The Role of Civil Engineering Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Role of Civil Engineering - Research Paper Example Finally, I will attempt to examine the future of civil engineering and connect it with some aspects of my life and the world. What Civil Engineers Do â€Å"Civil engineers design and supervise the construction of a variety of structures. They work on bridges, dams, tunnels, highways, airstrips, water supply and sewage systems and other structures† (Ferguson 128). Basically, civil engineering is the branch of engineering that is responsible for the building of structures in a given society. Civil engineering ensures that appropriate housing and infrastructure are set up to support the population of a given community. Civil engineering involves numerous activities that are connected to the building of these structures. There are structural matters which involve the evaluation of land/environment and analysis of the most appropriate structure that could be set up in that area. This involves various forms of scientific measurements like surveying and calculations which provides an overview of what and how a given building or structure could be set up in a given place. Water resource engineering is another aspect of civil engineering. This involves the use of science and principles of engineering to build structures that will enable the society to benefit from these water resources or reduce their disruption. The former involves the building of dams and irrigation systems to ensure that water resources are used for the optimum results of the society. The latter involves the creation of dykes and canals to ensure that human beings can be protected from the effects of waterbodies and have good and productive social and commercial lives. Another aspect of civil engineering is construction. Construction involves the building of houses and other commercial structures that are meant to provide shelter for people. This involves the scientific use of building materials to provide the best of services. Transport infrastructure is another important aspect of civil engi neering. Civil engineering leads to the creation of roads, bridges and harbors to ensure that people can move from one point to the other in the most convenient way. Also, environmental optimization is an important component of civil engineering. Civil engineers play â€Å"... two main roles: building/managing infrastructure and sustaining environmental resources† (Grigg 2). This means that the civil engineer is trained to set up structures that are sensitive to the natural environment and the natural habitat. This means that they have a responsibility to build structures that provide the best options for humans as well as other living organisms like plants, animals and fishes. In practice, civil engineers are involved in estimating construction costs and specifying materials to be used. They prepare surveys and apply scientific knowledge to building. Benefits of Civil Engineering to the World In each generation, civil engineers design products, processes and systems and inco rporate technology (Crawley et al 7). Historically, people have always wanted to improve their lives by building settlements to create fulfilling lives. This desire led to the establishment of the first human settlements. The earliest settlements used contemporary technology to design and build structures that provided the kind of livelihood that they wanted. Elements of civil engineering was used in each of these generations. The earliest roles of

Is poverty a human rights violations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Is poverty a human rights violations - Essay Example Poverty cannot be realistically or morally confined within the convectional parameters such as living under less than dollar a day as is the trend. Sane criticizes these ceiling and claims that their very existence in a way seems to legitimize and justify the existence of poverty (3). While governments are supposed to strive to achieve the millennium development goals in regard to halving poverty in the world, they needs must take cognizance of the fact that this goals justify the very existence of poverty which is in contradiction of all moral and human principles. In his quest to classify poverty as a human rights violation, Sane creates and systematic irrevocable connection between poverty and the five families of human rights, he argues that poverty invariably violates social rights and to a various extent all the other classes of human rights. By his reasoning, poverty is without doubt just as serious as genocide and political crimes; however, since these two are considered ille gal and against human rights, governments and international communities take it as their onus to expedite their elimination to whatever extent they can with a remarkable, albeit not complete success. When human beings are disenfranchised of any or one of all their social, cultural political or economic rights, poverty inevitably gains ingress into their life, therefore as long as individuals and communities are deprived of their basic human rights, poverty inevitably results (Sane 3). Governments are tasked with the responsibly of ensuring the welfare of their citizens, therefore in every society or state where poverty exists the government can be viewed as having failed in its mandate of protecting its citizenry. Poverty is just like any other injustice and atrocity that faces humanity; consequently, at the end of the day in the self-same way the state rushes to protect its people from epidemics such as floods or violence, it should mobilize support against the scourge of poverty. By considering the existence of poverty as a violation of human rights, the steps towards the development of a lasting solution can be taken from local and international perspectives. The elimination of poverty can only commence if its perception as a natural qualitative or qualitative shortfall is radically changed, this way, the political will and by extension means to tackle it will be galvanized into action. Sane makes a bold claim to the effect that poverty should be abolished, this comes off initially as a naive point and the writer admits that much, nevertheless he argues that the notion should not be dismissed on the basis of face value. Poverty can be abolished but for this to happen the lenses through which society considers it were to undergo a radical change, to this end, poverty should not be seen as passive condition a deplorable consequence of the struggle for limited resources. Instead it should be seen as a systematic and enduring violation of hum rights therefore a nd injustice that required expedient redress (Sane 3). By virtue of the fact that human rights are universal and the bodies charged with the task of enforcing them such as the UN have global latitude automatically makes poverty a global issue. Nevertheless, despite the fact that globalization is popularly perceive as a progressive concept but global corporates and governments use it to conceal their sinister agenda under euphemism such as free trade (Klein 247). Through

Peace order in country Essay Example for Free

Peace order in country Essay There are three types of peace orders: Interim peace orders. If you wish to file for a peace order but the district court clerk’s office is closed, you can file for an interim order by going to the nearest District Court commissioner. If the commissioner believes that you have been abused by the person you are filing against and that the abuser is likely to abuse you again in the future, s/he may issue an interim peace order.* An interim peace order goes into effect once the respondent is served by a law enforcement officer. *1 The interim peace order lasts until a judge holds a temporary peace order hearing or until the end of the second business day that the court clerk’s office is open after the interim peace order is issued, whichever comes sooner. If the court is closed on the day on which the interim peace order is due to expire, the interim peace order will be effective until the next day on which the court is open, at which time the court shall hold a temporary peace order hearing.*2 The interim peace order has to include the date for the temporary peace order hearing, and a tentative date for the final peace order hearing.*3 Note: Even if you are denied an interim peace order, you can still apply for a temporary or final peace order.*4 Temporary peace orders. When you go to court during normal court hours to file for a final peace order, you can ask for a temporary peace order, which can be issued the same day. If the judge believes that you have been abused by the person you are filing against and that the abuser is likely to abuse you again in the future, s/he may issue a temporary peace order. This order can be issued with or without the abuser present.*5 The order is effective when it is served.*6 The temporary order is in effect for up to 7 days after service of the order unless the court is closed on the day on which the temporary peace order is due to expire. In that case, the temporary peace order shall be effective until the second day on which the court is open, by which time the court should hold a final peace order hearing. However, the judge may extend the temporary order to allow for service of the order or for another good reason, but not to more than 30 days.*7 Note: If the respondent is at the hearing, the judge may go ahead and hold a hearing for a final peace order instead of a temporary one if you and the respondent agree to this.*8 Final peace orders. The respondent has the opportunity to be present at the final peace order hearing. If the judge believes that you have been abused by the person you are filing against and that the abuser is likely to abuse you again in the future, s/he may issue a final peace order, which can last for up to 6 months.*9 As of October 2011, peace orders can be extended.*10 See Can I modify, cancel or extend my peace order? for more information.

Low Cost Leadership Strategy

Low Cost Leadership Strategy In the world of businesses today, every organization definitely needs information systems in their way of doing business. Laudon and Laudon define information system as a set of interrelated components that retrieve, process, store and distribute the information to support the decision making in an organization. In fact, those who acquire a decent information system would eliminate those who dont have to fight against it. The ever changing world of information technology brings new challenges for every organization to set up an information system that would provide numerous advantages. According to Laudon and Laudon (2009), there are six main reasons why business are investing millions of dollar in information system and technologies, among them are operational excellence; new products, services, and business models; customer and supplier intimacy; improved decision making; competitive advantage and last but not least, survival. Therefore, Aalsmeer Flower Auction (will be known as Aalsmeer throughout the research paper) who is encountering several problems would need the help of information system to overcome the problems. 2.0 Information strategy 2.1 Analysis of current situation Aalsmeer is facing threats from various sources and should utilize the information technology today in defending their business. Laudon and Laudon (2009) believe that the more successfully a firm can align the information technology with business goals, the more profitable it will be. Apart from that, business people who claim themselves do not understand information technology will pay a hefty price in poor performance (Laudon and Laudon, 2009). In the market today, electronic driven flower market is becoming more and more dominant than the traditional way of doing business. Besides, the competitive environments among the retailers encourage them to merge and forming a larger company with an increased in demanding power. Indeed, they are demanding fresher products, more varieties, smaller quantities and multiple deliveries and this inevitably exert pressures on Aalsmeer who needs to change their way of doing business in order to survive. It is advisable for Aalsmeer to adopt a new strategy for the organization to achieve their business objectives and ensure competitive advantage in the industry. The objectives of Aalsmeer at the moment are: Enable innovation for the business processing methods Redefine the value chain to reduce transaction costs Integrate smoothly with wholesalers and retailers Increase the market share to increase profit 2.2 Low-cost leadership strategy After examine the current situation of Aalsmeer, low-cost leadership strategy is undoubtedly the most suitable for the company now. Low-cost leadership strategy is centered on the capability of Aalsmeer to produce and deliver the products of high quality at low costs. A company having low-cost leadership when extends its value to customers expectation, can further strengthen its strategic position in the market place, (Alagse, n.d). In fact, information systems could be use to lower the operational costs and hence, lower prices for the customers. The typical example is Wal-Mart, which is a company continuously relies heavily on information system to reduce costs and this leads them to one of the largest profitable company. They replenish the products as soon as the customers make payments at the cashier. The computers collect information from the stores and send it to suppliers and therefore, Wal-Mart does not need to spend large amount of money on maintaining large inventories. Aalsmeer offer relatively standardized products with features that are acceptable to customers; in other words, with minimum differentiation at the lowest competitive price. In addition, Aalsmeer who are suggested to follow a low-cost leadership strategy need to maintain constant efforts aimed at lowering their costs, but yet creating values for the customers. Such efforts include investing in technologies, establishing tight control of production and overhead costs, minimizing the cost of sales and services. Specifically, investing technologies means to develop a new information system for Aalsmeer to achieve the objectives stated earlier which would be discuss later on this proposal. Implementing the strategy means Aalsmeer must consider its value chain of primary and secondary activities and effectively link them to be successful. The critical focus now is to increase the efficiency of how the business process. In detail, processes and procedures of selling flowers to customers must be simplified, achieving efficiency and effectiveness and last but not least, monitoring the cost of activities provided by others that interface with the companys inbound and outbound logistics. For instance, the delivery travel costs. Moreover, when Aalsmeer successfully implements the low-cost leadership strategy, it can still obtain a high return even when the Porters five competitive forces are strong. Porters five forces Explanation Traditional competitors When Aalsmeer is offering the lowest cost in the market, the competitors will undoubtedly consider competing in a price war, and even if it does, Aalsmeer will still continue to earn profit after the competitors compete away their profits. Customers If there is any customers tends to drive prices below the cost of the next most efficient company, that company might choose to exit the market and leaves the low-cost company with a monopoly position. Therefore, customers would lose bargaining powers when that happens since low-cost company would be in a position that has power to raise the prices. New market entrants Aalsmeer who successfully utilize the low-cost strategy generally will sell in large volume to earn high profit. This indirectly creates a barrier for the new entrants who need to enter the industry at large scale (large enough to achieve the same economies of scale with low-cost company). Suppliers Once Aalsmeer achieve the lowest cost in the market, it enables them to absorb a greater amount of cost increases from suppliers before it must raise prices charged to customers. Moreover, Aalsmeer who will be dominating the market may force the suppliers to hold down the level of price increases, reducing the power of suppliers. Substitute products and services Aalsmeer, as a low-cost leader will be in a more attractive position relative to the substitutes. They could reduce prices to maintain the price-value relationship to retain customers from going to the electronic driven market. 2.3 Enterprise Resource Planning The information system that is suggested for Aalsmeer would be the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), which can be define as a set of integrated programs capable of managing a companys vital business operations for an entire multi-site, global organization. ERP attempts to integrate the key business processes of an entire firm into a single software system that allows information to flow seamlessly throughout the organization. For instance, the transactions with customers and flower growers. Indeed, the key to ERP is real time monitoring of business functions, which allows timely analysis of key issues such as quality, availability, customer satisfaction, performance and availability. It is a set of integrated software modules and a central database that enable data to be shared by many different business processes and functional units throughout the enterprise (Curtis Cobham, 2005). Sources: extolcorp ERP functional units Financial and accounting The Aalsmeer is facing challenges from the electronically driven flower markets and due to this reason, it is vital for them to have a complete accounting system. All the transaction ought to be recorded quickly with no error or minimal error in order to let the other departments to take the next actions immediately. It also includes cash management and forecasting, credit management and financial reporting. It would gives Aalsmeer an edge if they could forecast the cash flow and make important decisions when necessary such as, stop buying stock of flowers when they flower markets are down in particular period. Human Resource Since consumers are demanding fresher products, more varieties and smaller quantities, the human resource definitely needs an information system that can divide the jobs to each employees from each department of the organization. Therefore, the company could satisfy the demands from the consumers. Besides, human resource process also involves performance management and travel expense reporting. The new system could do a performance analysis of the current situation and make necessary changes to it. Apart from that, the travel expenses such as petrol fees can be monitored closely to avoid any extra expenses being used. Manufacturing and production Whereas the manufacturing and production processes includes mainly the procurement process, which is the action of obtaining flowers at the operational level. As the problems stated, the growers are becoming more professional and starting to utilize the electronic way of selling their flowers. The system could manage the inventory effectively by not wasting any extra capital to rent the inventory, or having insufficient place to keep the flowers. This is to ensure the flowers are in good quality control and further strengthen the links between wholesalers and retailers when they actually get what is ideal for themselves. Supply Chain Management It is composed of three sub processes: demand planning, supply planning and demand fulfillment. Demand planning is to understand the customers buying patterns and then develop aggregate long-term or short term forecast of demand on the flowers. Whereas the supply planning includes the strategic inventory with distribution planning and demand fulfillment is to provide a fast, accurate and reliable delivery for customer orders. It also helps to determine what type of supplies is required, what quantities are needed to meet the demand, and how the shipments of supplies and products to customers are to be scheduled, monitored and controlled. Customer Relationship Management A system that helps in all aspects of customer encounters, including marketing and advertising, customer service after the sale and programs that retain loyal customers. Aalsmeer ought to understand the needs of current and potential customers to increase customer retention and loyalty, which leads to a bigger market share. With the processing system capturing data of every customer with the company, Aalsmeer would then know the best way to sell the flowers based on the analysis such as customer preference, time of purchasing, ways of purchasing and many more. This could ensure an increase in efficiency of the selling force and then, increase the productivity by focusing on the most profitable customers. 2.4 Advantages of ERP Agile manufacturing underpins the success of Smart car, DailerChryslers city car brand. Smart has successfully responded quickly to customer demands ever since they have adopted the ERP system from Baan, the Dutch software vendor (Geoff Nairn, 2003, as cited in Curtis Cobham, 2005). The optimized production is due to shorter processes but yet still came out with reliable products. Advantages Explanation Improvement of Work Process It ensures good work processes based on best practices which lead to increased efficiency. In this case, the ERP could helps in reducing costs for the organization, such as human resourcing or transaction cost. Besides, it eliminates the problem of synchronizing changes between multiple systems and provides a top-down view of the enterprise at anytime. Increase in Access to Data for Operational Decision Making The data is integrated from all the departments in the organization to provide excellent support for operational decision making. In addition, it allows the company to provide greater customer service and support, strengthen customer and supplier relationship, and also generates new business opportunities. The system connects the necessary software for accurate forecasting and this allows inventory levels to be kept at maximum efficiency. 3.0 Methodology 3.1 System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) Kay. R (2004) believes that System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a model created for an organization when adopting a new information system. In fact, SDLC is a sequential series of steps to build an information system and it is one of the most common development strategies. It is best to follow the SDLC which consists of five phases: system planning, system analysis, system design, system implementation, system operation and maintenance. The phases are interconnected by the inputs and outputs, and if the previous phase has poor outputs, the rest would be affected. 3.1.1 System Planning The first phase of SDLC is system planning, which happen when there is a request of a new system. Aalsmeer realizes that they need a new information strategy in order to remain strong player in the market. A preliminary investigation ought to be conducted to review the existing system and identify the problems. Indeed, a feasibility study could be carried out to identify whether the proposed new system is feasible to be implemented. If the new system is possible, practicable, reasonable and applicable in four main aspects, then the management should invest on it in order to get benefits in a long term. Aspects Why? Technical feasibility To determine whether a new IS can be developed with available technical resources. Does Aalsmeer Flower Auction have the hardware, software and equipments? Can it be developed with current technology? Economic feasibility To determine whether the new IS has a reasonable cost despite the changes it will brings Can Aalsmeer Flower Auction bear with the cost? Operational feasibility To determine if the new IS will be used effectively and efficiently after it is developed Are the changes to business operation minimal? Schedule feasibility To determine whether the new IS can be developed within an acceptable time frame? After conducting the feasibility test, Aalsmeer could then decide the actions to be taken based on the preliminary investigation report. 3.1.2 System Analysis Next, it is the system analysis phase, where the purpose is for Aalsmeer to learn how to improve the existing system, and then determine what the new system should do in order to achieve the goals. Therefore, the organization could find some facts about the current system, such as the strength and weakness of it and produce a report with what is required in the new system. Requirement Anticipation Requirement Specification Requirement Investigation In fact, Aalsmeer could gather the facts by study existing documentation, interview with employees, observation and questionnaire. Then, operational details and performance criteria need to be specified and examined, i.e. the speed of the ERP system after developed. After that, this phase carefully analyzes the information and then prepares a system requirement document which should include managements and users requirements, and recommended plan to develop the new ERP. 3.1.3 System Design This is the phase where after the management level has decided to develop a new system for the organization. A blueprint, which is a detailed plan that satisfied all requirements specified, needed to be develop at this phase. Aalsmeers management should discuss this with all the employees in order to develop a system that satisfies everyone. Programs related are written, tested and documented by the analyst. In addition, internal and external controls are to be designed to ensure the system would be reliable, accurate, maintainable at any time and secure. Lastly, this phase would end up with system design specification where the blueprint is presented to managements and the actual users for review and approval. 3.1.4 System Implementation At this phase, the developed ERP system will be installed in the organization. In addition, operational documentation and procedures of the new ERP system are prepared for the Aalsmeer employees. The employees would need to attend classes to be trained in order to utilize the system effectively. This is a phase of conversion from old system to new system. Indeed, the new system is a huge and complex one, so Aalsmeer could install the software step by step and therefore, it would not crash the whole system when some particular department has problem using it. Aalsmeer could create a legal contract that indicates the system is approved and will be signed by users and stakeholders (Stair Reynolds, 2008). A post-implementation system evaluation could be done to access the quality of the system. Apart from that, it is to examine whether the system operates ideally and are the costs and benefits within the earlier expectations. 3.1.5 System Maintenance This phase is an on-going process as the purpose is to support the operation of the system through proper maintenance, enhancement and protection. Under the maintenance process, any broken hardware is repaired or replaced to avoid any surprising break down. Besides that, the Aalsmeer needs to optimize the system to make the system run smoothly. For example, by compressing the data base, or delete the old and unused files. When there are any errors detected, modification should be done as soon as possible (Stair Reynolds, 2008). On the other hand, enhancement is needed at particular time interval to increase the system capability such as adding more hard disk space to store a large database of customer information. In addition, new functionalities and features could be added when there is a change in the ways of doing business. Lastly, the protection on the system to ensure it is not attacked by any virus or hackers. The firewall of the system is configured and monitored to minimize the chances of being attacked. Besides, backing up the database is definitely a good way to protect all the customer information which is private and confidential. King Stairs Software (n.d.) mentioned that a proper backup strategy is vital for business as well as personal users. 4.0 Impacts and effectiveness of ERP Systems changeover can be effected in some ways which not only has certain benefits, there will be drawbacks as well (Curtis Cobham, 2005). 4.1 Organization The purpose of this research is to identify a way for Aalsameer to strengthen itself in the market. It is believed that the company is able to reduce the operational cost, due to the effectiveness of the system to finish up the work in lesser time given. The new system would emphasize on the information technologies, where the large amount number of workers is no longer needed. Apart from that, the organization can offer lower cost compared to rivals. The ERP system enable the organization to fight with the electronically driven market and thus, accelerating the business growth. Besides, the budget saved can be use on the marketing campaign to promote the new system of organization to public, and thus, they would be well aware of the new operating business model. However, Aalsameer should consider whether the system supports the business objectives (OBrien Marakas, 2008). If the system does fully support the business objectives, it is worth to be invested even though they may face problems on capital, when hiring the system vendors to develop it. If the system does not support the objectives, Aalsmeer may need to re-consider the actions taken before. 4.2 Management Whereas for the management level, the reports statement such as invoice, can be generated through online now. It saves the time for everyone the processing time is cut down in a systematic way. To top it off, it reduces the workload easily and the burden of management level can be taken off. Therefore, it increases the efficiency of management level since they can rely on the ERP system more than before. By using a complete and efficient ERP system, it also reduces the error or mistake which could possibly occur when the work is done by human alone. The process of paper work simply becomes easier, simpler and faster for management and they could put more attention on other problems. For example, searching for more potential customers via new marketing communications. On the other hand, they can put more emphasis on matters that could possibly cut down the operational cost such as downsizing the number of workers in the organization. Since the organization is utilizing the ERP system now, it is possible to rely on the technology instead of human hand to do the work. However in reality, it may be difficult for the management to layoff the employees who may be had work for the company long time, but it is essential to make the decision as it benefits the organization, after all. 4.3 Employees Certainly, there would be several impacts on the employee of the organization, who is the direct users of the new ERP system. Firstly, it may create a chaos in them, where the new system would take over their position by terminating them. Besides, elderly employees who are not familiar with new technology, or not used to changes in working environment will definitely suffer in using ERP when the system is installed. Indeed, employees who are not good at adapting to the surrounding will face hardships this may create a negative environment in the organization. However, it is believed that after few months, they will eventually find themselves comfortable with the ERP. Moreover, the new system will ease the burden of the employees, and increase the time for them to focus on their work. For instance, they can provide a good and reliable quality of customer service which in long term, will bring up the reputation of Aalsmeer Flower Auction. Moreover, since the ordering and payment are all done online now, it simplifies the working process. Indeed, employee would be more ambitious in completing their tasks. 5.0 Conclusion All in all, Aalsmeer definitely needs a new information strategy as well as a new information system in order to achieve the business objectives. Ideas suggested to Aalsmeer are considered carefully and it is believed as the best way for the organization now. If Aalsmeer would to follow the proposal carefully, they would achieve the business objectives and make a success in the market today. References Books Curtis, G. Cobham, D., 2005. Business Information Systems. 5th ed. Edinburgh Gate: Pearson Education Limited Laudon, K.C. Laudon, J.P., 2007. Essentials of business Information Systems. 7th ed. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall. Laudon, K.C. Laudon, J.P., 2009. Essentials of management Information System. 8th ed. New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall. OBrien J.A. Marakas, G.M., 2008. Introduction to Information Systems. 14th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Stair, R.M. Reynolds, G.W., 2008. Principles of Information Systems: a managerial approach. 8th ed. Boston: Thomson Course Technology. Websites Alagse, n.d. Promoting through leadership . [Online] Available at: http://www.alagse.com/strategy/s10.php [Accessed 2 April 2010] Kay, R., 2002. QuickStudy: System Development Life Cycle. [Online] Available at: http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/71151/System_Development_Life_Cycle [Accessed 5 April 2010] King Stairs Software, n.d. The importance of backup. [Online] Available at: http://www.kingstairs.com/articles/doc0003.html [Accessed 24 April 2010] Extol, 2006. Secured Enterprise Application. [Online] Available at: http://www.extolcorp.com/solution/sea_ecerp.html [Accessed 25 April 2010]

Blindness in Oedipus the King :: Oedipus Rex, Sophocles

â€Å"The blind man sees and the seeing man is blind.† To what extent is this true in Oedipus the King? â€Å"To be wise is to suffer.† Throughout this play we see that after Oedipus suffers and loses his eyesight it is only then he is able to seek the truth. When we are first introduced to Oedipus, he is a strong leader who is thoroughly respected by the people of Thebes. â€Å"O greatest of men.† Oedipus was the saviour of Thebes 15 years before he solved the riddle of the Sphinx which freed the city from the plague and death. Because of this act, he inherited the throne although when a new disaster threatened the prosperity of the city, the people of Thebes turned to Oedipus. â€Å"I grieve for you my children. Believe me; I know all that you desire of me, all that you suffer.† Oedipus learns that there is an â€Å"unclean thing† which is polluting their soil. He declares punishment to this thing that if he owns up now then his punishment will not be harsh but if he conceals the truth and it later outed then nothing will save him. â€Å"No matter who he may be, he is forbidden shelter or intercourse with any man.† After declaring this punishment, Oedipus is approached by Teiresias, a frail, blind prophet who says that Oedipus is the â€Å"cursed polluter of this land.† Oedipus is horrified by this accusation and mocks the blind prophet. Later on in the play, we see that Oedipus becomes the figure he once mocked. At the beginning, we are informed that Oedipus has murdered his father and married his mother. Throughout the play, we observe how Oedipus is completely oblivious to this knowledge and we are able to watch how he learns about the truth. As he follows the path to his destruction he becomes aware of the truth. Upon learning that he has killed his father and married his mother, Oedipus gouges out his eyes and makes himself blind. He feels that if he kills himself then he must face his mother/wife and father in heaven and he does not have the strength to do so. Blindness in Oedipus the King :: Oedipus Rex, Sophocles â€Å"The blind man sees and the seeing man is blind.† To what extent is this true in Oedipus the King? â€Å"To be wise is to suffer.† Throughout this play we see that after Oedipus suffers and loses his eyesight it is only then he is able to seek the truth. When we are first introduced to Oedipus, he is a strong leader who is thoroughly respected by the people of Thebes. â€Å"O greatest of men.† Oedipus was the saviour of Thebes 15 years before he solved the riddle of the Sphinx which freed the city from the plague and death. Because of this act, he inherited the throne although when a new disaster threatened the prosperity of the city, the people of Thebes turned to Oedipus. â€Å"I grieve for you my children. Believe me; I know all that you desire of me, all that you suffer.† Oedipus learns that there is an â€Å"unclean thing† which is polluting their soil. He declares punishment to this thing that if he owns up now then his punishment will not be harsh but if he conceals the truth and it later outed then nothing will save him. â€Å"No matter who he may be, he is forbidden shelter or intercourse with any man.† After declaring this punishment, Oedipus is approached by Teiresias, a frail, blind prophet who says that Oedipus is the â€Å"cursed polluter of this land.† Oedipus is horrified by this accusation and mocks the blind prophet. Later on in the play, we see that Oedipus becomes the figure he once mocked. At the beginning, we are informed that Oedipus has murdered his father and married his mother. Throughout the play, we observe how Oedipus is completely oblivious to this knowledge and we are able to watch how he learns about the truth. As he follows the path to his destruction he becomes aware of the truth. Upon learning that he has killed his father and married his mother, Oedipus gouges out his eyes and makes himself blind. He feels that if he kills himself then he must face his mother/wife and father in heaven and he does not have the strength to do so.

Man Hath Known No Fury Like A Woman Scorned :: essays research papers

Man Hath Known No Fury Like a Woman Scorned   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Women are often referred to as the weaker sex. Don't say this to one of the women you’re about to read about. There are over 3000 people on death row in the United States. 42 are women. Is it that women are morally better or is it that they are better at getting away with it? The stories you are about to read deal with women who, if you saw them on the street, you would think they were perfect citizens, but they are cold hearted murderers. Thanks to Forensic Techniques we are taking these kinds of people off the street.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Three women, three murders. The first woman called the cops one night saying that there had been a horrible accident and she had shot her husband in the head. She told the story of the horrible accident to the police. They believed her. She said that when she was sleeping in her bed she heard a sound so she reached for the gun that her husband kept under the pillow for protection. When she was pulling it out she hit the trigger firing a bullet into the back of her husband’s head. She said it was a horrible accident and she couldn't believe it had happened.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The second woman was a woman in her 60s who was married to a well-known Reverend. One day she called in saying her husband was in bad shape and he was very sick. The ambulance came and got him and brought him to the hospital. He almost died but the doctors were able to keep him alive. His wife would bring cookies and other food to her husband.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The third case was a very strange case. Troopers found the body of an insurance salesman that had been missing for some time. The strange part was that the man was shot twice but there was no evidence left at all. There was no bullet casings or any fingerprints. The only thing they had was that they could tell the bullet holes were made by a shotgun and the tire tracks of a car. They questioned the man’s wife but still no clues were found. Then a few days later the police got an anonymous call giving a description of the man who had been talking about killing this man and where he worked. The men who killed the man were brought in and they confessed to the murder.

Thistles by Ted Hughes. Question: Critically analyse the poem

Question: Critically analyse the poem, paying attention to diction & imagery, showing how they are effective in describing thistles. P : Thistles are described as if they were nature's avengers. Q : Thistles ‘spike' ‘Against the rubber tongues of cows and the hoeing hands of man & ‘†¦a revengeful burs of resurrection' R : Thistles inflict pain towards ‘the hoeing hands of men' which gives readers the spa image of men destroying the plants in the soil  with a hoe, perhaps for the unnecessary need for urbanization and other recreational purposes. It seems that the thistles are punishing man for destroying nature. Even though the ‘cows' mentioned somewhat destroy plants, or to be specific, grass for it is their staple food, they seem to not be a part of the ones punished for their rubber tongues' gives the image of a lifeless tongue where it does not feel pain, having the qualities of rubber- lifeless and feeling nothing. Hence, the thistles are described as avengers for those who abuse and destroy nature for unnecessary wants. It seems as if avenging is the purpose of the thistles' existence and for their resurrection- the phrase ‘a revengeful burst of resurrection seems to give the image of revenge, powering the process of resurrecting the thistles. Hence, the suggested reason for their existence and their behavior in punishing men describes them as if they are nature's â€Å"avengers†. P : Despite being described as â€Å"nature's avengers†, they seem to have an evil side that is abeing brought alive by what could be perceived as the evil present in the world as represented by – â€Å"underground stain of a Viking†. Q : â€Å"From the underground stain of a decayed Viking†, † the gutturals of dialects† & space every one manages a plume of blood†. R : Readers get the impression that thistles are being brought to life ‘From the spaceunderground stain of a decayed Viking'. Now, a Viking is a monstrous, wild and spaceevil legendary barbarian and the fact that its remnants are absorbed in the growth of spacethistles could suggest that evil is being transferred to them as seen from their evil spaceacts or purpose in trying to hurt innocent animals (‘cows'), men and even plague the space'summer air'. Also, it seems as though the spirits of the dead Vikings are spacewhispering to the growing thistles with ‘the gutturals of dialects' perhaps to impart spacetheir evil nature and character. It is seen that after being grown amongst the space spac ‘decayed Viking' and taking its essence (like fertilizer from a dead animal) and after spacebeing imparted of the Viking's evil nature, the next line that comes shows that evil spaceis being put into action where Every one manages a plume of blood'. R : Furthermore, it seems as though thistles began and end with the presence of blood- spac'From the underground stain of a decayed Viking' they grow and before growing spac'grey like men', ‘Everyone manages a plume of blood'. Hence, this parasite-like spacebehavior gives thistles an evil character for it thrives and is brought alive with blood spaceand that it's suggested sole purpose in life is to hurt those alive (to get ‘a plume of spaceblood') for that is the only thing that they seem to do in the poem before dying. In spaceaddition to that, ‘blood' or rather, bleeding is associated with being caused by pain spaceand those who thrive on it is said to be somewhat inhumane and evil, like thistles. P : Thistles have the characteristics of a Viking, perhaps because they absorb the spaceremnants and essence of Vikings. Q : ‘Of splintered weapons and Icelandic frost thrust up', ‘They are like pale hair and spacethe gutturals of dialects' & ‘Every one manages a plume of blood'. R : The metaphor ‘splintered weapons' and ‘Icelandic frost' gives the idea of spacethistledowns that outline thistles. These thistledowns could be sharp, being like space'splintered weapons' and could be the part that spike ‘the rubber tongues of cows spaceand hoeing hands of men'. One can imagine the image of the thistledowns getting spacestiff and ready to spike (‘Icelandic frost thrust up'). These thistledowns have spacesimilarities to that of a Viking's ‘pale hair' and ‘the gutturals of dialects' are like spacethe whizzing sound thistles make as they disperse through the air, trying to find spacevictims or their prey to spike them for blood. Hence, it seems that the evil nature spaceand the physical appearance of Vikings are being passed down to thistles perhaps as spacethey absorb the essence of dead Vikings which is represented by the word ‘stain' spacethat could of blood. Afterall, it is believed that one would posses the characteristics spaceof whose essence they have absorbed into themselves. In addition to the mentioned spacecharacteristics passed down, the predatory nature of Vikings is similar to that of spacethistles for both is bloodthirsty, ‘a plume of blood' being the goal in life. P : Thistles are also endlessly revengeful Q : ‘Every one a revengeful burst / Of resurrection' & ‘Their sons appear / Stiff with spaceweapons, fighting back over the same ground'. R : Thistles, in this poem is described in an almost chronological form where the spores spaceor seeds are being dispersed (‘crackle open under a blue black pressure') on to the space'underground' where the ‘stain of a decayed Viking' acts as a source of fertilizer spacethat completes thistles' growth before the thistles spike the air again and manages a spaceplume of blood' each. Then they ‘grow grey like men' and die as suggested by the spacewords ‘mown down', perhaps by man in the process of mowing their green lawns in spacethe summer. However, notice that after this batch of thistles are dead, ‘Their sons spaceappear / Stiff with weapons, fighting back over the same ground'. The word ‘sons' spaceand ‘feud' make the situation seem as if it is a battle (for battles are usually fought spaceby men). ‘Fighting back over the same ground' shows the characteristic of thistles spacebeing endlessly revengeful for the thistles are being â€Å"born† over and over again. spaceFurthermore, the fact that the â€Å"battle† is staged in the summer' that occurs in the spaceearlier half part of the year symbolizes the fact that thistles' time would not be up spaceany time soon and that they would continue â€Å"fighting†. The ‘blue-black pressure' spacethat causes the dispersal of the spores or seeds may also symbolize the immense-spacepressure the thistles have on their offspring, perhaps in their expectancy of the spaceoffspring fighting after their time. It may be ambiguous, carrying the fact that after space'Thistles spike the summer air' and get â€Å"injured† by being â€Å"mown down† by men spaceor being chewed by ‘cows' (I do not suppose cows swallow such spiky plants. They spaceperhaps spit them out. Furthermore, thistles are mentioned to only pass through spacecows' mouths and to the ‘rubber tongues' which could imply that thistles are not spacebeing swallowed) they painfully, in their injured condition as suggested by the word space'blue-black', as if having wounds, they ‘crackle open' themselves to disperse the spaceseeds or spores. Hence, even though the process of breeding another generation of space†army troops† is painful, the thistles carry on. This shows their endless revenge for spacethey do not stop at anything to fight. P : Thistles are also described as annoying pests, a nuisance to the living and the dead. Q : ‘Against the rubber tongues of cows and the hoeing hands of men', ‘ Thistles spike spacethe summer air', ‘From the underground stain of a decayed Viking' & ‘Their sons spaceappear†¦fighting back over the same ground'. R : Thistles are portrayed as bothersome. Firstly because they plague the happy and spacecheerful atmosphere of the ‘summer air'. The line ‘Thistles spike the summer air' spacegives this impression. The ambiguous word ‘spike' could mean that they simply spacespike the air with their sharp body. On the other hand, it could mean that they spaceplague the air and sort of poison the cheerful summer air with pain that is delivered spaceas they ‘manage a plume of blood'. Thistles bother animals even when they are spaceeating (cows) as suggested by the line ‘Against the rubber tongues of cows' and spacethistles disrupts men's work by poking them as they work as suggested by the line space ‘Against†¦the hoeing hands of men'. It is not only those alive that are being spacebothered. Ancient ‘decayed Viking' in the ‘underground' are also being fed on, as spacesuggested by the word ‘stain' which gives us the impression of a bloodstain, in the spaceline ‘From the underground stain of a decayed Viking'. It is almost a parasite-like spacebehavior for the thistles seem to be taking blood from animals, man and even spacecompose, which makes them a nuisance for they rob away peace- imagine thistles spacespiking you every moment when you are trying to enjoy the ‘summer air'. In spaceaddition to that, the fact that thistles are being produced after their â€Å"forefathers† spacehave served their purpose (in obtaining ‘a plume of blood' each) let us see thistles spacein the light where they appear to be irksome in the sense that they do not stop spacebothering and disturbing.