Frigg Field Case Study

Frigg Field Case Study CUTTING AND REMOVAL OF PLATFORM FOUNDATIONS Callum Toole: 201662274 Antonios Poulis: 201685557 Marinos Mavroulis: 201667892 Abraham Ejiro Ibodje: 201653157 1.1 NORTH SEA Since the first steel piled jacket foundation (SPJF) was installed in the North Sea in 1967 there has been a total of 556 installed and 52 have been decommissioned after operational use. The operational water depth of the North Sea varies as SPJF are split into small and large categories. Of the original 556 foundations 392 were installed in water depths of less than 55m leaving 164 foundations reaching to depths of 190m (Oil Gas UK, 2012) (Offshore-mag, 2000). With oil and gas reserves depleting in this area more and more installations are applying for cease of production (CoP) to begin the decommissioning cycle. It has been estimated that over the next 25 years there will be  £35bn spent on decommissioning activity in the North Sea alone (Decom North Sea, 2014). 1.2 CASE STUDY FRIGG FIELD The Frigg Field is situated in the North Sea with 6 differing fixed foundation structures spread over UK and Norwegian blocks 10/1 and 25/1 respectively. These fixed foundations are a mixture of SPJF and Gravity Based Structures (GBS). For the remainder of this assignment the Frigg Field case study will only consider the cutting and removal of DP2 an 8 leg SJPF which supported a drilling and production platform Figure 2, (Total, 2003). Key aspects of the Frigg Field DP2 to be considered are: Water depth 98m (321.5ft) Production depth 1850m (6070ft) 24 wells drilled in total for production 20 original steel pile foundations (4 external at each corner leg and 4 internal at inner legs) (T Gram, 2011) at 60 diameter (Total, 2003) Jacket recovery via re-float technique after successful installation of buoyancy and cutting of foundations In the North Sea, the selection of the ROV system is vital to its success of the cutting and removal of the DP2 jacket foundations. This is due to the ever-changing dynamic offshore environment that effect cutting, lifting and removal of subsea infrastructure. 2.1 ROV UNIT The Oceaneering Millennium Plus (OMP) 220hp heavy work class ROV was selected for the cutting and removal of the Frigg DP2 foundations due to its operational capabilities. The ROVs working class design allows for front assembled dual manipulators to be interactive with the task in hand. Weighing in at 4,000kg the OMPs dimensions are 3.31.71.9m (LxWxH) (Oceaneering, 2017). The depth capabilities of the ROV exceed the depth needed to fully operate in the North Sea conditions at the Frigg site as it is rated for up to depths of 3,000m. A main consideration of the OMP is its station keeping abilities and dual hydraulic units of 110hp powering 4 vectored horizontal and 4 vertical propulsion units. This allows for 2,000lbs of thrust to be used in the lateral, forward and reverse directions with a vertical thrust of 2,800lbs. 2.2 VISIBILITY TOOL INTERACTION Another main consideration of the ROV selected is its ability to interact clearly with tooling and structures at the water depth. This is made possible by the dual manipulators having 5 degrees of function which is powered by a 24V DC and 110V AC power supply on board. To successfully clear, cut and remove the 20 pile foundations the OMP is versatile enough to interact with heavy duty tools to do the jobs of dredging, cutting and use its manipulators to fit buoyancy cans within 15 mm tolerance for removal operations (Oceaneering, 2017) (Total, 2011). The OMP will be interacting with a standalone subsea dredge and an External Cutting Tool when at operational depths. But also has the ability to be fitted with various skid pans if needed. The ECT selected for the cutting operations of the pile foundations is an abrasive water jet cutting approach due to its multi-dimensional clamp configurations that allow for various diameters form 16 72 pipe to be cut. This is made possible by 8 fully mounted 250W high intensity LED lighting units surrounding the front facing operating area working in conjunction with visuals. The visual output of the OMP comes from cameras which can either be standard, high or 3D high definition (HD) -   3D HD is preferred for the operations due to enhanced visuals allowing for a safer more efficient operation. 2.3 NAVIGATION Automatic controls for the OMP are used via fly by wire systems that allow for station keeping regarding depth, pitch, altitude and automatic pre-programmed headings. To allow for the altitude and headings to be correct a surveying grade gyro and backup fluxgate compass is available on board the ROV. Depth of the ROV unit is vital due to the foundations being at seabed level and to avoid collisions with the seabed and/or cuttings pilings in the area (Oceaneering, 2017). 2.4 LAUNCH AND RECOVERY SYSTEM (LARS) The adaptability of the OMP with regards to different LARS allows it to be used with multiple possible vessels when on site. There are various options available for the OMP: heavy weather over boarding, A-frame, cursor and heavy lift winching. To safely and successfully launch and recover the OMP an A-frame system was selected. This is due to its simplicity, lifting capabilities and cost reduction during mobilisation at a new site or location. 2.5 TETHER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (TMS) During under water operations the OMP can work either free swimming or via a TMS. Free swimming operations are directly connected to the ROV transmitting electrical power, mechanical payloads and optical signal by means of a tether during operations.   A TMS configuration includes the use of a side entry garage or a Top-hat connection where the topside umbilical is connected and then redistributes the power and signals to the ROV via a tethered connection. During this operation at the Frigg Field a Top-hat TMS would be used to guide, control and position the OMP throughout its cutting and removal operations. This is due to strong advantages such as: providing protection to the OMP as it is securely connected during launch and recovery, secure positioning reduces complications at splash zone interaction, the addition of the Top-hat TMS allows for a further working radius from the garage rather than free swimming operations and allowing for greater precision on deployment to the work site. A typical mission for the OMP varies depending on the level of cutting and removal of foundations during decommissioning operations. Regarding the case study adopted for the Frigg Field the typical mission expected would be as follows: Environmental checks would be carried out on the vessel to determine there is safe working conditions for the OMP to operate OMP and top-hat configuration would be connected and moved to launch platform of the A-frame Final checks of OMP before launch Launching and lowering of the OMP (via A-frame) into the water through the splash zone monitoring tension on the line Grounding at operational level of 98m Subsea pressure and containment checks then release from top-hat configuration Movement towards and interaction with dredging equipment via manipulators Dredging work carried out with standalone subsea dredge on completion the tooling would be removed Inspection of pile surfaces to be cut via front mounted cameras Interaction with ECT cutting equipment via manipulators Attachment of ECT cutting equipment to initial foundations monitoring workload from visuals Interaction with buoyancy sections being used for re-float x4 interaction, manipulation, fastening and final checks Final checks of whole system and foundation structure before final piles are cut Attachment of ECT cutting equipment for final cuts x4 carried out Monitoring the floating of the jacket structure and buoyancy module interaction via visuals Final checks of the seabed environment and coverage of unburied foundations Recovery operations via the top-hat configuration and return to surface Checks, assessment and maintenance of the ROV reported Having selected the OMP for the decommissioning and removal of the DP2 SPJF there are various areas that may cause difficulties during the installation, operating and maintaining the OMP. 4.1 SEA STATES WAVE AND CURRENTS In the Frigg field, the average speed of wind between the winter months December to February is about 9.9 m/s. For this wind velocity, waves are most likely to have a maximum height of 2.5m. However, during severe winter storms which occur roughly once per decade in the area, there is a significant possibility of wave average heights from 12.1m and maximum height of 24m. Currents do fluctuate, reliant on the speed and direction of the winds (Total, 2003). With these environmental considerations in the North Sea it was necessary to choose an ROV with high performance thrusters to aid in station keeping whilst operating. The OMP permits this with four powerful vectored horizontal and four vertical thrusters, which allow the system to move in four directions, vertical, lateral, roll and pitch comfortably with 2,000lbs of thrust available (Oceaneering, 2017). 4.2 LAUNCH AND RECOVERY OPERATIONS During launch and recovery operations there are expected difficulties such as: Large waves and high winds can cause the OMP and Top-hat TMS to swing wildly potentially impacting the vessel and causing damage to equipment Difficult deployment and recovery procedures when there a reduced deck space to accommodate the operation On drilling rigs the proximity of the OMP and Top-hat to the vessels hull and thrusters during entry and exit into the splash zone can become complicated Deployed extension cables can be required to reach satellite sites where it was not practical or possible to install via the Top-hat TMS 4.3 OPERATIONAL CUTTINGS Operational drill cuttings can be problematic with the removal of platform foundations due to its chemical makeup and mass surrounding the foundations at the sea bed. With the DP2 platform, 24 wells were drilled in total with an estimated upheaval of contained in an area of 80m x 120m at a maximum thickness of 20cm. Due to the low toxicity of the drilling mud used the cuttings can be removed and treated (Total, 2003). To combat this the OMP is capable of using a stand-alone 12 subsea dredge which can manipulate the suction nozzle aiding in the removal of drill cuttings and sediment surrounding the foundations before cutting operations (Oceaneering DTS, 2013). 5.1 OIL GAS The OMP can be used for different operations in the oil gas industry such as: inspection, maintenance and repair, installation, workover and control system (IWOCS), surveying, dredging, subsea tie-ins, flow assurance checks, assisting in the removal of subsea productions systems, mooring line servicing, cable laying operations, video servicing, acoustic positioning and BOP intervention. Such operations like these can take place in the deep-water environments up to 3,000m maximum operational depths of the OMP. With respect to maintenance, repair and installation operations, the OMP has the capacity of transferring hot tap fittings, pipeline clamps, misalignment ball connectors, swivel-ring flanges, breakaway joints, riser connections and other equipment for delivery, repair and installation. Trenching burial of pipes and cables are operations that are carried out by ROVs that have 200hp and above. The OMP can be considered for these types of laying and burial operations due to its classification and built in features (Oceaneering, 2017). One of the challenges facing operations in the offshore wind farm environment is observation and maintenance of fixed foundation based, cable monitoring, structural integrity checks and seabed surveys, the OMP is well suited to address these issues due to its comprehensive build, mostly in winter and less visible conditions (UnderwaterVision, 2017). 5.2 FRIGG FIELD VERSATILITY During the decommissioning operation of the DP2 jacket it became aware that extra preparation in cutting and removal of pile guides was needed to successfully fit and mount the buoyancy cans for removal. A solution to this was that a bespoke diamond wire tool and buoyancy solution was designed for operations to be carried out by ROV. With the OMP this could be successfully carried out due to its adaptability and tooling interaction (Proserv, 2017). 5.3 OCEAN SCIENCE The OMP can be used for scientific research under water such a sea animal and plants studies in natural environment, Arctic operations, if equipped with various sampling devices. Also, as it is equipped with 3D HD Camera (highly intensity LED) it can operate in extreme environments. Another strong versatile function is that it could be used for underwater interactions documentaries, filmmaking, archaeology projects, e.g. Mystery Mardi Gras shipwreck (Landis, 2017). 5.3 MILITARY The Millennium Plus vehicle optional power/ data interfaces (Ethernet/optical fibre) and other features built in it can be used for naval/military operation, primarily for mine hunting and mine breaking. Neutralizing and retrieving of explosives, moored mines and also inspection tasks like meteorology, detection of environmental hazard, port security, mine countermeasure and maritime intelligence. 5.4 FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE The over exploitation of the North Sea remains a highly-discussed topic to date to combat this there has been a growing market for offshore fish farms. A typical mission would involve the OMP to either help install or inspect and monitor fish inside, inspect netting/cages that have been used for containment. The manipulator operability would allow for heavy cages to be moved into place and fastened securely whilst clearly visual (R. D. Christ, 2014), The OMP can perform a widespread range of activities however there is still the possibility for improvements that may be considered for future development and improved efficiency. 6.1 VISUAL Currently the OMP can be fitted with either: Standard Definition (SD), High Definition (HD) or a 3D HD camera. For improved visibility during decommissioning operations and dredging procedures where the water conditions could be blurred due to sediment, an upgrade to a 4K Ultra HD camera would be beneficial. The light sensitivity and quality of video produced would offer the OMP user a confidence even when the seabed conditions are not clear to operate. The upgraded camera can be fitted with some more technical specifications such as noise reduction, a wider area of view and higher contrast. With these camera upgrades, the user will have less misrepresentations and even better situation and spatial awareness. 6.2 POWER OUTPUT THRUST CAPABILITIES Improving the hydraulic power units on board to 2 x 125hp would allow for an increase in 300lbs of thrust in the vertical, lateral, forward and reverse directions this would allow for the OMP to: improve its station keeping abilities, be quicker during launch and recovery, manoeuvre heavier standalone tools and extra up thrust would allow the OMP to return to the surface with heavier loads more efficiently. 6.3 MANIPULATORS Increasing the manipulators range of motion would allow for more detailed technical operations to be carried out and improve the pilot/ROV interaction. This could be made possible by improving the dual manipulators to have 7 degrees of function and mounting a wrist camera assembly to improve visibility (Oceaneering, 2017). A manipulator that could be considered could be the TITAN 4 with its 7 degrees of motion, titanium material characteristics to reduce weight and titanium wrist mounted camera to increase visibility (FMC Technologies, 2017). Decom North Sea, 2014. Decommissioning in the North Sea Review of Decommissioning Capacity, s.l.: Decom North Sea. FMC Technologies, 2017. http://www.f-e-t.com. [Online] Available at: http://www.f-e-t.com/images/uploads/Schilling_Titan_4_with_Spares_Kit.pdf[Accessed 4 March 2017]. Landis, N., 2017. Naultilus Productions. [Online] Available at: http://nautilusproductions.com/projects/mystery-mardi-gras-shipwreck-documentary[Accessed 4 March 2017]. Oceaneering DTS, 2013. DTS Tooling. [Online] Available at: http://www.oceaneering.com/oceandocuments/brochures/subseaproducts/Oceaneering-DTS-Catalog-2013.pdf[Accessed 4 March 2017]. Oceaneering, 2017. http://www.oceaneering.com. [Online] Available at: http://www.oceaneering.com/oceandocuments/brochures/rov/ROV%20-%20Nexxus.pdf[Accessed 4 March 2017]. Oceaneering, 2017. Millennium Plus 220hp heavy work class ROV. [Online] Available at: http://www.oceaneering.com/oceandocuments/brochures/rov/ROV%20-%20Millennium%20Plus.pdf [Accessed 4 March 2017]. offshore Energy Today, 2012. http://www.offshoreenergytoday.com. [Online] Available at: http://www.offshoreenergytoday.com/tag/ocean-installer/page/2/[Accessed 10 March 2017]. Offshore-mag, 2000. Offshore-mag.com. [Online] Available at: http://www.offshore-mag.com/articles/print/volume-60/issue-8/news/two-part-kvitebjoslashrn-jacket-will-break-north-sea-water-depth-record.html[Accessed 19 Feb 2017]. Oil Gas UK, 2012. Oil Gas UK The Decommissioning of Steel Piled Jackets In the North Sea Region, s.l.: Oil Gas UK. Proserv, 2017. http://www.proserv.com. [Online] Available at: http://www.proserv.com/media/case-studies/decommissioning/frigg-field/[Accessed 4 March 2017]. R. D. Christ, R. L. W., 2014. The ROV Manual A User Guide for Remotely Operated Vehicles. 2nd ed. Waltham: Elsevier. stevo6187, 2017. imagala.com. [Online] Available at: http://www.imagala.com/post/1X5SEdD4ZD[Accessed 4 March 2017]. T Gram, R. K. J. K. M. J. E. K. C. H. A. S., 2011. Decommissioning of Frigg and MCP01 A Contractor View. Offshore Technology Conference, Volume 21708. Total, 2003. Frigg Field Cessation Plan, Stravanger: Total. Total, 2011. Frigg Field Cessation Plan Close Out Report, s.l.: Total. UnderwaterVision, 2017. Underwater Vision. [Online] Available at: http://www.underwatervision.co.uk/services/wind-farms-and-offshore/[Accessed 4 March 2017].

Bound Together and the Issues on Globalization

Nayan Chanda (2007), on the book â€Å"Bound Together: How Traders, Preachers, Adventurers, and Warriors Shaped Globalization† describes the history of globalization as a process that has existed even during the early civilizations of the world. The book is divided into sections that narrated different stories about how traders, preachers, adventurers and warriors were able to initiate the process of globalization. As has been recognized by Chanda (2007), as early as human beings â€Å"migrated from Africa and dispersed throughout the world,† they have established various ways to reconnect with each other.For Chanda (2007) the process of globalization is synonymous to â€Å"interconnectedness and interdependence† which took place thousands of years ago. The story opens on the scenario where the writer and his wife arrived to New Haven, Connecticut and have an electrician to fix some electrical outlets at their new home. The electrician, named Jerry, asked Chanda about what he is doing at Yale. Chanda answered his question citing that he is working with the Yale Center for the Study of Globalization. Jerry's reaction to such answer was different because he have his negative perception about the word â€Å"globalization.† As Jerry uttered â€Å"Isn't it true that globalization destroys the rain forest? † (Chanda, 2007, p. ix). From this encounter, Chanda realized that indeed, the word globalization has earned different definitions and connotations which made it complicated and incomprehensible for many average individuals. Thus, Chanda's book â€Å"Bound Together: How Traders, Preachers, Adventurers, and Warriors Shaped Globalization† is a result of his personal quest for understanding the concepts related to globalization.It attempts to answer the questions: who are the globalizers and how does globalization originates. Looking at the history of civilization, Chanda (2007) begins his story of globalization on the journey of modern humans out from Africa fifty thousand years ago. The primary reason for relocating and reconnecting with other dispersed human communities grew out of the necessity for survival. The first chapters of the book narrate the stories of different group of people such as traders, preachers, adventurers, and warriors on how they manage to reconnect with other dispersed communities.From merely finding new trade route to the ambition of expanding their empires, these group of people were able to establish interconnectedness with other group of people, community, country and continents. Chanda (2007) also allocated a chapter explaining why the word â€Å"globalization† happened to be associated with negative meanings. From merely being synonymous to â€Å"interconnectedness of the world,† globalization is now being linked to the â€Å"destruction of the world. † Chanda (2007) was able to identify that the term â€Å"globalization† is being widely used a s early as 1960s. In fact, this word had been included in the English vocabulary in 1961.However, it was not until 1990s when such world had been recognized around the world. Chanda (2007) identified that the word started to gain negative connotation due to different economic problems that have spawned during the process of globalization. Chapter nine of the book talks about individuals, groups and organizations who are afraid of globalization. Although many countries have experienced economic growth and prosperity brought by rapid economic integration – being one of the process of globalization – there are some people who regarded globalization as a toxic and evil process.Some people from â€Å"Seattle to Cancun and Genoa to Hong Kong† were complaining about the â€Å"undemocratic institutions and unfair policies† associated with globalization (Chanda, 2007, p. 271). On final chapter of the book, Chanda (2007) provided a summary of the process of globali zation and have identified some problems that are likely to occur both in present time and the near future. Chanda (2007) identified that the speeding pace of globalization left behind many individuals and countries in the third world, as individuals and countries from develop world continues to progress.Globalization and Some Related Experiences Living in this modern world, no one is excused from experiencing both the positive and negative effects of globalization. Although Chanda (2007) was able to clearly define the pure meaning of globalization, being a process of interconnectedness and interdependence, the impact of globalization has been often perceived to be negative by many workers , immigrants, and inhabitants of poor countries like Africa. I happened to watch the movie â€Å"The Constant Gardener† which depicts the poor condition of African men, women and children.Some people belonging to the British High Commission transacted a business with one of the largest phar maceutical company in the United States, Karel Delacourt Hudson or much known as KDH. Part of the program of British High Commission and KDH is to launch a new discovered medicine that would cure individuals infected with AIDS/HIV. Although the intension is good, the program's process is evil. KDH chose Africa as the pilot â€Å"medical testing center† for Dypraxa, a newly invented medicine that would cure AIDS/HIV.A free medical mission was conducted in an African community with high prevalence of AIDS/HIV. Since the effectiveness of the medicine is still unknown, African women and children were treated as â€Å"testing rats† whose life seems not worthy if their body fails to respond according to what is expected. After a series of â€Å"medication† the effects of medicine turned out to be worse as many Africans died after taking the Dypraxa medicine. While the people of Africa are mourning for the death of their beloved, the pharmaceutical company owners conti nuously conduct their experiment.This only shows that there are capitalists and powerful people who prefer to utilize the marginalized group for their own advantage and economic good. Poor people who fall for the trap of capitalists are left with no choice but to comply accordingly with their orders, as these capitalists can manipulate or deny the poor access to their basic needs. Moreover, the film also shows how the governments of United States and Britain are being manipulated by some capitalists in order to become economically abundant.While the government wants to create jobs and to secure the health of its citizens, there are capitalists who would take advantage of a situation that would favor the economic interest of businessmen. Such is one of the unjust consequences of globalization. When advantaged people preferred to use â€Å"interconnectedness and interdependence† to gain economically even if the lives of marginalized individuals are at stake. As Chanda (2007) wr ote, â€Å"The paths of commerce are followed by diseases {and problems]; Africa and to some extent Latin America have been further impoverished as [other parts of the world] have been enriched†.Moreover, it is disheartening to see individuals who could not afford to eat even one good meal for a day; who could not have the opportunity to learn even how to read and write; who could not avail medical services; and who could not adapt on the rapid changes occurring around their simple environment. While other individuals, especially the capitalists and elitists, are enjoying the fruitful reward of globalization to their economic status, the marginalized people are suffering from poverty, hunger, diseases and illiteracy.Only few individuals from the marginalized sectors were able to survive and adapt on the past changes and developments brought by globalization. The struggles of small workers who are mostly from third world countries who are looking for a job that would give them better pay, especially in developed countries, are also alarming such that skilled migrants workers are not strongly secured when working outside their home country. I have met some skilled workers from other countries and was able to know some of their experiences.I came to discover that the globalization process enables them to work in other countries as international relations between countries allows the entry of workers in foreign land. However, with regard to security of tenure, living and benefits as worker, the process of globalization is still unable to guarantee good working conditions for migrant skilled workers. As Chanda (2007) noted, â€Å"Fair is the treatment of globalization, yet the sorry condition of Africa and other parts of the world does not quite fit in with the positive consequences attributed to globalization.† In addition, migration experiences like the experiences of traders and adventurers are good if such experience was able to satisfy the goal o f the migrating individual. Yet on some parts of the world, interconnectedness and interdependence are not perceived positively by some people. For them the process of globalization only permits the exploitation of the natural and human resources of one's country. As I have visited one of the countries in the third world, I feel unwelcome as some of the people out there are against Whites.They perceived Whites as the main actors of globalization and thus the only people who could benefit from such process. Like Jerry, I am often confused and being surprised everytime I do hear the word â€Å"globalization. † Due to past experiences and negative encounters with other groups of people, I came to perceive that globalization is an evil thing. Instead of uniting the people and countries around the world, globalization causes many individuals and countries to hate one another.Instead of interconnectedness and interdependence, some people, including me, perceive globalization as an instrument that would prevent connectedness and dependence to other countries due to unbalanced progress associated with globalization that is occurring on different parts of the world. As developed countries are continuously progressing, other countries are regressing such that poverty, diseases and other epidemic or phenomena brought by the collapse of a country's economy are negatively affecting marginalized citizens of a particular country.Poor and illiterate people are always identified as victims of unjust economy. Reflections on Chanda's Bound Together Upon reading Chanda's book â€Å"Bound together: How traders, preachers, adventurers, and warriors shaped globalization,† I have realized that indeed globalization is neither an evil word nor an unjust process. The history of globalization brought dispersed countries into a state of civilization and economic improvement.However, inevitable occurrences in economic system and the private interest of few powerful individual s altered the positive attributes of globalization, interconnectedness and interdependence. If all people, would only realize the benefits we could reap from becoming active agents of globalization, this process would not be hard and unjust. Globalization has indeed dominated most parts of the world. Many countries are now enjoying the fruits that came from exchanges of culture, knowledge, information, products, services, economic and social activities with others.Most relationships or interconnectedness with other countries permitted economic transactions that paved ways to product and services exchanges which in turn caused progress on both countries. If only the pure reason associated with ancient globalization could be improved and if only the process of globalization could better consider the marginalized, other people and countries would not hesitate to become cooperative with the process.In addition, if people could find better ways of adapting the changes associated with glo balization, the problem of velocity would not have taken its place. As Chanda (2007) wrote, â€Å"The big difference that marks globalization of the early years with that of the present are in velocity. Yet life in every country today is so inextricably intertwined with the rest of the world that failure to appreciate this interdependence and its long-term effects could risk the world's drifting toward a major crisis.† Since globalization is becoming increasingly inevitable, the only choice left for every people and country is to work towards the attainment of the globalization's objective: integration, interconnectedness and interdependence. Indeed, Chanda's book has enlightened me the real process and objective of globalization. Such that negative perceptions about globalization turned into a positive one. Moreover, the book helped me gain better understanding and futuristic view of globalization in this society.The progress of every country is still possible if globalizati on would be practiced in such a way that it would develop the economical, political and social relations of every country. Since globalization is inevitable, the only task left for every individual is to work towards development and progress for the betterment of everyone in the community and the world as a whole. References Chanda, N. (2007). Bound together: How traders, preachers, adventurers, and warriors shaped globalization. New Haven, Conn: Yale University Press. Dir. Fernando Meirelles. Perfs. Ralph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz. (2005). The Constant Gardener.

Computer Generated Imagery And Its Effects - 1983 Words

Computer-generated imagery was being developed during the 1980s and it soon started being used in films for effects. Rickitt (2006) explains that effects during the 80s were not just there to solve problems and producing impossible shots like their initial purpose but used as a marketing tool for films to promote themselves based on the quality of the image and amount of visual effects involved. Star Wars was the first film to make use of this marketing tool and made people grow more interest on the film itself as well as the effects and of course, this brought more income to the studios. This trend of using effects to promote films was immediately picked up and abused, but it did not last long. Tron (1982) was the first film based almost entirely on computer-generated scenery and massively advertised for them. However it ended up failing at the box office even though it had superb computer generated effects at the time of its release. Rickitt described that the failure of Tron could have been what made visual effects take longer to develop and being incorporated in films. This was the first sign that a film heavily equipped with effects does not mean that it would make a hit. Narrative is an important element of a film and effects cannot compensate for a bad narrative (McClean, 2007). After a decade of slow development, computer-generated imagery made its appearance once more in Jurassic Park (1993) and changed the opinions directors and studios regarding visual effects.Show MoreRelatedCgi (Computer Generated Imagery)1435 Words   |  6 PagesSandra Lewis English 102.033 Mr. Larsen April 3, 2011 Computer-Generated Imagery Forever Changes The Face Of Film And Television Movies were entirely revolutionized in the 1990s after the release of Toy Story (1995), the first feature length animation made entirely from CGI (computer-generated imagery) to be released. 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The Buraku - Untouchables of Japan

During the Tokugawa Shogunates rule in Japan, the samurai class sat atop a four-tier social structure. Below them were farmers and fishermen, artisans, and merchants. Some people, however, were lower than the lowest of merchants; they were considered less than human, even. Although they were genetically and culturally indistinguishable from other people in Japan, the buraku was forced to live in segregated neighborhoods, and could not mingle with any of the higher classes of people. The buraku was universally looked down upon, and their children were denied an education. The reason? Their jobs were those designated as unclean by Buddhist and Shinto standards - they worked as butchers, tanners, and executioners. Their jobs were tainted by their association with death. Another type of outcast, the hinin or sub-human, worked as prostitutes, actors, or geisha. History of Burakumin Orthodox Shinto and Buddhism consider contact with death unclean. Therefore those in occupations where they are involved in slaughtering or processing meat are avoided. These occupations were considered lowly for many centuries, and impoverished or dislocated people may have been more likely to turn to them. They formed their own villages separated from those who would shun them. The feudal laws of Tokugawa period, starting in 1603, codified these divisions. Buraku could not move out of their untouchable status to join one of the other four castes. While there was social mobility for others, they had no such privilege. When interacting with others, burakumin  had to show subservience and could not have any physical contact with those of the four  castes. They were literally untouchables. After the Meiji Restoration, the Senmin Haishirei edict abolished the ignoble classes and gave the outcasts equal legal status. The ban on meat from livestock resulted in an opening of slaughterhouse and butcher occupations to the burakumin. However, the social stigma and discrimination continued. Descent from the burakumin could be deduced from ancestral villages and neighborhoods where the burakumin lived, even if individuals dispersed. Meanwhile, those who moved to those neighborhoods  or professions could themselves be identified as burakumin even without ancestors from those villages. Continued Discrimination Against the Burakumin The plight of the buraku is not just a part of history. Discrimination is faced by descendants of buraku even today. Buraku families still live in segregated neighborhoods in some Japanese cities. While it is not legal, lists circulate identifying burakumin, and they are discriminated against in hiring and in arranging marriages. Numbers of burakumin range from an official tally of around one million to over three million as assessed by the Buraku Liberation League. Denied social mobility, some join the yakuza, or organized crime syndicates, where it is a meritocracy. Approximately 60 percent of yakuza members are from burakumin backgrounds. Nowadays, however, a civil rights movement is having some success in improving the lives of modern-day buraku families. It is disheartening that even in an ethnically homogenous society, people will still find a way to create an outcast group for everyone else to look down upon.