Nike vs Puma Essay Example for Free

Nike vs Puma Essay Nike vs Puma Easily the biggest grudge match in Germany this month will not be between two of the countries competing, but between homegrown Adidas and, of course, American arch-rivals Nike. The business media is already hot on the Stripes versus the Swoosh, with the German brand reportedly splashing out double Nikes estimated ? 60m World Cup marketing spend. But what about the shirts themselves? Which ones would you want to play in, and which should be left on the backs of the die-hards down the pub? Out of the six countries theyre dressing, including hosts Germany, and also France, the best Adidas shirt has to be Argentinas (above left). Perhaps not as recognizable as Brazils famous bright yellow, the subtle sky-blue and white stripes belied how fearsome Argentina were from the late 1970s through the 1980s. Kept simple, although a bit too shiny for my liking, the current shirt remains true to the great players who have previously worn one. As does Hollands shirt (above right), one of eight nations wearing Nike. While every other colour is sported by several teams, no-one but the Dutch really wear orange, and during the mid-1970s they played some of the sexiest football ever. Though theyve never managed to lift the trophy, this jersey echoes the heyday of the Dutch game when their brand of Total Football, as its known, narrowly lost the 1974 final to Germany. It has none of the unnecessary graphics that have plagued the brilliant orange kit of previous years, but again its kept simple and low-key, complete with a nod to the 1970s in the form of the collar. Thats the big boys, but its another German brand thats kitting out the most countries. Puma has deals with no less than 12 federations, including Italy, all of the African teams who qualified, as well as Saudi Arabia and Iran from the Middle East. The brand has taken the opposite approach to its larger competitors, embellishing most of its shirts with designs that reflect that countrys heritage. The Hawks of Togo are depicted, as is the Ivory Coasts nickname, Les Elephants. For me, Tunisias shirt (above left) works best, showing the Eagles of Carthage merged with a sort of camouflage design. Elsewhere, there are a handful of smaller brands providing some of the teams with their kit. Umbros heritage as makers of England shirts is well-known. They also make Swedens, but their best World Cup-related gear is designed by Kim Jones, which is featured elsewhere on Cool Hunting today. Italys Lotto and Spanish new-boys Joma are also after a piece of the action, supplying the likes of Ukraine (above right) and Costa Rica respectively. If you want to be really obscure next time you take to the pitch though, an Ecuador shirt (right), made by little-known company Marathon, wins hands down.

Harry Lavender Essay Essay Example for Free

Harry Lavender Essay Essay The Life and Crimes of Harry Lavender undermines many of the stereotypes within the genre of crime ? c? on. Marlene Days’ prominent themes are introduced in the extract. Power is characterised par? cularly through the antagonist, Sydney underworld ? gure Harry Lavender. Day also portrays the idea of decep? on and facade through her rendering of the duality of the city of Sydney and the characters within it. Days’ se%ng of the late 1980s conveys an era where new technology is seen and an ominent threat and a useful tool. These themes are represented in the extract and a novel as a whole. Claudia valen? ne is represented as a powerful individual within the ? rst few pages of the novel. Day establishes her independence and control as a woman with the quote â€Å"no one gets into my room, let alone my bed, without one. † It evokes a sense power and control and challenges the expecta? ons of women, as women are seen weaker in the world. Day also expresses the idea of power exceedingly through the antagonist Harry Lavender. Giving his status in the underworld of Sydney, Lavender is considered a man of power. â€Å"I am a famous legend in my ? me† The use of ? rst person narra? on gives the audience a sense of personal connec? on with the inner feelings of Lavender, as well as showing what Lavender sees towards himself. Decep? on is an integral element conveyed in The Life and crimes of Harry Lavender. The idea of decep? on and facades is par? cularly shown though both protagonist and antagonist, as well as Sydney’s duality of light and dark.

Effects of Diet and Exercise on the Human Body

Effects of Diet and Exercise on the Human Body How to Maintain a Healthy Body How do we maintain a healthy body? To look at this we need to first decide what health means. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has defined health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.1 If this is the case then having a healthy diet may not mean that we have a healthy body. We also need to take into account that how we look at health has changed dramatically over the years. For example in the 17th Century the major factor of health was things like the bubonic plague due to fleas on rats. Today we have to worry about things like obesity and swine flu. I am going to look at numerous factors which contribute to a healthy body. I am going to look at diet, exercise and social factors, all of which I believe can contribute to maintaining a healthy body. Firstly I am going to look at the effects diet has on our body. For humans to survive we need food, however, we need certain types of food and we need to eat a balanced diet to have a healthy body. The foods we should be consuming to have a healthy balanced diet are; proteins, fats and oils, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, fibre and water. We need each of these food groups for a certain reason. For example we need protein to help our body repair itself, we need carbohydrates as these are broken down into simple sugars like glucose which is the primary source of energy for the brain, and we need iron to form red blood cells which carry oxygen round the body. If we eat less or more of these than we require this may cause problems for our body making us unhealthy. It is typically known that a diet high in fruit and vegetables is good for our body, however it is not widely known that if we have a diet lacking in these that it can be very damaging to our body. The WHO estimates that 2. 7 million deaths are attributed to a diet low in fruit and vegetables every year2. If we have an unhealthy diet this can cause a number of chronic diseases including: high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and cancer2. Each of these diseases can affect a persons quality of life and also can reduce a persons life expectancy. If we have an unhealthy diet this can cause many problems both for now and in the future, for example, if we eat too much sugar this can give us tooth decay which means we have an unhealthy mouth, and if we have too much salt then over time this can build up and cause us to have high blood pressure which can be potentially fatal. The WHO classes anyone that is 30% or more overweight to be obese. If we are obese then this can greatly lower our life expectancy and also our quality of life. If someone is overweight they do not have a healthy body and our likely also to not have a healthy mind. I now want to look at how exercise can help us to maintain a healthy body. There are many benefits of exercise both for our bodies and our mental health. The benefits of exercise on our bodies include; preventing heart disease, can reduce high blood pressure and can prevent diabetes. The benefits of exercise for our mental health include; helping to relieve stress, helping to reduce the symptoms of depression and helping to relieve sleeping problems. If someone is stressed or has had a bad day which has affected their mood then going out for a walk can be very beneficial to them. It has been proven that any aerobic exercise releases a mood altering substance called endorphins. Endorphins have been proven to improve our mood and also reduce levels of stress3. Now I am going to look at how social factors can affect whether or not we have a healthy body. Social factors include; our social status, area we live, and outside influences. Social factors can play a large role in how we maintain our bodies. In todays society it can be quite expensive to live healthy, the price of fresh and healthy foods are often more expensive than cheap processed foods. If someone doesnt have a lot of money and doesnt earn a lot then they are more likely to go for the cheaper version which is what they can afford. This then affects their health as processed foods tend to have more of the things that are bad for us in them. Also if someone is classed as poor they are more likely to live in an area where there is more pollution and less focus on health. This may have a huge impact on whether they have a healthy body or not. In conclusion having a healthy body can not be accomplished by merely eating healthy. There are many factors to consider when we are trying to maintain a healthy body. If we want to be healthy then we must take into account what health means; a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.1 Therefore we must have a healthy diet, exercise and make sure that we take care of our mental health. In todays society it is harder than ever to maintain a healthy body with all the outside influences like drugs and alcohol. However if we want to be healthy then we must at least try to lead a healthy lifestyle and take care of our bodies and minds as we only have one. References Given, P. and Reiss, M. Human Biology and Health Studies, 2nd Edition, (2002), Nelson Thornes LTD, Cheltenham, UK, ISBN 0-17-490060-0 World Health Organisation (WHO), Diet and physical activity: a public health priority, http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/en/ Donnellan, C. (ed) How fit are we? Issues, (2000), Independence Publishers, Cambridge, UK, ISBN 1-86168-120-8 Encyclopedia, Endorphins facts and information, http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/endorphins.aspx Medical News Today, What is health? What does good health mean?, http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150999.php

Landmines :: essays research papers

Landmines A recent report on the ban the production and the use of landmines which appeared in the International Post caught my attention. Credit for the lucidly written report should be given to Ms Kazka, a colleague of mine, who illuminated the pertinent issues involved in the controversy revolving the production of landmines. Although the Philippines is fortunate enough not to have experienced the anguish of states like Afghanistan and Bosnia, we as a nation, averse at atrocities brought about by warfare, should contribute to the advancement of this noble cause of banning the production, the use and the demining of landmines. As Ms Kazka reported, each day landmines kill or wound an estimated 75 people worldwide. Ninety percent of these victims are civilians. Among the victims may be a teenage girl gathering firewood in Cambodia. A grandfather herding sheep in Afghanistan. Or a boy running across an empty field in Angola. What makes antipersonnel mines so abhorrent is the indiscriminate destruction they cause. Mines cannot be aimed. They lie dormant until a person or animal triggers their detonating mechanism. Antipersonnel mines cannot distinguish between the footfall of a soldier and that of a child. Those who survive the initial blast usually require amputations, long hospital stays, and extensive rehabilitative services. These people do not usually recover from the psychological strain that the explosions cause. Moreover, they are discriminated by people in their respective society and are considered lower class people. Vivid images of the leg-less people were described in detail by the report In Cambodia alone there are over 35,000 amputees injured by anti-personnel landmines--and they are the survivors. Many others die in the fields from loss of blood or lack of transport to get medical help. Mine deaths and injuries in the past few decades total in the hundreds of thousands. Landmines are now a daily threat in Afghanistan, Angola, Bosnia, Cambodia, Chechnya, Croatia, Iraq, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Somalia, and dozens of other countries. Mines recognize no cease-fire and long after the fighting has stopped they continue to maim or kill. Mines also render large tracts of agricultural land unusable, wreaking environmental and economic devastation. Refugees returning to their war-ravaged countries face this life-threatening obstacle to rebuilding their lives. Leading producers and exporters of antipersonnel mines in the past 25 years include China, Italy, the former Soviet Union, and the United States. More than 50 countries have manufactured as many as 200 million antipersonnel landmines in the last 25 years. Landmines :: essays research papers Landmines A recent report on the ban the production and the use of landmines which appeared in the International Post caught my attention. Credit for the lucidly written report should be given to Ms Kazka, a colleague of mine, who illuminated the pertinent issues involved in the controversy revolving the production of landmines. Although the Philippines is fortunate enough not to have experienced the anguish of states like Afghanistan and Bosnia, we as a nation, averse at atrocities brought about by warfare, should contribute to the advancement of this noble cause of banning the production, the use and the demining of landmines. As Ms Kazka reported, each day landmines kill or wound an estimated 75 people worldwide. Ninety percent of these victims are civilians. Among the victims may be a teenage girl gathering firewood in Cambodia. A grandfather herding sheep in Afghanistan. Or a boy running across an empty field in Angola. What makes antipersonnel mines so abhorrent is the indiscriminate destruction they cause. Mines cannot be aimed. They lie dormant until a person or animal triggers their detonating mechanism. Antipersonnel mines cannot distinguish between the footfall of a soldier and that of a child. Those who survive the initial blast usually require amputations, long hospital stays, and extensive rehabilitative services. These people do not usually recover from the psychological strain that the explosions cause. Moreover, they are discriminated by people in their respective society and are considered lower class people. Vivid images of the leg-less people were described in detail by the report In Cambodia alone there are over 35,000 amputees injured by anti-personnel landmines--and they are the survivors. Many others die in the fields from loss of blood or lack of transport to get medical help. Mine deaths and injuries in the past few decades total in the hundreds of thousands. Landmines are now a daily threat in Afghanistan, Angola, Bosnia, Cambodia, Chechnya, Croatia, Iraq, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Somalia, and dozens of other countries. Mines recognize no cease-fire and long after the fighting has stopped they continue to maim or kill. Mines also render large tracts of agricultural land unusable, wreaking environmental and economic devastation. Refugees returning to their war-ravaged countries face this life-threatening obstacle to rebuilding their lives. Leading producers and exporters of antipersonnel mines in the past 25 years include China, Italy, the former Soviet Union, and the United States. More than 50 countries have manufactured as many as 200 million antipersonnel landmines in the last 25 years.

Maya Angelou Essay example -- essays research papers

Maya Angelou has dedicated her life to end prejudices faced by many black females in the 20th century. As an author, poet, and entertainer, she is known best for her strong portrayal of African-American women. Some of her most outstanding work is the series of autobiographies that she wrote telling about her childhood. Her work has contributed immensely to Americans everywhere. She has also broken many barriers for black women in writing, entertainment, and in film making. Maya Angelou is definitely a positive role model to people everywhere. Maya Angelou has made many contributions through her poetry, writing, songwriting, acting, and film directing. She has written a series of autobiographical books focusing on her childhood until the birth of her own child, ten of which have appeared on the best selling list (â€Å"Biography† 1). The most prestigious of the novels is I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. This is a very controversial novel dealing with many serious issues including rape and murder. It is her most critically acclaimed work and was nominated for the National Book Award (â€Å"Maya American† 1). She often writes using a female as the strong role model. In addition, she has published many distinguished poems which have received recognition by many people including President Clinton. Her poem â€Å"On the Pulse of Morning† was chosen by President Clinton to be read at the 1993 presidential inauguration. Many of her volumes of poetry have been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize inclu...

The History of Computers :: Technology Technological Computers Essays

The History of Computers The idea of a machine that would make man’s calculations easier, faster, and more accurate is no new notion. The Abacus, â€Å"Napier’s rods†, the â€Å"Calculating Clock†, and the â€Å"Stepped Reckoner† are a few examples of early computer ideas In the more recent history of the computer, we can see how computers have morphed (or dwarfed) from clunky, million-dollar machines into the compact and convenient parts of our everyday lives (Computer Science Student Resource Website, 2003, â€Å"Evolution of Computers: From Stone to Silicon†, Section 1). The Academic Press Dictionary of Science and Technology informs us that John von Neumann’s name is most well-known among the potential â€Å"founders† of the first computer, but to whom the credit belongs can be debated†¦von Neumann wrote a memorandum explaining the ENIAC, and thus his name is recorded (Academic Press, 2002, Section 2, â€Å"Historical Perspective†). The ENIAC (the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator) was developed by J. Preper Eckert and John Mauchly of the Moore School of the University of Pennsylvania in the mid-1940s. The credit for this â€Å"invention† is â€Å"shady† because Mauchly reportedly visited John Atanasoff before building the ENIAC. Atanasoff and his graduate student Berry built the Atanasoff/Berry Computer in the early 1940s at Iowa State University. At any rate, von Neumann’s name is the most well-known and thus settles the issue! The model von Neumann came up with for the basic computer structure is still today, with modifications for speed and size, the foundation for many computers (Academic Press, 2002, Section 1, p. 527). The Academic Press Dictionary states that von Neumann’s report was so well-received because it had incredible â€Å"focus on the logical principles and organization of the computer rather than on the electrical and electronic technology required for its implementation† (p. 527). As â€Å"Evolution: From Stone to Silicon† reports, the first computers were mechanical and used vacuum tubes. These tubes needed to be replaced constantly (Computer Science Student Resource Website, 2003, Section 3). The EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variable Computer) invented in 1952 used magnetic tape, a revolution from the mess of wires that needed to be moved and replaced to run new programs.

Durkheim Marx and Weber’s argument of society Essay

Durkheim concept of anomie differed from Marx and Weber’s concepts of alienation on the idea of how modernity rose. That is, they differed on their argument about how the old system isolated people from humanity. Durkheim argued that the shifting of the society to modernity was through disorganization and societies achieved modernity as they tried to adapt to disorganizations. Marx’s argument on society modernity was based on class conflict while Weber argued on political causes. Durkheim argued that the division of the society based on classes helped in creating interdependence (Macionis, 2013). Although social stratification was a social problem, Durkheim viewed as normalness (anomie) in the society. He believed that anomie was a characteristic of disorganized society or one that was undergoing changes. People lived in the same place in the past as communities and shared the same beliefs. However, changes in cultural, social, political, and religious systems started occurring in the society (Macionis, 2013). Since the changes were slow and had no significant effects on the people, they started experiencing anomie. The results of anomie were suicide, crime, and other social evils that became prevalent in the modern society. Unlike Durkheim who focused on class division and society disorganization, Marx’s argument on alienation focused on conflict between classes as the cause of modernity in the society (Macionis, 2013). The conflict between capitalists and working class brought a gap in the society. The capitalist started accumulating profits through exploitation of the working class. The capitalist dominated in the society and alienated the working class and thus the latter had to depend on the former to provide for their families. The result was competition in the society, which became the major characteristic of modernity. Consequently, Weber argument on alienation differed from Durkheim anomie argument in that he based his argument political factors (Macionis, 2013). According to Weber, legal authority governed the society through rules. Although the rules were the most efficient form of authority, decision by the society to follow the rules fully would result in faulty checks on the authority. As a result bad governance and oppression of the society emanated. Reference Macionis, J. (2013). Sociology. Pearson Education Source document