Analysis Of The Movie Transamerica - 875 Words

Description: The movie Transamerica is about a man named Stanley who is in the process of trying to finalize his transition into a women. With the surgery finally only a week away, Sabrina aka Bree gets a call finding out that she had fathered a son with a woman from college. Now knowing about the son, her therapist insists that Bree go and reconnect with him before she goes on with this final transition. Bree reluctantly travels to New York to meet her son Toby who turns out to be a delinquent trying to move to California so that he can better his life by becoming a porn star. Bree agrees to then help Toby out by letting him tag along on her drive back to Los Angeles. During the drive to L.A. both Bree and Toby overcome a lot of obstacles that help bring them together to form a closer relationship. Towards the end of the movie Toby and Bree end up at her parents’ house where Toby soon learns the Bree is his birth father Stanley. When Toby finds out he runs away and continues his journey to L.A. by himself as does Bree. When Toby gets to L.A. he ends up starring in a pornographic movie like he wanted. As for Bree she goes home and goes through the final surgery to become a women. The final scene of this movie is of Toby going to visit Bree after he comes to terms with that fact that she is his father. (Tucker, Transamerica) Underlying Message about Sexuality: In Transamerica, directed by Duncan Tucker, the underlying message is all about acceptance and getting approvalShow MoreRelatedEssay on The First Gay Movie: Transamerica directed by Duncan Tucker2331 Words   |  10 PagesThe first gay movie I watched was â€Å"Transamerica† directed by Duncan Tucker. While reading its review, I was impressed and fascinated by one sentence â€Å"Bree is one in which many will identify with in needing to become the person you really should be† (Irapoport, 2005). After this movie, I started searching for other gay movies and continued to watch gay movies until today. I am the kind of person who enjoys movies; however, this does not apply to all genres. Interestingly, despite being a girl whoRead MoreThe Influence Of Age, Religion, And Intergroup Contact6284 Words   |  26 PagesIntergroup contact can increase tolerance and empathy while decreasing stereotypes, prejudice, and conflict. This can be used to explain the increase in acceptance of same-sex marriage among generational groups and religions. G.G. Lewis? (2011) meta-analysis of 27 nationally representative survey results revealed that respondents who knew someone gay, lesbian, or bisexual were more likely to support gay rights, a trend identified in every demographic, religious, and political group (Lewis 2011). DimockRead MoreGEs Corporate Strategy8780 Words   |  36 Pagesthe deal are harder for GE to justify. The media business is far more competitive than other industries in which GE can use its financial heft and strong brand name to squash the competition. GE executives have said they had no interest in owning a movie studio, with its unpredictable earnings and difficult personalities.†7 NBC Universal was divested in 2012, and Immelt said, â€Å"When we looked at NBC, we made the transition from network to cable and the next transition was Internet and I didn’t wantRead MoreCapital Mortgage Insurance Corporation (a)31612 Words   |  127 PagesCases, Fifth Edition Cases EXHIBIT 1 | Major Employee Relocation Services Companies Parent Organization Merrill Lynch Peterson, Howell, Heather Equitable Life Insurance Chicago Title and Trust Control Data Corporation Sears/Coldwell Banker Transamerica, Inc. 5,000 5,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 13,000 12,000 $975,000,000 900,000,000 375,000,000 375,000,000 225,000,000 225,000,000 225,000,000 Estimated 1978 Home Purchases Estimated Value of Home Purchases* Estimated Gross Fee Income†  $26,800,000 24,750Read MoreBrand Building Blocks96400 Words   |  386 Pagesor Tide or Heinz. However, it will always be an important, measurable brand characteristic. Perceived quality will directly influence purchase decisions and brand loyalty, especially when a buyer is not motivated or able to conduct a detailed analysis. It can also support a premium price, which, in turn can create gross margin that can be reinvested in brand equity. Further, perceived quality can be the basis for a brand extension. If a brand is well-regarded in one context, the assumption will

Voting Based Neural Network Extreme Learning Machine Essay

Extreme learning Machine (ELM) [1] is a single hidden layer feed forward network (SLFN) introduced by G. B. Huang in 2006. In ELM, the weights between input and hidden neurons and the bias for each hidden neuron are assigned randomly. The weight between output neurons and hidden neurons are generated using the Moore Penrose Generalized Inverse [18]. This makes ELM a fast learning classifier. It surmounts various traditional gradient based learning algorithms [1] such as Back Propagation (BP) and well known classifier Support Vector Machine (SVM) . In order to improve the performance various variants of the ELM came over time such as Enhanced Incremental ELM (EI-ELM)[2], Optimal Pruned ELM (OP-ELM) [3], Convex Incremental ELM (CI-ELM)[4],†¦show more content†¦Mainly ensemble pruning [12] approaches are categorized into three types. a). Ordering Based Pruning: In this pruning approach the classifiers are arranged using some criteria and some of the top classifiers are selected as a Pruned Ensemble (PE). Some of the Ordering Based Pruning approaches are as follows: Kappa Pruning [12], Reduce Error Pruning [12], Minimum Distance Minimization Pruning(MDP) [12], Pruning via Individual Contribution Ordering [13], Ensemble Pruning Using Spectral Coefficient [14]. b) Optimization based pruning is a pruning approach which uses evolutionary techniques for pruning such as Genetic Algorithm (GA). A fitness function is genetically optimized to get a subset of classifiers which minimizes the error. Various variants of genetic based ensemble pruning have been proposed such as Genetic Algorithm based Selective Neural Network Ensemble (GASEN) [15], GAB: EPA [16]. Objective of GASEN is to select the best PE and maximize the accuracy of the PE by assigning the best weight to the classifiers of the PE. It uses fitness function, which is function of the generalization error minimized by genetic algorithm. GAB:EPA [16] was proposed for handling multiclass imbalanced data sets, diversity factor was also incorporated in fitness function to improve the performance. c) Cluster Based Pruning Technique: In such type of pruning technique many clusters of the component classifiers are made and fromShow MoreRelatedDecision Tree Induction Clustering Techniques in Sas Enterprise Miner, Spss Clementine, and Ibm Intelligent Miner – a Comparative Analysis6636 Words   |  27 Pagesto choose the most appropriate software for a particular organization. This paper aims to provide a comparative analysis for three popular data mining software tools, which are SAS ® Enterprise Miner, SPSS Clementine, and IBM DB2 ® Intelligent Miner based on four main criteria, which are performance, functionality, usability, and auxiliary Task Support. 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Sociology and Rizal free essay sample

For one, all of us have been taught in school that Jose Rizal is our national hero. We all know that he fought for our country against different countries who want to control us. We became an independent country because of him. What made Jose Rizal worthy of becoming the Philippines’ national hero was not merely his intelligence, personality, or his pacifist ideals. Rather, it was his patriotism, optimism, undying love for his country and his belief in his countrymen which set him apart. He believed not merely in freedom but in the potential of the Filipino people to surpass what they were under the Spanish colonial government, and all he wished was for them to be given the chance to tap that potential. And for that, he has earned his right place as a symbol of what a Filipino can do in one short lifetime. Rizal remains a nationalist icon in the Philippines for helping the country take its first steps toward independence. Many people patronized Jose Rizal because of what he had done for our country. In terms of everyday life, we can be a hero anytime by just helping others in small ways. By giving food to those who have no money to buy food, by helping others that are in need, there are many ways to help other people and by that we can also become a hero. But today, is he still a role model for the Filipino youth? Is he still being remembered the way a national hero should be? Is he an inspiration to the younger generations? According to some, youth are back bone to the nation. They can change the future of the society with their well being, plucky and courageous behavior. Unfortunately, today we find the youth those who are more interested in other places which are not useful to them as well as to our motherland. They choose to spend their days doing drugs and alcohols, playing video games, spending their nights partying and living it up. I must admit, the youth of today are out of control, they follow the wrong path/crowd just for their pleasure, leisure and popularity. What is worse with the situation is the youth that are the most out of control are the individuals living in poverty, majority of these individual rob and kill people, most of them living in the wrong path of drugs and liquors and most of them involving themselves into parenting at a very young age. Maybe because they feel they don’t have anything, downing them to thinking when you don’t have anything there is nothing to lose. With regards with facing the problems we have today should be done by a centered and powerful guidance, providing activities that will make us realize the real essence of being a youth and of course the teaching of what is really right and what is really essential and precious with our nation. We must motivate others, we must teach everyone the significance of responsibility and the purpose of goal setting. Because if we refuse to have everything settled, we will soon be supporting an entire generation of homeless and needlessly families of our nation. I believe everything bad is not constant, everything worthless is obviously helpless; things have to change, with our schools, with the older generation setting as good role models, with the older generation setting as strict mentors and with the older generation setting as ideal leaders. Jose Rizal states that â€Å"The youth is the hope of tomorrow†. The youth should follow Rizal’s Vision of a genuine liberty and democracy for the Filipino people and a deep love for our country. The Spaniards are gone, the Americans gave us independence but yes, we are still prisoners. Prisoners of our almighty politicians who have managed to ravaged our country of its pride and treasure. Those elected officials who made a sham of our democratic system and making us believe that social inequality is the norm for the weak and underprivileged. The Filipino youth should take a stand and generate a new approach to free our country of these dishonest individuals. It’s important for the youth to act. Rizal has always been a very good role model and inspiration. We are encouraged to be the new Rizal’s to create change by being good leaders in our community. He encourages every one of us to continue his works for he believes that the youth today and the future generations will serve as a light to the countrymen. For us, corruption is still the main problem in the country. We should stop it. The motivation of the youth seemed to have gone nowadays. They are more interested in gadgets and computer games. Many of the youth nowadays just don’t care about what is going on in our country. Some of the Filipino youth doesn’t even care about what our national hero has stated. For some of the youth being a student, a child, and a member of this society, they don’t even care about what is going to happen to them in the future some doesn’t even like to talk to their parents they would rather do their stuff rather than to listen. The youth should be encouraged by Rizal’s life and contribute good things to society in their own way. He wanted the Filipino youth to use their abilities and skills to excel not only for their success but also for the success of the country. Dr. Jose Rizal wanted us to develop our talents and use them to help those who are in need. As Filipinos, we should do a lot more. Studying very well does not waste your time but live up to the dreams of your parents and your teachers. By that, you are also doing a lot for your country. We cannot be soldiers or public officials yet, but serious dedication to studies is an act for the good of the country since you become the educated youth. The educated youth is the hope for our country. With education, you can equip yourself with solid knowledge that will elevate you to accomplish your noble purpose. The view of the Filipinos about the heroism of Rizal can be further strengthen by further studying the life of Rizal and making it the advocacy of every Filipino to promote the life of Rizal. It would also help if at the barangay level they can initiate the promotion of Rizal’s life, through publications and holding contest for the youth regarding the heroism of Rizal. For Example, drawing contest, essay writing and many more. We can strengthen the heroism of Rizal by unfolding our true feeling and express directly to all men. We have the knowledge in Science and Arts, use it in good manner to achieve our goals in the country. The country was covered by darkness. There are some people who fought for the change but what happened? They lose and lose. The youth of the country have the courage to fight for their feelings, fight for it because we are the bridge of all men. We have the powers to awaken and open the heart of every Filipino, we are the heart and reality opener and educator. Some people might consider us as a very little people, a very low class citizen that can be easily rejected. They don’t know that we are playing a very important role in the society. We have to prove that we are important in the country’s situation today. We can be free but we cannot be independent. We can be independent but we cannot be free. Before we can reach that true freedom that we’re aspiring for, we need to have enough education to have individuality. We must all prove and show the older generation what they were saying were wrongs and misjudgements, we should aware them we have the intelligence, the abilities and the skills. We have to show them what we are made of. In every journey there will always be a challenge, this challenge is never been identified by its hardness, we, the youth, are the one making it harder because we think, it’s hard, but if we are going to open our mind and make this challenge a stepping stone maybe we can survive, prove something to ourselves and be proud that we succeed. How significant were Rizal’s ideals in the context of the 19th century political, economic, social, religious and education? Note: You should first explain the prevailing conditions of the time before looking into the significance of Rizal’s ideals. During the 19th century Spain invested heavily in education and infrastructure. Through the Education Decree of Queen Isabella II of Spain decreed the establishment of a free public school system that used Spanish as the language of instruction, leading to increasing numbers of educated Filipinos. Additionally, the opening of the Suez Canal cut travel time to Spain, which facilitated the rise of the illustrados, an enlightened class of Filipinos that had been able to expand their studies in Spain and Europe. A great deal of infrastructure projects were undertaken during the 19th century that put the Philippine economy and standard of living ahead of most of its Asian neighbours and even many European countries at that time. The main mode of transportation was the horse and the carriage Rizal’s concept of the importance of education is clearly enunciated in his work entitled Instruction wherein he sought improvements in the schools and in the methods of teaching. He maintained that the backwardness of his country during the Spanish ear was not due to the Filipinos’ indifference, apathy or indolence as claimed by the rulers, but to the neglect of the Spanish authorities in the islands. For Rizal, the mission of education is to elevate the country to the highest seat of glory and to develop the people’s mentality. Since education is the foundation of society and a prerequisite for social progress, Rizal claimed that only through education could the country be saved from domination. Rizal’s philosophy of education, focus on the provision of proper motivation in order to strengthen the great social forces that make education a success, to create in the youth an innate desire to cultivate his intelligence and give him life eternal. Rizal grew up nurtured by a Catholic family, was educated in the foremost Catholic schools of the period in the elementary, secondary and college levels, therefore, he should have been a propagator of strictly Catholic traditions. However, in later life, he developed a life philosophy of a different nature, a philosophy of a different Catholic practice intermingled with the use of truth and reason. It could have been the result of contemporary contact, companionship, observation, research and the possession of an independent spirit. Being a critical observer, a profound thinker and a passionate reformer, Rizal did not agree with the prevailing Christian propagation of the Faith by fire and sword. Rizal did not believe in the Catholic dogma that salvation was only for Catholics and that outside Christianity, salvation was not possible even if Catholics composed only a small minority of the world’s religious groups. Nor did he believe in the Catholic observation of fasting as a sacrifice, nor in the sale of such religious items as the cross, medals, rosaries and the like in order to propagate the Faith and raise church funds. He also criticized the superstitious beliefs propagated by the priests in the church and in the schools. All of these and a lot more are evidences of Rizal’s religious philosophy. In Rizal’s political view, a conquered country like the Philippines should not be taken advantage of but rather should be developed, civilized, educated and trained in the science of self- government. He criticized the apparent backwardness of the Spanish ruler’s method of governing the country which resulted in the bondage and slavery of the conquered, the Spanish government’s requirement of forced labor and force military service upon the n natives, the abuse of power by means of exploitation, the government ruling that any complaint against the authorities was criminal and making the people ignorant, destitute and fanatic, thus discouraging the formation of a national sentiment. Rizal’s guiding political philosophy proved to be the study and application of reforms, the extension of human rights, the training for self government and the arousing of spirit of discontent over oppression, brutality, inhumanity, sensitiveness and self love. The body of knowledge relating to society including the wisdom which mans experience in society has taught him is social philosophy. The facts dealt with are principles involved in nation building and not individual social problems. The subject matter of this social philosophy covers the problems of the whole race, with every problem having a distinct solution to bolster the people’s social knowledge. Rizal’s social philosophy dealt with man in society, influential factors in human life, racial problems, social constant, social justice social ideal, poverty and wealth, reforms, youth and greatness and history and progress. The above dealt with man’s evolution and his environment, explaining for the most part human behavior and capacities like his will to live, his desire to possess happiness, the change of his mentality, the role of virtuous women in the guidance of great men, the need for elevating and inspiring mission, the duties and dictates of man’s conscience, man’s need of practicing gratitude, the necessity for consulting reliable people, his need for experience, his ability to deny, the importance of deliberation, the voluntary offer of man’s abilities and possibilities, the ability to think, aspire and strive to rise, and the proper use of hearth, brain and spirit-all of these combining to enhance the intricacies, beauty and values of human nature. All of the above served as Rizal’s guide in his continuous effort to make over his beloved Philippines. Rizal’s salutation, though poetic, provided two ideas that manifest modernity. First, the dynamism of society and the recognition of Spain to the wisdom and talents of the Filipino natives are starting. Though Rizal had already observed these developments, his works provided the most important part in history that brought the Philippines to social transformation and mobilization. He is the process of the subprocesses of political modernization as he laid foundations for the Filipinos to know the problems and to address these problems through his two famous novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo. In his Noli Me Tangere, he presented the social ills in the Philippines that seeks remedy. Noli Me Tangere deeply criticized the wrongdoings and abuses of the Roman Catholic Church that caused the malaise of the natives. Noli Me Tangere deeply criticized the wrongdoings and abuses of the Roman Catholic Church that caused the malaise of the natives. Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo became the eye- opener to the Filipinos that oppression of the Spanish government is not only the real dilemma, but also the natives as well. In order to realize modernization and its success, social transformation is necessary prior to any peaceful or violent movement a society will partake. Rizal provided the ideas of modernization to the Philippines. In reaction, his works ignited certain movements that changed the fate of the Philippines. He ignited the consciousness of the Filipinos, decreased regionalism, and shook the feet of the Spanish regalia. Today however, much has to be done. Rizal’s ideas on political modernization are still far from reality. Corruption and elitism is still rampant in our social and political spectrum, reforms to education system are still far from what other countries have, the wall that represent the church and state is still weak and controversial that often led to misunderstanding and division, regionalism, terrorism, stereotyping and rebellion indicates lack of unity and fraternity, and lastly, increasing poverty rate which hinders social justice, development, and social equity. The ideas of Jose Rizal on political modernization must set as an inspiration to the Filipino people to achieve a better state. He does not suggest a modelled society, but aspires to have a country with self-determination and robust integrity. As an independent state, our unity, sense of equality, nationalism must be developed to make the Philippines a strong state with a strong society. 3. As a Bedan, How can Rizal’s life and works be applied in the school and outside San Beda after graduation? If there is one thing that Jose Rizal had contributed to the consciousness of the Filipino youth, his passion in fighting social ills in the country would stand out. Rizal’s life would guide young Filipinos in improving their society. We are lucky that our country today is not chaotic like our country before. As a Bedan, I can apply Rizal’s life in the school by studying very hard and putting a passion to it. Pursuing our dreams like Rizal did. For Rizal, the mission of education is to elevate the country to the highest seat of glory and to develop the people’s mentality. Since education is the foundation of society and a prerequisite for social progress, Rizal claimed that only through education could the country be saved from domination. If all of us applied Rizal’s life in ourselves, then our country will be much more stronger and our economic status can generate more too. Outside the school, Rizal has always been a very good role model and inspiration. We are encouraged to be the new Rizal’s to create change by being good leaders in our community. For us, corruption is still the main problem in the country. We should stop it. For me, I can help to prevent this by helping my younger cousins to their studies. Just what Rizal said â€Å"The youth is the hope of tomorrow† by doing that even if it is just simple help, I applied Rizal’s life and works for others too. Jose Rizal inspired me and also inspired many Filipinos not just during his time but also to later generations to fight for freedom against the excesses of economic, political and social policies freedom. As a student, it is very important for me to study the life of Rizal including his writings and literary works. There is a need for myself to be fully aware why Rizal play a very important role in our country today. Some people say why is he known as a hero when in fact he didnt do anything but to write poems and novels? It is through of these writings revealed how cruel and abusive the Spaniards was in treating the Filipino people. . It was Rizal who lifted up the hearts of his generation and he highlighted that The Youth Is The Hope Of Our Nation. I agree that our future generation will play a big role and will have to do something for our Nation. That is the reason why that Education is very important for us because it is a way for us where we can be aware and realize the things happened in our country today and let us try to do something to defend or fight for our own.

Values Of Americans Essays - Epistolary Novels, Douglas Coupland

Values of Americans America is the most powerful country in the world. The American economy has been a symbol of the wealth of a nation. The efforts of our forefathers and present geniuses have created economic values, which have caused American's to thrive. Two of these influences are Bill Gates and Ben Franklin who through genius and hard work, have made huge advances in economic values. Although their efforts spaced by hundreds of years, they believe similarly in the success of workers. Two articles "The Way to Wealth", by Ben Franklin and "Microserfs", by David Coupland, support economic values of their specific time periods. Franklin's essay is written in 1733, when agriculture was the way of life. David Coupland's essay is a present day description of technology and how Microsoft has had such an impact on our lives. Both essays, each defining different eras, come together to portray the epitome of economic values. The writers's depiction of work, from their respected eras, show how these American economic values has not changed. Poor Richard Saunders' advice symbolizes what American worker's economic values should be. Poor Richard is a character Franklin uses to push his economic values, and he believes that firm economic values will create wealth. He explains "get what you can, and what you get hold; ?Tis the stone that will turn all your lead into gold"(Franklin 551). Having good economic values can give you the gold touch. Good time management and sound management of one's money are the keys to success. Hence Franklin's famous sayings "a penny saved is a penny earned" and "early to bed, and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise"(Franklin 545). The sayings of Richard Saunders are for the ages, as well as the agricultural life as he knew it. Douglas Coupland's character analysis of [emailprotected] serves as the icon of a modern day American technological worker. [emailprotected] is an employee of Bill Gates's corporation Microsoft which "employs more than 32000 people in 60 countries"( Bill Gates' Web Site-Biography). [emailprotected] is a prize employee who is loyal, hardworking, and relentless; he describes his life as "work, sleep, work, sleep, work, sleep"(Coupland 598). The Microsoft employee does not know the meaning of leisure as his work schedule goes "In at 9:30 a.m.; out at 11:30 p.m."(Coupland 599). He describes his "universe consists of home, Microsoft, and Costco"(Coupland 597). Even in such a technological world [emailprotected] does not forget the age-old values of being smart with time and money. The American economic values of today are similar to the values of several hundred years ago. Richard Saunders' advice of his time still remains relevant to the technological world of the present. The values Coupland depicts in [emailprotected] correlate directly to the messages Poor Richard teaches. Wealth always goes to who work the hardest. America is a capitalist country based on the economic values discussed in the featured essays, and Franklin is a brilliant man whose values have withstood the test of time. Like anything else, the lifestyles depicted in the articles are not perfect. There are negatives to the economic values discussed, but the positives still outweigh the negatives. Wealth is a symbol of the ideal American lifestyle, and if a person works hard enough he or she obtains it. Wealth is important, but it does not complete a person. Both essays contain inferences to mistrust in leisure and how the character's lack leisure time. [emailprotected] explains "I fell like my body is a station wagon in which I drive my brain around, like a suburban mother taking the kids to hockey practice"(598). This Microsoft employee definitely needs more leisure time. He even goes on to say "I know a few Microsoft employees who try to fake having a life-many a Redmond garage contains a never-used kayak collecting dust"(Coupland 598). People must learn the importance of leisure time. Success can be balanced with some leisure time; a happy median between work and play can be found. Economic values of American lives have not changed over the past several hundred years. From the adages of Ben Franklin, to the genius of Bill Gates, Americans are economically the same. In the article "Microserfs," the highlight of the story was when an employee got emailed by Bill himself. Gates has been described as spending "a significant person of his time to. . . staying in contact with Microsoft employees around the world though email'(Bill Gates' Web Site-Biography). Bill Gates is an idol amongst his colleagues. America needs more people like Ben Franklin and Bill Gates, to teach the importance of sound