are very helpful and applicable to other school subjects.
The first aspect of intellectual benefit is the ability to think fast. This skill is imperative to all roles, lawyer and witness. For lawyers, it is necessary in order to create the best possible outcome of either a good or a bad situation. For example, if a witness answers unexpectedly in a negative way for their team, it is important that the lawyer approach the rare opportunity with careful thought, and not rush it without adequate contemplation. For witnesses, it is exactly the opposite. If a lawyer makes a mistake, or allows room for a witness to get out themes, or extrapolate, he/she must think quickly as to what to say. No matter what your role is, mock trial helps your ability to think quickly and accurately.
Additionally, the second point of academic advantage is the ability to analyze situations and concepts from different angles and options. This skill is also both shared by lawyers and witnesses and essential to success. For witnesses, it is important that they develop this skill, because they must analyze their witness statements, and develop answers to difficult cross themes. Furthermore, for lawyers, they must think outside the box and analyze the witness statements in order to expose the witnesses weaknesses.
The third and final academic skill that is benefited is public speaking. Although this skill is much more beneficial fir the lawyers, witnesses do get some benefit from mock trail in public speaking as well. This is because lawyers have opening and closing statements to practice their public speaking skills, while witnesses only have their testimony. Lawyers generally benefit much more in all skills, because their role is more intensive than witnesses, but regardless or your role, mock trial benefits in all the areas outlined.
The first aspect of intellectual benefit is the ability to think fast. This skill is imperative to all roles, lawyer and witness. For lawyers, it is necessary in order to create the best possible outcome of either a good or a bad situation. For example, if a witness answers unexpectedly in a negative way for their team, it is important that the lawyer approach the rare opportunity with careful thought, and not rush it without adequate contemplation. For witnesses, it is exactly the opposite. If a lawyer makes a mistake, or allows room for a witness to get out themes, or extrapolate, he/she must think quickly as to what to say. No matter what your role is, mock trial helps your ability to think quickly and accurately.
Additionally, the second point of academic advantage is the ability to analyze situations and concepts from different angles and options. This skill is also both shared by lawyers and witnesses and essential to success. For witnesses, it is important that they develop this skill, because they must analyze their witness statements, and develop answers to difficult cross themes. Furthermore, for lawyers, they must think outside the box and analyze the witness statements in order to expose the witnesses weaknesses.
The third and final academic skill that is benefited is public speaking. Although this skill is much more beneficial fir the lawyers, witnesses do get some benefit from mock trail in public speaking as well. This is because lawyers have opening and closing statements to practice their public speaking skills, while witnesses only have their testimony. Lawyers generally benefit much more in all skills, because their role is more intensive than witnesses, but regardless or your role, mock trial benefits in all the areas outlined.
FAQ about homeschooling
Here are the most frequently asked questions about homeschooling by public schoolers.
1. How do you get a chance to socialize if you're home all day?
Generally, in the homeschooling community, all the families get together and organize a co-op. A co-op acts as "school" for one or two days in the week. The people participating in the co-op can chose what classes they would like to take. This allows for some socialization, but not to the degree that public schoolers have. Basically, it amounts to not being home all day, and taking most of your classes outside the house.
2. Are the rules at these co-ops really strict?
Comparatively, to public high schools, they are extremely strict. However, none of the problems, such as school shootings, or the enormous social pressure have to be worried about in a homeschool setting.
3. How do you survive if you're home doing your school? Wouldn't your parents or siblings drive you crazy?
My mom has told me that the first year she tried homeschoool, it was just like you described it, but after two or three years, everyone got used to it. By the time I was homeschooled, everyone had already adapted to the homeschooling "way of life," so it became much easier on me in that regard.
4. What time do you have to get up in the morning?
It depends on the homeschooler. Some stay up late, and get up at 8:00 or 9:00, or some go to bed early, and get up at 6:00 or 7:00. It all depends on the guidelines set out by the parents and the homeschooler.
5. When do you usually finish your school for the day?
Again, it depends on the homeschooler. Some are more diligent, and get their work done for certain classes before the day of, and some save their school for the day of, and stay up late doing it that night. For me, I have two classes back to back on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so Mondays and Wednesdays are my big work days. It all depends on the particular homeschooler's class schedule.
6. Can you do whatever you want during the day, just as long as you go to class?
Homeschoolers have freedom throughout the day that is only constrained by their class schedules, and the amount of work that is due for those classes. Because homeschooled classes only meet once or twice a week, the homework tends to be more than public schoolers. As mentioned before, the amount of work done in each day is up to the person doing it.
7. So if you have all your work done for that day, you could do whatever you wanted for the rest of the day?
Yes, but it's not likely that a homeschooler should finish his/her school before the evening, therefore it is not as good as it sounds.
8. What do you do about sports? Is there some kind of league for homeschoolers?
Sports is the weak point of homeschooling. Because homeschooling is more education focus, many homeschoolers are not good at any sports, and therefore, any attempts at a "homeschooled sports league" is usually a very low standard. Some public high schools allows talented homeschoolers to participate in their sports programs, however this is unusual.
Note: Answers may vary depending on the homeschooler
1. How do you get a chance to socialize if you're home all day?
Generally, in the homeschooling community, all the families get together and organize a co-op. A co-op acts as "school" for one or two days in the week. The people participating in the co-op can chose what classes they would like to take. This allows for some socialization, but not to the degree that public schoolers have. Basically, it amounts to not being home all day, and taking most of your classes outside the house.
2. Are the rules at these co-ops really strict?
Comparatively, to public high schools, they are extremely strict. However, none of the problems, such as school shootings, or the enormous social pressure have to be worried about in a homeschool setting.
3. How do you survive if you're home doing your school? Wouldn't your parents or siblings drive you crazy?
My mom has told me that the first year she tried homeschoool, it was just like you described it, but after two or three years, everyone got used to it. By the time I was homeschooled, everyone had already adapted to the homeschooling "way of life," so it became much easier on me in that regard.
4. What time do you have to get up in the morning?
It depends on the homeschooler. Some stay up late, and get up at 8:00 or 9:00, or some go to bed early, and get up at 6:00 or 7:00. It all depends on the guidelines set out by the parents and the homeschooler.
5. When do you usually finish your school for the day?
Again, it depends on the homeschooler. Some are more diligent, and get their work done for certain classes before the day of, and some save their school for the day of, and stay up late doing it that night. For me, I have two classes back to back on Tuesdays and Thursdays, so Mondays and Wednesdays are my big work days. It all depends on the particular homeschooler's class schedule.
6. Can you do whatever you want during the day, just as long as you go to class?
Homeschoolers have freedom throughout the day that is only constrained by their class schedules, and the amount of work that is due for those classes. Because homeschooled classes only meet once or twice a week, the homework tends to be more than public schoolers. As mentioned before, the amount of work done in each day is up to the person doing it.
7. So if you have all your work done for that day, you could do whatever you wanted for the rest of the day?
Yes, but it's not likely that a homeschooler should finish his/her school before the evening, therefore it is not as good as it sounds.
8. What do you do about sports? Is there some kind of league for homeschoolers?
Sports is the weak point of homeschooling. Because homeschooling is more education focus, many homeschoolers are not good at any sports, and therefore, any attempts at a "homeschooled sports league" is usually a very low standard. Some public high schools allows talented homeschoolers to participate in their sports programs, however this is unusual.
Note: Answers may vary depending on the homeschooler
Christian Bale: diverse, or limited?
What defines an actor as “good”? Is it his ability to play certain roles well, or his ability to play many different roles, and all of them well? The popular actor Christian Bale possesses the later of the two, which enables him to perform well in both the movies, Newsies, and The Dark Knight These two movies show his diversity as an actor in three main aspects: the role Bale plays, his compatibility with supporting actor roles, and time frame and setting. The key factor that adds to his value as an actor is his age. Christian Bale features in many movies starting when he was only a teenager.
The first aspect of distinction between The Dark Knight and Newsies is the role that Christian Bale plays. In The Dark Knight, his role is a Gotham city citizen, who recognizes the criminal mind and fights crime in the form of a bat. On the other hand, in the movie Newsies, Bale plays Jack Kelly, a young boy making a living for himself by selling newspapers. Additionally, Newsies is a musical, which calls for much different acting that a super hero movie. In the movie, Bale sings, both alone, and with the other newsies, which is extremely different than the behavior of Batman. The roles in both movies are extremely different, yet Christian Bale plays them both well, despite his early age in Newsies.
Furthermore, the second aspect of difference between these two movies is Bale’s ability to synchronize with different supporting actor’s roles. In The Dark Knight, Bale has The Joker and Alfred as his supporting roles. On the contrary, in Newsies, Jack is accompanied by a newspaper reporter who’s dedicated to helping the newsies’ cause, as well as his fellow newsies. These actor’s roles are especially diverse due to the movies different genres. However, once again this does not stop Bale from performing excellently in both movies.
The final point of diversity is the time frame and setting of each movie. In the Dark Knight, the time frame is present day, and the setting changes dramatically, all the way from Gotham city to Hong Kong. In contrast, Newsies takes place in 1899, and is set only in New York City. Despite the fact that the settings might not have a large effect on Bale’s acting, the cultural overlay definitely does. In Newsies, Bale performs with a thick Brooklyn accent and fits the time frame exceptionally well.
How does one determine whether an actor is a good one or not? One efficient way of knowing this is examining an actor’s diversity throughout his movie career. Christian Bale exemplifies this quality, as demonstrated through three main factors examined the musical, Newsies, and the superhero action movie, The Dark Knight. The factors are the role that Bale plays personally, his supporting actor’s roles, and the time frame and setting. As mentioned before, the key to Bale’s success as a diverse actor is his age. The facts are before you. You, the reader, must decide: Christian Bale, diverse, or limited?
The first aspect of distinction between The Dark Knight and Newsies is the role that Christian Bale plays. In The Dark Knight, his role is a Gotham city citizen, who recognizes the criminal mind and fights crime in the form of a bat. On the other hand, in the movie Newsies, Bale plays Jack Kelly, a young boy making a living for himself by selling newspapers. Additionally, Newsies is a musical, which calls for much different acting that a super hero movie. In the movie, Bale sings, both alone, and with the other newsies, which is extremely different than the behavior of Batman. The roles in both movies are extremely different, yet Christian Bale plays them both well, despite his early age in Newsies.
Furthermore, the second aspect of difference between these two movies is Bale’s ability to synchronize with different supporting actor’s roles. In The Dark Knight, Bale has The Joker and Alfred as his supporting roles. On the contrary, in Newsies, Jack is accompanied by a newspaper reporter who’s dedicated to helping the newsies’ cause, as well as his fellow newsies. These actor’s roles are especially diverse due to the movies different genres. However, once again this does not stop Bale from performing excellently in both movies.
The final point of diversity is the time frame and setting of each movie. In the Dark Knight, the time frame is present day, and the setting changes dramatically, all the way from Gotham city to Hong Kong. In contrast, Newsies takes place in 1899, and is set only in New York City. Despite the fact that the settings might not have a large effect on Bale’s acting, the cultural overlay definitely does. In Newsies, Bale performs with a thick Brooklyn accent and fits the time frame exceptionally well.
How does one determine whether an actor is a good one or not? One efficient way of knowing this is examining an actor’s diversity throughout his movie career. Christian Bale exemplifies this quality, as demonstrated through three main factors examined the musical, Newsies, and the superhero action movie, The Dark Knight. The factors are the role that Bale plays personally, his supporting actor’s roles, and the time frame and setting. As mentioned before, the key to Bale’s success as a diverse actor is his age. The facts are before you. You, the reader, must decide: Christian Bale, diverse, or limited?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)