Holes Essay

There are many different challenges that Stanley Yelnats (the main character) from the bestselling novel Holes written by Louis Sachar has to over come. Stanley was first seen in the movie when a tilted shot of shoes hit him in the head and he fell on the ground portraying he was weak and a bit stupid. Stanley’s personality was also displayed when his mum was so shocked when the police came around to their house telling them Stanley had stolens, this shows that Stanley had never commited a crime before and wasn’t usually a trouble maker. The movie directed by Andrew Davis portrays everything the book does and it shows nearly all the insight into Stanley’s life that author describes in the book. There are many challenges but the main one is breaking the ‘curse’ that Stanley’s family has been stuck in for more than 100 years. This challenge shows many significant themes in this book like friendship, determination and fate. The main dispute for Stanley was breaking his family curse. Although he didn’t know if it was even real and that he had broken it , it was clear for the audience watching the movie that he had. The curse was put on his family more than 100 years ago when the first Yelnats, Elya Yelnats went to a fortune teller called Madame Zeroni. She made him a deal that he could have one of her small pigs if he carried Madame Zeroni up the mountain when he was done making the pig nice and fat so he could give it to the father of the girl of his dreams. When he noticed that the girl really was stupid like Madame Zeroni warmed him he decided to move from Lativia to America. However he forgot to carry Madame Zeroni up the mountain so she put a curse on his family forever. This was portrayed by a dissolve of Madame Zeroni repeating that she will put a curse on his family to Elya leaving Lativia. The low angle of Madame Zeroni’s face made it obvious that she was not kidding and very serious about the curse. When Stanely carried Hectoria Zeroni (a descendant of Madame Zeroni) up â€Å"God’s Thumb† which was also portrayed with a low angle making it look very commodious, he broke the family curse. This challenge portrayed many key ideas and themes and one of them was friendship. Zero (Hector Zeroni) and Stanley didn’t know eachother at all but due to them both being the ‘outcasts’ of the group they started to get to know eachother and Stanley started to teach Zero how to read and Zero helped dig Stanley holes so he wasn’t so tired and could teach him. These lessons however were then stopped by the Warden, who was introduced by a high angle on her boots which already made her look threating as you could compare it to some movies where the thief or cowboy’s boots got introduced before their face which usually portrayed they were a significant character that usually was there to cause harm. However this didn’t stop Zero and Stanley’s friendship growing, when Zero ran away form the camp as he had enough of it Stanley had to go and rescue his only close friend he had at the camp. This shows Stanley’s friendly love for Zero portrayed by the dissolving of Stanley walking through the dessert and than of the sun showing how hot it was. The soundtrack of mysterious music kept you guessing to see if Stanley would end up finding Zero or not. The orange overalls that all the boys at Camp Greenlake wore made Zero recognizable in the dessert. The audience knew that when the two boys rejoiced both of them were very content due to the soundtrack turning from mysterious to faster more lively music. Another key idea that the challenge portrayed was change. Change for Stanley, his family and Hector Zeroni. There were many unanswered questions that produced tension, secrecy through the entire movie but these questions were all answered when Stanley broke the curse. There was quite a journey to break the curse for Stanley and during this period his character changed dramatically. He used to a gullable, weak , little boy that couldn’t stand up for himself. But he turned into a strong, smart young adult that could even save someone’s life. His weak side was displayed through a high angle of Stanley searching for a camera in the shower, that he got told the Warden of the Camp had installed. This shows how gullable he was and believed everything the other boys in his hut said. As well as giving his findings in a hole to another boy who got a free day off as the Warden though he found it not Stanley. However when he was in the middle of the dessert. He saw â€Å"God’s Thumb† and took iniative. When Hector was to weak he carried him up and saved his life as he found water which the boys definitely needed as they were tired and dehydrated. When Stanley broke the curse it changed many other things mostly for his life and family. His dad finally created a way to make sweaty feet/shoes not smell and Stanley found his treasure that was buried for more than 100 years by Kissing Kate Barlow. This changed his entire lifestyle and he gave half of his treasure to Hector who used that to hire private investigastors and find his mum who he haden’t seen for more than 4 years. As you can see the main challenge definitely portrays some key ideas and themes. It displays the friendship betweeen Stanley Yelanats and Hector Zeroni which is definitely one of the most important friendship. Furthermore it explains how Stanley, Hector and both of their families changed. Stanleys personality changed showed everyone how much you can change due to your circumstances and enviroment around you. He teaches everyone a good lesson and I would definitly recommend this to any person my age.

People Have Become Overly Dependent on Technology Essay

People Have Become Overly Dependent on Technology - Essay Example The chief aim that humans seek to advance technologically is to make life easier and better. However, as humans make more innovations, they have also become more dependent on technology such that most aspects of human life cannot be sustained if technology was withdrawn. Off all the forms of technology, computer technology stands out to be the one, which has become a crucial part of human life. However, the list of technological devices and gargets that define the life of modern humans is endless. Numerous aspects of human life demonstrate the unlimited level of human dependence on technology (Hooff, Dijk, Bouwman, & Wijngaert, 2005). The list of aspects of human life that are extremely dependent on technology is endless. Technology has become part of human life without which life would be unimaginable. Even the simplest of human needs cannot be met without technology. A good example is food. Technology is considered important and process such as production, storage and food preparation enormously depend on technology. Some food types would not be in existence without technology. The extension of the shelf life of most human foods depends on technological devices. Food preparation processes such as cooking make use of technological devices. The quality of processed food depends on the type of technology used. The food production and processing industries are extremely dependent on technology. Since food remains the most crucial basic need for humans, it is thus correct to say that humans are excessively reliant on technology. Without technology, food shortage would be a serious predicament facing human beings (Ra hman & Raisinghani, 2000). Technological devices such as computers have become an essential need in running the daily activity of any organization, institution, or even business. Communication has become advanced and progressively dependent on technology. Communicating devices such

The Nation Splits and Reunites (US History) Assignment

The Nation Splits and Reunites (US History) - Assignment Example Northern businessmen helped get the "Tariff Act" passed which in turn raised the prices of manufactured products from Europe mainly sold in the South. This angered the Southern people to have to pay more for these goods and hence developed hatred towards the Northern people (Davis). The political power in the Federal government led further to escalation of the conflict. Since the Northern States were becoming more and more powerful, the Southern States felt a growing need for freedom and as such wanted to break away from the north and govern themselves. The north would not allow this and hence the civil war. Finally, the martial confrontation between the Federal states and the Confederate States of America further fueled the Civil War when Fort Sumter in South Carolina was attacked (Davis). 2) In most polls of presidents by historians Lincoln is either ranked first or second. Does he deserved such an exalted position, or as his detractors claim, he should be ranked lower because he presided over a war that killed 620,000 of his fellow citizens? Explain. In my opinion, Abraham Lincoln should be ranked lower as the President of the United States because he presided over a war that killed 620,000 of his fellow citizens. Firstly, he vowed to keep the country united and the new western territories free from slavery. Sadly, this was not so. First of all, many Southerners were afraid that he was not sympathetic to their way of life and therefore could not treat them fairly (Davis). This feeling led the South to break away from the United States and joined together to form a new nation named the Confederate States of America. Although more than half of the said deaths were caused by disease, documented statistics indicate that one third of all Southern soldiers died in the civil war during Lincoln’s reign (Davis). Consequently, a big majority of families felt this pain and loss, a testimony of how much the War had scarred and devastated the American

Tax Preparation in the USA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Tax Preparation in the USA - Essay Example This paper looks and discusses how tax preparations are done with the help of accounting and bookkeeping firms as in many cases, the tax filer is confused with all the complexities it entails for everyone. Although a tax form has been simplified, some 40% to 50% of all tax filings have been completed by the tax preparer, of which there are four types, namely: certified public accountants (CPAs), lawyers, an enrolled agent (someone who passed special examinations given by the Internal Revenue Service precisely for this purpose and has thereby gained IRS accreditation) and unenrolled tax preparer. Discussion My decision as John (owner of the private accounting practice) is to accept Sue (client) because I think I can help her out with her problems. First and foremost, the most logical step is to reconstruct her financial transactions as best as possible by taking calculated estimates of her income and expenses. This will help me prepare her audited financial statements (balance sheet a nd income statement) but most likely, I will issue a qualified opinion on these statements. This will serve as guide and warning to whoever uses these financial statements to arrive at their own judgment as to the applicability and suitability of the statements for their own use, like a bank. Because Sue operates her small business as a single proprietorship (presumably as based on case facts given, as she has only five full-time employees), then she pays business taxes in the same form as her personal income tax. It means that both she and the business itself are not taxed separately as they are considered as one and the same entities. The Internal Revenue Service or IRS calls this â€Å"pass-through taxation† as all profits pass through her sole proprietorship business before it reaches her as personal income. A needed document is the profit and loss statement of her business (Schedule C of the IRS forms) together with the IRS Form 1040. Moreover, she also needs to pay her own â€Å"self-employment taxes† like the Social Security and Medicare systems. It is usually double the rate of what ordinary employees pay in terms of salary deductions because a sole proprietor has no employer counterpart for the contributions and so she must pay the entire amount due, which must be reported under Schedule SE (self-employed) of the IRS. Present self-employment tax rate is now 15.3% (adjusted since last February 2012 from 13.3%) for the first $110,100 in reported income and then 2.9% tax rate for any amount in excess thereof. The box of receipts that Sue gave may not be of much help as some of her expenses and receipts for income were questionable, so the best approach is to just use the standard deductions which are fixed dollar amounts to some items. The IRS allows a business to deduct certain items and ordinary business expenses to lessen the tax due, to include operating expenses, advertising costs, travel and gasoline expenses, business-related meals a nd entertainment for business guests (IRS, 2012, p. 1); in order for an expense to qualify as a deductible, it must be necessary and also ordinary that is indispensable or helpful in pursuit of carrying out the trade or a type of business; not included are cost of goods sold, capital expenses (such as equipment) and personal expenses.  

BHS 411 &#8211 Issues of Terrorism Mod 4 SLP Essay

BHS 411 – Issues of Terrorism Mod 4 SLP - Essay Example According to White (2006), the FBI is loosely linked to all America's law enforcement agencies (p. 4). However, many federal law enforcement agencies and local police executives openly resent or do not trust the FBI (White, 2006, p. 4). Most of all, "there is no system to sift, sanitize, and disseminate information to local law enforcement" (White, 2006, p. 4). These are very good points why the FBI is a vulnerable subject to cyber attacks. To launch the attack, I will first design a web log where people who have "bad encounters" or negative criticisms with the FBI can post their blogs. This will be a sort of "character assassination" that can stir emotions against the FBI, and perhaps, loose confidence to this agency. The end result will be a weaker coordination by the American people in providing information for the FBI, thus, will make it so much difficult for the agents to gather evidences and information on terrorist activities. I will also devise a sp

Medecine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Medecine - Essay Example Every disease has a cause, although the causes of some remain to be discovered. Every disease also displays a cycle of onset, or beginning, course, or time span of affliction, and end, when it disappears or it partially disables or kills its victim. An epidemic disease is one that strikes much person in a community. When it strikes the same region year after year it is an endemic disease. An acute disease has a quick onset and runs a short course, an acute heart attack, for example, often hits without warning and can be quickly fatal. A chronic disease has a slow onset and runs a sometimes years-long course. The gradual onset and long course of rheumatic fever makes it a chronic ailment. Moderate exercise is necessary to health, but athletes who do vigorous exercises have not been noted for longevity. Fresh air is stimulating, but, where actual breathing is concerned, it's no better than the air in most rooms. General quality of air affected by pollution is indeed a concern. A balanced diet containing correct amounts of the basic food substances is essential, but there is no evidence that when or at what intervals one eats makes the slightest differences -unless one is a sufferer of stomach ulcer, in which case the interval between meals should be narrowed down. The concept of having meals at fixed intervals is nothing but a social convention and in a modern life obviously a matter of convenience. Sleep, too, is a necessity. But different people require vastly different amounts of sleep. In a number of studies of men and women who lived to a ripe old age it was found that the commonality they had was balanced diet of healthy food, contented minds, their interest in something which gave them a focus in life and partly their heredity. Health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental and social well- being and not merely the absence of diseases or infirmity. The main rules of health are- (a) Do not abuse your body -i.e., exercise, it, feed it sensibly and in moderation and don't poison it with cigarette smoke (your's or anyone else's), with alcohol or with other drugs (b) Think positively about health-make it a purpose for living (c) Turn your thoughts away from those bodily functions (digestion, circulation, breathing and so on), which can look after themselves. Introspection leads to hypochondriasis, and Social Medicine Medicine has come a long way from the time when disease was considered as punishment from the gods to a time where the society is looked on as the patient (society being responsible for them). Its treatment requires lot of tenderness and care. The field of medicine became more and more truly scientific, and the 20th century saw the-most rapid advances ever known, marked by the discovery of germs by Pasteur, of antiseptics by Lister, of vaccination by Jenner and anaesthetics by well sand Scot Simpson, the use of the microscope by Vuirchoe (German) brought great advance in the understanding of diseases and Ehrlich (German) conceived the brilliant idea of 'magic bullet' -drugs aimed at the real cause of the disease which would attack the germs at the root of the disease without hurting the patient. Edwin Chadwick, one of the greatest names, revolutionised the social control concept by so dealing with the causes of disease (like proving safe drinking water, controlling pests, lice, files , mosquito, etc.) that they were prevented form arising at all. A population riddled with

Islamic Rules Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Islamic Rules - Essay Example There are two major sources of this law in the religion of Islam. The first source is the Quran where there are laws that are indicated therein, that govern individuals in the religion of Islam. The second example is an example set by Prophet Muhammad in Sunnah. The sharia law has official status where leaders have different responsibilities basing on their positions of leadership. Shariah has been divided into five main branches which are: Crime and chastisement Economic system Family relations External relations and other relations as well. Bequest and disposal of possessions. There are various rules and regulations that are supposed to be followed by the Muslims in which if not. They are punishable by this same law. This gives a clear impression that they have to do what is expected of them at the right time, place and with the right people. This is to make certain that they show respect to their God just like other religions do. In the contemporary society, Muslims stick to their law making sure that they follow all the rule and regulations to avoid breaking the law. Generally in the Islam religion, there are five major pillars of rules and regulations that all of them are supposed to adhere to no matter what position of leadership they have in their religious hierarchy. All Muslims are following the five pillars because these pillars are the most important parts in Islam religion. According to Islam 101 â€Å"The 'Five Pillars' of Islam are the foundation of Muslim life. The five pillars include: Faith or belief in the Oneness of God and the finality of the prophet hood of Muhammad Establishment of the daily prayers Concern for and almsgiving to the needy Self-purification through fasting The pilgrimage to Makah and this is especially for those who are able. In other words, the five pillars involve declaring that Allah is GOD and Mohammad is GOD’s messenger, doing prayers on time, alms â€Å"Zakat† giving poor Muslims food, money and so on f or Muslims who are able to do the Zakat, fasting Ramadan, and doing pilgrimage â€Å"Hajj† for Muslims who can do the Hajj. It is strongly believed that if there is any Muslim doesn’t do these five pillars, he or she will not go to heaven unless Allah forgives them since Allah is the source of forgiveness for them. This essay seeks to explain how these laws are implemented in the contemporary Islam religion. Since there are many rules and regulations to be followed, this essay will major on the economic laws, marriage laws and the dress codes. These are the three issues that this essay will cover, explaining how these laws are implemented in the contemporary society, in the Islam religion. Looking at the first issue of discussion under the sharia law which is economics law, there are various rules and regulations that govern the Muslim religion for them to live as expected and carry out activities that are able to make the economy better than how it is. All Muslims who are living in situations that are above the subsistence level must pay alms. These alms are referred to as zakat and they are paid annually. Paying of alms is not a charitable activity carried out by the Muslims rather it is an obligation Muslims in comfortable living conditions are supposed to help those who are living under the poverty line so that they can also live better lives like other people in the society. The amount of alms to be paid by the wealthy Muslims is calculated basing on the