Viewing a Scene Through Multiple Perspectives to Solve a Crime - "Vantage Point" Movie Review

In "Vantage Point", the United States President is in Spain to give a speech on the Global Summit on Terror when an assassination attempt is made on his life. Thomas Barnes (Dennis Quaid) is a secret service agent on his first assignment since taking a bullet for the president. Now, in the aftermath of an assassination attempt and a bomb explosion, Barnes must try and find answers to who was responsible for these actions.

Barnes first action after securing the area and sending his partner Kent Taylor (Matthew Fox) to check out where the shot came from, is to seek out a man he remembers who had a video camera at the Summit. When he sees something on the tape that shocks him, the story changes and is told through a new "vantage point". Together, these vantage points, including Barnes' and the cameraman Howard Lewis' (Forest Whitaker) perspectives (just to name a few), combine to tell the story of what really happened in those few minutes.

The concept of "Vantage Point" is unique, and the way the stories tie together is absolutely stunning. Small things, like seemingly insignificant interactions between characters, become important as the viewers see each subsequent perspective. Each vantage point gives you enough information to tie together a piece or two of the puzzle, but also leaves you with another question to be answered. In addition, each character is not merely a vision to what happened. Instead, we are given insights to these characters personalities, making us feel connected or disconnected to each. For example, you learn about Howard Lewis' family life back home. Although not directly important to the storyline, it helps create a better picture of Lewis' character, and easily connects the viewers to Lewis.

As the puzzle starts to come together, and as the characters stories begin to intertwine, this is where the problems begin in "Vantage Point". The problems don't arise from the intertwining of story lines, that is done almost perfectly, and thus, the problems are very minor in comparison to the rest of the story. The first problem is in the portrayal of Barnes later in the movie. Barnes takes the role of the action hero, and is put into many tough situations. Yet, he walks away from each with barely a scratch in situations that might have harmed other characters in a significant way.

The other problem I saw with the movie is in the ending. Without giving too much away, a small action sets forth a chain reaction that leads to the movie ending the way it did. I understand the message it seems they were trying to get across by ending it the way they did (my interpretation, although I could be wrong), that even small events can have a significant impact on the world. However, the ending seemed like the easy way out. Almost a "deus ex machina". Whether it was to avoid the traditional action movie ending, or for another reason all together, the movie led you down one path towards the probable ending, and when it got to the ending, completely took a different course. Normally, I'd be OK with plot twists, but in this case it doesn't twist the plot as much as just twist the ending.

But as I said, these are minor problems. The first two thirds of the movie are nearly flawless, and completely unique. The final third still plays out well enough, just not as perfectly as the first two thirds. "Vantage Point" keeps you guessing from start to finish, and each characters uniqueness allows you to want to see the same scene multiple times. The character interactions and little tidbits about characters' backgrounds actually leave the viewer wanting to learn more or see the vantage points of other characters.

Grade: B

Stop Reading and Start Listening To Audio Books

Did you know that:

Fewer Americans are reading books than a decade ago, but almost a third more are listening to books on tape, books on CD, books on iPod or books on MP3 players. (New York Times May 2005)

The reported information above tells the whole story of our lives we are living today. The first part of the reported words tell us that people are slowly passing up reading books...

Why do you think this is?

Our lives have become so consumed and busy with other regular activities that we are giving up our enjoyments of life. Unfortunately reading books is one of the first personal activities that are forfeited, but we can change this. Listening to audiobooks can bring back the joy of books and they can be listened to while doing many other tasks (multitasking is great with a good book). Audio books bring a dramatic flair, exciting energy and an enticing story line to regular paper books.

Even though there are less people reading traditional books, the second portion of the report tells us that there are more people (33% more people) listening to audio books.

Why do you think more people are listening to audiobooks?

As people have less time per day to sit down to read their books, they are then turning their attention to audio books. They can listen to books almost anywhere such as during their commute to and from school or work, while doing regular household chores and while walking or working out. There are many opportunities one can enjoy a great audiobook, take advantage and bring back the love of books to your life again.

How do you listen to audiobooks?

There are different format choices with audiobooks, you must decide what format best suits your lifestyle and where you will be listening to the audiobooks.

Audio books on tape is the oldest format that is used today. It is also the poorest quality, but still is considered a decent audio sound. These audio books on tape are listened with cassette players which are slowly becoming extinct but if you have some audiobooks on tape we have a solution for you. Take any existing audio books on tape that you have and convert the tapes to CD. Not only will the audio output improve greatly, but the books will be turned into digital formats.

Books on CD is the next format that came along in the early 1990's, it was introduced to eventually replace the analog cassette tape. Audio books on CD provide listeners with a truer digital sound, which allows the audiobooks to leap to life. Audio book CD's can be played in various CD players found in computers, home stereo systems, automobiles and portable CD players. Even though CD's have been around for many years, it still is considered a very good audio quality format.

Books on iPods or books on MP3 players have exploded onto the market place, changing our lives indefinitely. People are putting everything they can onto these MP3 players and Apple iPods such as movies, music and photos. Now people are becoming aware of placing books onto their digital players. This means that the audiobooks are a digital format that can be placed onto a computer that can be transferred onto CD's and digital players.

Audiobooks are very versatile and can be fully enjoyed every month no matter how busy your everyday life is. Let the books talk to you, there are no excuses for not enjoying books anymore. Audiobooks are the answer to finding time in your daily life!

Pond Fish Species - Caring For Their Habitat

Once you decide to have a pond of your own, make sure to consider the various factors influencing the choice of fish you would maintain in the pond. Picking the right pond fish species could be challenging though, and somewhat confusing. As much as possible, you want to keep as many species as you can but the affordability should also be taken into account. Since there is a wide variety of pond fish species to choose from, you will definitely discover some species that would match your type of fish pond. A pond fish is taken cared by a pond owner primarily due to its attractiveness and artistic appearance. You have to consider if the colors of the fish you will choose matches the design of your indoor pond or your backyard haven, how they would bring life to a good scenario.

Maintaining the fish pond is not all fun and easy. Appropriate care is essential to to establish an ideal fish pond. Sometimes, the need for a pond heater may be significant for winter season or in areas that have colder climates. During winter time, climate freezes and the probability for small fish ponds to turn solid increases thereby, killing other pond fish species in the habitat. Fortunately, there may be various small heaters currently out in the market customized to warm up the ponds. Just be sure to examine your pond filter every now and then to ensure its proper condition. Fish ponds will depend on the water filter for water oxygenation if the pond does not contain many plants. Filtering of the fish waste also can be handled by the water filter. Algae levels should be controlled by using water lilies that provide above the head cover which screens the sunlight thus choking out the algae before it blooms. Try to add more plants that feed on fish waste once the filter oftentimes get blocked.

Pond fish species have different personalities and captivating patterns of swimming making them fascinating to watch with their colors. They can endure a wide array of temperature and withstand the condition of the water as long as they are provided the proper maintenance on their habitat such as enough oxygenation and the essential filtration appropriate for the pond. Pond fish species have an extensive selection of sizes, shapes and colors to choose from. One koi fish weighing ten pounds could be a geat choice or if someone prefers the smallest one would be a teeny gold fish. There are diverse groups to choose from ranging from the biggest size to the miniature ones. It is of great importance to consider that whether they are special or common pond fish species, the main thing is they can adapt to the environment of the pond.

The most famous and familiar pond fish existing today is the Goldfish which is globally known for its brilliant color. They originated in China centuries ago and ever since, they have been bred into a diversity of sizes, colors and shapes. Koi fish, being the relative of the goldfish, resembles a gigantic version of the latter. In some cases, this breed even weighs as heavy as twenty pounds and should be required to settle on bigger fish ponds than the regular considering its sensitivity to water conditions and its size. For the beginner, Koi fish may not be preferred since it will take an expert to maintain such a huge pet.

Other types of pond fish species such as catfish, sucker fish, bass and other sunfish can be included in garden ponds considering their sizes. While the rest can survive and adapt to the climate and water condition, the black bass have the tendency not to live longer in fish ponds if not managed with care.

Electronic Stethoscopes - Advantages and Disadvantages

Electronic stethoscopes carry many advantages and disadvantages that your non-electronic stethoscopes may not feature. For starters the electronic stethoscope is obviously going to have a far more amplifying ability than an acoustic stethoscope. By the mere touch of a button on your digital stethoscope you are ensuring that you are getting closer and closer to a sound that will provide a diagnosis. These amplified sounds are something new in the auscultation arena in which stethoscopes are used, and it should come to no surprise to you when your co-workers are left in awe with such dramatic capabilities your fancy stethoscope displays.

These sounds can even be recorded by most electronic models and some models even come with computer software that enables the capability to view the sound waves. These models that come with software are more expensive and the medical professional should ask herself what will be the purpose of this instrument in the long term. The cardiology and pulmonary departments should take particular interest in electronic stethoscopes. Of course these two departments have utilized non-electronic stethoscopes for decades and have successfully operated, but what the electronic stethoscope can provide is a revolutionized way of ausculatating that perhaps should be practiced exclusively by cardiologist and pulmonologist.

The disadvantages of purchasing these stethoscopes should also be acknowledged. Particularly because they are expensive and you do not want to spend so much money on an instrument that is really not going to make you a better professional. Electronic stethoscopes have a tendency to suffer from interference when other electronic instruments like cell phones are around. Batteries are a huge turn off for those using digital stethoscopes and are always on the run in the work place. Troubleshooting this battery issue of course requires a little discipline. Storing batteries away in a nearby drawer that you know is easily accessible at any time is a must, especially if a patient is waiting. Knowing how to quickly install the batteries is necessary if the electronic stethoscope is going to be used on a daily basis. Another known fact about digital stethoscopes is that they are very expensive. Even the ones made from cheap material can range from $150-$200 and the more expensive models can be double.

But let me not stress you out! The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, however it is important to note that these electronic models are not made for everyone so considering the above mentioned facts is crucial because again, you are going to spend some serious money with these high tech instruments.

Obama's Inaugural Address, Music & Social Justice, Lessons For a Different Minority

Is bigotry really dead? If not, can music help? Obama's inaugural celebrations featured Queen Latifah talking about African-American contralto Marian Anderson. Eleanor Roosevelt invited the singer to share her music at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939. The DAR had banned her from Constitution Hall. Today, Anderson's story has significance for another minority, virtually invisible, experiencing massive unemployment, discrimination and bigotry.

The media, which has played a vital role in civil rights, however, rarely covers their issues or the debates about resolving them. The only female representative of this group known by most people died over fifty years ago. There are, however, women entertainers in all genres ready to do for their group what Anderson did for hers. So far, no Eleanor Roosevelt has stepped forward to make the invitation.

What minority? Blind Americans. Over two-thirds of working-age blind Americans are unemployed. Blind women are more likely to be unemployed, underemployed and living in poverty. Nonetheless, there are blind women lawyers, chemists, journalists, teachers, engineers, entertainers, etc.

The disparity springs from social attitudes. Ironically, Negative stereotypes of blindness impact those who hold them. Generally, men don't wake up as women and whites don't just turn black. However, this is exactly what happens with blindness. Most blind people grew up sighted. If society teaches that blindness means a life of uselessness and dependence, that's what they become. Any rehab counselor will tell you that the biggest obstacles to rehabilitation are not learning to use a talking computer or guide dog but one's own prejudices about blindness.

Bigotry takes many forms. Blind people, especially women, frequently encounter strangers who don't respect their right to make their own decisions. People become angry when they are told to ignore guide dogs, a practice taught by all guide dog schools. Despite the ADA, issues with Taxis and restaurants persist. Many blind people report that medical professionals treat them like children. Less than ten percent of blind kids are taught to read Braille, the only tool offering true literacy.

Blind people also report many interactions - often at job interviews - in which the sighted person is overly focused on "how remarkable it is" that the blind person can do simple tasks. Imagine trying to interest a prospective boss in your skills and talents when they can't get over the fact that you got to the interview by yourself and can hold a conversation without staring off into space.

Blind Americans have much to offer. Most want to be included in the group to which President Obama referred when he said, "All deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."

Welcoming blind Americans into the fold is not just the right thing to do. It's the pragmatic thing as well. The CDC recently projected a three-fold increase in diabetes-related blindness among working-age Americans by 2050.

Without significant changes in social attitudes, America faces substantial increases in disability costs. As Obama said in his inaugural address, "The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart -- not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good."

Minority entertainers, like Ms. Anderson, have changed public opinion, leading to improved understanding and opportunities for their minorities. There hasn't been a new blind American superstar, however, in decades. Worse yet, the only blind woman most people know is Helen Keller, who died in 1958.

A small, volunteer-run nonprofit is trying to change this. The Performing Arts Division of the National Federation of the Blind (PAD, NFB): http://www.padnfb.org

PAD's president, Dennis Holston persuaded eighteen blind recording artists -- including some excellent women -- to donate tracks to PAD's multi-genre "Sound in Sight" CD, which supports the scholarship fund. Decide for yourself if any of them are worth backing. Listen free at: http://cdbaby.com/cd/padotnfotb

Hip hop fans, download a free MP3 at PAD's site. To e mail Donna, look under Cabinet Posts, Head of Media Relations on PAD's Contact page.

As An Employer When Should I Seek Help From An Employment Solicitor?

It is great responsibility to be an employer and to hire a team of people that are then dependent on you for their income. It is this distinction between the people who must sell their labour and the people who buy that labour and use it to make a profit, and the complexities of the relationship between them that is the main focus of that large collection of legislation, laws and regulation that is today defined as UK employment law. UK employment law is studied in detail by employment solicitors whose job it is to help and represent both employers and their employees in the various multitudes of disputes and grievances that emerge between them.

The most obvious time when an employer would need the help of an employment solicitor would be when they need representation or guidance through the Employment Tribunal process. It can be potentially quite embarrassing and costly to an employer to have to pay employee compensation or reinstate them after having previously dismissed them or made them redundant. It can hard for an employer to know which documents they need to provide as evidence or the best way to present themselves and frame their argument to the Tribunal panel. An employment solicitor will be able to provide guidance on these matters and represent the employer directly if that is what is desired. Another added bonus is that an employment solicitor should have experience of representing both employers and employees and so should know what the best way to bring the two sides together and settle the dispute.

Apart from the tribunal process itself, an employer may wish to seek an employment solicitors help in a number of other workplace related situations. The first reason is due to the nature of UK employment law itself. Because employment is an evolving, changing collection of laws and legislation it can be useful to an employer to have regular contact with an employment solicitor so that they are kept abreast of any key developments. This will potentially save them for being caught out and take n to the Tribunal.

It is advisable for an employer to seek the advice of an employment solicitor if they are planning to restructure their company. This may involve redundancies or moving staff and in doing both of these, the employer has a number of legal requirements and procedures to follow. An employment solicitor will be able to advise the employer on the proper, lawful way to carry out this restructuring, and what is the way they are required to interact with staff both before and after. They will also be able to guide the employer in trying to get the employees to waive their rights via a compromise agreement. This could save the employer from potentially being accused of unfair dismissal and having to pay compensation or reinstate the employee.

If an employer feels that they are unsure on any of these important areas if staying within the law while running their businesses, then it is strongly advised that they seek the help and guidance of an employment solicitor as soon as possible.