Vertical Road Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Vertical Road - Essay Example Akram got support from choregraphers , saphad and danceXchange and this made himdo more collaboration,understands the force o his craft and backing from different entertainers. Akram with his organization of three got a few backers like Yorkshire move, Xchange amoung others and the gathering flourish and proceeded to win grants at their introduction in significant occasions. The gathering pulled in numerous moves and later their were enlistment of artists in Akram khan organization . the gathering comprise of Europe social diversities,backround and inevitably there were converging to speak to a solitary group which even made the gathering all the more fascinating as far as introduction and almalgamation of various moving styles. He work together with different artitists like Sylvie guillem,Juliet Binoche,Anishkapoor for a large portion of 10 years and he came to like his country culture to proceed as an independent artiste back at his country. Throughtout his work ,Akram work connected at the hip a few originators, music producers,writers to guarantee the achievement of his creative work, them incorporate honor winning lighting creator Michael Hulls and the music maker Nitin Sawhney in playing out the vertical street move Vertical street is an otherworldly exhibition dependent on rumi . The exhibitions has empower various societies and conventions to be as though its one network hit the dance floor with no limits. The move is an organization of eight, it is a contemplation on otherworldliness, on the trouble of seeking after the â€Å"vertical road† towards truth and illumination when charmed and in bondage to the â€Å"horizontal path† of contemporary life. The play vertical street begins by one single artist at the back o the material like film sending swells all over from left to right thus on.The other seven artists were resting infront of the fabric with extraordinary desire and after some short second the waves was serious to break the

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Essay

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Essay Example The WISC-III was normalized on an agent test in North America dependent on U.S.A. statistics information for 1988 (N = 2,200) (Canivez, Neitzel, and Martin, 2005). The example was separated across age, sexual orientation, ethnicity, land district, parental occupation, and urban-country residency (Kaplan and Saccuzzo, 2001). A four-factor model of list score is broadly upheld (i.e., Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Organization, Freedom from Distractibility, and Processing Speed) (Canivez, Neitzel, and Martin, 2005). The WISC-III has high interior consistency for each of the three IQ scores and the four elements, going from .80 to .97 (Canivez, Neitzel, and Martin, 2005; Kaplan and Saccuzzo, 2001). This mirrors the 11 subtests (Symbol Search and Coding rejected) detailed moderate to incredible inward textures, of .61 to .92 (Kaplan and Saccuzzo, 2001). Split-half reliabilities for the three IQs in 1991 were seen as .96 (FSIQ), .95 (VIQ), and .91 (PIQ) (Kaplan and Saccuzzo, 2001). Standard mistakes of estimation for FISQ, VIQ and PIQ normal at 3.20, 3.53, and 4.54 individually (Kaplan and Saccuzzo, 2001).

Why I Moved From Gmail To Outlook

Why I Moved From Gmail To Outlook Make Money Online Queries? Struggling To Get Traffic To Your Blog? Sign Up On (HBB) Forum Now!Why I Moved From Gmail To Outlook?Updated On 18/08/2012Author : Vivek Nath.RTopic : Featured MicrosoftShort URL : http://hbb.me/Y7ISUi CONNECT WITH HBB ON SOCIAL MEDIA Follow @HellBoundBlogRecently Microsoft launched their new mail service Outlook.com. At first glance its simple, elegant and sexy. Outlook is rich in features, the Metro UI, integration with Social Networks like Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and Skype. Microsoft calls Outlook as a “Modern Email experience”. I’m sure it’s the best alternative to Gmail and its a double punch for Google rival.I’m using Gmail from 2008, but after Outlook launched (31st July 2012) I moved to Outlook, because of its features, stunning look and mainly Facebook integration and its loading speed. All the messages from my primary Gmail address are forwarded to Outlook, i.e., when I receive a new message in Gmail it sends a copy to Outlook so there is no need to open my Gmail account.Here are the features what I loved in Outlook or the reasons why I moved to Outlook.1. Cleaner and Minimal InterfaceA much appreciable cleaner interface, mainly focusing on email content and there is no annoying ads. But its not responsive design, no problem there is a mobile version. It has 4 tabs at top Mail, People, Calendar and Skydrive.2. Social Media IntegrationWith Outlook you never miss any social media conversations, its seamlessly connects with Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn etc. You can directly chat with Facebook friends while reading a mail in Outlook. Also you can retweet, comment and like on Facebook status updates, and much more.3.Skydrive and SkypeSkyDrive, a cloud storage service from Microsoft is used here. If we try to send very large files it will automatically sent as SkyDrive links. So there is no size limit for email attachments. Remember Gmail’s maximum attachment size is only 25 MB.Microsoft integrates Skype in the near future and we can make video calls from the inbox. So let’s wait and see how it is gonna help us.4.Automatically categorize EmailsOutlook automatically categorizes newsletters, social updates, and photos. If you receive a message with a document as attachment Outlook will automatically categorize it into Documents.READ3 Reasons To Start An Online Business That Gets You ExcitedYou can also create your own custom categories for different types of mail.5.Right Click MenuI never see a right click menu options in any other email clients, I think Microsoft introduced this feature (if you know any other, please let me know via comments). If you right click in any of the messages you will get a bunch of handy options like Reply,  Forward, Mark as Read, Delete, Junk etc.6. Block messages from specific senderI hate spam messages, yes I know you also hate. Outlook has a better option to block receiving messages from a specific address or from a domain. To enable this  head over to Mail Settings ?  Safe and blocked senders ? Blocked Senders.7.Recover Deleted MailsIf you accidentally deleted an important email from your inbox, dont worry you can easily recover emails. To recover mails open Deleted folder in the left sidebar and click on the bottom link “recover deleted messages”.8. Keep a message at the topEveryday you receive lot of messages in your inbox, quickly identifying an important message is hectic. When you flag a message, it stays at the top of your inbox.Some of the above said features are also available in Gmail but in Outlook its implemented in a simple way.  Microsoft engineers designed Outlook from the scratch, instead of just providing an upgrade to the existing Hotmail service.On the very first day Outlook launched I secured my Email ID, hope you also secured your names.Choice is yours, which one do you prefer?This article is written by Vivek Nath R. He is a boy with replete of dreams, sspiring to acheive few and working to pursue a little. A Tech Blogger and founder of Digital Advices. If you wish to write for HBB, kindly check this.

United Way Of America Business Or A Charity Finance Essay - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 6 Words: 1901 Downloads: 1 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Business Essay Type Compare and contrast essay Did you like this example? In June 1995, lawyers pleaded the judge to be lenient while sentencing the former United Way President William Aramony, putting forth an argument that his judgment was severely reduced because of shrinkage in brain and castration. Unimpressed, he was sentenced to seven years of imprisonment for conspiracy, money laundering, and embezzlement. Aramony was found to have used over $600,000 of the charitys funds for high-priced flights on the Concorde, limousines left idling while he dined in fine restaurants, and consulting fees for his teenage girlfriends. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "United Way Of America Business Or A Charity Finance Essay" essay for you Create order He was convicted on six counts of mail fraud, one count of wire fraud, and eight counts of interstate transportation of fraudulently obtained property. The United Way of America (UWA) is the separately incorporated national headquarters that coordinates activities of over 1,300 local United Way chapters, United eWay, United Way International, and the United Way Store. United Way of Americas income is based on a formula whereby approximately 0.75 % of the funds raised by local chapters are transferred to UWA to run the national office. Contributions to the United Way peaked at $3.17 billion in 1991, just before news broke of the Aramony scandal. A 1992 board chartered investigation and report by Verner Liipfert IGI indicated that UWA operations had been handled with an unacceptable degree of informality and deference to the desires of its two principal officers, and identified 10 specific areas of concern: 1. Proliferation of spin off organizations 2. Unjustified consult ing fees paid to close associates of the executive 3. Travel expenses and reimbursement of personal expenses by the CEO and the CFO 4. Insufficient financial controls 5. The boards process for establishing executive compensation 6. Pension oversight failures 7. Inadequate documentation regarding donor restricted grants 8. Inadequate controls over federal grants 9. Allegations of sexual advances by the CEO toward employees 10. Structure of the board The Executive Committee of the board met on February 3, 1992, by conference call, to review this report and concluded with a unanimous vote of confidence in Aramony. Several weeks later, the same committee met again, rejected a resignation letter submitted by Aramony, reaffirmed the Executive Committee s unanimous vote of confidence, and requested that Aramony stay on as president and CEO during the boards search for and transition to a new executive. Attorneys subsequently argued that these two votes of confid ence were implicit endorsements of Aramonys behavior. Aramony tried to run the United Way as a business, and in the process violated the trust of the employees, donors, board, and supported organizations that expected different behavior from the United Way as a non-profit charity. By virtue of its national stature-raising over $ 3 billion per year through all of its entities combined-the United Way is blessed with a high-powered board that features many captains of industry and business. Being the CEO of the company, Aramony sought after interacting comfortably with the members of the board and the donors of wealth, revolving around their luxurious life as and when he felt like doing so. He also emulated their grand and highly luxurious lifestyle. It is reasonable to suggest that a charity should be run like a business, which involves implementing best practices to control expenses, increase revenue, and enhance the organizations fiscal viability. However, non-profit organi zations are prominently different from profit organizations and therefore the management and governance must understand the limitations. The United Way, for example, is a mission driven charity, totally dependent on donor gifts and sponsorship income, with virtually no fee for service revenue base. In contrast, every for-profit corporation is based on some variation of fee-for-service or fee-for-product revenue, which allows for performance metrics based on volume. The non-profit organization generates gift revenue based on goodwill and trust, the for-profit corporation proves or disproves its value proposition with every purchase. For non-profits, individual donors feel violated when they see the lead caretaker spending money frivolously. Media frenzy surrounded the Aramony scandal, making it close to impossible to discern the legitimate issues. His behavior raised questions that went beyond merely matters of business style. Aramony clearly assumed that he was entitled to a plethora of high-end perks. In the mix were legal, moral, and ethical issues as well as convicts of style. In the end, he was sent to jail not for convicts of style but for embezzlement, fraud, and money laundering. The issues raised by the media were abhorrent for all businesses, but particularly toxic for nonprofit organizations. He tarnished the image of the United Way and reduced donor trust; as a result, charitable gift revenue decreased significantly. As a convicted felon resting comfortably in federal prison at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Aramony had time to exercise his legal rights, arguing that the United Way of America owed him $7.2 million for salary, pension benefits, pre- judgment interest, legal expenses, and costs. UWA countered by arguing that Aramony should pay over $30 million in restitution and damages. U.S. District Judge Shira A. Scheindlin ruled in the case of William Aramony v. United Way of America in the U.S. Court. Judge Scheindlin wisely point ed out that A felon, no matter how despised, does not lose his right to enforce a contract. On the other hand, his recovery of any contractual benefit does not diminish the seriousness of his criminal conduct. Exhibit 1.2 shows that in 1997, just two years after Aramony was sentenced, the United Way of America (headquarters) generated a net gain of $1,266,511 on total revenue of $28,343,787, a 5 % positive margin. But decreases in gift income in the local chapters were the ultimate outcome of the scandal. In fact, total combined contributions to the local chapters peaked at $ 3.17 billion in 1991, dropping to $3.04 billion in 1992 and $3.05 billion in 1993. Furthermore, the scandal was expensive. As part of its final court settlement, UWA argued that the Aramony scandal cost it between $ 11.7 million and $32.2 million in lost dues (i.e., the percentage of funds paid by dues formula from the local chapters to UWA). The argument, ultimately rejected by the judge, linked the decrea se in local chapter funding to a decrease in dues paid by local chapters to UWA. UWA argued in court that it was entitled to up to $40 million from Aramony, as shown in the next table. Judge Scheindlin ruled that Aramony had to pay over $2 million to UWA, as follows: $ 952,250 Repayment of Salary $ 232,138 Payment for Damages Flowing from Criminal Conduct $ 788,555 Pre Judgment Interest $ 50,000 Punitive Damages In regard to Aramonys argument that he was entitled to pension payments from UWA, the judge ruled that UWA must pay him $ 3,221,057 for pension benefits and $1,177,121 pre-judgment interest. The performance ratios as indicated in the above table tell an interesting story about the six-year impact of the scandal. First, note that the fundraising ratios are well below national averages, bouncing between 1% and 4 %. The fluctuation over the three-year period could well be indicative of new management or a new campaign strategy. Second, note a significan t decrease in program service revenue (i.e., fee-for-service revenue), as well as in the ratio for other income. As these two ratios decreased, the contributions/grant ratio increased to offset the reductions. Interestingly, the contributions/grants ratio increased significantly from 2003 to 2005. Finally, the relatively high debt ratio of 2003 had decreased significantly by 2005. Key Lessons Value of Board and Committee Minutes Aramony, a convicted felon and a former employee of the United Way, was battling to recoup over $7 million from UWA. The biggest single item in contention was payment of pension funds, complicated by a change in the pension contract approved by the Executive Committee 10 years earlier. With over $ 3 million in play on this item alone, the Executive Committee minutes were a critical source of information for the court as it pieced together the intent of the committee in regard to the change in the pension plan. Implications of Board Delegation The Executive Committee minutes of 1984 made it clear that the committee had approved the pension plan change in concept and had delegated to CFO Stephen Paulachauk authority to handle the details of finalizing and signing the contract. The concept paper approved by the board included a forfeiture clause in the event of fraud, embezzlement, or felony on the part of the participant, but the final contract signed by Paulachauk did not include the forfeiture clause. Ten years later, Paulachauk was indicted and Aramony was in jail, but the U.S. District judge ruled that the agreement was governed by the signed contract rather than the board-approved concept paper, because the committee had delegated signing authority to the CFO. Because the board had legally empowered the CFO to finalize the paperwork and execute the deal on its behalf, the judge ruled that UWA must pay Aramony $3,221,000 in pension funds, even though the board believed in retrospect that the work of the CFO did not re spect its original intent. Critical Need for Board Skepticism It was always clear to staff who supported him that he was a special, unique, and gifted person who had every right to set his own rules and standards. The staff and board deferred to Aramony, and let him do so. Aramony could have benefi ted greatly from a dose of board skepticism along with a commitment to hold him accountable. Instead, board members who were outstanding in their own fields deferred to Aramony as the expert in all affairs of nonprofi t charities and relied on him to bring the right issues to the board. As far back as 1990, several Executive Committee members received copies of an anonymous letter accusing Aramony of various improprieties. There is no evidence that they investigated the matter. Subsequently, immediately upon the 1992 release of the Verner -Liipfert IGI report, the Executive Committee offered a unanimous vote of confidence in Aramony, rather than delving into the issues identified in the report. Instead of taking a proactive stance investigating iss ues, the board appears to have repeatedly been in the position of reacting to the media and defending their man. This tragic sequence of events resulted in an erosion of donor confidence in the United Way, accompanied by a reduction in total giving. Dealing with the aftermath of the scandal, UWA then spent millions of dollars on investigators, special audits, public relations agencies, and legal expenses while losing millions from reductions in charitable giving and chapter dues. But through it all, the UWA managed the financial distress and avoided the Zone of Insolvency. What followed was a complete overhaul of the United Way at all levels. As a result of the reduction in charitable gifts to local chapters and the reduction in dues paid by the local chapters to headquarters, the UWA was cash challenged, forced to borrow money to make payroll, and forced to offer termination incentives to reduce the size of the workforce. Notes ÂÂ ¦ 1. Charles, Hall, Ex Charity Chief s Sentence Plea Cites Surgery, Shrinking Brain, Washington Post, June 22, 1995, section B, p. 4. 2. Ex Leader Guilty of Taking $ 600,000 from United Way, Witnesses Depict a Womanizer Who Spent Lavishly, The Virginia Pilot , April 4, 1995, front section. 3. David Cay, Johnston, Court Rejects Former United Way President s Pension Claim, New York Times , June 22, 2001, section A, p. 14. 4. Karen, Arenson, United Way Holds Steady in Donations, New York Times, August 19, 1995, section 1, p. 8. 5. William Aramony v. United Way of America, 96 Civ. 3962, August 4, 1998, pp. 8 9. 6. John S., Glaser, An Insider s Account of the United Way Scandal: What Went Wrong and Why. New York: Wiley, 1994. 7. William Aramony v. United Way of America, 96 Civ. 3962, August 4, 1998. 8. Ibid . 9. Glaser, An Insider s Account of the United Way Scandal, p. 192.

Cigarette Ad Essay - 1274 Words

Smoking Your Health Away nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Puff, puff, puff . . . ummm the cool fresh taste of smoke in your lungs. Doesn’t that taste good Well, depending to whom you talk to, a variety of answers are possible. It is interesting though, that we, as a society, actually are still deceived into believing the false promises of happiness and bliss from smoking cigarettes. In our society people still deny and forget the fact that smoking causes lung cancer and directly kills over a million people every year, and that is just what tobacco advertisement departments would like to have you forget. Nowadays, advertising has become a major part of American society today. Everywhere you go there is advertising to be seen and absorbed†¦show more content†¦Then, what the ad does is bring attention to the digital telephone the man is wearing. The ad mixes the old, the retro Afro, with the new, a video telephone, to show that Camel cigarettes are an older respectable company that is still evolving and stylish. The man may look as if he is living in the seventies, but he is fashionable enough to be with all the new technology that is coming out today. Moreover, it is visible that the man is smoking a cigarette on which appears the old popular icon of Joe Camel on the cigarette. Also, placed in the bottom right corner of the ad is the picture of the signature camel and the words â€Å"since 1913† showing the audience that this company has been around for a while and is respectable. Respect and reverence is seen once again in the advertisement with the use of the patriotic red, white, and blue coloring scheme. Even the mans blue outfit has stripes on it to complete the whole U.S.A. loyalty theme. The blue coloring in the background of the advertisement adds to the trendy style of cigarette the company is trying to sell. It helps the ad to make cigarettes more pleasing to the eyes in comparison to a red or orange background. Next, it is noticeable that the surgeon generals warning is in the bottom left corner of the ad. The funny thing about the warning, though, is that it has to be the least dreadful of all the warnings. Its main focus is on pregnant women, which is probably a small minority of the people viewing theShow MoreRelatedCigarette Ads Essay691 Words   |  3 Pagescomp 2 Analytic ad essay 3-19-2012 Cigarette ads over the years From 1947-2000 cigarette ads have changed in more than just one way. Each ad pinpoints a certain stereotype of a person as well as containing a slogan that assures the viewer of which stereotype the ad is pertaining to. Each ad does a great job of matching the slogan with the image, while drawing in consumers and maintaining the fulfillment of the consumer’s prefrence. The ad used in 1947 for Camel cigarettes claims â€Å"More DoctorsRead MoreCigarette Ad Essay1299 Words   |  6 PagesDoesnt that taste good Well, depending to whom you talk to, a variety of answers are possible. It is interesting though, that we, as a society, actually are still deceived into believing the false promises of happiness and bliss from smoking cigarettes. In our society people still deny and forget the fact that smoking causes lung cancer and directly kills over a million people every year, and that is just what tobacco advertisement departments would like to have you forget. Nowadays, advertisingRead MoreAdvertisements For Smoking Should Be Banned Essay974 Words   |  4 Pagesinvolving smoking should be prohibited. Kids and teens that are the most impressionable and easily influenced. Cigarette promotions make smoking appear harmless and cool and have led to many kids under the age of 18 to have smoked for years. 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In this essay I will describe two ethical issues in advertising, show why business leaders need to remember to launch ethical campaigns and also have and lookRead MoreAdvertisers Attempt to Persuade the Targeted Audience to Buy the Product948 Words   |  4 Pagesuse the product, they can appear beautiful like the woman in the advertisement. They will also feel relaxed. Similarly, the second text communicates a need that the product shall satisfy in the users. Using camel, smoking is a great pleasure. This essay is an analysis of the two print advertisements. The writer compares them to draw aspects of their similarities and differences. One concept that is less obvious about the two advertisements is the art of persuasion. 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Van Gogh s Characteristics Of A Creative Person - 995 Words

In the article â€Å"What it Means to Be Creative† S.I. Hayakawa presents many different criteria it takes to be creative. Vincent Van Gogh, a famous painter, displays several of Hayakawa’s characteristics of a creative person. Van Gogh produced numerous influential paintings that required a great amount of creativity. Van Gogh suffered from psychotic problems, but this did not impact his work ethic or creativity. These issues may have helped produce ideas for his masterpieces. I believe Van Gogh can be considered a creative person because he had a distinct view of the world, he was uniquely in touch with his emotions, and he had to cope with loneliness throughout his life. Hayakawa states a creative person â€Å"is not limited in his thinking to ‘what everyone else knows’† (167). As a painter, Vincent Van Gogh was forced to see things differently from others and he had to find a way to portray his ideas on canvas. Displaying one’s ideas on a piece of canvas is a very difficult task for all painters. In a letter to his brother, Theo, Van Gogh explains his attempts â€Å"to express the love of two lovers by a marriage of two complementary colours, their mingling and their opposition, the mysterious vibrations of kindred tones.†(Van Gogh 531). In this letter, he explains how he tried to show the love of two humans through the relationship that two colors have with each other. Love is a difficult emotion to describe with words yet Van Gogh manages to describe love using paint. He used hisShow MoreRelatedThe Most Beautiful Color On Earth1588 Words   |  7 Pagesthe sky and the ocean so much! I for one certainly believe t hat blue is the most beautiful color on earth! Nonetheless it is also associated with depression and madness. The way an artist colors his or her creation, has to do a lot with the inner person the artists is and the way his or her soul sees things. 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A few anecdotal studies are accessible of disposition side effects among persons with outstanding inventive achievements. As indicated in several works, these studies have given reliable proof to lifted rates of madness in tests of popular people. The Kandel, 2014, study is eminent for recording such examples in a sampling of more than 1000 persons. A few of these studies recommend that creativity is

Last Hurrah Essay Example For Students

Last Hurrah Essay Edwin OConnors novel The Last Hurrah presents an effective view of the difficult and complex life of the Irish-American community in Boston of the 1950s. The author uses a number of characterizations to produce themes that relate to the political and social considerations of this era. He also provides most of the accounts in his novel from a single perspective, that of Frank Skeffington. He is the main character. This character in particular enables OConnor to present the topic with some accuracy while continuing to create a fictional account of the time frame. This was his goal, to provide truth inside a fictional story. OConnor talks directly about and gives great consideration in the system of criminal activity. He feels it directly corresponds with the political structure in the community. The author develops his novel around Skeffington, but also around the characterization of James Michael Curley, the forceful and corrupt political force in the community in Boston. These two characters seem to be greatly different, but they also have some likeness to each other. This novel portrays the complexity of the corruption within this community and the political structure. He also demonstrates the support for this type of institution and its importance within the community itself. There is particular consideration given to the political climate in this story. It is incorporated with social and ethnic concerns that are prevalent. The story also addresses prejudice and the theme of ethnic stereotyping through his character development. OConnor does not present a work that is riddled with Irish slurs or eth nic approximations. Instead, he attempts to provide an account that is both informative and accurate. One important theme that is developed through the characterization of Skeffington is the great importance he has of the historical perspective on the current life of the Irish immigrant community. While OConnor uses this character to present a dignified representation of Irish immigrant politics, it is also clear that Skeffington serves as a contrast to Curley. Curley demonstrates a clearly determined form of corruption without concern for the ethnic or political history of the Irish immigrant community. Skeffington cannot ignore the past and the impact history has on his community. Skeffington is a product of the Irish community, and reflects on his origin in many instances through out this story. There are a number of important elements that are unique to the Irish community in Boston and also significant to the life of Skeffington. Some of these elements include historical perspe ctive, the work ethic, and religion. The major conflicts developed are not just products of the perceived political situation or the corruption defined by the individual characters, but also are related to common social and religious perspectives indicative of the community. OConnor also creates characters that both represent these perspectives and also contrast both Skeffington and Curley. The development of the quiet, somber and almost delicate persona of John Gorman is one contrasting character to the complex Skeffington and the boastful, almost ridiculous Curley. Gormans dedication to social structures and concern for religion and the family contrast the ideals represented by the candidate and the corrupt political leader. When talking with Gorman at a party, Molly Riordan presents her perspective of Frank Skeffington, and is met with Gormans skeptical response. Molly says, Hes the best of them all, John, God love him. Theres not a night goes by I dont say a little prayer for hi m (85). Gormans response is a simple non-committal comment about the party and skeptically attempts to avoid demonstrating any commitment to Mollys remarks. Although Gorman and Skeffington have a close association, there is no determination of any loyalty that exists from Gormans perspective. He is not dedicated to the cause of Skeffingtons election, although that is a primary aspect of many of his interactions. Gormans odd sense of humor also adds to his presentation of skepticism in regards to Skeffington. When discussing the topic of campaign issues that came up between Skeffington and his nephew, the nephew acknowledges that the topic did come up whenever they were together. Gorhams response, intended to invoke religious symbolism as well as humor, was: Ah well, thats natural enoughIf you met the Pope, youd talk about religion. (192). Moments like these present OConnors design towards skepticism and irony, while also putting things in a religious and cultural context. .u77123b84301c2a51e6ea9f3ca4184285 , .u77123b84301c2a51e6ea9f3ca4184285 .postImageUrl , .u77123b84301c2a51e6ea9f3ca4184285 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u77123b84301c2a51e6ea9f3ca4184285 , .u77123b84301c2a51e6ea9f3ca4184285:hover , .u77123b84301c2a51e6ea9f3ca4184285:visited , .u77123b84301c2a51e6ea9f3ca4184285:active { border:0!important; } .u77123b84301c2a51e6ea9f3ca4184285 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u77123b84301c2a51e6ea9f3ca4184285 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u77123b84301c2a51e6ea9f3ca4184285:active , .u77123b84301c2a51e6ea9f3ca4184285:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u77123b84301c2a51e6ea9f3ca4184285 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u77123b84301c2a51e6ea9f3ca4184285 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u77123b84301c2a51e6ea9f3ca4184285 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u77123b84301c2a51e6ea9f3ca4184285 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u77123b84301c2a51e6ea9f3ca4184285:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u77123b84301c2a51e6ea9f3ca4184285 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u77123b84301c2a51e6ea9f3ca4184285 .u77123b84301c2a51e6ea9f3ca4184285-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u77123b84301c2a51e6ea9f3ca4184285:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Reconstruction EssayThe connection between Skeffington and his nephew Adam is also a area that allows the author to produce comparison as well as produce irony. Their relationship represents a commonalty in the Irish community, as well as the interconnectedness within many ethnic families. Adam not only becomes and essential part of Skeffingtons political process, but also often appears to represent his kinder side. Perhaps the comparison shows Skeffingtons persona as a young man, before so many outside and corrupt influences became associated to his self-identity. It shows how much politics have changed him over the years. Skeffington looks to Adam as a means to keep hold of family connections while also reminding himself of who he was and who he is. Skeffingtons election night is a much-anticipated action in the story. The impact of his political defeat redefines him. It is no longer his primary role in life to be a defined part of the political structure, and he faces a new reality of goals and perceptions. At the same time, his defeat could be viewed as his greatest success. It gives him the opportunity to step back from all the influences he has on him being a politician. Skeffington, in the midst of undeniable defeat, must also display his important self-image within his strengths as a good loser. Rather than accepting defeat, Skeffington embraces it as a means to rededicate his life. OConnors book is powerful because of its complexity of levels. There is a defined consideration for the plot and characterizations, but OConnor does not stop at this. He also creates complex characters that promote an understanding of the political and social stru ctures of the day, while also addressing corruption in the Irish-American community in Boston in the 1950s. It is also important to note that OConnor develops his characters within a historical perspective, because it is necessary for his characters to understand the significance of the past in order to avoid the same mistakes in the future. Characters like Frank Skeffington, who originated out of the Irish ghettos, could comprehend their past and make determined efforts to avoid the same issues and behaviors of their childhood in order to become powerful adults. Although Skeffington can remember his meager past, he cannot think of a way to change his future without having to be involved in the corruption presented by people like Curley. The similarities and contrast between these two men, as well as the contrast with John Gorman, successful demonstrate the complexity of social and political order in the community of this time. Words/ Pages : 1,162 / 24

5-Paragraph Essay on Abraham Lincoln

5-Paragraph Essay on Abraham Lincoln 5-Paragraph Essay on Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States, was born on February 12, 1809 and died at the age of 56 on the 4th day of March 1861. Lincoln was the president of the United States for four years from 1861 to 1865. Lincoln was born in Hardin County in the state of Kentucky in a small cabin that only had one room. His parents, Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks were farmers who had a large track of land that measured 348 acres on which their cabin was situated. His parents were uneducated, however. Lincoln’s political career began in 1832 when he created a political campaign for a political party known as the Whig Party. This party was based on efforts that sought to improve navigation on the neighboring river. Ten years later, Lincoln married the love of his life, Mary Todd, with whom he had four sons. Unfortunately, only one of his four sons did not survive into adulthood. Lincoln’s participation in active national politics took a turn for the better in 1842 when he campaigned and was elected to the US House of Representatives. While at the House of Representatives, Lincoln accomplished a number of things including accrediting the American-Mexican war to then president, Polk. Lincoln was, however, not a popular figure with the democrats, due to his speeches that tended to go against the beliefs of the Democratic Party. In 1960, Lincoln’s political star had grown so much such that he was nominated by the Republican Party to become their presidential candidate. His temperate views on the issues of western origin and slavery are said to have significantly contributed to his preference as a Republican candidate. Throughout the election period, Lincoln did not give any speeches but instead gave the Republican organization charge of any speeches that were required. On the 6th day of November 1860, Lincoln assumed the highest office in the US when he was elected to the office of the president of the land. It was during Lincoln’s presidency that the Civil War began. This war began in the year 1861 and ended up consuming a large portion of Lincoln’s time as the president of America. Biographies of Lincoln report that Lincoln often found himself very frustrated by the events that were taking place in the war. The war eventually ended on the 9th day of April 1865 when Robert Lee decided to surrender in Virginia. The 14th day of April, 1865 is a popular day in Lincoln’s presidency because this is the day when, inside the Ford’s theater, Lincoln had gone to watch a play without his bodyguard who apparently had knowledge of the president’s planned assassination. It was while Lincoln watched the funniest part of the play, while seated on the balcony, that he was shot point blank in the head by John Wilkes Booth who had hoped that the noise from the cheers and laughter would swallow up the noise of the gunshot. Booth was captured, however, and the president passed away a few hours later. How to write a five paragraph essay about Abraham Lincoln: In the first paragraph, introduce your thesis. Make sure that you choose a contradictory thesis statement, otherwise, there wont be anything to support with further arguments. Take three major arguments that support your thesis and build three separate paragraphs to describe and support them. Dont forget to add your own opinion, but avoid being too emotional in it. Do you need a top-quality custom essay about Abraham Lincoln? Visit and order a custom written essay now!

IndonesiaDutch History essays

IndonesiaDutch History essays NATIONALISM - peoples sense of belonging together as a nation - loyalty to the nation, pride in its culture and history - a desire for national independence - movement in which the nation-state is regarded as paramount for the realization of social, economic and cultural aspirations of people I. CAUSES FOR THE RISE OF NATIONALISM IN INDONESIA - the Indonesians seeked for unity in their country to fight the colonizers (Dutch) that are getting their natural products to improve their own economy - the Indonesians didnt like the Dutch to have a better economy than they do - the Indonesians also thought that there might be a possibility that the Dutch will conquer their lands so they formed groups that are against them - the Dutch penetrated the Javanese society more deeply and they expanded their control to other regions - the Dutch annexed large areas of central Java and enforced the Culture System on the Indonesians which was very unfair to the peasants who had to devote 1/5 of their land for the governments use - unjust treatment of Dutch to the Indonesians regarding trading, economic and political rights - through direct force and alliances with native leaders, the Dutch governor-general, Coen, tried to stop the inter island network of traders from engaging in international trade. - The Dutch clashed briefly with Mataram, then settled into a period of coexistence. The Dutch captured Malacca in 1641, but Malacca no longer had complete control of the spice trade to Europe. To gain a trade monopoly, the company allowed cloves to be grown only on the island of Ambon and nutmeg and mace to be grown only in the Banda Islands. The company destroyed the spice trees in other places. In 1678, Mataram was forced to cede the Priangan region of western Java to the Dutch company. - The Dutch East India Company introduced coffee and other new crops to Java. It also started a system of forced de...

The Importance of Distinguishing Between Acquisition and Learning in Essay

The Importance of Distinguishing Between Acquisition and Learning in Second Language Performance - Essay Example Yet we are now seeing greater importance placed on these issues and in turn a better understanding of the multiple and varying difficulties that a student of second language acquisition can face. Differentiating between learning and acquisition signifies that these factors have a special place alongside that of the traditional problems of language learning. It is important to highlight on the word 'alongside' because differentiating between the two should not mean that either takes predominance or that there should be some kind of theoretical showdown, but rather that each term find its proper place and do its proper job. By taking into consideration both acquisition and learning and making a differentiation between the two we are better able to understand all sides of second language learning. To better understand the nature of the discussion around the manners with which we learn to speak a second language it is important to first define the terms we are using. First and foremost it should be noted that 'acquisition' and 'learning' aggregate significant meaning to the word language. Acquisition is defined as the act of acquiring or gaining something through one's own efforts and/or experience.1 Learning, on the other hand is defined as the act, process, or experience of gaining knowledge or skill, usually through schooling or studying.2 The term second language learning has traditionally been used to describe the process of learning a second language through formal instruction. For example, adults taking English classes are described as learning a language, not acquiring it. In Krashen's (1981) theory of second language performance he works with the distinction between acquisition and learning.3 Second language performance would be the term that encompasses the two independent systems, the acquired system and the learned system. The former is described as being the product of the human subconscious and entails meaningful interaction, while the later is the product of formal instruction and results in conscious knowledge of the language. In Krashen's input hypothesis he puts forth his theory on how one obtains the knowledge of a second language through language acquisition.4 He explains that an individual perks up along the natural order of learning a language. For example, if a learner is at a stage 'i', then acquisition takes place when he/she is exposed to 'Comprehensible Input' that belongs to level 'i + 1'. Different learners have different capacity and competence for seeking knowledge or absorbing new material. Since not all of the learners can be at the same level of linguistic competence at the same time, Krashen argues that natural communicative input is the key to designing a syllabus, ensuring in this way that each learner will receive some 'i + 1' input that is appropriate for his/her current stage of linguistic competence.5 Krashen's ground breaking work called to the forefront the long ignored area of psycholinguistics which focuses on the pivotal role feelings and sentiments play during the accumulation of a second language. At the core of his work is the belief that language acquisition does not require extensive use of conscious grammatical rules but rather meaningful interaction with the target language, what he calls a 'natural

Magnet Beauty Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Magnet Beauty - Case Study Example The proprietor behind Magnet Beauty Products Inc. is an entrepreneur called by the name Janette Clark. Her plans for the company collide with the new leasing laws. With a shift in the laws regarding leasing, changes in the lease contracts will have an implication to the income statement, balance sheet and the cash flow statement of the company. The two lease options that are available include a long term lease which will decrease the net income of the company but will reduce expenditure and improve the companies leverage level in case it wanted to sell out. However ,a short term lease will increase the net income of the company but costs will increase annually and the leverage of the company will stagnate. The leasing options provided by the recently reviewed FASB and IASB will ensure that a lease is considered an as an asset in the company’s balance sheet(Epstein et al., p.866) .According to Brigham, Eugene and Joel (p. 630),the capitalization of leases will mean that the benefits of the lease and the rights to use are transferred to the lease holder. This, according to Delaney, Patrick and Ray (p. 442) is capital expensive in the first year, but the expense of the lease declines gradually annually as the lease term expires due to amortization.. As an asset, the valuation of the company will include the leased property. This creates a higher valuation for the company which translates negatively on the profitability and efficiency of the company because the returns on assets will be much less. According to Epstein(p.826) ,for the short term leases under the current proposed leasing laws, the renewable clauses and the leasebacks normally attract an increased percentage in interest for the property value. After five years, with the current interest of property rates at 5%,the cost of property will be 25% more expensive. For Magnet Beauty Products Inc., I would advice that they go

Effect of CR Supplementation on Athletic Performance

Effect of CR Supplementation on Athletic Performance Introduction To succeed in a given sport at any level of competition, athletes must possess specific physiologic, psychologic, and biomechanic traits critical to success in that sport, but they must also receive optimal physical, mental, and biomechanical training to maximise this genetic potential (Williams, Kreider Branch, 1999). However many athletes believe that the combination of genetic traits and optimal training alone are not sufficient to achieve maximum performance, therefore the use of ergogenic aids has become common to improve sports performance beyond the effect of training (Sundgot-Borgen, Berglund Torstveit, 2003). The use of ergogenic aids will allow athletes to gain that competitive advantage over opponents therefore leading to potential success. According to Williams, Kreider Branch, (1999) ergogenic aids are substances or treatments that are theoretically designed to enhance physical power, mental strength or mechanical edge therefore potentially improving athletic performa nce. Given the various demands of team sports such as Soccer, Rugby and Hockey, which require short intermittent bouts of high intensity exercise which are interspersed by low level exercise, it seems feasible the use of ergogenic aids in such sports may enhance and benefit performance to gain that competitive edge over opponents. One ergogenic aid which has become popular among amateur, professional and recreational athletes over recent years is Creatine Monohydrate (Cr). Creatine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative which is found in skeletal muscle, but is also a normal dietary constituent with a daily requirement of approximately 2 to 3 grams depending on body size (Ostojic, 2001). The majority of creatine in muscles is stored in the form of phosphocreatine (PCr) which serves as an important contributor to energy metabolism during high intensity exercise (Williams, Kreider Branch, 1999). PCr provides the high energy phosphate for adenine diphosphate (ADP) to restore adenine triphosphate (ATP) concentration rapidly via the Cr kinase (CK) reaction (Clarkson, 1996). Hultman, Bergstrom and McLennan-Anderson, (1967) demonstrated that depletion of PCr stores within the muscles can lead to a decline in athletic performance during high intensity exercise, so theoretically increasing PCr stores through Cr supplementation would enhance the ability to maintain high intensity exercise over a prolonged period of time, leading to increases in sporting performance. Ahmun (2005) and Hultman, Soderlund, Timmons, Cederblad, Greenhaff, (1996) demonstrated that the average Cr concentration in human muscle can be increased through Cr supplementation over a 7 day period from 20% pre Cr to 50% post Cr. Since PCr is a substrate for the ATP-PCr energy system which is essential for high intensity exercise of 30 seconds or less it seems logical that the supplementation of Cr would be beneficial to exercise tasks of this duration. Therefore the majority of previous research has focused on bouts of anaerobic performance of To date the effect of Cr supplementation on athletic performance has been widely researched. This includes include positive effects of Cr supplementation over a prolonged period of over 4 weeks which is otherwise known as the maintenance phase (Knehans, Bemben, Bemben and Loftiss, 1998; Larson, Hunter, Trowbridge, Turk, Harbin and Torman, 1998). Also demonstrated have been positive effects of Cr supplementation on exercise performance using a shorter ingestion period known as the loading phase (Stout, Echerson, Noonan, Moore, and Cullen, 1999; Volek, Boetes, Bush, Putukian, Sebastianelli and Kraemer, 1997a). This includes improvements in performance variables such as strength, speed and delaying the onset of fatigue (Okudan and Gokbel, 2004; Volek, Kraemer, Bush, Boetes, Incledon, Clark and Lynch 1997b; Kocak Karli , 2003) Team sports consist of repeated bouts of intermittent high intensity exercise therefore consistently relying on the ATP-PCr energy system which if depleted can have a major factor on performance and the outcome of a game (Ostojic, 2004). One such sport which consists of repeated bouts of high intensity exercise is soccer. Soccer players are required to produce high power outputs and maintain or repeat them with only a few seconds of recovery, (Reilly and Williams, 2003). Such high intensity instances could be the deciding factor of a game, for example sprinting back to make a game saving tackle or sprinting past a defender to the ball to make a shot. One high intensity exercise instance which occurs in a soccer match are bouts of sprinting, which are estimated to consist of 8.1% of a 90 minute match and occur approximately every 90 seconds lasting between two to four seconds in duration (Bangsbo, Norregard Thorso, 1991). Given the fact that there is considerable support for Cr as an ergogenic aid it would be reasonable to suggest that a soccer players sprint performance would benefit from Cr supplementation. However there is minimal research which has looked into the effects of Cr on sprint performance and variables of soccer match play such as agility running, lateral stepping and running backwards( Cox, Mujika, Tumilty and Burke 2002; Ostojic, 2004; Mujika, Padilla, Ibanez, Izquierdo and Gorostiaga, 2000). The aforementioned studies have determined the effects of Cr on elite soccer players, female soccer players and youth soccer players (Ostojic, 2004; Mujika et al., 2000; Smart et al 1998; Cox et al., 2002). However there is no present research that looks into the effects of acute ( Another aspect to consider upon testing the effects of Cr on sprint performance on amateur soccer players is the protocol to be used. Although there have been many protocols which have been designed to measure and simulate soccer performance, plenty of these have failed to adequately simulate the different movement patterns (sprinting, walking, running backwards, lateral stepping) which are involved in a game of soccer (Drust, Reilly and Cable, 2000; Abt, Reaburn, Holmes and Gear, 2003; Thatcher and Batterham, 2004). It seems rational that when assessing components of soccer performance that the protocol that is utilised replicates the different activity patterns and demands of soccer match. If this is not taken into consideration it becomes difficult to determine whether Cr supplementation will have any benefit on soccer performance. Therefore the utilised protocol needs to concisely replicate movement patterns in soccer so that a valid assumption can be made to determine the erogen eity of acute Cr supplementation on sprint performance in amateur soccer players. Thus the purpose of this study is to conduct an investigation that will determine the effect of acute Cr supplementation on sprint performance in Caucasian male amateur soccer players, using a soccer simulation protocol in an accurate, valid and reliable manner with two trials consisting over a 7 day period. Concluding whether or not acute Cr supplementation can be used as an ergogenic aid to improve a footballers sprint performance, therefore recommending to athletes and coaches alike. Literature Review Creatine Monohydrate: Background Creatine monohydrate is one of the most popular sporting supplements in the world today and is used by high school athletes, the elderly, professional and recreational athletes in the hope of improving physical performance (Bemben and Lamont, 2005). It is the most commonly available Cr supplement and the form primarily used in most research studies. Cr monohydrate comes in a number of forms including powder, tablets, gel, liquid, chewing gum and candy (Williams, Kreider and Branch, 1999, p.43). Greenhaff (1997) indicated powdered Cr, ingested with solution to have a quicker absorption rate at raising muscle Cr concentration than using Cr supplementation of a tablet form. Conversely Vuckovich and Michaelis (1999) reported no significant difference in absorption rate between the two different forms. Dosage methods The supplementation dosages of Cr can be broken down into two different phases, otherwise known as the loading phase and maintenance phase. The loading phase that is commonly used in research consists of ingesting daily, 20-30g of Cr in four equal doses of 5-7g dissolved in around 250ml of fluid interspersed throughout the course of the day (preferably morning, noon, afternoon and evening) for a period of 5 to 7 days (Greenhaff, 1997; Kreider, 1997). Hultman et al (1996) utilised a less intense loading method of 3g/day for 28 days and proposed it to be just as effective as the aforementioned loading protocol. However this method places a longer dependency on subjects to comply with the supplementation program, therefore placing more variables into the reliability of results. Following the loading phase, maintenance dosages are considerably lower. Most research investigating the effects of Cr using the maintenance phase, have utilised dosages of 3 to 15g over a 4 to 10 week period (Bemben et al., 2001; Kreider et al., 1998; Stone et al., 1999; Vandenberghe et al., 1997). It is recommended to consume Cr with warm water, as it facilitates the dissolving of the solution and also aid absorption (Harris et al., 1992). It should also be noted that the ingestion of caffeine during Cr supplementation eradicates its potential ergogenic effect (Vandenberghe et al., 1996; Van Leemputte, Vanstapel Hespel, 1997). Vandenberghe et al (1996) demonstrated that a control group that ingested Cr combined with caffeine to have a lessened ergogenic potential compared to a group that ingested Cr without caffein e during repeated bouts of high intensity exercise. Side effects There is no conclusive scientific evidence to suggest that Cr ingestion has any negative side effects utilising the proposed dosage methods ( Larson et al., 1998; Schroder, Terrados Tramullas, 2005). There is further evidence to support this as Kreider et al (1999) found no negative side effects in athletes who had been ingesting Cr for up to 3 years. Poortmans and Francaux (1999) demonstrated similar findings for athletes for taking Cr for up to 5 years. Only undocumented anecdotal reports have reported any adverse negative side effects through Cr supplementation, this includes gastrointestinal distress, muscle cramping and dehydration (Associated press 1997, 1998). Taking dehydration into consideration such anecdotal research can be scrutinised. Oopik, Timpmann and Medijainen, (1995) demonstrated that Cr supplementation increased body mass, while also reporting increases in total body water. Such findings signify that Cr supplementation may prevent dehydration rather than be a cause, due to the fact it can promote water retention. Cr supplementation has been demonstrated to increase body mass by up to 2kg over an acute period of time (Balsom et al., 1995; Becque et al., 1997). This could be recognised as a negative side effect for athletes that compete in weight control sports, as Cr ingestion may impede their ability to make regulated weight in a forthcoming event. This gives a consensus that athletes in such activities need to be made aware that although Cr can promote gains in strength and power, it can increase body mass. Physiology of Soccer Soccer players are frequently required to produce high power outputs and maintain of repeat them with only a few seconds of recovery (Reilly and Thomas, 2003). This includes intermittent bouts of kicking, tackling, turning, sprinting, changing pace and maintaining balance and control of the ball whilst under pressure from an opponent (Wisloff, Helgerud Hoff, 1998). To gain a scientific perspective of the different physiological demands of soccer performance, match and time motion analysis have been utilised (Bangsbo, 1994). This analysis has allowed researchers to determine the overall workload of players during a 90 minute match by calculating total distance covered, and the pattern of activities performed during a game (e.g. sprinting, cruising, walking etc). Movement patterns of Soccer It is estimated that the total distance covered during a 90 minute soccer match varies from 8.7km to 11.5km ( Bangsbo Lindquist, 1992; Ekblom, 1986; Ohashi et al., (1988); Reilly and Thomas, 1976; 1988; Rampini et al., 2007; Wade, 1962). The large variance in distances covered are due in part to the differing styles of play, levels of competition and skill level of the teams that were utilised (Luxbacher, 1997). Reilly (1994) documented the different activity patterns of elite outfield players from the English top division and other major national leagues in Europe and Japan using different methods of match analysis. Results found that a 90 minute match consists of 24% walking, 36% jogging, 20% cruising sub maximally (striding), 11% sprinting, 7% moving backwards and 2% moving in possession of the ball. The categories of sprinting and cruising are defined as high intensity exercise. In terms of distances covered the ratio of low intensity exercise to high intensity exercise during a soccer match is 7 to 1 denoting that the outlay of energy for soccer is predominately aerobic ( Reilly and Thomas, 1976). However the importance for high intensity bouts during soccer match play should not be underestimated. The timing of such a bout could be the defining factor of a game whether in possession of the ball or without the ball. Although work-rate profiles are relatively consistent for players from game to game it is the high intensity exercise which is the most constant feature (Bangsbo, 1994). The number of sprints reported in a soccer game varies greatly from 17 to 62 (Bangsbo et al., 1991; Mohr, Krustrup Bangsbo, 2003). This variance is largely determined by the positional role of the player. Findings by Reilly (1996) demonstrated that midfielders and strikers completed more sprinting bouts than centre backs or full backs therefore relying more on the anaerobic energy system. However if there is not a prolonged recovery period or an individual is not properly conditioned they will not subsequently recovery from high intensity bouts of exercise and fatigue will occur (Reilly, 1996). This is evident as Reilly (1996, p.72) documented that the majority of goals conceded during a soccer match occurred in the final ten minutes of play. A popular theory for this occurrence has been found to be mental fatigue or lapses in concentration from defenders (Reilly, 1996, p.72). However this can theory can be scrutinised as research found that the onset of fatigue in intermittent exercise such as soccer is caused by low muscle glycogen stores (Balsom et al., 1999). Acute Cr supplementation and sprint performance in team sports Athletes in team sports such as soccer, rugby, hockey and American football are required to repeatedly reproduce intermittent bouts of high intensity exercise with minimal recovery. Being able to consistently reproduce such bouts at maximal ability (e.g. sprinting, jumping, running backwards) could be the deciding factor in competition to gain that extra edge of an opponent. During high intensity exercise of an intermittent nature the main contributor of energy is PCr (Williams, Kreider Branch, 1999, p29). Depletion of PCr stores during high intensity exercise has been found to be a factor which has lead to a decline in athletic performance (Hultman, Bergstrom and McLennan-Anderson, 1967). Through the supplementation of Cr, it hypothesised that PCr stores are replenished at a faster rate therefore improving an athletes ability to recover and perform intermittent high intensity bouts of exercise, leading to improved athletic performance (Greenhaff et al, 1993). There have been various studies that have tested this hypothesis by investigating the ergogenic effect of acute Cr supplementation on sprint performance of athletes in team sports (Ahmun et al., 2005; Cornish, Chilibeck Burke, 2006; Izquierdo et al., 2001; Kocak Karli, 2003; Romer et al., 2001; Vandebuerie et al., 1998). However the aforementioned studies have contrasting findings with a quantity of studies finding a significant improvement in sprint performance through Cr supplementation (Izquierdo et al., 2001; Romer et al., 2001; Vandebuerie et al., 1998). On the contrary other studies have found no significant improvements in sprint performance through acute Cr ingestion (Ahmun et al., 2005; Cornish, Chilibeck Burke, 2006; Kocak Karli, 2003). Ahmun et al., (2005) investigated the ergogenic effect of Cr on sprint performance in male rugby players. For this study a Wingate test protocol was utilised prior and post Cr supplementation. Findings of this study were that there was no significant improvement in maximal cycle sprints through Cr ingestion. However in contrast Izquierdo et al., (2001) found that acute Cr supplementation improved sprint times in male hand ball players. For this study subjects were either assigned Cr or placebo over a 5 day period. The protocol that was utilised consisted of repeated sprint runs that were consistent with sprint distances achieved during handball match play. One issue that could have had a determining factor of the non significant results found by Ahmun et al (2005) is the protocol that was utilised. A Wingate test was utilised to test the sprint performance in rugby players, however the relevance of a Wingate test to measure rugby performance is not sports specific there scrutinising the validity of the results. In contrast Izquierdo et al (2001) utilised a protocol which successfully replicated distances found in handball match play therefore maintaining validity. Ahmun et al (2005) also failed to incorporate a dietary analysis into the experimental design of the protocol, therefore whether or not Cr stores within the subjects utilised were full cannot be determined, which gives rationale for results showing no significant improvement. In contrast Izquierdo et al (2001) implemented a dietary examination of subjects that were utilised; this was initiated to determine whether any subjects had ingested Cr or any ergogenic aids prior to baseline testing. This assisted with maintaining validity during research. This can be supported by Romer et al (2001) and Vandebuerie et al (1998) who utilised a protocol containing a dietary analysis and concluded a significant improvement in sprint times within subjects. Cr supplementation and Soccer performance Given the intermittent physical demands of soccer, which requires players to produce high power outputs and maintain or repeat them with only a few seconds of recovery, (Reilly and Williams, 2003) it seems feasible that soccer players would benefit from the supplementation of Cr as an ergogenic aid to improve their overall performance. However research that has investigated the effect on acute Cr supplementation on different variables of soccer performance and predominately sprint performance utilising a soccer simulation protocol is limited (Ostojic, 2004; Mujika et al 2000; Cox et al 2002). The Aforementioned studies have primarily focused on the effects of Cr supplementation on highly trained athletes that are competing at a high standard of competition. However no previous research has looked into the effects of acute Cr supplementation on amateur soccer players. Being as though Cr monohydrate is an immensely popular ergogenic aid not only among professional athletes but also amateur and recreational athletes, the benefit to amateur athletes needs to recognised. Previous research that has looked into the effects of acute Cr supplementation on soccer players using a soccer simulation protocol is discussed below. Ostojic (2004) examined the effects of acute Cr supplementation (3 x 10g doses for 7 days) on 20 young male soccer players (16.6 Â ± 1.9 years). For the testing procedure a double blind method was used and where subjects were either administered either Cr or placebo. Subjects completed two separate trials prior and post to Cr or placebo. The testing procedure consisted of a number of soccer specific skill tests which included a dribble test, sprint-power test, endurance test and a vertical jump test. Results found that there was a significant improvement in a number of the soccer specific tests; this includes superior improvements in sprint times, vertical jump scores and the dribble test. However no significant improvements were made on endurance performance after the two trials. Although a significant improvement was found in vertical jump performance, it is of concern to future researchers to whether the vertical jump test that was utilised during the design is a soccer specific test. During the test subjects were instructed to keep their trunk as straight as possible whilst keeping their hands on their hips to avoid contribution from the arms which doesnt successfully replicate jumping movements in soccer therefore questioning the validity of the vertical jump test as to whether or not it is a measure of soccer specific performance. The age of the subjects in this research can also be scrutinised. Eichner, King, Myhal, Prentice and Ziegenfuss (1999) confirmed that there was insufficient research to determine the acute and chronic side effects of Cr consumption in athletes under the age of 18 therefore places the subjects which were used in the mentioned study under possible risk. Eichner et al (1999) also highlighted that Cr supplementation in young athletes could have a possible degradation of ethics, by where a win at all costs mentality is fostered and an attitude by where ergogenic aids are necessary to win, which is the wrong message to be installing in young athletes. Likewise Mujika, Padilla, Ibanez, Izquerido and Gorostiaga (2000) concluded acute Cr supplementation (20g a day x 6 days) significantly improved sprint performance and found no significant improvement in endurance performance using a soccer simulation protocol. Mujika et al (2000) also documented no increase in vertical jump performance using a similar protocol to Ostojic (2004) which has minimal significance in a soccer simulation study. Mujika et al (2000) tested 19 elite male soccer players who at the time of investigation were highly trained, however only 17 fully completed the testing due to illness or injury. The protocol for this investigation consisted of a circuit of different exercises which consisted of a repeated sprint test (5 and 15m), vertical jump test and an intermittent endurance test. Findings in this study concluded that mean sprint times improved significantly (p This de-training effect is evident for the vertical jump test as no significant improvement between the two trials was found. However if there was a significant de training effect it would have had negative consequences on other testing variables such as sprint performance, this however is not the case as sprint performance significantly improved. Mujika et al (2000) should have took into consideration a possible detraining effect when devising the experimental design as this could have negatively affect the validity of the results. Cox, Mujika, Tumilty and Burke (2002) devised a study which tested Cr supplementation (20g a day) or placebo (20g glucose a day) on 14 elite female soccer players from the Australian institute of sport (AIS) using a soccer simulated protocol. The experimental design consisted of two trials before and after Cr or placebo over a 6 day period. The protocol consisted of fifty five 20m sprints, ten agility runs and a precision ball kicking drill which are separated by recovery walks, jogs and runs. The main findings in this study were that the average 20m sprint time in the Cr group decreased from 3.75 Â ± 0.19 to 3.69 Â ± 0.18s however this decrease in sprint time failed to reach the statistical significance level (p Cox et al (2002) also incorporated a standardised training regime and a controlled diet for the intervention week and also scheduled testing so that it would occur at the same time of day before and after supplementation. In contrast Mujika et al (2000) failed to utilise effective standardised procedures during their experimental design. As previously mentioned Mujika et al (2000) testing procedures took place 3 days after the subjects season had finished therefore training was not standardised due to the fact that subjects had no organised training sessions during the intervention week. Mujika et al (2000) also lacked a familiarisation trial, subjects were only familiarised with the testing procedures prior to arriving for the 1st trial which could substantially affect the results. However although Cox et al (2000) standardised procedures by included a controlled diet for the subjects, it is interesting to note that one of the subjects was a vegetarian, whos Cr content is virtually zero (Greenhaff, 1997). Research has found that vegetarians respond quicker and more effectively to Cr supplementation than those who follow a normal sedentary diet and have natural muscle creatine content (Burke, Chilibeck, Parise, Candow, Mahoney Tamopolsky., 2003; Watt, Garnham Snow, 2004) therefore scrutinising the validity of the results. It may be of future reference to eradicate vegetarians in a experimental design which utilises Cr supplementation due to the diet implications that vegetarians have. Soccer Simulation performance tests To date there has been a number of soccer simulation performance tests which have been utilised to assess and measure different physiological aspects of the game (Bangsbo and Lindquist, 1992; Cox, 2002; Drust, Reilly and Cable, 2000; Nicholas, Nuttall and Williams, 2000). These protocols have been implemented so that they take into consideration different aspects of soccer performance and try to replicate the exercise patterns that are observed during match play, however due to the spontaneity of the soccer it is difficult to assess every physical or metabolic demand (Drust, Reilly and Cable, 2000). Researchers have used different protocols when investigating the metabolic and physical demands of soccer, these can documented into laboratory based protocols (Drust, Reilly and Cable, 2000; Thatcher and Batterham, 2004) and field based protocols (Bangsbo and Lindquist, 1992; Cox, 2002; Nicholas et al 2000). Laboratory based soccer performance protocols Drust, Reilly and Cable (2000) devised a laboratory based protocol on a motorised treadmill what represented the work rates that are observed during soccer match play. For the experimental design 7 male university soccer players (24 Â ± 2 years) were used and the testing consisted of three separate testing blocks which were separated by 6 days. The protocol consisted of the different exercise intensities that are utilised during soccer match play; this consisted of walking, jogging, cruising and sprinting. The speeds at which these exercises were performed on the treadmill were consistent with speeds observed by Van Gool, Van Gervan and Boutmans (1988) during a match analysis. Each testing block consisted of two 22.5 minute cycles which consisted of 23 bouts which were followed by a recovery period of 71 seconds. During each bout the duration of each activity was as follows: walking 35 seconds (s), jogging 50.3s, cruising 51.4s and sprinting 10.5s. However in relevance to this research project it should be noted that the duration covered during the sprint bouts of the protocol of Drust, Reilly and Cable (2000) which is 10.5s does not successfully coincide with match analysis from several soccer studies that have documented the duration of sprint bouts during soccer match play. Research has found that the average sprint time during soccer match play lasts between on average two to four seconds in duration (Bangsbo, Norregard Thorso,1991; Mayhew and Wenger, 1985) therefore concluding in some instances Drust, Reilly and Cables (2000) laboratory based soccer specific protocol can be deemed as in valid as it fails to accurately replicate different soccer performance variables that take place in match play. Another lab based test that was utilised to measure specific variables in soccer performance was devised by Thatcher and Batterham (2004). For this protocol six male professional soccer players were used and the testing consisted of 29 minute exercise bouts on a non motorised treadmill that focused on replicating different speeds, durations, distances and heart rates that occur during soccer match play. Findings from this study suggest that the protocol that was utilised induced a similar physiological load to soccer match play and can be determined as a valid measure of soccer performance. Although lab based soccer specific protocols have been found to replicate some instances of soccer performance it is of consideration of this research project that the limitations and positives of such protocols be noted. The aforementioned lab based failed to perform a re-test procedure to conclude whether their protocols maintained reliability therefore the amount of error in each protocol cannot be determined. Another limitation of lab based testing is that due to tests being performed on treadmills, this limits the subjects to straight-line running only, therefore does not take into consideration lateral movements and agility patterns, which have found to be major characteristics of soccer performance (Bangsbo and Lindquist, 1992). These unorthodox movement patterns need to be taken into consideration when assessing soccer performance as they increase energy expenditure significantly (Nicholas et al., 2000). One positive aspect of lab based protocols are that procedures such as a ir temperature, equipment utilised and humidity can be easily standardised to remain constant throughout performance testing. Field Tests Nicholas et al (2000) devised the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle test (LIST) to simulate the activity patterns during a game of soccer. The LIST consisted of two separate stages which were known as part A and part B. Part A lasted 70 minutes and consisted of five 15 minute exercise pe Effect of CR Supplementation on Athletic Performance Effect of CR Supplementation on Athletic Performance Introduction To succeed in a given sport at any level of competition, athletes must possess specific physiologic, psychologic, and biomechanic traits critical to success in that sport, but they must also receive optimal physical, mental, and biomechanical training to maximise this genetic potential (Williams, Kreider Branch, 1999). However many athletes believe that the combination of genetic traits and optimal training alone are not sufficient to achieve maximum performance, therefore the use of ergogenic aids has become common to improve sports performance beyond the effect of training (Sundgot-Borgen, Berglund Torstveit, 2003). The use of ergogenic aids will allow athletes to gain that competitive advantage over opponents therefore leading to potential success. According to Williams, Kreider Branch, (1999) ergogenic aids are substances or treatments that are theoretically designed to enhance physical power, mental strength or mechanical edge therefore potentially improving athletic performa nce. Given the various demands of team sports such as Soccer, Rugby and Hockey, which require short intermittent bouts of high intensity exercise which are interspersed by low level exercise, it seems feasible the use of ergogenic aids in such sports may enhance and benefit performance to gain that competitive edge over opponents. One ergogenic aid which has become popular among amateur, professional and recreational athletes over recent years is Creatine Monohydrate (Cr). Creatine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative which is found in skeletal muscle, but is also a normal dietary constituent with a daily requirement of approximately 2 to 3 grams depending on body size (Ostojic, 2001). The majority of creatine in muscles is stored in the form of phosphocreatine (PCr) which serves as an important contributor to energy metabolism during high intensity exercise (Williams, Kreider Branch, 1999). PCr provides the high energy phosphate for adenine diphosphate (ADP) to restore adenine triphosphate (ATP) concentration rapidly via the Cr kinase (CK) reaction (Clarkson, 1996). Hultman, Bergstrom and McLennan-Anderson, (1967) demonstrated that depletion of PCr stores within the muscles can lead to a decline in athletic performance during high intensity exercise, so theoretically increasing PCr stores through Cr supplementation would enhance the ability to maintain high intensity exercise over a prolonged period of time, leading to increases in sporting performance. Ahmun (2005) and Hultman, Soderlund, Timmons, Cederblad, Greenhaff, (1996) demonstrated that the average Cr concentration in human muscle can be increased through Cr supplementation over a 7 day period from 20% pre Cr to 50% post Cr. Since PCr is a substrate for the ATP-PCr energy system which is essential for high intensity exercise of 30 seconds or less it seems logical that the supplementation of Cr would be beneficial to exercise tasks of this duration. Therefore the majority of previous research has focused on bouts of anaerobic performance of To date the effect of Cr supplementation on athletic performance has been widely researched. This includes include positive effects of Cr supplementation over a prolonged period of over 4 weeks which is otherwise known as the maintenance phase (Knehans, Bemben, Bemben and Loftiss, 1998; Larson, Hunter, Trowbridge, Turk, Harbin and Torman, 1998). Also demonstrated have been positive effects of Cr supplementation on exercise performance using a shorter ingestion period known as the loading phase (Stout, Echerson, Noonan, Moore, and Cullen, 1999; Volek, Boetes, Bush, Putukian, Sebastianelli and Kraemer, 1997a). This includes improvements in performance variables such as strength, speed and delaying the onset of fatigue (Okudan and Gokbel, 2004; Volek, Kraemer, Bush, Boetes, Incledon, Clark and Lynch 1997b; Kocak Karli , 2003) Team sports consist of repeated bouts of intermittent high intensity exercise therefore consistently relying on the ATP-PCr energy system which if depleted can have a major factor on performance and the outcome of a game (Ostojic, 2004). One such sport which consists of repeated bouts of high intensity exercise is soccer. Soccer players are required to produce high power outputs and maintain or repeat them with only a few seconds of recovery, (Reilly and Williams, 2003). Such high intensity instances could be the deciding factor of a game, for example sprinting back to make a game saving tackle or sprinting past a defender to the ball to make a shot. One high intensity exercise instance which occurs in a soccer match are bouts of sprinting, which are estimated to consist of 8.1% of a 90 minute match and occur approximately every 90 seconds lasting between two to four seconds in duration (Bangsbo, Norregard Thorso, 1991). Given the fact that there is considerable support for Cr as an ergogenic aid it would be reasonable to suggest that a soccer players sprint performance would benefit from Cr supplementation. However there is minimal research which has looked into the effects of Cr on sprint performance and variables of soccer match play such as agility running, lateral stepping and running backwards( Cox, Mujika, Tumilty and Burke 2002; Ostojic, 2004; Mujika, Padilla, Ibanez, Izquierdo and Gorostiaga, 2000). The aforementioned studies have determined the effects of Cr on elite soccer players, female soccer players and youth soccer players (Ostojic, 2004; Mujika et al., 2000; Smart et al 1998; Cox et al., 2002). However there is no present research that looks into the effects of acute ( Another aspect to consider upon testing the effects of Cr on sprint performance on amateur soccer players is the protocol to be used. Although there have been many protocols which have been designed to measure and simulate soccer performance, plenty of these have failed to adequately simulate the different movement patterns (sprinting, walking, running backwards, lateral stepping) which are involved in a game of soccer (Drust, Reilly and Cable, 2000; Abt, Reaburn, Holmes and Gear, 2003; Thatcher and Batterham, 2004). It seems rational that when assessing components of soccer performance that the protocol that is utilised replicates the different activity patterns and demands of soccer match. If this is not taken into consideration it becomes difficult to determine whether Cr supplementation will have any benefit on soccer performance. Therefore the utilised protocol needs to concisely replicate movement patterns in soccer so that a valid assumption can be made to determine the erogen eity of acute Cr supplementation on sprint performance in amateur soccer players. Thus the purpose of this study is to conduct an investigation that will determine the effect of acute Cr supplementation on sprint performance in Caucasian male amateur soccer players, using a soccer simulation protocol in an accurate, valid and reliable manner with two trials consisting over a 7 day period. Concluding whether or not acute Cr supplementation can be used as an ergogenic aid to improve a footballers sprint performance, therefore recommending to athletes and coaches alike. Literature Review Creatine Monohydrate: Background Creatine monohydrate is one of the most popular sporting supplements in the world today and is used by high school athletes, the elderly, professional and recreational athletes in the hope of improving physical performance (Bemben and Lamont, 2005). It is the most commonly available Cr supplement and the form primarily used in most research studies. Cr monohydrate comes in a number of forms including powder, tablets, gel, liquid, chewing gum and candy (Williams, Kreider and Branch, 1999, p.43). Greenhaff (1997) indicated powdered Cr, ingested with solution to have a quicker absorption rate at raising muscle Cr concentration than using Cr supplementation of a tablet form. Conversely Vuckovich and Michaelis (1999) reported no significant difference in absorption rate between the two different forms. Dosage methods The supplementation dosages of Cr can be broken down into two different phases, otherwise known as the loading phase and maintenance phase. The loading phase that is commonly used in research consists of ingesting daily, 20-30g of Cr in four equal doses of 5-7g dissolved in around 250ml of fluid interspersed throughout the course of the day (preferably morning, noon, afternoon and evening) for a period of 5 to 7 days (Greenhaff, 1997; Kreider, 1997). Hultman et al (1996) utilised a less intense loading method of 3g/day for 28 days and proposed it to be just as effective as the aforementioned loading protocol. However this method places a longer dependency on subjects to comply with the supplementation program, therefore placing more variables into the reliability of results. Following the loading phase, maintenance dosages are considerably lower. Most research investigating the effects of Cr using the maintenance phase, have utilised dosages of 3 to 15g over a 4 to 10 week period (Bemben et al., 2001; Kreider et al., 1998; Stone et al., 1999; Vandenberghe et al., 1997). It is recommended to consume Cr with warm water, as it facilitates the dissolving of the solution and also aid absorption (Harris et al., 1992). It should also be noted that the ingestion of caffeine during Cr supplementation eradicates its potential ergogenic effect (Vandenberghe et al., 1996; Van Leemputte, Vanstapel Hespel, 1997). Vandenberghe et al (1996) demonstrated that a control group that ingested Cr combined with caffeine to have a lessened ergogenic potential compared to a group that ingested Cr without caffein e during repeated bouts of high intensity exercise. Side effects There is no conclusive scientific evidence to suggest that Cr ingestion has any negative side effects utilising the proposed dosage methods ( Larson et al., 1998; Schroder, Terrados Tramullas, 2005). There is further evidence to support this as Kreider et al (1999) found no negative side effects in athletes who had been ingesting Cr for up to 3 years. Poortmans and Francaux (1999) demonstrated similar findings for athletes for taking Cr for up to 5 years. Only undocumented anecdotal reports have reported any adverse negative side effects through Cr supplementation, this includes gastrointestinal distress, muscle cramping and dehydration (Associated press 1997, 1998). Taking dehydration into consideration such anecdotal research can be scrutinised. Oopik, Timpmann and Medijainen, (1995) demonstrated that Cr supplementation increased body mass, while also reporting increases in total body water. Such findings signify that Cr supplementation may prevent dehydration rather than be a cause, due to the fact it can promote water retention. Cr supplementation has been demonstrated to increase body mass by up to 2kg over an acute period of time (Balsom et al., 1995; Becque et al., 1997). This could be recognised as a negative side effect for athletes that compete in weight control sports, as Cr ingestion may impede their ability to make regulated weight in a forthcoming event. This gives a consensus that athletes in such activities need to be made aware that although Cr can promote gains in strength and power, it can increase body mass. Physiology of Soccer Soccer players are frequently required to produce high power outputs and maintain of repeat them with only a few seconds of recovery (Reilly and Thomas, 2003). This includes intermittent bouts of kicking, tackling, turning, sprinting, changing pace and maintaining balance and control of the ball whilst under pressure from an opponent (Wisloff, Helgerud Hoff, 1998). To gain a scientific perspective of the different physiological demands of soccer performance, match and time motion analysis have been utilised (Bangsbo, 1994). This analysis has allowed researchers to determine the overall workload of players during a 90 minute match by calculating total distance covered, and the pattern of activities performed during a game (e.g. sprinting, cruising, walking etc). Movement patterns of Soccer It is estimated that the total distance covered during a 90 minute soccer match varies from 8.7km to 11.5km ( Bangsbo Lindquist, 1992; Ekblom, 1986; Ohashi et al., (1988); Reilly and Thomas, 1976; 1988; Rampini et al., 2007; Wade, 1962). The large variance in distances covered are due in part to the differing styles of play, levels of competition and skill level of the teams that were utilised (Luxbacher, 1997). Reilly (1994) documented the different activity patterns of elite outfield players from the English top division and other major national leagues in Europe and Japan using different methods of match analysis. Results found that a 90 minute match consists of 24% walking, 36% jogging, 20% cruising sub maximally (striding), 11% sprinting, 7% moving backwards and 2% moving in possession of the ball. The categories of sprinting and cruising are defined as high intensity exercise. In terms of distances covered the ratio of low intensity exercise to high intensity exercise during a soccer match is 7 to 1 denoting that the outlay of energy for soccer is predominately aerobic ( Reilly and Thomas, 1976). However the importance for high intensity bouts during soccer match play should not be underestimated. The timing of such a bout could be the defining factor of a game whether in possession of the ball or without the ball. Although work-rate profiles are relatively consistent for players from game to game it is the high intensity exercise which is the most constant feature (Bangsbo, 1994). The number of sprints reported in a soccer game varies greatly from 17 to 62 (Bangsbo et al., 1991; Mohr, Krustrup Bangsbo, 2003). This variance is largely determined by the positional role of the player. Findings by Reilly (1996) demonstrated that midfielders and strikers completed more sprinting bouts than centre backs or full backs therefore relying more on the anaerobic energy system. However if there is not a prolonged recovery period or an individual is not properly conditioned they will not subsequently recovery from high intensity bouts of exercise and fatigue will occur (Reilly, 1996). This is evident as Reilly (1996, p.72) documented that the majority of goals conceded during a soccer match occurred in the final ten minutes of play. A popular theory for this occurrence has been found to be mental fatigue or lapses in concentration from defenders (Reilly, 1996, p.72). However this can theory can be scrutinised as research found that the onset of fatigue in intermittent exercise such as soccer is caused by low muscle glycogen stores (Balsom et al., 1999). Acute Cr supplementation and sprint performance in team sports Athletes in team sports such as soccer, rugby, hockey and American football are required to repeatedly reproduce intermittent bouts of high intensity exercise with minimal recovery. Being able to consistently reproduce such bouts at maximal ability (e.g. sprinting, jumping, running backwards) could be the deciding factor in competition to gain that extra edge of an opponent. During high intensity exercise of an intermittent nature the main contributor of energy is PCr (Williams, Kreider Branch, 1999, p29). Depletion of PCr stores during high intensity exercise has been found to be a factor which has lead to a decline in athletic performance (Hultman, Bergstrom and McLennan-Anderson, 1967). Through the supplementation of Cr, it hypothesised that PCr stores are replenished at a faster rate therefore improving an athletes ability to recover and perform intermittent high intensity bouts of exercise, leading to improved athletic performance (Greenhaff et al, 1993). There have been various studies that have tested this hypothesis by investigating the ergogenic effect of acute Cr supplementation on sprint performance of athletes in team sports (Ahmun et al., 2005; Cornish, Chilibeck Burke, 2006; Izquierdo et al., 2001; Kocak Karli, 2003; Romer et al., 2001; Vandebuerie et al., 1998). However the aforementioned studies have contrasting findings with a quantity of studies finding a significant improvement in sprint performance through Cr supplementation (Izquierdo et al., 2001; Romer et al., 2001; Vandebuerie et al., 1998). On the contrary other studies have found no significant improvements in sprint performance through acute Cr ingestion (Ahmun et al., 2005; Cornish, Chilibeck Burke, 2006; Kocak Karli, 2003). Ahmun et al., (2005) investigated the ergogenic effect of Cr on sprint performance in male rugby players. For this study a Wingate test protocol was utilised prior and post Cr supplementation. Findings of this study were that there was no significant improvement in maximal cycle sprints through Cr ingestion. However in contrast Izquierdo et al., (2001) found that acute Cr supplementation improved sprint times in male hand ball players. For this study subjects were either assigned Cr or placebo over a 5 day period. The protocol that was utilised consisted of repeated sprint runs that were consistent with sprint distances achieved during handball match play. One issue that could have had a determining factor of the non significant results found by Ahmun et al (2005) is the protocol that was utilised. A Wingate test was utilised to test the sprint performance in rugby players, however the relevance of a Wingate test to measure rugby performance is not sports specific there scrutinising the validity of the results. In contrast Izquierdo et al (2001) utilised a protocol which successfully replicated distances found in handball match play therefore maintaining validity. Ahmun et al (2005) also failed to incorporate a dietary analysis into the experimental design of the protocol, therefore whether or not Cr stores within the subjects utilised were full cannot be determined, which gives rationale for results showing no significant improvement. In contrast Izquierdo et al (2001) implemented a dietary examination of subjects that were utilised; this was initiated to determine whether any subjects had ingested Cr or any ergogenic aids prior to baseline testing. This assisted with maintaining validity during research. This can be supported by Romer et al (2001) and Vandebuerie et al (1998) who utilised a protocol containing a dietary analysis and concluded a significant improvement in sprint times within subjects. Cr supplementation and Soccer performance Given the intermittent physical demands of soccer, which requires players to produce high power outputs and maintain or repeat them with only a few seconds of recovery, (Reilly and Williams, 2003) it seems feasible that soccer players would benefit from the supplementation of Cr as an ergogenic aid to improve their overall performance. However research that has investigated the effect on acute Cr supplementation on different variables of soccer performance and predominately sprint performance utilising a soccer simulation protocol is limited (Ostojic, 2004; Mujika et al 2000; Cox et al 2002). The Aforementioned studies have primarily focused on the effects of Cr supplementation on highly trained athletes that are competing at a high standard of competition. However no previous research has looked into the effects of acute Cr supplementation on amateur soccer players. Being as though Cr monohydrate is an immensely popular ergogenic aid not only among professional athletes but also amateur and recreational athletes, the benefit to amateur athletes needs to recognised. Previous research that has looked into the effects of acute Cr supplementation on soccer players using a soccer simulation protocol is discussed below. Ostojic (2004) examined the effects of acute Cr supplementation (3 x 10g doses for 7 days) on 20 young male soccer players (16.6 Â ± 1.9 years). For the testing procedure a double blind method was used and where subjects were either administered either Cr or placebo. Subjects completed two separate trials prior and post to Cr or placebo. The testing procedure consisted of a number of soccer specific skill tests which included a dribble test, sprint-power test, endurance test and a vertical jump test. Results found that there was a significant improvement in a number of the soccer specific tests; this includes superior improvements in sprint times, vertical jump scores and the dribble test. However no significant improvements were made on endurance performance after the two trials. Although a significant improvement was found in vertical jump performance, it is of concern to future researchers to whether the vertical jump test that was utilised during the design is a soccer specific test. During the test subjects were instructed to keep their trunk as straight as possible whilst keeping their hands on their hips to avoid contribution from the arms which doesnt successfully replicate jumping movements in soccer therefore questioning the validity of the vertical jump test as to whether or not it is a measure of soccer specific performance. The age of the subjects in this research can also be scrutinised. Eichner, King, Myhal, Prentice and Ziegenfuss (1999) confirmed that there was insufficient research to determine the acute and chronic side effects of Cr consumption in athletes under the age of 18 therefore places the subjects which were used in the mentioned study under possible risk. Eichner et al (1999) also highlighted that Cr supplementation in young athletes could have a possible degradation of ethics, by where a win at all costs mentality is fostered and an attitude by where ergogenic aids are necessary to win, which is the wrong message to be installing in young athletes. Likewise Mujika, Padilla, Ibanez, Izquerido and Gorostiaga (2000) concluded acute Cr supplementation (20g a day x 6 days) significantly improved sprint performance and found no significant improvement in endurance performance using a soccer simulation protocol. Mujika et al (2000) also documented no increase in vertical jump performance using a similar protocol to Ostojic (2004) which has minimal significance in a soccer simulation study. Mujika et al (2000) tested 19 elite male soccer players who at the time of investigation were highly trained, however only 17 fully completed the testing due to illness or injury. The protocol for this investigation consisted of a circuit of different exercises which consisted of a repeated sprint test (5 and 15m), vertical jump test and an intermittent endurance test. Findings in this study concluded that mean sprint times improved significantly (p This de-training effect is evident for the vertical jump test as no significant improvement between the two trials was found. However if there was a significant de training effect it would have had negative consequences on other testing variables such as sprint performance, this however is not the case as sprint performance significantly improved. Mujika et al (2000) should have took into consideration a possible detraining effect when devising the experimental design as this could have negatively affect the validity of the results. Cox, Mujika, Tumilty and Burke (2002) devised a study which tested Cr supplementation (20g a day) or placebo (20g glucose a day) on 14 elite female soccer players from the Australian institute of sport (AIS) using a soccer simulated protocol. The experimental design consisted of two trials before and after Cr or placebo over a 6 day period. The protocol consisted of fifty five 20m sprints, ten agility runs and a precision ball kicking drill which are separated by recovery walks, jogs and runs. The main findings in this study were that the average 20m sprint time in the Cr group decreased from 3.75 Â ± 0.19 to 3.69 Â ± 0.18s however this decrease in sprint time failed to reach the statistical significance level (p Cox et al (2002) also incorporated a standardised training regime and a controlled diet for the intervention week and also scheduled testing so that it would occur at the same time of day before and after supplementation. In contrast Mujika et al (2000) failed to utilise effective standardised procedures during their experimental design. As previously mentioned Mujika et al (2000) testing procedures took place 3 days after the subjects season had finished therefore training was not standardised due to the fact that subjects had no organised training sessions during the intervention week. Mujika et al (2000) also lacked a familiarisation trial, subjects were only familiarised with the testing procedures prior to arriving for the 1st trial which could substantially affect the results. However although Cox et al (2000) standardised procedures by included a controlled diet for the subjects, it is interesting to note that one of the subjects was a vegetarian, whos Cr content is virtually zero (Greenhaff, 1997). Research has found that vegetarians respond quicker and more effectively to Cr supplementation than those who follow a normal sedentary diet and have natural muscle creatine content (Burke, Chilibeck, Parise, Candow, Mahoney Tamopolsky., 2003; Watt, Garnham Snow, 2004) therefore scrutinising the validity of the results. It may be of future reference to eradicate vegetarians in a experimental design which utilises Cr supplementation due to the diet implications that vegetarians have. Soccer Simulation performance tests To date there has been a number of soccer simulation performance tests which have been utilised to assess and measure different physiological aspects of the game (Bangsbo and Lindquist, 1992; Cox, 2002; Drust, Reilly and Cable, 2000; Nicholas, Nuttall and Williams, 2000). These protocols have been implemented so that they take into consideration different aspects of soccer performance and try to replicate the exercise patterns that are observed during match play, however due to the spontaneity of the soccer it is difficult to assess every physical or metabolic demand (Drust, Reilly and Cable, 2000). Researchers have used different protocols when investigating the metabolic and physical demands of soccer, these can documented into laboratory based protocols (Drust, Reilly and Cable, 2000; Thatcher and Batterham, 2004) and field based protocols (Bangsbo and Lindquist, 1992; Cox, 2002; Nicholas et al 2000). Laboratory based soccer performance protocols Drust, Reilly and Cable (2000) devised a laboratory based protocol on a motorised treadmill what represented the work rates that are observed during soccer match play. For the experimental design 7 male university soccer players (24 Â ± 2 years) were used and the testing consisted of three separate testing blocks which were separated by 6 days. The protocol consisted of the different exercise intensities that are utilised during soccer match play; this consisted of walking, jogging, cruising and sprinting. The speeds at which these exercises were performed on the treadmill were consistent with speeds observed by Van Gool, Van Gervan and Boutmans (1988) during a match analysis. Each testing block consisted of two 22.5 minute cycles which consisted of 23 bouts which were followed by a recovery period of 71 seconds. During each bout the duration of each activity was as follows: walking 35 seconds (s), jogging 50.3s, cruising 51.4s and sprinting 10.5s. However in relevance to this research project it should be noted that the duration covered during the sprint bouts of the protocol of Drust, Reilly and Cable (2000) which is 10.5s does not successfully coincide with match analysis from several soccer studies that have documented the duration of sprint bouts during soccer match play. Research has found that the average sprint time during soccer match play lasts between on average two to four seconds in duration (Bangsbo, Norregard Thorso,1991; Mayhew and Wenger, 1985) therefore concluding in some instances Drust, Reilly and Cables (2000) laboratory based soccer specific protocol can be deemed as in valid as it fails to accurately replicate different soccer performance variables that take place in match play. Another lab based test that was utilised to measure specific variables in soccer performance was devised by Thatcher and Batterham (2004). For this protocol six male professional soccer players were used and the testing consisted of 29 minute exercise bouts on a non motorised treadmill that focused on replicating different speeds, durations, distances and heart rates that occur during soccer match play. Findings from this study suggest that the protocol that was utilised induced a similar physiological load to soccer match play and can be determined as a valid measure of soccer performance. Although lab based soccer specific protocols have been found to replicate some instances of soccer performance it is of consideration of this research project that the limitations and positives of such protocols be noted. The aforementioned lab based failed to perform a re-test procedure to conclude whether their protocols maintained reliability therefore the amount of error in each protocol cannot be determined. Another limitation of lab based testing is that due to tests being performed on treadmills, this limits the subjects to straight-line running only, therefore does not take into consideration lateral movements and agility patterns, which have found to be major characteristics of soccer performance (Bangsbo and Lindquist, 1992). These unorthodox movement patterns need to be taken into consideration when assessing soccer performance as they increase energy expenditure significantly (Nicholas et al., 2000). One positive aspect of lab based protocols are that procedures such as a ir temperature, equipment utilised and humidity can be easily standardised to remain constant throughout performance testing. Field Tests Nicholas et al (2000) devised the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle test (LIST) to simulate the activity patterns during a game of soccer. The LIST consisted of two separate stages which were known as part A and part B. Part A lasted 70 minutes and consisted of five 15 minute exercise pe