The Joyride :: Creative Writing Essays

The Joyride    Rain clouds began to tear themselves away from the jagged peaks of the Koolau range and rays broke through the clouds and beat down on the muddy water of Pearl Bay. Bobby glanced toward them, but his mind was elsewhere. He paced back and forth along the isolated stretch of the narrow beach. Now and then he would kick at loose pebbles along the muddy grey shoreline. For the moment, Bobby was still in his private world, consisting of little more than a strip of mud flat along one small section of the bay. But his world was about to be invaded. Chris, his best friend since kindergarten, would be showing up any minute. And Bobby knew that before this afternoon ended, their two lives, so entwined these many years, would forever be changed.    Bobby clutched a smooth black stone in his fingers. He leaned into the light breeze, preparing to skip it across the harbour waters, but stopped abruptly, remembering that the gods did not like land removed from the island. As the stone slipped from his fingers, his eyes followed the ripples that glided on and off the grey beach where he stood, then rose almost by habit to gaze once more at the Arizona Memorial stretching white and graceful, remembering painfully that this would be the last time that he would ever walk along this beautiful beach.    As his eyes watched the waves, and how they caressed the muddy shoreline, he began to think of the future. His thoughts were quickly disrupted.       â€Å"Hey bud, how's it going? What was so important that you had to talk to me about?† Chris asked.    â€Å"It's to hard. I can't go on with it.†    â€Å"What? What can't you go on with?† Chris demanded urgently.    â€Å"It's just, that, that, this will be our last weekend together†.    â€Å"Wait a minute. Slow down, your not making any sense. None at all. What do you mean that this will be our last weekend together? We have the whole entire summer planned out. Fishing next weekend, canoeing to Ford Island next month, our bike.....†    â€Å"NO STOP!!! You don't understand. My dad got transferred. We're moving.†    â€Å"But why now. School doesn't start for another two months, and colleges start even later than that!† Chris replied.    â€Å"I know, it sucks. I can't do anything about it. I've tried everything. I've even asked my parents if it would be okay to move in with my grandparents for the rest of the summer. But it's no use. They say I have to get used to the town, meet new friends,and get a job.

Quantitative Research

Quantitative research often is the preferred approach to problem design as results are precise. Many researchers prefer the exact measurement and statistical analysis that quantitative research offers. Observation in quantitative research allows classification and the statistical models built document the outcome of a study. The data collected in a quantitative investigation creates answers in numbers and statistics. Deductive reasoning is used to design quantifiable tools that collect pertinent data.Results are accurately measured and presented, as a â€Å"quantitative research paradigm is empirical in nature; it is also known as the scientific research paradigm† (Atieno, 2009, p. 14). Characteristics of a Quantitative Problem Statement The problem statement explains and justifies the decision to use quantitative analysis methods. The problem statement is a succinct and definite, implying data gathering and examination. â€Å"Quantitative research is a means for testing obje ctive theories by examining the relationship among variables,† (Creswell, 2008, p. ). Creswell (2009) indicated if a problem calls for factors that influence the result or a best outcome approach, then a quantitative approach should be used. Characteristics of a Quantitative Purpose Statement As Jenkins (2009) discussed, an effective purpose statement is in alignment with the problem statement. The nature of the study, data collection methods, and the study population identify the design approach. Variables identified in the design and logic of the problem contributes to the project design and hypothesis.Formulation of Quantitative Research Questions and Hypotheses The quantitative research questions and hypothesis clearly seek to answer the problem statement. The hypothesis is the premise of the study, the expected outcome of the study presents anticipated results in a quantitative manner. The questions and hypothesis create a logical basis to identify data collection methods suitable for problem solving. Quantitative Data Collection Procedures Data collection processes reflect the activities as originally outlined in the problem and purpose statements.The construction of formal instruments occurs to measure the quantifiable data gathered and analyzed. Constraints to data collection procedures such as organization, budget, time, and access to the survey population factor into the design process (Jenkins, 2009). Quantitative Data Analysis Procedures The results from the data collection process derived from trend analysis and surveys use statistical methods of measurement (Atieno, 2009). The results provide an exact result numerically measured.The precision offered by gathering data through easily quantifiable tools give reliable results. The data alone does not provide an answer; statistical methods for analysis provide a reliable means of clarifying a large data set (Jenkins, 2009). Statistical analysis is used to mitigate risk when a degree of uncertai nty is present. Numbers from the researched data set use statistical analysis and reporting for analysis. Descriptive statistics allow the presentation of results using graphs and charts (Jenkins, 2009).Visual communications provides a clear graphic representation that allows simple cognition of complex data. Research Fundamentals Quantitative research is a preferred method of problem-solving because of its precision. A properly designed problem statement and purpose statement drives the research process and deductive logic is used in the data gathering design. Results are analyzed using statistical methods to create a result set. Presentation of results may include visual communication tools such as charts and graphs, providing simple tools to understand complex trends and ratios.

Cop And Robber Reinventing Stereotypes - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 880 Downloads: 8 Date added: 2019/04/12 Category Society Essay Level High school Tags: Stereotypes Essay Did you like this example? The 1999 film begins at The MET where a stolen valuable Monet painting brings together the self-possessed insurance investigator Catherine Banning and the culprit, self-made billionaire Thomas Crown. While Banning was not the lead investigator on this case, she took matters into her own hands and intrigued Crown by cutting straight to the chase leading on that she knew he was guilty. The two then begin what seems to be a game of cat and mouse ultimately becoming a whirlwind romance. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Cop And Robber Reinventing Stereotypes" essay for you Create order Susan Bordos Beauty (Re)discovers the Male Body discusses how The disjunction between self-conception and external judgment can be especially harsh when the external definitions carry gender stereotypes with them.(134) Although the film may seem to reinforce stereotypes by subjecting Banning to the male gaze in her introduction, it instead is reinventing John Bergers theory that men act and women appear because there is much more to Banning than is lead on. Bergers theory that men act and women appear is used to defy the male and female relationship. It implies that men look at women while the women watch themselves being looked at. An example of this is the Nautica ad where the men are unaware of their own appearances, but the woman nonetheless is aware of hers and of the men ogling at her. Much like the way Banning was introduced with her legs exposed to the male eyes and the way the camera slowly made its way up giving her a sense of mystery. However, the film reminds viewers to not be fooled by her character as Catherine Banning does nothing to please men it is all simply for her own amusement. She finds pleasure in the game she and Crown play as does he essentially making them the perfect match for each other. While Banning encounters typical feelings of self-doubt when she sees photographs of Crown with another woman, she greatly exudes confidence every other moment of the film. As Banning and Crowns relationship grows Banning begins to develop feelings for Crown and vice versa. When McCann shows these images to Banning it was expected of her to feel hurt as would any human but Banning confronted Crown and acted with courage showing that she was tough. In fact, she and Crown are very much alike, as Charles Taylor suggests Crown and Banning are mirror images of each other (par. 2) they both are these rags to riches individuals whose rigid personalities and wisdom has bought them to where they are now. They both defy the Industrial Revolution stereotype which implies that men should not worry about grooming they should worry about being the breadwinner. Crown, of course, is always well groomed as he is shown in various suits and getting tailored. Banning herself proves that she is her own breadwinner by showing she is sharper and more intelligent than McCann, the detective, solving the crime. Bordo furthers that women should worry about their looks and apparel , if failed to do so, they are labeled as feminist and the opposite goes for males, yet both dont fret as their appearance comes naturally to them and does not create the audience to question their femininity nor masculinity. As the two play, this game of cat and mouse they both fight over who has the upper hand in the relationship eventually being Banning. Although times are offered where she shows weakness, for example, the end scene where she is shown sobbing due to believing Crown has stood her up. However, when she sees him behind her, leaps over the seats and jokingly threatens Crown saying she will break both his arms, she regains her power. As Susan Bordo states Nowadays, the act/appear duality is even less meaningful, as the cultivation of the suitably fit appearance has become not just a matter of sexual allure but a demonstration that one has the right stuff: will, discipline, the ability to stop whining and ?just do it. (172-173) Banning herself has that will and ability, she truly wastes no time in getting down to business. She shows that she isnt just the object of attention but rather a more complex woman who is willing to do whatever it takes to obtain what she wants. To conclude, although the film seems to reinforce stereotypes it ultimately reinvents them. Banning starts as the center of the male gaze but she is in fact much more intricate offering an abundance of personalities. She has her moments of self-doubt, but she radiates confidence. Unlike Bordos student who had self-image issues and felt the need to hide behind makeup, Banning is assured and has such elegance that comes naturally. She and Crown are very much alike which makes them a dynamic duo. The two do nothing but lounge around and try to outdo each other in a game of cat and mouse that intrigues them to one another. Overall, the film offered minimal scenes that showed Banning falling into the stereotypes but overall, she overpowered them like the larger than life woman she is. At length, all these elements appeal to the adult audience of both males and females as it represents norms being defied and teaches society that they do not have to settle for what they are set out to be by others.