Archive for July, 2009
Woman Holding A Balance
This painting represents a familiar everyday scene which Vermeer used to illustrate often in his works. It reminds of similar ‘Woman with the pearl necklace’ or ‘A young Woman holding a waterpitcher’ other Vermeers works.
On this canvas we see a woman caught in a room busy with her everyday work. She is holding a balance in her right hand. In the darkened room we see a large painting hanging on wall there is also a table. The window is covered partially by a curtain although some light enters the room. In the first sight the painting has a mysterious atmosphere. We do not see exactly what the women is weighting and most of the room is concealed because of lack of light only womans clothes and hands are brightly lighten as if the author wants us to concentrate on that part. Light flows from a window and washes across the wall revealing a painting of the Last Judgment. This painting behind her symbolizes the weighing of souls after they are gone from this earth. The next item on the canvas that catches attention is the mirror in front of the women. It is reflecting her actions her choice between the paths that life offers her. There are pearls and jewelry which could mean a very attractive time passing but the woman is indecisive about it. She is trying to make up her mind if she wants a spiritual living or the material things which are represented by the pearls.
We can see that womans face is very calm and has a serene expression as if telling us that she probably will choose Gods path in life especially taking into consideration the gloomy painting behind her. Her eyes although it may seem are not looking at the balance her gaze is rather turned inward to her thoughts and inner spirit. This symbol again implies that the woman turns her existence to a divine side. Another symbolic meaning is carried by the light distribution on the picture. For instance the background painting is hidden in the shadow although still can be seen meaning that while living people often do not consider the consequences of their lives but nevertheless it does exist and it will come in the end. It leads us to conclusion that while here the women is making this decision about good and bad having the thought of the “end” in her mind she is thinking of eternal matters and is only concerned with them as the light allocation hints.
The name of the painting itself tells that the author suggests a balanced spiritual principle that is often manifest in Vermeer’s work: the need to lead a balanced life. Though Vermeer’s working methods remain a mystery to these days it is clear that he constructed this composition with extreme care. If we mentally draw orthogonal lines through the womans finger from different sides of the painting we will discover that Vermeer remained devoted to his philosophical views and even the composition of the canvas support it as he keeps a perfect balance between the sections of the painting.
I would like to return to the light issues in this painting again as I think it is one of the most important elements which identify the major theme and focus of it. I believe that light not only means to attract attention to the hands but also tells us that the women experiences some sort of spiritual enlightening which gives her strengths and she feels Gods presence in her life. Probably that could explain her facial expression which reminds of Virgin Mary.
Vermeer maintained extraordinary control over his paints he worked effectively with both dense impasto and thin glazes which give a finishing shiny touch to the colors and have a better effect on the viewer for instance when the author wants to emphasize dramatic black or contrasting unsullied yellow or white. The effect of soft light is achieved through delicate modulation in paint handling.
The overall impression of the painting is twofold. Initially it is seen as a gloomy picture of a sad woman stressed by all the shades and numerous darks spots on the canvas. The true understanding and real appreciation comes afterwards when small details are discovered. One can find that this painting is genuine masterpiece with multiple meanings and a whole life story behind it. Only the author knows exactly what he meant when he portray wrote that canvas but everyone looking at it can extract some universal truths from it such as good vs. bad material vs. spiritual darkness and light beauty and ugliness.
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What Should Be Format Of A Thesis Or A Dissertation?
It is a very crucial question when someone is preparing a thesis or a dissertation that what should be the format of a thesis or a dissertation? But the format of a thesis or dissertation depends upon the topic chosen and the type of research. Format of a thesis generally differ from thesis to thesis. It is difficult to discuss about the fixed format which should be adopted by each and every thesis BUT still we can mention that the following chapters or the sections should be there in a thesis.
Sections Parts and Chapters
Each thesis must be divided in the sections or the parts and chapters inside for the convenience of the readers and to give it a logical touch and make it impressive. Generally a thesis must be divided in at least 3 parts. Every section of the part of the thesis contains several chapters. This part of the thesis should contain the following chapters in it.
SECTION 1 each section contains different chapters
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Objective or Need of the Study
Chapter 3 Scope and limitations of this study
Chapter 4 Review of the literature
Chapter 5 Methodology of the research
SECTION 2
Chapter 1 Data Analysis amp; Interpretation
Chapter 2 Case Studies
Chapter 3 Processing data with hypothesis for acceptance and rejection.
end of section 2
SECTION 3
Chapter 1 Summary Major Findings amp; Suggestions
Chapter 2 Suggestions amp; Contribution by the study.
Chapter 3 Scope for the further study
end of section 3
Bibliography Its that part of the research report in which you will write the names of those sources which were used during the process of preparation of report amp; completion of the projects.
Appendix This must be the last part of the research repot amp; will include the format amp; the types of the documents amp; forms which were used for the collection of the data or some information while making study e.g. questionnaire etc.
End of Research Report
To know more about the format or a sample of a thesis you need to have a sample thesis of your subject.But sometimes it is very hard to find out the sample thesis or dissertation of the subject on which you want to prepare your own thesis or dissertation. In that case you can download the sample thesis or dissertation of the other subject. Because a sample thesis or dissertation which is although not of your subject can provide you basic information about making a thesis or dissertation like:
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Thanks!
About the writer: Chetan Ahuja is a Double Master Degree holder as he is M.Com M.Phil. He has completed his M.Com and M.Phil. in Electronic Commerce both in first division. He has also worked as a lecturer in commerce for few years. He writes articles about Online Selling Money Making and About Making thesis and dissertations. His articles keep on being published on the different sites.
What Colleges Look For In Admitting Students
Colleges look at many different factors in deciding which students to admit. To complicate matters these factors and the weight given to each differs from school to school. However in general terms colleges are looking for students who have the academic ability to succeed at their school. They begin that process by looking at the courses taken in high school the grades received the student’s standing relative to their classmates and their test scores. Once they have determined that a particular student could succeed academically many schools will look at a variety of other factors. Some of the other factors are discussed below.
In general terms larger state schools tend to rely more on grades and test scores. The smaller the school and the more selective the school the more factors are generally considered in deciding whether to admit a particular student. To determine what factors for admission are looked at by any particular school you should ask an admission counselor from that school.
Academic Achievement Reviewed
Your transcript
The colleges will look at the level of difficulty of the courses you took and the grades received in those courses. They will also be looking to see if you challenged yourself by taking advantage of the AP and accelerated courses that are available.
Class rank
The colleges will review your GPA and where you rank in your class
Standardized Test Scores
SAT I SAT II and ACT. How well did you do on the standardized tests compared to the average candidate to that school.
Teacher and counselor recommendations
Most schools have forms that they ask your teachers and counselor to complete. These forms provide specific information about strengths accomplishments areas of improvement and recommendations
Achievements/Awards/Scholarships
What academic awards have you received.
Academic interest major
Some schools have a reputation in a particular area of study. At such schools it may be easier to gain admission if you are planning on studying a major for which they are not known.
Personal Achievement Reviewed
The list of factors a particular college is looking for in a student in a particular year varies widely. Listed below are some other factors that may be considered:
Extracurricular activities
The college will be looking at the amount of time you spent in your activities and whether you held a leadership role. The more time involved and the greater the involvement i.e. captain of a team the more impressive your activities will look. Remember that colleges are not looking for the wellrounded student; they are looking for a wellrounded first year class.
Character traits
What traits do you possess that reflects on your leadership fellowship inspiration discipline or determination?
Interview
The interview can give put a face to your application and might highlight a special talent or problem in your record.
Recommendations
What sort of person and student do your teachers and counselor think you are?
Summer experiences
What have you done in the summer and how has that influenced your life/perspective? Dont worry if you havent had any great experience during the summer. Most schools are impressed by someone working during the summer to save money for school. It reflects a certain level of maturity to be able to hold a job.
Other Considerations
The list of factors a particular college is looking for in a student in a particular year varies widely. Listed below are some other factors that may be considered:
Gender
Many schools try to achieve as close to a 5050 balance between men and women as possible. Depending on the school this may give one sex or the other an advantage if the school needs more men or more women.
Family background race or ethnicity
Students who are the first in their family to go to college are often given additional consideration. This is also true if you are of an ethnic background that school seeks for diversity.
Residence
Schools are often looking for geographical diversity in their students.
Special talents
If you are particularly talented in some area art music writing athletics etc. you may be given more consideration.
Area of interest
If you have a particular interest that is very unusual and to which you have devoted a great deal of time you may get additional consideration.
Legacy status
Many schools give preference if one of your parents or siblings has previously attended the college to which you are applying.
Financial need
Some schools make admission decisions based on whether you are seeking financial aid or not.
Disciplinary issues
If you have been disciplined by your school the colleges will look closely at what occurred.
About the writer: Todd Johnson a lawyer and college consultant is the principal college admission consultant for College Admissions Partners. Todd provides personalized service to help students and families through the complete college admissions and financial aid process. He can be reached through the website College Admissions Partners
